The juiciest place on earth. The home of Juicy Fruit Jim (aka JuicyFruit Jim), a San Francisco resident, club flag dancer, silk flag designer and flagging performer, and recently a writer..
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| « Dec | ||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
Posted on October 27th, 2008 by Jim.
Categories: Event Reviews.
What an amazing weekend in San Francisco again. The party season continues to roll along through the next weekend and in typical San Francisco style. It seems that everywhere you turn there is some event to celebrate the haunts of the season, raise money for the No on Proposition 8 Campaign or help to elect a new President. Crazy! Hopefully in a few short weeks we can all be celebrating the hope of the future on many levels.
Here are my latest reviews of events that I attended.
This review is a little off my typical party scene reviews. I had the pleasure of joining my friends the Scott’s, Sara, Paul and my hubby for a journey to the East Bay to UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall, for an evening of musical experience with visual artist, poet, composer, vocalist and instrumentalist, Laurie Anderson. The concert entitled “Homeland” was a musical journey of spoken and sung word with some very classical to very funky styles of music, all with a satirical twist. I have to say, first time seeing Ms. Anderson live in concert, that I was totally impressed. The music was thought provoking and very deep and with many messages to be delivered. If you have never seen Laura, try to do it next time she is in town.
Another installment of one of my favorite parties at a great space, and the music was spot on for me. The crowd was a bit light, but that was expected as the hard core partiers were still on the Atlantis Mexico Cruise and not due back until Sunday. The opening DJ, who played his first big room experience, DJ Russ Rich, did a great job of warming up the crowd with some high energy pumping greatest hits. He seemed to be having a lot of fun and was all smiles all night. The headliner, DJ Escape (from New York) was also amazing, and it was clear to tell when he stepped in and took over the turn tables (do we still say this with CD players in place today?). The music, while remaining full and energetic, had a sudden pounding, deeper, driving beat, and the sound system seemed to pop to life filling the small Mighty dance space. The people at the event all appeared to be having fun, as the crowd was flirty, smiley and in a very good mood. Congratulations to Luke on another wonderful dance party. Certainly a 4 out of 5 bottles of water again from me!
Ruby Skye was not decked out in the traditional over the top Halloween decorations you come to expect from that club, but because this Fresh was a week ahead of the event, I am guessing the will not decorate until later this week. None-the-less, DJ Phil B certainly hit one out of the park for the party. The music was good from the very start, and had that Sunday T-Dance energy that is often only found at Fresh. The crowd showed up early, and was ready to go. Shortly after I got through the door at 7PM I looked back out the door and the line stretched down the block. The evening was electric and Phil hit one way out of the park with his selections of new, classic and some new twists on classics, often smiling from ear to ear in his own satisfaction of what he had done. The crowd was eating it all up, and when the first round of go-go dancers took the stage it was ramping up a fun event. My favorite moments were watching Travis up in the catwalk in his Abba-esque white outfit dancing across the walk, and at the same time having some horny devil go-go dancers down on the stage. The crowd was good and the main floor filled up early and later through the evening a number of those crazy Atlantis Mexico cruisers even showed up to dance the night away (talk about energy – coming off a 7 days party cruise). Overall, I give this Fresh a 3.8 out of 5 bottles of water (deducted points for lacking Halloween décor – although I did snag a gay.com devil duck!).
See you again under the dance floor lights.
Happy Halloween!
Posted on October 13th, 2008 by Jim.
Categories: Event Reviews.
Wow! This has been an incredible run of parties and events and in typical San Francisco style, there is almost too much to do!
Here are my latest reviews of events that happened and a refresher course on what is up and coming for the rest of October.
The San Francisco Love Fest was another great installment of the ultimate participatory parade and festival. The musical choices are always fantastic and the event is filled with costumed party revelers of all ages and types, and this year was no different. The overnight rain and potential threats of more on Saturday held the crowd down early, but once everyone realized the sun was shining, they all headed out for a crazy party that pushed the limits at Civic Center. We roamed through the circuit of dance stages about 4 times and after 5 hours called it a day. Certainly a great event and it gets 4 out of 5 water bottles from me.
Tony Moran kicked some serious groves at Temple Night Club as the Matinee Team pulled off another great party in the Catacombs. This was a fun night, and the glow stick brigade made another showing to bring a little glow stick love to the crowd and DJ (watch for us at other events soon). The party was fun, hot, and filled with a sexy and fun crowd. Luke and the guys get another 4 our 5 bottles of water for a great event.
