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Boogie Nights

[whitespace] Monday

Density
This drum 'n' bass weekly has pulled through an amazing amount of high-caliber UK talent, enabling SF to check out many DJs they have never had a chance to see before. Resident DJs Noel and Al Simmons keep the super funk flowing on local nights, and the club recently reinforced their sound system. At Justice League, 9pm, $3. (DM)

Joy
DJs Travis and Mouse feed it to the children deep and hard every Monday night--and my, those children do look fine (if you can make them out through the crowd). House music pumps and everybody bumps and grinds while art fox Jerry Gonzales alters the visual universe with his tripped-out film projections. Look out for the occasional LoveWorks collaborations. At Liquid, 8pm, free. (AN)

Movin On Up
DJs and team producers Mark Anthony and Dimitri serve up thick, juicy East Coast beats to soul-seeking house heads every Monday night at the Top--the glorious oasis of the Lower Haight. A deep old-school vibe prevails in sound and physical sensation--this is music that makes you move. But beware the Satan-strong drinks, lest you find yourself smooching a DJ beneath the turntables. At The Top DJ Bar, 9pm, $3. (AN)


Tuesday

Element
Backflip invites everyone in the know to sit back, relax and indulge in surprise treats and feats as DJs Dom and JP tantalize all of the senses, spinning break beats, drum 'n' bass and jungle. At Backflip, $2, 10pm-2am.

Phuncktion
Rewind to the daze of Phunckateck at The Top. DJs Noel and Juju of the Phunckateck crew are aimed and ready to rock Lower Haight's favorite hangout with their inventive West Coast sound. Expect a lot of original tracks to drop. Keep an eye out for out-of-town guests and appearances from the rest of their strong crew. At The Top DJ Bar, 10pm, $5. (DM)

Static
Static has a massive list of resident DJs, including tomas, Sifu, Joe Rice, reach, bread, Quantum 23, Sutekh, Safety Scissors, Sean Murray and J-Bird. Two systems and two rooms feature techno and drum 'n' bass. They also mix it up with other sounds of the underground and feature guests and record-release parties. At Cat Club, 10pm, $5. (DM)

Trannyshack
Hysteric glamour and delicious depravity at the only club in SF devoted to trannies and tranny chasers. Performances at midnight. Singer Tina Keyes said it best, "Trannyshack is a very beautiful cabaret, as well as being a drunken free-for-all that you can black out at." At Stud, 10pm, $4. (MG)


Wednesday

Audible Colors
Changing weekly formats is a fresh new idea and definitely a successful one for this club. Bug 'n' Out offers you the best in house music one week and drum 'n' bass the next, rotating on a regular basis. You may check out house DJs playing drum 'n' bass and vice versa. There is a great flow of energy present. It's the kind of place you stop off for a short visit and end up staying all night. At The Top DJ Bar, 10pm, $5. (DM)

Come-Unity
Northern California's longest-running party continues to thrill raver and ragers alike the first Wednesday of each month. Boys and girls shimmy, shake and slide to the four floors of fierce house spun by DJs Simon, Jeno and Garth. At Club 1015, first Wed monthly, 10pm-4:30am, $8. (MS)

Indulgence
A largely society and international crowd oozing with dough comes to party in the most gorgeous space in the city, the decadent 21st-floor Starlight Room. Champagne chills on every other table, the room is lush with burgundy velvet, burnished gold and fabulous views, and DJ Bruce spins an uplifting mix of house and funked-up disco. At The Starlight Room, 10pm, $5. (MG)

Love-Haight Lounge
An intimate, chatty club night with a mixed gay crowd and eclectic music ranging from funk and rock to trip-hop and lounge. Ogle the go-go boys, hustle at the pool table or find someone to take home and have your own party. Plus, for all you without cable, they show South Park at 10. Now also on Fridays. At Trax, 10pm, free. (MG)

