It’s a Paramount Luv thing

By ALAN J. KEAYS
HERALD STAFF
Rick Redington recalls growing up in Rutland and sneaking around an empty and rundown Center Street building with his friends.
“It was an abandoned place that we used to hide behind and drink beer,” Redington said Wednesday.
Now, he is one of the featured performers taking part in a concert on the stage of that same building that has since become a cornerstone of arts and culture in the city.
The historic Paramount Theatre, after being closed for nearly two decades, was restored and reopened in 2000, thanks to a lot of community support.
Paramount leaders are hoping to tap into that community support again to raise some funds through a benefit concert for the theater Monday night.
“Really it’s about everybody getting together to show their love for the Paramount,” Redington said.
Redington, 45, who makes his living touring and playing his music, said Wednesday he is excited about having a chance to take part and help out his hometown and a theater celebrating its 96th birthday this month, first opening its doors in 1914.
Redington has performed several times at the restored Paramount, including three album release events. However, it’s been a couple of years since he last took the theater’s stage.
On Monday night, Redington will be one of more than 40 musicians from around the region banding to put on the show.
“This isn’t a typical concert,” Eric Mallette, the theater’s assistant director, said Wednesday. “All the artists have donated their time.”
“Not only are the artists on stage supporting the theater, but those that attend will also be supporting the Paramount,” Mallette said. “Every dollar they give will be going right to the Paramount.”
The Marble City Swing Band, playing music from the Big Band era to more contemporary tunes, will open the show. Redington and his rock band The Luv will then take the stage followed by the soulful sounds of Sandra Wright and It’s a Beautiful Thing.
Spectators are encouraged to make sure they don’t head out early.
“There’s a nice surprise planned for the finale,” Redington said.
In the meantime, he said, he’ll be out and about around the community spreading the word about the show.
“All week we’ve been walking around handing out fliers, shaking hands with people and asking them to come,” he said. “We’ve gotten amazing support.”
And when asked what people can do to help out, Redington offers a simple response.
“You can support this by helping us fill the seats,” he tells them.
Showtime is 7 p.m. Monday. Tickets are $15 and are for sale at www.paramountvt.org.
For more information, visit the 30 Center St. box office from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, or call 775-0903.
alan.keays@rutlandherald.com