D.C. Theatre Reopening

The Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C., is scheduled for a grand reopening gala and benefit concert April 12 to show off a two-year, $29 million renovation at the 100-year-old facility.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony with live entertainment, tours of the 1,000-capacity theatre and the unveiling of a Duke Ellington statue is set for April 9.

Performers scheduled to appear April 12 include Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy, Savion Glover, Dick Gregory, Al Jarreau, Robert Randolph, and Dianne and Martha Reeves.

Facility upgrades include flexible seating and balcony seats, state-of-the-art acoustics, video and recording capabilities, a deeper stage and extra wing space, according to the facility’s web site.

The historic theatre, operated by Blue Note Entertainment, helped launch the careers of Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, The Supremes and Marvin Gaye.