A Look At The History Of The Basie

The Count Basie Center For the Arts has an amazing history. Let's look at some of the highlights of it's storied existence.

As we broadcast live from this historical venue for our annual Giving Tuesday Radiothon, we take a minute to look back at the amazing history behind this legendary Red Bank venue.

The Basie is so historic it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places in America.Originally. the theater was known as the Reade's Carlton Theater and it opened in 1926.

It was the place to be in our area for great shows for the next 4 decades. It fell into disrepair in the mid and late 60's but by the mid 70's, the Monmouth Arts Center was going strong after some timely (and anonymous) donations.

It was in November of 1984 that the theater was renamed for the legendary Count Basie, who had just recently passed.

And now, at 90 years old, the Count Basie Center for the Arts has never been better.  According to it's website, "as a nonprofit organization, the Basie is committed to creating opportunities for participation and understanding the arts by collaborating with creators, organizations, and schools, and as a catalyst to harnessing the economic vitality of the arts and enriching our region’s quality of life".

You can check out the complete history of the Basie at the Count Basie Center For the Arts website, and while you're there, take a look at all the great upcoming shows on the schedule.

Stay up to date on everything Jersey Shore by downloading the free 94.3 The Point App.

More From Monmouth & Ocean Counties