Foundry in San Franciscos SoMa Shifts to EDM and Community-Focused Events Under New Leadership
A swath of music‑industry veterans has taken the helm of the Foundry, a 270‑seat warehouse club in San Francisco’s South of Market (SoMa) district. The new ownership group, which includes Andrew Wasilewski, co‑owner of the Faight Collective, signed the final paperwork on July 31, with escrow still pending.
Under the new regime, the venue will pivot sharply toward electronic dance music (EDM) while expanding its community‑oriented programming. The first shows under the new leadership are slated for the fall: Italian DJ Kybba will open the house on September 18, followed by New York siblings Tinzo and Jojo for a two‑night run on October 24‑25, and Florida producer Wonkywilla on October 30.
"The Foundry will become an intentional space for dancing and connecting with people," Wasilewski told the San Francisco Chronicle. "We’re looking to host a mix of electronic music and community programming—listening parties, lectures, dating events—so the club is more than just a place to play.
The new lineup underscores that focus. House and techno will anchor the nights, but the club will also embrace UK garage, hard groove and Afro‑house. Wasilewski said larger venues often make it hard for local talent to secure gigs, and he wants to change that.
The venue itself is a roughly 4,400‑square‑foot historic warehouse at Folsom and 10th Streets. Its concrete floors, high ceilings, exposed trusses and steel‑sash windows give it a raw warehouse aesthetic. Inside, a 1,500‑square‑foot foyer and a secluded bar overlook the main rooms.
The Foundry opened in 2013 under Jordan Lewis. It closed during the pandemic and changed hands in 2021 when house‑music producer Alan Aronoff took over with plans to showcase underground and avant‑garde artists.
The new operators have already outlined further changes. Remodeling is expected to begin early next year, with ideas on a circular stage and upgraded lighting still in discussion.
A key element of the new vision is a phone‑free dancefloor. The club will enforce community guidelines that emphasize respect, consent and looking out for others in the room.
The shift to EDM and community events comes at a time when many San Francisco venues are re‑examining their programming models. The Foundry’s new leadership hopes to create a nightlife space that prioritizes music and connection over corporate rentals.
The first bookings under the new operators have already generated buzz in the local club scene. Kybba’s September show is expected to draw fans of Italian house, while Tinzo and Jojo’s October run will showcase the siblings’ blend of techno and experimental sounds.
Wonkywilla’s October 30 performance will bring a Florida‑based producer known for blending trap and bass‑heavy beats, adding diversity to the fall lineup.
Beyond music, the club’s community‑focused approach is reflected in its planned programming. Listening parties and lectures aim to educate attendees about music production and sound design, while dating events create a social atmosphere that encourages interaction.
The phone‑free policy aligns with a growing trend among clubs that seek to reduce distractions and encourage in‑room engagement.
The Foundry’s new leadership is still finalizing details of the remodel and the exact layout of the circular stage. Once the renovations are complete, the venue will be better equipped to host a variety of electronic music events while maintaining its community‑centric ethos.
In summary, the Foundry in SoMa has shifted its focus to EDM and community programming under new owners who emphasize local talent, a phone‑free dancefloor, and a range of non‑music events. The venue’s first shows under the new leadership begin in September and October, with a planned remodel slated for early next year.
