Ashkenaz, the legendary Berkeley nonprofit music and dance community hub since 1973, is rolling out a stacked lineup this fall with a special emphasis on Jerry Garcia Band Month. Deadheads will want to circle dates with Stu Allen & Reflections, who honor Garcia and the Grateful Dead across multiple nights: October 1, October 10, October 15, and October 29. The celebration continues with Love Mischief on October 22 for Grateful Dead Night at Ashkenaz, and a heartfelt gathering on October 23 with Zach Nugent’s JG3 featuring Sunshine Garcia Becker & Cheryl Rucker, keeping the Garcia spirit alive.
The month kicks off September 30 with The Berkeley Bluegrass Barn Jam with Jasper Manning & Friends, a free evening of jamming and pickin’. Beyond the Dead-centered events, the Ashkenaz calendar leans deep into roots traditions: Michael Doucet, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, and The Revelers bring Cajun fire for “Bayou Bounce” October 2; Okie Weiss & the Zydeco Playboys (October 9), Midnite Ramblers (October 16), and Iko Ya Ya (October 31) keep the zydeco and Louisiana grooves hot. Country fans can catch Mitch Polzak & Friends honky-tonk two-step on October 18.
October also brings international sounds and community dance: Wednesday Balkan Dance on October 8, and the monthly Balkan Sundays workshop and jam on October 26. Comedy finds a home October 11 with the storytelling phenomenon Mortified. Hip hop takes the stage October 17 with KD the Poet alongside DJ Sunflower, LOE Gino, and Poetiq Beetz.
Reggae rises high on October 19 for the 38th Annual Peter Tosh Birthday Celebration, featuring Jahdan Blakkamoore, Sampalue, Rastareens with Sister Alreca, and Jahwarri, all backed by The Brickyard Band, plus DJ Spliff Skankin’ and ceremonial Nyabinghi Drummers. Afrobeat fans won’t want to miss Felabration on October 25 with Soji & the Afrobeat Band.
November opens with the Third Annual Lord of the Rings Square Dance on November 1, complete with music by Old Toby & The Smauggy Mountain Boys, dances called by Gandalf the White and Po-Tay-Toe, and costumes strongly encouraged. The weekend of November 8–9 brings Dare to Be Square West, a two-day immersion into old-time square dancing with bands Stumptown Stringband and Echo Mountain, and callers Sue Hulsether and Tony Mates.
Ashkenaz remains a vibrant community gathering space at 1317 San Pablo Ave in Berkeley, always all ages, with vegetarian and organic offerings from its Café. Full details, tickets, and updates are at www.ashkenaz.com, on Instagram, and Facebook.
