Historic venue celebrates 92 years at Saturday’s show
In February of 1931, the Great Depression gripped the country, home radios were the latest in technology, storm clouds gathered over Europe – and the Holland Theatre opened its doors to the public for the first time.
The community is invited to celebrate the theater’s 92nd birthday at a concert with Scottish folk band Breabach at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11.
Just as it does today, the Holland’s copyrighted design enchanted theater-goers in 1931 with its windmills, tulips and Dutch cityscape, modeled on the architect’s hometown in the Netherlands.
Built as a grand movie palace with the largest screen in Ohio at the time, the Holland was also home to stage productions and community events. Generations of local residents made memories of first dates, family outings and performance debuts at the Holland.
After falling into disrepair in the 1990s, the Holland was saved by the dedicated efforts of community members and public and private donations. A complete restoration of the Holland’s interior was completed in 2019, and the theater is once again a home for the performing arts in Logan County.
Now Holland supporters have a new goal: recreating the grand marquee that lit up downtown Bellefontaine on that memorable day 92 years ago. Removed in the 1950 due to code changes, the original marquee is the inspiration for a new version that will feature the latest in safety and technology.
Community businesses and individuals have so far contributed $174,335 of the $440,000 needed to receive a $220,000 grant from the Jeffris Family Foundation and fully fund the project.
Theater staff will provide a marquee campaign update for the audience at the Feb. 11 show and will also share a birthday treat.
Ranked among Scotland’s most skilled and imaginative contemporary folk acts, Breabach unites deep roots in Highland and Island tradition with the innovative ferment of their Glasgow base.
The quintet has released six acclaimed albums, while performing around the world and racking up an impressive array of accolades, including five Scots Trad Music Awards, nominations as Best Group in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, and European Album of the Year in the Songlines Music Awards.
Then later this month, the longtime Irish favorites Dervish, a group with a more than 25-year history, present their dazzling interpretations of Celtic classics in a 7 p.m. concert Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Dervish’s lineup includes some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians, fronted by one of the country’s best-known singers, Cathy Jordan. As The Guardian said, “Dervish are simply brilliant … they carry Irish history with them.”
Tickets are available at thehollandtheatre.org/tickets.