"Haunted" Phantasy Theater on Biography Channel

[Betsy Voinovich]

Hi all,

I just heard that our own Phantasy Theater will be featured on the Biograpy Channel tomorrow night, on a show called, "My Ghost Story" at 10 pm.

A team of ghost researchers went there because they had been told stories of spirits screaming in the building, and people seeing entities in dark corners. The researchers supposedly concluded that they were able to tell from the spirits that they were hanging around because they sensed that the club needed protection, so they were going to stay and protect it.

I find this fascinating because of all nights I've spent at the Phantasy seeing bands, and being in the different rooms. The DeFrasia family was kind enough to let us shoot parts of a movie we were making in and around the club, and we were there at many odd hours, at times with no lights. (Because we turned them off to film.) I would have thought we might have seen something if there was something to see. But we were pretty busy.

So I googled Haunted Phantasy and I found this Youtube clip:



If you're familiar with the Phantasy, around 2:34 in the Youtube clip, you will hear some familiar voices. (Not talking about ghosts.)

This is a great club. Seeing these shots on Youtube made me want to head over there tonight to see who's playing but I'm already heading Downtown to see Michael Gill's show.

Check out the ghost story tomorrow night, and check out the Phantasy, when you have a chance.

And if you've spent time at the Phantasy and have seen some weird things--- I mean of a paranormal kind-- and not necessarily on stage-- please share! (Maybe I just haven't been looking in the right places.)

Betsy Voinovich

[Jim O'Bryan]

Betsy

As you know I rebuilt the Phantasy Theater back in the early 80s when Exotic Birds (now Nine Inch Nails) practiced in the lobby then the basement. Opening it as Jimmy's Hyena Club.

I spent many a night there, even sleeping there during the massive renovation, and later
running the club and the theater. I remember no ghosts.

But then again, I do not believe.

However this will be looked at in an upcoming Observer where I go back and interview
much of the crew about it. In my conversation with Michele just last week, she mentioned
the special and ask me if I had seen any, and I had to say nope. But it did give me a great
reason to look up so old friends and partners in crime, and that story might even be better
than the ghost stories!

But I will check it out for sure!


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