Hailing Webster Hall

These days people tend to complain about Webster Hall more than they praise it. The drinks are expensive (even a water will set you back 4 bucks), the shows are too early and the nightclubs below the venue's main room are hopping with the B&T crowd. On the other hand, the stage has hosted some great bands, and the lighting always looks nice...so it may just be time to pay some respect to the place as it gets one step closer to being Landmarked.

Built in 1886 by architect Charles Rentz, Webster Hall became one of the country’s first modern nightclubs. Located on 11th Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues, its website boasts “It was where the original bohemians, like Emma Goldman, Marcel DuChamp and Margaret Sangor, created unique costume balls to benefit nascent social and political causes.” Rumored to be owned by Al Capone, the law averted its eyes to many of the illegal undertakings occurring inside...especially during Prohibition when it operated as a speakeasy.

It wasn't until the 1950s that the venue began regularly hosting musical acts -- something that continued even when it was known as The Ritz in the 1980s. After that six year stint, the four Ballinger brothers (Canadian club owners with deep pockets) completely restored the building (down to the original color schemes), along with the Webster Hall name. Today, Landmarks Commissioner Robert Tierney is calling the Hall a "major architectural treasure." So perhaps even our children's children will be able to one day enjoy Ladies Night, as The Landmarks Preservation Commission will be holding a public hearing determining if it should gain Landmark status on October 30th. Check out this panorama to get a good look at the place...we think those walls tell enough New York stories to deserve Landmark status.

Photo via ichabod's flickr.

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By Jen Carlson in Arts & Entertainment, Miscellaneous on October 22, 2007 12:04 PM

Comments [rss]

J Lo Biafra

seriously...the roving beer man is a huge problem at bowery presents shows. i feel like i'm at a yankees game, but with more assholes.

MarygraceNYC

I loved the Ritz! It was a great place to hang. Perfect for my short attention span. So many floors to choose from. When it moved to Studio I saw Souxie & the Banshees there. Also pretty awesome. As Webster Hall yes still a great place to rock. Too hot? Always. Too dark? yes. Over priced? Of course. Download free passes on line.

But remember, it is not where you are, but who you are with.

maevemealone

The early shows threw me for a loop, I actually missed a concert I was dying to see bc all anyone would say is "doors open at 6". I didn't know then that they did early shows and couldn't believe a headliner would go on any earlier than 9:30, so that's when I got there. Just in time for the encore! I was pissed. All the phone number had was recorded info about the dance club. It would be nice to have some time range of performance besides "doors open". It always stresses me out playing that guessing game...And yeah, I guess that makes me old!

yakatori

wow, a half-way decent piece by jen carlson. must be a full-moon tonight.

Offbalance

Spoon, B&T isn't an address - it's a state of mind.

janelle

i don't mind the early shows, i'd rather not stand around to see a band (even one i love) going on at 1am. i'd rather be in bed by then. however, i'm agreed on the overpriced drinks, and also: the roving beer man? convenient maybe, but mostly disruptive during the show.

spoon

You kids sure do love to complain about things. Hell, I remember when it was the "Ritz" back in the day. And isn't B&T a bit passe at this point? Lou Reed (Long Island) and the Ramones (Queens) were bridge and tunnel. Traditionally, most of the talent does not live on Manhattan's lil island folks, that's where the rich people live.

Gibson78

It sounds like most of the commentators here are evaluating Webster Hall as a club, which I can't opine on. However, as a music venue, I agree with Jen. Forget the slightly higher than normal price gouging; the sound quality is top notch (Andrew Bird or Rodrigo y Gabriela this year, anyone?)and the astrological stuff on the walls and general molding as well as the lights are a cut above Irving Plaza and Bowery Ballroom. It's my favorite place to see a show for a venue that size in the city. (although I was impressed by the Highline Ballroom when I went there)

cmoney

uh, the of the term B&T crowd is meant to be elitist.

as for the crowd being old, are you referring to the bowery presents concerts? or the club? cause the only people who go to the club are the ones reliving the 90s.

the concerts are your standard hipster affair.

Kevin Bracken

My biggest qualm is the outrageous age minimums: 19+ on an 18+ night and 24+ on 21+ nights. What gives? Also, when they used to have raves there, they would still retain their "no sneakers" dress code. Ugh.

Otherwise, even though I am originally from Long Island, I can see why people wouldn't want to party with my fellow Long Islanders.

Conformity is the name of the game in the suburbs; urban areas cherish specialization and diversity and individuality, and c'mon guys, that's one of the reasons why cities are just better.

joshbousel

I cannot get over the fact that water is $5! They keep the hall warm, stuffy and crowded, forcing you to the bar to either pay $5 for relief that should be free, or pass out. I swear I have not been to one show there where I haven't seen someone pass out because of this disgusting practice to make more money.

Kojak

"B&T crowd" ...

Funny how you mention them in a negative light in this situation. Do I sense a hint of elitism?

The problem is that people who go there nowadays are too friggin old. (At least thats the feeling I got when I last went there). Other than that, its old and tired. Thats all.

smitty

Early shows are better during the week and on Sunday nights. It's lame when you go to a show at Bowery on a Sunday night and the headlining band goes on at 11pm, if you're lucky.