Edinburgh Castle is closed. Oasis is closing. Fabulous party Polyglamorous ends this Friday. It’s hard times in SF clubland, friends.
Oh, and legendary rock star hotel the Phoenix, which has hosted some of the wildest patio parties the city has seen, shuts down at the end of the year. But not after one more fabulous shindig—New Year’s Eve with drag goddess Juanita More! and SF house king DJ David Harness, December 31, 8pm-2am. I’m super-excited to dance all night and end up in some stranger’s hotel room for one last time. (At least at that particular location.)
Some of my favorite blurry memories are from the Phoenix, and especially Juanita’s infamous Pride parties that took over the hotel in the late 2000s before David’s Mighty Real parties took over the space, bringing queer joy, ecstatic house, and snappy fashions to that little corner of the Tenderloin. Wiping away a real tear, I asked Juanita and David a few questions about the party, and how the spirit of the Phoenix of yore will keep on rising.
48 HILLS You’re sending the Phoenix out with a typically outrageous bang. How does it feel to be wrapping up such a legendary spot?
JUANITA MORE I have had a blast over the years at the Phoenix Hotel. The first years of my annual Pride party were held there, and I’ve partied my ass off in the suites that Kurt Cobain, Linda Ronstadt, and Sinéad O’Connor stayed in. It’s hard to believe that iconic space will no longer exist.
48 HILLS One of my favorite memories of all time is the young marching band coming through for your Pride party and truly lighting things up. I danced so hard around the pool that the security gave me a warning!
JUANITA MORE Definitely one of the highlights was having the Cougar Cadet Drumline play. I had seen them playing at Embaradero and asked if they would play at my Pride party. The group included elementary and high school students from Alameda and other parts of the Bay Area. Respect was the primary foundation of the Corps, with its motto being: “Each one, teach one.” They were incredible and brought such joy to those Pride events. They played for 10 years in a row, and we helped them buy a bus!
48 HILLS What are some of the NYE party highlights you are especially looking forward to?
JUANITA MORE With all the insanity of this last year, I am most looking forward to seeing family and friends. Sharing a safe space with our community is something I deeply care about. And doing this party with David Harness has been such a great transition from partying in a big, pounding, dark, strobe-lit nightclub. Don’t get me wrong—I love a big dark club. The Phoenix space has given us the chance to party and be social in a totally different way. Now more than ever, we need that space, we need that love. Oh, and of course, the looks everyone brings!
48 HILLS So many amazing spots and parties are ceasing this year, how can we even carry on?
JUANITA MORE That’s a great question. You and I, over all the years we’ve been in San Francisco, have somehow been able to do just that—carry on. And, we will.
48 HILLS David, the Phoenix parties were always such a terrific outdoor vibe, and of course, parties like the Mighty Real Pride Weekend blowout are legendary for bringing some true house music divas. What are some of your favorite tracks to play at the space?
DAVID HARNESS There are so many songs that make such an impact on how everyone got down at the Mighty Real parties! House classics from the likes of Crystal Waters, Ultra Nate, Robin S, and so many others. Any variation of the song “Mighty Real” by Sylvester and B-Slade always tore the house down.
48 HILLS How do you think the Phoenix closing will impact the house music scene here in SF, where we’ve lost so many venues?
DAVID HARNESS I have been in this house scene for many years. I have seen venues come and go. It’s like a shift in the atmosphere, something new will come and make a major impact on our SF house scene. I plan to continue with that impact.
JUANITA MORE! X MIGHTY REAL NYE 2026 December 31, 8pm-2am at Phoenix Hotel, SF. More info here.
