07/21/2018
The cat's out of the bag. Swayze's Venue is closing! Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone that's came out, played a show, or helped us out in any way over the last 16 years. I've been sick for 3 years and in that time period I've spent most of that time in the hospital or bed ridden. I had most of my intestines removed -- I only have 5-6 feet left (just enough to live on). I've had to learn to walk again more than once. I'm still fighting off MRSA staph infections, almost constantly. This closing isn't exactly about money, although money would be nice. It's about someone else being the torch bearer. No one wants to be the sole torch bearer, bill payer, mess cleaner-uper -- and I don't blame them, that part of the job sucks, it's not fun. Running this, although it is rewarding at times, is a total pain in the ass.
But in my current health, and although my heath has been improving, and is improving, I can't keep the club up, I just can't do it. I have to focus on my health right now. I have to move on.
I've been playing and putting on shows for 21 years. I've been doing shows at Swayze's for 16 of those years. I've done my part. If anyone say's I didn't do my part, or I didn't do my part well enough, well they don't know what the hell they're talking about at all, they're just ignorant, they certainly couldn't have kept this thing going 16 years, that's for sure. My resume speaks for itself.
I tried to get someone else to step up, someone that was right for the job, someone that would be fair, someone to take this place over, to facilitate and not censor art. I was trying to just give the club away to whoever this person may be for for free of charge, however no one that was right for the job wanted it/could afford to pay rent/utilities -- it's a much harder business to run than one may think, that's why so these places don't just spring up all the time and when they do, they close quickly. It's okay though, it just wasn't meant to be. I would rather see the club shuttered up than fall into the hands of someone that doesn't "get it"/understand the club's intention -- DIY punk, free speech, anti-censorship, pro-art, pro-creativity -- basically anything goes to a point.
Over 4,500 shows in 16 years at Swayze's -- a platform for just about everyone -- now, that's a feat! Thanks a lot for all the support. I'm grateful, I'm humbled, I'm sad. BUT I'm not done yet. I just need a break. Again, I have to focus on my health and make that number my one priority right now, from now on, to get 100% better for the future, which sadly is something I've neglected doing.
Please remember, I get bored quick and I'm highly motivated, so who knows what's next. We might end up with a better, brighter, shinier new spot soon. Who knows?
I can't say this enough, thank you for the bottom of my heart for all the support and love. It means so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
This whole situation sucks. I wish I hadn't had gotten sick and then this wouldn't be happening, the club wouldn't be closing, but I've kept it going this long at least. This will be a big loss for a lot of folks. Some realize it now, others won't realize it till it's gone. I've already got a lot of booking agents writing so bummed out about the whole ordeal. Don't be down. Remember the good times. Just try and keep underground music alive.
But like I said, I'm just taking a break "for health." I'll be back.
If you'd like to help us out in our final days, here's some things you can do:
1) Play a show. We've got space on two remaining dates, so if you wanna be sentimental come play on Friday 7/27 or Saturday 7/28, it'd be a great send off for all of us. e-mail [email protected] to jump on
2) Come out to one of our remaining few shows.
3) Help us clean the place out. I'm still not 100% able-bodied, and I'm actually sick right now, so I need help cleaning the place out all of next week through 7/30, so just Facebook me or e-mail me at [email protected] (you may be rewarded with lunch and possible freebies, you'll never know what junk/treasures you may find hidden in the inter sanctums of Swayze's).
4) we're on our last legs, we're poor, taking stuff to the dump, etc., paying bills, utilities, etc., with very few shows is expensive, so, any donations will be graciously accepted -- our PayPal is [email protected]
Thanks again for 16 years of support!
Lee Satterfield