DJ Jerry Bonham spun an amazing set from the time the doors opened until yours truly had to depart the party just before midnight. The event was well attended and maybe a little too hot, but a great crowd with lots of smiles on their faces. The new back wall of twinkling lights on the stage was a nice addition to the ambience for RTP and the spot light (arc light) workers really did their magic the whole night. Additionally, for most of the night, the flaggers and fanners really put on a show on the stage. Just before I was ready to leave a party goer came out in a mirror covered jacked and danced on the stairs of the dance floor with the lights hitting him – it was a living mirror ball that was loved by the crowd as you heard the cheers rise. Then, as I was leaving a wonderful balloon drop of red balloons was dropped on the crowd, adding to a very festive evening. The guys work hard on this party and if you close your eyes while dancing you could almost believe you were back in nineteen seventy-something. The RTP crew did great work and earned a 3.9 out of 4 bottles of water from me.
The DJ Line-up includes –Chris Cox, Kio Kio, Connie Casserole, David Harness, Pete Avila, Foxxy Brown, Sean Greene, Pam Hubbuck. The Twisted party made a debut on Labor Day Weekend at Club 1015 and was instantly a great success and welcome new addition to the party scene in San Francisco. The second edition of this party, a T-Dance, is going to be held at a new location, which is just enough excitement to get me interested in going to see the space and see what it has to offer. I look forward to another great installment of Twisted fun. Flaggers should note that the space does not have super high ceilings, so flagging is optional but more reserved in style.
The DJ line-up includes Kimberly S, Lee Decker and Blaine Soileau with a special performance by Bobby Viteritti, plus other DJs in the other rooms. Gus Presents is trying something different and giving another go around for the Sunday T-Dance in San Francisco. This should be an interesting event, and with competition from Twisted it will be interesting to see how the crowd picks the night. I plan on hitting this party after a start at Twisted. Flagging and flow arts should be open on the main stage.
DJ Phil B, a personal favorite and friend, will be at the decks for Fresh at Ruby Skye for the Halloween event. I have to say that I always love how Ruby Skye decorates for Halloween. The entire club is transformed into a haunting style that cannot be missed. I am sure this event will attract costumed and non-costumed alike, for what should be an evening of great music and fun. If you can make only one costumed Halloween event, this might be one of the best choices. As a note to flaggers, there is usually a very limited amount of space behind the DJ for one or two flaggers, but not much more, and I often find you can flag in the balcony if you want.
DJ David Knapp and Paulo, two personal favorites, are advertised in the early emails that went out, to be on for this party, as well as a host of others. While I am not sure I am going to this event, it should be a fun Halloween Party, and if I have rested enough that week, I may find my way over to this event with “costume light” for the evening. Note to the flaggers and flow artists; David and the crew promise to bring in black light for this event and maybe even some boxes, so there should be some flagging opportunities here.
And for the very future focused…
This is a bit of self-promotion here, and in the interests of full disclosure, I am part of the Past Curfew Production board, but we are planning to bring you a top notch talent, direct from London’s RVT (Royal Vauxhall Tavern), DJ Andy Almighty. This will be on IBR (International Bear Rendezvous) Weekend and should be another great event from the Past Curfew Team (self promotion aside).
Jim ‘Juicy Fruit’ Hauck
San Francisco, California
USA
Posted on October 2nd, 2008 by Jim.
Categories: Event Suggestions.
Hello revelers! Hope you have all recovered well from the events of Folsom Weekend in San Francisco. Personally, I am still basking in the afterglow of all that happened, and will be holding out on posting a review of Folsom Weekend, seeing as so many have posted already. What I will say is that the three events I attended, Bearracuda Magnum (DJ Pete Savas and Ted Eiel), Magnitude (DJ Paul Goodyear) and Real Bad XX (DJ Tim Jones) have left me with a great feeling that SF club scene is alive and well and still has plenty to offer. Congratulations to all the promoters on a great Folsom Weekend.
However, the fun has only started, and I now bring you the next round of Juicy Picks for the party scene in San Francisco.
SATURDAY – OCTOBER 4 – Noon to 6PM
Love Fest
Starting at Market and 2nd Street and ending in Civic Center
Come rain or shine (yes forecast is calling for rain), the San Francisco Love Fest is an event that is not to be missed. This event, with heritage to the Love Parade of Berlin, is an electronic music festival with a slice of burning man, topped with crazy costumes and party goers, all on a lovely plate of San Francisco fun. Flow artists (flaggers, fanners and poi spinners) and party goers alike will love this event seeing as it has something for just about everyone. My advice is to meet the parade near 2nd and Market Streets and listen for the music that grabs you. Once you find that perfect sound that calls you to move with it, join right in the parade and dance up Market Street to Civic Center where all of the floats combine into an amazing round-a-bout of musical experience. Wear plenty of sunscreen (if it does not rain), make some new friends, wear something fun or silly, and just have a good time.
