Another Legendary Music Venue Gone: The Chance in Poughkeepsie

Many bands that I loved didn't play the big arenas, they played in dirty, smoky clubs around CT/NY/RI/Boston: Toad's Place, Tuxedo Junction, Lupo's in Providence, The Middle East, and The Chance in Poughkeepsie. I just found out that the last legendary venue on that list is closing for good in October 2023.

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The Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie, New York was a short trip for most of us who live in Western Connecticut, I went there a few times over the past couple of decades, most recently to see Chris Jericho's band Fozzy. Unfortunately, according to Boris from our sister-station WPDH in Poughkeepsie, NY, the legendary venue has been sold, and it will shut down for good on October 28, 2023.

The Strand originally opened at 6 Crannel Street in Poughkeepsie in 1912, and there have been numerous owners/closures/forms of entertainment offered there over the past 111 years. What's coming next for The Chance? First, a few final shows, Dr. Dirty John Valby will treat the crowd to some fine filthy piano tunes on Friday, September 23, and then there are a few bands playing on Friday and Saturday nights until October 13.

In what is being billed as "A Final Farewell to The Chance", I am the Pilot, Hudson, What Makes Sense, and Wheelbite will take the stage on October 13, and according to Boris, the true final show will happen on October 28 will be the Rolling Stones tribute band 50 Amp Fuse.

What's next for the venue? No clue. Plans, and who purchased the building, have yet to be revealed. It truly has never been more important to get out and support your local live music venue.