The Liberty Theater has a new lease on life – for at least the next 10 years. That’s the length of the lease that Ron Gallucci has on the downtown Puyallup theater.
Gallucci and his wife, Treia, the owners of Tacoma-based Gallucci’s Catering Co., took over the nearly 600-seat theater in May. They’ve moved their commercial kitchen operation into the Liberty and are keeping the house lights on with concerts, weddings, auctions, plays and parties.
Tonight, the theater is presenting a show with Magic Carpet Ride – a band composed of former members of Steppenwolf – and local bands Roman Holiday, The Bard & The Liar, and Sin Circus.
Ron Gallucci said the Liberty opportunity came at the perfect time for his company.
“I was looking for a place to move to. This became available. It was a natural fit for us,” Gallucci said.
He thinks the partnership will be beneficial for both him and the community.
“We have this wonderful theater that was built in 1924 and sits in downtown Puyallup and we have wonderful things going on there,” he said.
Glen Bui is the concert promoter for the theater. It’s not an accident that Magic Carpet Ride is on tonight’s bill – Bui is a member. He played guitar in Steppenwolf in the early 1980s. Other members include Mike Setzer, Donn Garrett, Danny Ironstone, Scott Kasper and Bosco.
“We’re not a tribute band,” Bui said. “We specialize in performing the music of Seppenwolf with former members.”
Going forward, Bui will be promoting national touring bands and comedians. By spring he expects at least one show a month of that caliber with local shows filling in the gaps.
“It’s got the sound, Gallucci’s food and a full-service bar. It’s been beautifully maintained.”
In an industry where food is rarely a selling point, the Liberty stands out.
“I’ll put my food up against anybody’s. That’s why were doing over 250 weddings a season,” Gallucci said.
In addition to Magic Carpet Ride, tonight’s show will feature:
Puyallup-based pop rock band Roman Holiday. “I heard them at Meeker Days and I fell in love with them. They remind me of an early U2,” Bui said.
The Bard & The Liar, also pop rock. “They have a lot of talent and put on a phenomenal performance,” Bui said.
Sin Circus, made of Puyallup High School students. “They are more hard rock. They are debuting original music,” Bui said. Two of the members, Derek and Devon Unger, are the sons of Metal Church bass player Steve Unger.
Magic Carpet Ride
Who: Former members of Steppenwolf and special guests
When: 8 p.m. today
Where: Liberty Theater, 116 W. Main St., Puyallup
Tickets: $15, all ages until 11 p.m.
Information: 253-845-5105, thelibertytheater.com
craig.sailor@ thenewstribune.com 253-597-8541
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