Premier of Newly Renovated Rosen PAC Features Performance by Aztec Two-Step Performing Simon & Garfunkel Songbook May 2

The newly renovated Rosen Performing Arts Center at the Wayne YMCA will make its debut May 2 as the Rosen PAC welcomes folk-rock duo Aztec Two-Step performing “The Simon & Garfunkel Songbook: An Evening of Songs & Stories.”

Long Island Music Hall of Fame archivist Tony Traguardo will narrate the performance, the first to grace the stage of the 408-seat theater since its facelift. The Rosen PAC will have larger seats and new carpeting in addition to the upgraded lighting and sound systems added last year.

“We’re proud to unveil the Rosen PAC’s new modern look and feel as we welcome Aztec Two-Step,’’ said Meryl Budnick, cultural arts director of the Wayne YMCA. “Folk-rock fans are sure to enjoy a moving experience listening to these talented artists in our beautiful, comfortable and intimate space.’’

Known for intelligent songwriting, dazzling acoustic lead guitar and inspiring harmonies, Aztec Two-Step has won numerous accolades since Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman teamed up 1972 after meeting at a Boston coffeehouse open mic night. They named themselves Aztec Two-Step after a Lawrence Ferlinghetti poem.

Fowler and Shulman have performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and appeared on “The David Letterman Show,” and they were featured in the PBS documentary, “No Hit Wonder.” The duo commemorated Aztec Two-Step’s 40th anniversary in 2012 by releasing their 10th studio album, “Cause & Effect.”

For nearly 40 years, the Rosen PAC (formerly the Rosen Theater) has hosted top-notch performances in an intimate setting. The name was changed last year to better reflect the venue’s vast offerings of plays, musicals, concerts and dance shows as well as the array of dance and acting classes for children, teens and adults, Budnick said. Off-Broadway shows and other production companies rent the theater for rehearsals, and it’s also available for meetings and conferences.

To help fund the renovation, the Rosen PAC launched the ‘Take Your Seat’ campaign, through which the public can buy a nameplate for a theater seat.

Tickets are available online now for the May 2 performance at the Rosen PAC or in person at 1 Pike Drive in Wayne. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. show and tickets are $26 in advance and $30 at the door. For more information call (973) 595-0100 or visit http://www.metroymcas.org/rosenpac. The Wayne Y is a member of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, the largest association of YMCAs in New Jersey with six branches.