STRICTLY BUSH LEAGUE Zellerbach Hall is nearly always a bad experience. So I go last night to hear Beethoven's 5th, and it's more of the same nonsense. Ushers letting people come and go during the performance, idiots standing at the back of the hall chatting away, but what really put it over the top (under the bottom?) was during intermission, when they suddenly turned off all the lights in the lobby to signal that intermission was almost over. Put your lawyer on speed dial in case you fall down the stairs and break your neck. Or better yet, stay home! "HAVE ADDITIONAL TIPS ON THIS BUSINESS"? Yeah, don't go there! read more

You might get a little lost when trying to find this venue for the first time, especially if you just got off BART. The Berkley campus is amazing, full of trees, old buildings, and crazy pathways. The show that I went to at the Hall was a popular podcast, and they did not accommodate well. There was long lines to get in, ten minutes before the show was suppose to start. There's a small bar in the center lobby, but no drinks seem to be allowed in the auditorium. The selection was not great either. The interior of the auditorium has a very cool blocky design, something straight out of the seventies. We had balcony seats and were able to fully see the stage. The theatre also had great acoustics. The theatre does not have great climate control. It was a particular hot evening, and most of the audience were fanning themselves with their programs. Even the performs on stage were aware of hot the theatre was, one went off stage asking them to turn on the AC. Security is joke at this place, randos walked in with beers in their hands, and security didn't do a thing. This theatre has problems. read more

I almost gave this place 1 star. The interior is very late 70s/early 80s concrete blocky. That's not something they can change obviously. But the sound and lighting can be fixed. The sound was the worst I've ever experienced. I was in row F in the Orchestra section. So we had pretty good seats. The sound was awful-- instruments overlapping in weird, un-proportioned ways. The lighting was so that you couldn't see properly when they were on, yet needed sunglasses. My friend and I wore sunglasses with the lights were on. So please!! If someone from the administration at Berkeley reads this: PLEASE fix this issue. You have a great calendar of upcoming events, but I cannot handle the discomfort of light and sound in there. read more

Zellerbach Hall. Home of Cal Performances and many departmental commencement ceremonies. The last time I was here was when Harry Connick, Jr. (still-a-star-on-the-rise) gave a talk here in 1991. I remember it was classic orchestra seating in the lower level. I had a front row seat on the far right in the centre section near the stage though there was not much leg room. Meh. Whatever. 2014. I was walking by Zellerbach Hall, and ended up watching the Film & Rhetoric Department newly minted bachelor candidates walking into Zellerbach Hall in anticipation of conferment of their graduate degrees. I ran into the Film Undergraduate adviser outside. I conveyed my regrets not being able to volunteer to help with the proceedings yet hopefully next year when somebody I knew of was going to get their doctorate. Well, it turned out this somebody was finally going to get their doctorate. Wow! What the hey?! The UMA told me something about a mix-up or something. Wow! Finally, this person was at it for quite some time, almost ten years. I wanted to get a programme and I also ended up getting a free ticket. I was not too pleased to find out that my seat would be in the balcony section, having to walk two flights of stairs. Well, at least it was open seating. I see the Zellerbach Hall orchestra level underwent some renovations some time ago. The front row was pushed back and there is more space to pass through. My argument is for better security procedures at Zellerbach Hall. Check people for bringing in their own drinks, even though it is clearly stated on the signage that there is no eating and drinking allowed. If there was more security checking guests' bags and purses for food and drinks. There were some guests who had tickets, and they were rather chatty and noisy. Me and a few other guests in the area looked at them to be quiet. We were acknowledged politely and they lowered their noise level. For a short bit, and we had to look at them again. They got quiet. However, they brought in their own drinks, and they were cheering and talking as if they were at a sporting event. I got really uncomfortable and moved myself to another seat putting eight to ten rows between us. At one point, I saw one of the male ushers politely informing these guests to please be quiet. These guests were cheering the professors and the student speakers when they were introduced with a whole lot more acknowledgement than necessary. Their conversations amongst themselves got really loud and people on stage and in the orchestra level could hear them. I was immediately concerned when I saw one of my professors on the stage look up towards the balcony area with his famous glare. I could not take it anymore so I left. On my way out, I saw a couple of ushers heading up another set of stairs. I was informed they would be asking these folks to leave. I informed the staff there I would be leaving because of these hell raisers. Forget about seeing this person getting hooded and conferment of their doctoral degree for me. Graduation is supposed to be a positive, memorable milestone--especially for the graduates, their families, and their friends. And one would think guests would know better in how to comport themselves. Not sure I want to participate in future commencement exercises, and especially when it is my time to graduate. I do not want to subject my family members and friends on what is supposed to be a memorable milestone for all of us if there are going to be people there who do not know how or even a clue on how to comport themselves. When the opportunity presents itself, I am going to have a chinwag with the undergraduate adviser about this unpleasant experience I was subjected to. And yes, I did come back in time to see this person getting hooded. And then I left. read more

