ARTS FORECAST + PARTY RADAR Whoops, I started celebrating my birthday week a little early, and now I’m a “little behind.” So? BONUS! I’m combining our arts and nightlife columns into one whole big shebang. Enjoy, and please pass that champagne bong.
UPCOMING EVENTS OF NOTE
FRI/24 MUSIC KING DREAM As the great critic Emma Silvers writes: “King Dream is an indie psych-rock project from Bay Area songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Lyon. With a soulful voice, roots planted in the golden era of California psychedelia, and a wry energy that places him firmly in the 21st century, Lyon charts a path through timeless themes: disillusionment with oneself, with adulthood, with one’s country — and the discovery, time and again, that somehow there’s still plenty worthy of a love song.” Catch him with Kendra McKinley and special guest Andrew St. James. Doors 8:30pm, $13-$16. The Independent, SF. More info here.
FRI/24 NIGHTLIFE LOSING MY EDGE The retro-2000s are still in neon-drenched, shutter-shaded full swing (even if now we look to LCD Soundsystem rather than Daft Punk as the indie dance lodestar). This party, featuring the awesome DJ Omar and the cuties behind the weekly fringe party, will have you waving your walkers in the air to tunes from Hot Chip, Franz Ferdinand, MGMT, Cut Copy, and more. 9:30pm-3am, $5-$10. Great Northern, SF. More info here.
FRI/24-SUN/26 DANCE/MUSIC DAWSONDANCESF + RICHARD HOWELL “With their fifth collaboration, jazz “Jedi Master” Richard Howell and LINES Ballet alum Gregory Dawson continue their journey bridging jazz and contemporary ballet. Borrowing from the title of Howell’s just-released jazz album, Coming of Age—MANGAKU, this program features the world premiere of Mangaku, a work for nine dancers with live musical accompaniment from Howell and guest artists.” 8pm, $25-$65. YBCA Theater, SF. More info here.
FRI/24 NIGHTLIFE KARSH KALE The exemplary Worldly party has been introducing us to new global sounds for years. For this installment, it’s bringing in a real favorite. “Karsh Kale is one of global music’s brightest stars. In the past 12 years as a solo recording artist, producer, composer, live performer and DJ, Karsh has set the world of electronic fusion on fire and has helped to create a genre of new music and culture that continues to influence an entire generation.” With Janaka Selekta featuring Riffat Sultana and more. 9pm-2am, $15. Slate, SF. More info here.
FRI/24 NIGHTLIFE CLUB CHAI Oakland’s incredible DJ collective/label/project that focuses on the diasporic roots of contemporary dance music plays Public Works: DJs 8ulentina, Foozool, The Creatrix, and Nihar Bhatt will blow your house down. 9pm-3am, $10-$17. Public Works, SF. More info here.
FRI/24 MUSIC PETTY THEFT: TRIBUTE TO TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS This North Bay band celebrates the legacy of one of the truly great rockers — expect to see a lot of raise lighters (can you still do that?) At the Chapel. Doors 8pm, $18-$20. the Chapel, SF. More info here.
FRI/24 NIGHTLIFE STEAM Are you gay and filthy? You need a power shower! Or at least head to this fog-your-glasses monthly party hosted by Walter Gomez (it’s his birthday, too!) that features a wet towel contest, massages, dripping go-gos, and DJ Jordee. 10pm-2am, $5. More info here.
FRI/24 NIGHTLIFE KERRI CHANDLER This is an incredible weekend for essential house DJs who have been there from the beginning (see Tony Humphries and David Harness below). Kerri has managed to stay on top of the game into the late 2010s, with festival bookings and young acolytes up the yin-yang. Not to be missed. 10pm-4am, $10-$20. Halcyon, SF. More info here.
SAT/25-THU/30 FILM BLINDSPOTTING Prime Oakland filmmaking! “Collin (Daveed Diggs) must make it through his final three days of probation for a chance at a new beginning. He and his troublemaking childhood best friend, Miles (Rafael Casal), work as movers, and when Collin witnesses a police shooting, the two men’s friendship is tested as they grapple with identity and their changed realities in the rapidly-gentrifying neighborhood they grew up in.” Various times, $12. Roxie, SF. more info here.
SAT/25 NIGHTLIFE CUMBIATÓN Techno-cumbia! “Cumbiatón is a community-based event that pays homage to the Afro-Latinx cultura, community, and musica. This event has rooted itself in the beautiful barrio of Boyle Heights, CA. Cumbiatón’s vision is to center womxn and queer people of color both on the dancefloor and in the DJ booth.” With DJs Zuri Adia, Sin Amores, Killed By Synth, and Sizzle Fantastic. 9pm-2am, $15. Galleria de la Raza, SF. More info here.
SAT/25 NIGHTLIFE FAKE AND GAY A “new party of highly dubious nature and questionable content” that features a boatload of drag and a focus on subversive, future pop—plus a live performance by Dorian Electra and DJ Ariel Zettina. 10pm-4am, $5-$10. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SAT/25 NIGHTLIFE TONY HUMPHRIES The New Jersey King of House, whose 1980s Club Zanzibar was one of the progenitors of the East Coast sound, comes through for the As You Like It party. 9pm-4am, $20. Monarch, SF. More info here.
SAT/25 NIGHTLIFE POLYGLAMOROUS WITH DAVID HARNESS Our very own King of House, the legendary DJ David Harness, swings into the always sparkly queer Polyglamorous party, which will surely be lit up with flaming Burners making their way to the playa, plus people who love good house music. 10pm-4am, $7-$12. F8, SF. More info here.
SAT/25 NIGHTLIFE NON-STOP BHANGRA: INDIA INDEPENDENCE DAY PARTY “Ever wanted to take a trip to India? Leave your visa at home and come join Non Stop Bhangra as we take you on a beautiful journey to experience the sounds, rhythms, colors, and flavor of India right here in San Francisco. Featuring dance lesson, dance performances, DJs, dancers, drummers, live singing, henna, visuals, live art, sweets, snacks, endless color, and non-stop dancing.” 9pm-2am, $15-$20. Public Works, SF. More info here.
SAT/25-SUN/26 FAMILY/PETS TREASURE FEST “TreasureFest is a unique monthly themed festival that showcases the best of the Bay area. August is our ‘Dog Days of Summer’ event and many of our bars will have a speciality drink cocktails (there will be a doggy safe and approved non-alcoholic Bowzer Beer for your pet). In addition, there will be live music and 40+ food trucks, stations to picnic and fun games for kids.” Also there will be a doggie wedding, which I guess is harmless? 10am-4pm, $5. Treasure Island. More info here.
