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CCDC News: Free Public Preview Peformances Scheduled for Balboa Theatre

Historic Balboa Theatre Reopens With

Free Public Preview Performances Scheduled for January 11, 12 and 13

San Diego, CA— Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC) invites the San Diego community to help celebrate the reopening of the historic 1924 Balboa Theatre in downtown. CCDC is hosting five FREE preview performances featuring local performing arts groups in mini-concerts scheduled for:

Friday, January 11 at 12 noon
Montgomery High School Mariachi Performers*

Saturday, January 12 at 12 noon
Bolgazohdoomah – Ghana West Africa Music & Dance*

Saturday, January 12 at 3:00pm
Bayou Brothers – Cajun & Zydeco Music & Dance*

Sunday, January 13 at 12 noon
Moonlight Chinese Dancers* &
Samahan Filipino American Performing Arts*

Sunday, January 13^th at 3:00pm
Westwind Brass*

*All performers subject to change

The free tickets are available for pickup at the CCDC Downtown Information Center at 225 Broadway on Horton Square, through Civic Theatre ticketing at the box office located at Third Avenue and B Street, or online at www.sdbalboa.org (a small service fee will apply for online ticket access). For more information call 619-235-2222.

Additionally, a Roaring Twenties-themed fundraising gala event and live performance are planned for the evening of Thursday, January 31. Gala sponsorship opportunities are still available. Event proceeds will help create an endowment, managed through the San Diego Foundation, to enable local nonprofit performing arts groups to apply for grants to help underwrite their use of the theater for future events. For Gala sponsorship information, call 619-533-7148. A limited number of tickets will go on sale in early January at www.sdbalboa.org.

BALBOA THEATRE HISTORY

After numerous unsuccessful efforts over the past 18 years to renovate and reopen the Balboa Theatre privately, CCDC is nearing completion of the $26.5 million restoration project to return the venue to its original glory. Completed in several phases, the project has been designed and orchestrated by national historic restoration and performing arts specialists Westlake Reed Leskosky of Phoenix, Arizona.

New state-of-the-art mechanical, electrical and performance systems comprising rigging, lighting and audiovisual technology have been installed, including full-variable acoustics. The lobby, box office, loading area and public amenities have been improved and expanded. The audience chamber and balcony have been revitalized with new seating and restored decorative ceiling and walls. Enhancements also include recreation of the blade sign and marquee, addition of an orchestra pit lift and orchestra side shell panels. The structure is now reinforced for seismic stability.  

Upon opening, the Balboa Theatre will be managed by San Diego Theatres Inc., the nonprofit, public benefit corporation established to manage and operate publicly owned performing arts theaters. Under the terms of an operating agreement with the City of San Diego, they are also responsible for the management, marketing, operations and maintenance of the San Diego Civic Theatre. A lineup of shows at the Balboa Theatre has already been announced and is available at www.sdbalboa.org. The Balboa Theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

About CCDC
Centre City Development Corporation (CCDC) is a public, nonprofit corporation established in 1975 by the City of San Diego to plan and facilitate the redevelopment of downtown’s 1,500 acres. To learn more, visit: www.ccdc.com

Special Notes: CCDC's News Digest can be delivered to your e-mail address. Simply fill out our email form to choose the type of messages you would like to receive. CCDC's regular meetings held at City Hall are televised live on City Access TV channel 24-Time Warner and Cox Cable.