The Rebirth of the Howard Theatre

The Howard Theatre is open and ready for business.

The storied theatre, built in Washington, DC's Shaw district in 1910, had been home to vaudeville acts, live theatre, movies and highlighted many up and coming African American entertainment acts. Duke Ellington, James Brown, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson to name only a few. The theatre was DC's 'Motown'.

Having been closed for 30 years, the theatre at 620 T Street, NW, has been fully restored.
A ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration of the rebirth of the theatre took place on Monday and the community came out in full force.

"This is a great day to see the opening of the Howard Theatre", said restoration committee member Sandra Butler Truesdale who likened its rebirth to a resurrection after thinking about the Easter celebration the day before.

"What I thought about was scripture, the rebirth of Christ, the resurrection and the rebirth of the Howard Theatre.

Truesdale said the restoration of the theatre brings the community together.
Mayor Vincent Gray, along with council members and former DC mayors, were on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony, many recounting their days at the Howard Theatre.
"I was at the Howard Theatre when I was supposed to be somewhere else", said Mayor Gray.

The Howard once again is set to present top name talent, thus beginning a new chapter in it's long and prestigious history. In addition to the great acts that will perform there, The Howard will have the ability to host private events with a wide range of unique features not offered anywhere else in Washington, DC.

A sold-out gala is planned for Thursday, April 12 featuring all the acts synonymous with the theatre's history: Smokey Robinson, George Duke, the Drifters, Dionne Warwick as well as present day musicians and artists.

For info visit www.howardtheatre.com.

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