PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The Comedy Connection in Portland is closing its doors for good after being in town for nearly twenty years. The owner says the decision to close the club was made at the end of last week.
Many comedians performed at the Comedy Connection over the last twenty years, but perhaps the most well-known was Bob Marley. He says he recorded 25 albums, held many benefits and television specials, and of course what he might best be known for, breaking the Guinness Book of World Records mark for the longest standup routine two years ago.
Marley says while it is sad to see the club shut down, he says it jump-started his career and helped bring many comedians to Maine, and the venue was really what comedy should be all about.
"It was just a great room, a great place to grind out material and work on stuff. I for one would not be where I'm at without the Comedy Connection so it really helped my whole career," Marley said.
The Comedy Connection had failed a health inspection last month along with two other waterfront businesses. Owner Oliver Keithley says he's unsure if he will open up a new comedy club in the future. He says the downturn in the economy was one of the key factors for closing the club.
NEWS CENTER