San Francisco Lovefest

San Francisco Lovefest

25 September, 2007 | 4.07AM

• Section: Music News
• Written by: Terry Church

This coming weekend the streets of San Francisco will come to a standstill as tens of thousands of clubbers, dance music fans and nutbags parade through the city all in the name of dance music. The annual Lovefest, which takes place on Saturday 29th September, has grown to become a symbol of the unifying power of dance music. 

And like Berlin’s Love Parade, Lovefest carries an important social message, as Lovefest Promotions & Marketing director Dr. Syd Gris explains to Beatportal.

“Lovefest is a free parade and festival that, through the vehicle of dance music, promotes community, peace, tolerance, diversity, cooperation, and of course love,” he says.

“We as the organizers believe strongly that America needs to be reminded of these values more than ever. 

“In a time of war, it’s pretty awesome San Francisco gets to play host to an event that takes over the streets, the Civic Center plaza, and even City Hall to celebrate these values that our country needs a lot more of. 

“At least in America, only in the progressive city of San Fran, which is always ahead of the national curve, could this event happen in the way that it does. 

“Our aim is also to provide a platform for dance music to shine at a level unmatched by any event in the country. 

“We all know dance music is largely ignored by commercial media outlets, and so as an art form it doesn’t get the exposure that the talent in the scene warrants. 

“At a more micro level, as a non-profit organization, our aim is also to support local community groups and other non-profits that volunteer for the event, to ‘spread the love’ as it were.”

This year, Dr. Syd Gris and his fellow organisers Joshua Smith and David Cutler expect around 75,000 attendees, that’s if a local dentist convention doesn’t get in the way.

“We expect to grow every year, though it’s a hard call due to another large event on the West Coast this weekend and a dentist convention of all things that has made it hard for people to get hotel rooms,” comments Syd.

Top DJ Talent

For the day-long street parade on Saturday which takes place around Market Street and 2nd Street, and at the official afterparty which is sponsored by Beatport and Spundae, some of the world’s top DJs are due to perform including Sasha, Ferry Corsten, Gabriel & Dresden, DJ Dan, Donald Glaude, Eddie Halliwell, John 00 Fleming and Paul Van Dyk.

The Crystal Method, Afrika Bambaata, Meat Katie and Britain’s The Chemical Brothers are also playing.

The official afterparty is at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.

“It’s dance music heaven brought to you with love,” reckons Dr. Syd Gris. 

“At a production level we learn things every year how to make things smoother and a better experience for SF Lovefest attendees. 

“The floats get bigger and better, and more ambitious. 

“And as a growing organization we’re seeking ways to get more volunteer non-profit groups involved to support their efforts and that’s going well.”

The Politics of Dance

Whilst there are some people who will see the San Fran Lovefest as nothing more than a street party, Dr. Syd Gris argues that at the very soul of dance music and their event is a core unifying value, one that is inclusive, idealistic but hopeful.

And there’s a political message too.

“Yes, of course dance music can change the world,” says Syd. 

“It already has in small ways, in terms of touching people’s hearts in ways that has a ripple effect that is difficult to measure. 

“However, we have not come close to reaching our potential as a community. 

“Dance music enthusiasts tend to be more at the well off, well educated, end of the spectrum. 

“If the educated and economically privileged aren’t leading the fight to change our morally corrupt and short-sighted national leadership, who will? 

“Our privilege begets responsibility, and this party we throw is not just a party, but a statement.

“We know that in a culture awash in conflict, materialism, superficial concerns and greed, an event of this kind can lift the spirits and the hopes of those who surrender to its power.

“We’re taking it to the streets letting the vibe and the cooperation and respect of the people taking part in it be a message of hope in dark times.

“Dance music has always had a special ability to bring people together in the shared beauty of a universal vibe, but it can’t be just about that. 

“Things are too fucked up for us to have that luxury.”

So if attendees were to walk away from Lovefest with one message firmly implanted in their head, what would that message be?

Dr. Syd Gris concludes, “With the right things in place and the right attitude, we can come together from all walks of life and all backgrounds to celebrate and make things happen in our community and our world.”

San Fran Lovefest

Where and when?

The San Francisco Lovefest parade begins at 12pm on Saturday 29th September at Market Street and 2nd Street, and continues to Civic Centre Plaza. Then there’s an official afterparty sponsored by Beatport and Spundae at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.

Who?

The likes of The Chemical Brothers, Sasha, Lee Burridge, Paul Van Dyk, Ferry Corsten and Gabriel & Dresden are playing at the parade. Basically every major trance and house DJ in the world.

Cost?

Free, but the organisers are asking for donations so don’t be a tight arse.

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