Less than two years after unveiling plans to transform the historic theatre into a regional center for the performing arts, Red Bank’s Count Basie Theatre broke ground on a historic $23 million expansion.
In attendance was E-Street Band guitarist “Little” Steven Van Zandt and his wife Maureen, who joined the project as honorary campaign co-chairs when the project was announced in 2015. Longtime advocates for the arts, the Van Zandts also sit on the Basie’s Board of Trustees, according to a press release from the theater.
The ceremony also served to announce a $2 million gift from the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation and the creation of the Jay and Linda Grunin Arts and Education Building, which will house studios, classrooms and administrative offices for the Basie’s growing arts education programs, as well as a second performance venue, according to the press release.
“We are excited to play our part in a project that is sure to make a tremendous impact on the cultural and educational landscape of the Jersey Shore,” said Jay Grunin, co-founder of the Jay And Linda Grunin Foundation, in the press release. “The alignment of the Basie’s mission and our Foundation’s mission make this a perfect marriage and one that we hope to continue to build upon for many years to come.”
In addition to a new venue and program and administrative spaces, the Grunin building will also become an ideal location for educational meetings and conferences, according to the press release. A rooftop lounge, named the “Rock n’ Rohl Rooftop Lounge” after campaign donors Mark and Denise Rohl, will provide a stylish, modern gathering space for concertgoers, private parties and other events.
“It’s very gratifying to have arrived at this day,” said Adam Philipson, president and CEO of the Count Basie Theatre, in the press release. “This is a day that the entire staff and board have relentlessly been working towards. What was once our dream is now fast becoming our reality.”
According to the press release, Count Basie Theatre’s, a nonprofit organization, primary mission is to serve the people of the State of New Jersey by providing a broad spectrum of quality entertainment and education programs that reflect and celebrate the diversity of the region; foster understanding and appreciation for the ennobling power of the performing arts, creates opportunity for cultural enrichment for people at all economic levels, and honors the memory of Red Bank native and renowned jazz pianist William James “Count” Basie. The Count Basie Theatre has hosted an array of world-class artists, including Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band, Jon Bon Jovi, John Legend, Crosby Stills & Nash, Ringo Starr, Tony Bennett and Ariana Grande. Count Basie Theatre programming is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
