In 2024 all we have are shows in San Francisco. It really does feel like the last saving grace of culture and art left in city depleted of its own humanity. It will be said that we also have good fans – we dance. It is our (only) outlet. Having lived in San Francisco for 18 years, I would say I have a grip on the venue scene here. I lived 4 blocks away from The Independent for 10 years. But if I lived 40 miles away it would still be my favorite venue. So as God would have it, my friend Kyosuke was playing bass for a band called ‘Lewis OfMan’ coming through this Summer. Kyosuke is if anything – cool. So I know it was going to be somethin’ to see. I came to their soundcheck. Going to a soundcheck without meeting a band before is like a blind date. Everyone is just wondering who these strangers are and if what they are doing sounds good. Well it did sound good and when they were done I got to meet the man of the hour – Lewis. From his music you can tell he lives in his own world. Lewis is small in stature but has the style and spunk of a fucking rocket ship. When you have a person like this in your grasp you kinda just let them do their thing and see what kinda of corky things come up. I asked for a portrait and then I saw him dart to his luggage bag on the floor and start muttering in french about what sunglasses would look more rock and roll. He did not disappoint. From the three hours until showtime we talked about tour and plans for the Summer. With 5 minutes to show there was a feeling of excitement back there. Loud French talking, the getting in the groove. These guys were about to rock the fuck out.
To no ones surprise they came in hot and started rollin. The sold out crowd was right in tune with this small French man singing Spanish rock like he was was playing a hometown crowd. He switched in and out from bedroom synth rock to this mix of Brazilian psychedelic 70’s. There were bongo breakdowns, endless guitar solos and band dance sequences. The crowd was singing back lyrics that Duolingo would have a tough time transcribing. The up and down cadence of song choices and the eternal vibe let the crowd sit back and truly watch the show. I kept looking over at the crowd and it just looked so fun. Then Lewis played ‘Frisco Blues’, a ballad to pay homage to the romantic nature of what San Francisco was and could be. It made us feel cool again, if only for a night. We capped off the night with a band portrait with the crowd. Screaming for encores and more of what Lewis had trailed off and suddenly it was over. I have been to special shows before. I think this one was just a little bit more. Sometimes you get what you need, and I can say this is what San Francisco needed. Come back soon Lewis. <3
Thank you,
Ryan King
Blind Date.
The historical green room sticker door.
Ann and Kyosuke with their rockstar glasses.
Masterclass of global thrifting.
Showtime.
Lewis OfMan greenroom portrait.
Le start.
Kyosuke doing his thang. <3
Groovy half shot.
Footwear.
Rockin’.
Making us cool again.
(Insert rose emoji.)
Every time I look at this photo I wonder how the guy got so high up in the back…
