The first ticketed event since the reopening of Jersey City’s historic White Eagle Hall housed a range of bands from newcomers Commonwealth, to more seasoned groups such as MoTHER and headliners Buckcherry. After undergoing a recent renovation, the folks at White Eagle Hall have been eagerly awaiting its reopening, as the hall had not been in business since 2003. The appreciation for the artistry of music is evident in the amount of detail that went into the reconstruction of the Jersey City landmark.
The Digest had the pleasure of attending the opening show festivities, taking in the sights and sounds of the nightlife around us. Upon arriving at the hall, it’s easy to see that the history of the building has been incorporated into the new design. The large stone steps lead up to tall red doorways topped by lunette windows. The open area vestibule splits off to the left where you can purchase the band’s merchandise or pick up tickets at will-call. Before entering guests receive two wristbands—depending on if you are of drinking age or not—as White Eagle Hall serves a variety of refreshing alcoholic beverages for enjoyment during the show. (If you fall into the nondrinkers’ category, there is also ice cold water provided on the house.
Sights & Sounds at WEH – Photo by Stephen Olker
The main stage room is spacious and breathable even as the hall begins to fill up with spectators. This allows one to comfortably dance the night away, even in close proximity to more static patrons. The Hall’s ambience is set by the LED lights surrounding the room that creep up the walls and shine down through gorgeous and intricate painted glass skylights (some of which are part of the building’s storied past).
The stage allows concert-goers to get close to their favourite artists and live the concert experience that White Eagle Hall promises to give. The venue also has many other places for you to get a great view besides the ground floor as the second level is a wrap-around balcony. Also on the second level is a back area with another refreshment station, set with windows spanning the back wall giving a spectacular view of Jersey City’s night sky. The refreshment room also features an ornate white statue reminiscent of an early 19th-century church steeple, much like the ones scattered around the historic Hudson County area.
The songs Buckcherry played were blasted through speakers controlled by state-of-the-art sound systems located in the sound booth between the ground floor and second level. This made for an amazing sounding show. The first ticketed event at the newly reopened White Eagle Hall was something to see and can only truly be experienced firsthand. You can learn more about the new White Eagle Hall as well as purchase tickets to upcoming shows on their website.
About the Author/s
Kelly Edgeworth has just recently dived into the world of professional online journalism with great enthusiasm. She has fresh takes on commonplace ideas and enjoys looking at topics on a person to person level.
