Count Basie Center Launches New Performance Venue In Red Bank

RED BANK, NJ - Despite reports of beloved theaters shuttering far and wide due to the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic, a new performance venue will be making its debut in Red Bank next month. The Count Basie Center for the Arts is slated to open a nearly 20,000-square-foot, two-level performance space dubbed The Vogel.

Named after Colts Neck philanthropists Anne and Sheldon Vogel, The Vogel will begin hosting performances for up to 150 patrons in mid-October. Initial shows will be seated, with tables sold in two, four and six configurations only. Tables will be positioned six feet apart, with the front row of tables 12 feet from the performers.

The new location is part of the Basie’s $28 million expansion that more than doubles the nonprofit’s cumulative size.

This month, the Count Basie Center also took over the former White Street Bow Tie Cinemas, now known as “Basie Center Cinemas”. Read more: Red Bank's Bow Tie Cinemas Will Reopen Under A New Name

“The Vogel represents four years of imagining how a new performance space could complement our historic theater,” said President and CEO of the Count Basie Center for the Arts Adam Philipson in a statement.

Originally slated to open its doors in June, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic instead forced the Basie to take its programming outside, with drive-in and outdoor performances at Monmouth Park in Oceanport.

“We spent our summer producing safe, socially-distanced concert events at Monmouth Park, which provided invaluable experience on how to approach live events properly,” Philipson said. “We have a set of procedures in place, and we know that when patrons feel safe, they’ll attend live performances.”

According to a news release from the Count Basie Center, venue security at The Vogel will be enforcing CDC and State of New Jersey guidelines for indoor events. Event attendees will be required to wear a mask at all times, with exception to eating or drinking. Patrons will be expected to abide by social distancing norms, and for nights with two shows, entry for the second show will begin once the previous crowd is cleared and the venue is sanitized.

Tables will not be permitted to be split and resold. Patrons holding resold tickets will be denied entry and refunds will not be offered. Events at The Vogel will utilize a contactless mobile entry system. Paper tickets will not be accepted.

Temperatures will also be taken at the door. Patrons with a body temperature of 100.4 or higher will not be permitted to enter. A refund will be issued.

While state guidelines allowed music venues to reopen on Sept. 4 at 25% capacity (or 150 people), general admission or standing room-only shows will not be seen for a while at the new venue. Philipson stresses the Basie’s need to create revenue as soon as possible, as well as help audiences return to struggling indoor entertainment venues.

In fact, The Basie has experienced its fair share of struggle: Shuttered by the COVID-19 pandemic since March 12, the nonprofit lost nearly $1 million a month by August, according to the Asbury Park Press.

“Though our summer events were successful, they represent just a fraction of our financial reality,” Philipson said. “We need to generate income to stay afloat, and we need to fulfill our mission to ‘Inspire, Educate and Entertain.’ Our Academy of the Arts has remained active, and now, it’s time for one of our stages to return to life.”

The performance space’s first shows will be announced shortly, according to the Basie’s website.

View photos of the new theater here.

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