"The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." This is Barbara Malchevsky's signature quote (by Hunter S. Thompson), and nobody knows it better than this 27-year-old New York native. Barbara is a jack-of-all-trades. Not only is she the Marketing and Promoting Director for the Chance Theater, she also tends bar at the famous Hudson Valley venue, and even occasionally tours with bands. Metromix caught up with Barbara, fresh off touring with metal legends Exodus, to find out more about this raucous Russian and what it's like slinging drinks to rock stars.
Relationship status:
Very single and love to flirt, but I’m not looking to get serious.
Funniest thing that’s ever happened in the bar?
Drunk people are not funny. But, I am and I love messing with people, so watch out! Haha!
Ever gone home with a customer?
Never, but some may beg to differ.
Favorite celeb you’d love to serve, and what drink:
Most of the bands that come through are super cool, so I don’t have a particular favorite. But one guy in particular does stand out, he ordered a sprite. He knows who he is.
What’s a guy have to do to get a free drink?
How big is my tip?
What drink will have you calling a cab home?
I’m Russian, which makes me a pro.
What is the worst pick up line you have ever heard?
'If I slip you a tip, can I give you the shaft?' I sprayed the guy with my soda gun in an attempt to cleanse him of his filth. I failed.
What's the largest cash tip you've ever received?
Ask me what the smallest was. That’s a better question.
What alcohol will you not drink?
Vodka. Yes, I did say I was Russian.
What made you become a bartender? Do you have any other jobs?
I love money. Maybe I should be on VH1? I live and breathe The Chance. I also promote, market and book the bands— and most recently started touring.
Do you go out to any other bars?
Sure thing. My girlfriend and I have a saying, 'Poughkeepsie: where every night ends at Noah's.'
Is there a drink that makes you cringe when its ordered?
Anything Johnny.
What’s your secret to curing a hangover?
Thai tea
Do you see fake ids? If so, what was the worst?
Nope! Our security is on point so don’t try it.
What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
That's a tough one. I had to ask my boss. He said, 'people would be surprised to know that you're really sensitive.' But, don't get it twisted, I'll still slap you up, just ask the (guy) in Philly.
Do you have a signature drink?
No, but I can mess up any drink you want and tell you it’s good.
