Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-08-03
Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center continues its August schedule with a wide-ranging lineup of funk, soul, blues, Indigenous music, rockabilly, zydeco, Cuban dance music, big band, salsa, bachata, and more. For Grateful Dead and jam-minded listeners, the month’s standout arrives Friday, August 14, when Kanekoa—often described as “the Hawaiian Grateful Dead”—brings its island-rooted interpretation of the Dead’s musical spirit to Berkeley.
Known for blending Hawaiian instrumentation, improvisation, and a deep connection to the Grateful Dead songbook, Kanekoa has built a devoted following among listeners drawn to exploratory live music and communal concert experiences. The group performs at 8 p.m., with tickets priced at $30 in advance, $35 at the door, and $15 for students with ID.
The rest of Ashkenaz’s August calendar reflects the venue’s long-standing commitment to presenting music and dance traditions from around the world. Established in 1973, Ashkenaz is a nonprofit live music venue and dance space dedicated to hosting a diverse mix of local and international artists. All events are all ages.
The month begins Wednesday, August 5, with Marin-based funk, soul, and blues band KOI. Bachata Nightz follows Thursday, August 6, featuring DJ Ron and a beginner-friendly lesson with Kathy Reyes and Xavier Stefano.
On Friday, August 7, Pamyua brings Indigenous music rooted in Yup’ik tradition and contemporary soul. The Bay Area comedy and storytelling event Mortified takes over the room Saturday, August 8, followed Sunday, August 9, by Southern California roots-music veteran Deke Dickerson, whose sound draws from rockabilly, Western swing, and honky-tonk.
Ashkenaz’s long-running second-Wednesday Balkan Folk Dance returns August 12, with instruction from Nadav Nur and Susie Shoaf before social dancing begins. Blackcat Zydeco performs August 13, pairing live Cajun and zydeco music with a beginner-friendly dance lesson.
Following Kanekoa’s August 14 appearance, Guajirón brings high-energy Cuban dance music and tropical jazz to the venue August 15. Morchestra Big Band, featuring Nicolas Bearde, performs August 21.
On August 22, Bululú celebrates an album release with a mix of salsa, merengue, cumbia, soca, and Caribbean influences. The month closes August 28 with Sabor Tradicional Bachata Social, featuring DJ Ron and a lesson from guest instructor Ismael Otero.
Ashkenaz August Schedule
Wednesday, August 5
KOI
Funk, soul, and blues
8 p.m.
$20 advance / $25 door / $15 students with ID
Thursday, August 6
Bachata Nightz featuring DJ Ron
Beginner-friendly lesson with Kathy Reyes and Xavier Stefano at 8 p.m.
$16 advance / $25 door / $15 students with ID
Friday, August 7
Pamyua
Inuit and Indigenous music and dance
8 p.m.
$30 advance / $40 door / $20 students with ID
Saturday, August 8
Mortified
Comedy and storytelling
7:30 p.m.
$25 advance / $35 door / $25 students with ID
Sunday, August 9
Deke Dickerson
Rockabilly, Western swing, and honky-tonk
8 p.m.
Dance lesson TBA
$15 advance / $20 door / $15 students with ID
Wednesday, August 12
Second Wednesday Balkan Folk Dance
Lesson at 7 p.m. with Nadav Nur and Susie Shoaf
Social dancing at 7:30 p.m.
$10
Thursday, August 13
Blackcat Zydeco
Cajun and zydeco
7:30 p.m.
Beginner-friendly dance lesson at 7:30 p.m.
$20 advance / $25 door / $15 students with ID
Friday, August 14
Kanekoa
Grateful Dead-inspired Hawaiian music
8 p.m.
$30 advance / $35 door / $15 students with ID
Saturday, August 15
Guajirón
Cuban dance music and tropical jazz
7:30 p.m.
$20 advance / $25 door / $15 students with ID
Friday, August 21
Morchestra Big Band featuring Nicolas Bearde
Big band
8 p.m.
$20 advance / $25 door / $15 students with ID
Saturday, August 22
Bululú Album Release Party
Salsa, merengue, cumbia, and soca
7:30 p.m.
$20 advance / $25 door / $15 students
Friday, August 28
Sabor Tradicional Bachata Social with DJ Ron
Traditional Bachata lesson with Ismael Otero at 8 p.m.
$16 advance / $25 door / $15 students with ID
Ashkenaz is located at 1317 San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley, California. The venue’s café opens 30 minutes before showtime and serves beer, wine, kombucha, juices, sodas, coffee, tea, snacks, and light vegetarian meals.
For tickets and additional information, please visit ashkenaz.com.
