Just off the corner of Solano and San Pablo, not too far from the 80 freeway exit…read more At the tip of the epicenter of gastronomic delights-Solano Avenue in Albany. I was there the other night with my beer buddy and all around friend with the same first name as I (and that's another story!) for the tribute to the local beloved character that passed recently, Mr. Bailey Pendergrass. A longtime institution in the Berkeley music scene from way back in the day till present. An interesting, kind fellow who still walked around in skinny trousers and a leather jacket- even on very hot days. And a hairdo like no other! He kind of reminded me of a character from Rocky Horror Picture Show or someone who could be played by Johnny Depp in some hip artistic movie. A bit of an eccentric, soft-spoken, amazingly charming man. A joy to sit down and chat with who had strong opinions and a distrust for doctors and their prescribed medication's,etc. I don't go very far back other than six or seven years when I met him at a popular watering hole called the Cornerstone on Shattuck. He would invite me to hang out while he ate his standard hamburger and fries and wash it down with what I remember was cranberry juice. He could never finish the whole burger so he'd take half home but would eat the fries usually, with a little help from me. We would talk about Minneapolis (where I'm from) and Prince of course, and he would share interesting stories. I'd keep him company until the music event would start where he had carte blanche, complementary entry with a plus one at the Cornerstone. I was his plus one and it was fun one night. I'll have to dig up the mixed CDs that he made for me that he presented in a recycled/repurposed "In-n-Out" bag, it was a nice touch. There was a little hand written note as well. The IVY ROOM put on a nice event and many showed up to pay their respect. Some were given a chance to get on the stage and recall memories. However, the crowd never stopped talking, so it was very hard to hear their praises, etc. The bartender was superb, but I'm sorry I didn't catch her name, very kind and approachable and humorous and of course, extremely efficient! It's a nice cozy room with a lot of history and an eclectic group of patrons. I chatted with a couple of extremely friendly kind people. However, I left before the music started as after a long day of work, I started to fade. Thank you Ivy Room for opening up your space to honor Mr. Bailey Pendergrass, and the wonderful people attending this event.

Ivy Room is happening Planet Booty is having Booty Camp for…read more4 nights Lani owner, is very wise

We went to a show at The Sound Room last night (Angela LaFlamme -- an extraordinary performance!)…read moreand it was a wonderful experience. The doors opened at 6:30 and we ordered our food and found a table. The menu was small, but everything we had was delicious and reasonably priced. My husband and I both ordered the pork carnitas, which were incredibly tender and very tasty, my brother-in-law had the Chile rellenos and we shared some top-notch French fries. My Sangria was great, too! It's a warm and intimate venue, with a friendly vibe, and our friend who was performing that night said that musicians love the venue! A+

Came here for trivia night and it was so much fun! The owners are really sweet and kind, and make…read moreyou feel welcomed. The space is pretty big and is great for events. Their prices are extremely affordable, and if you pay cash there's a cash discount! I love it! Looking forward to more events here!

There is no bad seat at The Freight but this time I got front row , it's always general admission…read moreseating. This show was for Dave Alvin and Jimmy Dale Gilmore... two legends playing without their band for this show. Last time I saw them with their full band much closer to home at Felton Music Hall... also a great venue. Opening artist was guitarist Lenny Kaye from The Smiths and he was great too. Awesome audience as usual for The Freight. Get out and see live music, it's always a great time.

So much variety.. Comfortable seating.Great sound system Nice snack bar.Once a week Bobby Mc…read moreFerrin conducts a circle song where the audience participates and professional singers like Bryan Dwyer lead.Lucky to have them.

It's fair to say that Marin is no hotbed of nightlife but lately, the rain and early sunsets have…read moreme nesting a bit more than in past years. It's in the midst of this nesting that I've discovered the joys of what the Throckmorton Theatre is laying down. The free, monthly noontime concerts are great as is the always popular weekly comedy night but more recently I've been enjoying the other events offered. In so doing I've come to see the Throckmorton as an essential community asset; they save me a drive to the City while providing right-sized entertainment close to home. When I attend events here I leave feeling thankful for their offerings. In recent months I've enjoyed a Jonathan Richman concert (fab... bring him back!), a concert by a local band, and A Chorus Line, teen edition. That last one left me sorry that I'd missed the previous one-time Broadway shows showcased here and with resolve not to miss another. For a little above the cost of your ticket you can pay to enjoy reserved seats but if you fail to do that you'll find equally satisfying seating on the main floor (they also have balcony seating) if you arrive early enough to snag it. I find myself checking the Throckmorton's calendar with a frequency, these days, that I'd not have anticipated even one year earlier. They've not disappointed yet.