I saw Alvin Ailey here yesterday. I sat in the nose bleed section but still had a clear view of the stage. Next to my high school students' dance productions, Alvin Ailey is the best I've ever seen. I've always enjoyed Zellerbach over the years as I've witnessed history being made with visits from Jesse Jackson, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, Pilipino Cultural Night, and annual student graduations. Zellerbach is not only a UC Berkeley establishment, but an important cultural resource for the Bay Area. read more

We were able to get tickets to The Hard Nut at Zellerbach Auditorium through Goldstar. This is a wonderful place for concerts and stage performances, and we had a fabulous view of the stage and orchestra from our seats on the mezzanine level. This was our first time coming to this venue and I was a little apprehensive about the acoustics after reading a few reviews, although we were there for a stage performance and not a concert I can honestly say the orchestra sounded wonderful. Picking up tickets at will call was a breeze, and though they don't allow food and drinks inside the Auditorium there is a concession area that sells a variety of snacks and beverages at pretty reasonable prices given the venue. We all had such a great time, I'd definitely come here again. read more

Pretty sweet auditorium. The setup is nice, as they have a fair number of orchestra seats with tiered seating along the sides and upper and lower balcony as well. The sound was great, the only downfall was the uncomfortable seats and no drinks or food in the auditorium. It's pretty hard to complain though, when Ryan Adams takes the stage and plays for nearly three hours... read more

We went to see Shen Yun Chinese dance in Berkeley. Their showcase looked stunning and we decided to see the performance. Our tickets were expensive and costed 300$. The dances were not as impressive as in the showcase. The movements of dancers sometimes were not synchronized. There was not as much acrobatics as in their video. The couple dances were devoted to describing oppression of Falun Dafa followers in China. Then we listened to a song that Darwin's theory leads people to nowhere and Falun Dafa is right answer how to live life. At the end we were shown banners that Falun Dafa is good. I think the Shen Yun performance should be categorized as religious event that preaches about Falun Dafa. If we knew about it we would not go. read more

Shen Yun is a very entertaining Chinese dance and costume show with an ongoing theme of Falun Daja (more familiar as Falun Gong -- a cultish Religious Movement in constant opposition to the Government in PRC). It was pretty and the dancing was very highly developed, some acrobatics, gorgeous costumes, and very nicely performed live music. The Falun Daja theme was rather creepy and felt like propaganda that detracted from the performances. The audience was shockingly rude; arriving late, cell phones on, chattering to each other in Mandarin, clapping in the middle of the performance, dashing out several minutes before it was actually over... One moron even brought two very large poodles! My tickets were $120 each. Definitely not worth more than $50. read more

BORING GRADUATION CEREMONIES! But this is where the magic happens for all the students! Congrats to Joyce L. and JoAnna W!

I saw Kollaboration 2 here with friends. From the outside you could tell it's a performance hall but it's not the most enticing hall to look at. Even the interior is a bit bland. But the acoustics are great. We sat in the balcony and for some reason the first floor audience cheering was insanely loud. Either the sound travels through the place extremely well or the people are banshees. Zerllerbach Auditorium is right on the UC Berkeley campus. It's close to BART and downtown Telegraph. I wouldn't worry about wearing jeans and a t-shirt to this auditorium. read more

This is a review for one of the ushers at the Jessie Ware concert. She was on the right side of the venue in the lobby checking tickets near the backstage entrance and the entrance to the Tier section. I walked over to her to show her my ticket so I can go inside and immediately she said I can't go backstage my ticket isn't valid.. I wasn't even trying to go backstage. I had a tier ticket to go to the tier section. I explained this to her and she still continued to say that I could not enter this way and I had no business in this location. Even though I was directed to enter this way!! I ended up walking away and I attempted to enter through the mezzanine section entrance and the lady gladly let me and my roommate inside. During the show my roommate had a phone call she needed to take so she left to the lobby area where the usher lady previously was when she denied us entrance. She ended up denying my roommate entrance back into the show saying "no in's and outs, you have to leave the venue now" WHAT THE HECK? She just went to the lobby... what if people have to use the restroom? They can't leave to the lobby area to go pee?! I am so confused... Anyway, my roommate ended up walking all the way back to the front of the lobby to enter through the way we were allowed in the first time with no problems, and had to walk all the way back to her seat. It was an inconvenience. I don't know who hired her, and I really wish I got her name but I don't even think she would give it to me. Other than that the concert venue was cool, reserved seating was not fun but Jessie Ware made the whole experience a lot better. read more

I've been here a number of times to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and I think this is a great venue. It's big enough to attract national acts, yet small enough to seem intimate and mingle with the other spectators during intermission. The location is great, within walking distance from Bart and buses run right by in case you're in a bus-riding mood. Plenty of restaurants and public parking are all in close proximity to the auditorium. And if you don't have time, there are bar carts situated inside selling cocktails, wine and food to nosh on. read more

