Port Chester’s legendary Capitol Theatre has revealed its plans to honor another legend, the late Phil Lesh, renowned bassist of the Grateful Dead. Lesh, who passed away in October of last year, has a special relationship with the venue, playing in more than 100 shows there since it reopened in 2012. Now he will have a section of Port Chester named after him in perpetuity. Capitol Theatre has announced it will honor his legacy by renaming the corner of Westchester Avenue and Broad Street to Phil Lesh Lane.
Broad Street holds special significance as home to The Capitol Theatre’s “Door 12” stage door – the same entrance Lesh used for all 106 performances at the venue since 2012 and the spot where his tour bus was regularly parked. Lesh’s deep ties to the Port Chester have been recognized over the years: he received the Key to Port Chester and was named an Honorary Firefighter by the Port Chester Volunteer Fire Department. Now, with Phil Lesh Lane, the community is solidifying his legacy with a permanent landmark.
“Phil was like a father to the Capitol, and performed there more times than any other musician in the theater’s history. We are thrilled that he will now be with us, on the same street, for every show the theater has moving forward, forever.”
~ Peter Shapiro, Capitol Theatre owner
The renaming will officially take place on on March 14, 2025 at 4:00 p.m., in celebration of what would be the bassist’s 85th birthday the following day. This kicks off a four-night celebration at The Capitol Theatre honoring Phil Lesh known as Unbroken Chain: A Celebration of the Life and Music of Phil Lesh. The shows are set to feature his son, Grahame Lesh, and grandson Levi, alongside an all-star lineup. Support during the four-show run includes: Rick Mitarotonda, Eric Krasno, Oteil Burbridge, Jason Crosby, John Molo, Jennifer Hartswick, Jackie Greene, Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams, Steve Molitz, Warren Haynes, Jimmy Herring, and Rob Barraco.
The venue shared in a statement as the concerts were announced, “Phil’s heartfelt wish was for his music to live on through his family, friends, fellow musicians, and fans. We look forward to gathering with you all to connect and celebrate in Phil’s honor.”
Tickets for the Phil Lesh tribute are currently on sale at the Capitol Theatre box office, with the March 14th and 15th shows already selling out.
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