Pausativity
Always on target, this weekly hip-hop club is put on by resident DJs J-Boogie, Pause and Zeph. Knowledgeable about the authentic hip-hop sound, this crew showcases out-of-town and local talent to heat up the dance floor with realism and respect for the true sound. Old school and new school mix for success. At Justice League, 9pm, $5. (DM)

The Salon Sessions
What better way to change your image than after a few stiff drinks? The Blood and Butter girls have teamed up with various salons and varied themes (punk rock, white trash, royalty, Speakeasy chic) to give you a make-over while you prepare for a hangover. Come dressed in theme spirit and get in free. The ever-cute DJ Otter spins vinyl as if he were the jukebox of the gods. Consistently a thrill. At Beauty Bar, 2299 Mission St, 9pm-2am, $3. (MS)

Seance
Soothe your spirit at this New Agey night with chilled-out ambient sounds, belly dancers, tarot readers and henna tattoo artists. Downtempo drum 'n' bass and trip-hop, courtesy of DJs Anna, Alika, Xanax, Saucer, Toph 1 and guests. At Backflip, 8pm, $5. (MG)

This-N-That
DJ Zeph and others spin roots, hip-hop and reggae, smoothed out by downtempo jungle and $2 Tanqueray Malacca drinks. Brought to you by Mssrs. Brown and Jenkins. At 26Mix, 10pm-2am, $5. (MS)


Thursday

86'd
DJs kisskiss and bangbang spin eclectic rock & roll as you sip a martini while getting a manicure. A stellar crowd tired of repetitious beats poses and flirts its way through one of San Francisco's newest nights. Join them. At Beauty Bar, 2299 Mission St, 9pm-2am. (MS)

Eklektic
Easily one of the best clubs in the city, San Francisco's longest-running jungle night has recently moved to a larger two-floor space with the upstairs loft dedicated to quality drum 'n' bass, and turntable experimentation on the lower level. The club is packed with a sexy crowd who are passionate about their beats and obviously dressed to sweat. Eklektic has garnered a worldwide reputation for its furious, funky, raw sounds. The best international DJs make appearances, spinning side by side with stars of the local underground. This is a quintessential SF drum 'n' bass experience mixed with urban art showings and visual presentations from artists around the world. At 78 Minna, 10pm, prices vary, call 415.332.5800 ext. 797 for info. (MG)

Faith
Blackstone Productions' 1-year-old club still has the crowd rocking and raving to San Francisco's only 18-and-over gay dance club. A full bar is available for those who qualify (or just want to ogle). Faith is a house and R&B spectacular of boys, girls, men, women, club kids, he-men, she-men, buff bods and raving lunatics. It's tough making rent when you're young, so take a night off from your job at Burger Barn and celebrate. At 715 Harrison, $10, 9:30pm-3am, 415.487.6616. (MS)

Heavy Rotation
This debonair weekly hyperlounge has recently moved to two rooms on the second floor of 1015 Folsom. Created by the adorable French artist JC Didier and DJ and promoter Franky Boissy, Heavy Rotation features soulful drum 'n' bass and ambient jazzy grooves paired with hypnotic visual projections and special events like the recent Y2K fashion show. DJs include Mark Farina, Toph 1 and John Howard. Tres bon! At 1015 Folsom, 10pm, $5 before 11pm, $8 after. (MG)

Kit Kat
DJ Jellybear pairs with resident DJs Garth, John Howard and Simon for an eclectic mix of house music and home-friendly beats. Luscious and lean ladies jiggle with b-boys and muscled queens. At The EndUp, 10pm, $10. (MS)

Listen
Like a house party if you lived in an old converted theater. Listen has everything: live drum 'n' bass, liberal smoking policies, two floors, several rooms, make-out couches, slide shows and gratuitous snacks. If that isn't enough of a draw, how about local celebrity Kyu Kyung, who is sure to be making a cameo. Definitely worth checking out, unless you're looking for a loud meat-market scene with some nameless DJs. At Six, $5, 10pm-2am. (CF)

