The landmark center for the performing arts and arts education continues as one of the metropolitan area’s three best ticket-selling theater venues

(RED BANK – JAN. 8) The nonprofit Count Basie Theatre finished 2017 as New Jersey’s top ticket-selling theater venue, in a tally released by Pollstar, the official publication of the live events and concert touring industry.

The Basie sold more than 235,000 tickets in 2017, achieving a year-to-year increase of more than 10,000 tickets, and placing the historic landmark as the 24th best-selling venue of its size worldwide. It was the fourth consecutive year in which the historic theater has bested its previous attendance record.

“The communities in our region have once again shown their appreciation for diverse, quality programming,” said Izzy Sackowitz, the Basie’s Executive Vice President of Operations and General Manager. “The Basie’s mission is to serve persons of all backgrounds and interests, and growth suggests we’re accomplishing this.

The Pollstar accolade comes as the Basie experiences a multiyear trend that has seen ticket sales skyrocket nearly 85% since 2014, when Pollstar listed the Basie at No. 54 internationally, with sales of 127,459 tickets.

The Basie in September broke ground on its ambitious, $23 million capital campaign, which will see the facility grow its arts education and outreach programs, add a second performance space, and modernize its facilities to create a state-of-the-art, barrier-free experience for patrons and artists alike. Additional improvements to the stage and backstage areas will assure that the Basie continues to attract world-class talent for years to come.

“We are honored that Pollstar has recognized the Basie as the number-one theater in New Jersey for the second year in a row, and that once again we are among the top 25 giants on an international level,” said Basie CEO and President, Adam Philipson. “Now that we’ve also broken ground on what will become our second venue and the Jay and Linda Grunin Arts Education Building, we’re more focused than ever on the Basie’s mission of promoting the arts and arts education.”