NYC’s Santos Party House Closing After Hosting Neo-Nazi Punk Show

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New York City venue Santos Party House, owned partly by Andrew W.K. and Despot, has suddenly closed, DNAinfo reports. Last night, on the venue's final night in business, it hosted the second night of NYC Oi! Fest, a punk festival with alleged ties to skinhead and neo-Nazi groups. The festival was originally scheduled to take…

New York City venue Santos Party House, owned partly by Andrew W.K. and Despot, has suddenly closed, DNAinfo reports. Last night, on the venue’s final night in business, it hosted the second night of NYC Oi! Fest, a punk festival with alleged ties to skinhead and neo-Nazi groups. The festival was originally scheduled to take place at Black Bear Bar before being cancelled after the first night due to public outcry.

First off, loud and clear: Black Bear Bar, New Island Music Group, its associates and affiliates neither endorse nor condone any form of fascism, nazism, racism, hate or intolerance. We do not make representations in regards to the personal, political, or religious beliefs of our patrons, staff or performers. Our space is one for community, mutual respect, kindness and compassion for all. Sources online have claimed otherwise. They are wrong. Last night was the first of what was intended to be a two night punk show. The show was presented to us by the organizers as having a headlining act (Oxblood) with two African American members largely against racism. A blog proceeded to write that we condoned and promoted racism due to the booking of this show. This is untrue. In reality we saw last night that the crowd and performers consisted of many people of various ethnicities and backgrounds. Once more: We will not tolerate any form of fascism, nazism, racism, hate or intolerance from anyone in our establishment. Full stop. To avoid any further confusion as to Black Bear Bar's stance in this regard, tonight's show is cancelled.

A photo posted by Black Bear Brooklyn (@blackbearbar) on May 29, 2016 at 10:29am PDT

The club has not yet issued an official statement regarding the closing, and it’s not yet clear if it was directly caused by this controversy. “It was a 10 year lease,” manager Sean Kane told DNAinfo. “Our lease is up and we’re not renewing it.” According to an email from event coordinator Jackalyn Tipchaieuh to groups who had booked shows at the venue, “Our last day open will be Sunday – May 29th, 2016. If you have an event after the previously mentioned date, please consider it cancelled.” As of now, the club’s website still lists events through the end of June.