San Francisco, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The Phoenix Hotel in San Francisco hosted the Poolside: Organic event, celebrating its cultural significance before its closure. Over 2,000 attendees, including middle-aged ravers, gathered for the nostalgic two-day event featuring renowned DJs like DJ Sneak and DJ Rap. This gathering marked a vital moment for the underground music community, reflecting on the importance of cultural venues as the hotel prepares to close in January 2024 after nearly 40 years in operation.
San Francisco recently witnessed a gathering of hundreds of middle-aged ravers celebrating at the Poolside: Organic event, marking a final farewell to the iconic Phoenix Hotel, which is set to close its doors on January 1, 2024. The two-day event drew over 2,000 participants from the underground dance scene, creating an energetic atmosphere filled with cocktails, dancing, and a bubble machine.
The festivities featured performances from renowned artists, including DJ Sneak, a legendary figure in house music, and DJ Rap, who performed her first show in California since the pandemic hit. Attendees relished the nostalgia of their youth, contrasting the vibrant party scene of past decades with the current trends emerging among younger generations, particularly Gen Z.
The Phoenix Hotel, which has been a significant part of San Francisco’s nightlife for nearly 40 years, has hosted legendary musicians such as David Bowie, Kurt Cobain, Neil Young, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Its closure, prompted by a recent sale for $9 million, has left many members of the underground music community concerned about the loss of cultural spaces essential for artistic expression.
This farewell event was organized by the Funky Tekno Tribe, a collective influential in the underground dance music scene that has played a role in launching several prominent DJs’ careers since the early 2000s. The Poolside: Organic event not only celebrated a cherished venue but also represented the resilience and enduring spirit of the underground dance music community.
Amid the festivities, DJ Rap emphasized the importance of venues like the Phoenix, as their decline has begun to create a broader discussion about the future of cultural spaces in cities around the world. The issues surrounding these closures have been a topic of conversation, with many expressing sadness over the potential loss of unique art forms fostered by such venues.
As attendees danced and reminisced about their experiences at the Phoenix and in the broader rave culture, the event highlighted a mix of nostalgia and ongoing energy among current artists, with DJ Rap set to release a remix together with DJ Sneak, further bridging the gap between past and present.
Impact on the Music Community
The upcoming closure of the Phoenix Hotel has ignited concern within the underground music community about the future of similar venues. As the nightlife landscape continues to shift, the struggle to find spaces where artists can perform and connect with audiences remains a pressing issue. The loss of the Phoenix symbolizes a larger trend impacting punk, rock, and electronic music venues across the globe.
Conclusion
As San Francisco bids farewell to the Phoenix Hotel, the celebration at the Poolside: Organic event serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural venues that foster artistic expression and community. Searching for new spaces will be crucial for the future of underground music, as both nostalgic reflections and vibrant new creations shape the landscape ahead.
FAQ
What is the Poolside: Organic event?
The Poolside: Organic event was a farewell celebration for the Phoenix Hotel, attracting hundreds of middle-aged ravers and featuring performances from notable DJs.
When will the Phoenix Hotel close?
The Phoenix Hotel is scheduled to close on January 1, 2024, after being sold for $9 million in August 2023.
Who were some notable performers at the event?
DJ Sneak and DJ Rap were among the notable performers, with DJ Rap marking her first show in California since the pandemic.
Why is the closure of the Phoenix Hotel concerning?
The closure raises concerns about the loss of cultural spaces that support underground music and artistic expression, which are vital to the community.
How many people attended the Poolside: Organic event?
The event attracted over 2,000 participants over the two days of celebration.
Event Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Poolside: Organic |
| Location | Phoenix Hotel, San Francisco |
| Date | December 2023 |
| Attendees | Over 2,000 |
| Performers | DJ Sneak, DJ Rap |
| Hotel Closure Date | January 1, 2024 |
| Sold For | $9 million |
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Additional Resources
- San Francisco Standard: Phoenix Hotel Farewell Event
- Secret San Francisco: Shaboozey Poolside Free Concerts
- SF Chronicle: Free SF Concerts Featuring Shaboozey
- Music in SF: Free Concerts Light Up San Francisco
- Google Search: Phoenix Hotel San Francisco
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
