Once a Mission District living room now a North Beach haven. This is The Lost Church. It is more than just a venue. The Lost Church is a testament to artistic resilience. It’s located at 988 Columbus Avenue.
Brett and Elizabeth Cline started The Lost Church in 2011. They transformed their living room into a performance space. They had been touring with their band Juanita and the Rabbit. They wanted to create a space for local artists.
The Lost Church became an important outlet. It supported a diverse range of artists. It flew under the radar of city regulators. The Clines knew they needed a new space. It had to be ADA compliant.
The pandemic hit and emergency funding came. It provided a lifeline. After months of searching, they found a basement in North Beach. A 15-year lease was secured. The Lost Church quietly reopened.
The process wasn’t easy. Cline praised the Entertainment Commission. He said they helped navigate the hurdles. Opening a theater in San Francisco is complex. Rules often conflict.
The Lost Church marked its 12th anniversary. It was a boogie blues dance party. Edge City Fever played at the celebration. Cline plays vocals and Elizabeth plays drums in the band.
The Lost Church adds to North Beach’s entertainment scene. It has a capacity of about 100. It continues to host diverse performances. Music, theater, film and comedy all find a home here. Magicians and mentalists too.
San Francisco singer-songwriter Rachel Garlin is a regular. She celebrates album releases at The Lost Church. She develops projects in process there. The Lost Church is a welcoming environment. It has earned a loyal following.
Co-creativity and audience involvement are key. The Lost Church wants to expand. They opened a Santa Rosa venue. They are open to opportunities beyond the Bay Area.
The Lost Church is a nonprofit. It hosts live performances and private events. It produces festivals and educational programs. It offers fiscal sponsorships. It supports the survival of live music venues.
The Lost Church’s mission continues. It creates and sustains spaces for live performance. It is a haven for adventurous souls. It offers new thrills in unexpected settings. It is more than a building. The Lost Church is a community.