Starland Ballroom set to reopen in September

By ANDREW MARTINS
Staff Writer

SAYREVILLE — School won’t be the only thing returning in September. Live concerts will be back in session at the Starland Ballroom, Jernee Mill Road, Sayreville.

A preliminary list of concerts and talk of the venue’s intention to reopen its doors in a few months began making the rounds on the venue’s Facebook page on June 4.

“We knew from the moment the water cleared that we would rebuild and that Star- land would open again,” Starland Ballroom spokesman Jon Vena said. “All of the hard work, time and dedication put into it really puts this week’s announcement as something special for us.”

So far, the first announced concert will feature country music artist Billy Currington on Sept. 7, although dates spanning multiple genres are currently listed through the end of 2013.

“We wanted to make sure there was something for everybody,” Vena said.

Since superstorm Sandy ravaged the coast and overflowed local waterways more than seven months ago, the concert venue on Jernee Mill Road — alongside the South River — has been out of commission.

The South River flooded substantially during the Oct. 29 storm and incapacitated areas of Sayreville in the process; Starland Ballroom was one of many area businesses and homes that was damaged.

The venue sustained considerable damage to its cooling and heating systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and lighting and sound systems.

With the return of Starland in sight, Vena said nearby businesses that continue to struggle could see an increase in business once the venue reopens.

“We know Starland brings a significant — if not meaningful — economic impact to the Sayreville area,” Vena said. “We are looking forward to everyone affected in Sayreville getting their lives back to normal as soon as possible.”

Recognizing the need for disaster preparedness, Vena said most of the materials used to make repairs will be waterproof.

Important electrical systems will also be shielded from similar damage. A number of repairs incorporated waterproof materials and shielded electrical systems.

“Modern technology will come into play so that if water were to come into the building in the future, we would really be able to reduce the downtime and damage as a result,” Vena said.

A number of improvements to sightlines for concert-goers are also slated to be ready for Starland’s reopening.

From adding a raised viewing platform opposite the stage to using more compact speakers that hang from the ceiling, Vena said many more people will have a better time seeing their favorite performers on stage.

New bars, bathrooms and other amenities will be unveiled at the first show.

“You could have put a Band-Aid on this and kept going, but the damage was too great, and that is really just not the product we want to put out to people,” Vena said. “We want it to be a world-class facility.”