Q&A: Timothy Strong from Dial Up
Timothy Strong is a force of nature. Part promoter, part fashionista, part unicorn and all awesome — I got a chance to throw some questions his way before his monthly party, Dial Up, every third Thursday at Public Works.
What is the story with Dial Up? Who is behind it? What is the theme?
Dr. Sleep, Jorge Portillo and I were out one night and we got on the topic of throwing a party together. The idea was that San Francisco has such a huge electronic/dance music scene but there seems to be a void when it comes to parties where queer boys and girls, and our friends dance together to that type of music. We set out to try to create that space.
It’s definitely still a work in progress but we’re having a ton of fun with it. It’s sort of like we’re all connected in so many ways these days. EVERYONE has a telephone. We all make phone calls, we all send text messages, we all like to party, we all like to dance. In fact, Dial Up loves sending text messages. If you text dialup to 760-670-3130 you can be on our text message list. We like to give away a lot of free drinks and guest list spots. It’s funny and cute.
Public Works is a fairly new space, how have the parties been so far? Do you find people are reluctant to go to new areas / patronize new spaces or was the transition into this shiny, new club easy and breezy?
I would say that at first it was a little tricky getting the “Mission kids” to embrace a new venue that primarily caters to electronic music scene. But I think once there, people really like the space. Dial Up is upstairs in the Odd Job Room, which creates a more intimate experience than might be had in the main room.
Where do you recommend people go to purchase gold chains and pendants?
Wisconsin. Reno. The Flea Market.
With the recent closing of The Eagle Tavern, do you feel that queer spaces are becoming endangered in this city?
I feel like queer spaces that provide an alternative to what’s happening in the Castro are always in danger. The Eagle closed while I was out of town and coming home to a San Francisco without it was super surreal and sad. That place was magic to so many people and it’s really hard to accept that it’s gone.
I know that the fact that it could vanish just like that leaves a little fear in us that it could happen again. I think that SoMa is in a particular danger of becoming something different than what it has been historically. I really hope that we are able to resist that.
What are some of your favorite spots in the city – places you may or may not wear your necklaces and fancy pants?
Mr. Pollo, Juhu Beach Club, The Stud, The Lexington Club, El Rio, Hole in the Wall, White Walls Gallery, Shooting Gallery.
Dial Up is every 3rd Thursday at Public Works. Doors are at 10pm and tickets are $5.
