I heard about Blow Up SF not too long after I turned 18. I had been looking for clubs and events that played dance music, or electro, whatever you want to call it, and for some reason I never came across this party. Before leaving for Vegas, a good friend of mine showed me some videos on Youtube of this thing called “Blow Up”, and I was instantly sold on it. I will say this – as nuts as those videos were, they did not do the party itself justice!
So we came across this… Youtube Link HERE
We walked in to a somewhat small venue on Fell Street, and for whatever reason I questioned how the night would turn out. I only noticed a few people on the dance floor at the time, so we headed upstairs, and in the blink of an eye the place was packed! The crowd was insane. Everyone was just enjoying themselves and having the time of their lives. The view of the sea of people dancing from upstairs was something else. It’s no secret that I had the time of my life, and I was hooked. So much so, I found myself missing only 3 parties since my first time in 2008. Hell, I even started using the flyers as decorations as if they were posters…
I know, sounds ridiculous, right? Well anyway, party after party, we were there. And I think my friend’s simple intoxicated words put it best, “Dude….this place just keeps better and better!” I don’t know what it was. Maybe how the positive energy of all the party people made a small venue seem like a whole new dimension. And how you were allowed the freedom to do almost anything. Really…anything (you know how scandalous it gets). Or, how you never enjoyed sweating like hell as much as you did here while you danced the night away. Or maybe, how if you stepped on someone’s shoe, bumped into them, or spilled some of their drink, it would always be forgotten with a hug or a high five. I guess it was all that and more.
Whenever a friend would ask me, “Don’t you get tired of going?”, I’d just think about all the stories made and all the people that I’ve met. From Jeffrey and Ava, to all my buddies from SF to Vallejo, and even Monterey, we’d always run into each other at Blow Up every time. I’ll never forget how I met Ava! Hearing one of my favorite songs at the start of the night, I rushed to the floor and felt someone grab a hold of my shoulders. Only to find this awesome lady to be singing to me, “You’ve got to show me loveee…Hi I’m Ava!” Hm, just one of the many memories made at Blow Up…hah.
I could really go on and on about the stories and ways of how I met all these people, but you get the point. Blow Up has been through a lot in the past couple of years. But even after a few venue changes, it’s great to see that the exceptional vibe has never changed. And, I couldn’t be happier to see Jeffrey Paradise and Ava Berlin’s party go onto it’s 6 Year Anniversary!!
We are so excited for all of us to get together once more to make this night, particularly, much more special! The big night is almost here, and we can’t wait to see everyone there!
I had just turned 18 when I first started going, and have only missed 3 parties since. Now, I’ll be turning 21 in under a month, and I have no doubt that I’ll still be hitting Blow Up for an amazing night out! And I say that with a smile…
Consider this my letter of appreciation to the best party in the world. Thanks for all the memories. Happy 6 Year Anniversary!! Blow Up and Get Down.
Yours truly,
Chris Mags
