If you live in the Bay Area, chances are you’ve already been to the California Academy of Sciences either to check out one of their various one-of-a-kind exhibits or for a drink at their weekly Nightlife series, easily one of the best ways to spend a Thursday night in San Francisco. As if an aquarium, planetarium and fully-functioning rainforest weren’t enough to pique your interest, the Academy of Sciences is kicking off its second annual Nightlife LIVE concert series this week, which will transform the museum into a full blown concert venue one Thursday a month through October.
Teaming up with various local promoters and music festivals, Nightlife LIVE has assembled a lineup that features a dynamic collection of both established and up ’n coming artists across genres. The selection of artists are from all over the world, but the Bay Area and west coast are definitely the most well represented with a number of exciting local and regional bands featured. Keeping in the spirt of science, the outdoor stage setup promises to be an experience all its own with an immersive installation from Domestic Data Streams that will use real-time data from the audience to source a piece of digital art. Aside from the attractions inside the museum, there will also be several mini-exhibits from various organizations along other activities at each show. To prepare for this Thursday’s opening and get all our ninjas up to speed, we’ve broken down the acts performing at each show below. You can find some more info and buy tickets here.
May 14: Machinedrum & B. Bravo
Lineup presented by: DJ Dials
Machinedrum’s complex, atmospheric take on drum ’n bass music couldn’t be a better way to open an event series honoring science. With a full live setup, he’ll be bringing his latest album, Vapor City, to life cover to cover. While Machinedrum’s sure to take us on a sonic journey, LA-based producer B. Bravo, who will be opening, should get the dance floor moving with his funk-influenced electronic jams.
June 11: Hanni El Khatib & Hot Flash Heat Wave
Lineup presented by: Noise Pop
Hanni El Khatib and Hot Flash Heat Wave are two of the Bay Area’s most exciting indie rock acts. El Khatib has really taken off in the last couple years with a sound that juxtaposes heavier elements of bluesy rock and lo-fi with an amazing ear for infectious melodies. Hot Flash Heat Wave fall closer to the pop end of the rock spectrum crafting intricate, yet catchy, songs that translate live amazingly. Although they’re still relative newcomers, we’d bet good money on Hot Flash Heat Wave making a splash this year outside of the Bay Area.
July 9: The Dodos & Doe Eye
Lineup presented by: Popscene SF
After covering electronic and indie rock in the first and second shows respectively, the third installment of the series focuses on alternative acts with acoustic vibes. The Dodos, a San Francisco duo, create blissful folk-leaning rock music that’s sure to fit perfectly with a warm afternoon. Doe Eye, also a local artist, has a beautiful voice which pairs with pop melodies and backing guitar for an addicting sound.
August 6: Alvvays & GRMLN
Lineup presented by: Outside Lands Music Festival
Just a day before Outside Lands kicks off, the festival will be hosting this stacked pre-show as part of the Nightlife LIVE series. Alvvays, a Canadian-based band, have some of the dreamiest, garage rock you’ll hear featuring soaring vocals and a perfectly hazy aesthetic. GRMLN, another relative local, will be handling support–his style in some ways mirrors that of Alvvays but with more of a tendency towards melancholic vibes.
September 10: Moon Duo & Peaking Lights
Lineup presented by: (((folkYEAH!)))
Moon Duo, yet another San Francisco-bred band, make heavy, psychedelic rock music that should be a perfect fit for the elaborate outdoor setup. LA’s Peaking Lights, who will be opening, are further electronic leaning but have a distinct psychedelia that should mesh well with Moon Duo.
October 15: Hundred Waters & TOPS
Lineup presented by: Treasure Island Music Festival
In the pre-show for Treasure Island Music Festival and final event of the Nightlife LIVE series, Hundred Waters will be brining their textured, multi-faceted and supremely relaxing electronic ambiance to the museum. Canadian band TOPS are a great and similarly relaxing opener who have a more indie rock, guitar-driven aesthetic.
