In search of the best clubs for Blues & Jazz along the east shore of the San Francisco Bay, we asked
Jeff Tauber on sax
Saxophonist Jeff Tauber for his advice and got the whole story. Some clubs are listening rooms and others are bars and lounges. Easy links to their websites will get you to their music calendars.
Ashkenaz – is still happening at 1317 San Pablo Ave in Berkeley. African, Blues, Hip Hop, Reggae, World Beat and other genres. Ashkenaz is dedicated to providing dance and music from traditional cultures all around the world, featuring local and international bands.
the backroom – 1984 Bonita Ave in Downtown Berkeley – books all acoustically-based genres, including Jazz, Blues, Folk, Bluegrass, Americana and more. It’s an intimate, comfortable venue with no food or drink other than water or soft drinks. Adults can BYOB. Local musician Sam Rudin wants to keep the music venue small and comfy with a Steinway grand piano on stage and thrift shop overstuffed chairs below.
Britt Maries’ – 1369 Solano Ave in Albany – The owner is turning Britt Marie’s Wine Bar & Restaurant into a community music venue so local musicians have an opportunity to play and customers can enjoy a Jazz supper club type of venue, much like in the 1940s. Dancing also. Tauber on sax and Craig Browning on keys played there recently. They are two latter day jazz men committed to playing the songs the way they were written – soft, melodic and lyrical.
The Cheese Board Collective & Pizzeria (2 doors down) – 1504 and 1512 Shattuck Ave in Berkeley – Offers up Blues and Jazz and even during lunch! The Pizzeria backs up, but the line moves quickly. “Kickin’ the Mules Blues Band” plays there.
Chris’ Club – at 656 Benicia Road in Vallejo is dubbed the world’s best eclectic dive bar. Call (707) 552-2916 to find out when they will have a Blues Jam. They have live Music every Thursday, Sometimes on Friday and Saturday (Check their Facebook). Thursdays include Live Blues 7-11pm, with World Famous Do It Yourself NY Steak BBQ and BBQ Oyster Bar on the Back Patio.
Everett & Jones Barbecue, located at the entrance to Jack London Square at 126 Broadway in Oakland, hosts Saturday Night Blues from 9pm – 1am. On Fridays there are two venues: Q’s Lounge – 8pm-12midnight – a relaxed environment with the latest in live Soul and Jazz, up close and personal. Dotha’s Juke Joint – 9pm-12midnight – brings you down home live Blues in a funky-chic setting with a plate of the best BBQ in town. Check who’s been playing!
– A true neighborhood bar dating back to the 1940s. 860 San Pablo Ave in Albany – Blues & Funk. Open Mon – Sun 3pm –
Terrence Brewer
2am. Check out B-Side Cypher: We the People video talking about Session Tuesday jam.
The Ivy Room – A true neighborhood bar dating back to the 1940s, presents a variety of entertainment and a meeting place for the entire East Bay community. 860 San Pablo Ave in Albany – Blues & Funk. Open Mon – Sun 3pm – 2am.
Jupiter – a European-inspired beer house and premiere alternative Jazz venue at 2181 Shattuck Ave in Downtown Berkeley. A two-story lounge with a two-story beer garden, fire pits and heaters, Jupiter offers up handcrafted beers & ales along with wood-fired pizza, Jazz, Blues & Latin music. On Fridays they serve food until midnight!
The Sound Room – home of Bay Area Jazz & Arts at 2147 Broadway in Oakland. According to Tauber, some of best Bay Area musicians play here. Proceeds from their food and drink sales pay the rent and utilities and proceeds from ticket sales pay for the band and sound equipment. Of note – all of their wines are on some level, associated with Jazz.
Starry Plow – 3101 Shattuck Ave in Berkeley – is still going strong since the 70s with Grunge, Rock, Irish and Blues. Thursday nights are filled with Funk Soul, Hip Hop, Jazz and Latin music. Check out who has played there! Always the Revolutionary Irish watering hole, Starry Plow serves locally sourced pub-comfort food and lots of different beers, wine and non-alcoholic beverages.
Yoshi’s – 510 Embarcadero West in Oakland’s Jack London Square – is at the top of Tauber’s list , having built a reputation for being one of the most respected Jazz Clubs in the Bay Area with great Japanese cuisine. It now can seat 310 people, yet still maintains its intimate vibe. They have expanded to include broader genres now to appeal to a variety of musical tastes, though you can always find Jazz and Blues on their calendar.
Editorial Note – one more: The 7th St. Cafe (the old Rev Cafe) is bringing BLUES back to the neighborhood at 1612 7th St in West Oakland. Karaoke Nights on Saturday at 8pm and Comedy on Sundays at 8pm. 7th St. Cafe features the 7th St. Blues Band and has Blues Jams often on Fridays and other nights. Call and find out what’s going on – (510) 444-7746.
Unfortunately Birdland Jazz has closed – Birdland Jazz (Birdland Jazzista Social Club) – 4318 Martin Luther King Jr Way in Oakland is open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays starting at 8pm (like the old Blues Clubs in West Oakland), featuring Jazz, Blues, Latin Jazz or Jazz Jams. They depend on volunteers and donations. Volunteer and become a Jazzista! Jeff Tauber, our club guide, plays at Birdland now and again. Another group that started in a garage in Berkeley, now has moved to Oakland. You have to read the history.
Tell us your favorite Blues and Jazz venues.
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