DJs Omar and Jenny of Sixxteen—back when you could smoke inside bars!
PARTY RADAR DJ duo Jenny and Omar have been such an important part of the our scene for so long, that even though Jenny moved away a while ago and Omar has become a big-time promoter and DJ (playing with legendary indie and Britpop bands and co-producing the incredible, 23-year-old Popscene party), they’re still at the heart of SF’s wild rock club nightlife.
When it launched in 1998, their club Sixxteen was quite an anomaly on the scene, offering out-of-control, campy rock respite from the serious techno and drum ‘n bass that was de rigueur at both underground and mainstream parties, and the washes of bland pop-house drowning the gay bars. This was where metal-heads could compare denim cut-offs, drag queens could live their Lita Ford fantasies, and cute Pulp-via-Smiths fans could show off their tour buttons. (In its attraction for all genders and styles bent on partying to the end of the night—or at least the end of consciousness—it resembled another, earlier classic club, Baby Judy’s.)
Where else could you hear Hole, The Dead Boys, Van Halen, New York Dolls, Bikini Kill, and the Donnas (and a slew of live bands) all smashed together in a glorious, ahistorical racket of rebellion? The club later morphed into an annual, must-attend Halloween party tradition, but it managed to keep up the same crazy energy, and surprise guest appearances. I talked to Jenny and Omar—who are so melded as the Sixxteen DJs that they answered as one—about the party and its rocking, rolling history.
48 HILLSWhat compelled you to start Sixxteen, and what was the scene like then?
SIXXTEEN We wanted to dance to Rock ‘n Roll and there wasn’t a club that played what we wanted to hear. It honestly started out as innocent as that. There were bars and people’s houses where we could go to nerd out to Dutch Glam and hear Patti Smith, ac/dc or The Misfits, but no room to dance. Once we got the chance to throw the party, we wanted to do away with the misconception that punks, rockers, metal heads, mods, drag queens, and club kids could not get along under one roof. We turned haters into lovers and fighters into dancers.
We had no real idea that others would respond to it the way they did. It was sleazy, sweaty, debaucherous and everything we wanted it to be. A place to get lost, make out with a stranger and do everything in excess. Once the word got out that everyone was having a good time, bands like the Murder City Devils, Drunk Horse, Vue, Black Cat Music and BRMC hit us up to play. One of our fondest and scariest memoies is of the Murder City Devils setting their drums ablaze in the middle of the Cat Club. We’ve come to realize that feeling simultaneous fondness and fear is succinctly Sixxteen.
Headbanging at Sixxteen
48HWhat changes have you observed over the nightlife scene in the past two decades?
SIXXTEEN We can say with the utmost certainty that we could never do now what we did back then. There is no way we could get away with all the fun we had… haha. We have some great stories, let’s just say that. When we started, there were more artists and musicians hanging around who needed a place to let loose. No internet and no social media meant that if you wanted to meet someone with the same music or fashion sense, you had to socialize with them in person. Also, once people caught wind that Motörhead, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Blondie would hang at Sixxteen, they showed up in droves for a guaranteed good time.
Posted by Jill Reiter on Tuesday, October 16, 2018
48HWhy are you ending Sixxteen, and what can we expect at the final party? Will there be a rock ‘n roll funeral?
SIXXTEEN We think the 20-year mark is as good a place as any to celebrate the party, the friendships, the amazing and lasting support we’ve had from our patrons, as well as a great stumbling-off point to ride out in a spectacular manner as ungracefully as possible. This is very much a celebration of the wonderful eccentrics that made the nightlife thrive, so we’re not expecting to spend too much time grieving because we will be rocking out to some maximum rock n roll at maximum volume!
SIXXTEEN: A ROCK ‘N ROLL NIGHTCLUB’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY!
Fri/19, 9pm-3am, $10
Cat Club, SF. More info here.
Juliana Huxtable plays the Molly House records party, Sat/13
PARTY RADAR Welp, it took me two weeks to recover from Folsom Street Fair, so that means we’ve got a lot to catch up on! First, let’s admire the look my friend Hunter, aka drag legend Felicia Fellatio, put together for the fair.
I had to stop watching “Handmaid’s Tale” after the third episode because I was so traumatized, but sexy woke leather handmaid might reel me back in?
EL RIO TURNS 40 I cannot believe this vibrant Mission patio hot spot is twice my age! It’s a true SF treasure, mixing Latinx neighborhood vibes with queer community. Kudos to owner Dawn and crew for keep El Rio true to the spirit of the city when so many have sold out as the area has become gentrified. I love it so much. Hit up the special Sat/13 40th Anniversary Party featuring a glorious amalgamation of El Rio’s best parties: Swagger Like Us + Mango + Hard French + Soulovely + Sazon Libre and more.
ELBO ROOM FINALLY CLOSING After many false starts, promises, news releases, and controversies, there’s finally a date on the shuttering of the Elbo, one of the few adventurous nightlife spots left in the Mission. January 1, 2019, the 30-year-old Elbo will turn into condos (probably), so dive into a final lineup of parties until then that includes Literary Death Match, White Ring, Tormenta Tropical, and the classic Saturday Night Soul Party. www.elbo.com (PS the new Jack London Square Elbo Room will remain open, give it a visit.)
IS THE SFPD DISCRIMINATING AGAINST HIP-HOP CLUBS? Read this explosive report from Sam Lefebvre of KQED about the SFPD’s super-shady campaign against North Beach club Hue (formerly Atmosphere). It pretty much has everything: lies, deceit, a bombing, Aaron Peskin … everything!
