In case you missed this news… the iconic Capitol Theatre is ever so gloriously back, having successfully booked A-list, coveted artists, bringing musical nirvana back onto its stage and into its hallowed halls with a full year’s lineup that began in September.
See ‘The Cap is Back’ below for ‘a snapshot’ of what you can expect!
Among the factors setting this venue apart: ‘The Cap’ is blessed with a state-of-the-art light and sound system which are nothing short of remarkable following milestone renovations–a boon to the near 100-year-old theatre and yet another feature to record to an astoundingly rich and colorful rock & roll legacy.
“You can hear a pin drop. We’ve had artists walk away from the microphone, unplug the guitar, and just use their voice and the whole room can hear them,” said Brian Lynch, the Capitol’s veteran head usher. As he led a group of reporters up the grand staircase to the balcony for a light show demonstration during a celebratory pre-opening, he repeatedly emphasized the technical excellence that maintain artists in their element, and of course, leave audiences agog. Since the grand opening in September 2012, ‘the Cap’ has been at the forefront of what would be called its “house lighting package,” allowing for a multicolor light show with each performance employing 100 lights on 11 trusses with 12 high-definition cameras strategically placed all over the theatre.
“While many venues’ house packages are good, we wanted to ensure that an amazing and memorable light show was in the cards for any artist that plays here, not just bigger tours with a budget to bring in more lights,” said Bruce Wheeler, general manager.
As for the sound… “The room is acoustically perfect,” said Lynch. “Seriously, you can stand on the stage and project your voice to the top of the room, and it will come back just as loud. That’s thanks to a hall designed before amplified sound was commonplace,” offered Wheeler. In 2011 renovations included sound proofing to reduce an echo.
Meanwhile, from the stage, owner Peter Shapiro shared how the theatre’s reopening was received so warmly by these star musicians.
“When we thought about who we wanted to reopen this amazing place with, we aimed for the very top. “We said, let’s throw out the ball to the very top and see who we get.” And the rest is more rock and roll history in the making and in the delivering–simply adding to a legacy which began when the Capitol first opened its doors in 1926 as a vaudeville theater, evolving over time into one of a handful of worthy rock and roll destination theatres–as Jerry Garcia, whose very spirit permeates the theater, famously asserted.
So, if it’s still rock and roll you crave…
If it’s discovering a powerhouse performer for the very first time …
If it’s a date night to remember …
Then put down this article, and don’t hesitate to book a show for yourself, for your family, or for your friends, at the Capitol.
Pick your favorite artist(s) and book at thecapitoltheatre.com and have the time of your life! (The Capitol adheres to Covid safety protocols–check the website for its most up to date requirements.)
THE CAP is BACK: A Snapshot
On September 11, 2021, The Struts stepped on stage for Opening Night. Two Sheryl Crow performances were followed by a night with Billy Idol. Autumn’s excitement multiplied as the theatre touted October performances by Elvis Costello, Foreigner, and a month of performances by Capitol mainstay, Phil Lesh & Friends. In early November, there was a chance to enjoy everyone from Gary Clark, Jr. to Steely Dan, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin evening and, in late breaking news… just before family Thanksgiving gatherings, Bob Dylan returns on his Rough and Rowdy Ways tour. For Thanksgiving, the Cap also has Twiddle Frendsgiving on Nov. 26 & 27.
So much to be grateful for.
It’s Hot Tuna Acoustic and Electric on December 4, and moe on Dec. 10 & 11. In December and January too, Chris Isaak and David Bromberg promise a lift from winter doldrums. Almost Queen plays Jan. 21. The all-star lineup continues into the spring with The Beach Boys, Bela Fleck & the Flecktones & Nate Bargatze in April. – Grace Bennett
For a full schedule, visit thecapitoltheatre.com
