Vintage alternative venue brings big names, future stars to Hudson Valley

Deborah Temkin A&E Editor

In an alleyway just off Main street, one of the most famous concert venues in the country hosts names as big as Joan Osborne, The Wallflowers, Hoobastank, and more. The Chance, just one of the four rooms making up the Chance Complex (Club Crannell Street, The Loft, and Platinum Lounge make up the other three), may seem to be your everyday small local venue, but has become a legend of sorts among the Poughkeepsie community.

“The Chance was originally an old theater,” said Frank Tallett, owner of the Chance Complex, “It was turned into a live music venue 20 years ago, which has hosted such names as Ozzy Osbourne [and] David Bowie.”

When you approach The Chance, hidden within what looks like to be one of those back-alleys your parents warned you of, you would nor imagine that such big names would even approach the stage. Holding, at most, just under 200 people, the setting is intimate and no matter where you stand, you can see the beads of sweat drip off the performers’ noses.

The interior holds the characteristics of its theater past with a new-age, punk-rock twist: the floor is grungy and the curtain advertises the local radio stations. A small bar lines the back of the hall, where concert-goers may chose to stand or sit at the few tables. Down a flight of stairs, the main floor houses a sunken mosh-pit, which holds the majority of the patrons. Balconies line the theater, and are available for watching the performances as well.

Why would big names that have played in the recent year, including the Voodoo Glow Skulls or Third Eye Blind, not only add The Chance to their tour, but return time and time again? “The Chance is known as one of the best live venues in the country…performers find a passionate audience who know their act, their lyrics, etc,” said Tallett.

At a Hoobastank and Andrew W. K. concert in November, 2003, The Chance was packed to its capacity, the mosh-pit was roaring and the bands thrived off the energy. At the end of their set, Doug Robb, lead singer of Hoobastank, announced that it had been their first time at the Chance, and they were certainly going to include the venue in their future tours.

Still, The Chance and its additional three rooms, play host to even the smallest unknown bands, including several who began their careers at Vassar. “We have industry night on a Wednesday every month. It’s a way for these up and coming bands to meet the owner and the booking agents for the clubs. They can bring their demo and walk out with a gig,” said Tallett.

The venue additionally serves all tastes, genres,and age groups. “Our demographic runs from about 16 to 60. We had Blue Oyster Cult in here last Saturday and there was probably no one under 45 in the audience.” However, according to Tallett, the average age at most concerts is about 18. “We bring groups of all styles, but most are of the punk-rock genre.”

While the biggest names bring large ticket prices (and TicketMaster “service fees”), most bands can be seen for between $8 and $15. Upcoming shows include Gwar on Feb. 3, Metadox on Feb. 4, and the Ska is Dead Tour (including the Voodoo Glow Skulls and Streetlight Manifesto) on Feb. 11. Their upcoming industry night will be held on Feb. 9, as well. A complete listing of the events at The Chance can be found by visiting thechancetheatre.com.