Hey, how do you feel about Valentine’s Day? I’ll wait. Ditch the Hallmark cards and misshapen flower arrangements and go see some music. While you can’t hang a band on the wall or put them in a hideous faux-Tiffany glass vase you picked up in the Richmond, you can help craft some positive memories with your lover or celebrate your singledom because no one can love you like yourself. It’s the weekend of the DJ so get down to these bands:
Friday: The Crystal Method, one of my favorite duos who, when I asked what their favorite cheese was, took the time to have a lively debate and decide on a joint fav, are doing something far more serious and meaningful this evening. The legendary DJs are joining a host of electronic acts for LOVE:CURE, a benefit for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. EDM gives more of a shit than you think and thanks to the genre’s meteoric rise, the Beats Drop Cancer campaign is hoping to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for research and awareness just by having a dance party. Join Bobby Puma, Dirt Cheap, Hiro, and artist after artist for a night of dancing at SF’s intimate Factory.
What: LOVE:CURE Benefit Featuring the Crystal Method at the Factory
When: Friday, February 13; doors: 9pm,
Where: The Factory: 525 Harrison St
Cost: $25 for general admission, $75 for VIP; purchase tickets here
Saturday: This is most definitely the weekend of the DJ. Basement Jaxx are also a duo, which kind of makes them romantic? Whatever. Have an idiosyncratic Valentine’s Day and go see them at Public Works. They’ve been in the game a solid two decades and have more gold to show than a Jared jewelers commercial. They’re still chasing the highs of Rooty and Kish Kash, but Basement Jaxx keeps you curious with standouts like the world music-tinged “Rock This Road” hinting at so much more up their collective sleeves. Set to the masses, they’re otherworldly live.
What: Basement Jaxx at Public Works
When: Saturday, February 14; doors: 9pm
Where: Public Works: 161 Erie St
Cost: $20-30; purchase tickets here
Sunday: You already know Amoeba’s awesome, and not just for its proximity to bum fights and ancient LPs you can’t find anywhere else. Their employees are fountains of talent whose musical ambitions spill over every year into Amoebapalooza. The festival of record store workers includes a boatload of DJs, making my “weekend of the DJ” title all the more real, as well as real deal bands. East Bay folks can enjoy their own Amoebapalooza in Oakland, which, for all I know may be far cooler. There certainly is a lot of great music coming out from across the bridge.
What: Amoebapalooza at Brick and Mortar
When: Sunday, February 15; doors: 8pm, show: 9pm
Where: Brick and Mortar: 1710 Mission St
Cost: $5; purchase tickets here
