Dear Saint Vitus,
The first time I entered the space within your walls, I was immediately reminded of the powerful venues that shaped my formative years as a young NYC sponge. Places that shaped the person I am today, and showed me the wonder and ways of music entertainment.
As the sun gleamed through your 11×17 only window, it cast rays across your black DIY goth plywood floor, and gave the slightest glimpse of inverted flowers hanging from the ceiling. From floor to ceiling, from beginning to end, you had a genuine direction in mind.
I remember meeting George, Arty, and Dave shortly after its opening, as we reminisced over those formative venues that changed our worlds. We spoke of places like Coney Island High, CBGB’s, Wetlands, L'Amaour, and many more. We spoke of their lasting impressions, and their legendary status. These early conversions ring poetic today, as Saint Vitus Bar transitions beyond their Manhattan Ave walls as a legend in its own right.
I’ve been fortunate to host, perform and/or attend more events than I can remember within these walls. Memories and feelings I’ll cherish forever all the way through my 40th birthday party with everyone I love in the same room.
Reunions, underplays, and legendary shows, to goth parties, screenings and release parties.
Weddings, birthdays and commemorations to yoga, stand up, and discussions. Saint Vitus Bar has been more than four walls, but a center for the NY alt scene. A place to celebrate all of its interests and organically cultivate a community of weirdos. It’s a place we all found each other, and sometimes, even a piece of ourselves.
Thank you for giving us the space to be us. Thank you for always being open minded and flexible. Thank you for showing the world that the biggest things happen in small spaces.
Saint Vitus Bar, I’ll miss your walls, but I look forward to your wings.
