PORT CHESTER, NY (August 25, 2022) — The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY is celebrating its 10 year anniversary of reopening under Peter Shapiro’s ownership this fall.
Why it matters: The Cap routinely brings many of the best musical acts in the world to Westchester.
The Capitol Theatre and Garcia’s, The Capitol’s bar and music club, is a central part of our weekly listings of live musical performance in Westchester. If you love live music click the link to subscribe.
Live Music is Better: Roundup of Artists Performing Live in Westchester County
Today, the venue announced the kickoff of CAP10 season kicks with two sold-out shows from The Avett Brothers on August 27 & 28, continuing revelries through the end of 2022:
- Ben Folds
- The National
- Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason
- ZZ Top
- Steve Vai
- Jeff Beck
- Rick Springfield
- Lindsey Buckingham
- Phil Lesh (nine night residency)
Marking 10 Years:
- September 23 will be The Capitol Theatre Day in Port Chester
- Community volunteer events
- CAP10 beer brewed exclusively by Captain Lawrence, Hudson Valley’s largest craft brewery.
- Newly designed merchandise
- Unreleased archival video
Built in 1926 and listed as a Nationally Historic Place, The Capitol Theatre has become one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most iconic venues. Featuring top of the line acoustics, a 65-foot domed ceiling, and a state-of-the-art lighting and projection system, the venue has welcomed every artist imaginable, from The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Bob Dylan and Tame Impala to Lauryn Hill, Kevin Hart, Snoop Dogg &Kacey Musgraves.
What they are saying:
Phil Lesh: “Since the beginning of The Capitol Theatre in the early 1970s, between the Grateful Dead, Furthur and Phil Lesh & Friends, I have performed on this stage close to 100 times. Thanks to the fans and Cap Family for helping bring the magical adventure full circle, and congratulations on your first 10 years!”
Cap Owner Peter Shapiro: “Wow, 10 years! Still can’t believe we have had the good fortune to put on more than 1,000 shows since 2012 at what is the best live music venue (still) standing in America. The Capitol Theatre is a true one of a kind, as a rock palace like this just can’t be built new. We need more of the energy that these venues create, especially in the times we are in. The magic that The Cap emits is something that lifts both musicians and fans, and our entire team is thrilled to be crossing our 10th Anniversary. We remain super excited to keep bringing the magic of live music to people from across America, of all ages and backgrounds. Long Live The Cap!!!”
The New York Times: “A rock theater that looks and sounds as good as the Capitol is something to celebrate.”
Jerry Garcia/The Grateful Dead:“There’s only two theaters, man…that are set up pretty groovy all around for music…the Fillmore and The Capitol Theatre. And those are the only two in the whole country”.
Chris Robinson/The Black Crowes:“A place for people who love music”.
Jim James/The Morning Jacket:“There is nothing else like it”.
The Capitol Theatre History:
Designed by celebrated architect Thomas Lamb in 1926 and listed in The National Register of Historic Places, The Capitol Theatre is located 30 miles from NYC, accessible via I-95 and the Port Chester Metro-North train station.
The 2,000-capacity theater, known as “the original rock palace,” showcased legends such as Traffic, the Grateful Dead, Black Sabbath, Chuck Berry, David Bowie, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones. Jerry Garcia called it one of his two favorite venues in the USA.
In 2012, The Capitol Theatre underwent a major renovation under the guidance of music entrepreneur Peter Shapiro. Since then, it has hosted major performers including Bob Dylan, Phil Lesh, Ringo Starr, Joan Baez, Skrillex, Bonnie Raitt, Snoop Dogg, Kacey Musgraves, The Strokes, Tom Petty, Cyndi Lauper, and Willie Nelson, as well as comedians like Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer.
The Capitol’s bar and music club, Garcia’s, was named for Jerry Garcia in partnership with his family. A venue of its own, Garcia’s showcases local artists and nationally touring acts across the musical spectrum.