CALLING ALL ICE QUEENS Drag Queens on Ice is one of the essential SF holiday traditions, and some of them are very good on those skates. (Some are, well, not so good but make it up with endless charm—I see you Motha Chucka!) The call is going out to any queens who want to audition. “From fierce to festive, applicants are asked to don their gayest apparel and record a short video of them showcasing their act or routine.” Then the Union Square Ice Rink will share it across its social media so people can vote on your frosty moves. Check here for more info
GHOST SHIP HALLOWEEN CANCELLED Look, there were already questions about whether the humungous, two-day Halloween rave could stage its 10th installment at newly refurbished venue SVN West (which still has bulldozers parked outside of it). How do you compress a sprawling carnival that once filled Pier 70 into a large but limited indoor space? Do you put the neon Pirate Ship ride on the roof? And how do you continue to produce such a massive party when most of your artists have fled the Bay Area because it’s too expensive?
Those are not the reason the organizers originally gave for cancelling the party, though. Last year, it changed its name to Love Boat out of respect for the survivors and friends of those lost in the terrible, wholly unrelated Ghost Ship fire. But this year—despite putting out advance promotional materials with the perfect name Barco Fantasma—the organizers decided to change it back to Ghost Ship, igniting a small firestorm of social media comments (which it then proceeded to respond to pretty unsympathetically). Then suddenly, it was announced that the whole thing was cancelled due to this easily resolvable controversy, which seemed a bit overboard.
Finally, Hush Hush promoter head Robbie Kowal, who is one of the Ghost Ship Halloween founders and a great guy, cut through the BS on the Ghost Ship Facebook account to talk about the real reasons, which included a mass artist exodus from the area and the pressure of finding a solid venue. Those of us who lost friends and family in the fire are still a bit put out about being scapegoated for all this drama, but at least there’s some honesty happening. And there are still tonsoffunHalloweenparties to be had (my full guide’s out soon), including Life Boat, put on by some of the Love Boat promoters in an attempt to salvage some fun out the whole debacle, and not leave much of the booked Barco Fantasma talent high and dry.
PARTIES OF NOTE
FRI/12 MERCURY SOUL: GAVIN HARDKISS I love the Mercury Soul parties, which aren’t afraid to experiment with the nightlife experience itself. This one takes on a “future folk” theme, “to dive into the world of folk music with performances of folk-inspired electronic, classical, and bluegrass music, interspersed with DJ sets spanning the global folk music landscape.” With DJs Gavin Hardkiss (legend!so good!), Mason Bates, and Justin Reed, plus band bluegrass band Hot Buttered Rum, “as well as classical musicians from Vitamin Em performing works by American classical composers such as John Adams and Mark O’Connor in addition to classical favorites by Brahms and Bartók. 9pm-2am, $20-$25. Great Northern, SF. More info here.
FRI/12 DAEDELUS + HUXLEY ANNE LA’s mad scientist of knob-twiddling Daedelus and “liquid wax aboriginal broomstick riding free base electric sorceress” Huxley Anne explore artistic identity and creative process in conversation, Q&A, and performance. 9pm-2am, $10-$15. The Midway, SF. More info here.
FRI/12 LAST NITE The 2000s have been back! But not in that awful Bush way that’s happening in the political world. No party gives me more confidence we will dance this mess around than this one, in which DJs Jamie Jams and Rocky really pull out the indie dance numbers. “It’s like we ate Pitchfork, stole your iPod and then rode off on your track bike.” 10pm-2am, $10. Make-Out Room, SF. More info here.
FRI/12 VIVVY’S GRAND OPENING: PUNKIN Wild monthly drag night Vivvy’s Grand Opening always has some jaw-dropping performances in store. This time for all hallow’s the Church of Nihilism takes over. “Suggested dress code: Witch fail, ethical zombie, sexyscaredycat, spooky ooky cookie, Headless, HoresMan, Mystery Meat, Smug Slug.” 10pm-3am, $10. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SAT/13 FLAGGING IN THE PARK Flagging in the Park is the most gay San Francisco thing you can go to ever, paying tribute to one of the great gay nightlife traditions, but in the sunshine—and this installment with the brilliantly chill CarrieOnDisco on decks will be indescribably cute. 1pm, free. AIDS Memorial Grove, SF. More info here.
SAT/13 BARDOT-A-GO-GO 20TH ANNIVERSARY We’re pretty far from Bastille Day, when this fabulous party brings out the French kisser in all of us. But, mon dieu!, the crew is gonna have a 20th anniversary blast. “All three co-founders—Brother Grimm, Pink Frankenstein, and Cali Kid—will be spinning the best in decadent ’60s French pop and other International and American garage/soul/bubblegum sounds.” 9pm-2am, $10. Rickshaw Stop, SF. More info here.
SAT/13 BREAKBOT Woah, a throwback to the glory days of Ed Banger and melodic hardcore electro. Art school grad Thibaut Berland found fame creating singalong, dance-a-long tunes that fuse disco vibes and yacht rock sensibility with Daft Punk grooves. It worked! 9pm-late, $20-$25. Mezzanine, SF. More info here.
SAT/13 ONE NIGHT ONLY W/ DAVID HARNESS The Bay Area’s version of Frankie Knuckles has come out about suffering from diabetes: Come dance all night to his impeccable soulful house groove and help raise money for a good cause. Sat/13, $20-$40. The Foundry, SF. More info here.
SAT/13 JULIANA HUXTABLE The multi-talented, outspoken NYC DJ-performer-magical being lands in town to show the children how it’s done at the Molly House party. Juliana’s sets are voracious! Also featuring super electronic BB Russell E.L. Butler. 10pm-4am, $10 advance. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SAT/13 POUND PUPPY Scruffy, woofy gay dancing to the far-reaching techno sounds of the local Kosmetik crew, Jordee and Matthew Paul. 9pm-2am, $10. The Eagle, SF. More info here.
