Just off the corner of Solano and San Pablo, not too far from the 80 freeway exit…read more At the tip of the epicenter of gastronomic delights-Solano Avenue in Albany. I was there the other night with my beer buddy and all around friend with the same first name as I (and that's another story!) for the tribute to the local beloved character that passed recently, Mr. Bailey Pendergrass. A longtime institution in the Berkeley music scene from way back in the day till present. An interesting, kind fellow who still walked around in skinny trousers and a leather jacket- even on very hot days. And a hairdo like no other! He kind of reminded me of a character from Rocky Horror Picture Show or someone who could be played by Johnny Depp in some hip artistic movie. A bit of an eccentric, soft-spoken, amazingly charming man. A joy to sit down and chat with who had strong opinions and a distrust for doctors and their prescribed medication's,etc. I don't go very far back other than six or seven years when I met him at a popular watering hole called the Cornerstone on Shattuck. He would invite me to hang out while he ate his standard hamburger and fries and wash it down with what I remember was cranberry juice. He could never finish the whole burger so he'd take half home but would eat the fries usually, with a little help from me. We would talk about Minneapolis (where I'm from) and Prince of course, and he would share interesting stories. I'd keep him company until the music event would start where he had carte blanche, complementary entry with a plus one at the Cornerstone. I was his plus one and it was fun one night. I'll have to dig up the mixed CDs that he made for me that he presented in a recycled/repurposed "In-n-Out" bag, it was a nice touch. There was a little hand written note as well. The IVY ROOM put on a nice event and many showed up to pay their respect. Some were given a chance to get on the stage and recall memories. However, the crowd never stopped talking, so it was very hard to hear their praises, etc. The bartender was superb, but I'm sorry I didn't catch her name, very kind and approachable and humorous and of course, extremely efficient! It's a nice cozy room with a lot of history and an eclectic group of patrons. I chatted with a couple of extremely friendly kind people. However, I left before the music started as after a long day of work, I started to fade. Thank you Ivy Room for opening up your space to honor Mr. Bailey Pendergrass, and the wonderful people attending this event.

I continue to love the Ivy room. Bartenders make the best drinks and they aren't overpriced…read more Doorman is always really accommodating and friendly, and the bands are fantastic.

There is no bad seat at The Freight but this time I got front row , it's always general admission…read moreseating. This show was for Dave Alvin and Jimmy Dale Gilmore... two legends playing without their band for this show. Last time I saw them with their full band much closer to home at Felton Music Hall... also a great venue. Opening artist was guitarist Lenny Kaye from The Smiths and he was great too. Awesome audience as usual for The Freight. Get out and see live music, it's always a great time.

We saw Keola Beamer and Henry Kapono recently. It was our first visit to the Freight since they…read moremoved ever so long ago. This is truly a nice venue to see music. The staff is friendly; parking is convenient next door in the garage; plenty of restaurants nearby. There were also a few snack items and drinks available for sale. I was bummed that perhaps customer service and management aren't completely in synch with their own policies. I had written and asked if photography would be allowed since this was a Hawaiian show. I wanted to bring in one camera with an attached lens, no flash to take photos for personal use only. I was told that the policy was no photography was allowed. On the night of the show, the last announcement before the show started, was that non-flash photography was welcome. Oh well.

Awesome place to see awesome live music. Saw a couple of independent bands. I will be back when I'm…read morein the area

Love the venue! I volunteer frequently, and the other volunteers are wonderful! Show up an hour…read morebefore the first band to volunteer and get into the show free! (U still have to have a membership card to volunteer, but totally worth it!)

We went to a show at The Sound Room last night (Angela LaFlamme -- an extraordinary performance!)…read moreand it was a wonderful experience. The doors opened at 6:30 and we ordered our food and found a table. The menu was small, but everything we had was delicious and reasonably priced. My husband and I both ordered the pork carnitas, which were incredibly tender and very tasty, my brother-in-law had the Chile rellenos and we shared some top-notch French fries. My Sangria was great, too! It's a warm and intimate venue, with a friendly vibe, and our friend who was performing that night said that musicians love the venue! A+

What a great venue to experience jazz! Nice smaller place…read morewith perfect sight and sound. Perhaps one might use the old term a Super Club, since they have exceptionally taste food both entrees and deserts. Plus a full bar. Staff are welcoming. This place exists because the owners are pationate about jazz and want a good space to listen and experience. We're very lucky to have this place. Convenient location. Take advantage and go experience The Sound Room for yourself!

Great intimate music venue, with a variety of different styles of music…read more Bring your own drinks and food, nothing is available.

This place its very dirty, smells horrible and the owner is just like the place…read more Also the owner is a very grumpy person that feels entitled to yell at his clients , this is very unpleasant to experience when you have all your guest Please do your self a favor and avoid renting this place there's so many other places out there

It's a down to earth, barn like music venue with a very small bar and amazing music!…read more Hard to find a place like this in a city!

