There is no bad seat at The Freight but this time I got front row , it's always general admission seating. 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. read more

The Freight - Music Venues Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

We saw Keola Beamer and Henry Kapono recently. It was our first visit to the Freight since they moved 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. read more

A St Patty s day show with the famous Black brothers. I've never seen them or been to the Freight so I decided to check them out . There was no food maybe a bag of chips or the like. The other offers were wine and beer or a bottled pellegrini or a soda . The show was amazing and definitely a surprise and certainly worth the trip . Their Irish music was lovely fun they had sing a longs if you know the words . It was a nice evening an a lovely introduction to this venue . read more

See all

Very cool place! It's a small theatre with a stage. There's also food and drinks in the lobby for purchase. We went to attend a program for the Oakland School of the Arts - great experience. Loved the venue! Parking was easy, we used a nearby parking structure. read more

The Freight - Music Venues Near Me - Berkeley, California

simple, no frills venue for live music. they have very basic and limited concessions. recommend eating dinner beforehand for sure, but reasonable prices for alcoholic drinks for a venue, in my opinion. read more

The Freight - Music Venues Near Me - Berkeley, California

See all

What a wonderful and cozy space!! Was there for Choir! Choir! Choir!! Singing along with 500 new friends in the main hall. Folks working there were all nice and warm. The space is immaculate and designed for attendees comfort. We spent most of the time standing and singing. But when I did sit down, noted that the seats were comfy and not too close. There was good visual to stage from almost every seat. The sound was great. The lighting was great. I would look forward to my next visit!! read more

Love it! I've seen some amazing concerts here and been seated right by the musicians I joined the freight singers and really enjoy everything about this place! read more

Great place for live entertainment, customer service was on point. I had a great seat and a good time. Will definitely be back.

Be careful before taking any classes with richard brandenburg. I am not a beginner, but I cannot say I'm an intermediate player quite yet. I live about 20 min from the freight, have been getting into playing bluegrass and thought the rhythm guitar flat-picking class and the jam class sounded like a good way to supplement what I've been learning on my own. I also read that richard is a kind and patient teacher. I go in to the first class and I can already tell richard doesn't like me. I was the only male student in the class and he addressed the class as "ladies" a few times. Not only disrespectful to me, but also to the fellow student who said they go by they/them pronouns. In the jam class when it was my turn to pick a song he stopped the whole song twice to throw long winded, passionate tantrums about how I was playing too loud and didn't properly signal for someone to take a solo during the instrumental break. Pretty picky stuff for a first class when he had never met me before that night. He clearly just had to have a few in your face "gotcha" moments at my expense in front of the whole class. I decided to walk out because I refuse to be treated in such a way by someone I am paying money to teach me. Something to keep in mind for anyone out there like me who is thinking about taking one of his classes. If you are looking for nice and cool instructor who won't throw angry tantrums at you when you make mistakes, these classes are not the best choice for you. read more

Attended the Moth storytelling program. We parked at the garage next door for $3/hr. Fun event lasting 2.5 hours. You can purchase drinks and snacks inside. I do not recommend their coffee. There is also a taco truck outside where you can purchase coffee. read more

Attended a concert in the Freight's littlefield room, Mozart's Bday Celebration, SF Chamber Orchestra musicians on the violin, viola, and cello, and a special guest on the piano. The venue has a concessions stand serving snacks and drinks, and plenty of tables and seating in the lobby. There are also a few counter height tables and seating in the showroom which is a great option for viewing if you don't want to hold your drink during the performance, since it's open seating. The inside of the auditorium has a nice intimate feel, though it can still fit quite a bit of people. And the view of the stage seems pretty good from almost any seat due to the elevation. I sat at a high seat mid-level, next to a table, and it was perfect for experiencing the special Classicals at the Freight performance, the lovely melodies of Mozart and musical talents of SFCO all-stars. I parked less than 2 blocks away, on University Avenue, but if you can't find street parking, the Center Street Parking Garage is conveniently located right next to the Freight. read more

See all

I recently went to the Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse with my beloved to see Jai Uttal & friends. Freight & Salvage is a non-profit and a lot volunteers help run it. All in all great organization and a nice small intimate venue to see music. Me and my beloved really enjoyed the kirtan and performance. Great evening. We will return. read more

See all

One of the best places in Berkeley to hear live acoustic music. They have a great schedule of artists too.

