If you do not have tickets to a show this weekend you’ve made a huge mistake.  Some of the biggest acts of the season will be gracing stages large and small this weekend in the City.  From the former (DJ Mag) #1 DJ to the French king of dark, industrial techno there will be a myriad of highly coveted electronic talent performing this weekend.  For this Top Five a lot of shows are sold out, but I highly recommend you scour craigslist, stub-hub, and other scalper sites in order to see some of these great acts.

#1 Hardwell

Full Lineup: Hardwell, Kill The Buzz

Price: Sold out

Dates: Friday, November 13th and Saturday, November 14th

Location: Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

Age: 18+

Info

Hardwell is performing two sold out shows Friday and Saturday at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.  This will be by far the biggest show of the weekend, and arguably the biggest show of the entire fall season.  Expect an outstanding performance on a sonic and visual level especially at Bill Graham (my personal favorite venue in the city).  The Revealed Records headman will deliver a fantastic, lengthy show so if you have the opportunity to scalp some tickets do not hesitate.

#2 Zeds Dead

Full Lineup: Zeds Dead, Astronomer (Saturday), Oneman (Friday) 

Price: Sold out

Location: Mezzanine

Date(s): Friday, November 13th and Saturday, November 14th

Age: 21+

Info

While I can’t deny that Hardwell will be the biggest show of the weekend, the show I’ll be attending is Zeds Dead.  The Canadian kings of bass music will be playing two sold out shows at the Mezzanine this Friday and Saturday.  Zeds Dead have been a staple of the North American electronic scene and will deliver an unreal amount of variety to the dance floor.  Expect them to bring out an entire arsenal of dubstep, trap, electro, deep house, and whatever else you could possibly imagine.  

#3 Gesaffelstein

Full Lineup: Gesaffelstein, Gener8ion, MPHD

Price: Sold out

Location: 1015 Folsom

Date(s): Friday, November 13th

Age: 21+

Info

Like I said, there’s a lot of talent to see this weekend, and one of the most unique artists making an appearance is Gesaffelstein.  The French native will bring his own brand of dark techno to 1015 Folsom.  Expect to hear classic tracks such as “Belgium,” “Hate Or Glory,” and “Pursuit.”  If you are already committed to another show this weekend, fear not, as Gesaffelstein will be playing another encore set at 1015 Folsom on Thursday November 19th.

#4 Danny Avila

Full Lineup: Danny Avila

Price: $17.20

Location: Temple SF

Date(s): Friday, November 13th

Age: 21+

Tickets

If you are looking for a show that isn’t sold-out, Temple SF has you covered and will round out the Top 5 this weekend.  On Friday Danny Avila will display how he has made a name for himself in electronic music at the young age of 20.  He will show you what his More brand is all about by playing a variety of electro and progressive house.  If you want to get familiar with Avila beforehand, check out his More Radio and Ready To Jump radio series.

#5 Sultan + Shepard

Full Lineup: Sultan + Shepard

Price: $17.20

Location: Temple SF

Date(s): Saturday, November 14th

Age: 21+

Tickets

Rounding out the top 5 is a group I highly encourage seeing – Sultan + Shepard.  Their collaboration with Dillon Francis “When We Were Young” was the stand out track on Francis’ debut album, and they have since continued to bring a unique flavor to future/deep house.  If you’re in the mood for a fun and chiller night out Temple will definitely be the spot come Saturday.

Like I said if you are not seeing some show this weekend, you are making a mistake.  Have fun, stay safe, and check back next week for more picks for the weekend!

As always, Top Five is written by Chris Farmer.