Garfield venue cancels controversial music festival after concerns over alleged extremist ties
The Wisla Club said it condemns hatred and discrimination and will review its rental policies.
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A controversial three-day music festival planned for Garfield has been canceled after police and community members raised concerns about alleged ties between some of the scheduled performers and white supremacist and antisemitic groups.
"Vengeance Fest" was scheduled to feature 20 heavy metal bands at the Wisla Club.
The Wisla Club said it was unaware of the backgrounds of the performers when it agreed to rent the venue. After concerns were brought to its attention, the club canceled the event.
"We want to make sure that the neighbors are safe. People who are coming in with anger and hatred in their heart should not be coming to Garfield, or any of our communities," said Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur.
One resident said the planned event was unsettling.
"I feel disgusted, honestly, that this could happen in my own town. It's really frightening how close they came to performing."
The Wisla Club said it condemns hatred and discrimination and will review its rental policies.
The event's promoter said the festival will still take place at an undisclosed location elsewhere in New Jersey.
