(JANUARY 9, 2017 – RED BANK) The nonprofit Count Basie Theatre finished 2016 as the top ticket-selling theater venue in New Jersey, in a tally released by Pollstar, the official publication of the live events and concert touring industry.

The Basie sold nearly 225,000 tickets in 2016, enough to rank the historic landmark as the 24^th best ticket-selling venue of its size worldwide.

“Only the Theatre At Madison Square Garden, the Beacon Theater and the legendary Radio City Music Hall sold more tickets in the metropolitan area in 2016. That’s quite a feat,” said Adam Philipson, President and CEO, Count Basie Theatre. “To exist alongside those venues and to rank as New Jersey’s best-seller is an honor.”

The Pollstar accolade comes as the Basie experiences a three-year trend of increased sales and performances. In 2015’s Pollstar tally, the Basie came in at No. 54 – with sales of 127, 459 tickets.

“Our presence as a leader in the field of performing arts and arts education is stronger than ever.” said Jonathan Vena, Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations. “More patrons enjoyed Count Basie Theatre offerings in 2016 than any previous year in our history.”

The achievement comes as the Basie celebrates its 90^th anniversary and sits about halfway through a $20 million capital campaign, which will see the facility grow its arts education and outreach programs, add a second performance space, and modernize its facilities to create a state-of-the-art, barrier-free experience for patrons and artists alike. Additional improvements to the stage and backstage areas will assure that the Basie continues to attract world-class talent for years to come.

“As we celebrate a milestone birthday and continue on the vision outlined in our current capital campaign,” Philipson concluded, “we are as certain as ever that the Count Basie Theatre will remain a vital community, regional and statewide asset for years and decades to come.”