The Howard Theatre reopened last night after being shuttered for the last 32 years.
Originally opened in 1910, it has been dormant since 1980. But, thanks to a $26 million renovation, it is looks fabulous!
Throughout history, the venue has host acts, such as Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald -- in addition to Sammy Davis, Jr., Lena Horne, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, B.B. King, Smokey Robinson and The Supremes (who appeared for the first time on stage at the Howard).
This week, Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records (and father of LMFAO's Red Foo), and Smokey Robinson will grace the theatre with their presences. Next week, Joe Biden is hosting a fundraiser there. And, in August, the Howard Theatre will celebrate 100 years with a black-tie soiree.
So, as you can see ... this is definitely one of our Nation's Capitol's newest (and oldest) hot spots.
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History Of The Howard Theatre
The Howard Theatre opened in 1910 and has played host to many of the nations great black musical artists.
Once known as the "Theatre of the People," it was the home of two theatrical organizations: the Lafayette Players and the Howard University Players. After the stock market crash of 1929, the Howard Theatre was converted into a church for a brief period of time. It reopened in 1931 to host acts such as native Washingtonian Duke Ellington -- as well as Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis, Jr., Lena Horne, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Smokey Robinson and The Supremes (who appeared for the first time on stage at the Howard).
The theatre was closed again after the 1968 riots following the assasination of Martin Luther King, Jr., and then placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. In 2000, it was designated an American Treasure under the "Save America's Treasures" program.
Since the formation of Howard Theatre Restoration in 2006, efforts for fundraising, planning, and construction have been ongoing. The theatre reopened with a community day on April 9, followed by a VIP celebration and concert April 10.
More info:
- Want to make your mark on a piece of history? Purchase a paver.
- Learn more about this landmark at HowardTheatre.org
VIDEO: Howard Theatre Through The Years
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