The Recher To Open As Coronavirus Restrictions Are Lifted: Report

Elizabeth Janney
·2 min read

TOWSON, MD — During a pandemic may not seem like an opportune time to plan a venue that would draw crowds, but that is just what is happening in Towson. A comeback is in the works for the Recher Theatre, which shuttered in 2013 to make way for Torrent nightclub.

Now its owners and concert promoter are orchestrating the revival of the York Road destination under the name The Recher.

The plan is to open The Recher as a 650-seat music hall for jam bands, indie rock and Americana, according to concert industry trade publication Pollstar.

In the years since the Recher Theatre closed, it has become clear that "the model is broken," Paul Manna told Pollstar in an article published Tuesday. Manna, who owns concert promotion company 24-7 Entertainment, said Baltimore's live shows have declined in number since larger entertainment companies have taken over control of the area's venues.

When the Recher Theatre was starting out, Manna handled bookings — with local and national talent — and it was his idea to launch the revitalization effort, the Baltimore Sun reported.

A stage would need to be installed but otherwise only minimal updates are needed in the Torrent space on York Road, co-owner Brian Recher told the Sun.

Pollstar said the venue could open as soon as larger gatherings are permitted, maybe in September. The Sun projected an opening around October. Currently the governor's order on gatherings states theaters where live music or motion pictures are shown must remain closed.

Whenever large gatherings are permitted, The Recher would open, and Towson Tavern would provide catering, Pollstar reported, stating the setup would be like The Birchmere in Alexandria, Va., or City Winery in D.C.

Award-winning chef and Towson native Brigitte Bledsoe oversees food operations for the Towson Tavern, The Rec Room and Torrent, and she would handle the cuisine.

Bledsoe was laid off from Miss Shirley's during the coronavirus shutdowns and had been offered her job back, but she told the Baltimore Sun she was looking for something different, met the Rechers and that was that.

"In such a crazy time for the country," Recher told the Sun, "everything is falling into place."

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This article originally appeared on the Towson Patch