(WOODSTOCK, NY) -- The legendary Bearsville music complex, recently semi-derelict, has officially re-opened in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Best known as home-base for infamous 1970’s and 80’s artist manager Albert Grossman (Bob Dylan, The Band, Janis Joplin, Todd Rundgren), the Center was purchased in 2019 by British entrepreneur, Lizzie Vann, M.B.E. It has undergone an 18-month renovation.
Albert Grossman established a complex of buildings as an artist’s utopia where they could create, rehearse, record and perform. Taking this on, Lizzie Vann’s reimagining is driven by a bohemian spirit and her passion for music, believing it is one of the most important channels for the struggles and dreams of each new generation.
The Bearsville Center stands on 15 bucolic acres in Bearsville, NY, just outside of Woodstock. A stones-throw from where Bob Dylan wrote much of his early work, it houses the Bearsville Theater, Utopia Studios Soundstage (built for Todd Rundgren by Albert Grossman), the Peterson House, Little Bear Restaurant and Bear Cantina. Bearsville is perhaps best known for the Bearsville Records label and Bearsville Studios. Musical history was made, with recordings and albums by many international artists – see attached list. Even the Rolling Stones sojourned at Bearsville when rehearsing for their 1978 Some Girls tour.
The Bearsville Theater now showcases enhanced sound and lighting systems rated as some of the best on the east coast. Live music, recording and streaming services are all available. In addition, Utopia’s storied expansive soundstage studios are perfect for audio and visual recording, writing, podcasts and rehearsals. The spirit of artists who created timeless music within these walls is palpable.
Today, the new Bearsville spirit is focused upon the creation, education and enjoyment of live and recorded music, encouraging and supporting young and developing artists with a friendly, nurturing campus staffed by music industry pros.
Longtime Woodstock resident and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee John Sebastian commented, “the Bearsville Theater stands as a monument to our community, honoring and celebrating its musical heritage and as a platform for new artists to create and showcase their work, here in Bearsville, for generations to come.”
“Our goal is to deliver ground-breaking and exciting new music and entertainment to the world, making Albert’s vision come alive in a fresh new way, ” said Lizzie Vann.
The Bearsville Theater LLC is a subsidiary of The Bearsville Center LLC, and is located at 277-297 Tinker Street Woodstock, NY.
Photo of Lizzie Vann at Bearsville Theater
