PARTY RADAR The Bay Area nightlife community has weathered a lot of ghastly blows in the past couple years, from Ghost Ship and the shooting of Bubbles to the passing of beloved fixtures like DJ Stef and Risk One.
Tragedy struck again when, right after by all accounts a wonderful Sunset Campout last weekend, DJ and music-maker Navid Izadi perished in a plane crash along with his mother. Navid was one of the original residents of the long-running weekly Housepitality party and part of a strong, tightknit, and undersung contingent of Persian nightlifers on the scene that includes Sepehr, Rooz, Rodney Khalaschi, and Mozhgan.
Nav had risen to become part of the influential Crew Love party collective (which includes Soul Clap, see below, who will surely be paying tribute at their Friday appearance at Great Northern)—his voice appeared on several records, and he was known as an ace remixer. He had just welcomed a baby boy, Tez, into the world, and was known for his huge heart. Outpourings of emotional tributes filled social media on the news of his passing. He was eulogized in the LA Times, Billboard, and practically every electronic music media outlet.
I only ran into him once or twice in the clubs—he was adorable, perfectly stylish, and obviously talented—but we were always crossing paths on social media, and I’m glad I got to write about several of his appearances over the years. He will truly be missed.
According to his dear friend Davi, there will be a celebration of his life at Monarch on Sept 7 at 7pm, save the date and stay tuned for more details. ❤
ARETHA MOMENT RIP to the Queen of Soul! The best spot to dance in her honor this weekend will be Sun/19’s Disco Daddy (see below for more info): DJ Bus Station John has let me know that he’ll “definitely be honoring Miss Ree-Ree with a very special medley of her dance classics”—including the above 1982 classic he recalls “dancing to as a fresh-faced (and clean-shaven) chicken at age 21!”
PARTIES OF NOTE
FRI/17 IONNALEE | IAMAMIWHOAMI The dark and perfect 120 Minutes party is back to celebrate its eighth anniversary. (This makes me miss witch house!) Appropriately, they’re bringing in mystery-doused Internet creation iamiwhoami, the electronic music and audiovisual project of Swedish musician and singer-songwriter Jonna Lee and producer Claes Björklund. 9pm-late, $20-$30. Mezzanine, SF. More info here.
FRI/17 DRAG ME TO THE LANES The awesome Siobhan Auvalot and I are DJing this drag-filled benefit for LYRIC (which helps LGBTQ youth) at Mission Bowl! If you’ve never been, this is a great chance to score some strikes and tip some queens. Persia hosts. 7pm-10pm, $25. Mission Bowl, SF. More info here.
FRI/17 SOUL CLAP Hard to remember there was a time when dropping rare ’80s funk and African instrumentals into DJ sets was a unique and refreshing blast, but Boston’s Soul Clap steamed up a lot of little, frameless techno glasses when they brought some soul juice to the decks in the late 2000s, after all that steely minimalism. Obviously the totally huggable duo still have a huge place in my heart, and will surely steam up the Great Northern with a disco/house/garage set alongside Rich Medina and Jayvi Velasco. 9:30pm-3am, $10-$25. Great Northern, SF. More info here.
FRI/17 CREATURE: DARK MATTER Leave your gender at the door and live as a creature of your dreams at this wild fantasia of drag, performance, dancing, and probably a few tentacles. Guest DJ Natasha Kmeto from Portland heads a stacked lineup. 10pm-4am, $10. The Stud, SF. More info here.
FRI/17 JIMMY EDGAR “Glossy, erotically charged robot funk”? Well, sign me up! The longtime DJ and innovator from Detroit will be joined by bubbling up FABRIC resident Krystal Klear at the always ravey, slaways crazy Light Down Low party. 10pm-3am, $15. Monarch, SF. More info here.
FRI/17 HI LIFE PARTY DJ Beejoux of Nigeria comes in to drop some Afrobeat, reggaeton, dancehall, cumbia, Afrohouse, and global bass. The party also celebrates the EP release of Izzy Wise’s “Records in the Sun” with a listening party at the beginning of the night. Hi life! 10pm-2am, free. Bar Fuxus, SF. More info here.
FRI/17 DANCING GHOSTS: SANDMAN 30TH ANNIVERSARY Love this. This darkwave party pays tribute to Neil Gaiman’s eternal Sandman comics, toasting the 30 years Morpheus has walked among us. “Dress as one of the Seven Endless or other Sandman characters and enter the audience voted Sandman Costume Contest.” 9pm-3am, $5-$8. Cat Club, SF. More info here.
FRI/17 MAKEOUT PARTY Lock lips at this too-cute monthly queer patio party and get a Jell-O shot, all while dancing to DJs Robin Simmons and Elaine Denham. 9pm-2am, $10. SF Eagle. More info here.
FRI/17 MOON BOOTS People love Moon Boots! The Brooklynite’s accessible house sets are lovely, pretty even, drawing everyone onto the floor and then pushing them up into those stars. 10pm-3am, $20. 1015, SF. More info here.
SAT/18 KYLE HALL Sublimely deep Detroit house sounds from the young master at this “Open Air” party from the As You Like It crew at the Midway, showcasing artists from the Wild Oats label. Byron the Aquarius, Sepehr, Lily Ackerman and more on tap as well. 1pm-9pm, $15-$20. The Midway, SF. More info here.
SAT/18 SPFDJ The Stud will be decked out in roses to welcome this beloved Berlin techno DJ, making her SF debut. There will be drag (from the incredible House of Tips), delight, and even more dancing to LA’s Sha Sha Kimbo, Vin Sol, and Siobhan Aluvalot. 9pm-4am, $10-$15. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SAT/18 BOOTIE 15TH ANNIVERSARY HUGE! And I cannot believe it’s been so long since this club helped transform SF nightlife into what it is today, where you can hear all kinds of WTF things at the club. “What began as a small monthly party for 100 people way back in 2003 is now a long-running San Francisco success story. Created by mashup lovers Adrian A and Mysterious D, Bootie SF became a genre-busting party like no other, winning numerous “Best Dance Party” awards, and becoming one of the driving forces of mashup culture, introducing club-goers to the clever sound of two or more songs fused together as one, long before anyone even knew what a ‘mashup’ was.” 9pm-3:30am, $15. DNA Lounge, SF. More info here.
SAT/18 OCTO OCTA New Hampshire house DJ extraordinaire joins acclaimed DC duo Beautiful Swimmers to celebrate the Brouhaha party’s fifth anniversary. But here’s the kicker: Detroit-Windsor techno legend—like for real legend—Dan Bell is playing all night upstairs in the loft. 9:30pm-3:30am, $18 Public Works, SF. More info here.
SAT/18 FRINGE Super-adorable indie dance party that’s been going nine years strong at Madrone, with its patented overload of awesome treats, singalong choruses, and 2000s beats. 9pm-2am, free before 10pm $5 after. Madrone, SF. More info here.
SAT/18 PUSH THE FEELING I’m a big fan of this party at Underground SF, which brings fresh indie and DIY dancefloor sounds to the fore. This month’s installment features Ilya, Marcogliese, Kevin Meenan, and Glenn Jackson. 9pm-2am, free. Underground SF. More info here.
SAT/18 BEATPIG Walter Gomez and drag goddess Juanita More’s bacon-wrapped party welcomes LA’s sweet, sweet selector DJ Stanley Frank into the pen. Wag that squiggly tail. 10pm-2am, $5 (benefits the Transgender Law Center). Powerhouse, SF. More info here.
SAT/18 D.A.D. Dudes and disco at Driftwood! Sweet and hella gay, with zazzy DJ Birch Koolman delivering vibes. 9pm-2am, $5-$10. Driftwood, SF. More info here.
SUN/19 DISCO DADDY More dads than you can handle this weekend! (Well, not you.) DJ Bus Station John’s very popular party at the Eagle brings out all the disco lovers for a night of fanciful frolic and electric excitement—and a special Aretha Franklin tribute!. 7pm-2am, $5-$7. Eagle SF. More info here.
It'll be a ruff Dore Alley: Fog City Pups Fawks and Astro take to the decks at Beta, Sat/28. Photo by FBFE_FOTO
PARTY RADAR This is one of those “too much of a good thing” weekends in San Francisco. If most of the nightlife fam isn’t sucked into the vortex of moonlit rave wonder and glitter-soaked sleeping bags that is the Sunset Campout (Fri/27-Mon/30)—featuring a million DJs and some crazy water-floaty action—then it down on its, ahem, dancefloor celebrating “Folsom Street Fair’s dirty little brother” the Up Your Alley Fair, aka Dore Alley Fair Sun/29, noon-6pm. (There are now almost as many parties built around this annual gay street fair as around Folsom itself—look for the little 🐷 below for Dore-related parties.) There’s plenty of other choices for those neither inclined toward woods nor woodies, so get out there! It’s “summer”!
>> PARTIES OF NOTE <<
A poster for the original Ambush by Chuck Arnett
🐷 Thu/26 AMBUSHMister Drummer 1979 is a party crew that resurrects legendary leather bars for one night only inside other nightclubs. In honor of Dore Alley Fair, it’s fêting the Ambush (1973-1986) which drew leather-clad revelers to 1351 Harrison—and also honoring the “Lautrec of leather”, illustrator Chuck Arnett, who provided the spot with its distinguished promo looks (see above). With DJs Mozhgan and Matthew Paul. 9pm-2am, $10. Underground SF. More info here.
Thu/26-Sun/29 GRAY AREA FESTIVALAn action packed weekend of experimental digital wonders and fabulous music, as technology and nightlife intertwine—featuring Hundred Waters, Machine Drum, Lily Ackerman, and many more. Gray Area, SF. More info here.
🐷 Thu/26 THE TUBESTEAK CONNECTIONEvery Thursday, DJ Bus Statio John transforms the charmingly rugged Aunt Charlie’s Lounge in the Tenderloin into a tribute to the gay bathhouse disco cruising days of yore. Come down for a little taste of old school vibes with a new school crowd at this special Dore edition. 10m-2am, $5. Aunt Charlie’s Lounge, SF.
Thu/26 CLUB BEAUTIFUL: SKATEPARK One of the wackiest drag shows and dance parties around lands on this theme this month: “Don’t cry over the loss of Warped Tour just yet. This month Club Beautiful: Skatepark celebrates the divas that inspired drag queens the world over: L7, Courtney Love, Sleater Kinney, No Doubt, Paramore. It smells like hormones and angst.” OK! 10pm-1am, $10. Elbo Room, SF. More info here.
Thu/26 ENVELOP W/ PARAMOUR AND PIANO RAIN“Immersive live performances from diverse artists and DJs working with Envelop for Live, our open-source spatial audio production tool set.” Sounds technical, but it’s a lovely showcase for Oakland’s great Piano Rain and producers Roche and Bleie as Paramour. 7:30pm, $30. Midway, SF. More info here.
