“Hank’s Saloon” Heads “Upstate”
Since its world premiere back in January, my feature documentary “Hank’s Saloon” has been “touring” New York City, screening in various bars and other unconventional spaces around town, to great success.
On Saturday, June 13, the Hank’s movie will experience a new milestone—its first-ever screening outside of New York!
It’s all happening at the Upstate Lounge & Cafe in Hartford, Connecticut, who will be screening the movie at 7pm on their big TV. There is no cover charge, but we are asking for a suggested donation of $10 from those who are able to give.
If you (or your friends) are anywhere near Hartford, please join me for this momentous event. We’re gonna see how our lil’ Brooklyn bar movie goes over in a brand new town!
Come early for the food.
Stay late for the Pride afterparty.
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Saturday, June 13
“Hank’s Saloon” Live Screening
The Upstate Lounge & Cafe
537 Farmington Ave.
Hartford, CT
7pm – 9pm
Age 21+
No Cover – $10 suggested donation
See you in Connecticut!
“A Legendary Brooklyn Dive Bar Returns for One Night Only”
On April 8, 2026, we threw a live screening of my feature documentary “Hank’s Saloon” at the legendary Freddy’s Bar in Brooklyn, with special Guest Bartender (and star of the film) Jeannie Taliercio.
Journalist Stephanie Keith of the local news site Hell Gate was there to photograph the event, and to interview many of the old-school regulars who attended—including me and my wife/Producer Ashlie.
You can find the story (and photos) on the Hell Gate site.
If the link give you problems, you can view an archived version of the whole story here.
Thank you to Stephanie and Hell Gate for doing such a wonderful job documenting this momentous event!
Photo by Stephanie Keith
Leon Chase on “More Light”
I recently had the pleasure of appearing on the wonderful arts podcast “More Light”, hosted by local Brooklyn artist Dan Gratz.
I love when an interviewer isn’t afraid to go deep. On the show, we discussed “Hank’s Saloon” (the movie and the place), as well as the changing face of New York City, the early 2000s Alt-Country scene in Brooklyn, and the future of creativity and culture in America.
“MORE LIGHT” is available on most major podcast platforms.
Listen to the Episode here
Bringing It All Back Home
Last night, we brought my documentary “Hank’s Saloon” back to the block it was born on, with a special screening at the Hollow Nickel bar, located 400 feet from the original Hank’s.
In honor of the event, I slapped a few posters up on the site of the old Hank’s building. Which, by the way, is still standing there, and is still empty.
THANK YOU to the 50+ people who packed into Hollow Nickel just to see the movie.
If you want to receive emails about future secret bar screenings, sign up here.
Meet the Bands
In the coming weeks, I’ll be doing my best to showcase all the musicians who appear in my feature documentary “Hank’s Saloon”.
First up: Brooklyn’s own Apache Brown Band performing “Be My Husband”. Live at Hank’s Saloon, December 2, 2018.
As things progress, you will be able to watch all the performances here.