SAT/13 AURORA HALAL The Brooklyn artist operates on the shadowy side of electronic music, and her psychedelic sensibility makes her a perfect fit for the We Are Monsters party. 9:30pm-3am, $10-$15. Monarch, SF. More info here.
SUN/14 AS YOU LIKE PICNIC Techno in the park! Techno in the park! Spend a lovely Sunday with the As You Like It crew/family (BYO-everything). Chicago/SF’s Chrissy plays with Lily Ackerman, Patrick Lotilla, Rich Korach, and more. Noon-6pm, free. (donations accepted) Elk Meadow, Golden Gate Park, SF. More info here.
SUN/14 DISCO CABANA, MONSTER MASH The goofy-fun Disco Katz crew is at it again, for Halloween of course, with some real house legends to get you all the way through Sunday: Charlotte the Baroness, Chris Orr, and tons more. 2pm-10pm, $8 advance. Natoma Cabana, SF. More info here.
PARTY RADAR It’s that time, almost! Time to coordinate your leather-chic looks, eat whole grains, polish up your spurs, and tackle that jumble of raw bodies and tanned cowhide we call Folsom Street Fair (Sun/30). Obviously, you will not need sleep, and I’m here to help. Below are the 20+ essential parties for the week/end, so stay upright and erect!
(Oh, and looking ahead, and down, on October 17 don’t miss the 48 Hills + Litquake celebration of Tom of Finland at the Eagle, Beefcake! It’ll be kind of like Decompression but for Folsom.)
PARTIES OF NOTORIETY
WED/26 KOSMETIK With JEFFREY SFIRE Detroit Italo and early house maven Sfire (who gave us this eternal anthem) actually sets dance floors aflame. He’s with Dallas’ TX Connection at this Folsom edition of the weekly techno Kosmetik party. 9pm-2am, $5. The Stud, SF. More info here.
WED/26 MUTANTE: CYBORG DOMINATION Pummeling and outré electronic music is usually the name of the game at this weekly party: For this Folsom edition dancing robots rule, with “Bay Area veteran and disco dominator” Bad Girl Bailey on the decks. 9pm-2am, free. Lone Star Saloon, SF. More info here.
THU/27 FOLSOM PRISON The Mister Drummer 1979 party crew recreates the look and feel of classic leather bars of yore inside other bars, and makes a damn good dance party out of it (plus there are t-shirts!) This time around it’s quintessential Miracle Mile biker hangout Folsom Prison—which in this day and age of wokeness around the oppressive prison-industrial complex would be a very problematic name, the kind of valuable perspective these reincarnations bring up—with absolutely wonderful DJ Carlos Souffront and Matthew Paul taking us back to sweatier, leatherier times. 9pm-2am, $10. Underground SF. More info here.
THU/27 THE TUBESTEAK CONNECTION DJ Bus Station John kicked off the whole bathhouse/cruising nostalgia wave more than a dozen years ago, with his awesome weekly tribute to steamy disco and vintage man-meat. If you want an authentic taste of old school gay life, traipse to his vinyl tunes all night on Aunt Charlie’s carpeted dance floor. 10pm-2am, $5-$7. Aunt Charlie’s Lounge, SF.
THU/27 JUNK It wouldn’t be Folsom without an underwear party? Hosted by the effervescent Dulce de Leche and Mister Pam, with beats by DJ Bugie, there’s a cash prize for the skivvies master. (And a Bare Chest Calendar jock strap auction, which confuses me.) 9pm-2am. Powerhouse, SF. More info here.
THU/27 PORN: QUEER SEXWORKERS DANCE PARTY “Cum and dance your delicious hardworking queer asses off in preparation for Folsom 2018! Watch amazingly hot DIY porn while cruising for your next date or networking with new heaux friends.” 9pm-2am, $7-$10. The Stud, SF. More info here.
FRI/28 PEGASUS One of my favorite Folsom traditions, toasting the weekend with fashionable and cute friends at Castro store Sui Generis, the one with the cute leather-chic window displays. Ace DJ Rich King, who I adore, will be spinning tunes while we sip champagne. 7pm-10pm, free. Sui Generis, SF. More info here.
FRI/28 HONCHO The boys of Pittsburgh’s scandalous Honcho crew have been credited with helping to open the East Coast gay scene to underground techno sounds and nouveau rave culture (you might be reminded of our own Honey Soundsystem here), and now they’re bringing their incredibly popular party, visual design and impeccable decks skills and all, to the Stud in their West Coast debut. Do not miss ’em! 9pm-4am, $25. The Stud, SF. More info here.
Find CDMX’s Perfect Lovers and friends upstairs at Bearracuda
FRI/28 BEARRACUDA A honking huge bear party full of lusty mens and stretched waistbands (I stan)—but you’ll want to make your way upstairs through the carnival atmosphere, to the Public Works loft where two great DJs—Victor Rodriguez of LA’s Bears in Space and Perfect Lovers of CDMX’s Por Detroit club will be making fur fly. 9pm-4am, $25. Public Works, SF. More info here.
FRI/28 STEAM DOES FOLSOM Eternal cutie Walter Gomez’s monthly salute to bathhouses, but inside a bar, gets Folsom-y with dancers in shower stalls, a wet towel competition, massages, and awesome DJ Lorant Duzgun from NYC. 9pm-2am, $5 benefits Queer Lifespace. Powerhouse, SF. More info here.
FRI/28 CLUB LONELY My secret favorite club falls on Folsom and features Oakland’s rad 8ulentina of the Club Chai collective, so beats will be banging. Expect a colorful, pan-everything crowd under Club OMG’s weird dancefloor dome. 10pm-2am, $10. Club OMG, SF. More info here.
