ULTRAFAN

SF shows worth
your time.

A few sharp picks each week.

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THIS WEEK

Picks for Jan 19–Jan 26

★ TOP PICK
Thu, Jan 22
Great American Music Hall·$29.00-$35.00·8:00 PM·Doors 7:00 PM·

Baltimore electronic wizard Dan Deacon transforms concerts into sweaty, joyous dance parties with his maximalist synth explosions and legendary audience participation games. His live shows are organized chaos—expect floor circles, Simon Says, and euphoric crowds moving as one to his kaleidoscopic electronic compositions that blur the line between rave and performance art.

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★ TOP PICK
Sat, Jan 24
Great American Music Hall·$30.00-$35.00·9:00 PM·Doors 8:00 PM·

Ty Segall's power trio Fuzz delivers face-melting garage rock with thunderous riffs and blown-out fuzz pedals cranked to 11. With Charles Moothart and Chad Ubovich rounding out the lineup, this San Francisco psych-rock supergroup creates primal, speaker-shredding heaviness that channels Black Sabbath through a lens of California garage punk energy.

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★ TOP PICK
Sat, Jan 24
The Independent··9:00 PM·Doors 8:30 PM·

Canadian synth-pop visionary Katie Stelmanis returns with Austra's latest album 'Chin Up Buttercup,' blending operatic vocals with darkwave electronics. Her theatrical, deeply human performances evoke a new-wave Kate Bush on the verge of transcendence, with shimmering synths building to emotional crescendos.

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Mon, Jan 19
DNA Lounge·$10·8:00 PM·

Electro-pop collective Monday Night Hubba crafts immersive soundscapes that blend vibrant beats with introspective lyrics, showcasing their innovative approach to dance music at DNA Lounge.

intimatelocal-favoriteemerging-artisthigh-energy
Mon, Jan 19

A.C.E leader Park Junhee embarks on his first solo tour following his 2025 debut mini album Supernova. As leader of the five-member group since 2017, JUNHEE showcases his evolved artistry and vocal prowess in intimate settings, offering fans a deeper look at his musicality beyond group performances.

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Mon, Jan 19
DNA Lounge·$5·9:30 PM·

Goth-industrial veterans Death Guild deliver a haunting blend of dark beats and immersive soundscapes at DNA Lounge, perfect for fans of underground club culture.

intimateundergroundhigh-energyelectronic
Tue, Jan 20
Bottom of the Hill·$20·8:00 PM·Doors 7:30 PM·21+

Southern-infused rock duo Rattlesnake Milk delivers a gritty blend of Americana and blues, showcasing their distinctive sound at Bottom of the Hill.

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Tue, Jan 20
Great American Music Hall·$45.00-$85.00·8:00 PM·Doors 7:00 PM·

Bay Area's Middle Aged Dad Jam Band blends funk grooves with clever lyricism, showcasing their unique sound and fresh material at Great American Music Hall.

intimatelocal-favoritechillfolk
Wed, Jan 21

Four-act showcase featuring Portyl, Jonah Sky, Ubo, and kin+me spanning electronic, bedroom pop, and experimental sounds. This local lineup represents the depth of SF DIY scene where bedroom producers and indie pop artists share stages, creating community through diverse but complementary musical visions.

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Wed, Jan 21
The Fillmore··8:00 PM·

British soul singer with a massive voice and sparse, moody production. Fillmore gives it the big-room treatment it deserves. Good midweek pick if you want something polished and emotional.

emotionalpowerfulintimate
Wed, Jan 21
Bottom of the Hill·$20·8:00 PM·Doors 7:30 PM·21+

Roots-infused Americana artist William Elliott Whitmore delivers his gritty storytelling and soulful vocals at Bottom of the Hill, celebrating his latest work and deepening his connection with fans.

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Wed, Jan 21
Great American Music Hall·$45.00-$85.00·8:00 PM·Doors 7:00 PM·

Genre-bending rock outfit Middle Aged Dad Joel Band blends humor and introspection in their live shows, showcasing tracks from their latest album at the historic Great American Music Hall.

