Bass Performance Hall — Attraction in Fort Worth

Will NOT return - the silly security feels like a harassment.

The Bass Performance Hall opened in 1998, with 2,000+ capacity. Initially, it was suggested by the pianist Van Cliburn, and one of the Basses; ultimately built with private equities - I suspect much of it or part of it were from the Bass brothers, because when I commented of the two ceilings, a docent said the difference was due to two Bass brothers who built it.

Although the foyer is compact, the major hall is very pleasant, well kept, feels new (not many layers of paints…), with clean line, so are the bathrooms.

It’s interesting to see so many posters on the walls are Most Mozart and Met Opera - both are New York institutions.

I went to two Van Cliburn competitions in 2025, which is one of the permanent events here.

The security IS unbelievable! A swamp of black clothed guards stationed at the entrances, who are fleecing patrons, from handbags to pockets (I was asked to take out my iPhone fm my leggings’ pocket), and water bottle - they demand it to be threw out. By then I was at my limit. So I told them “no way”. You don’t ask me to throw my handbag away, do you? So the guard asks her colleague or supervisor who has no clue, other than I can’t bring my water bottle in. I told them I brought one IN this afternoon. So they called a woman in regulars cloth, perhaps a manager who, make the silly story short, offered a bottle of water in THEIR bottle. I accepted it only because there are people waiting to get in.

Brooke Astor (1902-2007), the scion of NY high society, noted about her need to bring a bottle of water - really for the good of the concerts.

Some guards even have handheld scanners, like in an airport. There are still at least three guards mingling around AFTER the concert, as we’re leaving.

I can’t help but asking “why??” I mean, who do you think you are? New York? You’re NOT, bec NY doesn’t do this kind of crap. One of them replied “… oh we want to ensure the contestants are well protected.” Front entrances? Hello, they ARE not famous yet, for Petes sake. They’re NO ONE. Let Olga Kern, who was 2001’s winner, walks on the street, see how many people will stop her: I just googled past winners who had made it. AI replies “… include Yunchan Lim (2022), Vadym Kholodenko (2013), Jon Nakamatsu (1997), Olga Kern (2001), and Nobuyuki Tsujii (2009).”

I love classical music and go to concerts all the time but I only knew the name of Kern, and would NOT recognize her on the street.

A very...

My daughter and I attended the Nutcracker last night. I had purchased the tickets over a month ago. Front row center in the Mezzanine. I was wanting box seat but they were sold out. The tickets were 280. each. We go each year. This was the first time at the Bass. It will also be our last. I’m in a wheelchair. When I purchased the tickets there was no mention of my seats being restricted for just the able bodied. They ended up seating us in the very back row on level one farthest to the left. These were the disabled seat we were told. My daughter was given an awful chair to sit in. We were literally in the worst area. We couldn’t see the stage very well, our whole experience was ruined. As a person in wheelchair we are often pushed aside and treated poorly. Last night was a perfect example. I thought to myself, it’s an older building so it doesn’t have to comply with the ADA guidelines. Then I found out it was built in 1998! I would say to the management, do better! Make the good seats accessible to people in wheelchairs as well. Add more ramps! Get rid of that awful carpet. People in wheelchairs can’t push themselves around on it. Have a restroom on every level so we don’t have to wait forever for the elevator to arrive. I’ve put a message in to the manager to call me. I want a compensation for the ticket difference. When you deal with a person in a wheelchair, show some compassion. I’ll never go back to Bass Hall again.

An update on this review. I did receive a call back from one of the managers, I’m sorry I can’t recall her name. She was sweet and understanding. Listened to what happened. She told me that Bass Hall would not be able to refund me the difference of my seats. Which were 280. Each. After we were placed way in the back in seats that were 50. Each. She explained that the Dallas Ballet would be the ones to refund the difference. She also told me she would contact them and call me back….that was before Christmas.

Such a-shame. I’m extremely disappointed in all of them. The whole situation. But mainly believing that she truly cared about what happened. It is what it is....

UPDATE Jul 2023: We have been here a few times over the years. This time for Book of Morman. Outstanding facility starting with the parking garage right next door. Use the Bass Performance Hall Garage, 280 E 5th Street right behind the theatre. (Don't tell anyone but we got to park for free along with everyone else. Sweet) Take advantage of it. Get to any show early as one has to go through a screening line and you might be delayed getting to your seat. See photo. 2011: Outstanding venue even in the noise bleed top tier seats. Just watched musical 'Chorus Line' and could hear & view stage just fine. SPECIAL NOTE: after we saw the Jul show we got this email from Bass Hall for your info: Download the free Bass Hall app to access your mobile ticket. Please note, all patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

Bass Hall is located at 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth, TX 76102. Please note that the Box Office doors on Commerce Street remain locked during performances. Please enter through the east or west portal doors.

Please arrive early and travel light. The performance will begin promptly and a late seating hold will go into effect, delaying entrance into the audience chamber at the beginning of the show.

Driving to the theater? Valet parking is available for $22 per vehicle on Calhoun and Commerce Streets between 4th and 5th Streets. (See my note above about Bass Hall Parking garage)

PARKING NOTICE: Please know changes have been made by the 3rd-party owners/operators of the 777 Main Parking Garage. All vehicles are now required to take an automated ticket upon entry into the garage, regardless of arrival time. Parking is still free 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM, Monday - Friday and 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM, Saturday and Sunday. If you arrive at any point outside of these free times, you will be responsible for the accrued time you are in the garage. This garage is currently experiencing...