Your Friday Guide for August 1, 2008

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!
6PM - 10PM
NO COVER
UndergroundSF, 424 Haight x Webster

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
Not updated for August yet, hmmmmm . . . .
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

Zodiac at Deco
Show the doorperson your ID to prove it's your birthday month and get a free drink. Resident DJ Lambchop with guests.
9PM - 3AM
Free before 10, $5 after
Deco, 510 Larkin at Turk

Garth and Jeno Back2Back at Club222
San Francisco house legends Garth and Jeno in one of the best intimate dance spaces in the city.
10PM - 2AM
$10
Club 222, 222 Hyde Street

Lucky Pierre at The Stud
Electro bangin' with DJ6 and Donimo, strip poker with Artemis Chase, and hosted by Primadonna Reed. Check out my review of Lucky Pierre!
10PM - 3AM
$5 before 11PM, $7 after
The Stud, 9th x Harrison

B.O.D.Y.H.E.A.T. presents Juan Atkins with Steve Summers at The Elbo Room
The techno legend, with support from Steve Summers (live set) and resident DJ Niklas.
10PM - 2AM
$10 before 11, $15 after

Homochic Presents Bromance at an Underground Locatiion
A birthday party for the brothers Herrera, with DJs Peeplay, Kendig, Bearded Lady, Dandylion, Malakai, Kendig and Texxx.
$10 in formal wear or "masquerade," $15 otherwise
Call 415.738.7537 for details.

Event Review: The Strawberry Drillpress at The Attic

After catching The Dark Knight on Sunday evening (a film I highly recommend), the boyfriend and I decided to check out The Strawberry Drillpress “homo social” at The Attic, conveniently located across the street from the 24th Street BART station. We found a really cool dive bar with some ladies on the decks playing an eclectic mix of 70s R&B and psychedelic rock, and wound up staying for three drinks.

First, the bar itself is a classic dive with a long narrow bar area leading into a larger back area with tables and booths. The walls are painted black, where they’re not covered with silver and white graffiti, and the lighting was all a lovely shade of bordello red. We loved it the minute we sat down.

The crowd was a pretty good mix of hipster kids, who I assume were of the homo persuasian, boys and girls and some of those kids who you just have to guess. The three girls we saw behind the decks were all having a good time, and when we left after our third drink there was even a cute little dancefloor of about a half dozen kids shaking it to some classic R&B. It might surprise some readers to learn that I really like this stuff; I don’t like it when it’s being thrust upon me as the greatest music of all time, but I started off my musical habits listening to my Mom’s old 45s from the 50s and 60s, and when I can sit in a bar and have a drink and conversation with a little old soul in the background, it’s actually quite nice.

Although there was a moment when the boyfriend and I both felt like we had walked into a college party somewhere, I found that to be a refreshing and unpretentious change from the relentless scenesterism of a typical night out in the Castro. These were kids who just wanted to hang out and have a drink and have fun, and the spirit of that was infectious. We left only because we both had to get up and go to work in the morning; otherwise, I’d have gladly had a couple more drinks and started requesting Otis Redding.

I’m not sure if the Strawberry Drillpress makes any kind of regular appearance at The Attic, but I think I’ll check back again during the 4th Sunday in September to see if I can have another chance to shake a tailfeather.

Event Review: Fuck Shit, Let's Dance! at Deco Lounge

Friday's turnout for FSLD was frankly disappointing, and as a result August will be the last installment, at least at Deco. We're a bit bummed about it, as you might expect, but also fairly sanguine, since even if this experiment didn't play out quite as expected, we did have fun with it and learned some things for our next venture.

I think we had a number of factors working against us this month, not the least of which was being forced out of what would have certainly been our best night, Pride Friday, last month. Had we had access to Deco on that date I think we could have had a very successful event that would have helped us attract a larger following. Instead, we essentially had to start up all over again after a two month break. My being out of town for a week after Pride also threw off our usual promotional schedule, then, this week I got laid up with a serious case of strep throat, so I didn't have the resources to dedicate to promoting the way I would have liked. This was also the first month we went without a headliner.

This isn't to say that we didn't have some fun this time; I particularly enjoyed watching two men in their mid-40s quasi slam dancing to Hearthrob's "Futures Past," which I can guarantee has never happened in a gay bar before. We also had a good turnout of friends and several groups of very cute alternaguys. When we talked to one group as they were leaving they told us that they thought the music was excellent and we should keep doing it, which was certainly encouraging in contrast with the older fellow who got into a long discussion with Lord Kook about how he should "make compromises" and "play some older stuff that people like to to dance to" if he wanted to be a successful DJ who got flown to New York and paid $5000 a gig. Lord Kook's response was that he would be perfectly happy to be flown to New York, sleep on somebody's couch, play for three hundred people, and have *no* expenses paid without having to compromise on his music.

I think that contrast, between the small group of younger guys who seemed to dig what we were trying to do, and the older guy who wanted us to cater to popular taste despite whatever our own aesthetic might be, sums up the whole FSLD experience for me so far. Our focus has always been contrarian, an insistence on our own aesthetic, and on presenting what we think is the most interesting and fun dance music beyond anything else. If we had played the usual fare, and gone for the usual gimmicks - baby oil wrestling and Abba, anyone? - we probably would have been a lot more popular because that's what people want and expect. As it was we did, every time, attract the kind of people we wanted to engage with, but we were never able to make the transition into being a consistent scene.