Mary's Body and Soul
Resident DJs Reda, Yuri and Almir take you to Mary's place of pleasure with their irresistibly sexy beats. At Backflip, 9pm, $5. (MS)

Pan Dulce
Spicy Spanish-flavored house, salsa and meringue at this party for gay Latin boys and their friends. At asia sf, 9pm, $6. (MG)

Popscene
If you're over 21, you'll certainly date yourself at Popscene, where modish nubiles jiggle around to Depeche Mode and Adam Ant with newfound glee. A place to reminisce over the days of asymmetrical haircuts and pegged jeans while scamming on girls and boys who think that Jimmy Carter is a brand of Southern condoms. At 330 Ritch, $5, 10pm-2am, 18+. (AN)

Sookie Sookie Soul
You just can't go wrong when Consuelo and J-Boogie are in the house. Masters of the funky, beat-heavy genres, this DJ duo sends the crowd into happy delirium with the best of new and older hip-hop sounds. At Nicki's Barbecue, 9pm.


Friday

Abstract Science
Margins of activity where genres cease to matter. Hip-hop compounds and new directions in sound. These promoters give it up artistically, pushing the maximum vibe. 111 Minna Street Gallery, third Friday monthly, 9pm, $6-$7. (DM)

Asia
A gay Asian dance party with DJs Mathew Consola and Jamie J Second. At King Street Garage, 10pm every second and fourth Friday, $8 w/flier before 11pm/$10 after 11pm. (MG)

Bardot A Go Go
Forget Nancy Sinatra and Strawberry Alarm Clock. The real heart of '60s psychedelia was French. Reclaim your Gallic roots with DJs Pink Frankenstein, Brother Grimm and Alec from Cherry Blossom as they play an otherworldly mix of '60s French pop, garage-rock, psych, sexy soundtracks and sleazy listening. Microminis and shaggy hair optional. At Club Cocodrie, 9pm-2am, free before 10 pm, $10 after. (MS)

Bohemian Lounge
True-school funk collages of breakbeat and hip-hop, mixed with a little drum 'n' bass, are what you'll be groovin' to at this free Friday night party in the Mission. The music and the crowd can be described as all over the place. Tophone hosts another hideaway because fun wants funk. At McCarthy's, 10pm, free. (DM)

Club Q
A bumper crop of ladies heed the call of mega-mixtress Page Hodel's music ministry. Let your love flow at this monthly event for womyn. At First Fri monthly, Club Townsend, 9pm-3am, $8. (MS)

Dig
Journeys into smooth drum 'n' bass and sophisticated deep house with DJs Chad Mitchell, JP Soul, Dan Smith and other local underground talent. It gets mobbed, so show up early and be prepared to sweat. At Liquid, 10pm, free. (MG)

Dollhouse/Club Red
Friday is ladies' night at the Stud, with parties for women, womyn and the wombyn who love them. At Stud, 10pm, $5. (MS)

Earth
Who would have thought to disguise a gay rodeo bar as an interstellar rave warehouse. Cowboy hats and beer signs compete with black-lit, glowing planets and heavy techno. Meet the man of your dreams here, but be prepared--he'll be dressed like a mere boy. Wide-legged pants, sun visors and trainers abound. Girls do not. At Rawhide Bar, 280 Seventh St, 9pm-2am, $5. (MS)

Fag Friday/Other Whirled
It's hot, young and male at this duo of all-night parties that start the clubbers' weekend. Find a friend, find a steady beat, find a cab and you're set. Unlike later in the weekend, when clubgoers lose their capacity for speech, Friday at the EndUp features the witty repartee and comely camaraderie you'd expect from fellow travellers on the highway to hell. At EndUp, 10pm Fri-3pm Sat, $7. (MS)

