Erik Lillquist's picture

Erik Lillquist

For the last 9 years, Erik has been heavily involved in the San Francisco nightlife scene. From being a DJ to a promoter to now running MetroWize.com, Erik has always kept his ear to the ground for big events, cool happenings and the inside scoop on who is playing when and where.

Recent Posts by this author

  • ozone thai soma san francisco
    11/07/09

    Thai anyone? Ozone Thai moves into the old Jack Falstaff space this weekend and SOMA rezies and ballparkers can rejoice.

  • San Francisco New Years Eve 2009/2010
    11/01/09

    Updated November 5th: New Party Added. Check out the Guide for even more New Years Eve Events!

  • new york new years 2010
    11/01/09

    New Years Eve is right around the corner and it's never too early to start making your plans. With some early announcements from Made Event, Pacha and Disco Biscuits to name a few, NYE in NYC is shaping up to be nothing short of huge.

  • Las Vegas New Years 2009-2010
    11/01/09

    New Years Eve is right around the corner and it's never too early to start making your plans. With some early announcements from Light Group, Hard Rock and LAX to name a few, it looks like NYE in Vegas will be another good one.

  • Los Angeles New Years Eve 2009-2010
    11/01/09

    Believe it or not, New Years Eve is right around the corner and it's never too early to start planning. With some early announcements from Together As One, Goldenvoice and Hard NYE to name a few, it looks like NYE is already shaping up nicely.

  • Together As One 2010
    10/31/09

    You've waited for it since Jan 1st of this year and now you can officially start counting down the days to Together As One 2010. Today (hours ago actually), Insomniac and Go Ventures announced their initial headliners for the big NYE massive.

  • Sea of Dreams NYE 2010
    10/22/09

    New Years 2010 is just around the corner and it is definitely not too soon to start making your plans. Sea of Dreams recently announced their headliners for the big night out and you may just want pull that trigger right now after you see it.

  • Coachella 2010 Line Up Rumors
    10/10/09

    The countdown to Indio 2010 can officially start. The dates (unofficially) have been announced for Coachella and it didn't take long for the line up rumors to get started. U2, Daft Punk, Coldplay sound good to anyone else?

  • Supperclub 4 year anniversary
    10/08/09

    It was 4 years ago this month when the Dutch based supperclub opened it's doors to San Francisco. The uber stylish dinner lounge/nightclub is celebrating the occasion in the only way they know how. Over the top.

  • sf this week
    09/30/09

    Holy beats, beers and bluegrass batman, San Francisco is going off this weekend with more to do than there is time in the day. From LovEvolution to Oktoberfest, check out some of the big things going down in SF this week.

  • man_supperclub
    09/22/09

    Dinner at Supperclub is about a lot more than just food. It's an experience for all the senses and it's unlike anything else in San Francisco.

  • Tiesto at Cow Palace
    09/17/09

    Ruby Skye, Skills and Spundae announced today that the one and only DJ Tiesto will be making a big stop at the Cow Palace this November. 10,000 screaming fans and a massive sound system... Yes please.

  • Lovevolution Events
    09/16/09

    The LovEvolution is upon us. Rise up San Francisco and pledge your allegiance to the culture of dance. The party announcements are coming in by the dozens and like a good guide, we have the best of them in one handy spot for you.

  • 09/11/09

    In case you were planning on hearing some dance beats on the drive home today, don't plan on getting them from Energy 92.7. The only FM dance music channel in SF has ceased to be as of yesterday.

  • Armin Van Buuren at Water Taxi Beach
    09/10/09

    Dutch superstar DJ Armin Van Buuren is back in NYC this weekend for another big show. The difference is that this time the event is free and it is out at Governor's Island. Yes, you heard right, Armin is playing at Governor's Island for free. Go!

  • SF Events
    09/09/09

    San Francisco gets a bit of everything this weekend so you are bound to find that perfect place to get your good time going. Whether it's Burners or Killers you are in to, rock to indie, house to trance, find out where you should be going this week.

