The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, formerly known as The Temple, has hosted some legendary entertainers over the years. After a reboot in 2006, the BCPA is marking a 10th anniversary this week. (Photo courtesy of BCPA)

It’s a venue where such world-renowned legends as Duke Ellington and the Boston Pops Orchestra once performed. It later entered a new era — one that is reaching a decade-old milestone this weekend.

Before gearing up for the upcoming fall season, organizers with the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts are reflecting on the past 10 years of performances, which will be showcased during a retrospective, “A Toast to 10,” this Friday, Sept. 16.

Although the building housing its programs has far deeper roots that are linked to the Scottish Rite Players, Bloomington Symphony and the Passion Play, the BCPA gained its footing in fall 2006 after a more than five-year effort to restore The Temple — the name once associated with the BCPA facility.

At the turn of the century, a cultural district commission and other civic-minded organizers within the community had hopes of broadening the array of arts programs in the Bloomington-Normal area. In the ensuing years, that goal was met as BCPA began offering theatrical performances, concerts, comedy acts and other entertainment.

Tina Salamone, who has been BCPA’s director for two-and-a-half years, said the BCPA has a number of attributes that set it apart from comparable facilities in the U.S.

“Ten years is a pretty big deal for a performing arts center,” Salamone said. “A lot of them struggle with expenses and some have to close down. But this is a place where the community supports the arts, and the city of Bloomington has been a tremendous partner.”

Over the years, the community’s support has been demonstrated by the passage of a quarter-cent sales tax, approved by the Bloomington City Council in 2000, to fund the $15 million Temple facility, which was showing its age at the turn of the century.

The theater at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. (Photo courtesy of BCPA)

BCPA and other cultural facilities in the city receive about $1.5 million annually through the tax, which will be a lifeline through at least 2025.

In addition to community support, Salamone said Bloomington has another element working in its favor — geography and transportation infrastructure — that she hopes to incorporate into future planning efforts.

“We’re by three different interstates,” Salamone said. “People might not know this, but there are a lot of mainstream pop artists passing right by us all the time as they go to shows in bigger cities. Why not have them stop here?”

But alongside the big names, the heart and soul of the BCPA — the local talent — has and will continue to remain an important part of the menu of offerings, Salamone said.

This year’s season, for instance, includes such nationally known names as Louie Anderson and the Oakridge Boys. Those concerts are augmented by local theatrical shows and similar performances that offer a spotlight to local artists.

“There’s so much talent right here,” Salamone said. “We want to be able to give them the space they need.”

Although she has big plans for BCPA’s future, Salamone said there is one aspect that is unwavering in her approach toward running the facility. As a venue within a mid-size community, Salamone said she is able to take residents’ feedback into account.

“We put out a call for feedback very regularly,” Salamone said. “I look into every suggestion. What I’m trying to do is make it very clear that there’s a place for everybody at the table. We want to reach a cross-section of people.”

Celebrating 10 Years

WHO: Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts organizers

WHAT: A Toast to 10 retrospective with area actors, dancers and musicians

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16

WHERE: BCPA, 600 N. East St., Bloomington

COST: $30

INFORMATION: visit www.cityblm.org or call (309) 434-2787

— Bloomington arts center begins 10th season with big hopes —