Berkeley Parents Network: Live Music Venues

Berkeley Parents Network

Live Music Venues

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > The Arts, Entertainment, & Media > Live Music Venues

LIve music with baby

July 2004

My husband & I are wanting to expose our 1 year old son to some live music performances. During the day or early evening would be best. Does anyone have any recommendations? Seems like most things are at night. It doesn't have to be for kids specifically, although that would be nice, too. Thanks music lover

Hello, Cal Performances has a ''Family Fare'' matinee series: http://www.calperfs.berkeley.edu/presents/season/2004/ family_fare/

It's great. This year they have Dan Zanes booked, and honestly he's the best kids' music performer going right now. Check out his ''Night Music'' and you will be hooked. enjoy! anon

It's a bit of a drive, but San Gregorio Store (http://www.sangregoriostore.com) just south of Half Moon Bay has fun, family-friendly (and free!) music on Saturdays and Sundays (usually an 11am-1pm and a 2-5pm set, so very kid- friendly). Styles range from folk to bluegrass to easy-going rock and roll. There are always families there, dancing and general roaming around is not only tolerated but encouraged and there are real live cows in the pasture across the street. It's one of my favorite places to see live music, with or without a child. If you want to see something specifically for kids, go on a day when Lane Murchison / Lane & the Badass Chickenbones are playing - Lane teaches preschool music for a living and always throws a few great kids' songs into his set. Jeni

We go regularly with our 16-month-old to the live bluegrass at Jupiter in Berkeley, Sundays 4:00-7:00. I highly recommend it. jtownson

Hayward offers free band concerts in a park (with playground) on Sunday afternoons in July: http://www.ci.hayward.ca.us/news.shtm. Both Berkeley and Oakland have weekly daytime (weekday), outdoor summer concert programs as well -- I've seen posters around but don't know the details. robin

Ashkenaz on San Pablo Ave. in Berkeley is all ages all the time and I have seen babies, toddlers and kids there as late as 11 Pm but if you look on their calendar they usually have one children's venue a month and several shows that start more early-ish. Happy dancing! I wish I had gone sooner with my kids. http://www.askenaz.org anon.

How about lunchtime jazz at Cheese Board pizza?

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