In order to maximize its capacity, Maximum Capacity moved this fall from its old location in Chicopee to 116 School St., doubling in size in the process. The club now boasts an upstairs and a downstairs. Upstairs is a multi-faceted room with an open floor plan. On one end, pool tables and raised seating dominate. The rest of the room sports a sizeable stage and ample dance floor. Bands that play here aren’t exactly trying to keep it down, and loud sounds good in this high-ceilinged room.
“It’s mostly rock bands that play here,” said John Barrett, front man of Into the Wild (full disclosure: Barrett is also an account executive for the Valley Advocate) in a recent interview with the Advocate. Barrett and his band have played the clubroom at Max Cap (what the cool kids call the Chicopee establishment) numerous times and are slated for an upcoming Jan. 11 show as well.
“It’s the perfect place to play music,” said Barrett who, with previous bands, has played in clubs across the country. “The band and the music is the attraction, not just the background like it is in other bars. Yet most music venues have stuffier atmospheres. [Maximum Capacity] is a mix between a bar and a music venue.”
Downstairs is the home of the new Max Sports Bar and Grille, a relaxing spot to chill out, have a few beers and enjoy conversation or music of a lighter fare. During the week there’s an acoustic open mic night, and a karaoke contest, while on the weekends DJs spin beats.
For more information on Maximum Capacity, log on to www.myspace.com/maximumcapacity.
