Venues
Events
VideoMusic
A Big Night Out in Montclair
New Jersey’s Wellmont Theatre is an entertainment force to be reckoned with
Morrissey brings his new tour to the Wellmont Theatre on March 16
| | More
Twenty miles from downtown Manhattan, there’s a new neighborhood synonymous with live music—Montclair, New Jersey. Formerly a movie triplex, the Wellmont Theatre’s history is one of performance and film. The Wellmont opened in 1922 as a live-act venue, but succumbed to the popularity of the movies by 1929. Bought and sold throughout the decades, the theater’s art deco beauty was obscured by wall dividers and multiple movie screens.
Last year, new owners put three million dollars into restoring the theater’s 1920s glamour. They are partners Montclair Entertainment and Bowery Presents, the people staking a substantial claim on New York City’s live-music territory, including but not limited to The Bowery Ballroom, The Music Hall of Williamsburg and The Mercury Lounge.
The venue features a 1000-seat balcony and tiered flooring on the orchestra level. That’s a 2000+ seating capacity. And, similar to its sister venues, The Wellmont features three bars, so count on getting a beer when you want one. Also, acts that sell out in Manhattan may not be sold out at the Wellmont (as was the case with Morrissey’s March tour at press time). The Wellmont offers an old grandeur absent in most Manhattan music venues, and the ticket price generally makes up for the travel cost. Arrive early and check out some of Montclair’s much-touted dining options.
Getting to Montclair from Manhattan can be a challenge with public transport, so carpooling is the best option. If not, take NJ Transit to weekday shows or, on weekends, the #33 DeCamp bus from the Port Authority. When taking public transit to New Jersey, always be mindful of the last departure returning to the city.
Since its late October reopening, the Wellmont has featured everything from The Backstreet Boys to The Decemberists, Brian Wilson to Duran Duran. Here are some upcoming shows you shouldn’t miss:
Lucinda Williams (March 7): Maybe due to her infamous perfectionism, Lucinda Williams manages to avoid the triteness of her alt-country compatriots. Her detailed lyrics elucidate love and loss. Her music is tightly executed, earning her a place as one of the best recording artists working today.
Morrissey (March 16–26): The former Smiths front man and current king of lonely hearts brings his new tour to the Wellmont. The boy-with-the-thorn-in-his-side’s shows are worth attending for the audience’s exaltation alone.