Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-04-28
Ashkenaz in Berkeley keeps doing what it has done for decades: giving the East Bay a steady home for roots music, dancing, community gatherings, and plenty of Dead-friendly nights. The latest calendar leans heavily into jam and hippie energy, while still covering the venue’s wide mix of global sounds, folk traditions, and local culture.
For Grateful Dead fans, Ashkenaz remains one of the most dependable rooms in the Bay Area. Stu Allen & Reflections headline Grateful Dead Night on April 29 with a Jerry Garcia-centered set that should draw the usual devoted crowd. Another Dead night follows May 8 with Matt Lazarus And Friends, while June 3 brings the Joe Marcinek Band featuring Mark Karan, Mookie Siegel, Anna Elva, and Angeline Saris. That June lineup alone makes it one of the standout nights on the schedule.
Bluegrass fans also have plenty to work with. The sixth installment of the Berkeley Bluegrass Barn Jam lands April 28 with open-stage jamming and a mystery band, while Norway’s Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra arrives May 6 blending Nordic folk and bluegrass styles.
Ashkenaz continues to shine with dance-centered events and international music. Blackcat Zydeco rolls in April 30 with beginner-friendly lessons, while legendary fiddler Tom Rigney & Flambeau return May 28 for another roots-fueled party. Monthly dance favorites include Bachata Nightz on May 7, 2nd Wednesday Balkan Folk Dance on May 13, and Third Thursday Tango on May 21.
The venue’s deeper world-music tradition is well represented too. May 2 brings the all-day 25th Herdeljezi Romani Festival, a major celebration of Balkan Romani music and dance. Other highlights include Persian classical and spiritual music on May 1, music from Portugal’s Madeira Island on May 3, Indian classical and jazz percussion with Namaskar by Sameer Gupta on May 23, Brazilian sounds from Khalifa do Accordion on May 30, and an eclectic fusion/reggae night with Quattro and Paper Kayak on May 29.
There are community offerings as well, including the family-friendly Sunday Sunshine Series with Asheba, local high school jazz bands, and the comedy/storytelling favorite Mortified.
For Deadheads, dancers, roots fans, and anyone who likes a real neighborhood venue with personality, Ashkenaz remains one of the Bay Area’s most reliable stops.
Dead & Jam Highlights
April 28 – Berkeley Bluegrass Barn Jam
April 29 – Stu Allen & Reflections (Grateful Dead Night)
May 6 – Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra
May 8 – Matt Lazarus And Friends (Grateful Dead Night)
May 28 – Tom Rigney & Flambeau
June 3 – Joe Marcinek Band ft. Mark Karan, Mookie Siegel & more
Ashkenaz
1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702
Always All Ages
