“We’re sad to share that Janelle Monáe is no longer able to join us at DFT this Thursday due to an unexpected scheduling conflict,” organizers announced via email on Wednesday, June 3. “She was looking forward to DJing for her San Francisco community and is disappointed to miss this incredible kickoff of Pride Month.”
Monáe, a pop singer, DJ and actor who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, is known for her artistic commentary on gender, race and sexuality, most notably through her 2018 album, “Dirty Computer.”
She last performed in San Francisco in 2023 for Outside Lands at Golden Gate Park and, a few months after, for a solo headlining concert at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.
Since launching in 2024, the free San Francisco block party along Second Street has brought artists such as former Portola Festival performer Rebecca Black, East Bay native Toro y Moi, genre-blurring musician Reggie Watts and electronic artist Inji.
A joint effort between the Civic Joy Fund and Into the Streets, Downtown First Thursdays has drawn hundreds of thousands of attendees to the city and stimulated the local economy.
In lieu of Monáe’s performance, those planning to attend the event on Thursday, June 4, can expect live entertainment from artists David Harness and Erika, in addition to a ballroom set by Good VBZ and Oakland to ALL.
The event will also feature drag performances and sets by Dudes and Disco and Boom Boom Bay Area.