Contributed by Kyla Woodard, Clay Today editor
Although the 1990s was a decade for a national revival of cinematic and musical experiences, there was also something grand brewing locally.
The Murray Hill Theater — a 1948 iconic staple on Edgewood Avenue, was once a single-screen cinema, showcasing the latest hits to grace Hollywood.
But, following its closure, a determined Tony Nasrallah would come along to transform the once-treasured venue into the neighborhood entertainment powerhouse that it is today.
Celebrating 30 years of faith, music and the community, the entire month of August was dedicated to remembering the legacy the theater has created. The stories it’s told, the emerging faith-based artists it has headlined and the 400,000-plus people that have watched from the audience.
Beginning Aug. 1, the 30 Bands in 30 Days Concert Series was nothing short of star-studded nights filled with a plethora of musical artists making their debut and grand return to the stage, including Five Iron Frenzy with Ghoti Hook, Bleach KeepWarm, DJ Scot Fre and Impending Doom.
The final show on Aug. 30 will feature Disciple with Kaliyl and Tricord Live.
Nasrallah said the theater created a new spin on local entertainment and is known as one of the nation’s longest-running Christian music venues.
Murray Hill Theater has been a venue for many significant acts over the past three decades.
Contributed photo
Abandoned and in need of dire repairs, Nasrallah came across the venue in 1994 after discovering that it was up for sale. He said the Murray Hill neighborhood, at the time, was riddled with crime, drugs and urban decline.
“There was a lot of illicit activity, prostitution, drugs, all sorts of things going on in the neighborhood, which really had a significant impact on some of the businesses,” he said.
Nasrallah said this resulted in its closure. And although there was a dark gothic club that lasted a few months, nothing really stuck. Growing up in the neighborhood and frequenting the theater, it was familiar to him. So, he purchased it and knew exactly what he was going to do.
“The vision I had was to create a live music and event venue that didn’t serve alcohol and that brought in faith-based, positive Christian bands. And to give youth, especially youth and young adults, a place to get off the streets and have fun without drugs and alcohol,” Nasrallah said.
Nasrallah, who grew up embroiled in a life of partying, said he could remember finding solace in going to a small coffeehouse located on the corner of Timuquana and Ortega Farms.
Murray Hill Theater has been a venue for many significant acts over the past three decades.
Contributed photo
“Every Friday night, they’d invite a Christian rock band. And as a 20-year-old, I went there, and it was just an awesome escape for me, an awesome alternative.”
His idea was to create that environment for other young people in the neighborhood who may be experiencing the same thing.
At that time, Nasrallah was also recovering from the lowest point he had ever experienced in his life — still coping with a tragic accident that severely injured his wife and killed his two young sons years prior, in 1987.
With the help of God, his church and the community, Nasrallah said he was able to heal. And with his wife doing better than ever, they had two more sons.
So, by the time he stood in front of that for-sale sign, and following a quiet church retreat, Nasrallah said his life was on the up. And remembering the solace that he found at the coffeehouse all those years ago inspired him.
Nasrallah said he knew the building would be a game changer for youth in the community. And he was going to see it through.
Fans celebrate at a recent Murray Hill Theater show.
Contributed photo
Fencing the parking lot, adding lights, sound system, extra seating, a snack bar and concession stand, Nasrallah said he transformed the space from the ground up.
And by Aug. 12, 1995, the nonprofit was ready to open.
The first concert ever held at the theater included the local aspiring Christian rock band Burning Heart. It was a free event with a couple of hundred people in attendance. Nasrallah said that show spawned free events every Friday and Saturday.
But the lack of donations caused them to begin charging small fees.
Nasrallah said the first concert they ever charged for was GRITS, a hip-hop band signed to the national label Gotee Records at the time. One member was from Jacksonville while the rest were from Nashville, Tennessee. The group reunited to perform at the Aug. 22 concert.
Other artists such as MercyMe, Relient K, KB, Tenth Avenue North and Switchfoot have also taken center stage, some even recognizing it as their career-starting platform.
And what began as a strictly Christian music venue, Nasrallah said, has now become diverse in the bands that perform, from rock and roll and hip-hop to heavy metal and punk rock.
“All the bands are either overtly faith-based or very positive, have at least a Christian worldview or stay away from the negative things,” he said.
The nonprofit has also since added comedy shows, swing dance nights and even rental options, further expanding its reach and influence.
From young to old, Nasrallah said the theater’s impact on the neighborhood over the past 30 years has been enormous. Stories of the lives changed, and the people encouraged continue to push Nasrallah to keep going.
“I think there have been many that their lives have been changed by coming here and then some have just found it as a great place to meet people and stay out of trouble. And get some encouragement in their faith.”
So, what’s next for the Murray Hill Theater. Lots of music, entertainment and community.
“We have stood the test of time by the grace of God and hopefully keep going. Even after I retire,” he said.
For information or to purchase tickets, go to murrayhilltheater.com.