In 1998, the Liberty Theater closed its doors after a long and glorious run lasting over 85 years. The closing of the Liberty, formerly known as the Tilford, represented the end of an era—the last motion picture theater in a city, which in 1913, boasted five such theaters.
Thanks to the donation of the property by the City of Murphysboro, along with the generous support of donors and volunteers, the Liberty has come back to life as a home for the theater, motion pictures, the arts and much more! Moreover, its prominent location downtown serves as a visible symbol of Murphysboro's dedication to preserving its architectural treasures. In June of 2012, The Historic Liberty Theater was placed on the National Register of Historic Sites.
Schedule of Events
Steak 'N Jazz
Friday, April 19, 2013
April is Jazz Appreciation Month and Murphysboro High School and Middle School Jazz Bands will team up with guest artist Ron Coulter for a combination steak dinner and concert.
Steak 'N Jazz organizer, Middle School Band Director Nick Williams said tickets for both events are priced at just $12.00 per person. The dinner will start at 5:30PM at the Davis-McCann Center, 15 North 14th Street, Murphysboro, and the concert begins at 7:00PM at The Historic Liberty Theater. Tickets may be purchased from any band member, or by calling Williams at (618)684-3041, extension 2224, during school hours.
Those jazz enthusiasts who wish to attend only the concert at The Historic Liberty, will find ticket donations at $6.00 at the door.
The combined High School and Middle School Jazz bands will stage 39 members, who have a history of excelling at both state and national competition, bringing home numerous Superior ratings.
Coulter's impressive background includes lectureships in percussion, improvisation, and jazz studies at Southern Illinois University and John A. Logan College, international tours, hundreds of appearances with music greats like Glenn Miller and Harry James Bands, and with such artists as Al Martino and Marvin Hamlisch.
Admission for movies by donation and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All proceeds go to support the ongoing restoration and maintenance of the Theater. Popcorn, candy and cold drinks, only $1 each! Come to the Liberty for old time enjoyment!
Support the Liberty!
To assist in bringing the theater back to its former glory, The Historic Liberty Theater Board has developed The Historic Liberty Theater Fund to help pay for renovations. As a 501(c)(3) corporation, your donation to The Historic Liberty Theater is considered a charitable contribution and you can be assured that your contribution will be spent on projects associated with the renovation of the Theater. Contributions can be mailed to "The Historic Liberty" Theater Fund, PO Box 1603, Murphysboro, Illinois 62966.