SAT/29 LOVE HANGOVER Wondrous afternoon dancing at the bear bar, as this super-queer party brings in NOLA’s Mark Louque and PDX’s Sappho—gah they are sooo good! 3pm-9pm, $5-$10. Lone Star, SF. More info here.
SAT/29 GEARED UP More sippin’ & shoppin’ & slippin’ & slidin’ at the infamous Mr. S leather shop’s annual instore party. Go here, get some looks, dance to DJ Fawks, who is a very good boy. noon-6pm, free. Mr. S, SF. More info here.
Donna Sachet
SAT/29 THE ROAST OF DONNA SACHET The leather community’s Scarlet Empress, the Lady in Red, who has given her long and storied life to supporting the community, finally gets the roast she deserves. With emcee Bruce Villanch and a star-studded panel of roasters, including Cleve Jones, Mark Leno, and Sister Roma. Love this crazy lady. 7pm, $30-$50. Castro Theatre, SF. More info here.
SAT/29 MISCHIEF Our biggest queer hip-hop party, Swagger Like Us, and our biggest lesbian party, UHAUL, are joining forces for a kinky Folsom affair, with DJs DavOMakesBeats, JiBBz, Lady Tragik, and Micahtron. So much QTPOC magick. 9pm-2am, $20. Verso, SF. More info here.
SAT/29 BONDAGE A GO GO One of SF’s longest-running pansexual weekly parties is also a total hoot, and dipping into the red zone for Folsom. Rope demos and burlesque performances, plus DJs Tomas Diablo, Damon, and special guest DJ Bit of Death Guild “spinning a sinister blend of goth, pop, industrial, punk, rock, and electro.” Interactive play space! 9pm-3am, $10-$20. Cat Club, SF. More info here.
SAT/29 GOD SAVE THE QUEENS A queer punk night in the Mission might be the perfect way to ease into the festivities … with DJs Scott Toxsin and Jimmy Swear. 9pm-2am, $5. El Rio, SF. More info here.
SAT/29 THE HACKER An electro god for several decades—and one of the pioneers of electroclash—this Parisian will bring funky-dark sounds to the Stud. With Mozhgan, Solar, and more, plus “anti-gogo” from the Creature crew. 10pm-4am, $25. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SAT/29 ELECTROLUXX Literally and figuratively a ton of good DJs and cute artists coming together for this wheeling romp, which also includes “2 indoor stages & silent disco outside, face painting, tarot reading, photobooths, performances, and more!” 9pm-4am, $15-$30. Public Works, SF. More info here.
SAT/29 THE FIGA More leather history!“On the eve of the Folsom Street Fair, Jonesy and Jamie C Knight premier their film, “The FIGA,” an oral herstory of the legendary San Francisco Catacombs; featuring Dr. Gayle Rubin. Post film chat between Jonesy and Dr. Rubin moderated by Andy Campbell. Screening and chat to be followed by a very special Catacombs inspired DJ set by Gayle Rubin.” 5pm-8pm, $5. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SAT/29 GLAMAMORE’S FILTHY FOLSOM NUTZ Legendary drag performer Glamamore can do no wrong, so why not throw a party about it? With DJ Guy Ruben and lots of dancing. 10pm-2am. Powerhouse, SF. More info here.
SAT/29 NEW BREED THE all-night rave of Folsom, but you’ll have to get there early for tickets! The Polyglamorous Crew always puts on a great joint, and DJs Massimiliano Pagliara (Italy) and Chris Cruse (LA) will make the Folsom fireworks pop. 10pm-6am, $60. Club Six, SF. More info here.
SUN/30 AIRTIGHT “Dark corners for cruising, spanking benches for bruising, and SOMA’s cutest dance floor” — with DJs Gayphex Twin, Gag Reflex, and more. A dyke-centered space but all are welcome! 2pm-9pm, $5-$10. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SUN/30 DADDY DAYCARE The raunchy boys of the D.A.D. Dudes and Disco party get wild in the daytime, with DJ Robin Malone Simmons, Rich King, Sergio Fedasz, and more. Noon-8pm, free. Driftwood, SF. More info here.
SUN/30 ANTIQUES ROADSHOW: FOLSOM EPISODE More of the magical DJ Sappho as she and Zoz play Hayes Valley’s Phonobar for an afternoon Folsom getaway. I think also it may be an impromptu flea market? 3pm-9pm, free. Phonobar, SF. More info here.
SUN/30 TEENAGE DREAMS DJs Brown Amy, The Creatrix, HEAVY PLEASURE, La Frida (live set), Moths Protect Me and more come together to send you to heaven on a little dancefloor. 9pm-4am, $10-$13. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SUN/30 WERD. FOLSOM STREET FAIR AFTER AFFAIR One of my favorite local techno DJs, Lily Ackerman, is headlining this weekly shindig that will have all the stragglers rejoicing. 9pm-2am, $5. Monarch SF. More info here.
SUN/30 HOUSE OF BLACK LEATHER Honey Soundsystem brings in Munich’s banging Zenker Brothers, Londons Debonair, and Portland’s Orographic, plus tons more surprises, as this awesome party returns to round out the fair. 3pm-4am, free before 6pm. Audio, SF. More info here.
Detroit techno legend plays Monarch on Sunday. Photo by Marie Staggat.
PARTY RADAR Who’s the Best DJ? Best Nightlife Venue? Best Dance Party? Best Drag Queen of King? best Late-Night Dancing? Best fucking Burrito? Yes, yes, it’s all a popularity contest—which mean you need to vote now in our 43rd annual BEST OF THE BAY poll. Do eeeeeeeet!