🐷 Thu/26 JUNK: DORE ALLEY EDITIONAn underwear contest hosted by one of my favorite queen, Dulce De Leche, with tons of “pop up” surprises no doubt (and DJ Bougie, too). 9pm-2am, $5. Powerhouse, SF. More info here.
Fri/27 PENDER STREET STEPPERS The Canadian duo always brings the spirits down with their soulful mixes. Here, they’re joined by fellow Canadian act Project Pablo at the Brouhaha party. 9:30pm-3:30am, $20 advance. Public Works loft, SF. More info here.
Fri/27 EROL ALKAN The ravey-delight Lights Down Low party brings in the Turkish-Cypriot (via London) DJ and producer for an extended moment: “We’re giving Erol Alkan full control of Audio’s powerful sound system and immersive lighting, presenting his unifying and unpredictable vision of club culture for 6 hours. On a winding musical journey that has seen Alkan thrive as a producer, chameleonic remixer and radio host, from the era of seminal club ‘Trash’ to the present day, his spiritual home has been in the DJ booth.” 10pm-3:30am, $20. Audio, SF. More info here.
Fri/27 CLUB LONELY “Freeky Foggy Houz Music 4 Our Friends-N-Fam 4″—exactly! This sone of my favorite parties in SF, with a true underground feel and an incredible crowd. DJs Primo, Vin Sol, and Jeremy Castillo light up Club OMG’s weird domed dancefloor with classics and more. 10pm-2am, $10. Club OMG, SF. More info here.
🐷 Fri/27 UHAUL Dirty fun isn’t just for dudes! This beloved (and hilariously-named) lesbian party gets naughty at the Stud with “LEATHER, LACE, WHIPS, CHAINS, DARK AREAS” and DJs Ms. Jackson and Jibbz. 10pm-3am, $15. The Stud, SF. More info here.
🐷 Fri/27 BETA The Fog City Pack, a herd o’ pervy pups, brings in some great DJs for this play (in al senses) party: Clark Price from the Honcho techno crew in Pittsburgh, Brian Rojas from Atlanta’s Deep South parties, Otterbots’ Charley Ten and Michael Romano, and Fog City Pups Astro and Fawks. Arooooo! 10pm-4am, $40. Club Six, SF. More info here.
Fri/27 BAUERNFIENDRecord store RS94109 throws the best instore parties: This time Berlin DJ Bauernfiend team’s up with owner Sohrab for a night of fun tunes and outlaw feelings. 8pm-midnight, $5. RS94109, SF. More info here.
Fri/27 JUANITA MORE LISTENING PARTYThe drag goddess celebrates the release of two of her tracks on vinyl—at a pot club, of course. There will be dancing and shenanigans, with DJ Josh Cheon, a dab bar, and lots more. Buy the record for $15 to benefit Trans Youth – Truth Project. 6pm-9m, free. SPARC, SF. More info here.
🐷 Sat/28 LOVE HANGOVER: GAY MARVINEAfternoon dancing to killer disco edits at the bear bar? Why yes, oui oui, sí sí. Detroit’s Gay Marvina pulls out all the stops for pre-Dore lust and lunges. 3pm-9pm, $5-$10. Lone Star, SF. More info here.
Sat/28 GOLF CLAP So much love for this Detroit duo that beats a dancefloor up with energetic house sounds. If you like to bounce to bass, this is your destination. With “spacey to bassy” Brooklynite Codes. 10pm-4am, $5-$20. Halcyon, SF. More info here.
🐷 Sat/28 DEAR PERVERTS Earlier this year, the Stud received hate mail from some preacher telling us we were all going to hell or whatever—but the hilarious part was that it started out “Dear Perverts.” Perfect name for a party! And a chance to showcase the best local queer techno DJ talent of SF. With Trevor Sigler, Oscar Pineda, and Siobhan Aluvalot. 10pm-4am, $5-$10. the Stud, SF. More info here.
🐷 Sat/28 SNEAKS Folks who say classic fetishist looks are dead need to lace up their trainers and head to Sneaks, the Dore party for athletic-wear addicts that is in fact one of the best ragers of the year. True quality house and techno tunes from DC’s Keenan Orr and StrikeStone! plus our own Chuck Gunn, Jr. and the Polyglamorous crew. MUST WEAR SNEAKERS. (I’ll be turning out some luxury athleisure/retro health goth styles.) 10pm-6am, $50. Club Six, SF. More info here.
🐷 Sat/29 MASTER & SERVANTOur pre-eminent practitioner of darkwave and rare synth cuts of the past and present, Josh Cheon, joins up with bondage master Mark Sade for live demos. 9pm-2am, $10. SF Eagle. More info here.
Sat/28 A CLUB CALLED RHONDA Chicago house legend Boo Williams headlines this adored pansexual party from LA. You better not miss Rhonda! 9:30pm-3:30am, $5-$15. Monarch, SF. More info here.
Sat/28 MNML:FUN A banging techno experience from some awesome players at this maximally fun party. Featuring Cavalier and Count + Dragon, with the MNML:FUN players.
🐷 Sun/29 AIRTIGHTIf you don’t know the sexual definition of “airtight,” I’m not going to go into it here—but I’m not gonna recommend you Google it at work, either. Anyhoo, this will be a dyke-centered rager (“boys we love you, but leave those circuit party vibes at the door, K?”) during the daytime during and right after Dore, with a brilliant lineup: The Creatrix, gayphex twin, DJ Gag Reflex, bondage demos, and more. 2pm-9pm, $5-$8. The Stud, SF. More info here.
🐷 Sun/29 HARD FRENCH DOES DORE ALLEY The city’s cutest queer soul party rubs your face in fun, bringing in DC’s Baronhawk, LA’s amazing live-techno wonder Marvina7, and more for a post-fair, free-for-all fooforang sure to get your juices flowing. 6pm-midnight, $10. Oasis SF. More info here.
🐷 Sun/29 COMPOUND The name sounds serious, but this is really a cute getaway from the hurly burly of the man-fair, up to Oasis’s awesome rooftop deck for a cocktail and a look-see at all the action below.2pm-6pm, free. Oasis SF. More info here.
🐷 Sun/29 SUNDIES Sunday funday underwear! DJ Collin Bass pumps out the tunes at this tighty-whitey, big-and-bearish party. 9pm-2am, free. Lone Star Saloon, SF.More info here.
🐷 Sun/29HARDER New York’s naughty dance party lands in SF for Dore Alley, with lots of queer energy to help you power into the week. DJs Mike Etc, Juan, and the awesome Eric Bloom make sure there’s lots of musical twists and turns. 9pm-4am, $15-$20. The Stud, SF. More info here.
A Gothic-Lolita Fashion BALL at Cat Club Fri/20? Yes, please.
PARTY RADAR OK I think I seriously slipped on a rainbow oil slick broke something at Pride this year: I’m just now recovering! (Throwing a Victorian micro-rave with 30 friends over July 4 weekend at the oldest continuously operating hotel in California certainly helped keep me under.)
Still, from under the covers, I’ve felt so connected to the global nightlife community, especially its showy resistance lately, from a massive Rave-o-lution in Tbilisi …
GEO/ENG 📢📢📢კლუბური მუსიკა პარლამენტის წინ და პროტესტი ცეკვით – აქციის მონაწილეები კლუბებში ჩატარებულ სპეცოპერაციასა და მკაცრ ნარკოპოლიტიკას აპროტესტებენ. ისინი პრემიერისა და შს მინისტრის გადადგიმას მოითხოვენ.Happening now in Tbilisi. electronic music in front of Parliament! thousands are gathering in front of Parliament of Georgia and protest last night raid's . they protest drug policy of the country and demand resignation of prime minister and ministry of internal affair of Georgia.Video by Giorgi Diasamidze / Netgazeti#DanceForFreedom #Bassiani #CaféGallery
Dance music, bringing people together for true expression and a desire to change. Let’s keep it going, shall we? I’m especially stoked that one of our longest-running parties, one that’s embodied transcendent resistance from the beginning, Wicked, is having its 27th anniversary all-night reunion Sat/21. Get together with your dance floor family and dance like the Wicked wind!
PARTIES OF DISTINCTION
Thu/19-Fri/20 BICEP The brit duo that pumps up the deep house scene with muscular, sinuous beats appears for two night at the Independent—interesting to see them conquer the indie circuit, ala Disclosure. 8pm, $25. Independent, SF. More info here.
Thu/19 HOE IS LIFE Nicki Jizz and her merry band of drag sluts land of the theme “Real HouseHOES of SF” at this monthly bang. 10pm-2am, $5. The Stud, SF. More info here.
Thu/19 THEY’RE HEREintimate techno with a big reach and family vibe at this weekly techno party. This is residents’ night, so a great time to get acquainted with DJs éstudy, Teeyam, and Rodney K. 9pm-2am, free before 11, $5 after. Underground SF. More info here.
Fri/20 PACHANGA BOYSThe long-runnning duo provided the unofficial theme of Burning Man, “Time” (don’t @ me!) and continue to advocate their “hippie dance” brand of techno. They’re at the As You Like It party, which as always is loaded, with DJs Courtesy, Lily Ackerman, and Rich Korach in tow. 9:30pm-4am, $15-$20. Public Works, SF. More info here.
Fri/20 MAKE OUT PARTYPucker up and get down at this welcoming affair (yes you can kiss for the cameras—and a Jell-O shot) at the Eagle. With DJs Adam Kraft and Collin Bass. 10pm-2am, $10. Eagle, SF. More info here.
Fri/20 MAGDA The Detroit powerhouse comes to slay with her delightful brand of harder techno, at the Green Gorilla party. 9:30pm-3am, $10-$20. Monarch, SF. More info here.
Fri/20 GOTHIC LOLITA FASHION BALLHarajuku and anime fanatics rejoice! Dancing Ghosts, our very own drakwave dance party crew, is putting on its wonderful salute to the rococo cult looks of Japanese youth (and beyond). 9:30pm-2:30am, $5 before 10pm, $8 after. cat Club, SF. More info here.
Fri/20 CREATUREThis pan-gender monthly hoot is one of the most creative parties happening in the bay, with tons of performances (watch out for tentacles) and unexpected music. This installment’s theme is “Palms,” with tunes from Light Asylum’s Shannon Funchess and La Frida. 10pm-4am, $10. the Stud, SF. More info here.
D’awww, the Wicked crew’s first Full Moon rave on Ocean Beach in 1991.
