About
Wiggle Room in Bay View is a space built entirely around how music actually sounds. The project comes from Chris Schulist and Jim McCann of The Vanguard, anchored by a record collection that started as something personal. After inheriting thousands of albums from his late uncle, Schulist folded them into a library that now defines the room, with more than 5,000 records lining the walls. Roughly three quarters come from that original collection, spanning soul, hip-hop, jazz, soundtracks, and an intentionally loose “bullshit section” of records waiting to be rediscovered.
The space itself was engineered for listening, not just playing music. Working with sound engineer John Dykstra, Wiggle Room was outfitted with acoustic panels, bass traps, and tuned subwoofers designed to keep the volume immersive without overwhelming conversation. The DJ booth reflects that same level of precision, built on a foundation that rises from the basement to prevent vibration, making it nearly impossible for records to skip even when the room fills. Schulist, who lives with severe tinnitus from years in bands, pushed for a warmer, more controlled sound where every detail carries cleanly across the space.
Programming shifts constantly, but always stays rooted in vinyl. Nights range from rare 1980s hip-hop sets and metal sessions to soundtrack-focused evenings and full-playthrough albums. Some events dig deeper, like spinning complete broadcasts of American Top 40 pressed onto vinyl, commercials included. Others open the booth to staff or touring artists from nearby Cactus Club. The bar program follows the same intent, with a menu influenced by Japanese listening lounges, emphasizing whiskey, cocktails, and a notably strong selection of non-alcoholic and THC or CBD drinks.
Photos
