Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-06-15
Ashkenaz in Berkeley has announced a summer schedule featuring four Grateful Dead-related shows alongside reggae, Zydeco, flamenco, Afrobeat, Cuban music and social dance events.
The Dead-focused run begins Wednesday, June 17, with Stu Allen & Mars Hotel. Allen has long been a fixture in the Bay Area’s Grateful Dead community, and the performance is part of Ashkenaz’s continuing Grateful Dead Night series.
On Wednesday, June 24, The China Cats bring their long-running Dead tribute to the venue. The lineup features Jerry Saracini with Matt Hartle, Scott Cooper, Steve Sofranko, Roger Sideman and Michael Owens.
Todd Bugbee’s Dead Roses continues the series on Wednesday, July 1. On Saturday, July 11, Afro Dead will reimagine the music of the Grateful Dead through Afro-pop rhythms and arrangements.
The broader schedule reflects Ashkenaz’s longtime focus on international music and community dance. Upcoming events include Arabic wedding songs, Andalusian flamenco, Indian and African folk music, Cajun and Zydeco, Cuban music, reggae, Afrobeat, tango, bachata and salsa.
Wednesday, June 17
Grateful Dead Night at Ashkenaz featuring Stu Allen & Mars Hotel
8 p.m.
Thursday, June 18
Third Thursday Tango with Sascha Jacobsen & Friends
Beginner-friendly tango dance lesson at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, June 19
Tablao Flamenco with Marina Elana, Melissa Cruz, Fanny Ara, Jesse Torre, Marlon Aldana and Cachito Diaz
8 p.m.
Saturday, June 20
Zaghareet: Wedding Songs of the Arab World with Aswat Women’s Ensemble, Salma El Assal and Nicole Maria
8 p.m.
Wednesday, June 24
The China Cats featuring Jerry Saracini, with Matt Hartle, Scott Cooper, Steve Sofranko, Roger Sideman and Michael Owens
8 p.m.
Thursday, June 25
The Back Dimples
Beginner-friendly Zydeco dance lesson at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, June 26
Sabor Tradicional Bachata Social with DJ Kenny and DJ Ron
Traditional bachata lesson at 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 27
Trikaya
8 p.m.
Wednesday, July 1
Grateful Dead Night at Ashkenaz featuring Todd Bugbee’s Dead Roses
7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 2
Bachata Nightz featuring DJ Ron
Beginner-friendly bachata lesson with Xavier Stefano at 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 11
Afro Dead, reimagining the music of the Grateful Dead in Afro-pop styles
8 p.m.
Sunday, July 12
Mortified
7 p.m.
Thursday, July 16
Third Thursday Tango with Sascha Jacobsen & Friends
Beginner-friendly tango dance lesson at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 17
T Marie & Bayou Juju
Beginner-friendly Zydeco dance lesson at 7:30 p.m., with music at 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 18
Havana Night with Los Boleros, featuring Felix Samuel and Zareen on vocals
Beginner-friendly dance lesson with Rebecca Miller at 7:30 p.m., with music at 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 23
The Itals with Donny Rasta & JAHBUDDA!, plus Bobby Tenna and Anthony Garvey backed by The Legacy Band, DJ Sep and MC Elijah of Nice Up Radio
8 p.m.
Friday, July 24
Rico Fridays with DJ Ron, presented by Kathy Reyes
Beginner-friendly salsa lesson with Kathy Reyes and Xavier at 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 25
Soji & the Afrobeat Band, featuring the former guitarist for Fela Kuti
8 p.m.
Established in 1973, Ashkenaz is a nonprofit live music venue and dance space dedicated to presenting a diverse lineup of local and international performing artists.
Ashkenaz is located at 1317 San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley, California. All events are all ages. The café opens 30 minutes before showtime and offers beer, wine, kombucha, juices, sodas, coffee, tea, snacks and light meals that are vegetarian and mostly organic.
For updated listings and venue information, visit ashkenaz.com.
