Weeklies and Bar Nights
Collide at 222 Hyde
From Jose of Fag Fridays comes a new house night with a little bit of urbanity in the mix (I mean, he's got Samim's "Heater" for the MySpace page, how cool is that?) And it's at 222 Hyde, so it's a swell space too. Past DJs have included Jeno, Garth, Tasho, and Mustafa. I may even be there tonight myself.
8PM - 2AM
$5
Club 222, 222 Hyde x Turk
Frisco Disco at The Transfer
Every Saturday night they're lined up on the street for this party; haven't made it past the sweating crowds myself yet, but this looks like one of the hottest things going right now, you should check it out yourself and let me know what you think.
No cover listed
9.00PM - 2.00AM
The Transfer, Church at Market
Hot Mess at The Stud
A Gus Presents production with DJ Kidd Sysko spinning a little disco punk, a little hip-hop, and a lot of club. Check out the link for his Top 20 and decide for yourself. I hear there's also baby oil wrestling.
10PM - 3AM
$5
The Stud, 9th x Harrison.
Bistrotheque with Ken Vulsion at Cafe Flore
I've been remiss in not previously mentioning Ken Vulsion of Honey Sound System's Bistrotheque at Cafe Flore on Satuday evenings. A great place to go have a bite, warm up with a couple drinks, and groove along with Ken.
6PM - 12AM
NO COVER
Cafe Flore, 2298 Market Street x Noe
Monthlies and One-Offs
Camp Zoom Burning Man Fundraiser at The Oasis, Oakland
The theme is "Superheroes on Vacation," so dig out your capes and spandex. With our own Lord Kook joining DJs Neon Bunny, JC on the dance floor, and Xan-X, DJ Mak, and Pepe Mapache bringing the downtempo.
9PM - 2AM
$5 in costume, $10 in street clothes
Oasis, 135 12th Street in Oakland
Manquake at The Gangway
Bus Station John's newest night at a vintage Tenderloin gay bar. "Tremble & quake to the pulse of 70's/80's hi-NRG, disco and R&B classix & curios while enjoying drink specials & xxx-traordinary vintage visuals." (Note: the link lists Manquake only through March 29, but I think it's still on-going; if not, let me know!)
9PM - 2AM
$5
The Gangway, 841 Larkin Street
Deep End Burning Man Fundraiser at The Endup
With Man Cub, Clarkie, Tamo, Hoj, J-Rod, Kuze, Mike Giannini, Syd Gris, Jeffrey Allen, Kramer, Ben Seagren, Layne Loomis, and Sunwoo.
10PM - "after hours"
$15 before 2am, $20 after
The Endup, Harrison x 6th
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Your Friday Guide for May 30, 2008
Uh-oh, it's fifth Friday time again, when all the wild cards come into play.
Weeklies and Bar Nights
Weeklies and Bar Nights
Cosmic Gypsy Happy Hour with DJ Mak at the W Hotel
Get your lounge groove on with DJ Mak in this swank hotel bar.
6PM - 8PM
NO COVER
W Hotel, 181 3rd Street x Howard
KillSwitch Happy Hour at UndergroundSF
Techno happy hour, this week with Christian Schmidt and The Worker.
6PM - 10PM
NO COVER
UndergroundSF, 424 Haight x Webster
The Jaded Gay DJ Recommends: Charlie Horse at the Cinch
Best place to go out and have a cheap drink while being entertained by drag queen antics. Music by DJ Dirty Knees and Bearzbub is more rock and new-wave oriented, but at least it won't interfere with your conversation. Check out my reviews of Charlie Horse at The Cinch.
9PM - close
NO COVER
The Cinch, 1723 Polk Street (between Clay and Washington)
GhettoDisco at The EndUp
With residents Hawthorne, Cuervo, and Nikita.
11PM - 11AM
FREE before midnight, $20 until 2AM, $30 after 2AM
The EndUp, 6th x Harrison
Sick! at The Matador
Just found out about this techno night that started up in November in the location of the old Arrow bar. Residents D Spurlock, Jeffrey Allen, Jonathon Neil, Kuze, and Meekrob. Check out my review of Sick!
9PM - 2AM
FREE
Matador, 10 6th Street x Market
Monthlies and One-Offs
Faktion at Club Anu
Another little mushroom popping up in the techno scene - excellent! Tonight with Drumcell, Forrest Green, and Developer.
10PM - 2AM
$5
Club Anu, 43 Sixth x Market
Blow Up at The Rickshaw Stop
With a live set from Shy Child and resident DJ Jeffrey Paradise.
10PM - 2AM
$10, $15 for 18-21
The Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell x Van Ness
Sugar Returns to The Stud!
Legendary party night Sugar returns to The Stud for one night only with the original DJ line-up of Ellen Ferrato, Chip McClure,Leonard, Lewis, and David Meija.
10PM - 3AM
No cover listed
The Stud, 9th x Harrison
DeeJay PeePlay's Bon Voyage Underground Party!
One of our favorite local boys is headed off for European tour this summer, and of course there will be a blow-out underground to see him off. With tunes provided by Cosmo Vitelli (DFA, I'm a Cliche), CLAWS, Jonas Rheinhart, and of course, PeePlay hisself.
10PM - afterhours
$10
Cal 415 738-7537 day of party for location information
Ritchie Hawtin with Magda and Hearthrob at 1015 Folsom
This promises to be a blow-out evening of awesome techno. Though it says 103 Harriet Street, that's the side entrance of 1015 that goes down to the lounge basement, so this may be a fairly intimate evening, though I'm sure it will be a full house.
9PM - "after hours"
$25 advance tickets , $23 at Tweekin' Records
103 Harriet Street (Side Entrance to 1015 Folsom)
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Event Review: Big Top at the Transfer
This was a pretty quiet weekend for me and the boyfriend, since we've both been laid low by the coughing crud, but Sunday night, after seeing Indiana Jones at the Castro with Kitty, we felt the need to do something to celebrate the occasion of a long weekend, and so headed over to check out Joshua J's Big Top party at The Transfer.
Now, straight out, drag queen DJs spinning freestyle pop is never going to rank high on my list of must-attend events, but I am coming to accept that, for some events, it's not really so much about the music as who is there, and judging from the crowd on Sunday, Big Top is the place to go for cute young guys on the randy make. I'd pretty much written off The Transfer as a place that I want to spend any time, but now they've opened up a back room, with its own bar and banquette seating, so there's a place to chill out and have an actual conversation when the din in the other room gets to be too much for you. This meant the boyfriend and I wound up hanging out for at least one more drink than we normally would have.
Joshua does a bang-up job with decorating the place, though I personally could do without the leering clown heads. I also have to praise his taste in porn; pierced punk boys always work for me, and I'm very anxious to see what kind of antics his go-gos get up to at Mr. next month. If Big Top isn't necessarily about the music, it certainly is about the sex, and I for one found myself, for the first time in a long time, more revved up after leaving the club than I was before I came in.
The one bummer of the night was that Joshua got all his music, turntable cartridges, and headphones jacked by his taxi driver; he told the guy to wait a minute while he went into Superstar, and when he came out the guy was gone. So, go out to Joshua's Booty Call at The Bar on Castro this Wednesday and show your support if you've had a good time at Big Top, he's got a lot of gear to buy before the next party.
