East Bay: Live music and entertainment
Nightlife is where the East Bay really comes into its own. Discos are virtually nonexistent; however, dance music - this is, after all, the home of Hammer, En Vogue and Digital Underground - is thriving, and live music venues range from smoky jazz cafés to sweaty R&B dives.Berkeley's Pacific Film Archives at 2575 Bancroft Ave (tel 510/642-5249 for tickets), perhaps the best cinema in California, puts on contemporary international films, plus old favorites. The free East Bay Express has the most comprehensive what's on listings.
Ashkenaz 1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley tel 510/525-5054. World music and dance café. Acts from modern Afrobeat to the best of the Balkans. Kids and under-21s welcome. Cover $7-12.
Freight and Salvage 1111 Addison St, West Berkeley tel 510/548-1761. Singer-songwriters in a coffee house setting. Cover $6-20.
Gilman Street Project 924 Gilman St, West Berkeley tel 510/525-9926. On the outer edge of the hardcore punk, indie, and experimental scene, this institution helped launch Green Day and Sleater-Kinney. No booze, all ages; cover $3-5.
Kimball's East 5800 Shellmound, off Powell St in the Emerybay Public Market, Emeryville tel 510/658-2555. The prime jazz and blues venue in the entire Bay Area, with big-name players in an intimate setting. Cover $15-20.
Stork Club 2330 Telegraph Ave, Oakland tel 510/444-6174. The historic club is presently a favorite with DJs and indie bands. The jukebox specializes in country tunes. Cover $5-8.
Yoshi's Restaurant and Nitespot 510 Embarcadero W, Oakland in Jack London Square tel 510/238-9200. The centerpiece of Oakland's revived Jack London Square, this combination jazz club and sushi bar routinely attracts the biggest names in jazz. Cover $10-30.
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