September 19th Officially Proclaimed Capitol Theatre Day By The Village Of Port Chester Anniversary Concert Featuring Pink Talking Fish And Bertha: Grateful Drag
On September 19th, The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY marked an extraordinary milestone: 100 years of live music, community, and unforgettable performances. The iconic venue hosted a once-in-a-lifetime Centennial Celebration honoring a century of artists who have shaped its legendary stage.
Prior to the celebration inside, Port Chester Mayor Luis A. Marino and Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins each presented The Capitol Theatre with a special proclamation under the marquee alongside venue Owner Peter Shapiro and the full lineup of musicians. Mayor Marino officially proclaimed September 19 as “Capitol Theatre Day,” while County Executive Jenkins honored The Cap’s 100th anniversary and its lasting impact on Westchester County.
DJ Brownie (Marc Brownstein of The Disco Biscuits) warmed up the night with a DJ set in Garcia’s before the mainstage lit up. The opening band BERTHA: Grateful Drag took the stage following a brief speech from Shapiro, honoring the legacy of the Grateful Dead at The Cap with a ripping 75 minute opening set of Grateful Dead. Shapiro and previous owner Marvin Ravikoff joined General Manager Kiley Williams (donning an inflatable squirrel costume) on stage to blow out the 100 candles on a birthday cake for the Cap.
Heading the evening was fan-favorite supergroup Pink Talking Fish, performing as “The Centennial Band.” Known for their masterful fusion of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish, the band delivered a marathon performance celebrating the artists and music that have filled The Capitol Theatre throughout its 100-year history. They opened with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the first song ever played at The Cap when the theater opened its doors in 1926, setting the stage for an unforgettable night that honored the past while celebrating the present.
They then dived into a medley of songs, all of which by performers who have graced the famed rock palace over the years, with plenty of special guests. Notable songs included Janis Joplin’s “Mercedes Benz,” “Whipping Post” by The Allman Brothers Band, “Gimme Shelter,” “Black Hole Sun,” “Closer To Fine,” “Divided Sky,” “All The Young Dudes” and much more!
The celebration was filled with memorable moments and surprises, including a confetti cannon at the beginning of the show, a balloon drop at the end of the show, an onstage aerialist, and an original Ringmaster circus intro from Pigeons Playing Ping Pong’s Greg Ormont, where he recited a rhyming poem noting the history of The Cap and all of the amazing artists who have played there. Around the venue were stilt walkers, a balloon animal artist making signature balloon squirrels, and free customized buttons marking the occasion.
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 New York Times raves:“A rock theater that looks and sounds as good as The Capitol is something to celebrate.” The Capitol Theatre also hosts private and corporate events from benefit concerts, film shoots and Bar Mitzvahs to one of a kind weddings and celebrations.
Visit https://www.thecapitoltheatre.com to learn more