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Open for Business - Founded in 1901, the Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. was the first concert hall in the country that catered exclusively to Black artists and audiences. The newly renovated grand stage was once the playground for musical greats Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, the Supremes and many others. After extensive renovations, the legendary venue will reopen its doors on April 12. Check out what’s new and next for this groundbreaking space. —Britt Middleton (Photo: Courtesy of Stacy Zarin-Goldberg)

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Humble Beginnings - In times of racial segregation, the Howard Theatre literally gave a stage to emerging Black musicians, actors, dancers and comedians. Original founder Andrew Thomas can be seen "overseeing" the theatre in an archive photo from 1910. (Photo: Courtesy of Howard Theatre Restoration)

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Tumultuous Times - Following Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968, riots broke out in Washington, D.C. Located in the heart of the city, the theatre was greatly affected by the violence. Theatre attendance began to drop off until 1970, when it was forced to close its doors. In 2009, the Howard Theatre Restoration, Inc., raised $29 million to revive the historic venue, which had sustained extensive weather damage over the years. (Photo: Courtesy of Howard Theatre Restoration)

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Artful Illustration - The original stage of the Howard Theatre is pictured in 1936. (Photo: Courtesy of Howard Theatre Restoration)

Photo By Photo: Courtesy of Howard Theatre Restoration

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Welcoming Guests Again - The highly regarded architecture firm Marshall Moya Design redesigned the interiors of the Howard Theater, including the lobby. Martinez + Johnson Architecture completed the exteriors. (Photo: Courtesy of Stacy Zarin-Goldberg)

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Enjoy the Show - The modern bar will soon be buzzing with patrons taking in a variety of events such as live performances, corporate events and “Sunday Gospel” brunch. On April 12, comedian Wanda Sykes will host the grand opening gala featuring musical tributes to Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye and more.  (Photo: Courtesy of Stacy Zarin-Goldberg)

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Stage Presence - The new grand stage helped launch the careers of dozens of Black entertainers. The theatre was also known for bringing together people of all races — President Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt were among the most notable guests at the time — earning the entertainment space the moniker “The Theater for the People.” (Photo: Courtesy of Stacy Zarin-Goldberg)

Photo By Photo: Courtesy of Stacy Zarin-Goldberg

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The Howard Players - One of the first Black Shakespeare groups in Washington, D.C., The Howard Players, is seen here in 1922. (Photo: Courtesy of Howard Theatre Restoration)

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All That Jazz - Jazz pianist Count Basie performs during the Howard Theatre’s heyday. Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Billie Holliday, James Brown, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Tina Turner are just a handful of legends who would take the stage over the years.(Photo: Courtesy of William P. Gottlieb)

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All the Right Notes - Legendary band leader Duke Ellington (far left) leads his players.(Photo: Courtesy of William P Gottlieb)

Photo By Photo: Courtesy of William P Gottlieb

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Key Master - In this vintage photograph, jazz composer Mary Lou Williams, who composed songs for top bandleaders such as Duke Ellington, tickles the ivories at the Howard Theatre. She performed regularly between 1938 and 1948. (Photo: Courtesy of William P. Gottlieb)

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Ultimate Makeover - The 12,172-square-foot venue boasts a contemporary design that includes theatrical acoustic tile ceilings, porcelain tile walls and Emperador marble accents. “We wanted to revive the theatre while preserving the history and elegance with a 21st-century means of expression,” Michael Marshall of Marshall Moya Design said of the renovation.  (Photo: Courtesy of Stacy Zarin-Goldberg)