Owners of Legendary Poughkeepsie Comedy Club Sell Last Location
It's the end of an era for Bananas Comedy Club.
In 1986 owners Harlan and Arlene Jamison opened up their very first club in Poughkeepsie. The venue became a favorite stop of many upcoming comedians who started their career by working the local club. Two years ago Louis CK was visiting The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and spent an entire segment talking about performing at Bananas back in the 80s. During the interview Fallon fondly recalled the couple who owned the club, Harlen and Arlene, calling them the "best people to meet." The Tonight Show host famously started his career in comedy by winning a local comedy competition at Bananas in Poughkeepsie.
Fallon also reminisced about Bananas with comedian Louis Black during another interview from 2009.
The Jamisons sold Bananas in Poughkeepsie back in 2011, but also operated two other locations throughout the years. According to NorthJersey.com the couple's final location in Hasbrouck Heights was just sold this week, ending their thirty year career of running comedy clubs.
The new owners of Bananas in Hasbrouck Heights plan to keep the club open, with shows already booked for the next few months.