Now, straight out, drag queen DJs spinning freestyle pop is never going to rank high on my list of must-attend events, but I am coming to accept that, for some events, it's not really so much about the music as who is there, and judging from the crowd on Sunday, Big Top is the place to go for cute young guys on the randy make. I'd pretty much written off The Transfer as a place that I want to spend any time, but now they've opened up a back room, with its own bar and banquette seating, so there's a place to chill out and have an actual conversation when the din in the other room gets to be too much for you. This meant the boyfriend and I wound up hanging out for at least one more drink than we normally would have.
Joshua does a bang-up job with decorating the place, though I personally could do without the leering clown heads. I also have to praise his taste in porn; pierced punk boys always work for me, and I'm very anxious to see what kind of antics his go-gos get up to at Mr. next month. If Big Top isn't necessarily about the music, it certainly is about the sex, and I for one found myself, for the first time in a long time, more revved up after leaving the club than I was before I came in.
The one bummer of the night was that Joshua got all his music, turntable cartridges, and headphones jacked by his taxi driver; he told the guy to wait a minute while he went into Superstar, and when he came out the guy was gone. So, go out to Joshua's Booty Call at The Bar on Castro this Wednesday and show your support if you've had a good time at Big Top, he's got a lot of gear to buy before the next party.
Advance Tickets for Mr. on Ticketweb!
Oooh,we're getting so professional these days; first Mr. is the Official Opening Party for San Francisco Gay Pride, and now you can buy advanced tickets for $10 (plus service charge) at Ticketweb.
So here's the thing: the night of the event, it's $10 at the door until 11PM, and then it goes up to $20. Sooooo, if you think you might come later in the evening (and remember that our dear Lord Kook doesn't go on until 3AM), it's well worth it to get an advance ticket now and save yourself some bucks and hassle that night. It's gonna be a lot of fun, and I think that this will be the best "local boy" party of the weekend.
So here's the thing: the night of the event, it's $10 at the door until 11PM, and then it goes up to $20. Sooooo, if you think you might come later in the evening (and remember that our dear Lord Kook doesn't go on until 3AM), it's well worth it to get an advance ticket now and save yourself some bucks and hassle that night. It's gonna be a lot of fun, and I think that this will be the best "local boy" party of the weekend.
Event Review: Fuck Shit, Let's Dance! (FSLD) at Deco Lounge
This past Friday’s installment of Fuck Shit, Let’s Dance! (FSLD) was about all that a boy could ask for in a birthday party, though I wish I had been feeling a bit better from this crummy upper respiratory infection that has been dragging me down for the past two weeks.
For me birthdays are always a time of perspective, an opportunity to look back over the previous year and assess how things had developed, and I’m happy to say that this year’s ruminations were pretty positive. Last year I had set my sights on starting a club night, which has come to pass, and as I looked around Deco on Friday evening I had ample opportunity to think about all the new friends and acquaintances I’ve made over this past year. Even better, there were many people who I had no idea who they were, which only contributed to the feeling that things in my life are still growing and developing.
We had great sets from all participants, with Lord Kook tag-teaming with both Jovino and Kenvulsion during different parts of the night, and I think overall it was the most consistent vibe we’ve had yet. I especially enjoyed the old-school techno that Ken brought, which still sounds remarkably fresh and deep when you put it up against contemporary tracks.
Yesterday I ran into my friend Chickpea, who told me he’d been at a potluck in the East Bay where some boys were talking about going to a rave at Deco. Puzzled, he dug a little deeper and found out that they were talking about coming to FSLD. Well, it’s not quite a rave, but we’re trying. In June we’re taking a break to do Mr. for Gay Pride, and then in July we’re coming back with a slightly different format in mind, but still with techno, tech-house, and minimal as the main choices on the musical menu. We know where we want to go, it’s just a question of how to get there from here, and I have faith that next year’s birthday party will find us having successfully arrived.
For me birthdays are always a time of perspective, an opportunity to look back over the previous year and assess how things had developed, and I’m happy to say that this year’s ruminations were pretty positive. Last year I had set my sights on starting a club night, which has come to pass, and as I looked around Deco on Friday evening I had ample opportunity to think about all the new friends and acquaintances I’ve made over this past year. Even better, there were many people who I had no idea who they were, which only contributed to the feeling that things in my life are still growing and developing.
We had great sets from all participants, with Lord Kook tag-teaming with both Jovino and Kenvulsion during different parts of the night, and I think overall it was the most consistent vibe we’ve had yet. I especially enjoyed the old-school techno that Ken brought, which still sounds remarkably fresh and deep when you put it up against contemporary tracks.
Yesterday I ran into my friend Chickpea, who told me he’d been at a potluck in the East Bay where some boys were talking about going to a rave at Deco. Puzzled, he dug a little deeper and found out that they were talking about coming to FSLD. Well, it’s not quite a rave, but we’re trying. In June we’re taking a break to do Mr. for Gay Pride, and then in July we’re coming back with a slightly different format in mind, but still with techno, tech-house, and minimal as the main choices on the musical menu. We know where we want to go, it’s just a question of how to get there from here, and I have faith that next year’s birthday party will find us having successfully arrived.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Your Saturday Guide for May 24, 2008
Weeklies and Bar Nights
Collide at 222 Hyde
From Jose of Fag Fridays and a host of his pals comes a new house night with a little bit of urbanity in the mix. And it's at 222 Hyde, so it's a swell space too. Past DJs have included Jeno, Garth, Tasho, and Mustafa.
8PM - 2AM
$5
Club 222, 222 Hyde x Turk
Frisco Disco at The Transfer
Every Saturday night they're lined up on the street for this party; haven't made it past the sweating crowds myself yet, but this looks like one of the hottest things going right now, you should check it out yourself and let me know what you think.
No cover listed
9.00PM - 2.00AM
The Transfer, Church at Market
Hot Mess at The Stud
A Gus Presents production with DJ Kidd Sysko spinning a little disco punk, a little hip-hop, and a lot of club. Check out the link for his Top 20 and decide for yourself. I hear there's also baby oil wrestling.
10PM - 3AM
$5
The Stud, 9th x Harrison.
Bistrotheque with Ken Vulsion at Cafe Flore
I've been remiss in not previously mentioning Ken Vulsion of Honey Sound System's Bistrotheque at Cafe Flore on Satuday evenings. A great place to go have a bite, warm up with a couple drinks, and groove along with Ken.
6PM - 12AM
NO COVER
Cafe Flore, 2298 Market Street x Noe
Monthlies and One-Offs
Opulent Temple Burning Man Fundraiser at Mezzanine
It's that time of year again, and one of the biggest dance camps on the playa wants you to come out and show your support. With a bevy of San Francisco superstar DJs including Laird, Syd Gris, Felix the Dog, Jondi & Spesh, Smoove, Dutch, Dirtyhertz and more!
10PM - 4AM
$10 - 15 sliding scale
Mezzanine, 444 Jessie Street x Mint
Comfort and Joy Presents Touch at an Underground Location
Those fabulous gay Burner boys from Comfort and Joy present Touch, an all-night party extravaganza featuring music from Honey Sound System, Space, and Texx in the dungeon, Neco D in the lounge, a screening of a a new porn from visual master iii, a hot tub, and an all-night party with lots of guys.
8PM - dawn (no arrivals after 1AM)
$20 donation at the link above (you must RSVP to attend, no tix at the door)
Special underground location close to the Castro and Mission districts
Collide at 222 Hyde
From Jose of Fag Fridays and a host of his pals comes a new house night with a little bit of urbanity in the mix. And it's at 222 Hyde, so it's a swell space too. Past DJs have included Jeno, Garth, Tasho, and Mustafa.
