Jonathan Will and Alec De Reitzes live at Listen Happy Hour at bergerac sf, Oct 25, 2024

JonathanWill&AlecDeReitzes@'LISTEN'-October25th-2024

Joseph Lee is a celebrated DJ, producer, and community organizer whose career has been instrumental in shaping San Francisco’s electronic music scene. Known for his deep, soulful house music sets, Lee has captivated audiences across iconic venues, street fairs, and transformative gatherings such as Burning Man,. His contributions to the city’s cultural landscape extend beyond the dance floor—he played a key role in bringing the internationally renowned Love Parade to San Francisco, further solidifying the city’s reputation as a global hub for electronic music and community-driven events.

Early Beginnings

Joseph Lee discovered his love for music in the vibrant, eclectic atmosphere of San Francisco in the late 1990s. Drawn to the underground rave scene, he began DJing at intimate warehouse parties, honing his craft and developing a distinct style rooted in deep house. His sets became known for their emotional depth, seamless blending, and ability to create an inclusive, uplifting atmosphere on the dance floor.

Lee’s reputation quickly grew, and he became a regular fixture in San Francisco’s club scene, performing at legendary venues like 1015 Folsom, The EndUp, 177 Townsend, Bergerac, Monroe, Monarch and so many more. His commitment to creating community through music was evident from the start, as he often collaborated with local artists, fashion designers, dancers, musicians and visual performers to elevate the nightlife experience.

Burning Man and the Playa Soundtrack

Burning Man played a transformative role in Joseph Lee’s career and artistic vision. First attending in the late 1990’s, Lee found inspiration in the festival’s ethos of radical self-expression and community. He became a staple in the deep house camps on the Playa such as Robot Heart, Distrikt, Kalliope and The Luna Art Crane, crafting immersive, sunrise-to-sunset (and sunset to sunrise) sets that connected thousands of burners in shared transcendence. His ability to curate soundscapes that mirrored the desert’s vastness and beauty earned him a loyal following both at Burning Man and in the San Francisco music scene

Love Parade and Cultural Advocacy

One of Joseph Lee’s most significant achievements was helping to bring the Love Parade to San Francisco. Originally founded in Berlin, the Love Parade celebrates music, peace, and community, with thousands of people gathering for a massive dance procession through the streets. Lee’s vision and passion for electronic music led him to advocate for and organize the first-ever Love Parade in San Francisco in 2004, inspired by curating, building and doing on this 50 foot silver spaceship art car ‘float’ for SFPride in 2000.

His efforts helped adapt the event to the city’s unique character, blending the spirit of Berlin’s techno roots with San Francisco’s love of diversity and artistic expression.

The San Francisco Love Parade (later rebranded as LoveFest and then LoveEvolution) became one of the city’s most beloved annual events, drawing massive crowds and cementing the city’s reputation as a leader in electronic music culture. Lee’s role in bringing this event to life demonstrated his ability to merge his artistic talents with a deep commitment to community building and cultural advocacy.

Street Fairs, Golden Gate Park, and Public Spaces

Beyond the club circuit, Lee’s music often spilled into the streets and parks of San Francisco, creating accessible, free events that embodied the city’s inclusive spirit. He became a frequent performer at street fairs such as the Folsom Street Fair and Haight-Ashbury Street Fair, Castro street fair, Pink Saturday and Halloween in the Castro, where his sets brought people from all walks of life together in celebration.

Golden Gate Park was another favorite stage for Lee, where he organized and performed at outdoor gatherings that blended music, art, and nature. These events highlighted his dedication to making deep house music a shared, communal experience, breaking down barriers between artist and audience.

Legacy and Impact

Over the years, Joseph Lee has become a revered figure in the San Francisco music scene, not only for his technical skill as a DJ but also for his role in fostering a sense of connection and belonging through music. His commitment to deep house as a genre—marked by its soulful melodies, rich textures, and emotive rhythms—has inspired countless DJs and producers in the Bay Area and beyond.

By bringing the Love Parade to San Francisco, Lee left a lasting legacy that continues to influence the city’s electronic music culture. His work as a DJ and organizer has helped elevate San Francisco as a global destination for dance music, creativity, and community-driven events.

Today

Though the music industry and San Francisco itself have evolved over the years, DJ Joseph Lee remains a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant cultural scene. Whether behind the decks at a packed club, orchestrating pop up renegade parties with his mobile DJ Void sound system called the ‘Robo Kart’, a sunrise Playa set, or spinning at a community event in Golden Gate Park, Lee’s passion for music and connection shines through. His career is a testament to the transformative power of music and its ability to unite people across boundaries, one deep house beat at a time.

JonathanWill&AlecDeReitzes@'LISTEN'-October25th-2024

Joseph Lee (from SF)