The Juice Box

This was a wonderful weekend in San Francisco, and we find ourselves awash in activities to keep us busy. I was able to attend of a couple different things, and below are my reviews of those events – Ghetto Disco and Temple of Poi Fire Show. Sadly, my plans to hit Industry did not materialize after getting too cold in Union Square, while enjoying the fire show, I went home and just could not warm up enough to head out again, but I am sure that party was a lot of fun.

Ghetto Disco

Rating: 2 out of 5 Bottles of Water

by Juicy Fruit Jim

It is not very often I find myself with the energy or time on a Friday night to get down to The End Up for an event, but this week I wanted to take the time because DJ and friend Paul Goodyear was spinning the opening set. Additionally, I had hoped, and was fortunate enough to lure my buddy Dan Van Olst down so we could spend a little time celebrating his birthday that day.

We arrived early for the dance party and the crowd was small, but seemed energetic and some were already dancing. Now the crowd at The End Up is a very mixed group covering the span of San Francisco diversity in ages and types. Paul was putting a very soulful start out for the evening, and even while standing on the sidelines catching up with many friends from SF and other areas, it was hard to just stand still. Paul slowly built the en energy of his music through his set, and I found myself enjoying the deeper groove of this house music with a disco edge, and really enjoying some “me” time on the dance floor.

Sadly, the crowd was not doing it for me. I am not sure why so many people find it necessary to get up on the dance floor and then just stand around and do nothing. At any given time a group of folks would take up large spaces and just stand, cocktails in hand, and not move to the beats. There is plenty of space at The End Up to stand around, and I found these folks were zapping the energy from the dance floor. As Paul continued to wind up his set, with some soulful hits, I finally had to call it a night at 1:30 and head home, sadly unfulfilled by the crowd draining aspects of the evening for me. Paul certainly made the best of the event, all smiles, and it was great to grab a shot with Wilma and enjoy some social time with others. Great job Paul – you continue to be a superstar at any venue you grab. My lower rating is not for you, but for the venue which just seems to be a den for the lost and wayward to go dancing, and is missing that special vibe that was once many a very fun night at The End Up.

Temple of Poi Fire Show

Rating: 5 out of 5 Bottles of Water

by Juicy Fruit Jim

Those of you who had a chance to hit Union Square last night for this show were treated to some of the best fire performers the world has to offer. This is the 2nd time I have ventured into Union Square for this performance. Last time it was on the heals of a warm, beautiful day in San Francisco, and as the air chilled we sat and watched the amazing art come to life. This year, the evening started out cold, and even hunkering down under my fake fur coat, I was unable to stay as warm as I would have liked.

Isa, Glitter Girl as she is known, put together over 2 solid hours of toe tapping, dazzling, and technically amazing performance routines, many of which she directed and choreographed as well. She really created a gem in the National Dance Week line up – congratulations – you and the entire line up put on an amazing evening. Personally, the group performances were the shining stars for me of the night, with large groups who only months ago started working together, dazzled us with fully synchronized fire dancing. The talent from overseas was equally amazing to watch, as well as many of the routines with couples that had true performance passion. The mix of music ventured from the contemporary and pop scene, to hard trance, to the silly, with Isa’s own “Do Re Me” version being just a bit twisted, and ever so fun.

It is hard for me to believe that the Temple of Poi only got a start under Glitter Girls amazing talents just 7 years ago, and that here we are celebrating with an amazing free performance, sharing such beautiful art and creativity in dancing in a showcase of a city. This is San Francisco at it’s best – this is why I call San Francisco my home. Isa and team, I rarely give out a ranking of 5 Bottles of Water, but you deserve it.