Sat/21 WICKEDWoweee! 27 years of raving under the Bay Area moon for this distinguished crew: Garth, Jëno, and Markie plus special guest DJ Three. This will be an all-night reunion you don’t want to miss, featuring so much family hug your arms may well drop right off. BONUS: You can snag an extra special vinyl second pressing of Wicked tracks! 10pm-6am, $20. Great Northern, SF. More info here.
Sat/21 DOC SLEEPThe most excellent Mixed Forms monthly at the Stud brings in techno wiz Doc Sleep, who left us to go be all famous and successful or whatever in Berlin. <3 With support from New Orleans’ adorable Bouffant Bouffant, plus gayphex twin and Jordee. 10pm-4am, $10-$15. the Stud, SF. More info here.
Sat/21 CARLOS SOUFFRONT The fiendish Device party party rises again, now at Club OMG, with one of our greatest deep-cut techno exports, Carlos, helming the reboot. 8pm-late. Club OMG, SF. More info here.
Sat/21 FRINGESuper-adorable indie dance party celebrates 9 years at Madrone, with its patented overload of awesome treats and 2000s beats. 9pm-2am, free before 10pm $5 after. Madrone, SF. More info here.
Sat/21 DADDads and disco at Driftwood! Sweet and hella gay, with classic DJ Paul Goodyear delivering vibes. 9pm-2am, $5 advance. Driftwood, SF. More info here.
Sun/22 AFTERMATH Ilove this! Beloved DJ Charlotte the Baroness is getting married, and the afterparty features another Bay legend, Sharon Buck, whooping it up behind the decks. Glorious! 6pm-2am. SF Eagle. More info here.
Sun/22 LUV 4 LUV: SHENANIGANS Renowned performance artist Narcissister joins Chicago house expert Chrissy (and tons more) for a night of crazy dancing and art at the Stud. 9pm-2am, $5. The Stud, SF. More info here.
PARTY RADAR OK! There is a lot going on. But you are ready to dive in. You’ve shoed your fantasy unicorn, reactivated your quirky Tumblr/Grindr, settled on some earnestly ironic rainbow flourishes, dedicated yourself to empower other queer people, immigrants, trans people, women, and people of color, and reminded yourself to act conscientiously and travel safely though this week we called Pride and the sparkly beyond. I’m here to help direct your wingéd fuchsia Nikes to where you want to be, because I love you to hot pink bits.
First, please support our 48 Hills Pride Month sponsors Sui Generis + Frameline. We can’t do this independent, queer-run media thing without our community’s support! (Donate here, advertise here, sign up for our newsletter here.)
Second, if you have a moment, stop by Grace Cathedral , not only to pay awed reverence to Keith Haring’s brilliant altarpiece in the AIDS Memorial Interfaith Chapel, but to reflect on the lives lost to gun violence at the Pulse nightclub shooting. The “49 Farolitos” candelaria exhibit by James Nocito commemorates each victim, mostly LGBTQ and Latinx, with a beautiful illustration and a little light.
Today marks 2 years since the lives of 49 people — mostly #LGBTQ and #Latino– were senselessly taken at…
ONGOING NATIONAL QUEER ARTS FESTIVAL Fabulously interesting and deeply cultural performances and events, ranging from an Afro-Queer Masquerade Parade to the retro-queer musical stylings of the Singing Bois. More info here.
WEDNESDAY
WED/20 PULLIN’ PORK FOR PRIDE Come support 48 Hills and the Harvey Milk Democratic Club! This is our 14th annual Pride kick-off beer bust + yummy carnitas (plus veggie option) fundraiser. Lots of surprises! You can win a t-shirt! 6pm-9pm, party is free, $12 for beer bust and food. Pilsner Inn, SF. More info here.
WED/20 SISTER ACT SINGALONG PRIDE MASS I’m not religious, but I am thankful for this, from the folks who brought us the Beyoncé Mass: “We’ll kick it off with a mini-Pride parade and sing all of your favorite Sister Act songs— from “Hail Holy Queen” to “Joyful, Joyful” — led by our #BeyonceMass soloist Logan Williams. And most importantly, we’ll celebrate that we are all made in the likeness of God with a special Pride message from Rev. Jude Harmon. Oh, and don’t be afraid to wear your fiercest outfit!” 6:30pm-7:30pm, free. Grace Cathedral, SF. More info here.
WED/20 BONDAGE-A-GO-GO PRIDE Fantastic weekly “gay and straight and bisexual and pansexual and demisexual and asexual, too” free-for-all (one of our longest-running clubs) proudly amps things up with hot performances and DJs Tomas Diablo, Damon, Fact.50, and Jimmy Swear. Hosted by Haley Alice, Ms. SF Leather 2018, and benefitting St. James Infirmary. 9:30pm-2:30am, $10. Cat Club, SF. More info here.
WED/20 KOSMETIK PRIDE Weekly queer techno night continues expanding boundaries, with an all-vinyl set from DJ Infinite Jess and hometown hero headliner Christopher Orr, whose rare appearances are legendary. 9pm-2am, $5. TheStud, SF. More info here.
WED/20 RESIDENT SHEVIL: CODE VANJIE “The mid-week drag rave everyone can’t stop taking about! Our stage is open to all different interpretations of drag, and all genders/bodies/persons.” With DJ Dreamcast and many performers. 10pm-2am, $5. Powerhouse, SF. More info here.
THURSDAY
Scarey, lead singer of the Lolly Gaggers.
THU/21 LOLLY GAGGERS The hottest queer punk band in SF? Don’t lolligag, duh. Opening for The Bobbleheads and the ever-wow Ethel Merman Experience (classic rock sung by Ethel Merman, it is glorious) at the Eagle’s live music night. 9pm-midnight, $5. SF Eagle. More info here.
THU/21 PRIDE WAX Some real fun retro vibes as The San Francisco Disco Preservation Society’s DJ Jim Hopkins, Disco Dianna, and Iggy share their vinyl collections of disco, funk, soul, electro and house. 5pm-9pm, free. Hawthorn, SF. More info here.
THU/21 SWAGGER LIKE US: VOGUE NIGHTS “Join us as we celebrate ballroom culture. Bay Area VOGUE NIGHTS will feature some of the most notable legends from the international ballroom community, including Commentator DaShaun Wesley of the House of Lanvin and DJ Byrell The Great of Qween Beat Productions. Whether you’re a long time ball walker, up-and-coming legend, or a virgin just getting warmed up… we want to see you wake it up and BRING IT! Remember, YOU OWN EVERYTHING!” 10pm-3am, $15-$20. Public Works, SF. More info here.
THU/21 PRIDE NIGHTLIFE Love, love, love this event every year at the Cal Academy of Sciences, which turns its great weekly party (dancing in the aquarium!) into a drag-festooned wonderland. Hosted by Heklina, with music from Hella Gay and Swagger Like Us. 6pm-10pm, $22. UndergroundSF. More info here.
THU/21 THE 9TH ANNUAL OBLIGATORY JUNE GAY COMEDY SHOW! How can you have a comedy showcase in June at queer bar El Rio, and not have the theme be “flaming”??? Featuring Sampson McCormick, Natasha Muse, Nick Leonard, and Lisa Geduldig—your laughter, like rainbows, will flow obligatorily. 7pm-8:30pm, $10-$20. El Rio, SF. More info here.
THU/21 CRAZYSEXYQUEER A totally tubular throwback ’90s night at Virgil’s, one of the last queer oases in the Mission. 9pm-2am, $5. Vigil’s SF. More info here.
THU/21 CLUB BEAUTIFUL: PARTY N PLAY This absurd drag monthly has chosen to salute, er, late-night partying during Pride—if you’ve ever met Tina, or went out in the ’90s, you know what they mean. Hosted by VivvyAnne Forevermore, with tons of chasing-the-dragon performances. 10pm-1am, $10. Elbo Room, SF. More info here.
THU/21 FATAL FEMMES (HOE IS LIFE) Celebrate all that is femme and wild at this intensely fun monthly party. With Cinnamon Maxxine, Hollow Eve, Jillian Gnarling, Stefani K-Monster, Lisa Frankenstein + DJs Yha Yha (Berlin) and Fela Kutchii (Oakland), with Narcissister live and hosted Nicki Jizz. 10pm-2am, $10. the Stud, SF. More info here.
THU/21 HIGH TIDE PRIDE BOAT PARTY Look, I normally don’t do boat parties because I feel trapped. But being trapped with Honey Soundsystem, Le1F, and Saturn Rising? Well, all right. 5:30pm, $40. Hornblower, SF. More info here.
THU/21 THE TUBESTEAK CONNECTION DJ Bus Station John is a treasure, rescuing authentic disco and bathhouse vibes from the vintage recesses of our collective soul. His long-running weekly club is a must for visitors and (ir)regulars alike. 10pm-2am, $5. Aunt Charlie’s Lounge, SF.
FRIDAY
FRI/22 15TH ANNUAL TRANS MARCH + RALLY Along with Saturday’s Dyke March, the most inspiring part of Pride for me. Special Guests our Lady J and Gavin Grimm, plus tols going on. Rally 2pm-6pm, March at 6pm. Free. Dolores Park, SF. More info here.
FRI/22 BUSTIN’ OUT 13: PARTY AGAINST THE PRISON-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX One party, three venues, tons of DJs and friends at this official after-Trans March event—benefitting TGI Justice Project. 7pm-2am, various prices. At El Rio, The KnockOut, and Virgil’s Sea Room, SF. More info here.
FRI/22 TRANS BLENDER An all-ages, after-march, mashup dance party and performance transtopia! With superstar trans DJ (and Bootie party mastermind) DJ Adrian A, plus special guest Illexxandra, and live singing, burlesque, pole dancing, and drag by trans and gender-variant performers: Joshuah Ciafardone (Aurora Rose), Gem N’Aye, Jupiter Gatling, KaiKai Bee Michaels, Ryder Moore, Damien Alain Cox (Scroto T. Bagginz), Sheena Rose, and Niko. A benefit for the National Center for Transgender Equality. 7pm-10pm, $10-$20 (no one turned away for lack of funds). Piano Fight, SF. More info here.
The super DJ Sappho
FRI/22 SAPPHO AND FRIENDS PRIDE/BIRTHDAY EDITION Buckle up for some deep and psychedelic grooves! I’m DJing from my rare ’80s 12-inch collection, opening up for DJ Justime and super DJ Sappho—plus it’s Sappho’s birthday! Hop on our intimate dancefloor at Underground SF. 9pm-2am, free before 10pm (come hear me spin!), $5 after. Underground SF. More info here.
FRI/22 POUND PUPPY PRESENTS STUD PUPPY: MYSTIC BILL Aroooo! The original SF pup-themed party parks its paws at the Stud for Pride, featuring Miami techno wiz Mystic Bill. Time to play ruff. 10pm-4am, $10 advance, $20 door. The Stud, SF. More info here.
