By Sandi Barrett
Contributing Writer
WORCESTER – One could easily stroll past the pre-Civil War facade of Mechanics Hall and not know it is a treasured gem of architectural engineering and approachable culture. The beautiful building housing an almost acoustically perfect concert hall is a gathering spot to inspire and entertain patrons seeking to experience a panorama of musical interludes.
Photo/courtesy of Mechanics Hall
A popular music venue, Mechanics Hall offers free concerts, live musical performances, and other musical opportunities. The hall’s exceptional acoustics and intimate seating make it one of the top performance halls in the world. The venue rooms are draped in elegant decor and offer open floor plans; perfect to host elegant galas, corporate gatherings, and beautiful weddings.
History
When the Industrial Revolution came to the Blackstone Valley men like Ichabod Washburn took the lead. He helped organize the Worcester County Mechanics Association, taking Worcester straight into the industrial foreground. The association provided classes and amassed a technical library to support the new skills workers needed to navigate the booming wave of industry. Worcester’s Mechanics Hall was dedicated on March 19, 1857, and became a place where tradesmen expanded their skillset and honed their craft. Additionally, they were exposed to expansive political ideas and proper social etiquette. It was the perfect marriage of the arts and sciences.
The mid-1900s brought new, modern venues to the Worcester area and Mechanics Hall fell out of fashion. It was relegated to holding professional wrestling events, dance classes, and even utilized as a roller-skating venue to stay afloat. The building deteriorated considerably from misuse. However, in the early 1970s the building was heading towards the wrecking ball, going the way of many tired, albeit historic buildings. The rallying call trumpeted across Worcester, funds were raised, and Mechanics Hall was saved from demolition. Today we are privileged to have the opportunity to experience this splendid building reflecting her historic glory days.
The Great Hall is where all the magic happens. The stage is set in front of the massive organ and the audience floor seating is flexible—arranged perfectly for each performance. The hall’s second tier encircles the floor and is lined with beautiful portraits. It reflects a mix of important locals like Ichabod Washburn and Stephen Salisbury II along with American greats like George Washington and Clara Barton. The collection began in 1866 and continues to grow with the Portraits Project. It includes recently installed paintings of four visionary Black Americans: Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and William and Martha (Tulip) Brown.
Photo/courtesy of Mechanics Hall
Variety of events
Mechanics Hall is home to free musical events, youth programs, performance artist concerts, orchestral events and more, encouraging guests to explore and enrich their artistic knowledge.
The Brown Bag Concert Series is a free, hour-long performance. The concert begins at noon on select dates and guests are encouraged to bring their lunch while enjoying a live musical presentation. From chamber music to smooth jazz, the spring and fall concert series offers a midweek musical interlude from the hustle and bustle of our day-to-day routines.
Club 321 is a monthly concert series where guests are treated to live performances hitting a variety of high notes in rhythm and blues, American classics, pop, and a variety of other genres. Tickets for Club 321 performances can be purchased online.
Offering unique, youth-oriented programs, Mechanics Hall is home to Concerts for Kids and the Many Voices programs for Worcester children. These free programs allow the children to experience performing on a world-class stage in front of a live audience. Its spring concert is scheduled for mid-March.
Stop by to enjoy a free brown bag performance of Mechanics Hall’s massive Hook Organ. Installed by Elias and George Hook in 1864, it is touted as the “oldest unaltered four-keyboard pipe organ in the Western Hemisphere located at its installation site.” While the bellows have been upgraded from the original hand-pumping manual system (quite a task) to more modern methods, the pipes still retain their magnificent tone.
Photo/courtesy of Mechanics Hall
Mechanics Hall is also home to Worcester Music concerts where guests can experience the full acoustic perfection of the Grand Hall.
For more information about upcoming events visit mechanicshall.org.
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