Last night Nina and I saw Cuban pianist/keyboardist Omar Sosa and Senegalese kora (harp) maestro Seickou Keita as part of 2/3 of the SUBA Trio. The third member of the trio was Gustavo Ovalles, a Venezuelan percussionist. The concert was my Chanukah gift to Nina. We parked in our usual spot, had dinner st Pho Tasty and then went to the Freight. Though I had reserved ADA seating, the woman who seated us didn't have my name. Fortunately she had two together all the way back in the center section. They were farther back than we like to sit, but they worked out fine. The house was full, pretty much. The musicians played w/ a joy that was infectious and contagious. Several times Omar Sosa was playing the piano w/ his right hand and the keyboard w/ his left, often w/ different rhythms, Nina observed. Their connection w/ each other and w/ the audience was wonderful. They had us singing, dancing, snapping our fingers at various times. Seickou Keita said their goals were 1) to ,make the audience smile, which they did. 2) make the audience dance, check. 3) make the audience cry...w/ joy, and speaking for myself, they did. They played one long set w/ no intermission and it felt generous. There was virtually no speaking between numbers, yet they communicated eloquently and w/ warmth. We were seated next to the light and sound board and it was fun watch the curtain and other stage settings change from red to purple and then to blue. Both Nina and I left feeling happy and full of music. It was a magical night and we were so happy to have been a part of it. read more

Came here for a moth taping and this venue was great! The acoustics were excellent - we could clearly hear everyone. It fit a lot of people but didn't feel overwhelming. Everyone staffing the event were very nice and everything was labeled clearly so it made navigating the venue extremely easy. During intermission, everyone crowded to restrooms, fortunately, the venue has gender neutral bathrooms (and not single stalls either!) on the upstairs area that were clearly labeled and easy to get to. read more

The Freight - a man on stage speaking to a crowd - Music Venues Near Me - Berkeley, California

What a lovely evening with Eilen Jewell (Mess Around off the Boundary Country album) Freight and Salvage continue to offer amazing live music in an intimate setting at a reasonable price. Freight and Salvage are current with local and CDC COVID-19 protocols and offer a streamlined process to enter the facility.. Matt says check out the calendar and go see your favorite music live! read more

See all

Fantastic venue. Not a bad seat in the house, great sound, staff was very nice, bathrooms were spotless and parking at the garage right next door was easy and affordable. read more

The Freight - Sona Jobarteh, 8/8/23. Incredible show. - Music Venues Near Me - Berkeley, California

A friend introduced me to the regularly occurring Moth story slam, which is delightful. Since then, I've attended other events, including a concert. The venue is small enough that you can see the stage well from anywhere, but not so large that it feels overwhelming. It's so nice to have this local spot in Berkeley. I've heard that Bobby McFerrin is a regular performer here, though I haven't had a chance to see him yet. If you're in Berkeley, definitely check out a show here--it's worth it! read more

What a great organization/venue/cause/mission in downtown Berkeley. This non-profit venue is all about world music, folk and music education. They have some sort of programming every day/night: folk nights, Sundays with Bobby McFerrin (the 'Don't Worry Be Happy' singer) to a renowned singer from Mali. I also spied banjo classes and so much more. My experience with F&S has only been for The Moth nights. Approximately once a month they host these storytelling evening where attendees can share their 5 min prepared story on a certain theme. Stories are voted on by selected judges in the audience and one special storyteller walks away a winner. (def look it up if you want to know more). A few things: they still have strict mask policies and they don't allow food or drink in the theater portion (you can consume in the lobby). They do have a parking garage next door although it's a bit pricey. As I have yet to see music, I can't share critique on acoustics, but for The Moth nights, the place can handle a small-medium sized crowd and serves as a great community center! read more