FRI/22 ELECTROLUXXX PRIDE PARTY This art-dance hybrid party is going Pride bonkers, taking over Public Works with at least two dozen DJs and lots of special surprises. With Midnight Magic and Blimes (both live), Kudeki, Merlin the Girl, Steve Fabus, and more. 9:30pm-4am, $40. Public Works, SF. More info here.
FRI/22 HOT PANTS The legendary lesbian party returns! This jam is ingrained in SF’s queer party DNA, but that doesn’t mean it’s dusty. Cut ’em high with Chelsea Star, DJ Campbell, Siobhan Aluvalot, and Miss Pop. <3. 9pm-2:30, $10. Cat Club, SF. More info here.
FRI/22 10TH ANNUAL BEARRACUDA SF PRIDE Big, hot, hairy guys! 9pm-3am, $20. Foundry, SF. More info here.
FRI/22 DISCWOMAN The powerhouse NYC-and-beyond collective comes together in SF, with DJ sets from SHYBOI, RIOBAMBA_dj, UMFANG, stud1nt, Juana, BEARCAT, Dj Haram, mobilegirl, and Ziúr plus our local CLUB CHAI (Jasmine Infiniti, 8ULENTINA, FOOZOOL). Wow! 10pm-3am, $20. 1015 Folsom , SF. More info here.
FRI/22 STEAM DOES PRIDE This monthly men’s sauna-themed party is a hoot; for Pride it’s got DJ Guy Ruben behind the decks, plus the usual wet towel contest and power-shower go-go’s shenanigans. 10pm-2am, $10 benefitting the LGBT Center. Powerhouse, SF. More info here.
FRI/22 CLUB LONELY PRIDE Quite honestly one of the best parties in the city, going late and wild. With DJs Vin Sol, Primo, Jeremy Castillo and special guest Brown Amy. 10pm-5am, $12. Club OMG, SF. More info here.
SATURDAY
SAT/23 26TH ANNUAL DYKE MARCH AND RALLY Probably no Pride experience will equal the year the Dyke March—always the most fantastically radical of the Pride events—broke free of its city-prescribed new path to retrace its roots around the Mission, reclaiming the roots of the lesbian community in SF. I bawled in appreciation. But that’s par for the (dis)course for this event, the one can’t miss part of the weekend. Rally 11am, March 5pm, free. Dolores Park, SF. More info here.
SAT/23 LUV 4 LUV The Stud explodes with post-Dyke March luv, with DJs Sassmouth, Sha Sha Kimbo, and Siobhan Aluvalot and Live Performances from Saturn Rising and Cat Mahatta. 9pm-4am, $10. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SAT/23 JUANITA MORE PRIDE: NIGHTTIME If anyone has the balls to help re-open the site of the famed rock n’ roll venue Fillmore West, which used to host thousands for live show (but has since become a Honda dealership), it’s drag force of nature Juanita More. Now called SVN West, the spot is perfectly poised between the Castro and SoMa, and Juanita is launching it with a panoply of talent: LCD Soudsystem’s Gavin Rayna Russom, Jasmine Infiniti, and of course the House of More. 10pm-4am, $45 presale,$50 door. SVN West, SF. More info here.
SAT/23 SWAGGER LIKE US PRIDE: TS MADISON, CAKES DA KILLA Our biggest and most vibrant queer hip-hop and future beats party brings in the gloriously sharp-tongued mother of all mothers, TS Madison, to host its Pride party, with rap hottie Cakes Da Killa. 9pm-3am, $30. Mezzanine, SF. More info here.
SAT/23 WILD THINGS WITH KEHLANI Public Works on the Saturday before Pride has traditionally held some forceful lesbian energy, and this year’s Wild Things party with indie r&b/pop sensation Kehlani surely keeps that legacy popping off. 7pm-6am, $30. Public Works, SF. More info here.
SAT/23 POLYGLAMOROUS PRIDE: DJ MINX Oh my goddess, if you know anything about the hysteria this insanely talented Detroit techno legend appropriately evokes in the underground gay dance floor population, you will be heading to this daytime installment of Polyglamorous immediately. (Or at least when doors open.) Also, this party is on a roof. With Atlanta’s awesome Vicki Powell and more. 3pm-9pm, $15-$30. Oasis, SF. More info here.
SAT/23 DEVOTION PRIDE: MOOD II SWING The Devotion parties are absolute guaranteed bangers, with a mixed crowd but always super-gay. House legends Mood II Swing join diva Julie McKnight singing live + Miguel Migs and residents Ruben Mancias and Jay-J for some serious old school soul vibes. 9pm-4am, $15. Great Northern, SF. More info here.
SAT/23 SUI GENERIS SIP AND SHOP They are literally going to give you champagne while you shop for the cutest Pride looks. Do it. Noon-4pm, free. Sui Generis Designer Consignment, SF. More info here.
SAT/23 PINK MAMMOTH BLOCK PARTY The annual daytime marathon rave-up is where burners and queers and queer burners (and just plain ol’ dance music fans) merge into an orgiastic block party of furry fun. I may have mixed some metaphors there. Noon-9pm, $20-$25. Great Northern, SF. More info here.
SAT/23 LOVE HANGOVER Another daytime rave-up, this one on the disco tip, at a bear bar, because why not. DJ legend Lester Temple joins Trevor Sigler, Lotus Disco, Justime, and Prince Wolf to cure what ails you. 2pm-8pm, $5-$10. Lone Star, SF. More info here.
SAT/23 WE ARE MONSTERS Psychedelic electronic grooviness is the name of the WAM game, and the crew calling on some big names for deep help this weekend, with Mick Wills, Traxx, Carlos Souffront, Blackmoon77, and Mozhgan. 9:30pm-3am, $15-$20. Monarch, SF. More info here.
SAT/23 D.A.D.: FATHER OF THE PRIDE Fathers’ Day may be over, but Zaddy’s Day is forever at Dudes And Disco, this hot little daytime dance party at the Pilsner. With Michael Romano, Colin Bass, and Kelly Naughton. 3pm-9pm, free. Pilsner, SF. More info here.
SUNDAY
SUN/24 PRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL What a grand hullabaloo for Pride’s 49th birthday! Like we said, there’s a lot. (The main stage has some actual great things this year! And head to the Fringe Indie Dance stage for some cute moments!). More info about it all here.
SUN/24 MIGHTY REAL POOLSIDE PRIDE: CRYSTAL WATERS Soulful house legend DJ David Harness’s annual party at the Phoenix Hotel always brings in the house music royalty. This year? Crystal Waters (who’s back at the top of the dance charts) and New York’s Tedd Patterson. noon-6pm, $60. Phoenix Hotel, SF. More info here.
SUN/24 JUANITA MORE PRIDE: HORSE MEAT DISCO Drag goddess, civic patron, party-you-under-the-table queen: Juanita More does it all. She also holds the most coveted ticket of the year for the fashionable and daytime-ready. This year, especially, will be “off the hook,” as brilliant UK DJ foursome Horse Meat Disco rick the party with our own DJ Carrie On Disco. Disco party! Noon-7pm, $50. Jones, SF. More info here.
SUN/24 ANNUAL PRIDE “POOL” PARTY Lol, I love this silly thing. The Oasis venue used to famously have a pool on the roof; now they inflate a little kiddie pool and serve yummy cocktails so you can gawk at the Pride revelry below, from the tipsy safety of your poolside seat. 1pm-6pm, free. Oasis, SF. More info here.
SUN/24 THE STUD IS SO PROUD OF YOU! Hot-hot DJs, drag shows, and live performances all day at this 52-year-old queer institution, celebrating its last year in its current space! Come out and dance, dance, dance (and drag, drag, drag). 2pm-10pm, $5-$10. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SUN/24 HARD FRENCH <3 LOS HOMOS: EVELYN “CHAMPAGNE” KING Classic soul shindig Hard French seems to top itself every year with jaw-dropping guests (and one of the most diverse and energetic crowds of the the whole dang thing). This year? The disco and funk goddess who brought us “Shame,” “I’m in Love,” and “Love Come Down.” Plus UK indie outfit shopping! So good. 3pm-11pm, $30-$35. Mezzanine, SF. More info here.
SUN/24 QUEERLY BELOVED This annual super-queer. Mission-based party is a relief from the crush of the Civic Center Pride crowds. Hosted by Country Trouble, with guests Micahtron, Chelsea Starr, and tons more, it’s some of that ol’ SF queer spirit on a big, colorful patio. 3pm-9pm, $10-$20. El Rio, SF. More info here.
SUN/24 HELLA PRIDE: A QPOC CELEBRATION “Hip-hop x dance x R&B x reggae x house x trap with Dj Sweetest Threat, DJ Climaxxx, MC Mysterious, and Lil Waifu on the soundtrack!” 6pm-midnight, $15. The Chapel, SF. More info here.
SUN/24 DISCO DADDY One of our utmost disco daddies, DJ Bus Station John, dedicates his delightful dance party to the disco sounds of Pride. “A Festive Pit-Stop For Non-Stop Party People!” 7pm-2am, $7-$10. SF Eagle. More info here.
SUN/24 HONEY SOUNDSYSTEM: YAEJI Our heroic hometown underground techno crew bringing in this Korean-American wunderkind, whose riding a huge wave of well-deserved hype? And at brand new venue August Hall? Well, if course. With the whole Honey crew providing backup, decor, weird moments, etc. 8pm-4am, $35. August Hall, SF. More info here.
SUN/24 TEENAGE DREAMS Some amazing Oakland-style queer vibes (remember when SF had those?) at The Stud, with an “actual dream team of queer/trans poc babe sweetheart geniuses”: 8ULENTINA, Brown Amy, The Creatrix, Piano Rain, Shawna Shawnté. 10pm-4am, $10-$15. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SUN/24 SWEATER FUNK’S THIRD ANNUAL LUTHER VANDROSS TRIBUTE Eternally grateful to live in a city where queer allies put on an amazing, all-vinyl, annual Luther Vandross tribute night during Pride, and don’t make a big fuss about it. 10pm-2am, $10. The KnockOut, SF. More info here.
Adab from the Heaven is in You party and In Training's Kiernan Laveaux and Father of Two are driving across America to Mixed Forms, Sat/20.
PARTY RADAR The greater Midwest is central to the story of electronic music in the United States, but it gets short shrift these days: Sure, Detroit and Chicago are still shining stars in the underground firmament, but what about cities where people are really kicking against the conservative pricks, like Cleveland?
