If the boat is a-rockin', don't bother knockin'There's one thing that indie rockers and dance fans can agree on:The number of decent music venues in the Bay Area is frighteningly low. Rock clubs continue to close, with the admittedly low-profile Shebeen the latest victim, while dance spots and producers are constantly fighting for their right to par-tay. Thankfully, there's still the Bulletproof Boat Party, one of the area's longest-running clubs on the map -- as long as that map is nautical.
Eddie and Gail O'Callahan began Bulletproof in 1991 after opening a clothing shop of the same name in the Lower Haight. Along with Andy Eastwood (who soon returned to his Liverpool home), the couple rented a 200-person charter boat and set sail. Only 50 people came aboard that first cruise, but the couple saw potential and continued to host the events.
In 1993, English native Kevin Jenkins DJed on the boat. "At the time, house [music] dominated the scene, but I was playing acid jazz, hip hop, jazz, and funk," Jenkins, 43, recalls via phone from his S.F. home. The O'Callahans liked Jenkins' genre-crossing style so much that they asked him to become a partner in Bulletproof Productions and a major organizer of the parties. (In 1998 the O'Callahans sold the clothing store to Maria Eder and the production company to Jenkins.)
Although the promoters used only fliers and word-of-mouth to advertise, the crowds began to grow. By 1996 Bulletproof had moved from the 350-person Blue & Gold boats to the even larger Commodore line. "We sold out the last two parties on Commodore, and when we went back to Blue & Gold [in 1998], that season sold out, too, even though we were now on a 700-capacity boat," Jenkins says.
Even as the Bulletproof parties grew in size, they remained centered around a constant community. "It's basically a core of people, a very friendly atmosphere, a bit older, 25- to 35-year-olds," Jenkins says. "[The party's] like a contained wild thing -- we've never had a fight, people aren't vomiting over the side. It's this really amazing energy where everyone's happy and dancing."
Eventually, other promoters grew hip to the possibility of a floating freakout, with the Red Melon, Sunset, and Oblivion folks throwing successful events on the Blue & Gold fleet. Bulletproof continued to be among the most popular, as DJs spun hip hop, downtempo, funk, and, yes, house, while steering clear of techno and trance. (For a taste of what the parties offer, check out Jenkins' DJ night "Doublebarreled," held every third Saturday at 26 Mix.) The next boat sails in late October. Tickets are now available, but Jenkins would rather not advertise where you can get them. "If you're interested, you'll find it," he says. "We want to avoid a swarm of people looking for the next big thing."
Asked if he thinks the vibe will be more morose at the upcoming party, considering the recent national occurrences, Jenkins is decidedly upbeat. "I did the last "Doublebarreled' and I was wondering how it would be," he says. "It was really nice and busy and deeper than usual somehow. People kind of wanted a break and a chance to let off steam. ... It's an exciting time and a fearful time. As I was telling a friend of mine, "We're right in the middle of history in the making.'"
Let's hear it for freedom of spee -- shut up!I found out recently that we don't really need the FBI or Congress to curtail our civil rights: Plenty of regular folks are ready to do it themselves. While spinning records on a local college radio show last week, I got a call from a listener saying that I was naive, reactionary, and disrespectful for playing the Brilliant Corners' "Sixteen Years," a song that criticizes American foreign policy. After bouncing some ideas off the thick, rubbery hide of the caller's brain, I played my trump card: I told him that our country was founded on the principle of open discussion, and if the commie bastard didn't like it, he could move to Russia.
These days, this situation comes up a lot. I find I have to qualify many statements or risk the impression of siding with maniacs. Yes, I say, I feel horrified by the hijackings and the senseless murder of innocent people, but I also feel that our government is partially responsible for creating such hatred in other cultures, with both its foreign and economic policies. Also, while I appreciate all those big stars giving their time and effort toward "America: A Tribute to Heroes," I wonder why we don't raise $150 million for other needy folks. Finally, while I agree that the terrorists should be punished, I also feel that bombing the crap out of people might not be the best way to get them to like us. So, to my Russia-bound caller and others who wish to shove a sock in the mouth of dissent, I say this: Don't confuse patriotism with censorship.
