Woke up this morning to a most distressing message posted by Luke Liakos, owner of Club Masque:

DUE TO MASQUE NOT BEING ABLE TO NEGOTIATE A REASONABLE LEASE OR PURCHASE OF THE BUILDING WE WILL BE CLOSING THE VENUE….. LEVEL 2 LAST DAY WILL BE JANUARY 18TH…….LEVEL 1 LAST DAY WILL BE JANUARY 25TH……..I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE WONDERFUL STAFF,ENTERTAINERS, AND AMAZING CUSTOMERS WE HAVE HAD OVER THE YEARS. WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU. WE ARE ACTIVELY LOOKING FOR A NEW LOCATION. ANY REALTORS OR BUILDING OWNERS THAT THINK MASQUE MIGHT BE A GOOD FIT LET US KNOW. THIS NEW LOCATION WILL HOPEFULLY BE IN DAYTON,BUT WE ARE OPEN TO MOVING IT TO A NEW CITY. THANK YOU ALL….IT HAS BEEN AN AMAZING 15 YEARS HOPEFULLY TO BE CONTINUED TO A NEW VENUE!!!!!

Luke

Club Masque opened 15 years ago and blew away the standard for Gay Bars. Drawing crowds from across the midwest, with a state of the art showroom on the first floor and the second floor open dance hall with speakers and advanced lighting systems that take up the entire level.

They’ve hosted a variety of shows and events ranging from Male Revues, drag shows, open stages, college nights, and karaoke nights. Winning accolades and awards from Best Dance Club, Best Gay Bar, Premier Show Club, Masque quickly established itself as “the midwest gay bar.”

Rubi Girl and Square One Co-Owner Brent Johnson said it best in response to the news:

“Wow- what you’ve contributed to the city and it’s people has been amazing and significant. In addition, you’ve created one of the best of the best in high end nightclubs. There’s a better route for you somewhere. It’s waiting to emerge and I’m excited to support you and your new venture Luke. Thank you for being an advocate for those who couldn’t always do it for themselves.”

Here are just some of the comments being left on this thread

Kayla Michelle Carpenter Heaaarrttbrokennnn ? I’m so thankful to have been a part of the past 6 years. ??

Gregg A. Montgomery Sad my friend. You brought so much to downtown
Anthony Stefan Omg! 15 years, I can’t believe it, so sorry to hear this, with your following I’m sure you will find a better location, this is tragic!
Ryan Crockett Wow! Never thought I’d see this happen. With all the recognition and popularity that comes with Masque, one would think they’d be eager to renew the lease…
On to better things, good luck in your search!
Yvette Hobbs So sorry to hear this. Not only did I debut in Drag at Masque, I made a few of my best friends there, as well as had more fun during some of the events.
Tim Osborne This is absolutely devastating. So many memories and friendships made there. This will be a very hard goodbye.
Justin Chalender Miles ???? this is super sad. Everything started HERE for me.
Irvin Moscowitz A real shame Luke. The club did a lot of good for a lot of people for a long time
Manuel Belmontes Man this place was a safe haven and a home for so many lgbtq+ kids and adults. I almost feel like its unfair to take it away from the next generations… ?
Jenna Bowen This is so sad! Never in a million years did I ever think this would happen. Luke Liakos, you have brought so much to the downtown area and we are eternally grateful! We will continue to stand beside you! Masque WILL live on!!!!
Zahrah Jordan ? this is devastating. I didn’t realize my attachment to this place till tears appeared reading this. I pray that a new venue is found and the Masque legacy continues ?

Dick Amann Fifteen years Luke Liakos! Great memories of its inception and realization. Do it again for for Dayton!