NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) Webster Hall has announced its first programming since the legendary New York venue closed its doors for remodeling in February 2017.
Patti Smith and Her Band is the first act on the lineup, so far, on May 1, followed by TroyBoi and Sharon Van Etten May 3-4. Other acts include Broken Social Scene, MGMT, Empire of the Sun, Old Dominion, Sharon Van Etten, Built to Spill, Real Estate, Chromeo and Big Thief.
Additional acts including the official opening date and performer are expected to be announced at a later date.
The original stage remains as it was in the Grand Ballroom with enhanced acoustics. There is new, central air conditioning, expanded restrooms, additional stairwells for smoother ingress and egress, and the venue’s first elevator that will serve guests with disabilities and speed up load-in and load-out.
Webster Hall opened in 1886 and has had several transformations over the last century, Int the 1920s, Webster Hall held masquerade balls and was nicknamed the “Devil’s Playhouse.” RCA Records purchased the building in 1954 and renovated the venue to include a state-of-the-art acoustically treated ballroom. Notable artists to perform there at the time included Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Julie Andrews, Harry Belafonte and Bob Dylan in his recording debut.
In the 1980s, the venue became The Ritz, hosting acts like Prince to Metallica to U2 in its first-ever show in the U.S. Bowery Presents began booking Webster Hall in 2004, bringing in acts like LCD Soundsystem, John Mayer and Keith Urban. After 10 years and 1,000 shows, Bower Presents, in partnership with BSE Global, now returns as owners and operators.
“It has been an honor to undertake this project with AEG and The Bowery Presents, understanding how much Webster Hall means to the history of New York City and the music community,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of BSE Global. “Maintaining the integrity of this iconic venue has been of utmost priority throughout the entire renovation process, while ensuring that the enhancements modernize the venue for both the fans and the performers. It has been our intention to create a venue pipeline to our larger arenas and we are looking forward to the opportunities that Webster Hall will provide us.”
“Our collective goal was to ensure the history and legacy of this iconic theater while preserving its charm and character and creating an unequaled New York City concert experience for fans and performers,” said Jay Marciano, CEO of AEG Presents.
“After a decade-long relationship with the venue, The Bowery Presents is truly excited to return to Webster Hall now in both an operational and booking capacity alongside our new partners at BSE Global,” said John Moore and Jim Glancy, partners at The Bowery Presents. “As we honor the rich history this venue holds with fans and artists alike, we are excited to begin this new chapter with artists that we love and respect.”