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Wed, Jan 21
Rickshaw Stop··8:45 PM·Doors 8:00 PM·

Bay Area slop rock outfit Buzzed Lightbeer delivers their self-described SF SLOP ROCK with unapologetic messiness and energy. Their motto 2 BUZZED 2 CARE perfectly captures their live shows - chaotic, fun, and refreshingly unpretentious garage punk that embraces imperfection as an art form.

messyfunenergeticDIYraucous
Thu, Jan 22
The Chapel·$22.00-$28.00·8:00 PM·Doors 7:00 PM·All Ages

Psychedelic rock outfit WAND delivers their boundary-pushing sound at The Chapel, showcasing tracks from their latest album, which explores new sonic territories.

intimateexperimentalpsychedelicindie
Thu, Jan 22
Bottom of the Hill·$13·8:00 PM·Doors 7:30 PM·21+

Bay Area hip-hop innovator A-1 blends sharp lyricism with eclectic beats, showcasing his latest work in an intimate setting at Bottom of the Hill.

intimatehip-hopemerging-artistlocal-favorite
Thu, Jan 22

Triple bill featuring Total Dysfunction, Strawberry Farm, and Inside Voices showcases SF punk and indie rock underground. This local lineup delivers raw energy and DIY authenticity across three bands committed to keeping independent rock alive in the Bay Area. Essential for fans supporting the local scene.

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Thu, Jan 22
Rickshaw Stop··8:15 PM·Doors 7:30 PM·

Oakland art rock outfit Gumby's Junk creates nightmare cartoon music that started as a complete mishap in 2018. Assembling classical-inspired circus riffs with rhythmic jokes and lilting bass lines, their outlandish performances push musical surrealism to absurdist extremes for audiences seeking something truly weird.

surrealtheatricalunpredictablebizarrewhimsical
Fri, Jan 23
DNA Lounge·$30·8:00 PM·

Punk stalwarts Black Flag bring their raw, unfiltered energy to DNA Lounge, delivering a fierce set that channels their influential legacy while igniting the spirit of the underground.

intimatehigh-energypunkunderground
Fri, Jan 23

Orange County singer-producer Chri$tian Gate$ (now also known as One Hope) brings his alluring blend of emo rap, pop-punk, and gothic pop. His husky voice and dark production transcend platforms, creating a testament to music transformative power for the resilient. Essential for fans seeking music that embraces darkness as path to light.

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Fri, Jan 23
Rickshaw Stop··8:00 PM·Doors 7:00 PM·

Post-punk outfit Dutch Interior delivers taut, angular rhythms and new wave urgency with supporting acts Trinity Ace, Double Helix Peace Treaty, and Poor Image. Expect jagged guitar lines, propulsive bass, and the kind of danceable tension that defined early 80s underground clubs.

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Fri, Jan 23
Bottom of the Hill·$13·8:00 PM·Doors 8:00 PM·All Ages

Synth-driven alt-pop outfit Neon Ships blends infectious hooks with introspective lyrics, showcasing their evolving sound at Bottom of the Hill on this tour.

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Fri, Jan 23
DNA Lounge·$15·9:00 PM·

High-octane metalcore collective Road To Northern Invasion storms the DNA Lounge, showcasing their relentless sound and powerful stage presence as they gear up for their upcoming tour.

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Fri, Jan 23
The Independent··6:00 PM·Doors 6:00 PM·

Early-evening dance party Earlybirds Club brings the club experience to a more civilized hour (6-10pm) with DJs spinning everything from 80s new wave to 90s hip-hop and early 2000s pop. Perfect for those with responsibilities the next morning who still want to dance like they don't, this is guilt-free nostalgia for adults with shit to do.

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Fri, Jan 23
The Chapel·$22.00-$25.00·9:00 PM·Doors 8:00 PM·All Ages

Brass-driven funk ensemble Soul Brass Band infuses classic New Orleans rhythms with modern flair, delivering a vibrant live experience at the intimate Chapel.

intimatehigh-energylocal-favoritejazz
Sat, Jan 24
Bottom of the Hill·$18·8:00 PM·Doors 8:00 PM·All Ages

Portland's indie-pop trio Weakened Friends delivers punchy hooks and candid lyrics, showcasing their latest album that captures the essence of youthful disillusionment.