I had not been to this charming theatre in many, many years. It is just as lovely as I remember…read more The art work in the lobby is so interesting. And the interior of the performance hall is exquisite with such detailed woodwork, gorgeous light fixtures and murals. We attended a free musical concert with an outstanding local violinist who featured art on the screen to accompany the music he played. I've honestly not heard a violin played with such versatility. What a treat this show and venue was!

It's a down to earth, barn like music venue with a very small bar and amazing music!…read more Hard to find a place like this in a city!

I come for a weekly Bhangra class which I love. It's a get your body moving and the more you put…read morein the better your workout will be. The instructors, especially Andrea, is consistently welcoming. I also find her easier to follow because her pants are not override and it easier to see the leg movement. Viki, the lead instructor, is nice on email but when I try to talk to her in person, I find the interaction awkward. Maybe it's me but I see her interacting with others. Come! Great music, energy, joy and movement. A great way to spend an hour.

First time visiting for a concern this past weekend. The space is intimate and has great acoustics…read more I liked how the sofas and other furniture were all mismatched - adds to the esthetic! Our event was 2 hours long, and it was BYOB. Towards the back there are high chairs with seating so if you come early could grab those and settle down with your drinks. It did get a little warm in the afternoon as they turn the fans off during the performance, which makes total sense, but overall enjoyed our time here and would come back for another performance. It's also close to a ton of restaurants and cafe's, and the BART station is just a few blocks away. There is a parking lot around the corner if you're driving.

Great intimate music venue, with a variety of different styles of music…read more Bring your own drinks and food, nothing is available.

Once known for good beer selection and entertainment, it is still all that but also with solid pub…read morefood. The entertainment and community feel of the place is the #1 highlight. Open mic night gives young people a voice. Older musicians act as unofficial mentors - the best advice from one was to 'make me feel something!!' I love the art scene - and to me there is a special intersection of utility (maybe articulating an important message - or building a useful couch) --- and the beauty of that piece. How you put it together, how it looks and most importantly how it makes you feel when you sink into the couch or words. I have a lot of opinions and a lot to say. These days you really can't complain much - in the world you are a nag and in church you are labeled a legalist. The secret is if you say those things in a beautiful way or tip toe around a subject asking questions and letting the audience come up with their own conclusions. The young people today I have lots of sympathy for. The 50 year olds could get away with earning $50k/yr - the 40 year olds could get away with earning $100k/yr but the 20 and 30 year olds in the bay area with 2 kids need to earn $200k in their household to make ends meet. Gentrification is the enemy - those who are 'rich.' Lets blame the boomers. Maybe there are some other 'enemies' of the unaffordable nature of the bay area. A witch hunt aiming at tech workers or the unhoused or maybe today AI robots. My brother pays $4000/month for babysitting. I think his house tax is another $1000/month and we aren't even talking about the mortgage yet.... In San Francisco a family of 4 can qualify for free babysitting if they earn $178,300 or less per year. Maybe you can't call this the poverty level - but you qualify for everything including housing assistance. I'm sorry no beautiful poetry for you today. No lit slam. No soup for you!! I will continue building my couches - you take the stage!!

Starry Plough....Oh wow! This is really a cool scene…read more There's a different event seven nights a week. Today the day after July 4 celebration is sort of an Irish music session in the place is packed at 5:45 PM! Great musicians and a fun atmosphere, but it seems like the same continuous song plays between breaks with a slight adjustment of the melody. Sort of a hypnotic repetitive groove, not so unlike "ON THE CORNER" by Miles Davis but not really, ha ha! OK kids, please plug that into your little machine and have a listen. Feel that groove in "BLACK SATIN" The Starry Plough is a full service restaurant, pub and nightclub that has been a staple of the East Bay scene since 1973. With deep roots as an Irish Revolutionary watering hole, the history of protest runs as deep today as it did when they opened five decades ago. And they have really good food and a great tap beer list. Also, the very best bartenders and staff throughout! I just had a half order of the handcut french fries and they really are top-notch man, they're served with different condiments that you can help yourself to. I chose the Sriracha sauce and ketchup. I couldn't find the horseradish tonight. I've been coming in here for several years and I really dig it. Very special people hang out here, kind of a hippie Berkeley vibe. I've had great long conversations and met very groovy folks. It's a great watering hole.