The Deaf Club

The Deaf Club was a single-story building on Valencia Street that provided space for live musical performances. The venue had basic sound equipment and simple stage lighting to support performers and audience members.

Manager Daphne Hanrahan found the location in 1978 and opened it on December 9 with performances by The Offs and The Mutants. The space quickly became an important meeting point for punk culture and the deaf community in the city.

The space welcomed deaf music enthusiasts into the punk scene, creating a place where they could gather and participate fully. Visitors felt the music through floor vibrations and visual feedback, making the experience accessible and inclusive for all attendees.

The venue used a written communication system for drink orders at the bar to ensure all guests could place their requests easily. The rental model allowed different events to take place throughout its operating period, making scheduling flexible.

Over one hundred bands performed during the eighteen-month period of operation, including influential groups like Dead Kennedys and Tuxedomoon. This brief span of time made it a legendary spot that left a lasting mark on musicians and fans alike.

Location: San Francisco

Inception: December 9, 1978

Official opening: December 9, 1978

GPS coordinates: 37.76430,-122.42200

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:01