Independent promoter Charlie Levy with Stateside Presents is partnering with Live Nation on a 1,900-capacity theater planned for Phoenix.
When it opens in late summer, The Van Buren will include indoor and outdoor dining and a full bar at the venue’s entrance, state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems in the music hall, a special VIP lounge, contemporary artist dressing rooms and a special-events room to cater to the city's growing convention business. First built in the 1930s, the venue was recently added to the Phoenix Historic Property Register and sits near the Comerica Theater.
Levy, who also owns Phoenix's Crescent Ballroom, is partnering with Live Nation to tap into its national network of venues, telling Billboard in a statement that the company " brings its national experience to help continue growing the Phoenix music scene. This partnership is great news for the blossoming downtown scene, while cementing Phoenix as one of the country’s leading music markets. It’s awesome to see a music district taking form."
The Van Buren will fit within Live Nation's chain of House of Blues venues, with Ron Bension, president of House of Blues Entertainment, saying in a statement “Tapping more deeply into Phoenix is the next logical move for us. It is a vibrant music market, which we’ve enjoyed with Comerica Theatre. What a great opportunity to build a new state-of-the-art club while partnering with the area’s pre-eminent independent operator."
Acts scheduled to play the Van Buren include Death Cab for Cutie, Chase Rice, Lifehouse, Future Islands, Ani DiFranco and Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit.
