From Living Room Concerts to Historic Theater: The Journey of the Hussey Brothers in Salem, Oregon
Andrew and Alex Hussey, better known as the Hussey Brothers, have turned the Salem Oregon's Historic Grand Theater into a hub of diverse entertainment. Their journey began with hosting living room concerts and quickly transitioned to theater management, bringing their rich background in music and event production to the heart of Salem, Oregon.
Building a Community Hub for Entertainment
Taking over the theater in October, the Hussey Brothers have focused on upgrading its lighting and sound systems, making it a welcoming space for a variety of events. The Grand Theater, initially known for its musical theater performances, now hosts an array of entertainment, including live music, comedy nights, belly dancing competitions, silent discos, and community-focused events like “Ghosts of the Grand.”
“We’re live music lovers for sure,” Andrew explains. “But we can’t just put on shows for ourselves every single weekend.” This openness to variety is what sets the theater apart and helps it appeal to different audiences in the Salem community.
Historical Significance Meets Modern Entertainment
The theater, built in 1900, carries a rich history, adding to its unique atmosphere. As Andrew and Alex revitalized this venue, they’ve honored its past while introducing new elements to create a diverse lineup of events. Their efforts also include bringing in experiences that emphasize the theater’s historic charm, like the upcoming “Ghosts of the Grand” Halloween event and the “Film to Table” movie nights.
Overcoming Challenges and Growing Together
One of their main challenges has been increasing exposure and building a reputation within the Salem community and beyond. “It’s a networking game,” says Alex, emphasizing the importance of partnerships with local businesses and artists. Despite these challenges, the brothers have made remarkable progress in creating a vibrant downtown entertainment scene, aiming for long-term growth and the goal of a full calendar of events.
Vision for the Future
The Hussey Brothers’ goal is to fill 200 seats per night and have at least one sellout event per month, attracting both local and regional acts. “The sky’s the limit,” they say, as they plan to continue expanding their offerings, including hosting acts like Fran Lebowitz and the Rebirth Brass Band.
They envision the theater as “an extension of your living room,” a welcoming space for Salem’s residents to enjoy a variety of entertainment. Through their efforts, the Hussey Brothers are making the Historic Grand Theater a must-visit venue, revitalizing Salem’s arts and entertainment scene.
Ready for More?
Listen to the full podcast on YouTube with Andrew and Alex Hussey to hear more about their journey, and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on future events and interviews with Salem’s movers and shakers.
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