Though you couldn’t tell today, the Brooklyn Paramount Theater — currently home to Long Island University’s intramural sports teams — was once one of the most lavish performance spaces in the city.
So, on April 1, LIU will commemorate the Paramount’s history with the “Rock ’n’ Roll Reunion” concert, featuring greats like Bobbie Lewis and Little Anthony and The Imperials. The show will be hosted by Bruce Morrow, the Brooklyn-born DJ who will always be everyone’s Cousin Brucie.
Built in 1928, the 4,188-seat theater had water fountains filled with goldfish and countless Renaissaince-style paintings and statuary.
“It was a palace of art, but unfortunately almost all of it has disappeared,” said Michael Hittman, a professor of anthropology at LIU.
Before the theater was bought by LIU in 1962, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, Chuck Berry and Fats Domino all played there.
With “Rock ’n’ Roll Reunion,” it looks like the Paramount’s original home team is back where they belong.
“Rock ’n’ Roll Reunion” will take place at 2:30 and 7:30 pm on April 1 at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater (corner of Flatbush and DeKalb avenues in Downtown Brooklyn). Tickets are $40–$100. For information, call (516) 299-3580 or visit www.liu.edu.