SUNDAY – OCTOBER 5 – 11AM to 6PM
Castro Street Fair
Castro Street and Market Street
While certainly not as wild as the Folsom Street Fair last weekend, the Castro Street Fair is more of the local home edition for the folks in the hood, with a smattering of arts, crafts and interesting wares for sale. As usual there will be a variety of music stages for your enjoyment with something for all dance interests and for all flow artists. This fair tends to be a nicer, lazier day, of socializing with friends and hanging out to see the interesting performances and listen to some music.
My preferred choice will be the Braindrops Dance area where DJ Luke Johnstone (personal favorite) and DJ Jim Hopkins will be tearing up the floor with some dance beats and probably the most likely place for flow artists to come spin away. However, if you are into the country scene (which I also love) you can check out the Sundance Country Dance area located behind the Castro Theater.
SUNDAY – OCTOBER 5 – 6PM to Midnight
Matinee
Temple Night Club – 540 Howard Street
DJ Tony Moran, DJ Luke Johnstone, DJ Jamie Sanchez
Sunday night Tony Moran will heat up the beats, along with resident DJs Luke Johnstone and Jamie Sanchez, at Temple Night Club as the Matinee Team brings you another great event in the Catacombs of the Temple. While this is not really a flow arts friendly space, the music should be great and the Catacombs have a unique, low ceiling venue, that creates a different, fun, intimacy. Check this venue out for a little Sunday fun.
SUNDAY – October 12 – Noon to 12AM
Burning Man Decompression – 19th and Minnesota
For those of you that attended Burning Man, this is the culmination of the return home and a chance to once again see your favorite art, hear your favorite music, and dance away a Sunday afternoon. Fun costumes are suggested and this place will be abundant with artists so flow artists should feel very much at home with flags, fans and poi at this event.
SUNDAY – October 12 – 6PM to 3AM
Remember the Red Party – Trocadero Transfer – 520 Fourth Street
DJ Jerry Bonham
If you are not attending Decompression or if you can peel yourself away, Remember the RED Party is also happening on October 12. This is a great party to throw some flashback memories on for the disco era. The music is something I find very easy to enjoy and dance to, and harkens back to the days of bell bottoms and polyester. The party is always a great mixed crowd of all ages and includes a stage where old school fanners meet new school flaggers and have a celebration of flow arts. On the floor is a combination of appropriately stylized disco drags, jeans, clone wear, and more. This annual party is a particular favorite of mine.
SUNDAY – October 19 – 6PM to Late
Twisted – Suite One8One – 181 Eddy Street
DJ Line-up includes –Chris Cox, Kio Kio, Connie Casserole, David Harness, Pete Avila, Foxxy Brown, Sean Greene, Pam Hubbuck.
Another installment of Twisted is something I am also really looking forward to. After a killer party at 1015 on Labor Day weekend, I am hoping for the best as Twisted moves to a new space called Suite One8One located just blocks from the Powell Street transit station. Billed with another amazing line up of DJs, this is likely to be one crazy party in a new space for this party scene. I cannot advise if this event will be flow arts friendly, but bring your toys just in case. However the site boasts 16000 square feet of party space that is not too dirty and not to clean but just perfect for a TWISTED party.
I am choosing not to throw my weight up against any of the Halloween parties at this time, but there will be several to choose from, so keep an eye out for what interests you most, and if something changes, I will get out the word. There it is, the Juicy Picks for the next couple weeks. Party on. See you on the dance floor.
Jim ‘Juicy Fruit’ Hauck
Check out my Blog… The Juice Box
San Francisco, California
USA
PS – if you want off this distribution, just let me know.
Posted on September 18th, 2008 by Jim.
Categories: Event Suggestions.
This week kicks off the grand daddy leather festival in San Francisco – The Folsom Street Fair. This event is celebrating 25 years and has grown in scale in the years I have gone to be quite a spectacle. With a smattering of dance events, social events, house parties, and the street fair itself, there is so much to do. However, I encourage you to go out and get into the events, don’t just be a spectator. So with that in mind, here are my picks for parties and events over the next two weekends, in chronological order (with abbreviated commentary).
