Rebuilding history
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, AC/DC, 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.
The State Theater
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.