  • sage lounge san francisco
    09/08/09

    Sage Lounge opened it's doors to southern SOMA today and we decided to stop by to check out the sandwiches, coffee and the vibe of the neighborhood new comer.

  • SF Night
    09/02/09

    Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end to summer but the fun doesn't stop in the city. Since the bay bridge is closed all weekend, you are likely stuck in the city, you might as well make the most of it so get out there and have some fun!

  • lovevolution afterparty 2009
    08/20/09

    LovEvolution Afterparty producers Skills and Spundae announced today that Deadmau5 (arguably the hottest DJ in the world at the moment) will headline the LovEvolution Afterparty this year.

  • phish halloween
    07/24/09

    Halloween just got a whole lot spookier in Southern California. Today, Phish confirmed that they will take over the Empire Polo Fields in Indio (site of the Coachella festival) for 3 days of music during the 2009 Halloween weekend.

  • lovevolution afterparty
    07/23/09

    The LovEvolution After Party will once again be at the Bill Graham Civic Center in 2009 right after the main parade and party in the civic center. LovFest, Love Parade, call it what ever you want, we call it a party.

  • san francisco events
    07/15/09

    This week in SF there's a lot going down. Infected Mushroom is taking over the Regency Ballroom, A-Trak is back in town at The Independent and Paradise Lounge is throwing down for Ooo La La.

  • phish halloween
    07/14/09

    Phish is back after five years of hiding and the band from Vermont is out to make up for lost time. A three day run for Halloween has been announced but where it will take place and what exactly it is remains a mystery… spooky.

  • san francisco events
    07/08/09

    San Francisco! - Kick things into high gear this weekend with Steve Aoki @ Ruby Skye, Club 1992 @ 111 Minna and 2nd Sundays @ Mission Rock Cafe.

  • hard fest los angeles
    07/05/09

    On August 8th, Hard Summer is back for the 2009 installment of musical mayhem at The Forum in Los Angeles.

  • san francisco events
    06/30/09

    This week in SF there's a lot going down with the holiday weekend. Watch the fireworks on the 4th and then dance all weekend long at LMFAO, the Fillmore Jazz Festival and Krafty Kuts.

  • LovEvolution SF
    06/24/09

    SF LovEvolution parade and dance music event comes to San Francisco on October 3rd, 2009. From the Parade Route to the afterparty, floats and line up to all the events happening during LoveWeek, we've got you covered.

  • San Francisco Events
    06/24/09

    This week SF's got PRIDE, Spectrum Festival, DJ Dreamteam and David Byrne lined up and with a forecast of mostly sunny we'll take it.

  • Fedde Le Grand at Rehab
    06/23/09

    'Put Your Hands Up' for Las Vegas and come out Sunday to Rehab at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino to see the Famous Dutch DJ Fedde Le Grand.

  • Barbie Suite The Palms Las Vegas
    06/17/09

    The Palms Hotel in Las Vegas is opening its newest themed room, the Barbie Suite in celebration with Barbie’s 50th birthday.

  • San Francisco June Events 2009
    06/15/09

    This week in San Francisco: Crystal Method, Daedelus, Bicycle Music Festival, Ruby Skye's White Party, Green Velvet, Rennie Pilgrim, Fort Knox 5, Zap Mama and whole lot more.

  • Los Angeles Events June 2009
    06/15/09

    LA Film Festival, Danny Tenaglia, DJ Craze, Busdriver and Femi Kuti top the list of things to do this week in Los Angeles.

  • 2nd Sunday San Francisco
    06/10/09

    In case you've been living under a rock for the last 10 years, 2nd Sunday is a massive 10 hour-long dance party that happens every second Sunday of the summer months here in San Francisco.

  • North Beach Festival 2009
    06/09/09

    This weekend, North Beach is celebrating the 55th annual North Beach Festival at Washington Square. Locals know that the Italian district really knows how to throw a street party of epic proportions.

