Hardcore legends Mad Diesel closing out ABC No Rio's final punk/hardcore matinee in the original building, 6/25/16. (Photo: Nick McManus)

Hardcore legends Mad Diesel closing out ABC No Rio’s final punk/hardcore matinee in the original building, 6/25/16. (Photo: Nick McManus)

The closing of two beloved record stores wasn’t the only blow dealt to Manhattan’s music scene over the weekend. Down on the Lower East Side, the social center known as ABC No Rio hosted its last two shows in its home of over three decades.
On Saturday, the tenement on Rivington Street saw the last of its legendary punk/hardcore matinees, which date back to 1989.
The attendees of ABC No Rio's final punk/hardcore matinee in the original building, enjoying the backyard, 6/25/16. (Photo: Nick McManus)

The attendees of ABC No Rio’s final punk/hardcore matinee in the original building, enjoying the backyard, 6/25/16. (Photo: Nick McManus)

On Sunday, it bid adieu to the COMA series, dedicated to experimental music and jazz. Photographer Nick McManus was there to snap group portraits of the organizers and attendees.
The musicians and attendees of ABC No Rio's final C.O.M.A. free Jazz concert in the original building, featuring show organizer Blaise Siwula, 6/26/16. (Photo: Nick McManus)

The musicians and attendees of ABC No Rio’s final C.O.M.A. free Jazz concert in the original building, featuring show organizer Blaise Siwula, 6/26/16. (Photo: Nick McManus)

As noted when we checked in with No Rio’s zine library before it temporarily moved to the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center, and then again when we popped into its final art show, the decaying tenament is set to be torn down and replaced by a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly building.
Even with city funding in play, we probably won’t see the surreally gleaming new structure for at least a couple of years. In the meantime, a series of “ABC No Rio In Exile” events will occur at venues that share the center’s DIY spirit. As of now, there are hardcore/punk matinees scheduled at Silent Barn every Saturday through July 16, followed by a July 23 show at Aviv.
So, punk’s not dead– it’s just moving to Brooklyn for a while.