Bill Graham Civic Auditorium — Attraction in San Francisco

I was lucky to be able to catch Swedish House Mafia here on Valentine's Day. Just a few weeks earlier, a friend of mine said he couldn't go anymore and let me have his ticket. I guess this is more for the show than for the actual venue, but it was one of the best electronic music shows I've ever seen.

I arrived a little past 8, and the line moved surprisingly briskly so entering was drama free. For the first couple hours, I was in the balcony seating with my friends enjoying the opening set. AN21 and Max Vangeli kept me on my feet as I went back and forth to the bar for drinks. I could complain that they were too expensive and weak, but I had work the next day so it was better that the Vodka Red Bulls and Whiskey Cokes were on the tamer side.

After an oddly long 30 min intermission, SHM made a grand entrance with a fully lit LED stage and lasers shooting effing everywhere PEW PEW. I'm actually pretty glad we stayed in the balcony for some time because we were able to fully experience the visual effects. Lasers here; lasers there; lasers everywhere! All the lights and pyrotechnics were perfectly synced to the pounding beats, buzzing drones, and uplifting melodies. The amount of thought and attention to detail they put into the visual effects really made the show that much better.

At some point, I was starting to get super restless so I went to the main floor to dance the night away. From the balcony, the main floor looked unbearably packed, but I was glad to find lots of space in the back and off to the sides. The floors were rather sticky, but that didn't stop me from shuffling to my heart's content while inviting others to join me. It was a blast to see people of all ages and backgrounds come together for a night of unadulterated fun. I swear I saw a kid bring his mom or something. Where else do you see something like that?

At the end, I left completely exhausted and completely satisfied. I was ready to go home and get a good night's rest for work the next day. Thanks for an awesome night, SHM!...

I was totally disappointed with the way the Bill Graham handled security and safety last night.

-Where I was, an entire group of like 6+ sat on the stairs in the balcony area. At every single concert I've ever been to, security immediately tells people (including previously at this venue) to get off the stairs (because it's a fire hazard). Security was nowhere to be found and the group sat on stairs for the second half of the show which made me anxious because they were blocking me in to my seat. If there was an emergency, it would be terrible to have the stairs blocked.

-there was a solid five minutes during the encore where people on the floor in GA were trying to get the attention of security because someone was on the floor collapsed, and they were shining their lights backwards and illuminating things and pointing to the area, not only did staff not notice until people in the crowd went to go get someone, but the artist didn't bring any attention to it, maybe she couldn't see it, I don't know. But she was singing a song about a cry for help, which was ironic.

-getting out was a nightmare, the merch floor was absolutely insane after the show and made it confusing to get out, security was less than helpful directing, most didn't even know where to go to get out. They told us to go in the direction of the merch chaos, where there were no exits. They overall seemed very incompetent and most weren't even addressing us as if we were people which was disgusting.

It was honestly a mess and so unpleasant. I've been to this venue before and never felt like this. I almost had a panic attack honestly feel like if I had there wouldnt have been any resources for me.

I don't know if I'd ever come here again if this is how shows are handled now. Sad to see the decline of one of the best venues. Was in fear of my safety for more than...

Actually went for an event they were having in Hope's of achieving information that might of taking me months to take care of due to seperate appointments I would of had to make if the consultations weren't all available in one area. They had all kinds of resources there that day. I recieved a hair cut and even manage to fill out forms to have a new C.A. Identification card to be mailed out to me, with out all the hustle and bussel of dealing with the long D.M.V. lines. It was great! I was able to speak with some neighberhood business's which was convenient for further appointment making and had a couple of counciltations with some professionals that refered me to specific resources that would of taking me forever to figure out alone. I couldnt/wouldnt of accomplished all of the things I did if all these services weren't all in one area. After ward's they served us lunch. I feel like my time was used constructively in a manner where I could only come up on top from taking advantage of all the resources that were made available to me. Thank you Bill Graham! Your not just a great concert hall, your a wonderful place where many resources that are needed,can congregate to help benefit those in need of a valuable, once a year...