Mark Rashotte. (Photo: Quinte News)
Belleville’s Empire Theatre is celebrating 15 years, and because of that, they are holding a big party. It is a week long celebration in fact.
On Thursday evening at the Empire Theatre, owner Mark Rashotte announced a week’s worth of music, film, and a look back at the last decade and a half.
Rashotte says it goes September 10 – 15, and the Thursday will be a big night.
Thursday will be hosted by Ron James, and he says some of the biggest names ever to play in the theatre will be on the stage. He adds it will be the biggest night the stage has ever seen.
The Tuesday night is already sold out with Steve Earle.
Quinte Film Alternative will also have an evening during the week of celebrations, and Rashotte along with Andy Forgie will start the week with some of the best stories in and outside the theatre.
Tom Cochrane headlines Friday night, with Jake Clemons opening. Saturday has Randy Bachman in the prime slot, and Kim Mitchell starting the show. Friday’s and Saturday’s shows will be outdoors in Empire Square
Some of the weekend’s proceeds will go to support Field of Ability, a charity to build a fully accessible, barrier free baseball diamond.
Rashotte says despite the big names coming in, they are making it very affordable.
The theatre has started to undergo renovations, which Rashotte says will be complete by anniversary week. He says it will get a touch up, and sound even better than it does now.