Impulse
Impulse is John Luna's latest addition to San Francisco's Friday night agenda. A predominantly young heterosexual crowd fills this bi-level dance space to get down to the "Urban Groove" of DJ Rafael De La Cruz. DJ Mind Motion also represents, spinning a mix of R&B and old skool funk. Asiasf provides large dance floors with mirrors and poles in case the classic dance spun by (rotating) DJ Justin C. puts you in that kind of mood. Although the party can get a little hip-pop, the fresh and diverse crowd is keepin' it real. asiaSF, $15, 10pm-2am. (CF)

Indochine
Nothing can stop the flow of alcohol and arrivistes at this weekly Le Colonial bash. Lines form down the block, but inside the bar they disappear quickly as waitresses cater to your every toast-of-the-town whim. High fashion collides with the high life of San Francisco at this decadent and exclusive night. At 721 Sutter St, 9pm-2am, $15. (MS)

Maze
Bringing you the best in local and international tribal techno trance, MAZE is presented by XLR8R Magazine and underground party crew Silly. With two dance floors and a chill room. At 550 Barneveld, 10pm-6am, $10, 3rd Friday of the month. (DM)

Nikita
The creators of your four-day workweek bring you the best in house and techno from around the globe. Resident DJs Jeno, Jerry Bonham, Simon and David Michael rock a packed house of clubbers that dance their asses off till 6am. Decompress in the basement of Nikita for slamming drum 'n' bass action. At Club 1015, 10pm, $10. (DM)

The Powder Room
The mysterious and all-powerful DJ Otter gets his own night at Beauty Bar. The Powder Room brings the West of Mission area back to the bar, with piercings and tattoos competing with exiled aristocracy and plenty of boys. The decrepit glamour of it all is enough to make one's head spin. It's winter and, once again, it's snowing in the Mission. At Beauty Bar, 2299 Mission St, 9pm-2am, free. (MS)

Pyrotechnics
The stellar lineup of local turntablists at Pyrotechnics includes Shortcut from the Invisibl Skratch Piklz, as well as Rasta Q-tip, Al Simmons, Breeze and Groove Merchant's Tom Thump. Yet another party proving that Storyville has become one of the city's most exhilarating venues for experimental hip-hip and underground electronic music. At Storyville, 10pm. (MG)

Room 836
DJs John Howard, Julius Papp and Tom Thump keep your toes wiggling upstairs and down. Check in and enjoy the Ambient Lounge, VIP Room, pool tables and Oyster Bar.. At Big Heart City, 10pm, $10. To reserve tables or bottles call 263.0515. (MS)

Stir-Friday
A welcome to the weekend happy hour event hosted by Maneesh the Twister, Sang and JSAB. Local DJs surrounded with great art share their favorite tunes with the bar regulars and the artsy SOMA workers, who pop by for a cold beer or a glass of wine. At 111 Minna, 6-9pm, free. (DM)

Transmission
On the second Friday of every month, THUMP RADIO presents its bass-heavy, gay-friendly, down-tempo, psychedlic, international trance, jungle, techno, drum 'n' bass, and things that go THUMP in the night party. At 550 Barneveld, $15, 10pm-2am. (CF)

Twice as Nice
Similar to the Audio Alchemy party these two groove merchants threw in the past, this night promotes the rare side of jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop and Latin. It's a strange mix created not only by these two talented individuals but by the other local guests invited in weekly to play. At The Minna Street Gallery, first Friday monthly, 10pm, $5. (DM)


Saturday

Carpe Noctem
Mercury's three floors of decadence attract a wide array of voyeurs, VIPs and the very sexy and stylish. Prepare for a tough door policy and an even tougher dress code at Saturday's premier night of decadence and glamour. 1980s house and pop dominate the downstairs feather lounge in the early hours, eventually giving way to deep house, funk and bass-heavy hop courtesy of resident DJs Mikey Mike and Jorge Martinez. At Mercury, 9:30pm-after hours; $10. (MS)

