Arden Gild Hall

What a neat little gem in the outskirts of Wilmington. Cozy, lodge-y feeling historic space complete with wall-to-wall wood planks and a fireplace feels more like a church basement than a concert venue--in a cute way. A small selection of local beers and basic wines were available at the folding table in the back for $2-$4 each, (hooray for tax-free Delaware!), as were free handfuls of chips, nuts and crackers, served up by friendly gild members.

The seating/dancefloor layout struck me as odd, with 6-10 rows of folding chairs starting halfway back from the elevated stage. This did provide a generously sized standing/dancing area in front of the stage, however, with everyone seated during the more subdued opener, there was quite an awkward distance between performer and audience. This took away from the potential intimacy of the venue, and the performers commented on it. "Hello, everyone... out there. You're so far away."

On to sound. The mix for the opening band was spot-on, vocals and acoustics were full and clear, with great balance between drums, keyboard, and acoustic guitar/vox. The headlining band seemed to pose more of a challenge for the sound guy. Vocals were barely audible over the drums, bass, synths, guitars and sampling. When vocals were bumped up, the mics squealed. This well-versed and well-traveled Brooklyn band usually flaunts lush, layered vocal arrangements, so the imbalance between lost vocals vs. harsh feedback was particularly frustrating. Later in the set sound improved some, but still lacked complete clarity and eq balance.

Sound can be affected by a multitude of factors, of course. Faulty equipment, borrowed equipment, the space, house limitations, sound guy limitations. I can't say whether the problem was internal or external, especially after the opener's pristine sound, so I'm only deducting one star. Perhaps the effects-laden, shoegazey headliners were just too heavy for the venue.

Still, I will be back when another great show skips Philly and lands in Arden. In the interest of improving atmosphere, I will avoid taking a seat.

Arden Gild Hall is home of the Arden Club, a 501c3 community organization with a mission to gather the community of Arden and all interested folks from surrounding communities and even cities to a place where we can share food, conversation, drink, music, theater, scholarly talk, Shakespeare, Gilbert and Sullivan.  You name it.  It also happens to have a 15 show a year concert series that is pretty amazing.  One quick look at the website and you will want to join the email list and maybe even join the club (and save 20% on all events).  Dogfish beer is only $3 at shows and parking is free.  The Gild Hall is run by volunteers, there is only one paid staff person, our great caretaker, George Brocklesby.  Now do you think this is an objective review?

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