Popscene Circa 2000-2010

Popscene, nestled at 330 Ritch Street in San Francisco, was more than just a nightclub; it was a cultural epicenter that significantly influenced the indie music scene. 

Founded by passionate music enthusiasts, including Aaron Axelsen and Omar Perez, Popscene became a launchpad for emerging artists and a haven for fans seeking the next big sound. The club's intimate setting hosted early performances by now-renowned artists such as Muse, Amy Winehouse, Phoenix, Mumford & Sons,  Vampire Weekend (and one of Jackie's favorite bands of all time Von Iva). Notably, Amy Winehouse's only Bay Area performance took place at Popscene in April 2007.

For artists, Popscene offered a unique opportunity to connect with an enthusiastic and discerning audience, providing a platform that was instrumental in their careers. Fans cherished the club for its eclectic mix of indie, electronic, synthpop, and more, creating an inclusive space where music discovery thrived.

For Jackie, Popscene holds a special place in her heart. The energy of the live performances, the camaraderie among fellow music lovers, and the thrill of witnessing artists on the cusp of stardom made it an unforgettable experience. It was a sanctuary where she could immerse herself in the music that defined an era, leaving an indelible mark on her life.

The legacy of Popscene at 330 Ritch endures, reminding us of a time when music brought people together in the most authentic and exhilarating ways.

 The Hip Hop and R&B era from 2000-2010 was my jam too, from da klerb (I know some of ya’ll was up in the club) to the car to late-night hangs with friends, these tracks were always turnin' up. For the record, I was mostly inside studying and/or being a dork/nerd with my friends, like Chandan who spent this decade reading Harry Potter. For me, it wasn’t just about the big names—although, let’s be real, there was no escape from that Hey Ya song … It was mostly about what was happening locally, especially with the Hyphy Movement out of the Bay Area. If you don’t know, the Hyphy Movement was a whole cultural wave in Northern California, led by artists like E-40, Keak da Sneak, and Mac Dre. It was all about ghost-riding the whip, and getting "turnt." Tracks like E-40’s “Tell Me When to Go” and Keak’s “Super Hyphy” still hit different when you’re in the right mood, like on the way home from your university after a long day of using big academia words. This music wasn’t just something you listened to; it was something a lot of folks shared in common and have a mutual understanding of today. 

So during this time you had R&B tracks like Mary J. Blige’s “Be Without You” for when you were in your feelings, and Hyphy anthems for when you needed to get turnt coming home from work. Also who was singing Be Without You at the top of their lungs… ME, even though I was single, the Bay Area is a terrible place to date.... but I digress... Looking back, those songs remind me of so many moments. This party is a chance to bring all of that back and reconcile all of your past grievances from that decade, this party will ultimately turn into a group support circle, there will be crying, there will be processing... (JUST KIDDING LOL). If you see me on the dance floor getting turnt and ghost-riding my invisible whip and ultimately giving a power point presentation, just let it happen. It’s all love for the music that shaped an unforgettable decade.