I've been curious about seeing a performance here after seeing this venue from my visits to the Berkeley Rep across the street. After missing Taimane's visit in 2019, I finally came to The Freight for Taimane's Hawaiki concert tour. I came to find out that the venue is a nonprofit community arts organization that is dedicated to promoting music rooted in and expressed through regional, ethnic, and social cultures around the world and is supported through the shows, grants, benefit performances, volunteers, and donations. For the concert, the tickets were general admission which is open seating in the venue. Getting there shortly after the doors opened, we selected fourth row center aisle seats. But with its size, it appears that most seating on the lower section allows for a good view of the stage. The sound system was superb as the system was designed and installed by Berkeley's Meyer Sound Labs. The Freight requires all attendees to show their vaccination cards and to be masked in the venue. The workers at the check-in and in the venue were friendly. I'll be checking out The Freight's calendar for performances and will be back for Taimane's next visit. read more

See all

First time here. It's easy to find and has top talent like Pat Metheny. Fine acoustics. Easy to navigate inside. Decor: ok and clean. A mini deli has very good prices and wine/beer. Sandwiches are just $6.00 I did not partake. Customer service: excellent and helpful. read more

Love the music, but always hate the chairs. They just don't match my body and I am always uncomfortable. I typically will stand for a good portion of a show. read more

I love coming to this place for concerts. There isn't a bad seat in the house. I don't really have any bad things to say about freight in Salvage other than I wish it was closer to my house. read more

This venue is terrific. I've been here a couple of times for The Moth, which I highly recommend. This week was the first time I've attended a musical performance. Croce Plays Croce was astonishingly good, and it's such an intimate venue. We really felt like the musicians and the audience were just having a great time together. Their COVID policies are very good. Proof of vaccine and masks are both required. One can enjoy drinks and snack in the lobby, which is amply roomy for social distancing. They have a nice little beer and wine selection. Inside the theater, food and drinks were not allowed. This may be the first time I've seen 100% mask compliance recently, and it did not detract at all from the enjoyment. I'm going to be checking their calendar for other musical events, and will be seeing if any friends want to go again to The Moth with me. read more

I am reposting my review based on the comments that I made after attending a concert there. I saw Bobi Cespedes with her ensemble. I saw a couple of friends their. The go regularly and are not of color. I also received a comment from them asking what black musicians I'd like to see there . I didn't answer because the Bay Area is dripping with local African American talent. Insulting, like the comments of the woman from the Jazz school. The place is a nice venue for a concert, small and intimate, however, they have some issues as you can read in the reposted view below. It was hard to fully enjoy the experience, in light of the following... This is a space that I usually make fun of because the events they have aren't accessible "interesting" to me. But they had a concert with Bobi Cespedes, so I had to go support her. I miss the old Conjunto Cespedes and it was wonderful seeing here there with Lichi Fuentes and Marcos Diaz! I thought they were of the same ilk of the Jazz School. And I think that it may be. But my husband and I ran into Tito Gonzalez at the Berkeley Farmer's Market and he was passing out flyers for his show. We said, "I didn't know that they allowed black people on stage there, and he proudly said that he would be on. We couldn't make the show, but a Cuban friend went with her boyfriend (Italian) and they had a fantastic time. And while, I still find most of their events, not of my taste, meaning that I don't understand why there isn't more of an African American blues presence, considering that some of the blues clubs (Eli's Mile High, Biscuit and Blues, etc.) are gone - one temporarily (hopefully in the case of B&B). They like their bluegrass, blue-eyed sould, etc. But I digress. The only black people they seem to like speak Spanish and the only problem is that black people speak many languages, mostly English in this area. But there's also French, Arabic, Portuguese - you get my drift. That's great for Tito and Bobi, but for the rest of us, there's no there there. For more stars, I need to see more diversity. read more

See all

Great venue! Interesting performances. My only regret was lack of concessions for 12 pm performance.

I can't believe that I never reviewed Freight and Salvage as we've been here probably 5 times by now. The great part is the Freight is nonprofit supported by generous charitable contributions, grants, and tireless volunteers who are passionate about their mission. A small enough venue to have a great view and sounds anywhere, you don't have to go far for beverages and snacks as it is served to the right when you enter enabling you to stretch you legs during intermission and enough space to mingle without worrying you need to keep your eye on the time when you should return. They have a great variety of talent including roots, folk, jazz, celtic, latin, afro-fusion, country, although we have only been here for Hawaiian music. We were here mostly for Uncle George Kahumoku and other slack key greats he is touring with like Nathan Aweau, Kawika Kahiapo, Jeff Petersen, and Led Kaapana. Recently we were treated to the sounds of our own Berkeley native Patrick Landeza opening up for Grammy award winner Kalani Pe`a just about 10 days before he went on to win his second Grammy. Amy Hanaiali`i, I have my eyes on you next. read more

