*Chicago natives Jennifer Hudson, Chance the Rapper, and Quincy Jones have teamed to reopen the city’s Ramova Theatre.
The trio are co-owners of the venue located in the Bridgeport neighborhood on the South Side, which has been dormant for nearly 40 years, Variety reports. Ramova opened in 1929 and served as a movie theater until its closure in 1985.
According to the Variety, the Ramova will reopen this fall “as a 1,500-capacity live music venue with a grill, beer garden, and brewery in partnership with Other Half Brewing,” the outlet writes.
“I believe the cultural divides in our communities will always be bridged and uplifted by music and the arts,” said Jones. “With Ramova, I see a future where the rich cultural heritage of Chicago shines even brighter alongside the country’s most talented artists, which will inspire future generations to come and bring glory to America’s Second City.”
According to a press release, “Ramova will also offer educational programs [and] workshops, and amplify community initiatives from local nonprofits.”
“My mother always taught us to take care of home first, so to support the rehabilitation of this extraordinary theater with such a rich history in Chicago means more to me than one could imagine,” Hudson said. “I am honored and thrilled to help build this new home for artists and highlight this special community in new ways that will reach far beyond the neighborhoods we call home.”
Chance the Rapper added, “Chicago will always be part of who I am. I joined the team at Ramova to give back to the city that’s given me so much and to provide a stage to showcase the incredible talent Chicago has to offer. This is our moment to revitalize Chicago neighborhoods through one of the most beautiful ways possible — the arts.”
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