FOXBORO

Musicians ranging from Peter Frampton to alternative rockers The Gin Blossoms and jazz legend Dave Brubeck will be among early performers at Showcase Live! a first-of-its kind live entertainment venue being built jointly by the National Amusements theater chain and the Kraft Group.

"We're looking for a unique VIP entertainment experience where everyone who comes will be treated like a star," said Shari Redstone, president of National Amusements and a close friend of the Kraft family headed by New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft. Kraft, his son Jonathan, along with Patriots coach Bill Belichick and players Larry Izzo and Tedy Bruschi were among the stars at a media roll-out of the project Tuesday at Gillette Stadium.

The theater, which has a capacity of 500 seated patrons or 1,000 for standing-only attractions, is expected to open in mid-August. Singer Chaka Khan kicks things off with an appearance Aug. 18.

The two-story venue will have specialized VIP seating as well as a 52-foot long bar along with a state-of-the-art sound and production facilities, according to a video shown during the presentation. Redstone presented the Krafts with souvenir Showcase Live! leather jackets as well as a custom guitar emblazoned with a New England Patriots theme.

The live theater will complement a 14-screen deluxe movie theater planned at the site by National Amusements. A spokesman said the facility would be unique in New England and be comparable in size and amenities to some of Las Vegas's most exclusive showrooms. "When we were planning Patriot Place, we wanted to make everything as special or unique as possible," said Bob Kraft. "There will be nothing in the New England region like the concept that Shari has just described."

"You haven't seen anything like this, and we can't wait to open it up," Jonathan Kraft said.

Entertainment for the new venue is being booked by Blue Note, the company which owns and operates the BB King's restaurants. Showcase Live announced an "opening lineup" of 13 shows beginning in late August but officials eventually hope to have shows or private functions on most nights throughout the year.

In addition to public music and comedy programs, the club would also be available for business meetings. On days when the Patriots are playing home games, a limited number of VIP memberships would allow football-minded users a chance to watch and enjoy the game on large screen TV while enjoying a fancy cocktail or to relax in a more civilized environment.

Kraft Group spokesman Stacey James said the location could potentially be used for intimate, extra performances with major acts that are scheduled to play at Gillette Stadium.

Bruschi, a self-proclaimed jazz aficionado, praised the intimate setting of Showcase Live, while Izzo promised plenty of "Laraoke" in the months to come.

Scott Bernstein, vice president of Marketing for Dedham-based National Amusements, said the company wants to present the best music available including formats ranging from bluegrass to hip hop and jazz, along with big name comedy acts.

Shows announced so far include Aug. 18, Chaka Khan; Aug. 20 , Boyz II Men; Aug. 26, Squeeze; Aug. 29, Savion Glover, Sept. 12, Peter Frampton; Sept. 18, Average White Band; Sept. 20, The Gin Blossoms; Oct. 4, David Grisman and John Sebastian; Nov. 21, Al Green, Dec. 5, Johnny Winter; Dec. 6, Dave Brubeck; Jan 8, 2009, Edwin McCain; Feb. 20, Isaac Hayes.

Redstone said ticket prices have not yet been set. LAUREN CARTER, a Sun Chronicle correspondent, contributed to this report.