The Newport

If you were to walk down High St. in Columbus, Ohio, it’s hard not to bump into one of the thousands of college students making their way to class or back to their apartments. Mixed in between the coffee shops, bars, and restaurants lies a hidden gem to most people from out of town. Tucked between a Chipotle and a college bar stands one of the oldest performance halls in the United States – The Newport Music Hall.

Boasting a title of “America’s Longest Continually Running Rock Club” the theater opened in 1923 as a movie theater. For a brief period, the theater was called the State Theater. It wasn’t until 1970 when a concert hall owner named Henry LoConti turned the movie theater into one of two Agora Ballrooms. One of which is in Cleveland, Ohio. Not until 1984 was the theater called the now renowned name “The Newport.”

Hosting more than 100 shows a year, this is a popular venue for up and coming bands to the music scene. Famous bands such as Neil Young, Pearl Jam, AC/DC, and Joe Walsh have all once played within the historic building. Aside from changing the entrance of the building, much of the music hall remains the same as it did with its first show in the early 70s. The atmosphere of the hall is electric and provides both the singers and fans with an incredibly personal experience. In March of 1994 Hootie and the Blowfish was booked before they became a household name, only selling 700 tickets. Six months later, they came back to Columbus to play at the now-closed Polaris Amphitheater, selling out the venue of over 18,000 people.

For new concertgoers, or seasoned veterans, the Newport Music Hall offers the city of Columbus some of the best up and coming musicians, with the occasional big-ticket names.

Erix Infante

Sources:

https://www.thelantern.com/2008/04/history-of-newport-music-hall/