This month, WRIC 8 News is honoring Black history and celebrating the rich diversity and achievements across central Virginia. The news outlet’s most recent celebration is the Hippodrome Theater which has cemented its roots in Richmond’s history.
About the Hippodrome Theater
The Hippodrome Theater is located in the Historic Jackson Ward neighborhood at 526 N 2nd Street, Richmond, VA 23219.
It was built in 1914. That means the theater has been housing entertainment in the Commonwealth for 110 years. It has showcased vaudeville acts, stage plays, movies, and a long list of Black musicians.
Hippodrome Theater owner Ron Stallings said:
“We probably have hosted well over 250,000 people since we’ve opened.”
According to Stallings, here is a short list of those who have performed at the Hippodrome.
“Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, James Brown, B.B. King, Thelonious Monk, Cab Calloway, The Platters, The Orioles, Temptations, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday and we just found out Dizzy Gillespie also played here.”