RBTL ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH ROCHESTER MUSIC HALL OF FAME AT WEST HERR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Rochester, NY (01/13/2025) – The Rochester Broadway Theatre League (RBTL) is excited to announce that the Rochester Music Hall of Fame (RMHF) will be the first new arts organization to take up residence at the West Herr Performing Arts Center (WHPAC), since its renaming and reimagining. The partnership will provide RMHF with permanent exhibition space for public viewing for the first time in its 15-year history.
As stated when RBTL acquired the entirety of the Auditorium Complex in 2023, the vision is to restore and revitalize the six floors of the historic West Herr Performing Arts Center, and create a new, multi-stage, mixed-use venue for community arts organizations. This is coming to life through the ongoing efforts of PROJECT RESTOURATION, which aims to secure a dynamic future for the arts in the Greater Rochester region, establishing a cultural legacy and inspiring generations to come. The Rochester Music Hall of Fame’s commitment to making use of creative space at the West Herr Performing Arts Center marks the beginning of realizing RBTL’s significant objective.
“A Performing Arts Center is a place to celebrate all of what we call the arts and entertainment, and the Rochester Music Hall of Fame is exactly the kind of presence that should be here and celebrated,” said Rochester Broadway Theatre League CEO and Board Chair, Arnie Rothschild. “Great musicians need a place where their talent and hard work can be honored, and RBTL hopes to provide that.”
RMHF recognizes those with ties to Rochester, whose talents, efforts, perseverance and creativity have contributed to the creation of musical excellence. To date, the Rochester Music Hall of Fame has inducted 68 local musicians, bands and industry professionals. By teaming up with RBTL, RMHF hopes to have a physical display at the West Herr Performing Arts Center by early 2026, highlighting its inductees through photographs, videos and music, as well as showcasing memorabilia from these exceptional artists.
“Rochester Music Hall of Fame is thrilled to have been invited to collaborate with Rochester Broadway Theatre League, as the West Herr Performing Arts Center opens its grand doors to arts organizations and the community,” said Jack Whittier, President of Rochester Music Hall of Fame Board of Directors. “This is a dream being realized, as we will now have a home to present exhibitions that celebrate the legacy of Rochester music and our inductees. We also look forward to music filling the magnificent performance spaces being uncovered and restored by RBTL, which is a major undertaking that we commend and enthusiastically support.”
“I applaud RBTL and Rochester Music Hall of Fame for coming together in celebration of Rochester’s rich musical heritage,” said RMHF and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Lou Gramm, whose impressive career with Foreigner was sparked at the Auditorium Theatre when he met Mick Jones backstage after a concert. “I look forward to having a front-row seat to the many experiences that evolve from this exciting collaboration.”
The partnership will also allow for the two organizations to further expand their arts education programs. RBTL currently offers several opportunities for local students in conjunction with its Touring Broadway shows, and RMHF board members regularly detail Rochester’s rich local music history and industry job possibilities to area youth. Discussions for collaboration are already underway, which will include theatre-going school groups to be immersed in the forthcoming exhibits.
The West Herr Performing Arts Center was already home to RBTL/West Herr Auditorium Theatre, A Magical Journey Thru Stages, the Rochester Theater Organ Society and the Rochester Musicians’ Association when RBTL acquired the Complex. RBTL is pleased to now welcome the Rochester Music Hall of Fame to the WHPAC arts and entertainment family!
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