Features
Houston’s White Oak Gets Noise Shutdown
Following complaints by neighbors about the volume of outdoor shows, Houston’s
facebook.com/WhiteOakMH/ – White Oak Music Hall
A judge put a temporary restraining order in place Dec. 16, forcing the venue and the structure that supports it, Raven Tower, to cancel all performances with amplified sound scheduled between Dec. 18 and Jan. 12. The bands whose sets are axed include regionally based Positive Disturbance and
“[Judge Michael Gomez] rejected the neighbors’ request to halt the development of White Oak Music Hall’s outdoor stage, which was the primary component of the request. The project to construct the permanent outdoor stage will move forward,” venue representatives said in a statement. “Efforts to resolve this issue with the residents that have chosen to sue the venue will continue, but in the meantime, we look forward to hosting all our other shows and events scheduled for the indoor venues at White Oak Music Hall.”
White Oak Music Hall opened earlier this year and reportedly got a permit for a permanent outdoor stage in October after months of using a temporary outdoor stage, prompting neighbors to take the venue to court.
“Since this opened in January of 2016, thunderous bass and amplified noise has ricocheted through the Near Northside, jumping nine lanes of I-45 into the Woodland Heights,” attorney Cris Feldman said on behalf of residents at a press conference that saw local families gathered in front of the Music Hall, the Houston Press reported. “This should have never been permitted in the first place, and these citizens are filing suit to stop it.”
The next scheduled hearing is Jan. 12. Representatives for the venue could not be reached for comment at press time.