Richie Panic

If you had told me 20 years ago that the little party we started at 222 Hyde, a room that held maybe 60 people, would still be going today, I would’ve asked if you were okay. Maybe you needed a soda to get you out of your K hole. I moved to San Francisco from Florida in December 2005 with a backpack and $300. I didn’t know anyone. Somehow, in that early chaos, I met @richiepanic and Jefrodisiac (@poolside ) of the legendary Frisco Disco (RIP). I was obsessed with what they were building, I didn’t know my place yet, but I knew that energy drew me in completely. They introduced me to Joe and Bianca at 222 Hyde, and in February 2006, Lights Down Low was born: a great sound system, lots of friends, tons of hazy memories. From the start, I wanted a place where Fisherspooner's “Emerge” could live next to DJ Funk. Where House of Jealous Lovers could sit beside Crispy Bacon. I didn’t just come from rave, I came from punk AND rave, and I wanted that ethos in the room. My North Stars were @optimoespacio @2manydjs , and @erolalkan ’s Trash. What they represented felt dangerous, emotional, and free; taste over trends, fun over genre purity. Over the years, all three have played Lights Down Low, seven or eight times across two decades with Optimo most of all. One of my favorite memories was Optimo going b2b with Jackmaster in an abandoned tile factory in downtown LA, total chaos in the best way. It’s bittersweet now, knowing we’ve lost Keith and Jack. Their spirit is part of this story forever. Lights Down Low has lived many lives: 222 Hyde, Triple Crown, Mighty, Mezzanine, Monarch, then Los Angeles, warehouses, pop-ups. But one thing hasn’t changed: the ethos. Lots of attitude. No pretentiousness. Fun first. That spirit is also where Richie and I built our brotherhood. About five years in, I was ready to stop. He convinced me not to. I wouldn’t be here without him. This Saturday is Part One of our 20-year anniversary. And it feels right that our North Star, Optimo, will be back behind the decks. I plan on losing my mind on that dance floor. Lights Down Low forever.

We finally did it. 20 years of intense, fun, eclectic, and mostly hectic raving. Fuck your 2016 posts we have been at this for 20 YEARS! From a tiny underground bar in San Francisco to Tokyo and where ever we could sneak in between. We tried to keep it stimulating, somewhat satisfying, and always sonically interesting. Let’s party. To celebrate we are going back to our roots throwing an intimate event with one of the most of influential acts on LDL. To us Optimo is not just DJing, it is a party, a record label, an idea, a genre clashing wave that mixes and mashes sounds seamlessly in a single set or night. Cannot stress the profound impact both How to Kill the DJ (Part Two) the Fabric 52 mix had on our soft brains and DJ ideas so many years ago. (GO LISTEN NOW) These ideals were always at the core of what we tried to carry over into LDL. Never just house, techno, post-punk, disco, EBM, electro, industrial, whatever, but all of it. Sometimes all at once. (We know we don’t have the insane knowledge or mixing abilities of our heroes Optimo, but we try). Join us Saturday February 21st as we throw down with the Legendary Optimo (Espacio) and high five each other for making it this far in a bizarre and ever shifting landscape. PS tickets are $20, a dollar for every year LDL has been in existence Would love to see everyone there! Artist: @rhomas_ormsby

I’ve had enough of 2025

ITS ALMOST TIME Join us and everyone you ever met for a downtown countdown to the new year on December 31st Massive production, excellent sounds selection, and a celebration. We are opening for our good friend @si_bonobo and taking part in the count down mayhem. Single and two-day passes are available Space is limited so sort yourself out ASAP PS comment and share for a chance to win 2 tickets 🎟️ 🎟️

Spooky season and beyond #35mm

Need some help here guys..

People places pets #35mm

Today on @dublab b2b one of my favourite humans and cali nightlife legends @richiepanic 💖 of the huge party 🎉 series @lights_down_low - 4-6pm PST Theme for the day 🥁pool side / aloha / tropical bbq beer hours - far far away from the hysteria and late night warehouse meltdowns. Remember this man is a “man of the people” and today he will please the people in the form of live radio 📻

Tell me a secret, promise I’ll keep it 😶‍🌫️ #35mm

Random Access Memories #35mm

I request that you please join me in a star studded, musically enhanced, and friend filled night in Los Angeles. June 20th I was pulled out into this world and things have never been the same since. Sonic selectors @teed @amtrac @dj.strawbry and myself Love to see you there for another year of getting older and only slightly colder.

DUDECHELLA IN FULL EFFECT 🐾 If you cannot donate please help spread the word THANK YOU! DM me for more info