Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center

This place is totally fabulous. There is a big family-friendly dnace or concert practically every night, for only a few dollars. They have wooden floors, organic snacks and drinks, great all ages events and specialize in world music - which means anything from folk dance classes to swing night to Brazilian hip-hop bands. And free water! They just have a really great vibe and are a wonderful community space. more

I have a few friends in a reggae band (the fabulous Kalbass), and while they usually play in downtown SF, they were particularly excited about a gig at Ashkenaz at Berkeley. Every single one of them told me that this was the place to catch their act -- as it was one of their favorite musical venues. After visiting Ashkenaz, I can totally understand why they were so excited about the place. It's incredibly spacious, has great acoustics, and most importantly, cultivates an incredibly laid-back vibe. This is not a place to "see and be seen." It is not pretentious. It is all about great live music, great company, and lots of dancing. I can't think of a better place to gather a group and check out a new band. Highly recommended. more

Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center sits near the corner of San Pablo and Gilman Streets in Berkeley. It is a homely little brown building that has a lived-in look. At night, this place comes alive. Ashkenaz regularly hosts musical events such as live performances, dance (and belly dance) lessons and community get togethers. They have an infectious friendly vibe, which can be traced to it's founder, David Nadel, a human rights activist and folk dancer. David was unfortunately murdered in 1996, and Ashkenaz closed down for a while. Community leaders and David's friends raised enough funds to get it started again and it is alive and well. Check their calendar at http://www.ashkenaz.com/ to find out what events are coming up next. more