8 p.m. ...
Gone are the days of basking outdoors all Sunday long. Don't worry, the party ain't over, it just moved indoors. San Francisco's Sunday staple, Second Sunday, is kicking off a winter version, "8 p.m ..." On the second Saturday of every month, DJ Ben Doren will appear with his rotating entourage: Jeno, M3, Norm, Ellen Ferrato, Migs, John Howard, Nobel and surprise guests. With the party gurus at Second Sunday Productions behind this, it's one monthly visitor you can look forward to. At Justice League, $15, 8pm-2am. (CF)

Housepitality
Rocking house beats keep the dancers on the floor till the plug is pulled, and mixtures of all other forms of music in the Insect Lounge make for a popular party. This is the kind of party where you run into many people you know and see people of all walks of life getting down to the sound of the underground. At 78 Minna, the first and third Saturday monthly, 10pm, $7-10. (DM)

La Belle Époque
Join residents wishfm, Mikebee and Sea for a soiree consisting of earth, wind and bass vibrations. They have built a steady following and the floor is a sweaty mass of junglism. Enjoy urban rhythms at happy hour 7-10pm with DJs Fiction, Dom and Effect. At The Top DJ Bar, 9pm, $5. (DM)

Lush
One of the few nights at this speakeasy-style club that's not just for girls. Andrew Ableson hosts this stylish lounge where young sophisticates relax to modish pop and orchestral retro ephemera. Some nights feature cabaret acts. At CoCo club, 10pm, $5. (MG)

Opus
Sebastien, Tony Kutulas and Pete bring house and hip-hop to downtown/Union Square. Resident DJs Ben Doren and Reda spin house upstairs, featuring an exclusive smoking lounge, while Jerry Ross, Dave Gillis and guests give it to you downstairs on the hip-hop tip. Remember, this is Maiden Lane, not the lower Haight--do dress accordingly. At Iron Horse, 9:30pm-2am, $10. (TH)

Out of Order
Two rooms of madness--jungle in one and experimental beats in the other, with resident DJs Game Kat, Arc Angel Gabe Real and Push. This event supports spoken word, poetry and artwork from local talent. This behind-the-scenes crew really puts a lot of effort into producing a quality event for all. At roving venues, the first Saturday monthly, watch for flyers. (DM)

Push
Six is resurrected from the dead--or at least its various legal entanglements--with Push. Expect lines around the block and a 54-esque attitude among those in queue for one of the city's best nights out. DJs Mouse, Travis, Matt Valenz and Chris Orr are back for a party so hot, the walls sweat. At Six, 9pm. (MS)

Release
Legendary promoters Martel and Nabiel invite you to release yourself at this bacchanal. DJs keep the crowd grooving on six dance floors until 7am. At Club 1015, 9pm, $10. (MG)

Soul
The ever-popular Page Hodel presents her newest night, this time mixing classic R&B with vocal-heavy house and remixes of current soul luminaries such as Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu and Blackstreet. Two rooms, endless fun. At The Cat Club 9pm-3am, $10. (MS)

Sugar
A trendy, mellow house night featuring DJs Lewis, Ellen Ferrato and Chip McClure. Sashaying drag queens mix with flannel-clad pinball players. Produced by Creampuff magazine, the party is gay but breeder-friendly. At The Stud, 9 pm, $5. (MG)

Universe
For four years running, Universe has embodied San Francsico's re-embrace of the pectoral aesthetic. Throngs of muscle boys curiously energized check their a-line T-shirts at the coat check and dance till dawn to deep house, progressive and garage, courtesy of DJs Jamie-J. Blackstone and David Harness. At Club Townsend, 9:30pm-7am, $12. (MS)

Vertigo
The crew that gave us the original beach party sessions with the downtempo and jungle sound has moved it indoors and kicked up their heels to host a great night of tripped beats. Always on a creative tip, this monthly is sure to quench your need for a true adventure and quality treatment. At Cafe du Nord, third Saturday of the month, 10pm, $7. (DM)


Sunday

Beatsauce
DJs J-Boogie, Wisdom and RawB host SF's most popular hip-hop radio show 8-10pm on KUSF-FM (90.3) or online at kusf.org. (DM)

