Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-09-01
Ashkenaz in Berkeley heads into September with a particularly strong run for Grateful Dead and roots-music fans, alongside its usual mix of Cajun, old-time, Latin, folk, dance, and community programming.
The month opens September 2 with Stu Allen & Mars Hotel for Grateful Dead Night, followed just three days later by See What Love Can Do, celebrating the music of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead on September 5. Stu Allen & Mars Hotel return September 11, while Rosebud, featuring Scott Cooper, Jerry Saracini, Lachlann Kane, Fred Rodriquez, and Andy Birchett, closes out the month’s Dead-focused shows on September 23.
Roots fans will also find plenty throughout the month, including Louisiana Cajun music from Aux Cajunals and Ann Savoy & The Magnolia Sisters, several events surrounding the Berkeley Old Time Music Convention, and New Mexican string band Lone Piñon in early October.
Established in 1973, Ashkenaz is a nonprofit live music venue and dance space dedicated to presenting a diverse lineup of local and international artists. The venue is always all ages.
ASHKENAZ UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, September 2 Grateful Dead Night at Ashkenaz Stu Allen & Mars Hotel
Grateful Dead / Live Music
8 p.m.
$30 Advance / $35 Door / $20 Students with ID
Thursday, September 3
Bachata Nightz featuring DJ Ron
Bachata / Latin / Dance
Beginner-friendly Bachata lesson with Kathy Reyes and Xavier Stefano
8 p.m.
$16 Advance / $25 Door / $15 Students with ID
Friday, September 4
Aux Cajunals
Traditional Louisiana Cajun Dance Music
8 p.m.
$20 Advance / $25 Door / $15 Students with ID
Saturday, September 5 Grateful Dead Night at Ashkenaz See What Love Can Do
Jerry Garcia / Grateful Dead / Live Music
8 p.m.
$25 Advance / $30 Door
Wednesday, September 9
2nd Wednesday Balkan Folk Dance
Balkan Dance
Dance lesson at 7 p.m. with Nadav Nur and Susie Shoaf
Social dancing at 7:30 p.m.
$10
Thursday, September 10
Ann Savoy & The Magnolia Sisters
Cajun / Live Music
7:30 p.m.
$20 Advance / $25 Door / $15 Students with ID
Friday, September 11 Grateful Dead Night at Ashkenaz Stu Allen & Mars Hotel
Grateful Dead / Live Music
8 p.m.
$30 Advance / $35 Door / $20 Students with ID
Saturday, September 12
Mortified
Comedy / Storytelling
8 p.m.
$25 Advance
Wednesday, September 16
Berkeley Old Time Music Convention presents Welcome Party Square Dance
Featuring Forty Drop Few and The Canote Brothers, plus jamming in the back studio
Old-Time Jam / Live Music
7:30 p.m.
$20 Advance
Thursday, September 17
Third Thursday Tango featuring Charles Gorczynski & Scott O’Day Tango Duo
Tango / Milonga / Live Music
Beginner-friendly tango lesson at 7:30 p.m.
$20 Advance / $25 Door / $15 Students with ID
Friday, September 18
Carlos y Charlos
Traditional Norteño Music / Live Music
8 p.m.
$20 Advance / $30 Door / $20 Students with ID
Saturday, September 19
Berkeley Old Time Music Convention presents BOTMC Square Dance Party
Hosted by Mark Olson & Penny Critchlow, followed by an Old Time Jam led by Forty Drop Few
Also featuring Joseph Decosimo, Stephanie Coleman & Friends, Justin Robinson & Aaron Cooper, Skillet Licorice, Janine Smith, and Evie Ladin
7:30 p.m.
$20 Advance / $25 Door / $15 Students
Sunday, September 20
Berkeley Old Time Music Convention presents BOTMC Family Dance
Featuring The Manning Mud Stompers and The Janine Smith Experience
11 a.m.
Free / No Cover
Wednesday, September 23 Grateful Dead Night at Ashkenaz Rosebud, featuring Scott Cooper, Jerry Saracini, Lachlann Kane, Fred Rodriquez, and Andy Birchett
Grateful Dead / Live Music
8 p.m.
$30 Advance / $35 Door / $20 Students with ID
Thursday, September 24
Albany Middle and High School Choir
Choir Coffeehouse Performances
8 p.m.
$15
Friday, September 25
Rico Fridays: Latin Dance with DJ Ron
Presented by Kathy Reyes
Latin / Salsa / Bachata / Timba
Beginner-friendly salsa lesson at 8 p.m.
$16 Advance / $25 Door / $15 Students with ID
Thursday, October 1
Bachata Nightz featuring DJ Ron
Bachata / Latin / Dance
Beginner-friendly lesson at 8 p.m.
$16 Advance / $25 Door / $15 Students with ID
Friday, October 2
Mahealani Uchiyama and Hālau Ka Ua Tuahine
Presented by Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance
Polynesian Dance / Live Music
8 p.m.
$20 Advance / $25 Door / $15 Students with ID
Friday, October 9
Lone Piñon
New Mexican String Band / Live Music
8 p.m.
$30 Advance / $35 Door / $20 Students with ID
Ashkenaz is located at 1317 San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley, California.
