Live, in Photos: Levi’s 501 Experience with Anderson .Paak, Toro y Moi, DJ Shadow, and More

EventsLive, In Photos

Live, in Photos: Levi’s 501 Experience with Anderson .Paak, Toro Y Moi, DJ Shadow, and More

Shots of mxmtoon, Tune-Yards, Noodles, and more from the 150 year celebration of 501 in San Francisco.

Photos: Wilson Lee

May 31, 2023

Anderson .Paak (aka DJ Pee Wee) at Levi’s 501 Experience in Sand Francisco, CA. May 18, 2023. Photo by Wilson Lee

From May 19-27, Levi's celebrated the 150th anniversary of their iconic 501 jeans and the brand’s long-standing association with San Francisco, its birth city, with a massive immersive activation at the historic Skylight at the Armory in the Mission District.

The Levi's 501 Experience included behind-the-scenes looks at how denim is brought to life, a custom tailor shop, a local marketplace (including a Tunnel Records pop-up shop), a 150-foot "Love" mural painted on denim by iconic hip-hop designer Cey Adams, and a spectacular archival museum that featured the oldest pair of Levi's along with jeans worn by Harvey Milk, Patti Smith, The Rolling Stones, and Lauryn Hill, among others.

The 10-day event also featured a series of intimate performances by Bay Area luminaries curated by FLOOD, including DJ Shadow's first show this year, an acoustic set by mxmtoon, DJ sets from Toro y Moi, Tony MF, and Tune-Yards, and a closing night performance by skate legend Tommy Guerrero. DJ Shadow also hosted a special workshop with students for Save the Music's J Dilla Music Technology Grant.

The space kicked off with a private opening night preview party with DJ sets by Anderson .Paak (a.k.a. DJ Pee .Wee) and Kehlani collaborator Noodles, with San Francisco's Mayor London Breed making an appearance to proclaim Levi's 501 Day in the city, and culminating with .Paak leading the crowd into a Soul Train–inspired line dance.

FLOOD photographer Wilson Lee was there to witness the Experience first-hand. Check out some highlights below.