Welp, Cleveland has its own exciting, coalescing underground scene worth investigating, and it’s queer as fuck, huzzah. You won’t even have to spring for a ticket to Ohio, as the Mixed Forms party is offering a Cleveland queer underground sampler platter, Sat/21. That’s when representatives of two of Cleveland’s vibrant underground parties, In Training and Heaven Is In You, come to the Stud. (Full disclosure: I am part of the Stud Collective, and have partied with In Training in the Appalachian forest). There’s definitely some good ol’ DIY community aesthetic going on. I had a wee email exchange with DJs Kiernan Laveaux and Father of Two from In Training and ADAB from Heaven is in You, as they traveled across the country to visit San Francisco for the first time.
48HWhen I checked i with In Training last year, it felt like a queer underground scene was finally taking root in Cleveland. How you have seen the Cleveland scene change through your parties?
FATHER OF TWO I participate very little in the wider Cleveland ‘scene’ outside of the three parties my friends and I organize together, so it’s hard for me to answer. Our events continue to be rewarding and expanding, and the wider queer music community seems to be responding well to what we do here.
ADAB It’s always been a place with a queer and creative presence, but I feel like our parties have bolstered spaces for those energies to congregate and mesh with one another.
KIERNAN LAVEAUX Having been an attendee at shows in Cleveland for the last five years of my life, I would definitely say there’s been a slight increase of peoples’ awareness in their words and actions towards queer people in the timeframe that our events have been around. While it’s nowhere near perfect, I believe it has to do in tandem with an increase of general social awareness and maybe people being more exposed to what we do. ADAB nailed it in that the queers and energy has always been there, but needed a space to meet and interact with one another and share ideas.
48HYou all come at the scene from different directions. How did you get started throwing parties and DJng?
FATHER OF TWO I started throwing parties and DJing with In Training, which was conceived the night Mx Silkman (the third member of In Training) and I first met almost four years ago. I’ve been learning it all on the job!
ADAB I started DJing around 2010, in college, after my best friend/sibling sent me a Numark Traktor LE while on tour with the USMC in Afghanistan. Developing out of that came a genuine desire to learn more about the gift I was given. As far as party organizing, aside from random house parties, I hadn’t considered doing any type of official party until me and my Heaven Is In You cofounder Eric met Kiernan, Father of Two, and Mx Silkman as a result of the small pool of the Cleveland electronic underground.
KIERNAN LAVEAUX I started DJing about three years ago as a result of Father of Two and Mx Silkman starting In Training and me wanting to get on board and help out with it. It seemed like the best way possible for me to meet other transgender people, because at the time I had very few trans friends and was going through a lot of isolation and confusion. Seeing ADAB play one of our early parties was also the first time I saw one of my friends and peers really command a room and make people dance, and it struck a chord in me to want to take this as far as I could with people I was forming close bonds with. I joined on as an official member of In Training about four months into it’s existence.
48HHow would you characterize the music you play, and can you give me a couple of tracks you love right now?
FATHER OF TWO There is so much interesting music coming out at the moment that I have a blast showcasing and attempting to put into a more queer context. I particularly enjoy lots of music coming out of the UK that takes influence from soundsystem culture and IDM; labels like Timedance, Livity Sound, Version, Tobago Tracks, Conga Burn, Central Processing Unit, Le Chatroom, Circular Jaw, and many more have all been releasing tons of heat that I’ve enjoyed messing around with, just to name a few. I also have a rather large soft spot for UK Garage and think it’s a sound that is inexplicably rather underrepresented in the US queer underground. Three tracks I love right now are “Yak” by Zephyr (Le Chatroom), “PEEV” by Delia (Intramuros Records), and “Love Delicious (Sully Remix)” by Girls Of The Internet [Ramp Recordings]
ADAB I try my hardest most times to shift between techno, house, breaks, electro, minimal, and their various combinations. The common thread of the sound I try to carry through them is intentionally centered around dense percussion elements. Three tracks I love right now are: Underground Resistance’s “Radioactive Rhythms,” Fred P’s “6am” and Ubik’s “1991”
KIERNAN LAVEAUX I also take a lot of influence from “broken” rhythms associated with the sounds of the UK as well as dense percussion and a variety of styles put through a blender in my mind. I like to have a huge tidal wave of sounds coming at people, but also play a lot with space and dynamics. I’m inspired by my interpretation of the spirit of Midwestern electronic music, the strange and experimental nature of the music that came out of its heyday, and all music that has been influenced by it since. Percussion is the universal language of humanity and the driving force behind almost all tracks I love to play, as well as anything that sounds strange and alien, yet beautiful and enticing. Three tracks I love right now are: Ken Ishii’s “Twist of Space,” Anthony Shakir’s “Systemic Advancing,” and Seefeel’s “Charlotte’s Mouth”
MORE PARTIES OF NOTE
THU 19-SUN/21DISCRETE FIGURES: RHIZOMATIKS X ELEVENPLAY This eye-popping technology-dance hybrid comes to Gray Area for its 10th Anniversary. “Inspired by Alan Turing, their newest performance marries choreography for five dancers with machine learning technology and a stage designed for interactivity between performers, drones, virtual dancers and other objects.” More info here.
THU/19 CHICNobody works harder than Nile Rodgers to make a party happen — that’s why his outfit Chic still remains relevant and incredible. Dance to the classics with a crowd of all types. 7pm, $55. Fox Theatre, Oakland. More info here.
FRI/20 HIGHER AND HIGHER: A ROOFTOP 4/20 PARTY Head up to Oasis’s roof and celebrate 4/20! With DJs Brown Amy and Sindri, entertainers Dulche de Leche and LOL McFiercen, and more. There will be munchies. 8pm-12am, $7. Oasis, SF. More info here.
FRI/20 JOE CLAUSELL, PEGGY GOU, AXEL BOMAN, NONCOMPLIANTThe As You Like It party (with co-promoter Technoclam) pulls off its usual wonderful stunt of gathering together some of the best DJs in the world, of wildly different styles. It’s an unmissable smorgasbord! 9:30-4:30, $20. Public Works, SF. More info here.
FRI/20 DERRICK CARTERThe Chicago boogaloo house master returns to slay SF, and we adore him. 9:30pm-3am, $10-$20. Monarch, SF. More info here.
FRI/20 CREATURE XV: ALLOYCraziness always ensues at this ultimate gender fluid party, this time celebrating all the metals of the universe with DJs Juanita More, Jordee, Scorpion Warrior, and more. 10pm-4am, $10. the Stud, SF. More info here.
SAT/21 MAGIC TOUCHThe Los Angeleno touches down with his gossamer house style at the ever-splendid Push the Feeling party. 9pm-2am, $7. Underground SF. More info here.
SAT/21 NON STOP BHANGRAOur favorite bhangra party ever brings in the UK’s PBN to light the dancefloor on fire. 9pm-2am, $15. Public Works, SF. More info here.
SAT/21 BEATPIG: METAWHOREPHOSIS! Walter Gomez and Juanita More host this porky tribute to the power of “transwhoremation.” With DJ Stanley Frank. 10-2pm, $5. Powerhouse, SF. More info here.
SAT/21 FRINGEIndie dance bliss with DJs Blondie K & subOctave + special guests Mario Muse. Too cute. 9pm-2am, $5. Madrone, SF. More info here.
SAT/21 D.A.D.The Dudes And Disco party is too cute for words, but they’re getting serious about sweat with guests Gay Marvine and Bus Station John. Disco for all, hon. 9pm-2am, $7-$10. Driftwood, SF. More info here.
SAT/21 DÂM FUNK + PEANUT BUTTER WOLFTwo great, funky tastes from LA that sound great together. DÂM always wows with his Prince-feel sets, while Wolf (the founder of Stones Throw Records) is a classic in the turntablist mode. 9pm, $22. Midway, SF. More info here.
SAT/21 SATURDAY NIGHT SOUL PARTYDJ Guillermo of the classic Sweater Funk crew makes your backbone slip (with 45s!) at the Elbo Room. 10pm-2am, $8. Elbo Room, SF. More info here.
SUN/22 SUNSET + HONEY SOUNDSYSTEM BOAT PARTYThe Honey boys have hopped on this party traditions, as the Sunset Crew continues sailing into the summer. Special Guest Antenes from L.I.E.S. Records. All aboardy! 5pm-11pm, $60. More info here.
Neon bender Meryl Pataky curates the "She Bends" showcase and party at Midway, Sat/7.
PARTY RADAR Get ready for two whole weeks of debauchery, because I’m toast next week working on some special projects—including promoting the awesomest party of all, the 48 Hills Fifth Anniversary May Day Gala! If you like what I do, or even if you can remember what I do, please consider buying a ticket to party with us, or donating to keep us going. We love your support, and we’d love your support. <3
OH! One announcement before I flutter off. The GLBT Historical Society Archives and Museum has just acquired two full crates of the legendary Sylvester’s outfits and personal effects, including his exquisite gloves!
Sylvester framed them himself, of course. It’s all being announced as part of a fundraising drive to keep queer history secure. Check it out here!
PARTIES OF NOTE
THU/6 ARCA “All music and visuals composed, produced, and presented by a bottom” was one of my favorite tweets of the past year, by emotional-electronic queer Venezuelan nymph Arca, who’s produced Bjork, queered techno discourse, and knows his way around a fisting video. He’ll be playing 1015, backed by the Swagger Like Us crew, for a room full of adoring queens of all stripes. 8pm, $30. 1015 Folsom, SF. More info here.
John Cameron Mitchell
FRI/6 DESPERATE LIVING WITH JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL You know him as Hedwig of the Angry inch, but Mitchell’s a well-regarded DJ who launched the Mattachine party, bringing rocky, funky, groovy sounds of the ’60s back into the gay nightlife. He’s here in town for the SF International Film Fest, to promote the new movie he directed, “How to Talk to Girls at Parties,” an alien punk love story, why not. Mitchell will be spinning at the John Waters-approved queer punk party Desperate Living, also featuring the live and wild stylings of Muñecas. 10pm-3am, $10. The Stud, SF. More info here.
FRI/6 BAS MOOY X UUN A MORD label showcase at the Direct to Earth party, featuring deep, industrial techno boom from Rotterdam’s Bas Mooy and Detroit’s Uun — with local wizard Tyrel Williams serving acid all night long in the back room. 9pm-4am, $15. F8, SF. More info here.
FRI/6 THE JUAN MACLEAN New Yorks charming, chain-smoking happy hip-house homie swoops in for an uplifting DJ set. But wait! He’s bringing Tim Sweeney, the man behind the essential Beats in Space podcast, along for the ride. Wooweeeeee. 9:30pm-3:30pm, $17. Public Works, SF. More info here.
