A TASTE OF SOUL; ITS THE REAL THING COMING JUNE 4TH (SF)
In 1991, five UC Berkeley graduates Creighton Cole, Kirk Harper, Michael O’Connor, Eric Roth and Gerry Villareal established a nightclub at 30 Rose Street, San Francisco named Mr. Fives. Their mission was to provide a positive clubhouse for events from plays, film screenings, receptions, to live performances and massive dance parties. To them and their patrons the details mattered, the message mattered and the music mattered. “Positive never negative”, from Gang Starr was their mantra.
All five were highly influenced by the 80s UK Mod Movement, politically progressive and shared an appreciation for modern design, art, film and music. Their ethnic make-up and backgrounds couldn’t be more diverse yet they came together through their passion for music, in particular, black music from the 60s through the 90s. They understood the historical continuum of the music, appreciated the undervalued artist or song and wanted to share it with people. Best of all their timing was right. In the late 80s and early 90s, Acid Jazz, Soul, Reggae & House were hitting on all cylinders and many refer to this period as a Golden Age for many of those genres—Mr. Fives was smack dab in the middle.
Looking back over 20 years, Mr. Fives means many different things to many people and evokes many fond memories. For those who were fortunate to experience the era first hand, they all agree that what set Mr. Fives apart from other venues was the diversity of the people, the dynamic underground black music, the tight knit sense of community and life-long friendships that were forged during that time.
Today we offer an all too brief snapshot of that special place & time...Mr. Fives!
MR. FIVES MIX
Selection and mix by The Selecter DJ Kirk and DJ Gerry V.
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