So we've been thinking here at Bring BD to EC about all the fun places we have yet to feature and we do wonder....which ones do you like so far? Don't be shy to contact us and share your thoughts!
Alright, we do love Philly, but we also love that there are soooooo many places around Philly to feature as well! With that said, check out the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, PA!
Remember, if you like a venue or have any questions/comments for us, please don't hesitate to contact us at BringBDtoEC@gmail.com and let us know what you think! (Please let us know, we want the boys here just as much as you do!)
Peace, Love, & Bonnie Dune! (And get excited....Glee returns in two weeks!)
www.facebook.com/bringbdtoec
Keswick Theatre:
291 N. Keswick Ave.
Glenside, PA 19038
(215) 572-7650
Booking:
If you would like to lease the premise, please contact
Judith Herbst (judith@keswicktheatre.com) at extension 202. Please have the following available at the time
you contact us: Professional Artist: name of artist(s) and their technical
rider and date range that you are looking to book the venue.
Amateur or Recital Events: description of your event
including time line and technical needs (audio, visual, and musical) and a
range of dates that you anticipate holding the event.
Corporate, Social or other Events: description of your event
including a time line and technical needs, a range of dates, and if you need
catering services provided or you have secured a caterer. (Please note that all service of beverages is
through the Keswick Theatre venue services).
If you are looking for us to present an act that you
represent, agents or managers should contact Roy Snyder, Senior Talent Buyer.
Please note that the majority of our events provide their own
opening acts.
While we vigorously support the development and efforts of
growing talent, it is often not our decision to place the ‘opener’. If you
would like to submit your information for these purposes, please send to
Jennifer Muscatello (jmuscatello@keswicktheatre.com) or via mail to our address
above.
History:
The Keswick Theatre first opened its doors on Christmas
Night, 1928. Nationally recognized as the
most comfortable, acoustically perfect listening room in the
entire Philadelphia market, the Keswick was designed by acclaimed architect
Horace Trumbauer (who also created the Philadelphia Museum of Art!). Initially
a combination vaudeville/movie house, the Keswick hosted such legends as
Stepin’ Fetchit, Paul Robeson and Ina Ray Hutton (Betty’s sister) with her
all-girl band. In 1955, the theater was remodeled into a cinemascope film
house, hosting the area’s premiere releases of most of the big-budget movies
from the 1950s and ’60s. In Spring 1980,
the Keswick closed its doors as a movie theater, slated for demolition. The
Glenside Landmarks Society, a not-for-profit group,formed with the hope of restoring
it to its former grandeur to operate as a performing arts center. It re-opened
in 1981 with a sold-out concert by Fred Waring and the Young Pennsylvanians.
Over the next four years, stars like Roberta Peters, Carlos Montoya, Theodore
Bikel, Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band graced
the stage. The Keswick was placed on the National Register of Historic Places
in 1983, but the non-profit group wasn’t to meet expenses, and closed the
theater in December 1985.
The Keswick opened its doors again in March 1988, under private
ownership. They successfully tackled problems associated with older buildings,
drastically increased the activity at the theater and successfully established
the Keswick in the eyes of the public. During that 15-year ownership, the
Keswick blossomed in reputation and renovation. Establishment of a restoration
fund allowed for more than a million dollars in upgrades, including extensive
updates in electrical and heating/ventilation systems, reupholstering seats,
roof replacement and repair, extensive facade repair, and restoration of the
original ornamental plaster. The Keswick grew technologically, as well, with
state-of-the-art sound and light equipment and a computerized ticketing system.
The growth was recognizes as the Keswick joined legendary venues like The
Chicago Theatre, Beacon Theatre and Fox Theatre in “Pollstar’s Top 50 Theater
Venues.” The Keswick became one of the Central Atlantic states’ most active and
diversified venues, presenting internationally-acclaimed performers geared to
virtually every taste and interest.
Still want to know more? Stop by the venue during normal
business hours and purchase a copy of Image in America: The Keswick Theatre.
Learn More about Why We’re Awesome (The Awards We’ve Won)
My Fox Philly’s Hot List for Best Live Venue – 2009, 2010,
2011
Voted Most Likely to have everyone know your name -