We certainly made some miscalculations and missteps along the way, and there have definitely been times when I've wondered about the effect of the opinions expressed in this blog on our status within "the scene". At the same time we also expected more support from certain quarters, but now we also have a better sense of who is really into our aesthetic and what we're trying to do, and where to focus our energies and creative engagements in the future

Just because we'll be leaving Deco in August doesn't mean we'll be leaving the scene; on the contrary, this experience has only emboldened me to be even more contrary, and to keep cultivating our small patch of the scene. I still believe in techno as some of the most interesting , fun, sexy music being produced today, and that it can serve as the foundation for nights of wild hedonism. I still believe that Lord Kook is one of the best young DJs on the scene and deserves a much wider audience. I still believe that there is a market for a dance night that strips away the shit and gets down to the heart of the matter, which is boozing, cruising, having fun with your friends, and dancing. And I completely believe that we will keep trying, again and again, until it all comes together. If you believe any of these things, come out to Deco with us on August 22nd, we'll do our best to show you a good time and lay the groundwork for the future.

FSLD August :: Your last chance to hear us for the first time!

Upcoming Event: The Strawberry Drillpress, a Homo Social Club, at The Attic, Sunday July 27

I found this cute little old-skool paper flyer at Aquarius Records on Valencia this week, and it looks like it might be fun to check out.

The Strawberry Drillpress
A Homo Social Club
Soul Funk Disco Psych
9PM - 2AM
The Attic, 3336 24th Street x Mission

Upcoming Event: Booka Shade with Kontrol DJs at Mezzaine, Sunday July 27

Wow, this one snuck up on me!

Booka Shade with Kontrol DJs Craig Kuna, Alland Byallo, and Nikola Baytala
Doors at 8PM
$14 advance through Going.com/BOOKA, $17 at the door
Mezzanine, 444 Jessie Street x Mint

Your Saturday Guide for July 26, 2008

Weeklies and Bar Nights

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."
9PM - 2AM
$5
The Gangway, 841 Larkin Street

Frisco Disco at The Transfer
A hipster haven with a nice mixed crowd and an aggressive mix of electro, bloghouse and bangers. Check out my review of Frisco Disco.
$5
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

Hercules and Love Affair at Mezzanine
There's so much going on with this party I don't even know how to bill it. Live sets from Hercules and Love Affair (yes, really this time), DFA artists Banjee Boys and Girls from NYC, an analog acid house set from Steve Summers, DJ support from Omar (Popscene) and Honey Sound System, a midnight performance from Chris McVick and his Cabaret Cadettes, and drag extravaganza from Ambrosia Salad. Whew! Really, it doesn't get much gayer than this.
9PM - until everybody's blown their load
$20 at the door
Mezzanine, 444 Jessie x Mint

Opulent Temple Fundraiser with Lee Coombs and The Scumfrog at Mighty
Well, and then there's all the rest of the OT DJS as well. No doubt a crazy night of burner beats, these guys do an awesome job on the playa (and I have personally dug The Scumfrog on a playa Friday night) and need your support to keep it up.
10PM - 4AM
$15 in playa gear, $20 otherwise
Mighty, 119 Utah x 15th

Deep End Fundraiser at The End Up
It's the last year for this playa favorite, so come party with them while you can. Check out the link for all the fabulous DJs.
10PM Friday - Noon Saturday
$20 - come before 2AM and your cover goes directly to the camp
The End Up, 6th x Harrison

Temptation
Electro, Goth, Indie, New Wave, Post-punk, Punk, Industrial, Deathrock with DJs Dangerous Dan, Skip, Melting Girl, Starr, and Jawa
9.30PM - 3AM
$7, sign up for guest list at temptation.com
The Cat Club, 1190 Folsom x 8th

Your Friday Guide for July 25, 2007

Okay, first up:

Fuck Shit, Let's Dance! (FSLD) at Deco Lounge
Maybe you heard us tearing up 18th Street during Pink Saturday , maybe you've seen our dope posters, maybe you've been before, but here we are again, Lord Kook and DJ Pup throwing down a night of minimal, techno, and tech house for all you adventurous queers (and your friends too).
9PM - 3AM
Free before 10, $5 after
Deco Lounge, 511 Larkin x Turk
Join our google group for all the updates: http://groups.google.com/group/club-fsld/

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 Mozaic (Hookerz & Blow) and J. Rogers (blipswitch) along with residents Javaight and dcoy. Check out my review of Killswitch!
6PM - 10PM
NO COVER
UndergroundSF, 424 Haight x Webster

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!

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 Chad Jack, Hawthorne, Sean Greene, and Cuervo.
11PM - 11AM
FREE before midnight, $15 until 2AM, $20 after 2AM
The EndUp, 6th x Harrison

Blow-Up at The Rickshaw Stop
With resident Jeffrey Paradise and guests Blake Miller (Moving Units) and DJ Thee Mike B.
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!? (Big Stereo blog) 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

Faktion at Club Anu
Another little mushroom popping up in the techno scene - excellent! Tonight with with Jak and local boy Alland Byallo (Kontrol), and visuals by Heroic Robot.
10PM - 2AM
$5
Club Anu, 43 Sixth x Market

Black Ghosts with Holy Ghost! at Mezzanine
A night of spectral DFA artists, should be an interesting cross-section of the electro and the (urgh) disco.
9PM - 4AM
$20(?) at the door
Mighty, 119 Utah Street x 15th

Upcoming Event: Fuck Shit, Let's Dance! (FSLD) at Deco Lounge, Friday, July 25

After our month off for our Pride parties, FSLD returns to Deco Lounge this Friday with yours truly and Lord Kook spinning a night of techno for adventurous faggots who want to get down!

Fuck Shit, Let's Dance!
with Residents Lord Kook and DJ Pup
FREE before 10, $5 after
Deco Lounge, 510 Larkin x Turk