ALLENTOWN, Pa. – There’s a new live entertainment venue in downtown Allentown. Proponents of Archer Music Hall say the project will attract more people and jobs to the downtown area.
“Allentown, it’s really a thriving community that, you know, thought it was really missing a 1,600-seat venue,” said Molly Warren, head of club programming for Live Nation.
At Archer Music Hall on Hamilton Street, memories are ready to be made.
“We can host special events. We really hope to just be an anchor for the community. We really want to connect the people of Allentown with all the different artists that can come out and really establish us as an integral part of the community,” says Maggie. Gessner, Head of Clubs for Live Nation.
It has a capacity of 1,600 people, various spaces, stage lighting and much more.
“We have built-in bars. We have portable ones,” Gessner says.
“Both of these spaces can be used for special events, bar mitzvahs, fundraisers, charity galas, etc.,” says Gessner.
There’s less hassle: “People in Allentown have had to travel a lot to see their favorite bands, and what we wanted to do is eliminate that process, bring the music closer to where people live,” says Warren .
But the distance from neighboring towns could also contribute to the success of the place.
“Being so close to Philadelphia, so close to New York, even Washington DC, Pittsburgh, we’re going to have an influx of artists who are going to be able to add it as a touring venue and then attendees as well,” Gessner says.
Over the course of the year, organizers plan around 200 events and also hope to create as many jobs in the area.
“We’re having a job fair today and tomorrow,” Warren says.
Jobs start at $20 an hour.
“Everything from bar staff to operations to security to production,” says Warren.
Their first show is scheduled for March 8.
“We have announced our first series of shows. There are many more to come. You can go to archermusical.com to get tickets,” Warren said.