Attended the Mortified comedy show on a Saturday evening. Found free street parking a block away…read more Fast ticket check at entry and plenty of seating available inside, including small tables and even a couch in the back corner. Basic stage setup, a good sound system, and large screen to the right (that's also where the restrooms are located). No actual bar, but food and drinks were sold in the back, including canned and bottled beverages and tasty bites like empanadas and pizza. It was quite warm in there, with weak or non-existent AC, just ceiling fans spinning above. Luckily when the sun went down (which is late now due to the recent daylight savings time change), the temperature became tolerable inside. The live storytelling and musical performances were entertaining as usual. The host/producer, Scott, started out the show. From there, the comical readings from the teen diaries and journals of diverse individuals continued on stage for a little over an hour. No live band for this particular program, but one of the performers played us tunes on the guitar, which she created as a youth after heartbreak. I'm a fan of Mortified, and though this venue was not one my faves of those typically used for this event, it was a decent setting for a casual night out this past weekend, filled with laughter, awkward moments, and positive vibes. Also, Ashkenaz is a historic community center and nonprofit that's been around for more than half a century, dedicated to music, dance, and culture, which I appreciate.

It's fair to say that Marin is no hotbed of nightlife but lately, the rain and early sunsets have…read moreme nesting a bit more than in past years. It's in the midst of this nesting that I've discovered the joys of what the Throckmorton Theatre is laying down. The free, monthly noontime concerts are great as is the always popular weekly comedy night but more recently I've been enjoying the other events offered. In so doing I've come to see the Throckmorton as an essential community asset; they save me a drive to the City while providing right-sized entertainment close to home. When I attend events here I leave feeling thankful for their offerings. In recent months I've enjoyed a Jonathan Richman concert (fab... bring him back!), a concert by a local band, and A Chorus Line, teen edition. That last one left me sorry that I'd missed the previous one-time Broadway shows showcased here and with resolve not to miss another. For a little above the cost of your ticket you can pay to enjoy reserved seats but if you fail to do that you'll find equally satisfying seating on the main floor (they also have balcony seating) if you arrive early enough to snag it. I find myself checking the Throckmorton's calendar with a frequency, these days, that I'd not have anticipated even one year earlier. They've not disappointed yet.

I had not been to this charming theatre in many, many years. It is just as lovely as I remember…read more The art work in the lobby is so interesting. And the interior of the performance hall is exquisite with such detailed woodwork, gorgeous light fixtures and murals. We attended a free musical concert with an outstanding local violinist who featured art on the screen to accompany the music he played. I've honestly not heard a violin played with such versatility. What a treat this show and venue was!

Great place to dance to with many types of music with lots of live bands! Fantastic location in the…read moremission district. Fun venue to meet up with friends.

Sad to hear the Make Out Room is closing soon. I know so many folks have plenty of late night…read morestories here - good and bad. A good spot to catch live bands or some raucous drag performance. The bartenders are decently friendly and move pretty efficiently between simple pints to fancier cocktails. The bathroom situation could be better though. Overall still a decent night out to be had. Thanks for the memories.

Once known for good beer selection and entertainment, it is still all that but also with solid pub…read morefood. The entertainment and community feel of the place is the #1 highlight. Open mic night gives young people a voice. Older musicians act as unofficial mentors - the best advice from one was to 'make me feel something!!' I love the art scene - and to me there is a special intersection of utility (maybe articulating an important message - or building a useful couch) --- and the beauty of that piece. How you put it together, how it looks and most importantly how it makes you feel when you sink into the couch or words. I have a lot of opinions and a lot to say. These days you really can't complain much - in the world you are a nag and in church you are labeled a legalist. The secret is if you say those things in a beautiful way or tip toe around a subject asking questions and letting the audience come up with their own conclusions. The young people today I have lots of sympathy for. The 50 year olds could get away with earning $50k/yr - the 40 year olds could get away with earning $100k/yr but the 20 and 30 year olds in the bay area with 2 kids need to earn $200k in their household to make ends meet. Gentrification is the enemy - those who are 'rich.' Lets blame the boomers. Maybe there are some other 'enemies' of the unaffordable nature of the bay area. A witch hunt aiming at tech workers or the unhoused or maybe today AI robots. My brother pays $4000/month for babysitting. I think his house tax is another $1000/month and we aren't even talking about the mortgage yet.... In San Francisco a family of 4 can qualify for free babysitting if they earn $178,300 or less per year. Maybe you can't call this the poverty level - but you qualify for everything including housing assistance. I'm sorry no beautiful poetry for you today. No lit slam. No soup for you!! I will continue building my couches - you take the stage!!

