Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn wants to help keep the historic Louisiana Princess Theatre on Prairie Street up and running for future generations to enjoy by hosting two events, a benefit concert and donor party, to raise funds and heighten appreciation for the special American venue.
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Located in Winnsboro in Franklin Parish, the Princess Theatre opened back in 1912 to host vaudeville acts. According to the Princess Theatre website, the organization morphed into a silent movie theater in 1925 were viewers would watch a story unfold while a pianist provided the live score to the film. The venue survived for decades before it closed in 1988, unable to compete with other movie theaters. Thankfully, the building's owner decided to gift the Princess Theatre to the citizens of Winnsboro in the early '90s, and the unique venue was able to reopen in 1994 to welcome new generations of patrons.
As a northern Lousiana native, Kix Brooks feels a special connection to the theatre in his home state. "Preserving venues like the Princess - which bring the arts to rural communities - is more important than ever," Brooks stated. "The arts inspire and institutions like this theatre provide a necessary public service and a convenient, affordable location to experience live entertainment."
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In order to keep the charming old Louisiana theatre afloat, Brooks has a two-night engagement, the Kickin' It With Kix fundraiser benefitting the Princess Theatre Foundation. On September 28, Brooks will headline a show at the Princess Theatre with tickets for $25 each. It appears the intimate performance has sold out, but room on the waitlist is available. The next day, Brooks will host guests out at his farm in Extension, La., about 20 minutes south of Winnsboro. Corporate and individual donors who give at levels between $1,500 to $15,000 will have a live auction and dinner at the farm including wine from Brooks's Arrington Vineyards label.
As part of the live auction, donors can grab meet-and-greet tickets to Brooks & Dunn's upcoming Vegas residency at Caesars Palace. Starting in mid-August, Reba & Brooks & Dunn Together will bring country music fans flocking to Las Vegas as the legends play at The Colosseum through mid-December.
