The Independent has served as one of the premiere music venues in the United States since its opening in 2004 by a group of local entrepreneurs and music lovers. Next month, the venue celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a week of shows starting on February 22 with NEIL FRANCES. Other artists enlisted for the festivities include TOKiMONSTA, André 3000, Trixie Mattel, Young The Giant, Emotional Oranges, Real Estate, and Reggie Watts. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 26 at 10am PT at www.theindependentsf.com.
An intimate 550-capacity club, The Independent is known for bringing a diverse mix of entertainment to its stage – from hip-hop to rock to EDM, comedy to podcasts, and everything in between. Many of today’s biggest artists played The Independent while their careers were just starting, including Tame Impala, Lizzo, LCD Soundsystem, Doja Cat, The 1975, ODESZA, Twenty One Pilots, MGMT, Bon Iver, Skrillex, Vampire Weekend and Kygo. Due to the club’s reputation, quality, and production value, superstar acts have also been able to play intimate performances well into their careers. This includes Metallica, Green Day, The Black Eyed Peas, The Killers, John Legend, Garth Brooks, Zhu, Arctic Monkeys, Cyndi Lauper, Beck, and Phoebe Bridgers, while comedy greats like Dave Chappelle, Patton Oswalt and Zach Galifianakis have brought the laughs.
The Independent, noted for its robust sound and lights, perfect sightlines and a professional, courteous staff, has become a highlight for musicians, touring professionals and fans alike. Allen Scott, co-founder & co-owner of The Independent shares, “When we opened this venue 20 years ago, we all wanted it to be iconic, while still staying completely independent. Now, not only has it stayed true to its original vision, but it’s become a leader and destination for live concerts in San Francisco and throughout the country.”
With a continuous schedule of emerging and varied performers on stage, The Independent plays a vital role in San Francisco’s storied live music past, present and future and is proud to serve as the foundation of a continuously evolving NOPA district. The club has hosted over 5,500 concerts and over 2,000,000 concert goers have passed through its doors since its inception. This has had a significant impact on the neighborhood and city’s economy. Since its opening two decades ago, over 30 new storefronts have opened along the Divisadero corridor, including 4505 Burgers & BBQ, Nopa, Emporium, Che Fico, Beretta, Sightglass Coffee, Fool’s Errand and Souvla, as well as retail shops such as Bi-Rite Market, Onyx, Rare Device, The Perish Trust, Topo Designs and more.
The building itself is one of San Francisco’s oldest entertainment venues. Prior to becoming The Independent, the 628 Divisadero Street address was home to such clubs as the Justice League, Kennel Club, Crash Palace and The Half Note. Today, The Independent continues to be independently owned by the same group that opened it in 2004 and is exclusively booked and promoted by Another Planet Entertainment.
Shows to commemorate the 20th anniversary of The Independent are:
Thursday, February 22 NEIL FRANCES
Friday, February 23 TOKiMONSTA
Saturday, February 24 André 3000
Sunday, February 25 Trixie Mattel
Monday, February 26 Young The Giant
Tuesday, February 27 Emotional Oranges
Wednesday, February 2 Real Estate
Thursday, February 29 Reggie Watts