8PM - 2AM
$5
Club 222, 222 Hyde x Turk
Frisco Disco at The Transfer
Every Saturday night they're lined up on the street for this party; haven't made it past the sweating crowds myself yet, but this looks like one of the hottest things going right now, you should check it out yourself and let me know what you think.
No cover listed
9.00PM - 2.00AM
The Transfer, Church at Market
Hot Mess at The Stud
A Gus Presents production with DJ Kidd Sysko spinning a little disco punk, a little hip-hop, and a lot of club. Check out the link for his Top 20 and decide for yourself. I hear there's also baby oil wrestling.
10PM - 3AM
$5
The Stud, 9th x Harrison.
Bistrotheque with Ken Vulsion at Cafe Flore
I've been remiss in not previously mentioning Ken Vulsion of Honey Sound System's Bistrotheque at Cafe Flore on Satuday evenings. A great place to go have a bite, warm up with a couple drinks, and groove along with Ken.
6PM - 12AM
NO COVER
Cafe Flore, 2298 Market Street x Noe
Monthlies and One-Offs
Opulent Temple Burning Man Fundraiser at Mezzanine
It's that time of year again, and one of the biggest dance camps on the playa wants you to come out and show your support. With a bevy of San Francisco superstar DJs including Laird, Syd Gris, Felix the Dog, Jondi & Spesh, Smoove, Dutch, Dirtyhertz and more!
10PM - 4AM
$10 - 15 sliding scale
Mezzanine, 444 Jessie Street x Mint
Comfort and Joy Presents Touch at an Underground Location
Those fabulous gay Burner boys from Comfort and Joy present Touch, an all-night party extravaganza featuring music from Honey Sound System, Space, and Texx in the dungeon, Neco D in the lounge, a screening of a a new porn from visual master iii, a hot tub, and an all-night party with lots of guys.
8PM - dawn (no arrivals after 1AM)
$20 donation at the link above (you must RSVP to attend, no tix at the door)
Special underground location close to the Castro and Mission districts
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Your Friday Guide for May 23, 2008
The Jaded Gay DJ Recommends: Fuck Shit, Let's Dance! (FSLD) at Deco Lounge
Our monthly faggot techno dance party for queers and their friends. This month with guests Kenvulsion ((Honey Sound System) laying down some pounding four-on-the-floor techno, and Jovino (Theory Radio), with resident Lord Kook. It's my birthday party too, so come and have a drink with me to celebrate!
9PM - 3AM
FREE before 10, $5 after
Deco Lounge, 511 Larkin x Turk
Cosmic Gypsy Happy Hour with DJ Mak at the W Hotel
Get your lounge groove on with DJ Mak in this swank hotel bar.
6PM - 8PM
NO COVER
W Hotel, 181 3rd Street x Howard
KillSwitch Happy Hour at UndergroundSF
Techno happy hour, this week with Evan Rhodes from Detroit, Razvan (Black Market Techno), and Fil Latorre (Staple).
6PM - 10PM
NO COVER
UndergroundSF, 424 Haight x Webster
The Jaded Gay DJ Recommends: Charlie Horse at the Cinch
Best place to go out and have a cheap drink while being entertained by drag queen antics. Music by DJ Dirty Knees and Bearzbub is more rock and new-wave oriented, but at least it won't interfere with your conversation. Check out my latest review of Charlie Horse at The Cinch.
9PM - close
FREE!
The Jaded Gay DJ Recommends: Sick! at The Matador
A nice dive bar with techno tunes, a perfect place to start your night or to spend it. Residents D Spurlock, Jeffrey Allen, Jonathon Neil, Kuze, and Meekrob. Check out my review of Sick!
9PM - 2AM
FREE
Matador, 10 6th Street x Market
GhettoDisco at The EndUp
With an extended set from Chad Jack, plus Hawthorne and Cuervo.
11PM - 11AM
FREE before midnight, $20 until 2AM, $30 after 2AM
The EndUp, 6th x Harrison
Blow-Up at The Rickshaw Stop
With resident Jeffrey Paradise and special guests TBA.
10PM - 2AM
$10 for 21+, $15 for 18-21
The Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell at Van Ness
Lights Down Low at Club 222
With resident DJs Sleazemore and Rchrd OH!? and special guests. Check out my previous reviews of Lights Down Low.
10PM - 2AM
$7
Club 222, 222 Hyde Street x Turk
Monthlies and One-Offs
Shark Attack! at the Cat Club
Orko, Starr, Rubyacht, and Macro spin dark indie electro pop minimal prog dance.
9PM - 2AM
FREE before 10, $5 after
Cat Club, 1190 Folsom x 9th
One of the banger kings helps celebrate the Turbo Records Ten Year Anniversary party, with support from Thomas von Party and local boys Kid Hack and Sleazemore.
10PM - "After hours"
$5 advance (but with a $2 service charge)
Mighty, 119 Utah x 15th
Monday, May 19, 2008
Drunk and Horny Update: The Party Continues
Saturday night Lord Kook and I headed over to a house party hosted by the Drunk and Horny crew, where the good Lord and Neco D spun some tunes while other folks got frisky in the hot tub and others just spun themselves. The full scoop is this: Drunk and Horny is going back to being a monthly at Underground SF, with the next one slated for July 12. The interesting bit, though, is that the club owner, Cip, wants to keep Saturdays gay, so there might be some new nights coming up soon. I'll keep you all posted as I find out more.
Upcoming Event: Fuck Shit, Let's Dance (FSLD) at Deco Lounge, Friday May 23
It's time for your monthly dose of Faggot Techno, and this time around we've got Ken Vulsion of Honey Sound System, who has promised us a night of four-on-the-floor techno bangers, with the possibility of a special guest tag-team during his set. And if that wasn't enough, we'll also be celebrating my birthday, so I'd be happy to see all your smiling faces there. We're on hiatus from Deco next month because of Mr., the Official Pride Opening Party we're doing at Mighty with Fag Fridays, Beatbox Events, and Big Top, but in July we'll be back again.
Fuck Shit, Let's Dance! (FSLD)
with guests Ken Vulsion (Honey Sound System) and Jovino (Theory Radio)
Resident DJ Lord Kook
9PM - 3AM
$5, FREE before 10
Deco Lounge, Larkin x Turk
Fuck Shit, Let's Dance! (FSLD)
with guests Ken Vulsion (Honey Sound System) and Jovino (Theory Radio)
Resident DJ Lord Kook
9PM - 3AM
$5, FREE before 10
Deco Lounge, Larkin x Turk
Event Review: Fuzzpod Live at the Bollyhood Cafe
On Friday evening, before popping over to Heat at The Stud, the boyfriend and I checked out Fuzzpod at The Bollyhood Café at 19th and Mission. Fuzzpod is the recording project of DJ Xan-X from the Ambi-sonic collective, and provided a pleasant hour of dubbed-out downtempo with live vocals, flute, and violin over electronic beats and soundscapes. The most remarkable aspect of the performance was that none of the people singing or playing live had rehearsed together before, so it was a display of very talented musicianship all around. It would be nice to see a little more performance baked into their next live appearance, since, to my ear, downtempo is about sitting back and listening more than watching a band, but I’m sure that the performance will emerge over time as this group does the tour of hipster cafes.
As for the Bollyhood Cafe, it's a cute little space that seems to have a diverse clientele, but it would be nice if they had someone behind the bar who could actually manage the work, and if the "Indian tapas" menus was a bit more substantial.
