Couched
Club operator Fil Maresca brought global nightclub culture to San Jose with the Oasis and F/X, fusing theater with subcultures and allowing San Jose to shake off its big-haired heavy metal days. Concluding that the redevelopment-mandated “Market Gateway” appellation wouldn’t resonate, Maresca and promoter Gary Walker suggested calling South First Street the SoFA District. We liked the idea too and conspired in the guerrilla effort to take back the street. An alternative club culture grew and today downtown has a well-branded district of galleries and arts-related businesses.