FRI/6 SESSION VICTIM Energetic, clever, soulful sets (with some very interesting curveballs) from this scruffy pair of house-loving Hamburgers have made them faves on the international circuit. They’re in the US for a mini-tour, don’t miss ’em. 9:30pm-2:30am, $10-$15. Monarch, SF. More info here.
SAT/7 WE ARE MONSTERS W/ RON MORELLI The master of L.I.E.S—that bastion label of lo-fi, handmade house—has gotten headier, and woozier since the label’s heyday in the early 2010s. He drops into record store RS94109 with Cititrax’s An-I and Solar for a delectable We Are Monsters crew gathering. 8pm-1am, $20. RS04109, SF. More info here.
Meryl Pataky
SAT/7 SHE BENDS Here’s something different: A glowing showcase of women who work in neon. I had no idea they were called benders! Welp, there’s going to be 32 of them showing work at the Midway, curated by local maker Meryl Pataky, with music by indie darlings Yacht and psychedelic rockers the Cosmonauts. Neon! 8pm-midnight, $30. Midway, SF. More info here.
SAT/7 POWERBLOUSE “Juanita More and GlamaMore invite one lucky person to the stage of the Powerhouse for a full-fantasy drag makeover. Watch as they use all of their sacred drag queen powers to tuck, tape, shape, glue and staple this person together. When the vision is complete they will push the newbie onto the stage for their first-ever live lip-sync performance! The magic mascara wand will be casting spells!” With DJ Rolo. 10pm-2am, $5. Powerhouse, SF. More info here.
SAT/7 CLUB LEISURE: BATTLE OF THE BRITPOP BANDS I never really “got” Britpop—terrible, I know!—but the enthusiasm of DJ Omar and his monthly Club Leisure crew (which features all everything from ’60s go-go and ’70s mod to the mashers and thrashers of now) is infectious. Check out this Britpopstravaganza for a Suede-Oasis-Blur-Pulp blur. 10pm-3am, $10. Cat Club, SF. More info here.
SAT/7 GO BANG The cutest little disco party in town gets a wee bit house-y with a Moulton Music showcase, featuring Homero Espinosa, Allen Craig, Ivan Ruiz, and Tobirus Mozelle. Throw on something spangly and dance all night. 9pm-3am, $5-$10. The Stud, SF. More info here.
TUE/10 FEELS 6 A blast at BAMPFA! “An immersive celebration of art, music, film, and community” which previews the Oakland-based FEELS show at the museum. DJ sets by Toro Y Moi, Spelling, and Fela Kutchii, short films, hot crowd. It will sell out, so jump. 6pm-9pm, $20. BAMPFA, Berkeley. More info here.
WED/11 HEAD OVER HEELS Deep breath: The Go-Gos have an epic posh-punk musical headed to Broadway, but first it comes to the Curran, and Juanita More is teaming up with Miss Peppermint to host a preview that benefits TRUTH: the Trans Youth — Truth Project. This will be star-studded and packed! Plus you can get 20% off with Juanita’s special mama code, “MORE!”. 8pm, $29-$99. Curran Theatre, SF. More info here.
FRI/13 REBOLLEDO Burning Man season is definitely in the air if this Mexican techno favorite is dropping by. His Mayan Warrior camp consistently dazzles the playa (and brings some much-needed diversity) and the magic dust will be swirling for this one. 9:30pm-3am, $15. Monarch, SF. More info here.
FRI/13 DOC MARTIN The lovable, huggable West Coast techno king comes to town, backed by NYC’s Wolf + Lamb (oh how I’ve adored their impeccable selecting) and our own DJ M3, now going as Makes Me Move. 9:30pm-3am, $15-$20. Great Northern, SF. More info here.
FRI/13 PATRICK RUSSELL + ERIKA Two techno heavy hitters from Interdimensional Transmissions—if you haven’t experienced the legendary Detroit party No Way Back, this can be your taste of that absolute insanity—headline the Surface Tension party. 10pm-4am, F8, SF. More info here.
SAT/14 ¡DEMASIADO! “An immersive art party, community meal and dance party to support SOMArts, at the intersection of art and social justice since 1979. Featuring the artists and culture-bearers who are standing up for creative resistance in the Bay Area and honoring pioneering Chicano artist and curator Rene Yanez, the event will bring together SOMArts’ community of artists and arts lovers to look toward the future we want to create.” Tons of great performances, by folks like Rupa and the April Fishes, Persia, Pseuda, DJ Brown Amy, and more. 7pm-midnight, $15-$110. SOMArts, SF. More info here.
SAT/14 DETROIT LOVE Good Goddess. Carl Craig, Moodymann, and DJ Minx all together, I will die. This is three essential flavors of Detroit: heady, second wave techno, deep Detroit house, and, well, Minx does her own unforgettable thing. Do not miss. 9pm-3:30am, $17-$25. Public Works, SF. More info here.
SAT/14 JOHN TALABOT A grand wizard! One of my favorites (and crushes, OK), the visionary Spaniard calls up idiosyncratic spirits and unexpectedly gothy grooves from his cauldron. 9:30pm-late, $20. Great Northern, SF. More info here.
SAT/14 ASMARA One half of LA’s groundbreaking Nguzunguzu and part of the Fade to Mind and infamous Mustache Mondays crew, Asmara gets wicked on the decks for this party, presented by our own Molly House Records. 10pm-4am, $12-$15. the Stud, SF. More info here.
SUN/13 DISCO DADDY PRINCE TRIBUTE Flooding the Eagle with purple vibes, DJ Bus Station John dives deep into his records and pulls out the Artist’s (and friends’) best cuts for an adoring crowd at this annual fete. 7pm-late, $5-$7. SF Eagle. More info here.
PARTY RADAR This weekend is stacked like an inflatable drag queen, do they have those yet? I hope not! So let’s just dive into it. But first, let’s pour one out for the Bay Area god of electro and beat mixes, DJ Cameron Paul, who passed away Monday. And then let’s raise one up for Drag Queens Against Guns, making activism, er, pretty again. Drag queens!
THU/29 A KATABATIK BENEFIT FOR PEACHES/SAM MAXWELL Sam “Peaches” Maxwell was the last person to make it out of the Ghost Ship fire, and suffered debilitating injuries he’s still recovering from. His journey to recovery has been incredible, and underground Oakland acid/industrial crew Katabatik (who lost their own people in the fire) are throwing this benefit to make sure Peaches has what he needs. I fucking love our community, please come out, or give a little if you can. With special guests Josh Cheon, Justin Anastasi, and many more. (PS I’ll be bartending early at the party, too.) 8pm-2am, $15-50 sliding scale. The Stud, SF. More info here.
FRI/30 HOTLINE What happens when nine awesome indie dance parties get together to help save DNA Lounge? Well, let’s just say that last time they had a giant inflatable cat and a snow-making machine. With Popscene DJ Omar, Fringe DJs Blondie K & subOctave, The Queen is Dead DJ Mario Muse, Harder Better Faster Stronger DJs Candy & 2nite, Club Gossip DJ Damon, Indie Cent DJ Haute Toddy, Boy Division DJ Starr, Turbo Drive DJ Netik, and Club Satori DJ Bit. 9pm-2am, $10-$15. DNA Lounge, SF. More info here.
FRI/30 SAPPHO AND FRIENDS I can not lie, and I hate to play favorites, but I have to say that Portland’s Sappho is the DJ I most vibe with currently, at least in terms of woweee-zowee psychedelic house, hidden prog-acid gems, and subconsciously burbling ’80s outtakes. It’s all way witchy, subtly poetic, and mind-expanding in terms of WTF selection. Anyway, you will dance. With Jordee and Trevor Sigler. 9pm-2am, $5 after 10pm. Underground SF. More info here.
FRI/30 TECHNOCLAM: JUANAThe Technoclam crew is throwing parties devoted totally to showcasing insanely talented women (the Technoclam site also offers great party guides, mixes, and more), and its fourth party is no exception: DC’s Juana, who got her start “spinning pulsating sweaty drug-fueled disco sessions” and now pounds some lovely techno with the Discwoman crew, makes her debut. With Dhra, Viewfinder, and DpeshMo. 9pm-3am, $5-$10. Public Works, SF. More info here.
FRI/30 STEREO ARGENTO: DAVID LYNCH Do you like horror? Do you like drag? Do you like entering a dark chamber of gender illusion and coming out screaming with delight (and quite possibly spattered with blood)? Stereo Argento is exactly what you are looking for. This time around, the party takes on David Lynch, justly celebrated for his screwy dream-narratives, but, hey, what about the gore? “From Eraserhead to Blue Velvet to Mulholland Drive, his films have pushed the envelope of narrative filmmaking; bringing their viewers into an uncanny saliva bubble where dreams curdle and nightmares cement.” Go see a bunch of creepy queens bring it all to life onstage. Oh, and dancing with DJs Smac and Topazu. 10pm-3am, $10. the Stud, SF. More info here.
FRI/30 DANIEL AVERY The crowd-pleasing DJ’s DJ, who creates insanely lovely, synth-heavy soundscapes that are as descendent from Jean-Michel Jarre as Detroit techno, comes to us from his UK home in advance of new album “Song for Alpha.” This is a Lights Down Low party, so expect non-stop ecstatic dancing (and melty-smiley faces) all night long. With a Direct to Earth takeover in the Red Room. 9pm-3am, $20. Great Northern, SF. More info here.
FRI/30 RAVE AGAINST THE MACHINE The Big Ass Amazingly Awesome Homosexual Sheep—better known as BAAAHS—is a giant gay sheep that roams Burning Man, slaying with all-night raves, laser eyes, and mirrorball testicles. It’s also a great crew of DJs and its own soundsystem. BAAAHS takes over the Eagle for a wild dance party, teaming up with the awesome Nark and DAD parties. Don’t be sheepish! 9pm-2am, $5-$10. Eagle SF. More info here.
SAT/31 TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY: VISIBILITY INTO ACTION “Join us for a magical evening of celebrating community, moving beyond visibility and putting our words into action. Across the country and internationally there has been an increased visibility of our Transgender and GNC communities. Moving beyond visibility and putting our words into action. The evening will include fabulous entertainment, awards, music, food and drinks. Everyone is welcome! Evening attire recommended but not expected.” 5:30pm-8pm, free. SOMArts, SF. More info here.
SAT/31 NICKODEMUS Love him so much! The soulful, global beats master who powers the legendary Turntables on the Hudson parties in NYC is back (with “analog visual wizardry” by Zack Rodell, even.) He’ll be joined by the Groovewell DJs for a night that will wear out some shoes. 9:30pm-3:30am, $15-$20. Public Works, SF. More info here.