Came here for my friend's graduation for her department. Seats are super comfy (maybe a little too comfy?), the sound system appears to be in check and the stage is high enough where you could see anything no matter where you were at. All in all, just a typical auditorium. read more

Saw Oz here. Great show. The hall itself is very nice. But it does turn chaotic during intermissions. Bathrooms and food lines are long. But it's a great theater. read more

Visited Zellerbach Auditorium to see Mariinsky Ballet's version of Swan Lake. Even though we had cheaper seats in the mezzanine, our view was still very good. I don't think there is a bad seat in the place. It's a beautiful venue! Parking was fairly easy (and cheap) at a parking garage about a block away. Service and organization was a bit lacking though. It took them a while to locate my tickets even though I had purchased them weeks before, and the lines for food and drinks at intermission were absolutely ridiculous and not organized in any way. It was really hard to maneuver around them. In addition, the food and drinks are very expensive. I'm a regular at theatres in SF and NY, and this was even more expensive than I expected. I'll still go back though if there is a show coming through that I want to see. read more

Beautiful auditorium. Saw Mummenshanz recently and Bebel Gilberto several years ago at this venue. Had seats in the lower center for Bebel and lower right seats for Mummenshanz. Both sets of seats were great. Can't wait to see more shows here with my family! read more

I really liked this venue. It's an older building so not glamorous by any means, but the seating was done right. The mezzanine was perfect, and the balcony seating is very private. read more

This is the third time I have attended a performance at Zellerbach. I think its great to have such a location in the East Bay. I usually go to the San Francisco Davies Symphony hall, but find it hard to attend when the performances end late at night. I don't like taking BART so late. There is plenty of parking around Zellerbach. There also great places to eat before a show. I will continue to attend events here. read more

What a great venue! The acoustics are awesome, and probably just as important, the staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and easy-going. I've been there for several events, and have each time come away with a great experience. Another thing that is very cool about Cal Performances is that they don't gouge you on "convenience fees" as part of buying tickets online. In other words, the experience with this organization is "real" and personable. read more

I went here last time for a special reception and show, it was fantastic. I realize that everything I watch here is really good so if you ever don't know about a show, if it's showing in zellerbach it's probably really good! read more

This is for Garrison Keillor tonight at Zellerbach. First 30 minutes were good, enjoyed his storytelling. So awful after that I would've left if I hadn't been trapped in my row. He had a lovely young woman come out to sing, and the next hour and 15 minutes were bland sappy ballads!! He couldn't stop staring at her, for the entire time he faced her, his back to half the theater, his side the the middle quarter, leaving only the last quarter able to see him for AN HOUR AND 15 MINUTES. I was bored out of my mind. So disappointing. I came to hear his stories, not to hear him signing maudlin rambling slow ballads with a stranger. read more

They host the best. period. Like the upcoming ORQUESTA ARAGON show. This band is legendary and literally one of the best and most famous bands in Cuba, ever. read more

Zellerbach holds performances by some of the world's best artists every year, and you can often get a good discount on tickets by either buying rush (if you don't mind missing the first few minutes of a performance) or buying extra tickets from other audience members while in line before a performance. There's really nothing bad to say about the auditorium except that there can be long lines in the bathroom for really popular shows. If you want free parking you should get there early and be willing to walk a few blocks. Otherwise it's only about a 5-10 minute walk from the downtown Berkeley BART. read more

Went to see the Peking Acrobats on Sunday. Was a beautiful performance we loved every minute. We sat middle mezzanine and the seats were great, don't think there is a bad seat in the house. Can't wait to go to another show. read more

Zellerbach Hall is fabulous - not a bad seat in the place. And for anyone who loves the Juan de Marco Afro-Cuban All-Stars (coming in Spring 2011), you must get tickets for the Orquesta Aragon show coming August 13, 2010. First time this group has been back in the U.S. since 2001, and they are the mothership for all other Cuban bands, including Afro-Cuban All-Stars. You WILL love it. Beauiful venue, incredible show...August 13! read more

The staff is not helpful at all for helping me with my problem and just looks at making profits over helping customers. I would never recommend attending a performance if you because I was not treated like a human being. They were not willing to work with me on my issue and just and extremely uncompassionate. They had the seats, but chose not to help me out and turned me away because they valued profits over customers. I will never attend a performance here again and I will spread the word about how they treat customers. read more

Yesterday, I went to see PopAfro music with Fatoumata Diawara from Mali and Oliver from Zimbabwe. It was my first PopAfro performance and I don't have words to describe the evening. It was joyful and full of love, Zellrbach is the best for bringing such wide variety of performances. Thank you read more

Went to my first performance here and was very impressed with the facility. I've lived in Berkeley a few years now and never had the opportunity to experience a Zellerbach performance. i thought the crowd on this night was wonderful. A really good vibe. I am looking forward to my next visit this Spring. read more