SATURDAY – SEPTEMBER 20 – 10PM to Late
Industry – Mighty at 119 Utah
Tickets - $15 advance at Body on Castro or $25 at the door.
DJs Pagano and Luke Johnstone
This Industry is the kick off to Folsom Week with two amazing DJ talents. Luke Johnstone who is a great DJ and producer will certainly make the room come alive along with the sexy beats of DJ Pagano. Both of these guys have never let me down. Additionally, this is West Coast premiere of “Schwartzwald”, the movie you can dance to. Should be a fun crowd and a great party with a smattering of leather clad men, hot muscle, and fun party goers.
SUNDAY – SEPTEMBER 21 – 11PM to 3AM
Industry – Club Eight at 1151 Folsom Street
Tickets - $10 at the door
DJ Frank Wild
While this event is a little late for me on a school night (Sunday), it does offer a great DJ talent in Frank Wild, in a rather intimate setting. Fresh back from touring Germany and doing Folsom Berlin, I would expect Frank will keep the energy going from Fresh at this club for the evening. Check it out if you can stay up late and keep the energy going.
FRIDAY – SEPTEMBER 26 – 9PM to Late
Bearracuda Magnum – DNA Lounge, 375 Eleventh with DJ Pete Savas
Tickets - $10 in advance at DNA Lounge Web Site
Tag Team set with DJ Pete Savas and DJ Ted Eiel
This is round two for the Bearracuda folks with Magnum at DNA Lounge. As mentioned in other reviews, this is my favorite space for small venue with flagging and dancing space. I love it. And what could be better than two great DJ’s, Pete Savas and Ted Eiel, doing a tag team set on the decks that night. I hope to get a good dose of good chunky house music with a shot of lyrics to make it all go down. Ok, and there is possibly one better thing about this event, in the fact that the poster child for this event is my best friend (yes – just go check it out kids and you will know who it is).
SATURDAY – SEPTEMBER 27 – 10PM to 4AM
Magnitude –The Regency Center – 1290 Sutter St. (At Van Ness)
Tickets - $65 on line, $80 Retail and $100 at the door (if available) (See Magnitude Website for Ticket Details)
DJ Paul Goodyear
Magnitude is a premier dance event in San Francisco for the Leather Weekend, and certainly the place to be seen prior to the Sunday Street Fair. DJ Paul Goodyear has always thrown down great sets of music, perfectly fitting the event. Paul can range from handbags, to fluff, to deep sexy grooves, and always has an appealing set as far as I am concerned. This is a high leather gear party, while not required, gear, fetish wear, and leather is encouraged. This will be a sexy and dark party with an array of hot guys, bears, leather clad studs, and muscle galore. The venue is new to me for the dance scene, having only been there for a couple other events, so that part is yet to be seen. However, if you want the Saturday night ticket for Folsom Weekend, and you are not too busy at some “private” party, be sure to get your tickets early and get to Magnitude.
SUNDAY – SEPTEMBER 28 – Noon to 6PM
The Folsom Street Fair– Folsom Street from 10th to 7th
Tickets – Suggested donation collected at gate
While not likely I will make it out to much, if any, of the street fair, this is an event not to be missed. The fair runs from 10th to 7th along Folsom Street with vendors, drinking, dancing and entertainment, oh and then there is the crowd of hot leather clad folks. Check it out – this is the main attraction of the weekend. Weather looks to be good, so dress in layers to reveal some skin through the sun of the day. One of my favorite things to do at this street fair is to just hang out with friends along Dore Alley next to the Power House bar and watch the crowd pass by. The endless parade of people is really the best part of the event, and you never know what you might see (or what you did not want to see – as is often the case). However, save some energy, because when the sun goes down, there is one more event I want you to go to.
SUNDAY – SEPTEMBER 28 – 7PM to 4AM
Real Bad– Club 1015 – 1015 Folsom Street
Tickets – See the Web Site
DJ Tim Jones
I should preface this statement with a clear disclaimer. I am part of the production team for this event and JuicyFruitJim.com is also a proud sponsor of Real Bad XX. So with that said, this is a great party. I attended this once as a spectator and quickly found myself on the host list and participating in the production of the party. This party has a lot to offer including flagging stage, a great club space, and an amazing chill out area in “The Vault” with DJ Beatdaddy, lights, cryo blasts, and more. Come check out this community fundraiser and dance. Tickets are most easy to come by if you know a host, if not ask your friends, check Craig’s list, or be one of the few at the door to pick up one of the very limited tickets at the door.
