A Short History of Bionic
Bionic was started in 1998 by Solar, Joshua (Iz) and Mark E. Quark as “Bionic Peanut Butter” after the Gwen Guthrie song of the same name. At the time, there was an abundance of house music weeklies in San Francisco so we decided to do something a little different. The original musical format was underground 80’s ranging from Paradise Garage staples to danceable early electronic jams. As the house parties died out, we changed to format to play house and anything else we liked, saving the 80’s nights for special occasions.
The promotions strategy was simple: we were lazy dj’s and didn’t want to promote so we focused on tight musical programming and let people spread the word. Word got around fast and by the end of the first year, Sundays at Bionic was the best night at the Top. It helped that Bionic was the logical destination after the Sunset outdoor and boat parties.
Things grew and grew and Bionic was regularly packed to capacity on any given sunday. We also opened the lineup to guests from all around the world, yet with no flyers or promotions to speak of, the crowds often had no idea who would be playing, although from the response one could assume they were usually pleasantly surprised. Some of the guests we have featured include: Diz, Kenny Hawkes, DJ Heather, Luke Solomon, Ralph Lawson, JT Donaldson, Honey Dijon, DJ Buck, DiY, Lance DeSardi, Jon Tejada, Marques Wyatt, Titonton Duvante, Alton Miller, Miguel Migs and many more. We have also featured local up-and-coming talent as well and continue to do so.
With great guests, solid residents, loyal and informed crowd, as well The Top’s infamous strong cocktails it was no wonder Bionic was awarded “Best House Club” by the San Francisco Bay Guardian magazine’s Best of the Bay issue in 2002.
After a great 6 year run at the Top, Bionic needed a change and moved to Pink. At the beginning of 2005, Nikola Baytala was added as a resident. Part of the S.W.A.T. crew with DJ Rasoul, Nikola brings a fresh musical approach to the Bionic family.
After two years at Pink and one year at the 222 Club, and another year at The Triple Crown, Bionic is back at the newly re-fitted 222 Club with a super-fresh Funktion 1 sound system, where it continues its run as the longest house music weekly in San Francisco.
Bionic has now expanded to Chicago with residents Iz & Diz.