Fundraiser For Studio Seven Will Help 'Save' Club After Killing

SEATTLE, WA - One of Seattle's most notorious venues has had its liquor license suspended recently, an "extraordinary" measure that the state officials took after a deadly shooting in February. But the venue owners are trying to get the license back and will hold a fundraiser in May along with KISW to "save" Studio Seven.

Located along South Horton Street in Sodo, Studio Seven hosts some of the grittiest hard rock, hip-hop, and heavy metal shows in Seattle. But the state Liquor and Cannabis board says the venue is dangerous and has not provided adequate security.

On Feb. 11, a 27-year-old man was shot inside the club during a show featuring Bay Area hip-hop artist Nef the Pharaoh. The victim later died at Harborview. The WSCLB says Studio Seven turned security over to Pharoah's entourage, which allowed the shooting to happen.

Studio Seven "ceded responsibility for security at the back door and rear area of the club to a performers’ private security detail. Subsequently a person was shot and killed in the area where the licensee had abdicated their control," WSCLB officials wrote in a press release about the suspension.

The state also cited a November incident that 28 Seattle police officers had to respond to. In 2012, Seattle police labeled Studio Seven a "chronic public nuisance," and used a city ordinance to require the club to tamp down violence and drug dealing.

In one 2012 incident cited by SPD, a 16-year-old girl was choked and raped in the Studio Seven parking lot. She met her attacker inside the venue, according to police. In another incident a 14-year-old girl overdosed on a hallucinogen during a show featuring drum and bass DJ Dieselboy.

The owners did successfully comply with that order in 2012. The liquor license will remain suspended until Aug. 27, but in the meantime WSLCB will seek permanent revocation. The club is owned by a Redmond-based corporation called Aces Four LLC. That company's governors include Paul Poirier, Joseph Schwab Sr., and Jacob Menashe, according to state records.

The fundraiser will happen May 6 and will feature a day-long festival featuring local hard rock acts, including an Ozzy Osbourne tribute band.

There will be no alcohol served at the club. Studio Seven will provide a free shuttle every 20 minutes to take attendees to the Siren Tavern along 4th Avenue for drinks.

Image via Google Maps