So, there you have it – a slice of the fruit – a drink of nectar – JuicyFruit’s top picks for Folsom Week 2008. Coming up in the next release, Castro Street Fair Weekend, Love Parade, Burning Man Decompression, and Remember the Party – remember I said this is the party season in San Francisco.
See you on the dance floor.
Jim ‘Juicy Fruit’ Hauck
Check out my Blog… The Juice Box
San Francisco, California
USA
Posted on September 2nd, 2008 by Jim.
Categories: Event Reviews.
2008 is the first year I have been in San Francisco during Labor Day Weekend events, and so it was my first time to check out the activities that happen along with the Hairrison Street Fair. This fact prompted me to write my Juicy Picks for the weekend and now I want to review how those picks came out.
FRIDAY – AUGUST 29
Bearracuda Magnum – DNA Lounge – 2.5 Bottles of Water
DNA is certainly one of my favorite club spots in San Francisco. I miss the old events like Thump Radio and others. Matt and the boys from Bearracuda took the space for the larger celebration of the party held at Deco lounge, offering two dance floors and access to most of the club. Overall, production value was small, and the crowd was light, but it was still good to see several friends like Justin and James and many others show up late in the evening to get in a little bit of Friday dance time. The main floor rarely picked up to much of a crowd until later in the evening, and sadly DJ Pete Savas (a personal favorite) did not seem to find a groove that worked for everyone and got the boys dancing. It seemed that most of the dancing was happening upstairs with Boyshapedbox. Thankfully there were other opportunities to hear Pete spin his magic later in the weekend. I applaud the guys for giving this first run of a larger scale Bearracuda a run at a large club. While they can’t get all of the aesthetic of the small venue they usually use, the attempt was worthy. Thanks for setting a space for flaggers and fanners too, that always gives more points in my book.
SATURDAY – AUGUST 30
Fireball at Industry – Mighty – 3.5 Bottles of Water
Luke and team pulled of another great party at another of my favorite, quirky little dance spaces in San Francisco. The evening started off a little slow and Marcus and James and I were wondering about the crowd. It was great to see Randy and D working the VIP room and with big smiles on their faces. The crowd slowly came in as the evening moved forward. As they arrived they were greeted to a rather hard, very edgy sound from DJ Luis Yanguas. There were times I was convinced the music track was just another remix of “Shoes and Silverware in the Dryer”, but he would pull something different out and catch my attention. As the evening drew on his music improved and overall I would give him thumbs up and would like to hear him a few more times. Jamie took over the decks later in the evening and kept us all dancing until the small hours of the morning.
SUNDAY – AUGUST 31
Twisted – Club 1015 – 4.0 Bottles of Water
This was the new kid on the block and when my crew (Marcus and James and I) arrived around 11:30, the line was snaking around the corner of the club, a very good sign. Clearly the guys thought this was the party to make it to. Billed as 3 dance floors, 9 DJ’s and One Twisted Night, I would say it delivered. We hit the main dance floor right away and saw many familiar faces, and within a few hours had created our old corner of the 1015 dance space. There where one or two hitches in Chad Jack’s performance, Manny delivered a rather strong set and Paulo did not disappoint. The guys were hot, frisky, and up for a party. The club was packed and other than a nice could chill out moments with Dan and Justin down stairs, we never left the main room, and in fact the club was packed until this weary dancer finally decided to go home at 5AM. Now, I have to say to rather disappointing things. First, there was a flagging stage, but there was no black light, all this despite offering to give the black light to the event several times. I know this really disappointed the flaggers, and I am sad to have had this happen. Additionally, I am not sure what the lighting guy was up to, but I am over the strobes – they were used far too much. 1015 is a gem of a night club in San Francisco, with so much to offer, and it is sad that the main room has been getting less attention than the smaller rooms. It is time for some new lighting and improvements in the main dance space. Overall, there is a huge buzz coming off this event and I hope the promoters find themselves running with that energy and infusing it into more events. San Francisco is clearly ready to step up the game!
Great weekend out in San Francisco, that is for sure, and it was great seeing all the guys – Marcus and James (my cohorts in crime for the weekend), Dan, Randy/Scorpio, D, Randy, John, Eric, Justin, Nathan, Dave & Daniel and crew, Alex, and so many others. The crowds were some of the most fun I have seen out, and I hope this is a growing trend. Let’s have more fun and silliness on the dance floor again.
Until we meet again under the dance floor lights, Peace.
Jim ‘Juicy Fruit’ Hauck
Check out my Blog… The Juice Box
San Francisco, California
USA