See all

If you you are in need of proof of life after 80, go see Graham Nash at your first opporutnity. His voice was so close to the octaves he hit with CSNY, that i could scarcely belive my own ears. I've seen the band many times since 1968, and Graham is the real thing that makes up the heart and soul of musical genius. Last night he filled the hall with storys, acoustic music, electric music and harmonies that are almost as good as the oldend days with Crosby, but reallly, that is impossible to recreate, ever again. Loved the guy as he left us in Berkeley and flew off to Geneva, etc. I only wish he played Chicago, my pesonal anthemn. read more

Recently trekked up to F&S from the central coast to see Karla Bonoff and Nina Gerber perform here. In spite of initially questioning my judgement re: driving up to Berkeley in the middle of a historic "atmospheric river" rainstorm, I was so gratified to have made that decision. What a wonderful show to have witnessed from these two artists! They complimented each other with such grace, harmony, and mutual respect. This was a "10" rated performance on any scale and it was well supported by the amazing sound system in place at the Freight. Karla Bonoff has not lost a degree of range in her stellar career. The richness and range and warmth of her voice shined through the entire performance. Nina Gerber is a musician's musician in support of every headliner she plays with. Whenever she takes the stage with her gentle presence, she instantly impacts the performance like a velvet musical hammer. What a privilege it was to see these two musicians play so beautifully at this venue!! read more

I love the homy atmosphere and the cute concession stand. East talk to others too and great talent!

I love the vibe the people and especially the performance that was there that night. Anytime I go there it's always a good time.

Performed at the most welcoming open mic. Beautiful space. Lovely people. You can feel the room is alive with music and discovery.

it's the place to go for the kinda music i wanna hear. an auditorium though, not a club. You can buy limited food and drink.

I loved this place for so many years. Great sound , they book many great acts, excellent line of sight. Been a loyal customer from the days when they were still at their old location by San Pablo Ave But what they're doing with the entry requirements is baffling. The result is a really strange , stale & cold concert going experience. Nowhere else in town is requiring medical records & masks to be worn at all times. No drinks & no food. I feel like I'm visiting a nursing home. This is summer of 2022. I look forward to updating this review when they regain some sense of sanity ...hopefully before they turn all their customers away. Most people under the age of 70 have stopped going because of these restrictions. Better to go hang elsewhere where you can see your friends faces, have some fun, & not be subjected into these invasive requirements read more

Freight and Salvage is small enough that there are no bad seats and large enough to attract some great performers. I have seen several shows, for some I needed earplugs and others were perfect for me. I suspect that the artist has control over the volume. Being a nonprofit allows them to book a variety of artists that you will not see at other places. We were on the guestlist for the last two shows we saw here, so I can't really comment on the ticket prices. In the past ticket prices have always been reasonable What I really enjoyed was the framed calendars that lined the hallway to the bathrooms. "The Freight" has been around since 1968. It was interesting to see all the different performers that played there over the years, some became famous, others are pleasant memories, and some I have no idea who they were. read more

Had to update my review to RAVE about acts I've heard in the past month or so- Graham Nash, Andy Falco & Travis Book (of Incredible String Dusters), PAT METHENY (last night!)- so incredible!!! Absolutely stunning performances in equally stunning (and friendly welcoming) Berkeley venue. Intimate yet world class. That sums up Berkeley to me. We get to have this!! read more

I saw an NPR Moth slam here. It was an intimate and yet professional venue. I loved it and enjoyed the wine and truffles for sale too. read more

The Freight - Music Venues Near Me - Berkeley, California

Don't go here if you believe in your right to choose whether you get a booster shot because you won't be admitted if you don't have one even if you're fully vaccinated. Honestly.. is it even legal to allow a sale of a ticket without a disclaimer that a booster is necessary and then deny you entrance..? Extremely angry at this establishment and will never go here ever again. read more

Ticket fees are up there. Staff was bossy but no one really took responsibility for anything. The venue's acoustics are worthy of bumping it up to two stars but not much more. read more

We love it! Great food, coffee, drinks while experiencing such wonderful music and shows. Thank you for being there, and staying there, F and S! read more