Today we’d like to introduce you to Donald Joe.
Donald, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Amidst this pandemic, we at the Long Beach Scottish Rite took the time out to refurbish and rebrand our Event Center as the Cultural Centre. The reason for this is to promote our love for the arts and give our local community a place to embrace their love for the arts as well. The mission of the Scottish Rite Cultural Centre is to serve as a gathering hub to celebrate and expand the imagination through the arts, education, and entertainment.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road due to the age of the building and the availability to have workers come in to assist. Our saving grace is the fact that our Masonic Brotherhood and members of our community have come in and volunteered time and resources to assist us in getting our theatre and building cleaned and updated. The work still continues, but our struggles have been lessened because our mission has been accepted and appreciated.
Long Beach Scottish Rite Cultural Centre – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
For The Community By The Community
Built-in 1926 and designated Historical Landmark #8 by the City of Long Beach, we are located within the newly designated Arts District located near the beaches, airports, downtown shopping areas and civic centers. With an ample gated parking lot, 800 seat ornate theater and numerous other rooms, large and small, we are ideally suited for your next event.
In addition to inlaid floors that feature a winding marble staircase, our main foyer resembles the cross between a Spanish Villa and European Castle with a celestial ceiling to tie it all together.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I take pride with being entrusted by my Masonic Brothers to formulate a plan to rebrand our building by reaching out to the community. Small fruits of the labor has been seen through our community involvement such as drive-in movies or simply kids riding their bicycles in our parking lot. In a nutshell, I think my proudest moment for the Cultural Centre has yet to come. Stay tuned…
Contact Info:
- Address: 855 Elm Avenue
Long Beach 90813 - Website: https://www.lbculturalcentre.com/
- Phone: 5624363983 Ext 1337
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lbsr_cultural_centre/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LBSRCC
Image Credit:
Photo Credit J.A. Newman Productions
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