LOS ANGELES , CA ( September 30, 2004 ) – Celebrating 75 years of entertainment under the stars, The Greek Theatre underwent an extreme makeover for its diamond anniversary. The multi-million dollar renovation was completed in just 7 months and The Greek Theatre opened its doors on April 22 nd with a star-studded, sold out David Bowie concert, followed by a sold-out System of a Down benefit concert. The theatre has celebrated its anniversary the entire month of September with a stellar line up of music acts.

The legendary venue kicked-off September with two-sold out nights of music sensation, Josh Groban who performed on Sept. 10 th and 11 th . The month continued with rock legends Crosby, Stills and Nash on Sept. 16 th followed by two nights of the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, who performed on Sept. 17 th and 18 th for the first time in Los Angeles in over two decades. Alternative rock band the Pixies performed on Sept. 22 nd and 23 rd for their first area show in over twelve years and Latin rock stars La Ley celebrated their 15 th anniversary together at The Greek Theatre on Sept. 25 th . Rounding out the month, internationally renowned recording artist Carlos Santana will perform for three nights starting tonight Sept. 30 th through Oct. 2 nd .

“This is a great time for The Greek Theatre and we are thrilled that so many well known artists will help us celebrate our venues anniversary. It is good to know that after 75 years we are staying true to what Griffith J. Griffith had intended – to offer Los Angeles the best in entertainment.” said Mike Garcia, General Manager of The Greek Theatre.

Dedicated in September of 1929, The Greek Theatre has been a cultural icon in the city of Los Angeles for nearly a century. The Greek Theatre has a long and colorful history dating back as far as 1896, when Griffith J. Griffith, a rich and prosperous gold speculator and philanthropist presented the city of Los Angeles with 3,000 choice acres of his Los Feliz Rancho. Stipulating only that “it must be made a place of recreation and rest for the masses,” Griffith Park was born.

The land remained in its natural state for 23 years, an arboreal haven without rival in the world. When Griffith past away in 1919, his will established a trust fund of $1,000,000 for the construction of an observatory and an amphitheatre constructed along Greek lines, a theatre where residents of the city he loved so well could come for the best entertainment.

A site for the theatre was selected almost immediately, after Ellen Beach Law, a noted local soprano, demonstrated the beautiful natural acoustics of the park's canyon. Because of complications in settling Griffith 's estate, construction of the facility was delayed nearly a decade. Eventually the cornerstone was laid and the theatre was built. Now 75 years later, The Greek Theatre remains one of the premiere theatres in Los Angeles .

The Greek Theatre's Anniversary celebration began in November of 2003 with a major renovation project which included; restoring the front of the theatre's original façade, adding a new 35,000 square foot improved plaza area, which created a picnic lawn area outside the theatre for customers to enjoy. The theatre added a VERTEC® line-array sound system from JBL Professional, which enhanced the venue's sound quality plus upgraded and relocated the box office for easier customer access. An improved lighting and dimming system was added, plus upgraded backstage dressing rooms and the commissary was doubled in size and remolded with more modern conveniences. In addition, The Greek Theatre added new concession stands, remolded the VIP hospitality deck, artists lounges and added an additional loading dock to expedite load ins and load outs of shows. 19 luxury box suites were also added inside the theatre for customers to entertain while enjoying a show and the theatre now offers Valet Parking for more customer convenience.

“The renovations have opened up The Greek Theatre restoring its original beauty while making the plaza more spacious for customers,” said Garcia. “The theatre has always been unique to the city and these improvements give fans an overall better live entertainment experience.”

The Greek Theatre is owned by the City of Los Angel es , and is managed, operated and promoted by Nederlander-Greek Inc. During Nederlander's 29 years at the Greek Theatre, it has become a world-renowned, award-winning amphitheatre hosting thousands of events ranging from pop to classical music and reggae to rock making it one of the cultural icons of the city. 

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