Although White Eagle Hall has survived 110 years as a place used for hosting opera and basketball games, it’s now ready to take on its new role in being the newest and most unique performance spaces in the Northeast! We talked to Rose LoPiccolo from White Eagle Hall, who says getting into live music was “sort of an accident.”
Luckily for White Eagle Hall, there have been numerous great stories that have graced the venue in the past two years. LoPiccolo recalls one of her favorite moments, “I remember the first 2 sold out shows, they were back to back in the same week. Anything that could have went wrong did, but the fans were none the wiser. They were going wild, the beer was flowing, and New Found Glory and The Mountain Goats really put us on the map in our earlier days!”
To LoPiccolo, running an independent venue means getting the opportunity to help shape the community, and White Eagle Hall serves as the perfect place for people to share some of their most precious moments!
Looking forward to Independent Venue Week this year, LoPiccolo and 800 super excited fans are most excited to see Bill Callahan’s sold out show during Independent Venue Week!
What’s your favorite thing about working at your venue?
“I would have to say that my favorite thing about working at White Eagle Hall is our ever-changing and expanding calendar. Every day is different and that keeps me fresh and work stays fun and exciting.”
Tell us about your favorite concert experience? In your venue? Outside your venue?
Oh, this is a tough one. It’s a toss-up between Knuckle Puck singing me Happy Birthday on our stage, or Cannibal Corpse not only killing it with their show, but the band and crew were awesome; Corpse Grinder even came to hang out after the show and was just a regular guy. Outside the venue, Kid Rock at PNC was my first ever concert and he never disappoints.
What is something unique about your venue?
Our stained glass. It is original to the building and has survived 110 years in our space from its original use hosting opera to basketball and dances, and now rock shows and weddings. They beautifully and uniquely feature Frédéric Chopin, the classical music composer, and Marcella Sembrich, an internationally renowned opera star.
What’s your favorite story from your venue?
There are so many great stories that have graced our space in the past 2 years. I remember the first 2 sold out shows, they were back to back in the same week. Anything that could have went wrong did, but the fans were none the wiser. They were going wild, the beer was flowing, and New Found Glory and The Mountain Goats really put us on the map in our earlier days.
Why did you get into live music?
Getting into live music was sort of an accident for me. I was running a small business and just needed extra work when I started as our hospitality girl when White Eagle Hall first opened. After that, I quickly took on more responsibility, selling and coordinating private events. When the GM left late 2017 and the position opened up, I felt a strong connection to what White Eagle Hall was doing in the community and I wanted it to succeed. So, I dove in headfirst and with a great team, we are here every day making the dream come true. Along the way, I have found a love for working in live music and what it provides the community.
What does it mean for you to run an independent venue?
For me running an independent venue means that we get to help. We’re here helping shape the community, providing a space for art of all types and so much more. We love being able to share our space with people from all over the world while also sharing in some of their most special precious moments on our stage and in our space.
Why did you get involved in Independent Venue Week?
We got involved in Independent Venue Week to help get the word out there that independent houses are still out there and that we are here to support the people in any way possible. From using independent ticketing agencies, to working directly with smaller, or more local, businesses. When you support an independent venue, you support every independent vendor we use, as well as all the local arts in that city.
What are your expectations for Independent Venue Week 2019?
I’m excited! We have Bill Callahan that week and just sold out the show so I can’t wait to have 800 SUPER excited fans here to help us celebrate our independence and just an all-around great intimate show.
What are your expectations for Independent Venue Week in the future?
I expect Independent Venue Week to take off and keep growing. Y’all have done such an amazing job at highlighting us, and other venues. We are all thankful for the support.
How would you like to see Independent Venue Week evolve in the future?
I would love to see Independent Venue Week expand past its one week in the summer to having multiple times a year where the venues, their staff, shows, and events can be featured. I also hope that IVW can maybe even sponsor shows in our space!
