Sixty-eight years after its original launch, celebrated with a performance from Frank Sinatra and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, the Palladium is re-opening its doors. The art deco building, with a capacity of 4,000, will allegedly be returned to a state of appearance not unlike that at which it first opened in 1940, after being first designed by architect Gordon Kaufmann (who also designed the Los Angeles Times building).

When the venue closed its doors in the fall of 2007, it had finished hosting a series of Morrissey shows, cut short from its initially scheduled 10-day run due to a faulty water pipe at the venue. It was then that the Palladium began the renovation process, which had been planned for it well prior.

Included in these renovations are a revamped stage and dance floor, additional restrooms and wheelchair ramps and an expansion on its concessions options. After approximately $20 million in construction, a labor dispute and the arrangement of a fall roster, the Palladium is back in business.

To kick off the grand opening of the new Palladium, it’s presenting a performance with the oft-retired Jay-Z, who will be backed by a 12-piece band for a sold-out show tonight. To follow, the final months of 2008 will see the Palladium playing host to artists like the Kooks, of Montreal, Flogging Molly and, yes, the Jonas Brothers.

For more information, call (323) 962-7600.