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Could It Be 'Lights Out' For Detroit's Masonic Temple?

DETROIT (WWJ) - It may be dark days ahead for the Masonic Temple in downtown Detroit.

WWJ's Vickie Thomas reports there's a notice on the window of  historic concert venue, alerting the owners that the gas and electric service will be shut off on or before Sunday, Aug. 26.

"You are hereby notified that the electric/gas service to this building will be disconnected... unless past due electric/gas bills are paid," the notice read.

masonic temple - dte notice
This notice was posted at the Masonic Temple in Detroit. (WWJ Photo/Vickie Thomas)

A statement issued by DTE Energy Thursday said "the electric and natural gas accounts for the Masonic Temple have accrued a substantial unpaid balance and attempts to reach a workable payment arrangement with the facility's management have been unsuccessful... Facility management has not complied with a recent agreement for partial payment that would prevent shutoff."

DTE Energy said they recognize the iconic status that the Masonic Temple holds in the community and "regret that a shutoff may be necessary, but in fairness to all of our customers we cannot continue to provide utility services without payment."

Popular recording artist Nas, who currently has the number three hip hop/rap album on the Billboard charts, is scheduled to give a surprise performance at the Masonic Temple Thursday night, before the building potentially goes in the dark.

The Nas show will be held from 8-11 p.m. inside "The Asylum" area of the Masonic Temple. Fans must be at least 21-years-old to attend. Admission is free and will be based strictly on the venue's capacity, but you have to RSVP ahead of time.

Officials from the Masonic Temple could not be reached for comment.

Nas announced news of the free concert on Twitter, the same day the notice was posted.

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