August 03, 2010

The Jazz Man

The Jazz Man

The renovation of the Howard Theatre is set to start this month and from our recent conversation with Howard Theatre Restoration president Chip Ellis, everything is set to go.  One final element to be decided is the statue that will adorn the top of the new theater.  When the theater opened 100 years ago this month, a statue of Apollo playing the lyre stood at the apex of the Beaux-Arts Italian Renaissance façade, accompanying the other classical references in the building.

The theater renovation will restore the original look of the façade, but the statue of Apollo, now long gone, will be replaced with a statue, The Jazz Man, pictured above.

The statue will be constructed of metal and lit internally with LEDs. The Apollo statue referred to an ancient era and the new statue will refer to the Jazz Age. We can’t move forward without looking back.

What do you think of the statue design?

Categories: Howard Theatre, Uncategorized
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5 Replies

  1. “The statue will be constructed of metal and lit internally with LEDs.” IIf its metal, how do you see the lights? And if you see the lights, especially LEDs, it could be horribly bright and gaudy. I dig it in theory, but am a bit concerned with the actual product…

    dano - August 4, 2010 @ 8:38 am
  2. +1

    Seems very out of place with this building

    2nd Street NW - August 4, 2010 @ 9:03 am
  3. I’d have to see it to really have a comment on it. Something like this is hard to judge in drawings. I think a jazz performer would be most appropriate, although I think Apollo would be just as good to keep.

    Flagler Pl NW - August 4, 2010 @ 10:04 am
  4. i think it has potential, as long as it’s not too gaudy.

    but if it’s blue LEDs, i wouldn’t be too much of a fan.

    IMGoph - August 6, 2010 @ 9:04 am
  5. I just want them to get on with this project. And eliminate the eyesore, and the persistent loitering, public urination, trash bumping and other illicit activities that block is “famous” for.

    Paul - August 6, 2010 @ 10:20 am

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