what am I doing??
I’m not sure, and that’s the best part
couchdate was never intentional. I didn’t sit down one day and decide to open a vintage furniture shop • music collective • event space. It’s the culmination of years of research, work, and complete dedication to my passions.
I’ve been fully committed to the things I love. Whether that’s as specific as vintage Japanese speakers or as general as just like, food. I fucking love these things. With my whole heart. And I look into them, and after them, and obsess over them, and find people that have them, and ask a million questions, and drive 2 hours to go pick them up, and spend money I don’t have on them and then maybe after all that I don’t even like them that much.
And that’s ok.
I went for it. I tried, and most importantly, I was open to loving it. I wanted to love it. And love is what will take you to your dreams. Not the plan, or the immediate outcome, or the profit, or the loss. You can’t account for who you’re going to love, or what you’re going to fall in love with doing.
But if you’re open to loving the things around you, and willing to let go of your control, love will find you. Regardless of how small or insignificant things may seem, it all adds up.
December is going to be full of amazing events that I love putting on. Calendar is below, I may add a thing or two!
Pharaoh Sanders “Promises” • A Vinyl Listening Experience
Sunday, Dec 4th, 12pm-1:30pm
Still have some tickets left!! Out of all the listening parties I’ve done, this is one of the most significant for me. I will be playing Promises, an album that is a collaboration between jazz legend Pharaoh Sanders, electronic pariah Floating Points, & the London Symphony Orchestra. Of course on vinyl, on the vintage analog high fidelity stereo system at my shop • event space, couchdate.
Jazz icon Pharaoh Sanders was one of the deepest, spiritual, & profound saxophone players to blow the horn. Listening to his albums, I’m taken somewhere so ethereal I often forget that I’m listening to music. Promises is no exception, and though sadly his last album, showed that the 79 year old had truly tapped into the cosmos.
These listening parties are small, intimate events modeled after Japanese Jazz Kissa’s (jazz cafes). While the album is playing we ask that conversation be kept quiet & discrete. Tickets are $35 per person; included with your ticket is our cocktail for the event, as well as a parking spot. Seating is very limited, and tickets are presale only (none available at the door).
The Things We Love, a 4 course dinner & drink pairing
Friday, Dec 9th, 6pm-9pm
Only a few tickets left for the last couchdate dinner of the year! This menu is inspired by the beautiful winter bounty we get here in California, & by classic holiday food. This will be an intimate, 4 course family style dinner with wine pairing. We’ll be playing our favorite records on the analog hi fi system at couchdate, while serving the food & drinks. Tickets are $95 per person, and presale only (none will be available at the door). Please note that there are no substitutions for the menu but we can accommodate certain allergies.
The Office Party - A 1960’s Inspired Holiday Shindig
Saturday, December 17th, 5pm-10pm
300 Jefferson St, Oakland
Save the date!! The annual couchdate very curated holiday nighttime market & vinyl dance party. We will have the beautiful Unnamed Vintage selling her highly curated vintage home goods. FuzznSway will be slanging a sophisticated and eclectic assortment of records & vintage clothing. nickxx on the bar! An incredible list DJ’s spinning vinyl. The vibes are going to be immaculate & 1960’s this year. See you there!