Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-03-05
Ashkenaz, the legendary Berkeley dance hall and live music venue that has been bringing global sounds and community gatherings to the Bay Area since 1973, continues its vibrant spring programming with a diverse lineup of music, dance, and cultural events throughout March and early April. Located at 1317 San Pablo Avenue, the nonprofit venue remains an all-ages destination for live performance and social dancing, offering everything from world music and comedy to family programs and, of course, regular celebrations of the Grateful Dead songbook.
For Deadheads, Ashkenaz’s beloved Grateful Dead Nights featuring Stu Allen & Mars Hotel remain a cornerstone of the venue’s calendar. The next gathering takes place Wednesday, March 18 at 8 p.m., continuing a long-running tradition that has made the Berkeley hall one of the Bay Area’s most welcoming homes for the music of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead. Known for his deep knowledge of the Dead catalog and fluid guitar work, Stu Allen leads Mars Hotel through expansive interpretations of classic material, creating a communal dance-floor experience that echoes the improvisational spirit of the original band. The tradition continues into the next month as well, with another Grateful Dead Night scheduled for Wednesday, April 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets for these shows are $30 in advance, $35 at the door, and $20 for students with ID (door only).
Another highlight for Dead fans arrives Friday, March 13, when Ashkenaz hosts the 4th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration featuring American Beauties, a band honoring the legacy of Grateful Dead keyboardist Keith Godchaux and vocalist Donna Jean Godchaux. The group brings a powerful interpretation of the Garcia and Dead repertoire while celebrating Donna Jean’s influential role in the band’s sound. The show begins at 8 p.m., with tickets priced at $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and $15 for students with ID (door only).
Beyond its Dead-centered nights, Ashkenaz continues to showcase its wide-ranging programming. The BELLA Dance Weekender returns March 6 and March 7, offering Bachata Moderna and Salsa On2 lessons alongside social dancing, competitions, and performances with DJ Ron. Families can enjoy the Sunday Sunshine Series on March 8 at 3 p.m., featuring Caribbean music and storytelling for children with Asheba.
Longtime community traditions also remain central to the venue’s calendar. The Second Wednesday Balkan Folk Dance, an Ashkenaz staple since the venue’s earliest days, returns March 11 and April 8, with dance lessons followed by open social dancing. Meanwhile, Third Thursday Tango with Sascha Jacobsen & Friends arrives March 19, pairing live tango music with an all-levels dance lesson.
Additional highlights include Mortified, a Bay Area storytelling and comedy event on March 14, the Eric Long Band bringing Americana and alt-country grooves with a country two-step dance lesson on March 20, Afro-Brazilian funk outfit SambaDá on April 3, and Mark St. Mary’s Louisiana Blues & Zydeco Band on April 4, complete with a beginner-friendly zydeco dance lesson.
Through its ever-evolving schedule of live music and dance, Ashkenaz continues to embody the spirit that has defined the venue for more than five decades: a place where community, culture, and movement come together under one roof. Whether fans arrive for the swirl of Balkan rhythms, the pulse of Latin dance, or the timeless grooves of the Grateful Dead songbook, the Berkeley institution remains a welcoming gathering place for the Bay Area’s musical tribes.
For tickets and additional information, visit www.ashkenaz.com or follow Ashkenaz Berkeley on Instagram and Facebook.
