During the '90s, I was a local superstar bartender at a pretty popular bar in Poughkeepsie and it was during that time that I would occasionally bop around town to check out what was happening, especially if we were quiet and especially if The Chance Theater had a cool show happening.The Chance started out as a movie theater in the 1920s and continues as a live music venue to this day, small enough for an intimate feel yet big enough to have acts like U2, The Rolling Stones, and Guns N' Roses. Of course, none of these are the bands I saw perform there because apparently I am a shut-in. To tell you the truth, I can't really remember who was playing on the few occasions that I was able to stop in, but what I do remember is the feeling of history that you get when you walk in the building. How could you not hear and feel the ghosts of past performers. Even if they are still alive and kickin' today, they have left their mark at The Chance.
I tried to get in to take few photos last Monday, but the email response to my inquiry stated, "The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." For me, the negative side was getting that email too late and not being able to make my reunion with The Chance happen.
Who knows, though. I often have to get out that way so maybe there will be a follow up in the new year. --A Vapid Blonde
