Storied Brooklyn Paramount To Make Comeback

BROOKLYN, N.Y., April 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Long Island University's (LIU) Brooklyn Paramount, the borough's legendary palace of music, will soon rock again. The storied theatre will undergo a 24-month renovation and rejuvenation as Paramount Events Center (PEC) and LIU restore the venue to its former glory. PEC is headed by Barclays Center developer Bruce Ratner and Onexim Sports and Entertainment, and all business operations are overseen by Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark.

Located at the Northeast corner of Flatbush and DeKalb Aves. on the LIU Brooklyn campus, Brooklyn Paramount operated from 1928-1962 as a live performance venue and was the first theatre in the world designed to show talking movies. The stunning Rococo style ceiling and wall trimmings that still remain served as a grand accompaniment to many celebrated performances by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Bing Crosby, Buddy Holly, and Chuck Berry. Brooklyn Paramount introduced the borough to jazz and the early home of Rock n' Roll in the 1950s. After closing its doors, the theatre became part of LIU Brooklyn's campus and now serves as a multi-purpose space for students, staff and guests.

"In reintroducing the historic Brooklyn Paramount at LIU Brooklyn, PEC will provide its expertise in design, development, programming, marketing, and operations," said Eric Krasnoff, Chairman, LIU. "By working with our partners, Bruce Ratner, Onexim Sports and Entertainment, and Brett Yormark, the Brooklyn Paramount and LIU will create a premier destination that enhances our commitment to arts and culture in the community." 

"For years, I have admired the beautiful shell that remains of Brooklyn Paramount at LIU and I am excited to restore the iconic venue to its rightful splendor," said Bruce Ratner. "I have had a long association with LIU Brooklyn and am proud to expand that relationship by joining with Onexim Sports and Entertainment to revive the storied Brooklyn Paramount and make it a world-renowned theatre once again."

PEC is focusing on booking emerging talent for the theatre's more than 120 annual events, which will feature music, comedy, boxing, and private programs for students. The venue will have a flexible seating configuration with a capacity of up to 3,500.

As part of the $50 million partnership between PEC and LIU, employment opportunities and internships at Brooklyn Paramount will be available to those at the university. LIU's academic mission will be enhanced by the opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience across multiple disciplines, including among others, arts management, media arts, performing arts and marketing. Brooklyn Paramount will play host to academically focused programming and provide free or discounted tickets to students to select events. 

"The renovation of Brooklyn Paramount is a major milestone in the history of LIU," said Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, President, LIU. "It brings our commitment to the arts - and our role in the arts community - to an entirely new level for our students, faculty and alumni, and solidifies our role as a major cultural driver in Brooklyn."

For more information, visit: LIU.edu/paramount

LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY
LIU is one of the nation's largest private universities. Since its founding in 1926, LIU has provided high quality academic programs taught by world-class faculty. LIU offers 500 accredited programs to more than 20,000 students and has an active network of over 200,000 alumni that includes leaders in industries across the globe. LIU is recognized for its commitment to experiential education and entrepreneurial thinking. Visit liu.edu for more information.

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SOURCE Long Island University