  • Jay Leno Las Vegas
    06/08/09

    Jay Leno is done with The Tonight Show but don't count on him going away any time soon. Twenty-two dates in Las Vegas at The Mirage is just the beginning.

  • Qool
    06/08/09

    The longest running weekly party in San Francisco is still churning out rockin' events every Wednesday at 111 Minna Gallery.

  • Green Velvet
    06/06/09

    Mezzanine, Rock-It Science and Prismatic team up to bring one of the founders of dance music to SF. Greeen Velvet is coming and he is bringing Designer Drugs - not like that!... geesh.

  • Electric Daisy Carnival
    06/02/09

    The massive festival known as Electric Daisy Carnival is back in 2009 for another installment of musical mayhem.

  • DJ Hero Giveaway
    06/01/09

    The life of a DJ is a glamorous one no doubt and now Activision (the guys that brought us Guitar Hero) is giving us the chance to be a DJ Hero...

  • Absolut Colors
    06/01/09

    Gay Pride is coming to just about every major city in the US in June and there's no better way to celebrate than with a bit of vodka... Introducing Absolut Colors.

  • Pretty Lights Derek Vincent Smith
    05/27/09

    If you haven't heard of Derek Vincent Smith and his new musical project called Pretty Lights, you will soon. The hippie laden electronic dance music will be taking over The Independent this Saturday. You should be there. Trust us.

  • Michael Mina - Las Vegas
    05/26/09

    If you're on the hunt for a night of wine and cuisine tasting in Las Vegas, Michael Mina inside The Bellagio is a restaurant built around years of expert experience providing guests with Michelin star caliber evenings in a contemporary environment.

  • Mercury Soul
    05/20/09

    Mercury Soul, a unique and groundbreaking event combining a sinfonietta, DJs, and visuals in large, open-format venues is coming to Mezzanine next week (May 28th) for another installment of a totally unique musical and cultural experience.

  • Coachella 2009 Photos
    04/21/09

    Coachella 2009 was indeed, epic: we caught the shows we wanted to, made it to the Anthem and Indioasis pool parties, danced in the desert and consumed enough calories to make a tiger cringe. Here's a few of the highlights of our journey.

  • LovEvolution 2009 LoveFest San Francisco
    04/14/09

    Mark your calendar as "busy partying" for 10/3/2009 because San Francisco LovEvolution is coming. What's LovEvolution you say? Come on man, get with it.

  • Outside Lands Festival 2009 Line Up
    04/13/09

    Well we knew it was going to be big but this is down right ridiculous! The Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival announced their 2009 initial line up
    this morning and it's a doozy.

  • Bring Your Own Big Wheel 2009
    04/07/09

    Here's an idea: this Easter (4/12) instead of going to church, sneak in to your neighbors yard, steal their kids Big Wheel bike then bring it down to Vermont and 20th Street and race it against hundreds of other crazies who did the same thing.

  • Fontainebleau Hotel Las Vegas
    04/02/09

    Here it comes. The famed Fontainebleau Hotel is about to open in Las Vegas and if the massive 730 foot tower (that’s 68 floors) on the corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Riviera tells us anything, it plans to do so with a bang.

  • IDMA Awards Winners WMC 2009
    03/31/09

    For the elite class of people who make dance music what it is, WMC means IDMA. IDMA stands for the International Dance Music Awards which in 2009 celebrated their 24th year of awarding everything from needles to bands a "best of" prize.

  • 03/15/09

    Bay to Breakers 2009 is just around the corner and on May 17th, the streets of San Francisco will once again fill with superheros, cross dressers, salmon, naked people and the occasional runner. It's time to start preparing.

  • MW001
    03/11/09

    On Tuesday, March 24th, MetroWize is taking over Slide for a free party and you’re invited. Hosted bar from 7-10 with drink specials, great music (from Party Ben and DJ Miles) and partying until 2am.