Starry Plough....Oh wow! This is really a cool scene…read more There's a different event seven nights a week. Today the day after July 4 celebration is sort of an Irish music session in the place is packed at 5:45 PM! Great musicians and a fun atmosphere, but it seems like the same continuous song plays between breaks with a slight adjustment of the melody. Sort of a hypnotic repetitive groove, not so unlike "ON THE CORNER" by Miles Davis but not really, ha ha! OK kids, please plug that into your little machine and have a listen. Feel that groove in "BLACK SATIN" The Starry Plough is a full service restaurant, pub and nightclub that has been a staple of the East Bay scene since 1973. With deep roots as an Irish Revolutionary watering hole, the history of protest runs as deep today as it did when they opened five decades ago. And they have really good food and a great tap beer list. Also, the very best bartenders and staff throughout! I just had a half order of the handcut french fries and they really are top-notch man, they're served with different condiments that you can help yourself to. I chose the Sriracha sauce and ketchup. I couldn't find the horseradish tonight. I've been coming in here for several years and I really dig it. Very special people hang out here, kind of a hippie Berkeley vibe. I've had great long conversations and met very groovy folks. It's a great watering hole.

I recently saw my first show at the Sweetwater Music Hall and I was really looking forward to it. I…read morewas excited about the idea of a small intimate music venue where you can feel close to the artist without being surrounded by a massive crowd, and I was also very excited to see the particular artist that I had tickets for. Sweetwater is charming and the decor is lovely. I also really appreciate that it's a non-profit that is dedicated to supporting live music, arts, and music education in the community. There really is a lot to like about this place and the headliner that I came to see was absolutely fantastic. The overall experience was far less enjoyable than I had hoped. I was probably among the first 30 or so people to enter the venue because I arrived early as it was my first visit. It's a ways away from where I live and I wasn't sure how long it was going to take to get there. Also, there is no dedicated venue parking so I was worried about finding a spot. Guests here have to find street parking wherever they can in the downtown area and walk to the venue. Still, even though I was one of the first to enter, a woman ahead of us had already claimed every available stole by placing jackets and purses and scarves on them. Seating is extremely limited with just a few stools along the wall and some places at the bar. There is also a designated ADA bench style seating area against one wall and those spots are reserved with signs for the people who need them. As a result, I ended up standing for the entirety of the time I was there (which totaled more than 4 hours) despite arriving early. I was aware that it was standing room only so I was prepared for that. However, it was really frustrating to see that the majority of the people who ended up using those seats didn't come until later in the evening, after the opening act, and only used them briefly because once the headliner came out they pushed their way through the crowd to the front of the stage. My frustration comes from the fact that I had to watch others stand for hours with nowhere to sit who were clearly struggling to do so. The crowd management was anotherissue. People were standing in walkways and climbing onto the sides of the wheelchair ramp, even sitting on the stage. There was no effort from security to keep the aisles clear or discourage people from occupying and appropriate spaces. The room became hot, crowded and chaotic and I nearly had an altercation with another attendee who was repeatedly bumping into me while dancing wildly. I understand that Sweetwater cannot control their patrons behaviors, but even a venue this size still needs crowd management and accessible walkways. Standing shoulder to shoulder in a hot room for hours with no reasonable way to sit down and maintain a little breathing room made it difficult to relax and enjoy the evening. What made the crowds behavior particularly disappointing was the artist I had come to see. Their message is rooted in kindness, compassion and making the world a better place. Watching fellow audience members behave so selfishly seeming without any consideration for anyone around them, felt especially at odds with that message. Live music should bring people together not become an exercise in competing for space while disregarding everybody else's experience. I want to make it clear that my disappointment is not with a performance which was wonderful or with the idea behind Sweetwater itself. The intimate atmosphere, character and non-profit mission are all things worth celebrating. I genuinely wanted to love Sweetwater and I wish my first visit had let me feeling differently. Unfortunately, the physical discomfort and crowd chaos overshadowed much of what could have been a wonderful evening. As much as I appreciate what this venue represents, I would be hesitant to return here for any show but hopefully you can see by the high rating I have given them that it's really something people should experience and decide for themselves. I wish this venue continued success and I am glad I got the opportunity to experience it.

What a historic venue. I've been to Sweetwater once years ago, but over the Father's Day weekend we…read morewere able to check it out as a family for a special show called "The Rock and Roll Playlist plays: Music of Grateful Dead for Kids + More Grateful Dads Fathers Day Weekend Bash". Such a sweet moment for Grateful Dead fans with little kiddos ~ lotsa little "deadheads". There's a bar/restaurant called the Rock & Rye Café if in the mood for a meal pre/post show, and we learned you can order at the restaurant and bring food over to the Music Hall as well. This venue is essentially standing room only, but we emailed ahead of time for ADA accommodations and seating for grandparents (check the website under 'Frequently Asked Questions' for direct email). There's parking in downtown Mill Valley..we parked around the corner and walked around window shopping pre-show. There's also other cool eateries and drinking holes to enjoy downtown too. In the venue itself there is a bar that served both great Bloody Mary's and mocktail options too. Fun staff and the show was equally as cool + interactive. There were nice Grateful Dead handkerchiefs for sale, and all in all, honestly would return for a kiddo or (adult) show. It was so special to introduce a few generations at one time to this genre of music in such an iconic spot and staple to the area. Well done!