COUNT BASIE THEATRE ANNOUNCES LITTLE STEVEN’S UNDERGROUND GARAGE AT THE BASIE PRESENTED BY CITI

Citi Press Conference
Ralph Andretta, Head of U.S. Branded Cards, Citi, Basie board members Maureen and Steven Van Zandt and New Jersey Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno at the press conference.

Citi Sponsorship Assists In Reaching Significant Fundraising Milestone For Venue’s Cultural Development Plan

(November 14, 2016 – RED BANK) – The Count Basie Theatre, a world-class entertainment and education venue, announced today the launch of Little Steven’s Underground Garage At The Basie Presented By Citi. The series of performances will support the Theatre’s $20 million capital campaign, which officials announced today is nearing the halfway mark.

Little Steven’s Underground Garage At The Basie Presented By Citi will consist of public and private concerts at the historic Count Basie Theatre. Board members Steven and Maureen Van Zandt will curate the shows with the mission of delivering both classic and new rock ‘n’ roll to devoted fans. Shows will be filmed live for future television and internet distribution.

Citi is the preferred card of Little Steven’s Underground Garage at the Count Basie Theatre. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets through Citi’s Private Pass Program. For completedetails, please visit www.citiprivatepass.com.

“The Count Basie Theatre is an important asset to the New Jersey community as a key provider of access to the arts,” said Ralph Andretta, Head of U.S. Branded Cards, Citi. “Through our relationship with the Theatre, Citi is proud to offer a series of exciting performances in such an iconic venue.”

“The distinct opportunity to present the Underground Garage concert series at the Basie, thanks to the generosity of Citi, is extremely meaningful,” said Steven Van Zandt, Board of Trustees, Count Basie Theatre. “The lineage of talent that has graced this stage since this theatre opened 90 years ago is unique and unparalleled. We look forward to reinforcing the solidarity of rock ‘n’ roll in this community and across the state for many years to come.”

“When Steven and I announced our support for the Count Basie Theatre’s expansion, we understood the magnitude of impact that growth could make in the community,” said Maureen Van Zandt, Board of Trustees, Count Basie Theatre. “With the help of Citi and an array of generous donors, the vision for the Basie’s future is even closer at hand.”

In addition, the Count Basie Theatre, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) operation, announced it is nearing the halfway point of fundraising for its capital campaign, announced just over a year ago. Thus far, the venue has received over 110 monetary gifts to support the initiative.

“We’re honored that Citi, the Asbury Park Press and individuals like Nancy Mulheren, Carol Stillwell, Maryann Larkin, Maggie Riker, Karey and Mark Hogan, Denise and Mark Rohl and many others have joined my wife Janet and me in making commitments to help us realize the full potential of our historic venue, and strengthen the partnerships that will serve as the foundation of the Basie of the future,” said Tom Widener, Chairman, Count Basie Theatre.

“Steven’s series of performances will serve as a vehicle to broaden the Basie’s commitment as a cultural and educational destination for the performing arts”.

“Steven and Maureen Van Zandt’s dedication to enriching the lives of local youth in music and arts continues to be nothing short of heroic,” said Adam Philipson, President and CEO, Count Basie Theatre. “Steven, Maureen and Citi all have a unified vision to preserve the legacy of rock ‘n’ roll now and forever. We are grateful for their generosity that has helped us reach this benchmark with the groundbreaking now in site.”