San Francisco is teeming with nightclubs and live music venues. And yet, only some of them will leave a lasting impression on you the way Love + Propaganda does. It’s located in SF’s Union Square district, and it’s certainly unlike any other nightclub you’ve ever been to. That’s the first rule of Love + Propaganda; it makes you rethink and challenge your understanding of nightlife, clubbing, and the merging of arts in general.
L+P, as it’s known in social circles, puts a unique spin on the kind of experience you’ll find. It keeps the classic form of a club – beats, lights, exhilaration – and goes a mile further to bring together three of life’s greatest pleasures – music, fashion, and art. The union of these three makes for a stunning and one-of-a-kind audiovisual experience that you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere.
Love + Propaganda builds on San Francisco’s unparalleled history as a safe place, where community springs out of the sidewalk, laying significant emphasis on the importance of like-minded people being together. It’s no wonder that they pay attention to a much broader set of brilliant producers, from SF’s underground scene to international acts. The talent at Love + Propaganda is distinctive and singular. It’s a wild mix of expert and amateur skill that you won’t find in other mainstream clubs.
The interiors are done up soulfully in a theme inspired by neo-classical design. Soft lights line the ceiling, and when there’s a concert or a show going on, sharper lights come on, highlighting the hub where art is always on display. It’s mostly standing room only, as you would expect from a club.
Love + Propaganda also stands apart for its bar service. Everyone who visits the venue seems to have something wonderful to say about the drinks and the masterful, incredibly courteous staff behind the bench. And given that the convergence of sound and ambiance is the reason the club exists, the dancing floor is almost irresistible. Private tables are available.
A party venue, past events at Love + Propaganda have included live guitar and violin at the Red Holiday Party and Halloween nights that have gone down as classics, and last Friday saw a show from Oakland’s D Sharp, and regular Thursday night Top 40/RnB club night Computer Love. As for what’s coming up, there’s SF’s Panic City (this Friday, June 21st), French DJ KUNGS (the next day, Saturday, June 22nd, if you want to make a weekend of it), as well as LA-based open format/mashup specialist DJ Cobra on Saturday June 29th.
Love + Propaganda is a club that’s open only three nights a week, keeping the energy high – but that’s a slim opportunity to get through their fabulous doors, so make sure you get your tickets in advance if you’re interested in any of their events. And take some fun company along, because Love + Propaganda is a venue that’s best enjoyed with your core group; a place to turn up, burn bright, and rocket onwards.
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