| Night
after night we hear from performers how the experience playing at
Ashkenaz is truly a unique one. Musicians love our sound, our homey
vibe, and the treatment they receive first as guests in the club,
then as members of our community.
Already
booked a show?
Check out our online resources for
bands to the left.
Click here for a list of nearby
restaurants we recommend!
Want
to book your band at Ashkenaz?
Please read these guidelines carefully to determine whether you
or your band would be an appropriate fit for Ashkenaz.
What
We Book
Ashkenaz
presents dance music from a variety of world and roots music genres,
including—but not limited to--African, Balkan, Belly Dance,
Bluegrass/Old Time, Brazilian, Cajun/Zydeco, Caribbean, Flamenco,
Grateful Dead, Jambands, Music for Kids, Reggae, Ska, Swing, and
different world fusions. We feature emerging, local, national and
international talent 6 nights a week.
We
are committed to offering quality music that represents a broad
spectrum of cultures and styles. We also look for music that moves
your feet, and is all-age appropriate (we are always all ages).
We
support other non-profit organizations offering a space for benefits
and fundraisers.
Occasionally
we have sit down shows for dance performance, such as Flamenco and
Belly Dance, but we are mainly an “open dance floor”
venue.
How
to Book A Show—Booking Procedure
To
determine if you or your band would be a good fit for Ashkenaz,
review Ashkenaz’ calendar
of upcoming shows.
Supply
a letter of introduction along with a press kit (electronic or by
mail) to the contact information at the bottom of this page. In
your letter or email, be sure to include all of your contact information
and answer the following questions:
Where
else have you played in the Bay Area? When? Turnout? For what cover
charge?
Where
is the band from? Local/Touring?
How
do you promote your shows?
Are
you looking for a particular date or night of the week?
Do
you have 2 full sets of music and a full length CD?
Do
you have music on rotation at any radio station?
Do
you have a street team?
Are
you willing to play on a weeknight?
Also
include a brief bio any other information that will make us confident
that you will be able to draw some folks. We expect bands to draw
roughly 100 people on a weeknight, 150 on a Friday, and 200 on a
Saturday. Please let me know if you’d be willing to play on
a weeknight, as a support band, or in a promotional spot if it’s
your first time here.
| We
also accept press kits through |
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Once
you have sent in a press kit or epk, wait a few weeks and follow
up with an email to see if your kit has been reviewed.
Remember,
Ashkenaz received a lot of press kits and we do not have the human
power to respond to everyone. Please do not call. We will contact
you if we are interested in booking your band.
We
are currently booking 2-3 months out; sometimes longer for specific
dates and weekends.
Direct
all booking inquiries to:
Kristen Sbrogna
Programming and Booking Manager
1317 San Pablo Ave
Berkeley, CA 94702
510-525-5099
(fax) 510-525-3630
Kristen@ashkenaz.com
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