SHARE

Peekskill's Paramount Celebrates 85 Years With Mayors, Music, Community

PEEKSKILL, N.Y. -- Peekskill's Paramount Hudson Valley Theater rolled out the red carpet for its 85th birthday celebration Saturday night.

Paramount CEO Kurt G. Heitmann, right, with Peekskill Mayor Frank Catalina.

Paramount CEO Kurt G. Heitmann, right, with Peekskill Mayor Frank Catalina.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Muchnick
The Paramount celebrated its 85th birthday June 27.

The Paramount celebrated its 85th birthday June 27.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Muchnick
Avery Avellino of The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts sang before the show.

Avery Avellino of The Cortlandt School of Performing Arts sang before the show.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Muchnick
Croton residents Avery Avellino, left, with fellow singer Kate Ciulla and  Carol and Ray Arrucci.

Croton residents Avery Avellino, left, with fellow singer Kate Ciulla and Carol and Ray Arrucci.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Muchnick
Paramount anniversary Playbill.

Paramount anniversary Playbill.

Photo Credit: Jeanne Muchnick
Paramount CEO Kurt G. Heitmann, center, between Peekskill Mayor Frank Catalina, on left, and former Mayor John Testa, right.

Paramount CEO Kurt G. Heitmann, center, between Peekskill Mayor Frank Catalina, on left, and former Mayor John Testa, right.

Along with the headliner, The Marshall Tucker Band, and the warm-up band, Sundown, comprised of Westchester-based musicians, there were four mayors in the house -- current Peekskill Mayor Frank Catalina, Former Mayor of Peekskill and Westchester County Legislator John Testa, and former Peekskill Mayors Mary Foster and Fran Gibbs.

Former New York Governor and current candidate for President, George Pataki was also in attendance.

Before the show began, there was also a short singing performance by Avery Avellino and Kate Ciulla, students with the Croton-based Cortlandt School of Performing Arts.

Prior to the concert, Paramount CEO Kurt G. Heitmann spoke of the community's involvement with the theater over the years, including its many sponsors. One sponsor, in particular, Peekskill's N. Dain's Sons Co., in business since 1848, got a shout out for being with the theater since its opening on June 27, 1930.

He also asked anyone who'd ever been involved with the theater to stand up prior to the show for a round of applause.

"Theaters like this don't survive without the support of the community," he stressed.

Heitmann, a Garrison resident who grew up in Peekskill (see previous Daily Voice story here), said celebrating the Paramount's 85th birthday has been a sense of accomplishment. "It's hard to operate a place that had been shut down for years," he said. "This proves our doors are open."

 

 

 

 

to follow Daily Voice Peekskill and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE