In 1979, Rockford’s Coronado Theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The Marx Brothers performed here. Frank Sinatra, George Gershwin and Louis Armstrong were also among countless others who played Rockford’s historic Coronado Theatre.

It was also the setting for countless movie outings for kids and adults alike. Over the years, the theatre has also played host to high school and college graduations, political rallies and community events.

The majestic theater was reborn in January 2001 following an $18.5 million renovation that restored it to an original grand style as a state-of-the-art performance and entertainment facility.

The Coronado opened on October 9, 1927 as an atmospheric style theatre and movie palace complete with the styles of Spanish castles, Italian villas, oriental dragons, starlit skies and a Grande Barton Pipe Organ.

In 1979, the Coronado was added to the National Register of Historic Places. At the dedication ceremony, it was referred to as one of the premiere theaters of its kind in the nation.

In 1980, the City of Rockford declared the Coronado a historic landmark.

After decades of use, the Coronado was given a new lease on life spearheaded by the Friends of the Coronado, a non-profit organization that spearheaded a 1999-2001 renovation.

On 1 July 2010, the Coronado Theater was voted “the No. 1 Architectural Wonder of the United States,” based on receiving the most votes in an AOL/U.S. Travel Association poll.

More than 40 events have been scheduled in 2015.

Next up is Jackson Browne on Friday. A Benny Goodman salute follows on Nov. 20 with the return of Rockford favorite sons Cheap Trick on Nov. 21.

—  Rockford’s historic Coronado Theatre has featured numerous big names —