John W. Barry • Poughkeepsie Journal • October 20, 2010

John Rzeznik has fond memories of performing in Poughkeepsie with his band, the Goo Goo Dolls.

"The Mid-Hudson Civic Center — there is a really interesting energy in that place," Rzeznik said. "I just feel like it's one of those halls that had a lot of rock in it — full of rock ghosts. I really kind of believe in those storied rooms that are out there, that are amazing to play in. You get to be added to the list of ghosts that occupy that space. And The Chance — I remember playing at The Chance and it just being really sort of gritty and really cool."

Rzeznik and the Goo Goo Dolls return to the Hudson Valley tonight, but the power trio will perform for the first time at the Broadway Theater at Ulster Performing Arts Center in Kingston.

Originally from Buffalo, the Goo Goo Dolls have sold millions of records and are well known for a string of hits, including "Name" and "Iris."

"The more shows we bring, the broader our reach becomes for artists we've never presented before," said Chris Silva, executive director of the Bardavon 1869 Opera House in Poughkeepsie, which owns UPAC. "This should be a very fun concert."

Rzeznik lives in Los Angeles but maintains strong ties to New York.

He returns home to Buffalo — in the dead of winter — to write songs.

"I find it inspiring," he said. "It just inspires me to get down to work."

And he loves the Hudson Valley.

"That part of the state, up the Hudson and that whole area, through Woodstock," Rzeznik said, "there is a sort of weird mythology about that part of the country, as far as music goes."