Fun And Games

Before they built the Ted Constant Convocation Center, there was this rickety old Tudor style establishment in its place. And it was where I lived almost every week about 15-20 years ago. Its final years. If you can stand the stench of stale beer and cigarette smoked walls, come inside and pull up an unbroken chair if you can find one.

Bill guards the door with his trusty pool cue 'o justice by his side. Years later it will be his roofing company that he owns out in Moyock that fixes the siding on my townhouse when the storm blew them off two years ago.

The typically darkly-lit back room with the video games, pool tables, and booths. Now that I think about it the whole damn place was darkly lit. Everything felt so low to the ground. Maybe it's just the camera angle. Chris sits in the booth while owner George's belly invades the lens.

One of the many times local band The Candysnatchers drew out the crowds. My palie Big Kev is second from left. I recognize the glasses and beard anywhere. Band member Willy picks his nose and looks on.

A stimulating evening of conversation, cigarettes and chess under the warming glow of a Supersuckers poster. Was this the grunge era or what? David rears his mighty claw for the camera.

There was usually a line at this Street Fighter game at all times, usually folks playing doubles for hours with extras quarters lined up along the bottom screen. I remember one angry guy flying across the room from the left hand side of the photo and karate kicking another guy playing Street Fighter, sending him flying as well. It looked exactly like the game.

I think that's the late Matt Odietus, guitarist for the Candysnatchers, playing Street Fighter on the left in the blue shirt and long curls hair, as I live and breathe. I was always much more of an Arch Rivals fan myself. My friend Randy (second from right) is chatting with another who is no longer with us, Chris Korbet.

A couple of girls from Richmond who came down with the band King Sour, holding down the bar in front of the stage area.

The Candysnatchers take the stage again. Practically the house band at this point, since most local venues had banned them for their notorious antics. Also often banned from people's homes and house parties for the same reason.

And last but not least, beloved soundman Bob, always sitting quietly at his board (bored?).

Thanks to Chris for use of the pics!