The historic 97-year-old venue hosts its final show on Nov. 23 as it works to identify ‘the right people and group’ to take over operations. The story at Local Spins.
Historic, ‘Beautiful’ Venue: The crowd at a Kalamazoo State Theatre Greensky Bluegrass concert. (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
Kalamazoo State Theatre will close its doors later this month as it seeks new ownership for the historic venue, with tickets being refunded for concerts scheduled for December and beyond.
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The theatre’s final show will take place Nov. 23 with Almost Queen and Kalamazoo’s Lisa Can’t Sing.
In a prepared statement, the theater called the closure a “pause” in operations while it gathers interest and identifies a new organization – “likely a nonprofit” – to run the 97-year-old venue that opened in the 1920s as part of the W.S. Butterfield chain.
The Marquee: A Kalamazoo landmark. (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
“We are committed to preserving the cultural and architectural importance of the Kalamazoo State Theatre and ensuring its potential to continue to thrive in the hands of a yet-to-be-identified organization dedicated to entertainment and the arts,” owner Roger Hinman said in a press release.
“We bought the theater in 1985 to protect it from being torn down and forgotten. Our goal is to identify and entrust a like-minded organization with caring for and loving the Kalamazoo State Theatre as we have for the past 40 years.”
Over the years, the uniquely adorned, 1,590-capacity theater has boasted performances by legendary artists, including Dave Matthews Band, Duke Ellington, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Buddy Guy, Ludacris, B.B. King, Primus, REO Speedwagon, Spoon, Little Feat, Greensky Bluegrass, Wilco and many more.
“This place matters. We love this place. We want what is best for not only the building but the community as well,” said executive director Stephanie Hinman, who called State Theatre “a historic community asset” that deserves “the right people and group” to carry on.
Aiming to Reopen the Right Way: Marketing director Harry Phillips and Hinman at an afternoon press conference. (Photo/Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert)
The theater’s bookings have ebbed over the past several months, and only four concerts/shows were on the schedule for 2025. On its website, the theater noted it was making the closure announcement “with heavy hearts” in hopes of finding “an organization that will pour as much love and dedication into this beautiful venue as we have for nearly 40 years.”
At an afternoon press conference, Hinman and marketing director Harry Phillips said the owners need to pause operations and “refocus” to sustain future survival of the theater. They added that they’d like to reopen the “right way” and keep it community-based rather than selling to an industry giant such as Live Nation.
Initial reaction from fans on Facebook ranged from surprise to disappointment.
“Hopefully, someone will carry on tradition,” wrote Julie Berry Foster. “One of my favorite things about Kalamazoo.”
Added R. Vincent Lavieri: “The State Theatre is the heart of our community.”
Angus Malcom called the situation “a heartbreaker. What a beautiful venue. I have seen so many shows there, and I have rocked that stage multiple times. I hope it reopens soon.”
Nicole LaRae, former booking manager for State Theatre who left the venue in April, said she has “a huge place” in her heart for what she calls “a special gem in West Michigan.”
“It needs some investment in its infrastructure, leadership and community which can be fulfilled with the right people at the helm,” she told Local Spins.
“I truly hope it can remain independently owned and operated as we watch Live Nation and AEG gobble up places like this. The history is rich and this gorgeous theater is ready for its next lifeline.
“Calling all people who care about supporting historic landmarks, live events and experiences, and their communities: Save this place.”
– Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert contributed to this report.
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