SPRINGSTEEN TO PLAY BASIE BENEFIT MAY 7

Bruce Springsteen has scheduled a May 7 concert at the Count Basie Theatre as a fundraiser for the historic Red Bank venue and some of its programs.

The Monmouth Street theatre announced the rare headline appearance by the rocker this morning. While he’s a not-uncommon walk-on at events featuring other musicians, Springsteen has rarely booked the theater for his own shows, preferring large arenas and stadia.

He and his E Street Band last week resumed a world tour that began last year in support of their latest album, ‘Magic.’

Springsteen’s wife, recording artist Patti Scialfa, is on the Basie Foundation’s board of directors and serves as honorary chair of the capital campaign. Though she trouped along for the tour’s first leg, she wasn’t with the band when it hit the road again last week.

“We have three teenagers at home, so we live in constant fear of the house burning down,” he told an audience in Hartford, Conn. “It must be watched.”

Presumably, the couple will be able to either bring their kids to the Basie show or get somebody else to keep an eye on them and their home, which is in either Rumson or Colts Neck, depending on which source you use. They own estates in both towns.

Here’s the text of a press release from the theater:

Bruce Springsteen will perform a benefit concert at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ on Wednesday, May 7th.

Proceeds from “An Evening with Bruce Springsteen” will benefit the historic Count Basie Theatre and help offset the cost of the renovation and restoration of the theatre that will begin this summer. A portion of the concert proceeds will also support other programs and operations at the Theatre, such as the Cool School. Patti Scialfa serves on the Board of the Basie Foundation and as Honorary Chair of the Capital Campaign.

Tickets will be made available to the public through an online “Make Your Best Offer” Auction beginning March 20th at www.countbasietheatre.org . Instructions on how the auction will work will be provided at www.countbasietheatre.org on March 20th. Concert information can also be found at www.brucespringsteen.net and www.backstreets.com .

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