As for the Bollyhood Cafe, it's a cute little space that seems to have a diverse clientele, but it would be nice if they had someone behind the bar who could actually manage the work, and if the "Indian tapas" menus was a bit more substantial.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Your Saturday Guide for May 17, 2008
OK, OK, I know that I've been slipping this week, what with forgetting about Little Brother at 1015 last night, and not getting this Saturday guide out until Saturday, but I started a new job this week, and wow, have I been busy. At my old job there was plenty of slack time to write blog posts, but for now it's work work work; at least I'm getting to write about cool technology that could usher in Web 3.0 or something.
The big news for tonight is: NO MORE DRUNK AND HORNY. That's right, after a three-year run the boys are moving on to a new project. Don't know for sure what that will be yet, but I'll let you all know as soon as I do.
Weeklies and Bar Nights
Frisco Disco at The Transfer
Every Saturday night they're lined up on the street for this party; haven't made it past the sweating crowds myself yet, but this looks like one of the hottest things going right now, you should check it out yourself and let me know what you think.
No cover listed
9.00PM - 2.00AM
The Transfer, Church at Market
Hot Mess at The Stud
A Gus Presents production with DJ Kidd Sysko spinning a little disco punk, a little hip-hop, and a lot of club. Check out the link for his Top 20 and decide for yourself. I hear there's also baby oil wrestling.
10PM - 3AM
$5
The Stud, 9th x Harrison.
Bistrotheque with Ken Vulsion at Cafe Flore
I've been remiss in not previously mentioning Ken Vulsion of Honey Sound System's Bistrotheque at Cafe Flore on Satuday evenings. A great place to go have a bite, warm up with a couple drinks, and groove along with Ken.
6PM - 12AM
NO COVER
Cafe Flore, 2298 Market Street x Noe
Monthlies and One-Offs
Bearracuda at Deco Lounge
For bears and those who love them. With DJs Pete "Jester" Savas and boyshapedbox.
9PM - 3AM
$6
Deco Lounge, 510 Larkin x Turk
Chrome at The Gangway
A queer rock monthly from the same guys who bring you Trans Am.
9PM - 3AM
$3
Larkin x Geary
The Show at The EndUp
Sounds like another night of breaks with Ben Maybe, Laird, M3, Patrico, and Smoove.
10PM to 12 Noon Sunday (yes, 14 hours)
FREE before 11, $10 with RSVP to www.sensesf.com/show
The EndUp, 6th x Harrison
Love and Devotion at Jelly's
Two rooms of trance, progressive and funky on the one side, psychedelic on the other. With Michael Liu, Raven Waterjuice, Cybervixen, David Justin, Cannabinoid, and Jason bringing the progressive beats, and Collision, Moksa, Atum, Aktif, Witchdokta, and Doctor Spook psyching out.
10PM - 6AM
$20
Jelly's Dance Cafe, 295 Terry Francois Steet (off Mission Rock)
Return to Paradise with Sister Sledge and Holy Ghost! at Mezzanine
Grab you platforms, drape some gold chains around your neck, and set the wayback machine for 1978, when disco dinosaurs walked the earth. With disco legend Sister Sledge, modern disco-istas Holy Ghost!, and DJ support from Nicky B., Derrek Love, BT Magnum and Black Shag, and the Honey Soundsystem in the upstairs lounge.
10PM - "dawn"
$20 at the door, $15 advance
Mezzanine, 444 Jessie Street x Mint
The big news for tonight is: NO MORE DRUNK AND HORNY. That's right, after a three-year run the boys are moving on to a new project. Don't know for sure what that will be yet, but I'll let you all know as soon as I do.
Weeklies and Bar Nights
Frisco Disco at The Transfer
Every Saturday night they're lined up on the street for this party; haven't made it past the sweating crowds myself yet, but this looks like one of the hottest things going right now, you should check it out yourself and let me know what you think.
No cover listed
9.00PM - 2.00AM
The Transfer, Church at Market
Hot Mess at The Stud
A Gus Presents production with DJ Kidd Sysko spinning a little disco punk, a little hip-hop, and a lot of club. Check out the link for his Top 20 and decide for yourself. I hear there's also baby oil wrestling.
10PM - 3AM
$5
The Stud, 9th x Harrison.
Bistrotheque with Ken Vulsion at Cafe Flore
I've been remiss in not previously mentioning Ken Vulsion of Honey Sound System's Bistrotheque at Cafe Flore on Satuday evenings. A great place to go have a bite, warm up with a couple drinks, and groove along with Ken.
6PM - 12AM
NO COVER
Cafe Flore, 2298 Market Street x Noe
Monthlies and One-Offs
Bearracuda at Deco Lounge
For bears and those who love them. With DJs Pete "Jester" Savas and boyshapedbox.
9PM - 3AM
$6
Deco Lounge, 510 Larkin x Turk
Chrome at The Gangway
A queer rock monthly from the same guys who bring you Trans Am.
9PM - 3AM
$3
Larkin x Geary
The Show at The EndUp
Sounds like another night of breaks with Ben Maybe, Laird, M3, Patrico, and Smoove.
10PM to 12 Noon Sunday (yes, 14 hours)
FREE before 11, $10 with RSVP to www.sensesf.com/show
The EndUp, 6th x Harrison
Love and Devotion at Jelly's
Two rooms of trance, progressive and funky on the one side, psychedelic on the other. With Michael Liu, Raven Waterjuice, Cybervixen, David Justin, Cannabinoid, and Jason bringing the progressive beats, and Collision, Moksa, Atum, Aktif, Witchdokta, and Doctor Spook psyching out.
10PM - 6AM
$20
Jelly's Dance Cafe, 295 Terry Francois Steet (off Mission Rock)
Return to Paradise with Sister Sledge and Holy Ghost! at Mezzanine
Grab you platforms, drape some gold chains around your neck, and set the wayback machine for 1978, when disco dinosaurs walked the earth. With disco legend Sister Sledge, modern disco-istas Holy Ghost!, and DJ support from Nicky B., Derrek Love, BT Magnum and Black Shag, and the Honey Soundsystem in the upstairs lounge.
10PM - "dawn"
$20 at the door, $15 advance
Mezzanine, 444 Jessie Street x Mint
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The End of Drunk and Horny at Underground SF?
I've heard rumors and have delayed posting about them until I could get some confirmation, but now, based on an email that was sent out to the Drunk and Horny mailing list today, it seems pretty definite that Drunk and Horny will no longer be happening at Underground SF. All I know for certain is that there will be a house party this Saturday instead of the regular party at Underground SF, and there is word of "the return of Drunk and Horny." More details as they become available.
UPDATE: DnH will be continuing as a monthly, with the next one happening on July 12.
UPDATE: DnH will be continuing as a monthly, with the next one happening on July 12.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Your Friday Guide for May 16, 2008
Cosmic Gypsy Happy Hour with DJ Mak at the W Hotel
Get your lounge groove on with DJ Mak in this swank hotel bar.
6PM - 8PM
NO COVER
W Hotel, 181 3rd Street x Howard
KillSwitch Happy Hour at UndergroundSF
Techno happy hour, this week with Alland Byallo of Kontrol and Nightlight Records.
6PM - 10PM
NO COVER
UndergroundSF, 424 Haight x Webster
The Jaded Gay DJ Recommends: Charlie Horse at the Cinch
Best place to go out and have a cheap drink while being entertained by drag queen antics. Music by DJ Dirty Knees and Bearzbub is more rock and new-wave oriented, but at least it won't interfere with your conversation. Check out my latest review of Charlie Horse at The Cinch.
9PM - close
FREE!
