wellmont theatre

We discovered the theater in 2013, and been back at least 2 more time. Love the venue. Love that is a small venue. We had seen Matchbox 20, Bad Religion, and recently Billy Idol. The shows are amazing. The area is just gorgeous, and parking was pretty good in the parking garage.

I see a lot of Rock and Metal shows around the world. This is a great venue for this. They packed in over 5000 for the Slayer, Exodus and Suicidal Tendencies show. That has got to be about almost twice capacity, well over what the fire code show have allowed. It was wall to wall top to bottom. The sound was good. The transformation to a concert venue was a good idea for this place. I would go there again for a show with out a doubt.

Been to the Wellmont numerous times, just not so much lately since it seems like all the metal bands are going to the Starland. Have to say that the sound system is much improved since Live Nation took it over. I go to shows that are primarily GA and the Wellmont has a most generous floor space where you can get close to the action or hang off to the side to see the show without getting involved in a mosh pit.There are plenty of bars and the upstairs contains seats if you don't feel like standing all night.Parking is the only negative with the Wellmont. There is a parking garage a few blocks away, but if you don't get a spot in there then you have to find something on the street.

The SHOW: This was my first time at the Wellmont and my first time seeing Jethro Tull in concert. We had a seat in the upper balcony, the view was great, since this is really a small place, and the sound was also great. I can imagine that a hard rock band could make this a very noisy place, but that was not the case with Jethro Tull. The first set before the break to go and ‘diddly do’ was mostly from Homo Erraticus or newer stuff, but much to the delight of those in attendance it ended with a great rendition of Thick as a Brick.After the break, most of the songs were from the traditional Jethro Tull songlist. Based on the reactions of the audience, this is what most of folks came to hear, including me. That set included Teacher, Songs from the Wood, Living in the Past, Auqalung (had the fans standing), with an encore presentation of Locomotive Breath. The only favorite of mine that I do remember them doing was Cross Eyed Mary. In all, a great concert.The Theater: IT IS OLD, there is a net on the ceiling and walls to stop the plaster from falling on patrons. There was a backdrop screen behind the band, that was showing videos and scenes from old concerts, I am not sure if it was because of where we were sitting, but those rear projections were all washed out, and not very clear, but not that big of a deal for this concert. I have heard that parking could be an issue, but on a Monday night, and a little after 7, I was able to find street parking within two blocks. My wife and I do not have long legs and are not that tall (5’3’’ and 5’8”) so the leg room was OK. The seats were not the best, but not the worse. Almost everyone that stayed in their seats and did not have to ‘diddly do’ chose to stand up and stretch during the break /interval.Given the right band, I would choose to come back here again.

I think the most important thing in a theater is the comfort of the seat you will be in for the two hours or more of your visit. The Wellmont fails terribly in this aspect. The seats are like folding chairs that are chained together and are way too small for an average sized adult. It is very uncomfortable and that was the primary factor for the poor rating. Try to buy an aisle seat if you weigh more than 195 lbs. If you go in a group of adults and several of large framed good luck. That said the show I saw did offer acceptable sound quality. The best thing the Wellmont offers is a beautiful interior. The sculptings on the walls and ceiling are incredibly detailed and very beautiful. If not for the interior beauty above, and the fact the sound was good, I would be hard pressed to give more than one star due to uncomfortable seating.

I attended the Lecrae concert at the Wellmont Theratre. It was a great show by Lecrae, Andy Mineo, and DJ Promote. I seat in the first row of the seating section which was a great location for me. The VIP section was seating room only. Therefore I believe the theatre was set up for young people who like to jump around. The chair the I sat in was connected to the adjoining chairs. Their were no arm rest. So I could not get very comfortable. The sound system and light system were very good. I would come again. Next I will come one hour after the doors open so I would not be forced to stand outside for an extended period of time.

