On Wednesday, Houston venue White Oak Music Hall had a strange clash of events. Upstairs hosted current far-right Attorney General Ken Paxton, running for US Senate against Democratic state Representative James Talarico, while downstairs hosted emo-punk groups Meet Me @ the Altar and Leisure Hour. The bands were unaware that the event was scheduled that same night, and according to Texas Monthly, they were pretty pissed.
Now, fellow punks Sweet Pill said fuck the fascists and fuck any venue that chooses to host them. The Philly-based emo group, who are touring their recent album Still There's A Glow, were slated to play White Oak Music Hall on Aug. 19, but they've announced that they're moving their show to Bad Astronaut after finding out that the former venue hosted "a far right piece of shit."
Yesterday, the band posted on Instagram sharing their decision, refunding tickets for the WOMH and sharing a link to purchase tickets at the new venue. They'll also be donating funds to "Montrose Grace Place, a Houston based organization that creates a safe place for vulnerable youths facing homelessness of all sexualities and genders."
Their full post reads:
It has come to our attention that our Houston venue, White Oak Music Hall, held an event for Ken Paxton the Texas Attorney General and you guessed it - a far right piece of shit. This goes against everything we stand for and have made the decision to MOVE (not cancel) our show to @bad.astronaut. Sweet Pill is for everybody except for the fascists in power
Tickets for WOMH have been refunded, new ticket link for Bad Astronaut is live on our story and at on the venue’s website. We apologize for the inconvenience but what we stand for comes first. On top of this we’ll be donating to Montrose Grace Place, a Houston based organization that creates a safe place for vulnerable youths facing homelessness of all sexualities and genders. If you’re able we encourage you to make a donation as well, link is also on our story
Huge thank you to our team for making this change happen, see yall next week ❤️
White Oak Music Hall also posted on Instagram regarding the backlash, although it's now deleted. That post read:
Whether with tonight's rental event with Ken Paxton, or similar past events with Beto O'Rourke, former Mayor Sylvester Turner, and Judges Ravi K. Sandill and Manpreet "Monica" Singh, White Oak Music Hall is a neutral forum open to all individuals and organizations, providing a space for assembly, dialogue, expression, and community engagement.
For ten years. White Oak Music Hall has served our community first and foremost as a concert venue, bringing some of the world's most celebrated talent to Houston, along with supporting up-and-coming and local artists of all genres and interests.
Additionally, White Oak Music Hall's commitment to Houston's many diverse communities includes availability as a venue for private event rentals, although use of the venue does not imply endorsement by White Oak Music Hall of any individual, group, opinion, or activity.
