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Bearsville Theater opened in 1989 and is located in the Bearsville complex, which includes The Bear, The Little Bear and WDST/Radio Woodstock. The complex was designed and financed by former recording industry giant Albert Grossman, the man behind The Band, Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Todd Rundgren, Odetta and Peter, Paul & Mary.
The warm, intimate center was remodeled several years ago to include refurbished wooden floors, upgraded communication and lighting systems and state-of-the-art sound equipment. The theater is available for rent; go to http://www.bearsvilletheater.com/theater-rental for more.
For nearly 20 years, the theater has hosted numerous legendary artists, including Donald Fagen, Natalie Merchant, Orleans, The Tony Levin Band and others. Todd Rundgren returned to Woodstock twice last year to play Bearsville Theater as part of his Arena tour. His blistering two-hour set on July 28 marked the first time the former Woodstocker played a full concert at the intimate venue, though he spent years at his Utopia Sound Studio up the road. Todd returned to the theater December 23, joined by Woodstocker Jesse Gress on guitars, Rachel Haden on bass, Kasim Sulton on guitar and keyboards and Prairie Prince on drums. He played a handful of favorites and covers before diving into the full Arena CD, released last October.
Visit our Photo Gallery for some images of Todd’s performances: http://woodstockmusicshop.com/gallery.
Over the years, the theater also has served as a place to mourn. On December 15, 1999, several hundred people – friends, family and fans – gathered at the theater for a public memorial service for The Band’s Rick Danko. Over 400 people packed the theater on January 9, 2005, to pay respect to author/historian Alf Evers. And on August 28, 2005, a memorial service was held for John Herald, onetime lead vocalist/guitarist of Greenbriar Boys.
Check out some of the upcoming events scheduled at Bearsville:
Sat, Jan 10, 9 p.m.: Mambo Kikongo. Mambo Kikongo features Latin-funk groove music, with Carlos Valdez, Peter Buettner, Michael Colletti, John Esposito, Manuel Quintana and Reggie Earls. Tickets: $8. Check out the band at: http://www.myspace.com/mambokikongo.
Fri, Jan 16, 9 p.m.: DJ Dance Party with Dave Leonard and DJ Heat. Cost: $10
Sat, Jan 24, 11 a.m.: Dog on Fleas. This show is great fun for the entire family! Dog on Fleas is Dean Jones, John Hughes and Chris Cullo. They hail from upstate NY and are in their tenth year of making “honest, loose and ingenious music for kids and their adult counterparts.” Tickets: $7/adults, $5/kids. Go to http://dogonfleas.com for more about the group.
Sat, Jan 31, 9 p.m.: Big Sister, featuring special guest Shana Falana. Big Sister is back at Bearsville Theater, with their original line-up: Lara Parks, Shelly Prior, Lisa Wexler and Desiree Williams. Big Sister is a Woodstock-based all-female rock band, having played together since 1989. They're known for their high-energy, hard-rocking performances … so don’t miss this band in action! Tickets: $10
Sat, Feb 7, 9 p.m.: Woodstock Tribute to Bob Marley. Woodstock Tribute to Bob Marley, featuring music by The Big Takeover and Robanic with Aston Ellis. Tickets: $15/advance, $20/door.
Fri, Feb 20, 9 p.m.: Moon Boot Lover. Moon Boot Lover formed in NYC in 1993 and is named for frontman Peter Prince -- who wears moon boots during his performances. Go to http://www.peterprincemusic.com for more about the band.
Sat, Feb 28, 11 a.m.: Gustafer Yellowgold. Gustafer Yellowgold is a wonderful treat for everyone! The concerts are “a unique blend of live music and moving image ... animated illustrations are accompanied by catchy and original story-songs for a truly different multimedia experience." Tickets: $8/adults, $6/kids. For more, go to: http://www.gustaferyellowgold.com.
Every Thursday night, Bearsville hosts the Bluegrass Clubhouse, featuring members of The Saturday Night Bluegrass Band: Brian Hollander (guitar, vocals), Tim Kapeluck (mandolin, vocals), Geoff Harden (bass, vocals), Guy 'Fooch' Fischetti (fiddle) and Bill Keith (banjo). And other “special guest” musicians join in … admission price is “pay want you want.”
Most Thursday nights, immediately following the Bluegrass Clubhouse, is Miss Angie’s Karaoke. And it’s FREE Admission.
As always, the schedule is subject to change … go to www.bearsvilletheater.com to see the most current lineup and to purchase tickets.
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