I love the Wellmont Theatre (with some qualifications, of course!) We used to go there during one of its previous incarnations, when it was used as an art cinema. It's a gorgeous historic building dating back to the days of vaudeville, when going out was a special event and movie palaces that looked like Egyptian temples were in vogue. When it was the movie theater it had a funky, underwater smell and pieces of it always seemed to be slip-sliding away (especially the ceiling). Later owners renovated and it looks even better now, though there always seems to be some kind of net hanging under that pesky flaky ceiling. Be sure to look up, though, when you visit, to admire the deco-y ornateness of it all. I love the idea of the Wellmont. It's a perfect venue for smaller, more intimate performances from bands you want to see up close. We were there most recently for Chris Isaak (if you've never seen him, by all means go!) and it was well-suited for his semi-baroque rockabilly crooner style (flashy sequined cowboy suits and all). There are a couple of ongoing problems with the Wellmont, though. One is that the sound can be wonky and weird things happen. At the Isaak concert, the band's mikes all went down at once (fortunately, it was during the encore) and Isaak and his did a quick 'save' by launching into a robust a capella tune. But of course, they shouldn't have had to. Other times when we've gone to shows here, we could barely hear what the performers were singing as the sound was muddy and diffuse. The seats are also quite uncomfortable. The folding chairs they use in front hurt, and the balcony seats are semi-padded back-crushers. The other problem is that the Wellmont doesn't present many acts I have a great desire to see. The prices are relatively high and many of the performers are 3rd-stringers or cover bands that I don't have much interest in. Well, I never have any interest in cover bands, really. The Wellmont management/s charge too much for the privilege of seeing people I'm indifferent to in the first place, or offer up bands I would have paid full price to see 25 years ago (maybe), but not now. So I don't go to many concerts there, even though the place is 5 minutes from where I live. If they offered concerts/events/performers worth the price of admission, I'd be there all the time. I've heard the place is for sale or will be operating under yet another management team, so who knows what will happen in the future. I'd hate to see it go under--I just wish someone could get it right.

The sound has been weird at times but for the most part this venue is a pretty sweet one to see a show. No matter where you're seated or standing, you should be able to see the stage clearly.

I love this old theater and I am so glad it's been given a second life. It's conveniently located, and there are tons of great restaurants all around the neighborhood. Great place to see a show!

I had the misfortune of attending Steven Wright comedy last night at the Welmont. He was great, ( you have to be a fan) but the balcony seats were so uncomfortable I was hoping for an early ending.

We went to the Wellmont to see the English Beat. Much to our surprise it was the 4th band to play. The first three had little in common with the English Beat and the amplification was incredibly loud. I had tried earlier in the day to call the theater to find the time the show started and there is no way to talk to a live person. We had enjoyed previous trips to the Wellmont, but no more. We won't be back.

This theater gives live performances/concerts in the Montclair NJ. Parking is easy because there are many public lots in Montclair, and pre-post theater dining is easy because of the number of restaurants in walking distance.

liked the concept of presenting 60s rock but artists were the original singers well past their prime, now mostly off key and should retire with their fame and not downgrade themselves. Better if young groups performed their hits in tune for them . Theatre needs cleaned or refurbished as carpets heavily stained. Bathrooms were fresh and clean.Location good but street parking, as usual in Montclair, always difficult.

I live a few hundred yards from the theater, so what's not to love. Well...I did like when re-entry was allowed after intermission, especially living so close. The historic theatre is pretty cool having been restored a few years back. However it is a big space that still needs some work and upgrades to be mentioned with the pinnacle of small theater venues, Peter Shapiro's Capitol Theater in Port Chester, NY. The Wellmont's new management has made some improvements and should continue to use the Capitol as their role model venue. Overall the place is still great to see a show, especially on the floor. I have seen a dozen shows there and have never been disappointed. The most important thing for the Wellmont is to get the right mix of acts/bands for the community we share. Montclair Center is an awesome place to stroll, shop, dine and see a show at the Wellmont Theatre. Try any of the the following restaurants on show day, Faster Food: Ahh Pizzz (Artisan Pizza), Elevation Burgers & Shakes & Mancini's Coal Oven Pizza. Center City Staples: Cuban Pete's, Leone's & Raymond's. Finer Dining: Fresco (Italiano), Fin(Fish/Raw Bar) & Mesob (Ethiopian) . Pub Fare and Beer: Egan and Son's (Brew Pub/Restaurant) & Just Jake's ( Live Music Late). Secret Stash: Next Door & Samba (Brazilian), Sushi Hana . and many many more on Montclair's Restaurant Row.

Vistied here for the first time. This is an awesome little regional theater. The acoustics were great, seating comfortable, easy in/out. Seating arrangement was good and the crowd were into the show. Security was good but not too oppressive for a passionate audience. Parking was expensive for a regional at $20.