SAT/31 KLANGKEUNSTLER Very friendly, danceable deep-tech beats from this young southern German, coming to us by way of Munich. Lovely to have him on the Halcyon sound system. With Jonboy and Adeli. 10pm-4am, $10. Halcyon, SF. More info here.
SAT/31 J.PHLIP Tough, bouncy neats from this Bay Area fave, who was a big part of the Dirty Bird crew but now seems to be striking out on her own path. Some of her mixes from the mid-2010s are classics for me. With Bournemouth’s Flava D. 9:30pm-2am, $10. Audio, SF. More info here.
SAT/31 DADDY ISSUES The scruffy gayboy UK party was a smash hit when it landed at the Stud a few months ago — this time, it flies out statuesque host Ollywood to complement hometown DJs Kelly Naughton, Taco Tuesday, and Collin Bass. 10pm-4am, $10. the Stud, SF. More info here.
SAT/31 SNEAKS Why not follow up your big gay daddy issues with a big gay sportswear fetish? Girl we have all been there. This massive party hits the A.D.I.D.A.S. spot with great DJs Carlos Souffont and Siobhan Aluvalot. Must wear sneakers and sportswear—no jeans or slacks. NO SLACKS. NONE. 10pm-4am, $25. Club Six, SF. More info here.
SUN/1 AFTERNOON DELIGHT: EASTER FOOLS The cutest Sunday house-disco-techno dance party in Oakland hosts a costume contest, egg hunt, and DJ Sappho! Dance in the sunshine out on the patio and hop like a liquored-up bunny to great tunes. 3pm-8pm, $10. New Parish, Oakland. More info here.
PARTY RADAR I’ve got a horn and I’m gonna toot it! I’ve loved covering SF nightlife, starting way back as an imaginary, omnipresent, somewhat baffling drag queen gossip columnist named Kika YoAss in the mid-1990s, for a little startup called Citysearch. (Twenty years later, Kika came to life, thanks to the magic of Juanita More and Glamamore at their monthly drag makeover party Powerblouse. Never forget!)
Somewhere in the 2000s, I moved to the Bay Guardian with a wee little column called Super Ego, which was weekly when I wasn’t too hungover. Lovey, I can’t even understand half the stuff I wrote back then—but I’m excited to announce that we’ve finally restored a huge portion of the Bay Guardian online archives, including my nightlife musings from 2005-2014.
So if you’re a music scholar looking to see what DJs came through SF back in the heyday of French Touch, minimal house, and hardcore electro (the Bush years were very dark)—or just curious about why I would dedicate an entire column to a product called Ejaculoid, then dive right in: here’s a pair of goggles, and good luck with all those MySpace references.
And that’s not even mentioning Na Nach Techno and EpiscoDisco! So if you like my stuff, you just might like more of my stuff. Grazie mille for reading, always. Anyways!
PARTIES OF NOTE
DJ Tanya Leigh (with Little Foot)
THU/22 TANYA LEIGH Minneapolis rave scene represent! This ace DJ has been on it since 1998 (she was part of the longtime duo Complicit) and is coming in to the Konstruct party to drop some dope, deep Midwest bombs. 10pm-2am, $5. Underground, SF. More info here.
THU/22 CLUB BEAUTIFUL: SCIENCE FAIR “HYPOTHESIS: If seven drag performers and one DJ come together at the Elbo Room to perform science experiments on stage, then nothing really ever happened at all.” Finally, the Schroedinger’s Cat of Gender Illusion. 9pm-2am, $10. Elbo Room, SF. More info here.
THU/22 PHYSICAL THERAPY The head honcho of the Allergy Season “is known for a constantly shifting and abstracted take on club music, from bongo-infused techno to breakbeat science.” Joined by Miagma, Dionysian Mysteries, and Birch Koolman for the new Boomtown party. 10pm-2am, $5. The Stud, SF. More info here.
FRI/23 ESCORT The multi-member disco orchestra combined retro glitz with new attitude and stormed the cub scene of the late 00s with big city aplomb and “Cocaine Blues.” Now Escort’s back and ready to roll you round like roller skates. 9pm-1am, $15-$17. Rickshaw Stop, SF. More info here.
FRI/23 GREG WILSON An absolute legend who gets me right in the feels every time. The first DJ to mix live on British TV in the 1970s, who later came roaring back with an incredible slew of disco edits (and his patented reel-to-reel effects machine). Essential. 9:30pm-3am, $10-$20. Great Northern, SF. More info here.
FRI/23 JUS-ED + DJ QU Classic New Jersey deep house feeling brought by two classic new Jersey personalities who will get freaky on the decks. Last time I saw these guys—yep, Jus-Ed got on the mic, too—I was taken by the spirit somewhere far away I’d never been before. 10pm-4am, $10. F8, SF. More info here.
FRI/23 MIKE GUSHANSKY Awesome LA techno DJ (and local favorite—he’s part of the As You Like It crew) plays one of the neatest little parties around, Outpost. 10pm-2am, $5. Underground, SF. More info here.
DJ Eric Bloom of Harder
SAT/24 HARDER SF You don’t always go into a gay party expecting some great music, but when I visited promoter Ricardo Tavares’ party in NYC last fall, I knew I wanted to see it come here. DJ Eric Bloom keeps it steamy deep but super-interesting (touches of robotic Italo Disco and Brazilian funk, sparkling keyboard digressions), with tempos set to sizzle, and the cute boys know what to do. 10pm-4am, $10. The Stud, SF. Tickets and more info here.
SAT/24 STACY PULLEN Deep and tribal techno tracks for days and a pounding yet still very danceable tempo from this beloved second-wave techno legend. 9:30pm-2am, $10. Audio, SF. More info here.
SAT/24 LOVE HANGOVER WITH MIGUELITOOOO I was heartbroken when this cutie moved to Mexico City, but am so glad he’s coming back to spin at this lovely afternoon disco affair at the bear bear (with free BBQ, natch). 3pm-8pm, $5. Lone Star Saloon, SF. More info here.
SAT/24 SQUIRRELS ON FILM This great local label and act is at the very forefront of infusing techno and IDM with heady psychedelia. They will trip you out in a witchy way, but not in a corny way. With Lokier, Solar, C.L.A.W.S., Mozhgan, and Its Own Infinite Flower, plus visuals by Michele Armstrong. 10pm-2am, $10-$15. F8, SF. More info here.
SAT/24 MARK FARINA + HOMERO ESPINOSA Two house heroes celebrate their birthday with a huge hurrah at Halcyon. With The SyntheTigers and Ivan Ruiz. 10pm-4am, $10-$20. Halcyon, SF. More info here.
SUN/25 SSION Opening for the great Beth Ditto on her tour, Ssion is one of the most intriguing performers (and video artists — who else would stuff one of our gay porn hometown heroes, Adam Ramzi, into their latest video, not to mention Ariel Pink in drag). Do not miss a gender-bending, highly affecting, danceable spectacle. 7pm, $25-$30. Regency Ballroom, SF. More info here.
SUN/25 BOOB TUBE: STEVEN UNIVERSE OMG this is a drag/cosplay party celebrating the most adorable Cartoon Network show, with performances, contests, dancing, and more. Last Boob Tube sent up Sailor Moon, and it was glorious. 10pm-2am, $5-$10. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SUN/25 SUNSET SEASON OPENER AFTERPARTY It’s that time — the great Sunset Sound System Season Opener party/picnic that takes over Stafford Lake Park in Novato, 11am-7pm, lets us know that spring is here at last. Also essential is the afterparty at Monarch, always full of extra special surprises. 8pm-2am, $10. Monarch, SF. More info here.
PARTY RADAR I don’t wanna make too big a deal about it, because I love the close family vibe—but what the hell, if you aren’t out club-hopping on Wednesday nights in San Francisco, you’re missing some of the best DJs and most adventurous clubs on offer. Here’s a brief rundown of my favorite Wednesday weeklies:
MUTANTE From psycho-rave to womb-pulsing bass, the hot weirdos (Xango, NOFI, and Tom Ass) behind this weekly Lone Star Saloon jam get off on otherworldly obscurities, with awesome theme nights like “Amyl House” and “Thot Night.”
KOSMETIKHero technoists Matthew Paul and Jordee (who also curates the monthly Mixed Forms party, happening Sat/17), host some insanely talented international and local players to lay down cutting-edge techno tracks at the Stud.
HOUSEPITALITYThe grand-daddy of midweek rave-ups, going on for almost 10 years now and bringing in some of the biggest names in house, techno, and bass. Those names, however, don’t kill the intimate vibe, present even when 400 people are lined up out the door. (And the Housers make sure to book a ton of locals.) I do love this party so much.
BONDAGE A GO-GOA polyamorous playpen that features killer tunes and actually interesting go-gos. The weekly just celebrated its 25th anniversary (!!!)—it’s just behind out longest-running weekly club, Death Guid, in that respect—and offers a fantastic space for all body types and body lusts. Go get hog-tied! (Or just oscillate wildly.)
So go out already!
OTHER PARTIES OF NOTE
Ambrosia Salad may have moved to LA, but she’ll be forever frozen in Gooch’s amber.
FRI/16 SMOKE AND MIRRORS: THE NIGHTLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY OF GOOGH Goochis everywhere on the scene, and I cannot wait to see his photos of incredible drag and party moments. “Smoke + Mirrors explores performances from the sublimely beautiful to the beautifully grotesque!” 6pm-10pm, free. Ravot Gallery, SF. More info here.
FRI/16 TWO ANNIVERSARIES, ONE PARTY I’ll be playing some extra-special ’80s tunes at this party for the GLBT Historical Society (celebrating 33 years) at the GLBT History Museum (celebrating lucky seven years). Drag goddess Landa Lakes performs. Come support! 7pm-9pm, $10. GLBT History Museum, SF. More info here.
FRI/16 JOSH WINK The sock-hatted guru of rave has gone through a few evolutions, but has always kept his distinct ear for quality party techno. “Higher States,” still bangs, of course. 10pm-4am, $20. Monarch, SF. More info here.
FRI/16 RØDHÄD Sure it’s cliche, but imagine a mighty bearded Viking pounding at your viscera with up-to-the-minute techno, and you’ll have an accurate description of this German festival fave. He’s actually very sweet and keeps it underground, tho. With Jason Kendig. 9:30pm-4am, $20. Great Northern, SF. More info here.
FRI/16 MAKEOUT PARTY Pucker up, queers: another monthly installment of the lip-locking dance party is upon us. With two DJs I adore, Elaine Denham and Robin Malone Simmons. 10pm-2am, $10. the Eagle, SF. More info here.