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Sat, Jan 24
Rickshaw Stop··8:00 PM·Doors 7:00 PM·

Bay Area indie rockers SMALL CRUSH headline Rickshaw Stop with support from Badvril, Lucky, and The Online Company. Throwin Bos presents this all-ages Saturday night showcase of local talent representing SF's thriving DIY scene with energetic indie rock that prizes authenticity over polish.

localDIYenergeticcommunityBay Area pride
Sat, Jan 24
The Fillmore··8:00 PM·

Washington punk stalwarts MxPx have been delivering melodic hardcore anthems since 1992, and their live shows remain relentlessly energetic celebrations of skate punk's golden era. Expect sing-alongs to classics like 'Chick Magnet' and 'Heard That Sound' from a band that helped define Christian punk and 90s Warped Tour culture.

energeticnostalgicuplifting
Sat, Jan 24
The Chapel·$29.50·9:00 PM·Doors 8:00 PM·All Ages

Fleetwood Mask delivers an authentic tribute to classic rock’s finest, capturing the essence of Fleetwood Mac's sound in a cozy setting.

intimateestablishedchilllocal-favorite
Sat, Jan 24
The Warfield·Check venue site·7:30 PM·Doors 6:30 PM·All Ages

Elevation Worship's youth-focused collective Elevation Rhythm brings their 'Goodbye Yesterday Tour' celebrating their Victory Lap album. With support from Strings & Heart, expect a high-energy night of modern worship anthems that have made them a breakout force in contemporary Christian music.

upliftingenergeticinspiring
Sat, Jan 24
DNA Lounge·$30·10:00 PM·

Electro-pop powerhouse The Afters joins forces with dubstep innovator Virtual Riot at DNA Lounge, delivering a night of genre-bending soundscapes and pulsating rhythms that reflect their dynamic artistry.

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Sat, Jan 24

Neo-soul innovator JMSN blends silky vocals with atmospheric production at August Hall, showcasing his latest explorations in modern R&B.

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Sat, Jan 24

Singer-songwriters Travis Atreo and Jolene Lozano join forces for Somewhere We Dream, a collaborative evening of intimate indie folk. This special pairing brings together two distinct voices in contemporary songwriting for a night of stripped-down performances that highlight the beauty of acoustic storytelling and vocal harmony.

intimatedreamyemotionalharmoniousvulnerable
Sun, Jan 25
The Independent··8:00 PM·Doors 7:30 PM·

TikTok poetry sensation Whitney Hanson brings her viral spoken word to life in an intimate live poetry and music tour. Known for her deeply felt explorations of heartbreak and healing, Hanson combines confessional verse with stripped-down musical accompaniment for a vulnerable, cathartic experience.

poetryconfessionalheartbreakintimate
Sun, Jan 25
The Chapel·$25.00-$30.00·8:00 PM·Doors 7:00 PM·All Ages

Melodic post-rock band Seahaven blends introspective lyrics with expansive soundscapes, showcasing their emotional depth in the intimate setting of The Chapel.

intimateindielocal-favoriteestablished
Sun, Jan 25
Great American Music Hall··5:00 PM·Doors 7:00 PM·

Electro-pop innovators set to transform Great American Music Hall with their immersive soundscapes, showcasing tracks from their latest release.

intimatelocal-favoriteestablishedindie
Sun, Jan 25
Bottom of the Hill·$15·3:00 PM·Doors 3:00 PM·All Ages

Heavy-psych explorers Mammatus deliver sprawling, cosmic soundscapes, showcasing their latest material in the intimate setting of Bottom of the Hill.

intimateundergroundexperimentalpsychedelic
Sun, Jan 25
DNA Lounge·$18·7:30 PM·

Dark electronic pioneers Dawn of Ashes blend industrial and metal influences, bringing their provocative soundscapes to DNA Lounge in support of their latest release.

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