In an effort to draw a new audience, The Columbia Theatre showed Lamb of God’s much-anticipated rock documentary, “As the Palaces Burn,” on Feb. 28. This was the first movie in the Columbia’s cinema series held in the spring.

Last fall marked the first time the Columbia Theatre showed a movie in 20 years. A series of titles were chosen that made up their first cinema series in recent years. “As the Palaces Burn” was their first documentary in this series.

Before long, “As Palaces Burn,” the album, became the no.2 record in the country, had been nominated for four Grammy awards, sold over two million albums and released two platinum-selling DVDs. In an unexpected turn of events, the lead singer Randall Blythe was arrested in the Czech Republic and charged with the murder of a fan. The band’s future hung in the balance.

“There’s a huge metal band calling in the world and one of the things that we’re doing here at the Columbia is broadening our footprint,” said Roy Blackwood, interim director of Columbia Theatre. “Part of it certainly is to reach out to the college crowd and people of that age category. So this is a big deal, it’s a worldwide kind of an opening and we were fortunate to be selected to be a part of that.”

Peter Pfeil,Columbia Theatre associate director for operations and production, says the theatre will have surround sound for the full movie going experience.
“We have a concert PA system in the Columbia,” said Pfeil. “We’ll put in additional speakers and support the 5.1 surround sound.”

Although many peoplehave other devices in which to view movies, Pfeil felt “it’s great to be in an old theatre like the Columbia” and get that unique cinema feeling in front of the 28-foot, HD projection.

“This is a real commitment. It took a lot of money and equipment to be able to do this. This is not a casual commitment we make,” said Blackwood. “The Tangipahoa Parish Convention of Tourism Bureau gave us a generous gift and from part of that gift, we were able to invest in this equipment. They liked what they were seeing and they wanted to invest in what we’re doing here at Columbia. What we’re really trying to do is to serve the entertainment needs of the region and in doing so, we recognize that we need to serve a broad demographic, so the youth component is definitely a part of that.”

According to Blackwood, many people have been saying that they “would love to see movies at the Columbia again.” Pfiel said the Columbia used to be famous as a movie theatre and a performing arts center. As a result of the cinema series being a relatively new implement, attendance is building.

“I’m a long time Lamb of God fan. It’s gotten me through a lot. The band means so much to me,” said Daniel Schroeder of Baton Rouge. “It did a good job showing the story, but more than anything, it showed the humanity of the nature of the music.”

The next showing is Aerosmith’s “Rock for the Rising Sun” on Mar. 28 and Mar. 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Columbia Theatre. It will feature many classic tracks from Aerosmith’s career and songs from the shows throughout the tour. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

For more information about future showings and performances, visit the Columbia Theatre’s updated and more user-friendly website, columbiatheatre.org. Tickets can be purchased online, via phone at 985-543-4371 or in person at their box office located at 220 E. Thomas Street, Hammond, LA 70401.