| Berkeley Parents Network |
| Home | Members | Post a Msg | Reviews | Advice | Subscribe | Help/FAQ | What's New |
My 16 y.o. son just heard about the opening of a new underage club in Richmond (east bay) that is opening this weekend, called Club Bamboo. Apparently it is only for 15 - 19 year olds. He wants to go and I was wondering if anyone is familiar with club Bamboo or these types of clubs in general. My son is very responsible and not into dangerour behavior, just wanting to go hear some music and have some fun with friends. He has not been to one of these underage clubs yet, so I just wanted to get a better idea of what is it like, is it safe, etc. thanks, cautious mom
My 16 year old daughter has been to several clubs to hear music. here's how I feel about it:
The Gilman-the grandaddy of under-age clubs-that's out for her, too much of an outside drug and drinking scene, inside she said it was just okay, lots of junky-looking couches and years-old graffiti on the walls. It's all ages and all ages do come. Mostly punk. Big mosh pit, no drinking or drugging inside, but no security outside where it's all happening. Ins and Outs okay.
Roosters Road House in Alameda has Sunday afternoon/early evening shows for under-age teens, not sure how often. They are VERY strict about drinking and watch the kids pretty well, even have mosh pit security. The music is all over the map, lots of new young bands can play here for the first time. Serves not very good food. No Ins and Outs. This one she can go to.
Red House Live in Walnut Creek-an interesting place, it's really new, under-age welcome, strict no drinking policy for under-age, not sure about the outside scene. Ins and Outs okay. Small clean lounge area and seperate band room. Heavy on the heavy metal the night I was there. I saw some kids get pretty messed up in the mosh pit. That's more of a personal choice though, to get out or stay in...I would say she could go here again.
I wonder if there are more clubs for teens? As for Club Bamboo, if you let your son go, check it out yourself so you get feeling for it, even talk to a bouncer or the bartender, ask how they deal with kids trying to drink, or being drunk, or if they allow Ins and Outs and let us know! mom of a rocker girl
Before I let him go, I checked it out with the mom of one of the main organizers who happens to be a senior at his school. Basically, he had a very good experience there and I would let him go again. There was lots of security, both inside and out. It is limited to only 14 to 19 year olds (high school ID), so no problem with older people and no alcohol at all. No one who had obviously been drinking was let in, although my son said he saw a few people who were ''tipsy'', but no one falling down drunk and no one with alcohol inside. He said he saw two people who tried to lite up a joint inside who were promptly escorted out. Lots of security. Outside, there were people smoking cigarettes, but nothing else. In and out was allowed for the frst hour and a half or so, but not after that.
And for what the kids are interested in...my son said good music, mostly hip hop, good crowd, nothing weird - he had a great time. He doesn't drink or do drugs, and isn't interested in being in a dangerous or weird scene, so I basically trust his reporting.
Apparently the place isn't quite finished yet, but it seems like a good, healthy place for teens to hang out and hear good music.
Hope this helps for those considering. new clubber's mom
The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco is open to all ages over 6 except for dance events, which are clearly marked on their events calendar (see http://www.gamh.com/calendar/index.html). My 16-year-old recently attended a concert there and really enjoyed it. He and his friends took BART. Remind them about BART closing at midnight though - mine had to call home for a ride back to Berkeley after the concert! Other slight problem - if you charge tickets for them on your card, they will have trouble collecting them at Will Call unless you give them your card. Ugh. Ginger
Cafe Eclectica, 1309 Solano Ave. in Albany 527-2344 is run by and for teens. Hosted by a non-profit organization, this is a great, safe place for your teens to go. Open 3-6PM M-Th and 7-11PM Fri. & Sat. There is a page on the website of the host: communitylearningservices.org They have just put out an activities calendar which you can pick up at the Cafe or get on the web page or leave a mailing address on their machine. Lisa
Last updated: Mar 30, 2008
Copyright © 1996-2008 Berkeley Parents Network