Count Basie Theater Donation Request
FILE PHOTO“When Steven and I announced our support for the Count Basie Theatre’s expansion, we understood the magnitude of impact that growth could make in the community,” Maureen Van Zandt said in a statement. “With the help of Citi and an array of generous donors, the vision for the Basie’s future is even closer at hand.”HOLIDAY SPIRIT: Bobby Bandiera brings the stars to the Basie for the Hope ConcertThe theater announced its massive, three-year expansion in October 2015, revealing its plan goal to convert its section of Monmouth Street into a full-city-block arts and education complex.To the east, the two-story expansion will be more than 11,000 square feet and include a larger entrance to the theater, increased concessions, a lounge and an elevator. The three-story, 30,000-square-foot expansion on the west will include a second performance venue with a capacity of 500 to 600 standing and 350 seated audience members. There also will be dressing rooms, a rehearsal space, classrooms, elevators and a rooftop deck.READ MORE: 3 things to know about the Basie's expansion plan.
Count Basie Theater Donation Request Form
Courtesy of the Count Basie TheatreThe Count Basie Theatre Performing Arts Academy offers classes and workshops to children and adults. The academy also has a public outreach program placing instructors in local schools to teach performing arts; hosts the Basie Awards and bus-in shows for students from around the state; and is home to the Rockit Live Foundation and the Jazz Arts Academy.There currently are six classrooms filled to capacity after school, on weekends and over the summer.
The theater could have up to nine classrooms after the expansion.Speaking last year, Red Bank mayor Pasquale Menna said the plan could create more than 100 new jobs while raising the theater's annual economic impact from $17 million to $30 million.In July, Red Bank's zoning board approved the expansion project, with Basie president and CEO Adam Philipson saying at the time that he expects construction to be finished in the summer of 2018.CONCERT REVIEW: A legacy sustained by Bon Jovi at the Basie. Courtesy of the Count Basie Theatre'I feel incredibly fortunate that this project is happening at this time in this community,' Philipson said last week. 'Between some major organizations and individuals, we've had over 100 gifts that have already come in, and those have been pretty instrumental. They've gotten us to this halfway point.' The Basie is a nonprofit operation and the Asbury Park Press is among the capital campaign's top donors.“We’re honored that Citi, the Asbury Park Press and individuals like Nancy Mulheren, Carol Stillwell, Maryann Larkin, Maggie Riker, Mark and Karey Hogan and many others have joined my wife Janet and me in making commitments to help us realize the full potential of our historic venue, and strengthen the partnerships that will serve as the foundation of the Basie of the future,” said Tom Widener, chairman of Count Basie Theatre, said in a news release.
Artie Lange Count Basie
“Steven’s series of performances will serve as a vehicle to broaden the Basie’s commitment as a cultural and educational destination for the performing arts.' During the last 90 years, the venue, which first opened its doors in 1926, has hosted artists including Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Tony Bennett, Ringo Starr, Bon Jovi, John Legend, George Carlin and the theater's namesake, Red Bank native William 'Count' Basie.The support of the Van Zandts, Philipson said, has been crucial for the Basie's development and expansion.' It's been invaluable,' he said. 'They're both not just lending their name, they're actually lending their time, their talent, their passion, their energy. You can't quantify that.'