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Live Nation, the world’s largest live entertainment company, and Crescent Ballroom owner Charlie Levy of Stateside Presents have entered into a partnership with The Van Buren, the new concert venue opening late summer.
The 1,900-person-capacity Van Buren’s plans include a unique indoor and outdoor dining 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 take advantage of the strong Phoenix convention business.
Levy said, “Live Nation 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 deep relationships Live Nation enjoys with the world’s biggest acts and tours will help ensure that music fans here can regularly enjoy the top performances by the best artists anywhere.”
Ron Bension, president of House of Blues Entertainment, the Live Nation division involved with The Van Buren, said, “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.
“Charlie and his team have done a great job establishing Crescent Ballroom as the premiere room in Phoenix with performers like Twenty One Pilots, Walk the Moon, Cafe Tacuba, Neutral Milk Hotel, Macy Gray, Modest Mouse, Tig Notaro, Jimmy Eat World and Henry Rollins.
“We’re excited to be collaborating with him to create another amazing experience for both fans and artists.”
Scheduled Van Buren acts include Death Cab for Cutie, Chase Rice, Lifehouse, Future Islands, Ani DiFranco, and Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit.
Built in 1930, The Van Buren property, which was recently added to the Phoenix Historic Property Register, features classic wood-bow truss ceilings, brick masonry and other notable architectural flourishes and sits nearby Comerica Theatre.
Images courtesy of The Van Buren Phoenix.