Ashkenaz, Berkeley’s beloved non‑profit live‑music venue and dance space, invites music and dance lovers of all ages to join an exciting spring season of diverse performances and community gatherings. Since opening its doors at 1317 San Pablo Avenue in 1973, Ashkenaz has championed local and international artists across genres—from Grateful Dead tributes and Zydeco grooves to swing classics, Balkan jams, and Latin dance nights. With doors opening 30 minutes before show time, Ashkenaz’s Café serves draft and bottled beer, wine, kombucha, juices, sodas, coffee, tea, and a selection of vegetarian, mostly organic snacks and light meals, ensuring there’s something to fuel every move on the dance floor.
As a registered 501(c)(3), Ashkenaz relies on the generosity of its audience and supporters to sustain its mission of making the arts accessible and nurturing creativity in the East Bay. By becoming a member or making a donation, patrons help fund dance lessons, workshops, performances, and educational programs that benefit performers and learners alike. To learn more or contribute, please contact ashkenaz@ashkenaz.com or visit www.ashkenaz.com/donate. Stay connected on Instagram (www.instagram.com/ashkenazberkeley) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/AshkenazMusicDance) for behind‑the‑scenes stories, artist interviews, and community news.
Highlights of Ashkenaz’s spring lineup include Grateful Dead Night on Wednesday, April 23, when Ponderosa Plays Garcia Grisman takes the stage at 8 pm ($20 advance/$25 door; students $20 at the door). On Thursday, April 24, Zydeco Flames brings West Coast’s premiere Zydeco sound with a beginner‑friendly dance lesson at 7:30 pm, followed by an 8 pm set ($20 advance/$25 door; students $15 with ID). Friday, April 25, Rico Fridays returns with DJ Ron spinning Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, and more, with a free Salsa lesson at 8 pm ($16 advance/$25 door). Saturday, April 26, Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers ignite the floor with swing classics at 8 pm, preceded by a lesson at 8 pm ($20 advance/$25 door; students $15). Sunday, April 27, welcomes the monthly Free Balkan Jam & Dance Session at 8 pm with no cover.
May brings even more rhythm and movement: Grateful Dead Night resumes on Wednesday, April 30, featuring Stu Allen & Mars Hotel at 8 pm ($30 advance/$35 door; students $20). Thursday, May 1, is Bachata Nightz with DJ Ron and a lesson at 8 pm ($16 advance/$25 door; students $15). On Wednesday, May 7, Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas—Acadiana’s top R&B, blues, and Zydeco ensemble—play at 7:30 pm with a Cajun/Zydeco dance lesson ($30 advance/$35 door; students $20). Saturday, May 10, Baila Caribe featuring Bululú delivers an infectious mix of calypso, salsa, cumbia, son, guaracha, and more at 8 pm ($16 advance/$25 door; students $15). Reviving the ’70s Berkeley folk‑dance spirit, Balkan Dance lessons by Nadav Nur and Susie Shoaf kick off at 7 pm on Wednesday, May 14 ($10 advance). Grateful Dead Night continues on Friday, May 16, with Anna Elva & Friends at 8 pm ($20 advance/$25 door; students $15), and Saturday, May 17, honors Honky Tonk Night with Mitch Polzak & Friends and a two‑step lesson at 8 pm ($20 advance/$25 door; students $15). Sunday, May 18, features the cinematic singer‑songwriting of Charlie Millard Band at 7 pm ($20 advance/$25 door; students $15), followed by Scott Guberman’s Grateful Dead tribute on Wednesday, May 21 at 8 pm ($20 advance/$25 door; students $15). The season wraps on Friday, May 23, with another Rico Fridays celebration—DJ Ron’s Latin dance night, complete with a beginner‑friendly Salsa lesson at 8 pm ($16 advance/$25 door).
All shows are All Ages. For full details, tickets, and updated information, please visit www.ashkenaz.com or call (510) 525‑5099. Join us at Ashkenaz for an unforgettable spring of music, dance, and community.
