Brendan Kirby Will Emcee The Loew's Theatre Building's 90th Anniversary

The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) is pleased to announce that Brendan Kirby, co-host of WPRI CBS 12's The Rhode Show, will emcee the Loew's Theatre Building's mid-day 90th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, October 13. PPAC's 90th Anniversary Celebration is free and open to all, and will take place at the Theatre, located at 220 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence, from 10A to 3P. An evening celebration, with fireworks and concert by 80s cover band LA's BackStage Pass, will occur at WaterPlace Park from 7P to 9P. Both events are free and open to all.

PPAC is grateful to our sponsors who work with us throughout the Season: Taco/White Family Foundation, WPRI 12, Cox Media, BankNewport, ABC 6, Coast 93.3, Navigant Credit Union, and HarborOne Bank.

Brendan Kirby has been the co-host of WPRI CBS 12's The Rhode Show since January 2014. A native Rhode Islander with a longtime passion for broadcasting, he graduated from LaSalle Academy and Rhode Island College.

Kirby began his TV career on WPRI-12 as an announcer for the RI Lottery. He then hosted his own RI-based cable talk show, Wicked Late with Brendan Kirby (2003 - 12), and then lived in Los Angeles where he worked behind the scenes for reality television programs and various production companies. He is extremely proud to be a part of The Rhode Show team that creates a high quality, entertaining program for its viewers across Southern New England each day.
The day-time portion of the celebration will take place at the Providence Performing Arts Center, located at 220 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence,
from 10A to 3P.

The event schedule is:

10A: Organist Peter Krasinki plays the Mighty Wurlitzer

10:15A: Theatre Tour with General Manager Alan J. Chille

11A: Magician Show with MIKE SUPER

11:45A - 1P: Anniversary Celebration emceed by Brendan Kirby on the PPAC stage, with performances by School of Rock Attleboro (please note that performers are not from the School of Rock Tour cast), Billy Gilman, and Peter Krasinski on our Mighty Wurlitzer.

1P: Sing "Happy Birthday" to Loew's Theatre Building / PPAC and enjoy birthday cupcakes.
1:15P: Theatre Tour with General Manager Alan J. Chille

2P: Magician Show with MIKE SUPER

There will be face painting, prize drawings, and more throughout the day!
Evening Event - Free and Open to All - 7 to 9P
The evening portion of the Celebration will take place at Waterplace Park from 7P to 9P, with a free concert by LA's BackStage Pass and fireworks.

Loew's Theatre Building History
It was a momentous day when the Loew's Theatre Building, now known as the Providence Performing Arts Center, opened on Saturday, October 6, 1928. The Theatre, designed by Rapp & Rapp, has always been a visual marvel, and has astounded visitors with its beauty and grandeur. For nine decades, the Loew's Theatre Building has not only survived, but ultimately flourished, while undergoing various name changes, storm damage, and ongoing architectural restoration.

The Theatre is in the heart of Providence's arts and entertainment district; it is the second largest theatre of its kind in the United States. PPAC has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977 and currently presents a full roster of touring Broadway theatricals and contemporary engagements.


Mike Super is the winner of the NBC series Phenomenon and a top finalist on America's Got Talent. He is the only magician to win a live magic competition on prime television in the US. Through spectacular illusions and with his down-to-earth style and personality, Mike Super has pioneered a new form of magic that goes beyond the "trick".

Rhode Island resident Billy Gilman first drew national attention in 2000 with his hit single "One Voice." His debut album was certified double platinum in the United States, and he was included in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the youngest singer to ever reach #1 on the Billboard Top Country Album charts. He has sold ten million albums worldwide and garnered awards and nods from the Academy of Country Music, the Country Music Association, Billboard Magazine, and the American Music Association. Gilman was a fan favorite and finalist on NBC's The Voice: Season 11.

The School of Rock Attleboro team is comprised of the most exemplary music students. Students at School of Rock take private lessons and engage in group rehearsals to "rock out" at community events. School of Rock Attleboro has performed at McCoy Stadium, the North Providence National Night Out, Cumberlandfest, and opening for popular local bands such as The Strumdawgs and Full Circle. To learn more about School of Rock Attleboro, visit https://locations.schoolofrock.com/attleboro.

LA's BackStage Pass is all things '80s - big hair, spandex, and exuberant rock music. While BSP covers a number of hits from the 80s, some songs include, "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey, "Rebel Yell" by Billy Idol, "I Want You to Want Me" by Cheap Trick, "Shook Me all Night Long" by AC/DC, and more!

To post a comment, you must register and login.