PARTY RADAR “Closure is a myth,” local punk legend, DJ, and preacher-of-a-sort Jello Biafra told a crowd of thousands that the luminous memorial for the Ghost Ship fire victims on Monday. “It’s something invented by pharmaceutical companies and therapists to sell you more stuff. We don’t want to be closed off from our loved ones we’ve lost. We want them to remain with us. That is painful, and sometimes you’ll feel the pain rocketing through you when you suddenly remember the person or how they left us.
“But that’s the price for keeping them with you, for being open to them in your life. The way to get through that pain is to keep telling stories about them, keep dancing to them and listening to their music.”
Or, more succinctly, in the words of Johnny Igaz, who perished that night: “Going out to see friends and hear loud music is super healthy. This is what’s its all about fam.”
In the wake of the fire — when already some scurrilous officials are using the tragedy evict artists, from Richmond to Baltimore — reclaiming our spaces (and making sure they’re “super-healthy”) is a priority. The strength the community has shown in the face of unwanted global attention has been incredible — we’re the real deal, here in SF. Now it’s time to come together and show, and receive, some much-needed support and love.
Below are relief benefits for families of victims of the fire and life celebrations of those we lost. Send me any more you hear of: marke (at) 48hills (dot) org. You can also still donate here.
YOURS TRULY: A BENEFIT FOR VICTIMS OF THE GHOST SHIP FIRE “Wednesday night Hard French and El Rio invite you to gather, embrace, share, be, dance, sing or just get some air with family while we honor our fallen primos in Oakland. Featuring DJs: Carnita and Brown Amy, Carlos Souffront, Vin Sol, Josh Cheon, Chulitx Vinyl Club. Bands: Thao of Thao +The Get Down Stay Down, Tender Forever, Scott Moore (Live Set), Hot Lunch. Wed/7, 7pm-2am, $5 (NOTAFLOF — all proceeds go to victims’ families. El Rio, SF. More info here.
HOUSEPITALITY WITH JUSTIN LONG + SECRET STUDIO The venerable Housepitality crew, which has been one of the weekly beating hearts of the techno scene here, was devastated by the fire and lost members, guests, and collaborators. Tonight’s regular Wednesday party is now a memorial and will host a moment of silence; all proceeds will be donated to victims’ families. Wed/7, 9pm-2am, $5-$10. F8, SF. Tickets and more info here.
GHOST SHIP ARTS COLLECTIVE BENEFIT PARTY Donations will be accepted at the door and all proceeds will go to victims’ families at this marathon Thursday night party, which will be bringing several DJs to the End Up decks. Thu/8, 10pm-4am, donations accepted at door. End Up, SF. More info here.
GHOST SHIP BENEFIT WITH SHANNON AND THE CLAMS Garage rock stalwarts and local scene activists/heroes Shannon And The Clams team up with Hgs, Diesel Dudes, Preening, Undō and DJs Fella Kucchi and Trill Team Six to benefit victims’ families. “This scene is strong, lets show them. This is a media free event, if you come as a reporter looking to interview you will be asked to leave.” Fri/9, 7pm-1am, donations taken at door. Eli’s Mile High Club, Oakland. More info here.
AS YOU LIKE IT FAMILY MEMORIAL WITH PRINS THOMAS The awesome As You Like It was another techno crew that lost integral members in the fire — this giant party, already scheduled for this night at Public Works, has now become a memorial, with international nu-disco headliner Prins Thomas, the incredible Tama Sumo, Dorisburg, Lakuti, and many more. All proceeds will go to victims’ families. Sat/10, 9pm-5am, $20 advance. Public Works, SF. Tickets and more info here.
OAKLAND FIRE RELIEF BENEFIT WITH MOBY + MORE Techno legend Moby joins up with Lights Down Low DJs Richie Panic, CZ (the incredible writer Chris Zaldua, who has been really holding it down for us in the media), MPHD plus performer Saturn Jones for a night (all proceeds benefit victims) that brings tons of promoters together working for the community: Mezzanine, Another Planet, Beautiful Buzzz, Crossroads, Dirtybird Records, Earshot Entertainment, Euphonic Conceptions, Eventbrite, EyeHeartSF, Fresco, The Great Northern, Hotel Zetta, HUSHconcerts, The Independent, Jay Siegan Presents, Lights Down Low, Massive Selector, Monarch, Noise Pop, Popgang Records, Select SF, Tricycle Records, 1015 Folsom, 120 Minutes, and many more… Sun/11 8pm-2am, minimum donation $20. Mezzanine, SF. Tickets and more info here.
Amazing! a global posse… thank you
Thumbs up.