  • Opulent Temple Massive 2009
    03/10/09

    If you missed the Opulent Temple massive last weekend out at Treasure Island with Carl Cox and dozens of other DJs, you should be kicking yourself. Epic is the only way to describe it and the only way to truly express it is through pictures.

  • 02/24/09

    San Francisco LoveFest 2009 will not be happening. At least, that's what the event you know as LoveFest will be called. It was announced today that the event will be renamed in 2009. What'll it be this time? You decide.

  • 02/16/09

    The Burning Man group Opulent Temple is throwing a huge massive out on Treasure Island on March 6th. With Carl Cox headlining, multiple stages and a killer line-up, it's going to be a sick event. Get all the details here.

  • Paul Oakenfold Perfecto Presents
    02/09/09

    Paul Oakenfold Presents Perfecto Las Vegas every Saturday at Rain Nightclub in the Palms in Las Vegas. One of the biggest and most well known DJ's in the world at one of the biggest and most well known clubs in the world. Perfecto!

  • Coachella 2009
    02/05/09

    Coachella 2009 is ready to go as the initial lineup is out of the gates with Paul McCartney and The Cure topping the bill. From booking a place to stay to going with a group and not being an idiot, we have your complete survival guide to Coachella.

  • twestival
    02/04/09

    Perhaps you have heard the buzz around the new emerging social network called Twitter? Twestival is what happens when you mix equal parts festival and Twitter. Oh yeah, it's happening in 180 cities around the world on 2/12.

  • ETD Pop 2009
    01/31/09

    Let the countdown to ETD Pop 2009 officially begin! This year's initial line up has just been released and it's a doozy. Paul Van Dyk, Ferry Corsten, Deadmau5, Adam Freeland (Live) and LA Riots are just a few of the big names.

  • Coachella 2009
    01/30/09

    The line up for Coachella 2009 has finally been announced after months of speculations and rumors. Paul McCartney, The Cure and The Killers are just a few of the top bills. See the full line up here.

  • 01/07/09

    The 2009 music festival rumors are generating buzz around the world with festivals like Coachella, Bonnaroo, SXSW, WMC and many more just a few months away. MetroWize has the latest info on rumored festival lineups of 2009.

  • 11/25/08

    Sushi is amazing, but unless you have some serious cash, a filling meal of sushi can put a pretty big dent in your wallet. But fear not fellow sushi lovers, MetroWize has you covered with a guide to all-you-can-eat sushi joints.

  • 11/18/08

    One half art gallery and one half dj lounge, Project One is all San Francisco. Raw yet sleek, cool yet very laid back, it’s the kind of place that you can only find in a city that prides itself on being different and unique.

  • fabulous festival
    10/16/08

    The Fabulous Festival hits Vegas on November 1st and boasts one of the best dance line-ups ever assembled. With headliners like Armin Van Buuren, Deadmau5 and MSTRKRFT, just to name a few, this event really is a walk on the fabulous side of life.

  • Exotic Erotic Ball 2008
    10/07/08

    The Exotic Erotic Ball has returned to San Francisco! The Internationally acclaimed Celebration of Flesh, Fetish, and Fantasy will entertain and arouse as it takes over Treasure Island on October 24th and 25th. Check out the full preview here.

  • LoveFest Party Guide
    09/18/08

    LoveFest 2008 is right around the corner and with it comes all the parties of LoveWeek. With over 25 events to choose from, how does one even know what's going on? MetroWize knows and we have your full guide right here!

  • sasha invol2ver
    09/14/08

    DJ/Producer Sasha is still very much on top of his game. With the release of his new "Invol2ver" album, he's also very busy but he found time to sit and rap with MetroWize about the album, his tour and the state of global dance culture.

