If you’re worried about not having something to do in the Bay Area this Halloween weekend you might want to think about one of the many shows coming to the area starting on Thursday the 30th. It’s almost overwhelming how many different things there are to do and see, and I’m only scratching the surface when I point out the sheer volume of musical artists coming to town. We have many of the events listed on our San Francisco Shows page, but I think it’s important to write about the shows I’ve handpicked to see, and why you should consider joining me at one, two, or all three of them. My selections? The Magician at Mezzanine, Amine Edge & Dance at Temple, and Wolfgang Gartner at Mezzanine.
Who: The Magician
When: Thursday October 30, 9pm (21+)
Where: Mezzanine, 444 Jessie St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Tickets: http://www.ticketfly.com/event/677673
Why: If you don’t know about the Magician you might very well discover your new favorite House DJ/producer. And if you already know about Stephen Fasano then this one shouldn’t be much of a sell for you. I finally had the pleasure of seeing The Magician live for the first time this past spring when he played a set at the Yuma Tent during Coachella 2014. After three days at Coachella I decided without hesitation that the Magician had the best set of the weekend – combining funky, melodic House music with flawless mixing and I’m almost positive a smile never left my face. I recognize the Magician most for his “Magic Tape” mixes, but you cannot possibly discount his original tracks or remixes either. Two of my recent favorites by the Magician include his remix of “Rather Be” by Clean Bandit and his remix of “My Friend Has a Swimming Pool” by Mausi. Check out the most recent “Magic Tape” by the Magician and get prepared to start off Halloween in the most fun way possible, at one of San Francisco’s best music venues.
Who: Amine Edge & Dance with Sirus Hood
When: Friday October 31, 10pm (21+)
Where: Temple Nightclub, 540 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Tickets: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/temple-presents-cuff-halloween-w-amine-edge-dance-sirus-hood-sneak-preview-of-the-newly-remodeled-tickets-10231644123
Why: I’m not sure I’d normally look to spend Halloween at a nightclub, but when I saw France’s Amine Edge & Dance were coming to Temple San Francisco on the same night, I knew I had to clear my schedule. The G-House pioneers are amidst their first North American tour and their stop in SF coincides with the sneak preview of the newly remodeled Temple, which I have yet to visit so far. I’ve been on Amine Edge & Dance since our writer JD first told me about them. Combining Hip-Hop hooks with four-on-the-floor beats and fat bass lines, Amine Edge & Dance are truly the godfathers of Gangster House (Ghetto House, G-House, etc). The boys recently had the honors of performing on The Essential Mix and they regularly release new material on their label Cuff. Something else that’s pretty cool? Amine Edge & Dance record and release many of their live sets from around the world, including 2014’s Holy Ship where I had the pleasure of meeting the guys. You should also note that Cuff artist Sirus Hood will be on the decks this Friday to bring extra G-House vibes to the crowd.
Editor’s Note: It pains me to be missing Eats Everything with Dusky and Benoit & Sergio on the same night but I’ve been waiting a long time to see Amine Edge & Dance at a club. Who knows, maybe I’ll be able to double dip. For those of you interested you can catch Eats, Dusky, and B&S at Mezzanine with tickets available HERE.
Who: Wolfgang Gartner
When: Saturday November 1, 9pm (21+)
Where: Mezzanine, 444 Jessie St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Tickets: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/eye-heart-halloween-with-wolfgang-gartner-tickets-12979270347
Why: This one doesn’t need much of an introduction. Wolfgang Gartner is one of the best producers in the dance music game and has far and away set himself apart in the world of Electro-House. Wolfgang Gartner rarely misses in production nor in live sets – and he shouldn’t just be noted for his absolute bangers like “Wolfgang’s 5th Symphony”, “Illmerica”, or “Space Junk” but his Progressive House tracks and his funky/latin stylings too. Wolfgang is hugely responsible for my love for Electronic and Dance music and especially the House side of things. Wolfgang Gartner crushed his set at Electric Zoo 2010 which is when I went from ignorant “Techno” fan to newly obsessed House junkie. One particular reason I need to get to Mezzanine for Wolfgang’s set on Saturday is because this year he took a hiatus from extensive touring, except for selected shows, to focus more on production and new music. I have no doubt Wolfgang Gartner will bring the house down and bravo to Mezzanine for bringing such a stacked lineup to Mezzanine this weekend.
Check out Wolfgang Gartner’s brand new single “Unholy” ft. Bobby Saint below!