Starland set to open Saturday

BY JOLENE HART
Staff Writer

SAYREVILLE — Only two months after bidding farewell to more than two decades of music at the Hunka Bunka Ballroom, the revamped venue debuts this weekend as the Starland Ballroom.

The Jernee Mill Road club’s new management and staff will open their doors on Saturday to begin an era they hope will improve upon the club’s legacy as a popular concert destination by offering national acts on a regular basis.

Under the new ownership of Gate to Wire LLC, which includes area promoter Concerts East and other private investors, changes have taken place in all areas.

According to Tony Pallagrosi, a manager of the venue with Concerts East, the arched "barrel roof" of the structure has been raised on either end until flat, adding to the height of the interior ceiling. The additional height can better accommodate the sound and lighting equipment used by big-name artists and will offer improved sight-lines for concert-goers.

"This type of facility is not available at any other New Jersey club," he said.

The ballroom will hold its first show on Saturday night, featuring the New Jersey band Dramarama, whose members are reuniting after a 10-year absence in the area. Former Van Halen singer David Lee Roth will perform Sunday, and other upcoming acts include the Michael Schenker Group, Fountains of Wayne, Guster, Eve 6, The Starting Line, The Used and Styx.

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, the Starland Ballroom box office, which can be reached at (732) 238-5500, or Vintage Vinyl. The venue’s Web site, www.starlandballroom.com, offers further information.