Brooklyn Paramount’s grand opening marks a significant milestone for the venue, showcasing a multi-million-dollar redesign and honoring the building’s nearly 100-year history. A team of experts in restoration, design and venue operations collaborated to create a completely unique experience for both artists and fans.

“We’ve been hard at work for the last two years getting ready to bring music back to Brooklyn Paramount,” said Tom See, President of Live Nation’s Venue Nation. “After months of renovations, our 250 new crew members were thrilled to welcome fans to the show for the start of Brooklyn Paramount’s inaugural season.”

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, U.S. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, Councilwoman Farah Louis, New York Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez, New York City Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Laurie Cumbo, Deputy Borough President Kim Council and Long Island University President Kimberly R. Cline were among those in attendance for the celebration and joined the venue’s team in a special ribbon cutting to commemorate the reopening of the venue.

What They’re Saying About Brooklyn Paramount

The long-awaited opening night was met with enthusiasm from attendees and esteemed officials as they shared their outlook on the venue’s impact on the community:

“Brooklyn has always been home to some of the world’s greatest musicians and venues, including the historic Brooklyn Paramount. The revitalization of this amazing theater, with the support of Long Island University, will breathe new life into New York City’s vibrant cultural life and the economy,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “I’m so proud to welcome the Paramount back to Brooklyn, giving Brooklynites, all New Yorkers and tourists space to gather, support artists and enjoy this iconic cultural institution.”

“New York City remains the cultural capital of the world — and with the opening of the new Brooklyn Paramount, we are again showing the vibrancy of our artistic community,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Brooklyn Paramount will bring the best and brightest talent to Brooklyn, serving as both a major tourist attraction and venue for local New Yorkers. I want to thank Brooklyn Paramount, Live Nation, Long Island University and all the groups involved for choosing New York City as their home.”

“Decades ago, the Brooklyn Paramount Theater broke down barriers – giving Black artists a platform from the earliest days of jazz and rock and roll on stage in front of desegregated audiences,” said U.S. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke. “Thanks to the vision of Live Nation in partnership with Long Island University, the Brooklyn Paramount will once again serve as a cultural hub to showcase some of the most gifted artists today and bring people from diverse backgrounds together in fellowship.”

“This grand reopening is a testament to the enthusiasm of the Brooklyn community for our cultural traditions and opportunities,” said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. “I look forward to seeing not only the acts that will take the same stage as legends of the past but the impact the iconic institution will have on the students of Long Island University and the surrounding neighborhood. Brooklyn has always been a space for artistic expression and cultural growth, and the return of the Brooklyn Paramount after decades is a sign of a bright artistic and economic future for the borough and the city.”

“Today is a historic day for Brooklyn,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “The Brooklyn Paramount is as legendary as the names that have graced the theater’s stage. Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis and so many others found a home for their music and art there, and I’m so excited for that legacy to be passed on to new generations of talent and art enthusiasts. I applaud Live Nation and Long Island University for renovating this historic venue where New Yorkers can enjoy the hottest performances right here in the best borough. I’m so excited for all to enjoy this incredible, revamped theater, and I can’t wait to see a performance there soon.”

“The return of the historic Brooklyn Paramount opens a new chapter for Brooklyn and our city,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Every year, our cultural institutions generate $110 billion for our city, serving an outsized role in the strength of our economy. We look forward to New Yorkers benefiting from the programming at Brooklyn Paramount and similar institutions throughout the city. The Council will continue to advocate for investments into our cultural institutions so they can enrich and serve our communities now and in the future.”

“The Brooklyn Paramount Theater’s opening marks an exciting new chapter for this historic venue,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson. “In the past, the Paramount played an important role in the fight for civil rights, hosting historic Black artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Miles Davis in front of desegregated audiences. And, thanks to the partnership between Live Nation and Long Island University, the Brooklyn Paramount Theater will re-emerge as a cultural center in the borough’s cultural capital.”

“Last night was an incredible moment to celebrate the next chapter in Brooklyn Paramount’s history. We look forward to the future experiences our students will have as part of our partnership,” said Long Island University President Kimberly R. Cline.

A Memorable First Show Honors a Storied Past

The first night featured a memorable first show by Damian “Jr Gong” Marley & Stephen “Ragga” Marley with a special curated set list of both brothers’ catalogs and a medley of their father Bob Marley’s classics. The duo performed their hit songs like anthemic Grammy-winning reggae classic “Welcome To Jamrock” with an appearance and verses by Damian’s son Elijah Marley, “Traffic Jam,” “All Night,” “It Was Written” and many more. The night was topped off with an encore performance of Bob Marley’s timeless hit “Could You Be Loved.” Traffic Jam Tour 2024 marks a celebration of Reggae music, its legacy, and its global impact in a pivotal year for the genre, with a show encompassing the extensive musical work they’ve done collectively as artists. 

More History on the Paramount

The 1,700-person venue first opened in November 1928 as a movie theater. It has hosted legendary jazz, early rock n’ roll and R&B artists including “Buddy Holly & The Crickets, Chuck Berry, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Fats Domino, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Mathis, Little Richard, Miles Davis, Ray Charles, and many, more” per an earlier press release. In the decades since its closing in 1962, the venue had been utilized as a gymnasium by Long Island University.

Comments from the Opening Night

Brooklyn Pride was on full display at Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. NYC Public Advocate, Jumanne Williams reflected on his time at Brooklyn Tech and involvement in the drama club. He explained how he walked past the de-commissioned venue almost every day. Senator Chuck Schumer reminisced about seeing movies at the Paramount as a child.

Damien “Jr. Gong” Marley and Stephen “Ragga” Marley, the venue’s first event, drew a sold-out crowd; The queue stretched down Flatbush Avenue for many blocks. If the turnout is any indication, Brooklyn Paramount is now poised to become Downtown Brooklyn’s premier entertainment and music venue and a cornerstone of the continued economic development of Downtown Brooklyn.

Live Nation has scheduled an eclectic mix of artists across multiple genres. Over 60 shows are currently on sale. Many have already sold out. Acts include Mariah the Scientist, PinkPanthress, Waxahatchee, Sean Paul, Norah Jones, NOFX, Black Pumas, Bikini Kill, and Sting, to name just a few. And don’t forget to grab a bite at Juniors before a show!