  • 2nd.jpg
    09/02/08

    this is my test

  • walter.jpg
    08/30/08

    Bust out the jelly shoes and the white Russians. Lebowski Fest is about to go down at Mezzanine on September 5th. To get ready, we've compiled our 10 favorite quotes from the stoner movie that forever changed our lives.

  • busted.jpg
    08/23/08

    T-Shirts are the modern mans best fashion friend. Fashionable, cheap and easy to wash, it's no wonder t-shirts are the pride of our wardrobes. When it comes to outlandish t-shirts, no one does 'em better than Busted Tees. Check out our faves.

  • pttp.jpg
    08/18/08

    The 10th annual Power to the Peaceful music festival is coming to Golden Gate Park on September 6th. The festival fuses music, eco and political consciousness, health, art and film all into one... Did we mention that it's free?

  • lovefest2.jpg
    07/27/08

    Armin Van Buuren, Above & Beyond and ATB top another amazing line up for the 4th Annual LoveFest Afterparty happening at Bill Graham Civic Center on October 4th. See the full line up and sign up to win tickets right here.

  • nbjf.jpg
    07/23/08

    The North Beach Jazz Festival is under way this week in dozens of North Beach venues (and Washington Square) featuring close to 100 musicians. We have all the details and line ups for you right here.

  • redbull.jpg
    07/20/08

    SF is no stranger to outlandish and over the top marketing events. This fall, Red Bull brings their Soap Box Derby series to San Francisco for the first time. Find out when it's going down and what to expect right here.

  • keyframe_entertainment.jpg
    07/18/08

    Hard edged dance music has been getting less and less time out on the dance floors of San Francisco in recent years but Julian Reyes of Keyframe Entertainment is on a mission to change that one hard beat at a time.

  • lovefest2008.jpg
    07/15/08

    LoveFest returns to SF and promises to be bigger than ever! This year's festival will feature the famous parade down Market St., world's #1 ranked DJ Armin Van Buuren, and 4 days of non-stop partying! Will you be ready?

  • prepare.png
    07/14/08

    Are you heading to the big burn in Black Rock this year? If so, you better prepare. Luckily a group of burners have gotten together to create the Prepare for the Playa event series. Fashion, art and education have never been so cool.

  • ruby.jpg
    06/19/08

    Is every day a weekend for you? Find yourself ignoring hangovers and liver damage to go out every Tuesday? If you're an avid partier and are looking to go out every day of the week, here are the best weekly parties SF has to offer.

  • fireworks.jpg
    06/18/08

    Independence weekend will quickly be upon us and it's time to start making your plans. If you are going to be here and watching fireworks in the sky is not enough celebration for you, check out our picks for the 4th of July weekend parties.

  • baytobreakers2-1.jpg
    05/15/08

    Bay to Breakers is upon us (05/18/08) and it’s going to be a long day (and a long walk) so we have put together 10 tips to get you through it and the tens of thousands of people who will be dressed up as who knows what.

  • diva_1.jpg
    05/01/08

    When it comes to hotels in San Francisco, it all comes down to what you want out of the place where you are going to rest your head for a few nights. With so many options, where do you stay? Presenting the MW Hip Guide to Hotels in SF.

  • San Francisco Nightclubs Guide
    04/30/08

    On any given night of any given week you have the opportunity to see the best bands, biggest dj's and hottest rising artists in the world. Check out our best places to party with the Hip Guide to San Francisco Nightclubs.

  • restaurants.jpg
    04/30/08

    When it comes to restaurants in San Francisco, there are lots of choices for hip restaurants. Here we present our top 10 choices in the city in the MetroWize Hip Guide to Eating in San Francisco.

  • hotel in sf
    04/30/08

    When it comes to hotels in San Francisco, it all comes down to what you want out of the place where you are going to rest your head for a few nights. With so many options, where do you stay? Presenting the MW Hip Guide to Hotels in SF.

  • 04/30/08

    Whether you're a tourist to San Francisco or local, everyone can agree that finding the right place to knock a few back is very important. With all the choices of bars out there, how do you know which spot will be right? We know so now you know.

