Wonder Ballroom

128 NE Russell St, Portland, OR 97212, USA

Address:	128 NE Russell St, Portland, OR 97212, USA
Phone:	+1 503-284-8686
Site:	wonderballroom.com
Rating:	4

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 5

Some Name

Dont go here if you prefer not to be randomly grabbed and touched underneath your clothes as well as inside your pockets by security. They have a 21+ section right in the center of the room, cordoned off by black sheets that are impossible to see in the dark. The security personnel are not distinguishable from other people. As I entered the venue and stood 3 feet away from the 21+ area trying to figure out how to get to the front of the stage, a lady grabbed me by my shirt, pulled me towards her and held me still while I yelled "Why are you touching me?" She then held me by the wrist as she grabbed my stomach area and unzipped my jacket pockets and began to reach inside. I became more and more nervous and confused as she would not let go of me or tell me why she was touching me without my consent. She then grabbed my other wrist as I pulled the first one out of her hand and she began pushing my clothing back and trying to look at my wrists (Im 26 years old but had no interest in going into the bar section). Finally I pulled away and put my hands straight up in the air. She finally stopped accosting me and instead began to mock me with my hands up in the air by raising hers and waving them around stupidly. I have PTSD and I am so tired of this treatment (same thing at the Roseland; security tried to pat down my body while I stepped further and further backwards saying, "Are you going to touch me? I do not want to be touched. Excuse me, are you trying to touch me, I do not want to be touched." After this escalated to yelling they finally admitted that yes, they were going to touch me, and I left). After this incident I am now ordering sharp spikes online to cover all of my clothes in (never was into the extra-fashion thing). There was a time that punk rock was about being an individual, not about being strip-searched by entities that believe they are above the law just as police do. Avoid this venue. There are tons of great local punk venues around town such as the Twilight that have always treated me with respect, always paid us well when we played shows, and absolutely never touched me against my will.

Lindsay Duca

I dont even know how to start my experience at this venue! Upon entering the facility the security question the integrity/ validity of our tickets. "The scanner does not lie," was what we heard when we were asked to step aside to let others in. Finally the scanner "worked." We were then aloud in. Not long after the main performer began my close friend slipped off the venue. I became concerned about her whereabouts so began looking for her. I found her in an altercation with security outside. To diffuse the situation I asked her to step away and take the high road. To be honest I felt the security at the wonder ballroom continued to be rude to my friend and then another women outside the venue. I approached the security officers and told them I felt their attitude/behavior was rude and excessive. No I take accountability for the fact I may have been rude myself. Hearing this conversation my friend slapped the security officer across the face. Again, I recognize this response was inappropriate but she was then pinned to the ground by a man twice her size. I asked them to stop as she cried asking for help. I told them I felt they were scaring her more and if they just let me help her it would be better. Well needless to say none of that happened, and for the first time in my 35 years of life I felt I could no longer defend a security officer or police officer. As a blue collar worker myself and with police personal in my family in another state, I was completely offended. I will never attend this venue again nor will I recommend it to anyone. On a brighter note, one employee of the venue did support me through this event. I cannot remember his name but he wore black glasses. Thank you for your support

Vajra Lion

Worst security in Portland. After paying even more than usual to see one of our favorite artists we were accosted about 10 minutes in by a large security guard with a brown goatee and full sleeve arm tattoos. He uttered something about "Not tonight!" as he came up to us. Unsure what this was about I said "Okay." In hopes that it would get him to leave. His response was "Lets go" and proceeded to belly bounce my girlfriend and I across the crowded dance floor all the way to the back. I asked if we were being kicked out and the only reply I received was "Cant light up in the building" followed by more pushing and pointing to the exit. No time was given to explain/reason or anything else. Even if someone were guilty of committing such an infraction a simple respectful warning and request to comply with rules would likely save all parties a lot of frustration and the wonder some more of my future $$. When my girlfriend dropped her coat near the entrance the security guard attempted more physical intimidation by standing less than an inch away. When I asked him to move back and respect my personal space he threatened my with physical harm by saying "Say something else and im going to make it worse.." Not only is this completely unacceptable and the opposite of what security should do (make people feel safe) but this individuals conduct borders on criminal due to the physical intimidation and barely masked threats. I will definitely never be coming back to this place and will be sure to let my friends and everyone else I know in the community that not only is Wonder Ballroom disrespectful to their patron they are downright hostile and it is not a safe place to go.

Mark McNeeley

Mike Taylor runs this venue very well and is a true professional. The ballroom isnt too big its just the right size and the sound is great in my opinion. Do your self a favor and go check out a show at this great historical north Portland landmark . Anna, The booking agent, at least for my taste has been booking a lot more gigs and bringing in bigger names and the quality of artists and musicians are better than ever at least for the music I listen to. Security does a good job as well and they dont make you feel like a criminal like some other venues i.e. Roseland. They keep the venue safe and make it a comfortable room for every one to enjoy. I mean they are security guards and for some reason people almost like to give them a bit of an attitude just for doing their job and keeping the room a safe great place to dance and have fun. I feel the whole staff at this venue are very good at what they do. If you want to be harassed all you need to do is something stupid or illegal which deserves the harassment you will get

Daelin Brophy

I amped up my partner for a month for a surprise to see his favorite band here. I wasnt impressed with the pre show bands and therefore asked if re entry was allowed. They said no, but there was a smoking patio I could hang out on to get off of the main floor if I wanted. Based off of that fact I decided to scope it out rather than wait for the band I came to see, went in and seriously didnt enjoy the opening bands. I made way to the patio I was told about. They didnt mention it was twenty one and up, so I ended up trapped on the main floor with music blaring that I didnt pay to hear. We left to avoid two and a half hours of music we dont like and I hope to god they make a pass with their no re entry rule, because I feel totally misled. Im angry that the year I was born prohibits me from taking a break, being outside, and being able to surprise some one I care about with their favorite musician. No re entry is an awful set up and I hope this venue can figure something better out for the sake of their customers.