The Jaded Gay DJ Recommends: Sick! at The Matador
A nice dive bar with techno tunes, a perfect place to start your night or to spend it. Residents D Spurlock, Jeffrey Allen, Jonathon Neil, Kuze, and Meekrob. Check out my review of Sick!
9PM - 2AM
FREE
Matador, 10 6th Street x Market
GhettoDisco at The EndUp
With DJs Pete Avila, Frank Wild, and Adrian.
11PM - 11AM
FREE before midnight, $20 until 2AM, $30 after 2AM
The EndUp, 6th x Harrison
Blow-Up at The Rickshaw Stop
Third Anniversary party with resident Richie Panic (Frisco Disco) and guest DJ Blake Miller of Moving Units, plus Designer Drugs and Jhn Rdn.
10PM - 2AM
$10 for 21+, $15 for 18-21
The Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell at Van Ness
Monthlies and One-Offs
The Jaded Gay DJ Recommends: Heat at The Stud
This month's installment features a performance from Fans of Jimmy Century. Check out my previous review of Heat.
10PM - 3AM
$5
The Stud, 9th x Harrison
Shark Attack! at the Cat Club
Orko, Starr, Rubyacht, and Macro spin dark indie electro pop minimal prog dance.
9PM - 2AM
FREE before 10, $5 after
Cat Club, 1190 Folsom x 9th
Get your lounge groove on with DJ Mak in this swank hotel bar.
6PM - 8PM
NO COVER
W Hotel, 181 3rd Street x Howard
KillSwitch Happy Hour at UndergroundSF
Techno happy hour, this week with Alland Byallo of Kontrol and Nightlight Records.
6PM - 10PM
NO COVER
UndergroundSF, 424 Haight x Webster
The Jaded Gay DJ Recommends: Charlie Horse at the Cinch
Best place to go out and have a cheap drink while being entertained by drag queen antics. Music by DJ Dirty Knees and Bearzbub is more rock and new-wave oriented, but at least it won't interfere with your conversation. Check out my latest review of Charlie Horse at The Cinch.
9PM - close
FREE!
The Jaded Gay DJ Recommends: Sick! at The Matador
A nice dive bar with techno tunes, a perfect place to start your night or to spend it. Residents D Spurlock, Jeffrey Allen, Jonathon Neil, Kuze, and Meekrob. Check out my review of Sick!
9PM - 2AM
FREE
Matador, 10 6th Street x Market
GhettoDisco at The EndUp
With DJs Pete Avila, Frank Wild, and Adrian.
11PM - 11AM
FREE before midnight, $20 until 2AM, $30 after 2AM
The EndUp, 6th x Harrison
Blow-Up at The Rickshaw Stop
Third Anniversary party with resident Richie Panic (Frisco Disco) and guest DJ Blake Miller of Moving Units, plus Designer Drugs and Jhn Rdn.
10PM - 2AM
$10 for 21+, $15 for 18-21
The Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell at Van Ness
Monthlies and One-Offs
The Jaded Gay DJ Recommends: Heat at The Stud
This month's installment features a performance from Fans of Jimmy Century. Check out my previous review of Heat.
10PM - 3AM
$5
The Stud, 9th x Harrison
Shark Attack! at the Cat Club
Orko, Starr, Rubyacht, and Macro spin dark indie electro pop minimal prog dance.
9PM - 2AM
FREE before 10, $5 after
Cat Club, 1190 Folsom x 9th
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Upcoming Event: Return to Paradise at Mezzanine, Saturday May 17
I had a pretty good time at the inaugural Paradise All-Night Disco party, despite my general hesitancy around all things disco, and Return to Paradise looks set to be a major scene, with a line-up that includes Sister Sledge, a DJ set from Holy Ghost!, and the Honey Soundsystem in the upstairs lounge. I also hear that host Mr. McVick has a major production number planned, one that includes confetti cannons. That alone is worth the price of admission.
Return to Paradise All-Night Disco Party
with a performance from Sister Sledge and DJ sets from Holy Ghost!, Derrek Love, Nicky B., Black Shag & BT Magnum, and Honey Soundsystem in the upstairs Lounge. Hosted by Le Dinosaur, Christopher McVick, and the Fancy Cabaret Cadettes.
10PM - "dawn"
$15 advance
Mezzanine, 444 Jessie Street x Mint
Return to Paradise All-Night Disco Party
with a performance from Sister Sledge and DJ sets from Holy Ghost!, Derrek Love, Nicky B., Black Shag & BT Magnum, and Honey Soundsystem in the upstairs Lounge. Hosted by Le Dinosaur, Christopher McVick, and the Fancy Cabaret Cadettes.
10PM - "dawn"
$15 advance
Mezzanine, 444 Jessie Street x Mint
Monday, May 12, 2008
We All Need a Little Soul Sometimes
Everyone in the dance scene owes a huge debt to those original party monsters, the British working-class Northern Soul DJs who created the dance party as we know it today, and now it looks like a little vintage soul scene is starting to bubble up here in The City, with Senator Soul as one of the main Selectors. His SFSoulScene blog has a monthly calendar of events where you can hear vintage sounds on original vinyl, like Shuckin n Jivin where the tracks are all on original 78s, and Soul Party every 1st and 3rd Saturday at The Elbo Room.
Event Review: Hot Springs Weekend
Despite the fact that I love San Francisco there are times when I just need to get the hell away for a while, away from email and cell phones, from keeping up appearances and making the scene, to enjoy some unstructured, uncomplicated being-in-being for a while. This past weekend the boyfriend and I hooked up with a half dozen friends and new acquaintances for a weekend at Mercey Hot Springs, a much-needed sojourn into warmth and sunshine that required nothing more from us than our presence at mealtime. Our entire weekend's activities consisted of a short hike into the empty expanse of an ancient volcanic landscape, lots of soaking in sulphuric waters, and spontaneous napping.
I'm reluctant to say much about Mercey Hot Springs itself, since it seems to be a largely undiscovered and undeveloped retreat consisting of nothing more than a half dozen rental cabins, a swimming pool, and ancient clawfoot bathtubs on a wooden deck with direct pipes to the hot springs below. Situated among rolling basalt hills, it's surrounded by hundreds of square miles of open, empty land, since the topsoil layer is too thin to support any real vegetation, and average rainfall is in the single digits. We saw lots of rabbits, mice, and the occasional jackrabbit, and at night heard the distant howls of the foxes that prey upon them. Standing at the top of a ridge we could see for miles and miles into a landscape that probably has not changed in thousands of years, and I found myself meditating on the geologic forces that shaped it. It was a pleasant change to find myself in a completely quiet, still environment in which my presence meant absolutely nothing.
Of course I had thoughts about what it would be like to stage a party in this isolated and lovely locale, and I know that at least five prior events have taken place there, but I was genuinely happy to enjoy this spot for what it had to offer, rather than what I could take there. A get-together with a small sound system might still happen at some point in the future, but part of me would rather keep this as a place to go when all I want to hear is the call of the morning dove, and where I have no responsibilities beyond sitting on the deck with my eyes closed, feeling the sun on my face.
I'm reluctant to say much about Mercey Hot Springs itself, since it seems to be a largely undiscovered and undeveloped retreat consisting of nothing more than a half dozen rental cabins, a swimming pool, and ancient clawfoot bathtubs on a wooden deck with direct pipes to the hot springs below. Situated among rolling basalt hills, it's surrounded by hundreds of square miles of open, empty land, since the topsoil layer is too thin to support any real vegetation, and average rainfall is in the single digits. We saw lots of rabbits, mice, and the occasional jackrabbit, and at night heard the distant howls of the foxes that prey upon them. Standing at the top of a ridge we could see for miles and miles into a landscape that probably has not changed in thousands of years, and I found myself meditating on the geologic forces that shaped it. It was a pleasant change to find myself in a completely quiet, still environment in which my presence meant absolutely nothing.
