Today, alongside local and international leaders in the arts, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) helped break ground on a $23 million expansion of the historic Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. 

     “Music and the arts not only entertain us and make us laugh and even cry, but inspire, uplift, challenge and touch us deep within our souls,” said Smith. “The arts help to define our culture and transform our lives, and artists make us a better society. The Basie is becoming the region’s top performing arts center, and this near doubling in size will further nurture the talent, education and dreams of aspiring young artists.”

     The project will encompass much of a city block and make it one of the region’s largest centers dedicated to performing arts and arts education. Expansion plans for the facility include a glass-walled lobby, a modern upgrade for the theatre’s backstage area, a multi-use venue for up and coming artists and new space for area arts nonprofits, partner programs and the theatre’s ever-growing Performing Arts Academy.

     The Count Basie Theatre has an economic impact of over $17 million per year on the surrounding area, and it is estimated that after the completion of this project, the economic impact will grow to over $30 million.

     Maureen and Steven Van Zandt, who were the honorary co-Chairs of the expansion project attended the ground breaking event. Basie officials also announced a major $2 million gift from the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation which will allow for the creation of an arts and education building, which will house studios, classrooms and administrative offices for its growing arts education programs, as well as a second performance venue.

     Dedicated to fostering powerful, inclusive artistic experiences and creative exchange of ideas, the non-profit Count Basie Theatre’s primary mission is to inspire, educate and entertain through its distinct and engaging cultural and artistic offerings that reflect the diversity of the region.

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