The Capitol Theatre — Attraction in Town of Rye

The Capitol Theatre Review

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The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York, is more than just a concert venue; it's a legendary cultural institution that has evolved under the vision of music entrepreneur Peter Shapiro. With a rich history that dates back to its construction in 1926 by renowned architect Thomas W. Lamb, the theatre has undergone a transformative journey to become the premier destination for music aficionados and entertainment seekers alike.

Partnerships and Renovations: Peter Shapiro's collaboration with concert promoter The Bowery Presents led to a multimillion-dollar renovation of The Capitol Theatre, elevating it to new heights of excellence. The installation of "state-of-the-art" sound and lighting equipment ensures that every performance is a sensory masterpiece. The acquisition of the adjacent Capitol Jewelers store, now transformed into the vibrant bar named "Garcia's" in honor of the legendary Jerry Garcia, adds a touch of nostalgia and warmth to the venue.

Iconic Performances: Since its reopening on September 4, 2012, with the legendary Bob Dylan as its inaugural act, The Capitol Theatre has been a stage for musical legends and top acts from various genres. From B.B. King to Furthur, from Steely Dan to the Black Crowes, the theatre has hosted an impressive lineup of artists that have captivated audiences and left a mark on musical history.

Residencies and Special Shows: The venue's appeal extends beyond conventional concerts, with special events like the filming of Bo Burnham's stand-up special "Make Happy." Noteworthy residencies by Phil Lesh and iconic performances by artists like Counting Crows further solidify The Capitol Theatre's reputation as a hub for diverse and memorable entertainment experiences.

Diverse Lineup and Future Prospects: With a calendar that boasts performances by Neil Young, Patti Smith, Herbie Hancock, and many other top performers, The Capitol Theatre continues to attract music enthusiasts seeking unparalleled live experiences. Its strategic location and commitment to artistic excellence make it a beacon for both seasoned concert-goers and those discovering live music culture.

A visit to The Capitol Theatre is not just an event; it's an immersive encounter with music history and contemporary talent, where every note played resonates with the magic of the past and the vibrancy of the present.

Immerse yourself in the magic of live performances at The Capitol...

• Updated 12/2/2024** Love the shows, love the venue. What I dont love is the militant and abrasive security morons hired to work. Starts with entering. In the 1st 20ft. You are felt up, er frisked, taking any and everything from your pockets out to place on a table. I carry personal items for health issues I dont wish to have held up and pronounced to everyone within ear shot. Considering the next step is walking thru a xray scanner to eliminate soneone entering with a uzi up their rectum, or some such idiocy. Its becoming all too common. I have been going to shows since the 1970s, and I believe I can speak with some experience. Most problems at concerts are usually from intoxicated individuals and using forceful tactics against persons that are in altered states only exacerbates the situation. Treating people like they are convicts after paying premium dollars is WRONG. I pay to see music or entertainment not to be frisked, embarrassed, and treated like something on the bottom of a shoe. This really must change. It's not gonna stop bad things from happening. Reactionary and I'll be limiting my future attendance to shows at larger venues. Club shows offer great music and less of a hassle for much less money. This is all so unnecessary and unfortunate.

Edited : I would've given this place a 5 stars if not for 2 authoritarian types of security actors. I refer to them as actors because they know nothing about security. The 1st parked himself in front of me, not more than 8 inches from my face with his back to me. I was taken back at 1st but realized he was trying to provoke me. This I know as fact. I tapped him gently and asked, "Are you really gonna stand in my personal space?" He responded, "I'll stand anywhere I [sic] expletive I want, I work here". If not for control of my impulsiveness, there would have been a different outcome for both of us. This did not take away from the outstanding performance of the Band I went to see. Just took away 1 star for each of self important type actors. ** Addendum 12/1/2023 My second trip back to 'The Cap' was much better in regards to my unpleasant interludes with a couple ushers. New Years Eve was a blast. Dark Star Orchestra, or, DSO for short, was incredible. Amazing night, meeting new friends and seeing old ones as We put 2022 in our rearview mirrors, and welcomed in...

As a music lover and a serious Dead Head, I have always wanted to see a show at The Cap. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to see Dark Star Orchestra there this weekend (11/15-11/16) and flew up from Florida to see the shows. During the third song of the 11/15 show, I was thrown out by a team of fire marshals for taking one puff on the GA floor. There were plenty of others smoking around me and they were all whisked away by the aggressive fire marshals as well. The fire marshals and the venue "rent-a-cops" couldn't have been less friendly, more aggressive, or more of a distraction from the venue/show. While I can certainly understand that they are simply trying to prevent a fire or any kind of damage to a historical building, I cannot understand why a simple warning cannot be given. "Hey, you cannot do that in here; this is your first and final warning" works a lot better than the way that they handled my party and the situation of other parties around mine. I certainly would have honored the rule and been respectful. Instead, I was escorted out and thrown to the cold curb as if I had punched someone in the face and caused a fight. No one was causing a ruckus or being rude, we were simply having a fun time. One puff and hundreds of dollars of airline tickets and concert tickets go down the drain. I learned my lesson for Night 2, respected the rules, and used the outdoor smoking section for my festivities. Throughout the 11/16 show, the security/fire marshals stood on the mezzanines like snipers, looking down on the happy crowd with scorn and contempt with a hawk-eye on anyone who dare take a puff of a joint or a vape. It is hard to enjoy a good show while trying to digest the feeling of having jack-booted, power hungry security watching down on you like Big Brother. We're a peaceful, fun-loving group; and owner Pete Shapiro knows this, too. I'll scratch this beautiful and historic venue off of my list for future shows and stick to seeing my NY events at MSG, Beacon,...