Of course I had thoughts about what it would be like to stage a party in this isolated and lovely locale, and I know that at least five prior events have taken place there, but I was genuinely happy to enjoy this spot for what it had to offer, rather than what I could take there. A get-together with a small sound system might still happen at some point in the future, but part of me would rather keep this as a place to go when all I want to hear is the call of the morning dove, and where I have no responsibilities beyond sitting on the deck with my eyes closed, feeling the sun on my face.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Your Saturday Guide for Saturday, May 10
Weeklies and Bar Nights
Drunk and Horny
Sorta like those high school parties you'd wished you'd had. Get drunk, flirt with boys, and dance to good-time party standards. Reliable, easy-going, and a short stumble home. Check out my reviews of Drunk and Horny.
$5
9PMish - 2.00AM (with maybe an afterparty)
Underground SF, 424 Haight Street x Webster
Frisco Disco at The Transfer
Every Saturday night they're lined up on the street for this party; haven't made it past the sweating crowds myself yet, but this looks like one of the hottest things going right now. Check it out yourself and let me know what you think.
No cover listed
9.00PM - 2.00AM
The Transfer, Church at Market
Hot Mess at The Stud
A Gus Presents production with DJ Kidd Sysko spinning a little disco punk, a little hip-hop, and a lot of club. Check out the link to see his Top 20 and decide for yourself. I also hear there's baby oil wrestling.
10PM - 3AM
$5
The Stud, 9th x Harrison.
Monthlies and One-Offs
Ferrari at Deco Lounge
Looking for a fix of class, trash, and disco? Then look no further than this fun hipster kid party that benefits West Add pirate radio. With DJs Primo, Nicky B., Conor, Nico, Jordan, and McVick.
10PM - 3AM
$5
Deco Lounge, 510 Larkin x Turk
Drunk and Horny
Sorta like those high school parties you'd wished you'd had. Get drunk, flirt with boys, and dance to good-time party standards. Reliable, easy-going, and a short stumble home. Check out my reviews of Drunk and Horny.
$5
9PMish - 2.00AM (with maybe an afterparty)
Underground SF, 424 Haight Street x Webster
Frisco Disco at The Transfer
Every Saturday night they're lined up on the street for this party; haven't made it past the sweating crowds myself yet, but this looks like one of the hottest things going right now. Check it out yourself and let me know what you think.
No cover listed
9.00PM - 2.00AM
The Transfer, Church at Market
Hot Mess at The Stud
A Gus Presents production with DJ Kidd Sysko spinning a little disco punk, a little hip-hop, and a lot of club. Check out the link to see his Top 20 and decide for yourself. I also hear there's baby oil wrestling.
10PM - 3AM
$5
The Stud, 9th x Harrison.
Monthlies and One-Offs
Ferrari at Deco Lounge
Looking for a fix of class, trash, and disco? Then look no further than this fun hipster kid party that benefits West Add pirate radio. With DJs Primo, Nicky B., Conor, Nico, Jordan, and McVick.
10PM - 3AM
$5
Deco Lounge, 510 Larkin x Turk
Your Friday Guide for May 9, 2008
Cosmic Gypsy Happy Hour with DJ Mak at the W Hotel
Get your lounge groove on with DJ Mak in this swank hotel bar.
6PM - 8PM
NO COVER
W Hotel, 181 3rd Street x Howard
KillSwitch Happy Hour at UndergroundSF
Techno happy hour, this week with Limacon (Poker Flat, Limacon).
6PM - 10PM
NO COVER
UndergroundSF, 424 Haight x Webster
The Jaded Gay DJ Recommends: Charlie Horse at the Cinch
Best place to go out and have a cheap drink while being entertained by drag queen antics. Music by DJ Dirty Knees and Bearzbub is more rock and new-wave oriented, but at least it won't interfere with your conversation. Check out my latest review of Charlie Horse at The Cinch.
9PM - close
NO COVER
The Jaded Gay DJ Recommends: Sick! at The Matador
A nice dive bar with techno tunes, a perfect place to start your night or to spend it. Residents D Spurlock, Jeffrey Allen, Jonathon Neil, Kuze, and Meekrob. Check out my review of Sick!
10PM - 2AM
FREE
Matador, 10 6th Street x Market
GhettoDisco at The EndUp
With an extended set from Dan Deleon, plus Hawthorne and Adrian.
11PM - 11AM
FREE before midnight, $20 until 2AM, $30 after 2AM
The EndUp, 6th x Harrison
Blowup at The Rickshaw Stop
Third year anniversary party with a live set from Juiceboxxx.
10PM - 2AM
$15 for 18-21, $10 for 21*
Monthlies and One-Offs
Lights Down Low at Club 222
With resident DJs Sleazemore and Rchrd OH!? and special guests. Check out my previous reviews of Lights Down Low.
10PM - 2AM
$7
Club 222, 222 Hyde Street x Turk
The Jaded Gay DJ Recommends: Bender at The Transfer
Always a lively crowd. With resident DJs Candy and DJ6 (Lucky Pierre).
9PM - 2AM
NO COVER!
The Transfer, Church and Market
The Rod at Deco Lounge
I've warmed more to Bus Station John's retro disco since my initial review, but whether you'll be into it really depends on how you feel about late 70s and early 80s gay nostalgia. Check out my review of The Rod.
10PM - 4AM
FREE before 10PM, $5 After
Deco Lounge, 510 Larkin at Turk
Get your lounge groove on with DJ Mak in this swank hotel bar.
6PM - 8PM
NO COVER
W Hotel, 181 3rd Street x Howard
KillSwitch Happy Hour at UndergroundSF
Techno happy hour, this week with Limacon (Poker Flat, Limacon).
6PM - 10PM
NO COVER
UndergroundSF, 424 Haight x Webster
The Jaded Gay DJ Recommends: Charlie Horse at the Cinch
Best place to go out and have a cheap drink while being entertained by drag queen antics. Music by DJ Dirty Knees and Bearzbub is more rock and new-wave oriented, but at least it won't interfere with your conversation. Check out my latest review of Charlie Horse at The Cinch.
9PM - close
NO COVER
The Jaded Gay DJ Recommends: Sick! at The Matador
A nice dive bar with techno tunes, a perfect place to start your night or to spend it. Residents D Spurlock, Jeffrey Allen, Jonathon Neil, Kuze, and Meekrob. Check out my review of Sick!
10PM - 2AM
FREE
Matador, 10 6th Street x Market
GhettoDisco at The EndUp
With an extended set from Dan Deleon, plus Hawthorne and Adrian.
11PM - 11AM
FREE before midnight, $20 until 2AM, $30 after 2AM
The EndUp, 6th x Harrison
Blowup at The Rickshaw Stop
Third year anniversary party with a live set from Juiceboxxx.
10PM - 2AM
$15 for 18-21, $10 for 21*
Monthlies and One-Offs
Lights Down Low at Club 222
With resident DJs Sleazemore and Rchrd OH!? and special guests. Check out my previous reviews of Lights Down Low.
10PM - 2AM
$7
Club 222, 222 Hyde Street x Turk
The Jaded Gay DJ Recommends: Bender at The Transfer
Always a lively crowd. With resident DJs Candy and DJ6 (Lucky Pierre).
9PM - 2AM
NO COVER!