NOW HEAR THIS I missed the cute AF launch party at fantastic Monday joint Run the Length of Your Wildness this part week—also its last as a weekly!—but please do check out its incredible “Run The Length Of Your Wildness Vol 2,” its second digital collection that benefits the family of Cherushii, who we lost in the fire. “Tracks from Cherushii, Experimental Housewife, Roche & Lavender, David Last, Pleasure Corporation feat Roche and Kara Marie, Golden Donna, Lily Ackerman, Nihar, gayphextwin, North County, Water Feature, Ilya G, burnet207, Loren Steele, Paramour, Doc Sleep, Vidiian, DJ Patrick, Its Own Infinite Flower, CB Radio, Area Mann, Elexos Park, Atlas Of Nothing, Caltrop, Tristes Tropiques, Ben R Brown, Michael Claus, Hydroplane and Plaza. All proceeds will be donated to Cherushii’s family❤”
PARTIES OF NOTE
THU/13 RONI SIZE The superstar of classic UK drum ‘n bass hist the Independent, with amazing local emcee Audio Angel and UFO! opening. 8:30pm, $20. The Independent, SF. More info here.
THU/13 PUFF A drag/live rock/420-dancing queer marijuana appreciation happy hour? You got it. AND you can win a plumbus-shaped pipe. (Happy birthday DJ Dank!) 7pm-10pm, $10. The Stud, SF. More info here.
THU/13 ASTERISK The Asterisk parties are bright and happening, rooted in some supreme local techno talent. “Eugenia will grace us with her refined minimal techno grooves again. Max Gardner and Muon will play their second ever live show after their searing set at ZORG during Mutek SF. Experimental Housewife will close out the night with an hour and a half of transcendent dancefloor rhythms.” 9pm-2am, $10. F8, SF. More info here.
THU/13 MAKE ME A MIXTAPE “Playing all your favorite emo & indie nostalgic anthems on vinyl, including saves the day, the promise ring, the get up kids, alkaline trio, sunny day real estate and more.” 9:30pm-2am, free. The Knockout, SF. More info here.
THU/13 HODGE Deliciously deviant techno parties They’re Here and Surface Tension join forces to bring in this Bristol technoist, of the Berceuse Heroique and Livty Sound labels. With CM-4 and tons more. 9pm-2am, $10-$15. Underground, SF. More info here.
FRI/14 LEON VYNEHALL The Portsmouth, UK producer is deep into downtempo house, and latest album “Nothing is Still” balances cerebral beauty with expansive grooves. He’s joined by one of my favorites, Cooper Saver, and Taravel. 9:30pm-3am, $15. Great Northern, SF. More info here.
FRI/14 INDIEGALACTIC Cute. “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger presents INDIEGALACTIC, a cosmic indie & electronic dance party crash landing at the venerated Public Works for one epic night of Total Alien Mayhem! Come as your favorite alien, robot, astronaut, or Human life form 👽👨🚀” 9pm-3am, $8 advance. Public Works, SF. More info here.
FRI/14 HOUSE OF BASS It’s the four-year anniversary of this rumbling party, with plenty of folks still spitting up playa dust helming the decks. 9:30pm-3am, $10. Public Works, SF. More info here.
FRI/14 VIVVY’S GRAND OPENING She’s wacky, she’s wild…. she’s always hosting a grand opening! This monthly dragstravaganza from VivvyAnne ForeverMore has a lot of big ideas and a little bit of spit and polish. This month’s theme: Denim. This month’s incredible DJs: Siobhan Alovalot and Rich King. 10pm-4am, $10. The Stud, SF. More info here.
FRI/14 LOOSE JOINTS Love this loose joint with DJs Tom Thump and Damon Bell: “Boogie, disco, rare groove, Afrobeat, latin, funk and more. All for the your imbibing and dancing pleasure, ALL NIGHT LONG.”10pm-2am, $5-$10. Make-Out Room, SF. More info here.
FRI/14 LAST NITE More indie dance bliss. “DJs Jamie Jams and Rocky bring you all the hits from a time when punks suddenly remembered how to dance. It’s like we ate Pitchfork, stole your iPod and then rode off on your track bike.” 10pm-2am, $5-$10. Make-Out Room, SF. More info here.
SAT/15 MIDLAND The infectiously jovial UK house DJ comes to the Stud for the fabulous Mixed Forms party, which also features Oscar from Pound Puppy and benefits RAICES. 9pm-4am, $15-$20. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SAT/15 RED AXES Underground Israeli dance music duo with a dark side and lots of cowbell. Love them to death, and the Lights Down Low party they’re playing. 10pm-3am, $10-$15. Monarch, SF. More info here.
SAT/15 MOM DJS 9-YEAR ANNIVERSARY Holy moly, do the macaroni: Our fabulous crew of Motown on Mondays DJs (not just on Mondays anymore, obvs) is celebrating almost a decade of soul satisfaction. 8pm-4am, $5-$25. Public Works, SF. More info here.
SAT/15 PROJECT NUNWAY: 9 TO 5 WORK! What a hoot! This annual over-the-top fashion show (using all recycled materials) features our patron angels of charity, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, as they show it all off for charity. It’s quite a thing. 7pm-11pm, $20. SomARTS, SF. More info here.
SAT/15 HEIDI + KIM ANN FOXMAN OMG two of my absolute favs, Heidi the hard technoer from Detroit and Kim Ann the high-style early 90s revivalist from NYC, together at one huge daytime party, called Altitude, with Tyrel Williams, Sepehr, and more. Squeeee! Noon-7pm, $16-$22. The Midway, SF. More info here.