Dub Mission
Come down from your weekend at San Francisco's only dub night. The versatile and eclectic DJs Sep, Maneesh the Twister and The Wastemaster spin soul-smoothing dub and roots music. Keep your ear to the ground for special guests and keep in mind that dub is the foundation for most forms of popular dance music. At Elbo Room, 9pm, $4. (DM)

Pleasuredome
For those who believe that a raucous weekend does not end until 6am Monday, Pleasuredome is the consummate place to be. Hottie gay boys bump and grind with no sign of letting up to the hard-driving house sounds of Ruben Mancias and Neil Lewis. At Club Townsend, 9pm-6am, $7. (AN)

Spundae
Join the diverse crowd at this long-running Sunday all-night party. Education through electronic dance music occurs in five different rooms hosting five different sounds. They feature highly respected big name talent and local beatpalayas as well. At Club 1015, 10pm, $10. (DM)

Sugarpussies
Sugarpussies features hip-hop, house and everything in between. Occasional live vocals from Shobhan will freshen the mix, and on opening night, extra goodies thrown in like live vocal coming from both Shobhan and Shanan. At Hi-Fi Lounge, 2125 Lombard, 9pm - 2am. (MS)

T-Dance
A San Francisco tradition. This Sunday daytime club is packed with the city's most hardcore partiers, tweakers and adventure seekers. Exhilarating depravity. At The EndUp, 5am-10pm; $5. (MG)

Thump Radio
Best of trance, techno, drum 'n' bass, and house. Tune in to hear DJs from around the world in your own backyard. At 2pm, KUSF-FM. (CF)

Why Not?
As the afternoon Wet party dries up, resident DJs T-Ski, Fuze, Rico, Namane and Maximum-T spin an eclectic if mellow blend of salsa, reggae and hip-hop. As usual at Backflip, the ladies are luscious and lean and the boys are a mix of boardroom and banji. At Backflip, 9:30pm, $5. (MS)


The Clubs

26Mix, 3024 Mission St., 415/248-1319
asia sf, 201 9th St., 415/255-2742
Backflip, 601 Eddy St., 415/771-FLIP
Big Heart City, 836 Mission, 415/777-0666
The Blue Room, 550 Barneveld, 415/550-1388
Cafe du Nord, 2170 Market St., 415/861-5016
Cat Club, 1190 Folsom St., 415/431-3332
Club 1015, 1015 Folsom St., 415/431-1200
Club Cocoderie, 1024 Kearney St., 415/986-6678
Club Townsend, 177 Townsend St., 415/974-1156
CoCo Club, 139 8th St., 415/626-6772
Deco, 510 Larkin St., 415/441-4007
Elbo Room, 647 Valencia St., 415/552-7788
End Up, corner of 6th and Harrison Sts., 415/357-0827
Il Pirata, 2007 16th St., 415/626-2626
Justice League, 628 Divisadero St., 415/289-2038
King Street Garage, 174 King St., 415/974-1156
Liquid, 2925 16th St., 415/431-8889
McCarthy's, 2327 Mission St., 415/648-0504
Nicki's Barbecue, 460 Haight St., 415/621-6508
111 Minna St. Gallery, 111 Minna St. (between New Montgomery and 2nd), 415/974-1719
Starlight Room, atop the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, 450 Powell St., 415/979-3031
Six, 60 Sixth St., 415/863-1221
Storyville, 1751 Fulton St., 415/441-1751
The Stud, corner of 9th and Harrison Sts., 415/252-7883
The Top DJ Bar, 484 Haight St., 415/864-7386
Trax, 1437 Haight St., 415/863-4275
Up & Down Club, 1151 Folsom St., 415/626-2388



Reviews by Amanda Nowinski (AN), dmarie (DM), Michelle Goldberg (MG), Michael Stabile (MS) and Hakeem Oseni (HO).

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From the February 7, 2000 issue of the Metropolitan.

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