The Transfer, Church and Market
The Rod at Deco Lounge
I've warmed more to Bus Station John's retro disco since my initial review, but whether you'll be into it really depends on how you feel about late 70s and early 80s gay nostalgia. Check out my review of The Rod.
10PM - 4AM
FREE before 10PM, $5 After
Deco Lounge, 510 Larkin at Turk
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Event Review: The 8th Annual How Weird Street Faire
For me the How Weird Street Faire has always served as the kick-off for Burning Man and the San Francisco festival calendar that ends with Halloween. In some ways I think of it as The City's groundhog day, providing a glimpse into what we might expect in the coming months. This time we saw a lot of shadow, as a consequence of the Faire's re-location along a stretch of Second and Howard among higher buildings, and I did not come away from it with as much a sense of jubilation as in the past, but it was very interesting that the main stage, put together by Symbiosis at Second and Howard, featured techno over the psy-trance that I have always thought of as the primary soundtrack for How Weird.
In an odd bit of coincidence, How Weird was re-located this year to the area around Second and Howard where I have worked three out of my five San Francisco jobs. Standing at the Symbiosis stage I could see all three buildings at the same time, and I think that this association with toil and travail might have had some effect on my overall experience. The main thing about the new location, though, was that it was colder; in the old location I don't think there were any buildings over two stories, and that particular stretch of Howard Street seemed wider and attractive of more sun. In the new location many of the dance stages, particularly those located in the narrow streets off Second, seemed to be in shadow during the majority of the afternoon, spoiling my conception of How Weird as a return-of-the-sun festival. There were a total of nine sound stages this year, and while I really appreciated the diversity of what I heard, the distance between these systems was small and I thought the sound isolation was not particularly good, such that I couldn't really find anyplace to just hang out and talk at normal levels except behind the Symbiosis stage and backstage at the Tantra stage (where I encountered more candy ravers than I would normally have associated with the psytrance scene, which has previously been very candy hostile).
I have usually thought of psytrance as the dominant sound of How Weird, and while this year's psytrance stage certainly roiled up a huge bouncing mass of dancers to sets by Kode IV and Witchdokta v. Liam Shy, among others, I found it very interesting that the Symbiosis stage (a beautiful bit of bamboo construction that was put together starting at 6AM that morning) featured techno during the sets I heard, in forms ranging from tech-house to straight-up minimal, that drew in just as large an audience at what felt like the central stage of the street fair.
I didn't come away from this year's How Weird with quite the same ebullience as in years past, but my own personal experience seemed much less important than the survival, after last year's seeming demise, of what is a quintessential San Francisco experience. How Weird is like the Dore Alley to LoveFest's Folsom Street Fair, the local, insider, personal experience of everything that is wonderful about San Francisco's underground music and cultural scene. Having now gone through the first year in their new location, I'm sure the organizers will use this experience to make it even better next year, once again reminding us all that we are entering into the season of the sun.
In an odd bit of coincidence, How Weird was re-located this year to the area around Second and Howard where I have worked three out of my five San Francisco jobs. Standing at the Symbiosis stage I could see all three buildings at the same time, and I think that this association with toil and travail might have had some effect on my overall experience. The main thing about the new location, though, was that it was colder; in the old location I don't think there were any buildings over two stories, and that particular stretch of Howard Street seemed wider and attractive of more sun. In the new location many of the dance stages, particularly those located in the narrow streets off Second, seemed to be in shadow during the majority of the afternoon, spoiling my conception of How Weird as a return-of-the-sun festival. There were a total of nine sound stages this year, and while I really appreciated the diversity of what I heard, the distance between these systems was small and I thought the sound isolation was not particularly good, such that I couldn't really find anyplace to just hang out and talk at normal levels except behind the Symbiosis stage and backstage at the Tantra stage (where I encountered more candy ravers than I would normally have associated with the psytrance scene, which has previously been very candy hostile).
I have usually thought of psytrance as the dominant sound of How Weird, and while this year's psytrance stage certainly roiled up a huge bouncing mass of dancers to sets by Kode IV and Witchdokta v. Liam Shy, among others, I found it very interesting that the Symbiosis stage (a beautiful bit of bamboo construction that was put together starting at 6AM that morning) featured techno during the sets I heard, in forms ranging from tech-house to straight-up minimal, that drew in just as large an audience at what felt like the central stage of the street fair.
I didn't come away from this year's How Weird with quite the same ebullience as in years past, but my own personal experience seemed much less important than the survival, after last year's seeming demise, of what is a quintessential San Francisco experience. How Weird is like the Dore Alley to LoveFest's Folsom Street Fair, the local, insider, personal experience of everything that is wonderful about San Francisco's underground music and cultural scene. Having now gone through the first year in their new location, I'm sure the organizers will use this experience to make it even better next year, once again reminding us all that we are entering into the season of the sun.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Ken Garcia Attacks Entertainment Commission and Gets it All Wrong
In Friday's edition of The Examiner Ken Garcia penned a hit piece on the San Francisco Entertainment Commission, taking, not surprisingly, the view that the EC should be disbanded and control over clubs and permits returned to the police. His angle for making this argument is that a new club is trying to start up in the North Beach space formerly occupied by The Zebra Club, a club that had significant problems in the past, and the EC is "going against" the neighborhood by supporting the new club. He goes on to question the EC's effectiveness, saying that they have never taken any action against a problematic club, and they have never turned down a permit application.
Of course, what Garcia doesn't get into is the fact that he is arguing for the obstruction of business development, and a type of business that is essential to The City's tourism industry. He makes no suggestion about what kind of business should take over a club space, aside from a club, and seems to have the idea that letting the police take control of a significant business sector, one with which they have a overt conflict of interest, would be a good idea.
Fortunately, it's easy enough to rebut Garcia by simply reading the minutes of the EC meetings. If you take the time to look at what the EC actually does, you can see that they are in the very difficult situation of trying to regulate an entire industry with very little in the way of legislative or administrative support. And if you look at the way they deal with problem clubs, their solution is to try and get them in line with the way things should be done, rather than immediately closing them down. For example, the minutes from the January 15 meeting show quite clearly how the EC attempted to deal with a problem club, Loft 11. They took on the responsibility of checking out the situation for themselves, working with the police to observe actual violations, confronted the Manager and owners on the scene, called them into the EC to defend themselves, and then read them the riot act to make them clean up their act. Rather than taking the simple-minded authoritarian approach that violations mean the permits should be pulled and the business shut down, the EC actually tried to make it a better business. Somehow, I don't think the police would take the same approach.
Nightlife is an essential part of San Francisco's tourist industry, and provides a substantial revenue stream for The City and everyone involved in the industry. The EC has taken the position that nightlife does represent a real industry, and that there is a need to regulate that industry and enforce standards and practices. As we've seen in the past, the police simply regard nightlife as a public nuisance, and thus treat any issue as reasonable grounds for shutting down a club. Before anybody gets the idea that it would be a good idea to let the police once again control permits, maybe it would be worthwhile to consider the actual economic and cultural benefits of an approach that focuses on making businesses better rather than closing them down.
Of course, what Garcia doesn't get into is the fact that he is arguing for the obstruction of business development, and a type of business that is essential to The City's tourism industry. He makes no suggestion about what kind of business should take over a club space, aside from a club, and seems to have the idea that letting the police take control of a significant business sector, one with which they have a overt conflict of interest, would be a good idea.
