MONTCLAIR, NJ (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Promoter Live Nation has signed an exclusive booking contract with the historic Wellmont Theatre, taking over from Bowery Presents, who've booked the venue since it re-opened in 2006.
According to Baristanet, Live Nation's efforts at the Wellmont will be led by Sean Striegel and Jason Stone and Live Nations Club and Theatre division. Live Nation will be looking to expand on bookings at the venue.
First opened in 1922, the Wellmont first served as a live theatre, before shifting to cinema in 1929. It shuttered in 2006 and then underwent a $3 million rehab that turned it back into a live entertainment venue with a 2,500 (approximately 1,800 for seated shows.)
In a recent letter to the Montclair Times, a representative for Bowery Presents wrote: "When The Bowery Presents was given the opportunity to bring live entertainment back to the historic Wellmont Theater, we could not have been more excited. Working through renovations, sound systems, getting to know our neighbors and the local scene has been a joy over the last four years. We took the responsibility and charge seriously and have worked really hard to bring the best of the best – from Stephen Colbert and Chelsea Handler to Elvis Costello, Bill Maher and Sarah Silverman, to LCD Soundsystem, Wilco, Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, to Yo Gabba Gabba!, The Decemberists, Jane's Addiction, to Tony Bennett and the Moody Blues to The Wellmont Theatre.
"We were even lucky enough to host local fundraisers for the Montclair Film Festival and REED Academy, always with our Essex County neighbors in mind. It's how we run our business. It is part of our DNA. From the State Theatre in Portland to Union Transfer in Philadelphia to venues along the East Coast, we understand local communities and their sensibilities. And we are extremely proud of what we have accomplished at The Wellmont Theatre." – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
