The historic Capital Theatre is ready to re-open this week with a full line-up of concerts after a long 18 months closure due to COVID.
In preparation for their much-anticipated re-opening. we had the opportunity to tour the venue, learn more about its historic roots, experience their incredible lighting and sound system, and see a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring their new concert dedication tiles that was moving and exciting as they are ready to forge ahead.
First opened in 1926 and designed by Thomas Lamb (who also designed the original Madison Square Garden), The Cap has been an institution for music lovers in Westchester — and all over the world — where fans have flocked to see some of the biggest names in the industry such as Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Alice Copper, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, and tons more.
Dubbed as a historic space, the interiors are grandoise and impressive — filled with striking chandeliers, musical wallpaper, former concert posters, and strange signature touches like squirrels that are placed throughout the space.
It was THE place to perform in the 70s where the head user noted, “bands came from the Fillmore East to the Capitol.” He added, “Janis Joplin even played here (a few months before she died) and ad libbed ‘Mercedes Benz’ that she wrote at the bar next door.”
After the heyday in the 70s, the cap became neglected in the 80s and then later became a wedding venue in the 90s until it was restored and renovated as a concert venue again with its current owner, Peter Shapiro in 2012.
A part of our tour had us go on the stage where we soaked in the magic of its stage, looking out where so many performers have stood.
Peter Shapiro later went on the stage to tell us about the theatre and what has happened during COVID.
He noted, ” The theater means a lot to so many people.” He added, “no venue in America has house sound and lights at this level, including 10 projectors.”
To help with costs during its closure, fans were able to purchase tiles with inscriptions of their favorite shows, their names, and the date of the show. It was awesome to see this during the ribbon cutting ceremony where the staff at The Cap took pictures with the fans who are also a major part of their re-opening.
Opening night is on September 10th and includes a free concert, followed by a line-up featuring The Struts, Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Beach Boys, Phil Lesh, and much more.
Check out the full line-up below and more info at https://www.thecapitoltheatre.com/
