Move over Roxy. There’s a new concert destination in the Theatere District, though it’s been in the neighborhood for 94 years.
The Wilbur Theatre on Tremont Street will use its historic stage for large-scale concerts this summer. The first summer shows, announced Tuesday, include performances by space-rock band Spiritualized (July 30), UK songstress Duffy (Aug. 5) and Boy George (Aug. 13).
Recent Wilbur Theatre lessee and Comedy Connection owner Bill Blumenreich is letting Live Nation bring concerts to the theater.
Blumenreich recently signed a 20-year lease with the Wilbur. He is in the process of relocating his house of ha-has, currently located at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, to the Theater District.
Blumenreich could not be reached for comment Tuesday. In an e-mail, his spokeswoman, Collette Greenstein said, “Unfortunately, I cannot comment on anything at this time.” The Wilbur Theatre has a 1,200-person capacity and will presumably fill a void in the local concert scene while the new House of Blues on Lansdowne Street - set to open in 2009 - is under construction. The city has lacked a midsized venue since Avalon and Axis - the former occupants of the House of Blues space - were shuttered and the Roxy had its capacity downsized to about 700 by the city of Boston.
The Wilbur Theatre got a taste of rock ’n’ roll last October when it hosted the Ultrasonic Rock Opera, a theatrical tribute to the likes of Queen, David Bowie and The Who.
Devlin dances into JP
Jamaica Plainers beware: There’s a quasi-celeb hipster icon in your back yard. Chris Devlin, DJ and producer from the Baltimore booty rap outfit Spank Rock, is now living in the neighborhood. Starting Thursday, and on the first Thursday of every month, he’ll join Boston DJ Knife at the new Shake ’Em Down party at the Milky Way.
“I’m really glad to have Knife in the mix now,” Devlin said. “I just want to keep the party moving and see where things go.”
Knife sounded equally delighted.
“This allows me to branch out while still holding onto the things I value about DJing,” said Knife, who earned local props with his monthly Marinate and Fresh Produce hip-hop parties at the Milky Way and Good Life.
“After spinning the same kinds of music for eight years I was feeling pigeonholed into playing for the same crowd.”
Though Knife and Devlin have sporadically collaborated at the Milky Way since the latter moved to Boston eight months ago, Thursday marks the official Shake ’Em Down kick-off. It’s appropriate that they’re bringing DJs Bo Bliz and Emynd of Philadelphia’s notorious White T’s and White Belts party to celebrate.
- CHRIS FARAONE
