Peter Noone and Herman's Hermits at Sensational 60s concert in Wildwood/Jack Fichter

CAPE MAY — Would the city’s new Convention Hall be a good venue for a classic rock shows this summer?

The Herald posed the following question on its Facebook page: “Would you attend a rock concert at Cape May's new Convention Hall this summer of a classic group like Three Dog Night or Jefferson Starship? It seats about 1,200 so Springsteen or the Rolling Stones wouldn't play there.”

We received 119 “likes” and 63 comments. The majority of respondents said they would attend a concert at Convention Hall.

“What have they done about parking...is there a garage?” asked one respondent.
“Sure, save me a trip to the Tower or Electric Factory,” said another Facebook comment.
“You would need to bring in better bands than that to compete with the Atlantic City House of Blues,” said a respondent.
“I hope they do something like that for concerts, especially in the winters to bring more people here. Even do some fun cover bands like Wildwood does in the summer,” said another.
“Sure would! Always hope they have roller-skating again. Kids need something to do and would love that,” commented another Facebook reader.
“Please stop catering to Baby Boomers' tastes! Generation Xers want to hear their music for a change,” said another.
“How about Heart? They're touring this summer!!” commented another reader.
“Yes, I would. I like both groups,” said another referring to Three Dog Night and Jefferson Starship.
“Yes, as long as the price was right!” said another.
“Johnny Winter!!!” suggested a reader.
“Absolutely!!!!! Hate the drive to AC!” said another.
“My 13 year old son loves Three Dog Night!” commented a reader.

The Herald spoke with promoter Sal Angelo who brings concerts to Wildwood and Vineland. He said the City of Cape May has not contacted him.
Angelo said he staged a show with Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge in Pittman where there is limited parking and had no problems.

“The people are there already in Cape May,” said Angelo.

The Herald shared the results of the Facebook poll with Mayor Edward J. Mahaney Jr. In an email, he said the results are very compatible with strategies provided to the city by the Temple University School of Tourism and Hospitality Management faculty, professional promoters and booking agents, and representatives of the major performing arts facilities in the tri-state area.

The mayor said periodic classic rock concerts would assist the city in rounding out a comprehensive array of musical and performing arts events so that every age group and price point could be serviced in the new Convention Hall. He said the city was currently in the process of identifying specific classic rock groups, which would be a good match with the size, amenities, and market of the new hall.