SAT/15 BEESMUNT SOUNDSYSTEM I am not lying here, this Saturday is a clusterfuck of amazing DJs and parties, and I or you may die. Drink water. This duo, which weaves together snippets of obscure tunes from throughout the history of dance music into something wholly new, blew me away at a Honey Soundsystem party last year. Now they’re back in the Public Works loft, plying the afterparty for the Fantastic Voyage dance cruise. 9:30pm-3:30am, $10-$15. Public Works loft, SF. More info here.
SAT/15 PUSH THE FEELING One of the cutest parties going, that delves into the more independent and idiosyncratic sides of dance music. This one’s got Keil from STRFKR (DJ Set), Marcogliese, Kevin Meenan, and Glenn Jackson. 9pm-2am, $5-$10/ Underground SF. More info here.
SAT/15 FRINGE A back-to-school indie dance party (featuring a giant dancing pencil, we hear), playing the hits and the singalongs. “We invite all former school geeks, freaks, punks, etc to join us on the dance floor!” 9pm-2am, $5 after 10pm. Madrone, SF. More info here.
SAT/15 BEATPIG Drag goddess Juanita More went to the market! DJ Stanley had roast beef! Scantily dressed host Walter had none! It’s a piggy dance party, y’all, benefitting the Transgender Law Center. 10pm-2am, $5. The Powerhouse, SF. More info here.
SUN/16 DJ STINGRAY Absolutely banging techno from a Detroit legend on a Sunday. Do it. 9pm-2am, $7. Monarch, SF. More info here.
SUN/16 CASUAL EUPHORIA: AN ASMR PARTY On the complete other end of the spectrum, what about going to a party that privileges ambient sensations over mind-muffling bangers? Live performance with djs and sensory installations with make you tingle all over. 8pm-2am, $5. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SUN/16 DISCO DADDY Legendary DJ Steve Fabus (Trocadero / I-Beam / Go Bang!) is taking over DJ Bus Station John’s tremendously popular and salacious Sunday night disco affair—with a full seven-hour mega-set! 7pm-2am, $5-$7. SF Eagle. More info here.
Berlin's Dr. Rubinstein plays Monarch, Sat/8. Photo by Kasia Zacharko
PARTY RADAR Oh yes, its almost party time: But first I want you to win tickets to the massive 30-hour Public Works anniversary party coming September 21 (full lineup just announced and it is spectacularrrrr). That’s right, she’s doing a giveaway — 2 Weekend Passes, and 4 Single Day tickets (2 for each day). Shoot me an email [email protected] with subject line Winner Winner and I and a distinguished panel of judges (my friend’s cat, I’m cat-sitting) will pick names out of a hat on Monday when we’re hungover and looking for something to do that doesn’t involve scrolling.
And while you’re at it, why not vote for Best of the Bay. And check out some other fun things this weekend (like the SF Electronic Music Fest, Oakland Pride, and Bay Area Now opening party) in Arts Forecast. Oh, and do sign up for our newsletter, please. That’s a lot. Good luck to you!
FINAL HIGH FANTASY I couldn’t let this go by unmourned: The final installment of one of SF’s best parties, the eight-year-old High Fantasy, is happening Tue/11—and you know it’s going to be wild. The fabulous Myles Cooper, who puts on the drag-show-dance-party-wild-night and always performs a dapper number, is leaving to focus on his job at the library. He says another night will replace his that will keep the same “only in the Tenderloin” spirit. Do wish him well! 10pm-2am, $5. Aunt Charlie’s Lounge, SF. More info here.
PARTIES OF NOTE
FRI/7 NAVID IZADI: A CELEBRATION OF LIFE “On Friday, September 7th, 2018 we will Celebrate the Life of Navid Izadi! Navid passed away in a tragic plane crash on August 4th, 2018, along with his beautiful mother Floria, and 3 other passengers. He was a huge presence in the house/techno dance community, with a bunch of music releases and collaborations with many artists. He was beloved by many, and will be remembered forever in our community as an amazing artist and human being.” A stellar lineup will raise funds and link friends, with Justin Martin, Michael Tello, Ray Zuniga, Mozhgan, Shiny Objects, Davi A., Lando, Sinéad. 9pm-3am, $20-$60. Monarch, SF. More info here.
FRI/7 FORRÓ FRIDAYS: BRAZILIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY So much forró you may not be able to handle it. Live forró with Dona Francisca and Forró Picasso (feat. Papiba from SambaDá), plus DJs Fausto Sousa, Danado, Carioca, and more. 9:30pm, $10-$15. Elbo Room, SF. More info here.
FRI/7 DJ HEATHER AND COLETTE Name a more iconic late ’90s Chicago underground house duo, I’ll wait! 10pm-4am, $10-$25. Halcyon, SF. More info here.
FRI/7 DESPERATE LIVING Queer punk in SoMa, oi! Live music from Year of the Fist, plus drag hostesses Versa Bathsalts, Kochina Rude, and more. 10pm-3am, $5-$10. The Stud, SF. More info here.
FRI/7 VAGUE TERRAIN I absolutely love the electronic genre-melting Vague Terrain crew, and this installment of the party features Berlin’s M.E.S.H. and Portland’s Etbonz, but I have to give it up to the for including this joke on the invite:
💁 “How do you turn down a date with the Invisible Man?”
🙅 “You tell him you’re seeing someone.”
My god, why? 9pm-2am, $10-$15. Underground SF. More info and possibly jokes here.
FRI/7 THE AFTERBURN The glorious period of rockstar parking and short lines at Tartine is over, Theburners have returned—and they are ready to bring all that playa fairy dust into the fault world via more parties. This one features Monolink live, Sabo, DJ Three, and many, many more. 10pm-6am, $20 advance. 1015, SF. More info here.
