There are many reasons why you no longer see as many people out and about as you used to, especially when it comes to nightlife. San Francisco has always been an early-to-bed, early-to-rise kind of small city. This happens to be a quality that many locals love. Lately, however, the city’s pulse has slowed to a noticeable lull.
Whether it’s your favorite restaurant, Venu, or movie theatre, customer traffic is down. Considering rising costs, the city’s decline in population, and hits to arts funding nationwide, it makes sense that there are simply fewer people willing to go out and spend money.
Entertainment all across the Bay Area is confronted with this growing issue, and yet, to no surprise, the queer community has come up with creative ways to keep the crowds coming.
Three years ago, Oasis Arts recognized this exact issue and was born from the renowned Oasis nightclub and cabaret. At 560 4th Street, the nonprofit officially assumes programming responsibilities at the cherished SoMa staple.
Opening on New Year’s Day 2015, Oasis is an 8,000 square foot converted bathhouse that hosts DJs, themed parties, drag shows, and live theatre. The colorful and queer staff is highly ambitious and only hopes to expand their wheelhouse as time goes on.
However, as the artistic scene of Oasis thrives, there is the unfortunate reality of their financial struggles.
The producer
Speaking with The Bay Area Reporter, Oasis owner and operator, San Francisco icon and drag superstar D’Arcy Drollinger explained that even with the creation of the nonprofit, the venue continues to rely on their community ties and their enduring support. Constantly challenging Oasis to become more inclusive, supportive, and cutting-edge, Drollinger is also the Executive and Artistic Director of Oasis Arts, undertaking the nonprofit angle.
Of course, Drolliger is not without some noteworthy side hustles, such as the 12-year-long dance class Sexitude, and of course his role as director, producer, and costar of “The Golden Girls Live: The Christmas Episodes,” which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. It’s a not-to-miss Christmas attraction in drag at the Curran Theatre this holiday season.
Drollinger began the interview by stating, “Oasis Arts was created out of necessity,” emphasizing its role in maintaining the venue amidst hard times and, more importantly, keeping its vital work alive. But no matter the number of different approaches used, nothing takes away from the fact that times are tough. Drollinger emphasized that it will be a community effort to keep our queer spaces alive.
“We spend much of our resources at Oasis supporting the performers and caring for everyone behind the scenes,” said Drollinger. “On top of all of this, we try to balance all of this while keeping it affordable. And recently, the finances just don’t quite work out.”
Under Oasis Arts’ management, this two-pronged approach isn’t just about keeping the lights on at this iconic bar; it’s a clever strategy to ensure expansion.
Oasis shows that have gained popularity include the “Star Trek” episode parodies, as well as original satires like “Bitch Slap,” and the sold-out annual runs of “The Rocky Horror Show.”
Launching pad
Beyond its identity as a bar, Oasis serves as a launching pad for queer creatives. Oasis Arts empowers LGBTQ and BIPOC creators by providing resources, mentorship, and a platform to amplify marginalized voices, but they need your support. They have further expanded their support by providing studio spaces and resources. Oasis Arts supported four films last year and is currently hosting rehearsals for Opera Parallèle's “Harvey Milk Reimagined,” the revised opera premiering at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts later this month.
Thankfully, you can help change the narrative of a struggling nightlife and get involved. A great opportunity is just around the corner with Oasis Arts’ old-fashioned 10-hour telethon. Call in and invest in the impact. Whatever way you do it, make sure to help be part of reaching Oasis Arts’ goal of $200,000. A mid-pandemic telethon held at Oasis in March 2021 surpassed its $250,000 goal.
The new telethon will take place on June 1 from 12pm to 10pm and will be live on Givebutter, Vimeo, and other streaming platforms. If you can’t make it to the phone, feel free to make a donation online anytime, as the campaign is already live at Oasis Arts’ Givebutter.
“With the telethon, we really wanted to hearken back to the Jerry Lewis Telethon,” said Drollinger, but of course, with drag queens picking up the phone.
With this distinctly queer approach, no one knows what may happen while calling in to pledge. Plus, those who pledge a qualifying amount will be awarded prizes like exclusive tote bags.
Drollinger, the Citys first Drag Laureate, seemed hesitant to reveal any surprise guests but promised that the telethon will be a “cavalcade of stars from all of the performers that have performed at Oasis over the years, plus live performances and video submissions from bigger celebrities to the Ru girls and local performers.”
As the interview drew to a close, much like in drag, beneath the fabulousness, a deeper “truth, drama, and honesty,” as Drollinger described it, resonated in his voice.
He concluded, “As an organization, all we really want to do is carve out the space for LGBTQ artists in the Bay Area. We not only want to make sure that they are able to exist and survive, but to thrive.”
Oasis Arts, now and hopefully for a long time to come, truly keeps the spirit alive.
https://www.oasisartsinc.org/
https://givebutter.com/EJpyg4
