Concert Guru

The Capitol Theater in Port Chester, NY first opened in 1926 as a playhouse before converting into a concert venue in the 1960s.  The unassuming exterior soon gives way to a beautiful concert venue once you enter the small entryway.  "The Cap", as it's know to locals, has hosted numerous artists, many of them legendary, through the years.  Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, and The Grateful Dead have all graced The Cap's stage over the years, with Jerry Garcia musing, “See, there's only two theaters, man… that are set up pretty groovy all around for music and for smooth stage changes, good lighting and all that – the Fillmore and The Capitol Theatre."  (The attached "Garcia's" bar was named for Jerry Garcia, with the blessing of his family.  Some of Jerry's personal effects, including a guitar, adorn the walls, so be sure to stop in and check it out before or after the show at The Cap.)

With a 65 foot dome ceiling, the acoustics are certainly incredible.  The stage lighting is top-notch as well, so be sure to check out how the stage lights play off of the domed ceiling to give an extra cool vibe.  Seating varies slightly depending on the show/artist.  There is seating for 2,000, including the opera boxes, however, the orchestra/floor section can also be changed to standing room general admission, which changes the capacity.

Upon entering the main doors, you'll find will-call ticket windows to the left.  Moving in, you'll typically find a merch table to the right before entering the venue itself, with a bar immediately in front of you behind the orchestra section.  Stairs on either side will take you upstairs to the mezzanine and balcony, with restrooms and bars located on both floors.  There are also restrooms located downstairs from the orchestra section.

Overall, while it may not seem like it from outside, inside The Capitol Theatre is a truly beautiful theatre with amazing acoustics and great lighting.  The seats are quite comfortable with sufficient legroom.  Keep in mind, when the GA orchestra section is set up, the floor is angled downward towards the stage, so watch your footing after a couple of drinks.

Parking can be a challenge if you're attending a sold out show, so allow for some extra time to find a parking spot.  There is on-street parking (head to the light at the corner and turn right, though it can be a bit of a walk back to the Cap).  There's also a small paid parking lot on this street as well, but does fill up fast.  Turning left at the same light (Broad Street), and immediately to your right, is the Metro-North Port Chester rail station, which you are welcome to park in.  Keep in mind, if the show is on a weekday, you do have to pay for parking (currently under $4).  If you're attending a show on Saturday or Sunday, parking is free in this lot.  There's also a small paid parking area (the most expensive option) directly across the street from The Capitol Theatre's main entrance.

The staff at The Cap are incredibly nice and helpful, and might even surprise you.  I was attending a show and standing at the bar behind the orchestra section (which is also a GA area), and an usher asked if I was by myself.  When I told him I was, he asked if I'd like a seat instead, which I happily accepted.  A $75 standing room only ticket in the back got me dumb-lucked into a 12th row, dead-center $300+ seat, all without having to ask for anything!

(And just a little something to kill some time between sets or waiting for the show to start, see how many of the 224 engraved squirrels you can find in the architecture!)

*Guru Tip*: If you're interested in meeting the artist/band after the show, when exiting through the main entrance, turn left and walk to the corner where the stop light is, and turn left again onto Broad Street.  The tour busses are usually parked on that side, which is where the stage door is located.  Barricades are usually set up so the artist can leave, but sometimes they'll stop and sign a few autographs and chat a little. Just keep in mind, the more popular the artist, the bigger the crowd will probably be.  So for your best chance to get a close spot to the door, leave before the last song even ends.  You'll only miss a few lines of the song, but if you're a big fan, the payoff could be worth it.

Scores

Getting There:  8/10

Located 5 minutes/2 miles off of Interstate 287 (Cross Westchester Expressway), The Capitol Theatre is very easy to get to.  However, keep in mind that you will be traversing Westchester County, which in itself contains a lot of traffic that can back up significantly at times.  Once off of Interstate 287, you'll drive down more one-lane roads until you reach the venue, with stoplights along the way.  Additionally, if you're near the Metro-North New Haven line, the Port Chester train station is directly across Broad Street from the venue, making for a very easy travel experience.

Cleanliness:  10/10

While first appearances may be deceiving, once inside, The Cap has a very rustic vibe to it and is incredibly clean.  Carpeted floors adorn the entire theatre, including the floor GA area.  Though a bit dated, the restrooms are kept very clean throughout.

Production Quality:  10/10

Simply put, refer back to Jerry Garcia's quote about The Cap.  The sound and lighting are the best of the best for any concert.

Staff:  10/10

Every member of the staff I've interacted with at The Cap have always been nothing short of professional, courteous, helpful, and generous.  You can definitely tell they take pride in the theatre and its historic nature and want to continue that tradition.

Other Amenities:  6/10

Wi-fi is available for free, though it can be a little wonky it certain areas but is sufficient for your needs.  Cell service is a non-issue within the theatre.  Unfortunately, there aren't many other amenities.  Though, being a legendary venue, you wouldn't expect more that just a well-lit and great sounding experience.  The attached Garcia's bar is a cool stop for a drink pre or post-show, however.

Food/Drink Options:  5/10

Typical concert drinks can be found at all bars/drink stands within the venue.  However, there isn't much, if any, on offer food-wise, save for chips or pretzels for purchase.  There are restaurants within walking distance of the theatre, though arrive early for a pre-show meal as these restaurants are relatively small and fill up quickly before a sold out show.

*Guru Tip*:  Arrive early and take a short 8 minute/half-mile walk over to bartaco on Willet Avenue for a pre-show bite.

Parking:  6/10

While there is plenty of parking at the Port Chester train station, as well as on-street parking, for a sold out show, if you arrive too late you might be a bit of a walk away from the venue.  I've personally ended up having to park a good 10 minute walk away after arriving too close to show time.  Also, remember that parking at the train station can be an added small cost (usually around $3.75) is you're attending a weekday show.

Overall:  8/10

It's hard to fault such an iconic venue for its flaws.  Parking is probably the biggest headache, though leaving after a show usually isn't terrible, especially being so close to a major highway.  Lack of food choices within the venue is definitely something I wish they would improve on, even if it's more snack offerings like hot dogs or such.