Masque, a renowned Dayton gay bar, dance club closing

Owner says he is seeking new location and is willing to move out of Dayton.

Credit: David Meyer

Credit: David Meyer

A downtown bar that has received national acclaim is closing its doors, its owner announced early this morning.

>> PHOTOS: Club Masque through the years

Club Masque,  34 N Jefferson St., will close next month, according to post on the night club's Facebook page as well as one used by owner Luke Liakos. 

>> RELATED:  (April 25, 2019) Downtown Dayton dance club now a destination for weddings, events

“TOUGH POST!!!!!!!! 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!!!!!”

>> Why is Dayton on the list of friendly LGBT Ohio cities?

A message was sent to Liakos seeking additional comment. He founded Diamonds Cabaret in Centerville.

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Out magazine has ranked Masque among the “200 of the Greatest Gay Bars in the World.”

The dance club has hosted some of the nation’s biggest drag performers, fashion shows and a host of community events since opening Dec. 25, 2004 in the former site of 1470 West.

It  was voted Dayton’s best gay clubs in Dayton.com’s 2018 Best of Dayton people’s choice contest.

>> RELATED: Best of Dayton 2018: Bars, Beer & Nightlife winners

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