Fault Radio’s Guide to Bay Area’s Nightclubs: Supporting Our Venues Under Shelter In Place
Fault Radio’s Guide to Bay Area’s Nightclubs
Supporting Our Venues Under Shelter In Place
April 20, 2020
The dance-music community is facing one of the most challenging periods in its history. As clubs are being shut down, together with the effect of social distancing practices, the world of electronic music needs to find new ways to get by.
Courtesy of AYLI, picture by Bailey Greenwood
These days, there have been multiple actions taken by promoters, artists, and fans to keep the dance music scene alive. The online world has become one of the main points for people to join a party, rave together and interact with like-minded people in a way that imitates reality. But as much as advancing technologies make our life under quarantine easier, they still lack an important element known for every dance music enthusiast.
That is, there’s a physical factor that connects the music and the people all in one space. A somewhat personal relation to music, that is demonstrated usually with a high-quality sound system, flashing lights and a large crowd of dancing bodies experiencing something unique all at the same time. In this respect, Fault Radio has decided to write its very first guide to the Bay Area’s nightclubs as gratitude to the spaces who keep the scene vibrant and to mention different ways to show support during the area’s Shelter In Place.
Gray Area Art + Technology
For over a decade Gray Area has emerged as a focal point for cultural events that intersect art and music for the tech-avid in San Francisco. The place is located inside a renovated old school movie theater in the Mission District and is operating as a trendy venue. In recent years, Gray Area has hosted everything from happy hour meet-ups, cultural events, educational seminars, coding workshops, and synthesizer performances.
During Bay Area's Shelter In Place, Gray Area launched its new project, Patch - a platform that allows anyone to participate in Gray Area's education and cultural programs online. With Patch, Gray Area is recommitting its effort to reimagine how artists can cultivate profound connections through experiential technology. Check out Gray Area’s donation options and their membership program.
The Public Works
Public Works is a multi-functional community-driven nightclub that hosts everything from drag shows, story slams, and deep house yoga to world-class DJ sets and live music acts. It is an institution beloved by local promoters and DJs, not only for its community outreach but also for its interest in fostering local emerging talent and parties. It is a club where you can have a great time without breaking the bank. Moderately priced drinks, affordable tickets, and a thoughtful lack of bottle service is part of Public Works’ commitment to giving the people what they want.
Corresponding to the total shutdown caused by the pandemic, the people at Public Works have put together once-in-a-lifetime packages in return for community support. By enrolling in their membership program - that includes either Free coat check, Free tickets to shows, Express entry, Drink tickets, or a Lifetime membership - Public Works hopes to keep the party going while making sure that the local dance-music scene lasts for years to come. In addition, the club promotes a Staff Support Fund to ensure the welfare of its employees.
1015 Folsom
Since 1986, 1015 has been home to some of the most notable events in the Bay Area. From long-running legendary weekly’s like Release, Nikita and Spundae to annual events like the Get Freaky Afterburn, Mad Hatter’s Ball, Chinese New Year, and Gus Present massives, this 1,400 person venue has always been one of the “it” spots in a city filled with options.
During Bay Area’s lockdown, 1015 Folsom has partnered with popular electronic music site Earmilk to host a 3-day online music festival and fundraiser benefitting displaced Bay Area hospitality industry employees & their families.
Echoing the inclusive nature of 1015 Folsom's regular programming, the stream will feature a wide spectrum of electronic artists & DJs ranging from Bay Area mainstays to international acts like Mr Carmack, Shlohmo, Sofi Tukker, Justin Jay, and original 1015 resident & global trance legend Paul Van Dyk.
F8
For many years, F8 has been a hub for electronic music with parties like Housepitality, As You Like It, Stamina, Robot Ears, and has contributed its part to the scene by providing a space for eclectic sounds and a variety of genres from Electro, Techno, House, Drum and Bass, Hip Hop and more.
Amid the risks of closing its gates already at the beginning of 2020, F8 has vowed to stay open with a crowd-funding campaign which calls the support from the local community and public donations. These days, F8 has been working on a series of live streaming events, while promoting its staff's GoFundMe. In between, the club is also working on a to-go menu for cocktails and drinks that will be announced soon.
The Monarch
This thriving cultural capsule located on the edge of SOMA intertwines the shared visions of four deeply-rooted industry veterans. Monarch gracefully dominates the corner of 6th and Mission as a rare multifunctional venue that is equally suited to an evening of sophisticated lounging and craft cocktailing, as to a night of music, movement, and debauchery.
Monarch is brought to you by the same team of The Great Northern, one of the most known clubs in San Francisco for DJs and live music. Under quarantine, club owners have launched their live-stream sessions that feature DJ sets by local crews and DJs from the Monarch. The streams promote the two clubs’ Staff Appreciation Fund.
The Midway
The Midway is a multifaceted space in San Francisco’s burgeoning Dogpatch neighborhood. This creative complex is a one-of-a-kind space dedicated to bringing music, art, entertainment, and education under one synergistic and collaborative roof. When entering the Midway, you will be amazed by this spacious complex. Divided into multiple rooms with an outdoor balcony, the Midway is known for providing a large space for massive raves with a special highlight to their daytime parties at the patio.
Nowadays, Midway has launched its membership program which includes juicy perks until the club will be back in action. With a goal to raise $50K, the Midway wish to ensure it has the ability to create impactful creative gatherings to the best of its ability (The money will go towards paying the staff, artists, rent & more). Packages Include Lifetime Free Tickets to Events, Lifetime Free Drinks, Free Delicious Meals from their one-of-a-kind cafe, and you can even Go VIP! With Complimentary Coat Check + Expedited Entry. Also, the venue offers an opportunity for you and your group of friends a private table at the club’s intimate upstairs mezzanine with a private viewing deck.
Honorable Mentions
One of the last real DJ bars in the Lower Haight brings you a variety of electronic music all month long including weekly live performances by some local musicians.
a 52-year-old queer bar, nightclub, performance space, and community center in the heart of San Francisco's SoMa district. The Stud is the first worker-owned cooperative nightclub in the US! Check their Drag Alive online event!
The Starline Social Club is a mixed-use venue, bar, and restaurant located in a three-story Victorian building on the corner of MLK and West Grand Ave in Oakland,
Live reggae, roots & world music are featured at this intimate venue with an outdoor patio.
An iconic bar & music venue in the SF Mission with a state of the art Void Acoustics system for top DJ's and live bands to perform.
Classic Cars West is a boutique vintage car dealership, restaurant and art gallery located in the heart of Oakland’s Uptown Arts District. The first Friday of every month turns Telegraph Avenue and Uptown into a block party for the entire city.
Although this isn't a typical nightclub, this Hi-fi vinyl listening bar in Uptown Oakland is a place you need to put on your radar. Bar Shiru features records played in their entirety on a fully analog, audiophile-quality sound system.
