Carrying the weight of a powerful name, the Paramount Center for the Arts (PCA) bares an illuminating sign that reminds us of what theaters were (and should be) like at the beginning of the 20th century. Designed by George and Charles Rapp and built by Publix Pictures, a subsidiary of Paramount Pictures, it started out as a palace for films to be played in the 1930s, featuring air conditioning, an exquisitely furnished lounge, and a Wurlitzer theatre organ. It is a work of art, designated as a Westchester County Landmark and added to the National Registry of Historic Places.

This is a big year for the Paramount. The Paramount Theater was founded 75 years ago and has survived a tumultuous era. Thriving during the Depression and World War II, a growth in technology nearly saw the end of this historic place. Paramount sold the building in 1958. It eventually fell into the hands of the City of Peekskill and became a non-profit corporation with a mission to bring culture and education to Northern Westchester and Putnam counties. In 1982, the Paramount Center for the Arts presented its first series of performances. Since the "Save the Paramount" campaign of the early 80s, PCA has flourished to become a genuine center for the arts, with live performances, arts-in-education programs, films, and visual art exhibitions, serving over 50,000 people annually.

To celebrate its anniversary, the Paramount Center for the Arts spent the latter part of 2003 renovating its theater to restore its original beauty. With the installation of a new stage, lavish curtains, an upgraded concession area, and fully renovated interior, PCA is proudly open for business. The PCA is well worth the trip no matter what the season, and if you have a passion for the arts, there areplenty of special events this spring that will make your trip memorable.

Showtime at the Apollo Theater: Saturday, May 14, 8:00 pm
Showtime at the Apollo has come to town! From the little screen to the Paramount's historic theater, local talent will compete for a cash prize of $1000 and a guaranteed shot at the big time at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, NY. Will an Apollo legend be discovered? Be there to see the magic happen!

Flow w/ Will Power: Saturday, June 11, 8:00 pm
Will Power is part of a special project produced by the Paramount entitled “Beyond MCs & Mics: Hip Hop Theater, Dance and Art”. Will Power is a globally acclaimed actor, rapper, playwright, and educator. Viewed as a pioneer in the genre of Hip Hop Theater, Power's new show, FLOW, ''is an electrifying one man show'' (Variety) that combines a fairy tale with original hip hop beats. Produced by New York Theatre Workshop and the NYC Hip Hop Theater Festival, FLOW was chosen as one of the TOP 10 Theater Performances for 2003 by the NY Times. This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

Bernadette Peters: (The Paramount's 75th Anniversary Celebration!)
Saturday, June 25, 8:00 pm
The Paramount celebrates its 75th Anniversary with a Benefit Fundraising Concert featuring the Tony Award winning actress, Bernadette Peters, joined by a 27-piece orchestra. You may have had the pleasure of seeing Ms. Peters in the 2003-04 revival of Gypsy, or in Song and Dance, or Annie Get Your Gun. John Leanord of New York Magazine claims, “Bernadette Peters is the reason for musical theater," and after experiencing this performance, you will certainly agree with this statement.

The City of Peekskill
Peekskill has played an important role in American history. George Washington considered it a strategic key to the defense of the nation and established headquarters at the Birdsall House, where he, against his better judgment, signed Benedict Arnold's command of West Point. Peekskill was attacked twice by the British during the Revolutionary War. Some of these notable areas are still visible today. There also are several locations believed to have been connected with the Underground Railroad.

Fortunately, Peekskill has reclaimed and maintained much of its past architecture. It has shifted its focus from trading along the Hudson River to exploring and promoting the arts, a sign of the times. Today, an artists' district exists downtown. Peekskill is home to Hudson Vallery Center For Contemporary Arts (HVCCA), Casola Gallery, Flat Iron Gallery, Driftwood Gallery, Maxwell Fine Arts, and many other artistic outlets. Call Peekskill Arts Council at (914) 734-2367 about their open studios May 21st and 22nd.

Pleasant restaurants, parks, and boutique shopping complete the experience that is Peekskill, home of the Paramount Center for the Arts.