Lambertville Music Hall to hold initial concert series in New Hope

By Charlie Sahner

Lambertville Music Hall will hold its initial production at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope Oct. 3-13.
 
The concert series will feature artists Travis Tritt, Ginger Baker, Ana Popovic, Joan Osborne, Casey Abrams, Eddie Money, and musical groups Jefferson Starship and Well Strung, among others. Music clinics, a comedy night, and a local talent search will round out the series.

“We are really excited about producing this event for the community and being able to showcase the extensive local talent at this concert series, said Tanya Cooper, President of the Bridge Street Foundation, which oversees the Lambertville Music Hall and Bucks County Playhouse. “This series is just as much about the community as it is about the performances,” she added.

The Lambertville Music Hall on July 10 withdrew its application to begin renovation and construction of its namesake venue in the former Baptist church on Bridge Street amid some resistance.

In a letter obtained by this publication dated June 12, the owner of Lambertville’s famed Hamilton’s Grill Room restaurant exhorts readers to “fight to save the Lambertville we all know and love.”
A chief concern discussed in the letter was parking: “Music Hall patrons will monopolize parking to the detriment of local businesses and restaurants,” it was asserted.

“Quality of life” was another theme of the document, which said, “We live and work in Lambertville because of the atmosphere — beauty, tranquilty and small town ambience. How will this be impacted by the club scene — a music hall open daily with dancing serving alcohol until 2 a.m.?”

The letter also questioned the impact of the proposed performing arts center on area real estate values. “There is a potential for a decrease in home and property values with the identification of Lambertville as a club destination.”

Music Hall organizers say the show will go on, both in terms of moving their main venue toward completion and in demonstrating to the community their value and quality as a performing arts resource.