FRI/16 CREATURE Amazing party full of fluid genders, sloppy genres, fantastical outfits, demonic drag, and so much more. Basically The Shape of Water set in Liquid Sky. This month’s theme? Future/Present with Shannon Funchess of Light Asylum. 10pm-4am, $10. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SAT/17 MATMOS The insanely creative duo helmed SF’s experimental-electronic scene in the 1990s, went on to tour with Bjork and drag pianos across the desert, make an album with a washing machine, and all kinds of thing-a-ma-jigs. A rare appearance by two of my favorite musical minds. 8pm-11pm, $10. San Francisco Conservatory of Music. More info here.
SAT/17 COURTESY The Mixed Forms party stands by its name, bringing together people from all over the scene for some of the most interesting music. This month: Danish sensation Courtesy brings her impeccable selections to the deck. 10pm-4am, $15. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SAT/17 BONDAX When these young Brit brothers popped up on the scene several years ago I was obsessed with the way they rode the popular R&B house wave to wonderfully uplifting and unique shores. Glad they’re back, cannot wait to hear what they’re up to. 9:30pm-2am, $10-$25. Audio, SF. More info here.
SAT/17 ESSAIE PAS “Essaie Pas will be a godsend if you like pulsating electronic dance music past and present, from Sheffield to Dusseldorf and beyond: the dystopian synth-futurism of early Human League, Cabaret Voltaire circa Sensoria, Propaganda’s Teutonic lullabies, Giorgio Moroder’s theme from Midnight Express.” Bring it. 9:30pm-3am, $15. Monarch, SF. More info here.
SAT/17 FRINCE ST. PATRICK’s DAY BASH I had to throw a St. Paddy’s Day party in, duh. Join DJs Blondie K & subOctave at Madrone for one of the most fun indie dance parties in town, with tons of giveaways and singalongs. Oh, and free green glow rings. 9pm-2am, $5. Madrone, SF. More info here.
SAT/17 DADIVERSARY WITH CARRIEONDISCO Too-cute DJs Kelly Naughton and Michael Romano have been throwing their too-cute gay DAD disco party at too-cute Driftwood bar for a full year, and they’re bringing in the incredible CarrieOnDisco to set the decks aflame. 9pm-4am, $5-$10. Driftwood, SF. More info here.
SAT/17 SURFACE TENSION LATE NIGHT One of our sharpest-eared techno crews is presenting “a two-room, all-night dance party featuring its four resident DJs selecting left-of-center electronic music well into the wee hours of the morning.” This will close out the CounterPulse Festival with a bang. 11:30pm-6am, $10. CounterPulse, SF. More info here.
SAT/17 BEATPIG Um. “Legend has it that St. Patrick banished all snakes from Ireland with his shaft. Funny, at this party there’s plenty of shafts being swung at snakes, too!” 10pm-2am, $5 benefits Transgender Law Center. Powerhouse, SF. More info here.
SUN/18 DISCO DADDY SYLVESTER TRIBUTE DJ Bus Station John knows how disco divas inside and out, and his legendary Sylvester tribute nights bring out not just the familiar bangers but rare grooves our #1 hometown soul sister gifted us before his departure. 7pm-2am, $5-$7. Eagle, SF. More info here.
SUN/18 DAYTIME REALNESS Air out your wig, let your makeup dry naturally, and get a little flush in those cheeks, as our daytime drag party returns, with DJs Stanley Frank, Siobhan Alovalot, and Vin Sol. 2pm-8pm, $10. El Rio, SF. More info here.
SUN/18 BRUNCH WITH NIC FANCIULLI AND SKREAM Not sure who will be eating, but this Midway daytime party with one of techno’s big names and post-dubstep poster-boy Skream should be banging. 11am, $15-$25. Midway, SF. More info here.
Amon Tobin's groundbreaking ISAM stage show debuted at Mutek Montreal in 2011
PARTY RADAR Festival season is coming hard upon us, even if that means May—pre-sale tickets are already available for the magickal, mystickal, musick-loaded, 19th annual How Weird Street Faire, happening May 6 (and yes, it’s no longer free: $20 at the door, $15 presale to keep it all going). And if you are queer and woodsy you will definitely want to dance for a full, wiggy weekend at the Gays Hate Techno Spring Gathering, May 3-6.
Welp, as if that weekend weren’t packed enough, along comes a local installment of one of the best and most adventurous “big name” electronic music festivals, MUTEK. The 18-year-old Montreal phenomenon usually serves, for techno jet-setters, as a perfect experimental and ambient comedown from the massive Detroit Movement Festival every May/June. Now the brand is expanding to the West Coast with recently announced MUTEK San Francisco, May 3-6. (Mutek has already expanded to Mexico City, still crying I couldn’t be there, and Japan.)
Now, you know me, I would usually go off about franchises coming in to take over the local scene, especially with such direct competition. But MUTEK.SF has gone out of its way to ground its programming in local players—in the first wave lineup announcement, I count almost a dozen, mixed in with international favorites like Derrick May, Tim Hecker, and Telefon Tel Aviv. So far a little light on women and queer folk; let’s see what’s coming. Early Bird Passport tickets are on sale now.
About electronic music festivals: We already have the great San Francisco Electronic Music Festival, usually in September, which is as experimental and full of the unexpected as Mutek was in its thrilling infancy. Last year, the As You Like It crew put on the Unabridged festival, which spanned both sides of the bay. RIP to the great Love Parade, which started out as a franchise here in, oh, 2004? And then went through a few LoveFest iterations with diminishing returns before petering out in 2009. Oh hey, and anyone remember the Summer Music Conference?
But mostly our dance festivals have been street fairs like How Weird (which has single-handedly kept our classic drum ‘n bass, funky techno, and Lower Haight rare groove scenes in mind) and Folsom Street Fair, which for a golden moment was a powerhouse of live acts and DJs, although it seems to have backed off of that with new management. And then of course there’s Burning Man, which long ago became a music festival.
MUTEK.SF will fill the current night-time gap of “danceable and interesting” agglomerations, bringing together names and NAMES, for a weekend that already looks pretty major.
PARTIES OF NOTE
THU/8 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY IN THE BAY A benefit for migrant famworkers featuring a stellar lineup: ALIA, Arula, Dj Dakini, FELA KUTCHii, femmelectric, Lily Ackerman, Rachel Torro, rayreck, Symonne, and DJ Umami. 9pm-2am, $10. 1015, SF. More info here.
THU/8 PUFF It’s a marijuana drag party for queers and others who work and love the cannabis field – plus a raffle with amazing prizes. Tons of performers! 7pm-9pm, $5-$10. The Stud, SF. More info here.
THU/8 DIRECT TO EARTH: INNER ORBIT Three excellent players at this great techno party, including Cory Simpson (Seattle), Experimental Housewife (SF, killing it), and Valentin Ginies (Berlin). 9pm-2am, free. F8, SF. More info here.
FRI/9 DEEPBASS Deep (duh), hypnotic techno that will tickle the tympanum of anyone into classic Berlin sounds from this Barcelonan. 9pm-4am, $12-$15. F8, SF. More info here.
FRI/9 KASSEM MOSSE & TIN MAN The As You Like It and Parameter parties join forces to bring in two of my faves:German Kassem Mosse makes deep-thinking, deep-moving techno, while the Finnish Tin Man kills it in the acid zone. Both are doing live sets woo-weeee. 9:30pm-4am, $15-$20. Public Works, SF. More info here.
FRI/9 VIVVY’S GRAND OPENING: PAGEANT PAGEANT Huzzah! The weirdest drag night ever is hosting a pageant featuring like 8000 queens. Looks, smarts, and talent, people! 10pm-4am, $10. the Stud, SF. More info here.
SAT/10 MARCH TO REMEMBER AND RECLAIM QUEER SPACES We just lost the Gangway (although there’s a plan to bring it back!) Join drag goddess Juanita More, Mark Leno, and the GLBT Historical Society on this walkabout through formerly super-queer Polk Gulch, “laying black wreaths at the sites of former queer spaces in the historic LGBT district.” 4pm-6pm, meet at the site of the Gangway, SF. More info here.
SAT/10 A GUY CALLED GERALD The early British techno master who created the times “Voodoo Ray” and Black Secret Technology gets his acid house on at the Midway all night. Yazzzzzzid! 10pm-3:30am, $17. The Midway, SF. More info here.
SAT/10 DJ JAZZY JEFF “What happens when three of the best DJs in the Bay Area joins one of the world’s most magnificent in one room with four turntables and two mixers? Prepare to find out as master decknician DJ Jazzy Jeff (West Philadelphia born and raised) joins Goldie Award-winning Miles Medina, Red Bull 3style champ J Espinosa and bangerz specialist DJ Cuts.” 9pm-3am, $20-$25. Great Northern, SF. More info here.
SAT/10 NON STOP BHANGRA One of our best and most diverse monthly parties brings in bhangra biggie Jassi Sidhu from the UK to dazzle. All the whirling colors! 9pm-2am, $20. Public Works, SF. More info here.
SAT/10 STUDIO 5’4″ This is a hot dance party for short gay guys and the people who adore them. With DJ Suppositori Spelling. 10pm-2am, $5. Lone Star Saloon, SF. More info here.
SAT/10 DANNY TENAGLIA Househeads everywhere explode! One of the giants of the progressive scene, doing this for like 40 years now, comes in from NYC. 10pm-4am, $15-$25. Halcyon, SF. More info here.
SAT/10 PURIM CARNALVAL 5778 It’s the Jewish festival of Purim, so of course the Stud is throwing a live queer klezmer bash, with Ghost Note Ensemble and a bunch of witches. 10pm-4am, $10-$20 (NOTAFLOF), The Stud, SF. More info here.
SAT/10 MODULAR: JAN BLOMQVIST Berlin-based technoist, famed for his Burning Man sunrise sets, takes over the wonderful Gray Area theater for a live spectacular, presented by the Modular party. 9pm-3am, $25. Gray Area, SF. More info here.
SAT/10 POUND PUPPY Arf! It’s bone time at this scruffy gay pup party. With DJs Jenniluv form LA and Dicap from NYC. 10pm-2am, $10. The Eagle, SF. More info here.
SUN/11 DRAG SIDE OF THE MOON I am so down for this: “4 Queens take acid and trip through a psychedelic classic played front-to-back! Watch these queens perform to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon in its entirety, as they embark on a surreal journey through the depths of the human mind.” Gaymazing. 7pm-9pm, $10. The Stud, SF.
MON/12 DEATH GUILD 25TH ANNIVERSARY Holy sepulchers, bat girl! Our longest-running weekly party is turning, ulp, 25, and it’s ready to rise from the glamorous grave. Supercool dark rave and industrial goth classics always draw a unique crowd. This one has a death-drop of a lineup as well. Congrats, Death Guildians! 9pm-3am, $5-$10. DNA Lounge, SF. More info here.
