INTRODUCING THE NEW STATE

STORY

The New State theater has venerable musical roots in Milwaukee’s arts and performance history. It first opened in 1915 as a silent film theater, then the 50s and 60s it became the Friendship Club, a squeaky-clean dance hall. In the late 70s, rock and roll took over as The Electric Ballroom and The Palms Music Club, a stop on the way to stardom for an amazing array of bands who played there.

 The Ramones, The Police, Dire Straits, THE PLASMATICS, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Peter Tosh, The Pretenders,The Tourists with Annie Lennox, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Humble Pie, Huey Lewis and the News, The Psychedelic Furs, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Cheap Trick, Meatloaf, and Eddie Money ALL PLAYED AT 2616 W STATE - Even U2 (on April 15, 1981) and Metallica (on Dec. 14,1983).

After a brief period as Hoops, the State Theater sat empty for over 20 years and suffered a devastating fire in February of 2017. With help from the Milwaukee community and beyond, The New State will breathe life back into this historic landmark, heralding a new generation of music and culture in the city.

About US

The New State is a historical redevelopment project that will transform the old State Theater into a community music hub for all ages. The New State will uplift a city block, creating public space, cultural infrastructure, and economic opportunity, while empowering our youth through self-governance and self-expression.

On December 14, 2018, The New State team purchased the historic building on Milwaukee’s Near West Side, which is in need of serious renovation after a fire in 2017. With your help, and once finished with renovation, The New State will become a hotbed for youth arts and will house a combination of non- and for-profit businesses, sharing and collaborating in the space.

This will include:

•  415-capacity all-ages music venue, hosting 150+ live events per year, supporting 180+ microbusinesses

• Two rentable sound engineering studios including Mammyth Audio

• Community music park with a stage

• Storefront for local artists to sell art, music, and merchandise

• Classes and workshops focusing on youth, modern music (hip hop/rap, electronic), performance skills and professional development as musicians. West Side Arts Un, Limited/WSAU aims to provide 40+ hours of music-related instruction per week.

• Café