Party Radar: With 'Unabridged,' the story of Detroit techno unfolds in the Bay - 48 hills

"Detroit techno, austere and futuristic, grew out of Black/queer culture, sci-fi escapism, and the repetitive language of automobile factories. San Francisco's techno, on the other hand, fused an outdoor hippie aesthetic with ecstatic, UK-derived beats that had crowds mass-hallucinating UFOs on Ocean Beach at dawn. Both shared a deep funkiness, however—remember when people of all shapes and colors once danced wildly?"

"The two scenes have remained surprisingly connected, not least by a wave of '90s Midwest refugees fleeing to San Francisco for more temperate weather, better artistic and employment opportunities, and a break from then-rampant Rust Belt racism and homophobia. When SF got uptight and too pricey in the 2010s, a mini reverse wave of migration to Detroit fueled satirical screeds against artisanal hipster invasion."

"The As You Like It Crew brings some of Detroit's biggest techno artists—Jeff Mills, Stacey 'Hotwaxx' Hale, Moodymann, Marcellus Pittman, Mike Servito, Jason Kendig, Carlos Souffront—to the Bay Area for a terrific-looking series of parties and events called Unabridged: Detroit Incoming. The series bridges both sides of the Bay as well as the Motor City, and includes panels, a classic film, an afternoon BBQ, a chill mixer, and plenty of late-night dancing."

Detroit techno emerged from Black and queer culture, science fiction escapism, and factory repetition, while San Francisco techno blended hippie outdoor aesthetics with UK-influenced beats. Both scenes shared fundamental funkiness and underground ethos during the 1990s. The cities maintained surprising connectivity through Midwest migration to San Francisco seeking better weather, opportunities, and escape from Rust Belt racism and homophobia. Later, reverse migration to Detroit occurred when San Francisco became expensive and gentrified. The As You Like It Crew now strengthens this connection by bringing major Detroit techno artists including Jeff Mills, Stacey Hale, Moodymann, and others to the Bay Area for Unabridged: Detroit Incoming, a multi-week series featuring parties, panels, film screenings, and dancing events.

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