Leonce photo by Samantha Sutcliffe
SAT/8 LEONCE The production wiz from the ATL is also a queer pioneer with a complex origin story and a dedication to mind warping beats. He plays at the Molly House Records monthly showcase with Club Chai’s FOOZOOL and DaveOMakesBeats. 10pm-4am, $10-$15. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SAT/8 DR. RUBINSTEIN The German hard techno (but fun!) maestro always wows when she comes to town. She’s in with the As You Like It party, also featuring CCL, Lily Ackerman, and Max Gardner. 10pm-4am, $15. Monarch, SF. More info here.
SAT/8 CHULITA VINYL CLUB 100% vinyl, 100% women, 100% cumbia-reggaeton-salsa-EVERYTHING. 10pm-2am, free. The Knockout, SF. More info here.
SAT/8 DUST OFF More post-BM comedown glow-up, this one featuring Stanton Warriors, the storied duo that’s somehow also conquered viral media, which is truly an untold story of our times. Also they do good music. 9pm-3:30am, $15-$20. Public Works, SF. More info here.
SAT/8 POUND PUPPY WITH SPRKLBB Arf! Arf! I adore special and very talented guest SPRKLBB from NYC, playing this queer, scruffy, ruffy monthly party where you can truly “bury your bone.” 10pm-2am, $10. Eagle, SF. More info here.
SAT/8 STUDIO 5’4 ANNIVERSARY Studio 5’4 is a dance party for short guys and the guys who are into them, and let me tell you it is a blessing. For this celebration, there will be sexy go-go monkeys and kooky drag hostesses, plus resident DJs Omnibot and Patty Meltdown playing their favorite soul, funk, disco, and house tracks. 10pm-2am, free. Lonestar, SF. More info here.
SUN/9 AFTER DAWN Morning party! Kind of my favorite—and here’s an observation: it’s weird and wonderful that all the after-afterparties have migrated to North Beach, which seems to be the new End Up? In any case, this post-sunrise rager features our own brilliant Carlos Souffront, Russel E.L. Butler, and Sepehr, so it’s not to be missed. 6am-noon, $10. Monroe, SF. More info here.
PARTY RADAR This week, BFF.fm aka Best Frequencies Forever internet radio is celebrating five years of broadcasting some of the most diverse programming heard outside of a bong-strewn liberal arts college dormitory at 3am. The station is addictive, and the freshest thing in our current weirdly conformist climate is its signal boost of diverse voices. Here’s just one show description: ” Zuha Khan, aka DJ Baqvas of Fractal Chambers weds the global to the local, and feminism from a Muslim perspective, playing on one recent show a traditional Gujarati garba folk song performed in metalcore style, and then ‘Anything’ by Mannequin Pussy.”
So yeah, it’s an entertainment and an education, which is perfect.
Now the station is breaking out of the waves with a series of anniversary events and fundraisers. Fri/31 sees a dance party at Bar Fluxus featuring BFF.fm DJs and friends to benefit the station. On September 7, a birthday bash comes to at Off the Grid Fort Mason Centerfeaturing DJ Cosmic Amanda, Love Jerks, and other bands. And from September 1-30 BFF.fm is building a mini radio station in the window of Artist’s Television Access on Valencia Street, where they’ll air special live radio shows.
“I started the station because I’ve always loved community radio—I joined my college radio station at 17 and never left, until moving to San Francisco in 2012,” station honcho Amanda Guest aka Cosmic Amanda told me. (She was part of WMWM, the Salem State University radio station in Massachusetts, and started BFF.fm in 2013.) “I think it’s really important in highlighting undiscovered and emerging artists and bringing this artists to the forefront. I felt like San Francisco had room for another community radio station, especially featuring new underground music and local acts. And we wanted to broadcast that 24 hours a day.”
“The station has grown beyond whatever we could have imagined it to be,” Cosmic Amanda continued, “because now not only do we have the music, but we provide a platform for so many different diverse voices that represent what the Bay Area is. It’s music but it’s also art, community passion, and all sorts of cool stuff.”
Operating a 24-hour community radio station, even an online one, comes with challenges. BFF.fm is a non-profit and is staffed totally by volunteers from a gorgeously kitsch-filled little room off a “secret alley” in the Mission. (You may have been to some fundraising parties there.) The station relies on listeners to keep the lights on (sound familiar!) and Amanda has been working a full-time remote job as well as running things—until she was laid off a couple month ago. “That really focused me on making BFF a sustainable organization, because I think it’s valuable for the city, and it’s something that I want to be around for a very long time, even beyond my involvement in it.”
SF has a wonderful history of underground and pirate radio (thinking recently of Radio Valencia and KUSF in Exile here), and, as print and news and arts media continue to shrink in SF, BFF.fm is a vital reminder of the amazing diversity and can-do spirit of our fog-shrouded home. Go party and support!
MORE PARTIES OF NOTE
FRI/31 CHOLO GOTH NIGHT Dave Parley of LA’s dark Latino duo Prayers comes in to DJ “new wave, darkwave, industrial and ’90s hip hop” with guest DJ S4NtA MU3rTE of the swell 120 Minutes party. 9pm-2am, $10 advance. Elbo Room, SF. More info here.
FRI/31 SQUIRRELS ON FILM Our leading label for the recently revived psychedelic house sound—part Beat poem, part gothic groove, all lysergic enhancement—is repped here by founders/legends Solar and C.L.A.W.S. at the They’re Here party. 9pm-2am, free before 10, $10 after. Underground SF. More info here.
