so, where are we dancing?
a very thorough and very biased guide to sf shows through september
the music scene is one of the first things that made me fall for this city. in college, we would always come across the bridge for shows because it’s just where all of the bigger venues were. in a post-covid world, live music is so important - not only for connecting with the artists, but with our community too. there’s so much love in the crowd and I think in-person events matter so much for our sense of belonging (maybe more than we realize)
whenever I am stuck on what piece to write for my next substack article, I sit and think to myself “what is an article I would want to read right now?” well, I keep on seeing all of these amazing shows pop up on my feed and inbox. however, they all just go to die in my screenshots folder and then I am over here facepalming myself for not getting tickets sooner. so here is my way to fix that, a list of upcoming shows at my favorite venues that I am definitely most probably going to remember to buy a ticket to….
anyway, let’s get into it!
my favorite venues to dance
public works (mission) - such a fun space to dance, multi-levels and just a great space to spend a night dancing and running around. there’s a loft upstairs if you need a little more space
1015 folsom (SOMA) - a spot throwing parties since the 80s, so many separate rooms (that have their own bars + dj booths). have been coming here since college (<3) huge spot to see the bigger & touring artists
halcyon (SOMA) - check their IG for upcoming shows!
the great northern (potrero hill) - from the monarch team, art-deco warehouse in the design district
the midway (dogpatch) - huge, and I mean HUGE space for dancing and wandering around. another one of our favorite spots from college (can you tell I’m getting nostalgic?) so many great and bigger artists have a stop here
the greek (berkeley) - oh berkeley… oh the greek… oh how I love you. I actually love this place so much and if you haven’t been yet I strongly suggest you go, even if it’s an artist that you don’t know that well. the crowd is great, especially in the summer and their concessions are pretty great as well. depending on your vibe, you can be in the pit in the front (cue that tiktok audio) or hanging out in the grass in the back