  • 04/29/08

    Whether you're a tourist to San Francisco or local, everyone can agree that finding the right place to knock a few back is very important. With all the choices of bars out there, how do you know which spot will be right? We know so now you know.

  • resturant guide
    04/29/08

    When it comes to restaurants in San Francisco, there are lots of choices for hip restaurants. Here we present our top 10 choices in the city in the MetroWize Hip Guide to Eating in San Francisco.

  • San Francisco Nightclubs Guide
    04/29/08

    On any given night of any given week you have the opportunity to see the best bands, biggest dj's and hottest rising artists in the world. Check out our best places to party with the Hip Guide to San Francisco Nightclubs.

  • shopping2.jpg
    04/21/08

    From major stores to totally unique boutiques,San Francisco has something for every shopper. MetroWize has compiled 10 of our favorite places to get that perfect something when you are in the shopping mood.

  • sightseeing_heroshot2.jpg
    04/21/08

    San Francisco is a city filled with famous landmarks, tourist hot spots and unique places. It's easy to spend days on end sightseeing and getting to know the city by the bay and all it has to offer. Check out the MW Hip Guide to Sightseeing in SF.

  • energy.jpg
    03/03/08

    Like the remote to the TV, microwave to dinner and Google to the internet, energy drinks have changed the way we function and have a good time. So what are the best ways to inject this punch of energy into our system?

  • import.jpg
    02/26/08

    If loud engines, street glow, import cars, hip hop, or gorgeous models strike your fancy, Hot Import Nights is the event for you. Check out the Metrowize preview to this event.

  • ultra21'.jpg
    01/14/08

    The countdown to Ultra Music Festival 2008 in Miami has officially begun today with the announcement of their 2008 line-up. The 2 day festival, taking place this year on March 28th and 29th.

  • sf1.jpg
    01/06/08

    San Francisco is a city that has something to offer nearly any type of person. From world famous landmarks to hip restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, bars and boutique shops, San Francisco truly stands out from the rest of the cities in the US.

  • 12/06/07

    A few weeks ago a new king was crowned as DJ Armin Van Buuren took the title of the worlds #1 DJ from reigning champ Paul Van Dyk. MetroWize sat down and talked with him about all of it.

  • monaco.jpg
    12/05/07

    The Hotel Monaco in San Francisco is not necessarily hip, although it is well designed and cool in it's own way. There is a coffee hour in the mornings, a wine hour in the evenings, and a huge fireplace in the lobby.

  • adagio.jpg
    12/05/07

    Adagio is popular with the downtown and Union Square types and is a good fit for business travelers as much as it is for people on a party mission. Great location plus great hotel equals a hit in our book.

  • supperclub.jpg
    12/04/07

    If you’re looking for a truly unique night out, Supperclub is your answer. Equal parts high-end restaurant, uber-swanky nightclub and Burning Man performance art space, this concept deserves major props for trying to do something different.

  • top 10 san francisco nightclubs for djs
    11/26/07

    So there is good music out there, but where does one go to hear it? MetroWize compiled what we think to be the top 10 San Francisco nightclubs to catch an amazing DJ set.

  • brewpubs.jpg
    11/10/07

    While it may not be what we are known around the world for, San Francisco does actually churn out some really good fermented barley beverages. Check out our picks.

  • lovefest.jpg
    08/13/07

    Love Fest is coming back to San Francisco on September 29th, 2007 for it's 4th consecutive year. The official float line up and a preliminary roster of the DJ's slated to perform on the floats and at the various parties surrounding the event.

  • San Francisco Nightclubs Temple
    07/24/07

    Last week, after months of anticipation, Temple Nightclub finally opened it's doors to party goers. MetroWize has the inside scoop on Paul Hemmings' newest nightlife endeavor.

  • 01/29/07

    Check out our interview with Spesh at Qool.