FRI/31 LAURINE Berlin’s Slow Life collective/label is “a multidisciplinary hispano-italian project built on a commitment which is beyond fashion” has been producing techno DJs who concentrate on rare vinyl, queer spirit, and other curios of quality-gone-by. Slow Life’s Laurine is joined by Seattle’s Flora FM and our own Bezier and Jordee for a night of dancefloor space exploration. 9pm-3:30am, $10-$15. Public Works loft, SF. More info here.
FRI/31 STEREO ARGENTO A drag night that celebrates horror films? You bet your sweet Suspiria. This installment features an original thriller put on by the queens called “Complex”: “Get locked in with Six Tenants in their ’70s Italian Apartment Complex! A Mysterious, Black-Gloved Killer is loose in the building and is out for BLOOD! Watch in HORROR as our tenants drop like flies at the hands of this knife-wielding lunatic! But who could it be??? A Guest? A Stranger? Or perhaps one of the Tenants themselves…” 10pm-3am, $10. The Stud, SF. More info here.
FRI/31 PENCIL SKIRT: A BRIT POP, POST PUNK, INDIE DANCE NIGHT The name says it all at this new party, but the DJs are the real treat: Omar from Popscene, Mario Muse from The Queen is Dead, and the great Chulita Vinyl Club’s Sarah Star Child. 9:30pm-late, $5-$8. Slate Bar, SF. More info here.
FRI/31 BAMBUNOU + RUSSELL EL BUTLER The rad Brouhaha party offers an esoteric pairing of electronic intrigue, with Paris’s genre-bending Bambounou making his SF debut and Oakland’s outspoken Butler doing their fascinating thing live with the machines. 9:30-3:30, $15. F8, SF. More info here.
SAT/1 GO BANG! SYLVESTER TRIBUTE NIGHT Our cutest monthly disco party pays tribute to the ultimate disco diva: grab your glitter shorts and come feel mighty real with special guest DJs Jim Hopkins and Chaka Quan. 9pm-3am, $5 before 10pm, $10 after. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SAT/1 DERRICK CARTER The Chicago high-energy house master pops into Halcyon to slay the soundsystem. With Jon Cummings and Jamie Swing. 10pm-4am, $15-$20. Halcyon, SF. More info here.
SAT/1 BLOODY MARY “EBM, Cold Wave and lots of Techno collide for a very special and ultra dark edition of Lights Down Low. Let your body learn!” Berlin’s Boody Mary joins LA’s Silent Servant and Vancouver’s minimal violence. 10pm-3am, $15-$18. Monarch, SF. More info here.
SAT/1 HARDER BETTER FASTER STRONGER The monthly indie dance night pays tribute to the 2000s with a special installment highlighting the “women of electro/nica”: Bjork, Grimes, Moloko, CHVRCHES, La Roux, and more. 9:30pm-2am, $5-$10. Slate Bar, SF. More info here.
SAT/1 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.
SUN/2 MHYSA Queer hip-hop party Swagger Like Us its the El Rio patio with lots of vibe and Maryland rapper MHYSA + DJs Boston Cherry, DavOmakesbeats, and JiBBz. 2pm-8pm, $10. El Rio, SF. More info here.
SUN/2 AFTERNOON DELIGHT House and disco music bliss on an Oakland patio? Yes, please. Featuring DJ Paul Goodyear alongside Allen Craig (Moulton Music) with a performance by Mama Celeste. Good times. 3pm-8pm, $20. New Parish, Oakland. More info here.
SUN/2 HONEY SOUNDSYSTEM LABOR DAY PARTY As is tradition, the headliners (from SF and Bristol) are secret, but the support is insanely stellar: The In-Training crew from Cleveland will show you what’s happening to techno in the deep Midwest (expect some lovely contemporary drum ‘n bass) while London’s Siren DJs will insure you take Monday off. 9pm-4am, $25. Audio, SF. More info here.
SUN/2 LIP SERVICE: DISCO GODDESSES Oodles of drag, bucketloads of disco hits, and a club full of fun-seekers? Join Mandy Coco, Vanity, God’s Little Princess, and more for dance floor delights. 10pm-2am, $10. The Stud, SF. More info here.
SUN/2 DUB MISSION WITH ROBERT RANKIN Awesome booming bass party Dub Mission returns for a special engagement with Robert Rankin, who’s “been a reggae and dancehall DJ and Bay Area treasure for over 20 years. In addition to spinning memorable club sets full of roots and dancehall gems, Robert hosts the weekly radio show “Solid Foundation” Friday nights from 6 pm to 9 pm on KKUP/91.5 FM.” With residents DJ Sep and Maneesh the Twister. 9:30pm-2am, $7 advance. Elbo Room, SF. More info here.
TUE/4 JUANITA MORE BIRTHDAY BASH The ever-industrious drag goddess is taking over the restaurant of Jones nightclub—and you know there’s going to be some fried chicken in there! This party celebrates her 30th (ahem) birthday as well as the opening of her new venture. With DJ Rolo and lots of free surprises. 6pm-9pm, free. Jones, SF. More info here.
WED/5 DANCE PARTY BENEFIT FOR THE WEST COUNTY DETENTION COMMUNITY FUND Party to assist ICE-detained individuals! “Come by the Knockout at 9:30pm this Wednesday as we deepen our understanding of the events unfolding at the West County Detention Center, contribute to the West County Community Detention Center Fund, and get our “Soul”idarity on as we dance. Disc Jockeys Paul Costuros (Soul Party), Maria Victoria (Soul Time), DJ Guillermo (Sweater Funk), Bryan Duran (World Ain’t Round). Playing a mix of 60s Soul, Latin Rock, Boogaloo and Cumbia!” 9:30pm-2am, donations requested. The Knockout, SF. More info here.
Sadie Burnell of Dawsondance, performing Fri/24-Sun/26
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.
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.
