100% of every donation directly funds the ongoing operations of West Side Arts Un Limited, the 501(c)3 behind The New State project, and the extensive redevelopment of the property at 2612 W. State St.
Thank you for your support!
Our team is always looking for people with the time and passion to help out! From cleaning to flyering to helping run events, volunteers like you are the driving force behind The New State!
Thank you for your help!
Join Friends of the State Theater
Back in the 1970s and 1980s the West Side of Milwaukee had a small rock club called the Electric Ballroom and then later The Palms. This gritty and grungy club featured cutting-edge music of the day. Performers like Cheap Trick, U2, AC/DC, The Police, and the Talking Heads graced the stage. This club gave little-known emerging artists a chance to perform and hone their skills as performers. It also gave Milwaukee a chance to see some of the greatest rock bands that ever played. The Palms is long gone, but the State Theater still stands. Shuttered for the last 25 years, the building had a fire and was slated for demolition. A group of local preservationists, developers and music fans got together to purchase and save the theater. Now is the time to start rebuilding this historic theater into a true community resource that will help to strengthen the performing arts in Milwaukee for many years to come.
The New State is a community-driven historic renovation of the former State Theater at 27th and State Street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The New State will become a "music hub" focusing on emerging artists with a 400+ seat performance venue, state-of-the art production studios, a retail storefront for performers, and a caring non-profit dedicated to delivering instruction and mentoring. This historic renovation will help young artists turn their dreams, talents, and ambition into music industry careers and life-long success. Young people from Milwaukee will have a vibrant place to hone their skills in the music industry in a productive working environment.
We need your help. Become a Friend of the State Theater. Your gift will help save this great piece of Milwaukee music history and transform this long dormant building into a vibrant economic catalyst. Joining the Friends is easy. There are several levels so anyone can help. By joining now you will become a Founding Member of the Friends of the New State. Your support is critical and all memberships are charitable donations to West Side Arts, Unlimited, a not-for-profit organization.
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