The grand reopening ribbon cutting ceremony of the historic Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St., is May 21 at 10 a.m.
The event kicks off a week of special performances to celebrate the $13.5 million renovations at the venue, which once thrived courtesy of performances by jazz legends Count Basie, James Brown, Etta James, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Columbus native Nancy Wilson.
The Lincoln (originally the Ogden Theatre and Ballroom) opened in late November 1928 and was at its height of popularity in the 1930s and ‘40s, when the African-American community formed its own entertainment district after being excluded from other theatres in the city.
Throughout the 1960s and 70s, the city’s infrastructure grew and many residents migrated to suburbs. The Lincoln Theatre took a big hit, as did the surrounding district.
The theatre was scheduled for demolition in 1991, but was deemed worthy of preservation the following year when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was being used as a movie house until 2000, when then newly-elected Mayor Michael B. Coleman unveiled a plan for the King-Lincoln District’s revitalization, anchored by the theatre’s overhaul.
In 2007, the $13.5 million project began, with an objective of returning the Lincoln, and its surrounding neighborhood, to its former glory. There has been no skimping on the details during the renovations, which have kept much of its historical integrity intact – including the Egyptian Revival motif, elaborate ceiling, columns and proscenium arch.
The 12,000 square feet that were added to the original structure will be used for the main entrance area, concession area, bathrooms, offices and box office. The original lobby is now being used as a meeting space. The Lincoln now entails three highly functional levels, the auditorium, ballroom and Jazz Arts Group’s Academy.
The facility will host national and local musical artists, theatre and films, while creating accessible, quality arts education opportunities for Central Ohio through 10 resident arts groups.
Opening week events include:
Monday, May 25, 1-4 p.m.
Community Open House
Free, public tours of the fully-renovated, historic Lincoln Theatre will be offered from 1-4 p.m. Visitors can tour the building, including the new lobby, main-floor Egyptian Revival-style theatre, second-floor ballroom, and third-floor Jazz Academy. The Columbus Jazz Youth Orchestra, under the direction of Mark Donavan, will perform on the second-floor ballroom stage.
Thursday, May 28, 8 p.m.
The Lincoln Theatre Association in association with the Jazz Arts Group presents Maurice Hines in “Cole and Sinatra with Love”
Hines, legendary Broadway dancer, director, and choreographer, as well as Artistic Director-in-Residence for the Lincoln Theatre, brings his dazzling song and dance talents to the Lincoln stage for the theatre’s inaugural performance. Hines’ skillful tribute to Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra recalls the golden age of the great American songbook. Tickets are $19.28 in commemoration of the year the Lincoln originally opened. www.mauricehines.info
Friday, May 29, 8 p.m.
The Lincoln Theatre Association presents Bobby “Blue” Bland with local opener Willie Hooch
One of the premier vocalists of soul-blues, Bobby "Blue" Bland delivers his hallmark “chicken bone sound” with velvety, supple confidence. Hits for this “Lion of the Blues” include It's My Life, Baby (1955), Farther Up The Road (1957), I Pity the Fool (1961), Turn on Your Love Light (1961), and That's the Way Love Is (1963). Tickets are $35 and $30. www.bobbybluebland.com
Saturday, May 30, 8 p.m.
The Lincoln Theatre Association in association with Opera Columbus presents Denyce Graves, mezzo-soprano
Recognized worldwide as one of today's most exciting opera stars, Denyce Graves continues to gather unparalleled popular and critical acclaim for her expressive, rich vocalism, elegant stage presence, and exciting theatrical abilities. Graves will perform a mixed repertoire of arias, spirituals, and opera standards. Tickets are $100 and $75. www.denycegraves.com
Sunday, May 31, 3 pm & 7 pm
The Lincoln Theatre Association in association with the King Arts Complex presents the Harlem Gospel Choir
A renowned assembly of the finest gospel singers and musicians from the churches of Harlem, New York, the world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir is an extraordinary experience of foot-stomping, hand-clapping blues, jazz, and gospel. Tickets are $35 and $30. www.harlemgospelchoir.com
Tickets can be purchased at the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office (39 E. State St.), all Ticketmaster outlets, and www.ticketmaster.com.
For more information about the theatre, visit www.lincolntheatrecolumbus.com.
Also, if you've missed any of the opening week events, the Columbus Historical Society is sponsoring a tour of the Lincoln Theatre on June 18. Registration, which is required, begins at 6:30 p.m. and the tour begins at 7 p.m.
The tour is being organized by CAPA. Admission is free. Reservations can be made at or by calling 614-224-0822, ext. 1.