DPAC Spells Success

A new venue in North Carolina reported a strong first season, with 25 sold-out shows in its opening six months.

Top sellers at the city-owned Durham Performing Arts Center, which is managed by Nederlander and Professional Facilities Management, included B.B. King, Harry Connick Jr., Rickey Smiley, Willie Nelson, David Sedaris and Steely Dan, among others.

The $44 million, 2,712-capacity venue was built as part of the city’s downtown revitalization efforts.

“We expected to see a certain amount of success at the theater, particularly given the management team that runs it,” Bill Kalkhof, who heads the city’s downtown association, told the local Herald Sun.

DPAC “really has exceeded our expectations for a first year in a difficult economy,” he added.

Upcoming shows at the venue include a six-night Cirque Dreams “Illumination” stand, Brian Regan, Alice Cooper and Robin Williams.