Fortunately, it's easy enough to rebut Garcia by simply reading the minutes of the EC meetings. If you take the time to look at what the EC actually does, you can see that they are in the very difficult situation of trying to regulate an entire industry with very little in the way of legislative or administrative support. And if you look at the way they deal with problem clubs, their solution is to try and get them in line with the way things should be done, rather than immediately closing them down. For example, the minutes from the January 15 meeting show quite clearly how the EC attempted to deal with a problem club, Loft 11. They took on the responsibility of checking out the situation for themselves, working with the police to observe actual violations, confronted the Manager and owners on the scene, called them into the EC to defend themselves, and then read them the riot act to make them clean up their act. Rather than taking the simple-minded authoritarian approach that violations mean the permits should be pulled and the business shut down, the EC actually tried to make it a better business. Somehow, I don't think the police would take the same approach.
Nightlife is an essential part of San Francisco's tourist industry, and provides a substantial revenue stream for The City and everyone involved in the industry. The EC has taken the position that nightlife does represent a real industry, and that there is a need to regulate that industry and enforce standards and practices. As we've seen in the past, the police simply regard nightlife as a public nuisance, and thus treat any issue as reasonable grounds for shutting down a club. Before anybody gets the idea that it would be a good idea to let the police once again control permits, maybe it would be worthwhile to consider the actual economic and cultural benefits of an approach that focuses on making businesses better rather than closing them down.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Upcoming Event: San Francisco Charter Amendment for Nightlife at the Entertainment Commission, Tuesday May 6
A movement is afoot to amend the Charter of the City San Francisco with a section that will describe nightlife as an essential part of The City's culture, and require that preservation of nightlife be made part of San Francisco's Master Plan for Development - for example, no more condo development in SoMa without consideration of how those developments will relate to existing nightclubs. At this Tuesday's meeting of the Entertainment Commission the proposed amendment will be introduced for eventual consideration by the Board of Supervisors. This is a great time to come out and show your support for street fairs and nightlife, and it's a very interesting experience to see how your City government operates and who all the players are.
More info coming at www.savesfculture.com.
More info coming at www.savesfculture.com.
Your Saturday Guide for May 3, 2008
Weeklies and Bar Nights
Collide at 222 Hyde
From Jose of Fag Fridays comes a new house night with a little bit of urbanity in the mix (I mean, he's got Samim's "Heater" for the MySpace page, how cool is that?) And it's at 222 Hyde, so it's a swell space too. Past DJs have included Jeno, Garth, Tasho, and Mustafa. Check out my review of Collide.
8PM - 2AM
$5
Club 222, 222 Hyde x Turk
Drunk and Horny
Sorta like those high school parties you'd wished you'd had. Get drunk, flirt with boys, and dance to good-time party standards. Reliable, easy-going, and a short stumble home, but beware that it can get claustrophobically crowded. Check out my reviews of Drunk and Horny.
$5
9PMish - 2.00AM (with maybe an afterparty)
Underground SF, 424 Haight Street x Webster
Frisco Disco at The Transfer
Every Saturday night they're lined up on the street for this party; haven't made it past the sweating crowds myself yet, but this looks like one of the hottest things going right now. Check it out yourselves and let me know what you think.
No cover listed
9.00PM - 2.00AM
The Transfer, Church at Market
Hot Mess at The Stud
A Gus Presents production with DJ Kidd Sysko spinning a little disco punk, a little hip-hop, and a lot of club. Check out the link for his Top 20 and decide for yourself.
10PM - 3AM
$5
The Stud, 9th x Harrison.
Bistrotheque with Ken Vulsion at Cafe Flore
I've been remiss in not previously mentioning Ken Vulsion of Honey Sound System's Bistrotheque at Cafe Flore on Satuday evenings. A great place to go have a bite, warm up with a couple drinks, and groove along with Ken.
6PM - 12AM
NO COVER
Cafe Flore, 2298 Market Street x Noe
Bearracuda at Deco Lounge
For bears and those who love them. With DJs Boyshapedbox (Viva La Basket!) and Sean Greene.
9PM - 3AM
$6
Deco Lounge, 510 Larkin x Turk
Monthlies and One Offs
The Jaded Gay DJ Recommends: Kontrol at the End Up
With guest Alex Under. Check out my recent review of Kontrol.
10PM - 6AM
FREE before 11, $20 after
The End Up, 6th x Harrison
Trans Am at Club Eight
Rock/punk/indie music from resident Dirty Knees, usually with a band performing as well. Check out my review of Trans Am.
10PM - 2AM
$5
Club Eight, 1151 Folsom x Eighth.
Collide at 222 Hyde
From Jose of Fag Fridays comes a new house night with a little bit of urbanity in the mix (I mean, he's got Samim's "Heater" for the MySpace page, how cool is that?) And it's at 222 Hyde, so it's a swell space too. Past DJs have included Jeno, Garth, Tasho, and Mustafa. Check out my review of Collide.
8PM - 2AM
$5
Club 222, 222 Hyde x Turk
Drunk and Horny
Sorta like those high school parties you'd wished you'd had. Get drunk, flirt with boys, and dance to good-time party standards. Reliable, easy-going, and a short stumble home, but beware that it can get claustrophobically crowded. Check out my reviews of Drunk and Horny.
$5
9PMish - 2.00AM (with maybe an afterparty)
Underground SF, 424 Haight Street x Webster
Frisco Disco at The Transfer
Every Saturday night they're lined up on the street for this party; haven't made it past the sweating crowds myself yet, but this looks like one of the hottest things going right now. Check it out yourselves and let me know what you think.
No cover listed
9.00PM - 2.00AM
The Transfer, Church at Market
Hot Mess at The Stud
A Gus Presents production with DJ Kidd Sysko spinning a little disco punk, a little hip-hop, and a lot of club. Check out the link for his Top 20 and decide for yourself.
10PM - 3AM
$5
The Stud, 9th x Harrison.
Bistrotheque with Ken Vulsion at Cafe Flore
I've been remiss in not previously mentioning Ken Vulsion of Honey Sound System's Bistrotheque at Cafe Flore on Satuday evenings. A great place to go have a bite, warm up with a couple drinks, and groove along with Ken.
6PM - 12AM
NO COVER
Cafe Flore, 2298 Market Street x Noe
Bearracuda at Deco Lounge
For bears and those who love them. With DJs Boyshapedbox (Viva La Basket!) and Sean Greene.
9PM - 3AM
$6
Deco Lounge, 510 Larkin x Turk
Monthlies and One Offs
The Jaded Gay DJ Recommends: Kontrol at the End Up
With guest Alex Under. Check out my recent review of Kontrol.
10PM - 6AM
FREE before 11, $20 after
The End Up, 6th x Harrison
Trans Am at Club Eight
Rock/punk/indie music from resident Dirty Knees, usually with a band performing as well. Check out my review of Trans Am.
10PM - 2AM
$5
Club Eight, 1151 Folsom x Eighth.
Upcoming Event: How Weird Street Faire, Sunday May 4
The street fair season kicks off with a distinct San Francisco flavor this weekend with the How Weird Street Faire aka The Burning Man Street Fair. This year they've been shifted off to a somewhat more remote commercial location on Howard Street and Second, but there are nine(!) music stages. Check out the full details on the website, and keep your eyes peeled for afterparty info (I know for sure there's one at Temple, which is only about two blocks from the fair).
The How Weird Street Faire
11:11PM - 5:55PM
$5 requested donation in costume, $10 without
Enter at Howard and New Montgomery or Howard and First
The How Weird Street Faire
11:11PM - 5:55PM
$5 requested donation in costume, $10 without
Enter at Howard and New Montgomery or Howard and First
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