The Best of Folk Music in Berkeley

Come to Berkeley to experience the best of folk music! Our vibrant community offers a variety of venues to enjoy live music.

Berkeley’s best folk music venues

Folk music has been popular in Berkeley since the 1950s when the folk scene first began to develop in the San Francisco Bay Area. The city has since become home to a number of folk clubs and venues, many of which are still active today. If you’re a fan of folk music, there’s no better place to be than Berkeley. Here are some of the best places to catch a folk show in the city.

The Freight & Salvage is one of Berkeley’s most popular music venues, and it has been hosting folk shows for over 50 years. The club is located in downtown Berkeley and features a full bar and restaurant. The Freight & Salvage is also known for its excellent sound system and intimate atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed setting, check out La Peña Cultural Center. This club is located in North Berkeley and features a variety of live music, comedy, and dance performances. La Peña is also home to a cafe serving traditional Mexican food.

If you’re looking for something truly unique, head to Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center. This venue is known for its eclectic mix of music, including worldbeat, klezmer, reggae, and much more. Ashkenaz also offers dance classes and lessons for all levels.

The best folk music artists in Berkeley

Berkeley is well-known for its lively music scene, and folk music is no exception. From singer-songwriters to bluegrass bands, there is no shortage of talented folk musicians in Berkeley. Here are just a few of the best.

Sammy Davis, Jr.

Few folk musicians have achieved the same level of success as Sammy Davis, Jr. A singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Davis is one of the most celebrated folk musicians in Berkeley. His soulful voice and mastery of the guitar, banjo, and mandolin have won him a devoted following among fans of folk music.

The Freight & Salvage

The Freight & Salvage is a Berkeley institution and one of the best places to see live folk music in the city. The venue has been hosting folk concerts since 1968, and it continues to be a popular destination for both local and touring artists. If you’re looking for a truly authentic Berkeley Folk experience, the Freight & Salvage is the place to go.

Dawson Street Pub

Dawson Street Pub is another great option for live folk music in Berkeley. The pub has a cozy atmosphere and frequently hosts local acoustic acts. It’s the perfect place to grab a pint and enjoy some live music from some of Berkeley’s up-and-coming folk artists.

The best folk music festivals in Berkeley

The best folk music festivals in Berkeley are the Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse Folk Music Festivals. These festivals feature some of the best local and national folk musicians, and take place every year in the spring and fall. The Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse is a Berkeley institution, and has been hosting folk music concerts and events for over 40 years. If you’re a fan of folk music, these festivals are not to be missed!

The best folk music radio stations in Berkeley

There are several great folk music radio stations in Berkeley, each with its own unique flavor. Here are some of the best:

-KALX 90.7 FM is the student-run radio station of UC Berkeley, and offers a wide variety of programming, including a weekly folk music show.

-KSAN 94.9 FM is a classic rock station that occasionally features folk music on its weekday morning show.

-KFOG 104.5 FM is a modern rock station that occasionally features folk music on its weekend programming.

-KPFA 94.1 FM is a public radio station that regularly features folk music on its weekday morning show.

The best folk music clubs in Berkeley

folk music has been part of the Berkeley music scene for many years. The best folk music clubs in Berkeley offer a wide range of music, from traditional folk to contemporary folk-rock.

The Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center is one of the best places in Berkeley to enjoy folk music. The club features a wide variety of folk music, including both traditional and contemporary styles. The Ashkenaz also offers a wide range of dance classes, making it a great place to learn about and enjoy folk dancing.

Another great Berkeley club for enjoying folk music is Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse. Freight & Salvage features both local and touring folk musicians, and also offers a wide range of classes and workshops on various aspects of the genre.

The Folk Yeah! Music Festival is another great way to enjoy Berkeley’s rich tradition of folk music. The festival features both local and national acts, and takes place every year in October.

The best folk music societies in Berkeley

Berkeley is home to many great folk music societies. Below are some of the best ones that you can check out.

The Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse is a great place to see live folk music. They have a wide variety of music acts, and you can find everything from traditional folk to contemporary folk.

If you’re looking for something a little more highbrow, then the California Bach Society is probably more up your alley. They specialize in Baroque and Classical-era music, but they also do some contemporary pieces as well.

If you want to get involved in the folk music scene yourself, then the Folk Music Society of Berkeley is the place for you. They offer classes and workshops on everything from songwriting to fiddle playing.

The best folk music teachers in Berkeley

The best folk music teachers in Berkeley are those who have a passion for music and teaching, and who are able to transmit their knowledge and love of music to their students. These teachers often have a deep understanding of the history and culture of folk music, and they use this knowledge to inform their teaching. They also tend to be skilled performers themselves, which allows them to give their students first-hand experience of the music they are teaching.

The best folk music recordings in Berkeley

Folk music is a genre of music that typically uses acoustic instruments and reflects the traditional culture of the region in which it is performed. Berkeley, California is home to a rich folk music scene, and many great folk musicians have recorded their music in the city.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional folk ballads or modern interpretations of the genre, there are many excellent recordings of folk music available from Berkeley artists. Here are just a few of the best.

The Best Folk Music Recordings in Berkeley

1. “The Berkeley Folk Music Festival” by Various Artists

This recording features performances by some of the biggest names in the Berkeley folk music scene, including Joan Baez, Peter, Paul and Mary, and The Weavers. It’s a great introduction to the history and diversity of folk music in Berkeley.

2. “Folksongs of California” by Hank Bradley and The Bay Area Rounders

This album features traditional folk songs from all over California, including several regions that are now part of the Bay Area. It’s a great way to learn about the state’s rich folklore heritage.

3. “Bells of Freedom: A Folk Music Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.” by Various Artists

This moving album pays tribute to one of the most important figures in American history with folk songs written and performed by some of Berkeley’s finest musicians. It’s sure to inspire listeners of all ages.

The best folk music websites in Berkeley

There are a number of great websites that offer folk music in Berkeley. Here are some of the best:

-Folkways: This website offers a wide variety of folk music from around the world. You can also find information about concerts and events happening in Berkeley.
-The Freight & Salvage: This website is a great resource for folk music in Berkeley. You can find information about concerts, events, and classes happening at The Freight & Salvage.
-Old time music: This website offers a variety of old time music from around the United States. You can also find information about events happening in Berkeley.

The best folk music books in Berkeley

There are many great folk music books available in Berkeley. Here are some of our favorites:

“The Best of Folk Music in Berkeley” by Various Artists

This compilation album features some of the best folk musicians from around the Berkeley area, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Richie Havens. If you’re looking for a great introduction to the genre, this is a perfect place to start.

“The Best of New Folk Music” by Various Artists

This collection features some of the best up-and-coming folk musicians from across the country. It’s a great way to discover new artists and find new favorites.

“Folk Music of Berkeley” by Berkeley Folk Music Society

This book is a great resource for both new and experienced folk music fans. It includes information on the history and culture of Berkeley’s folk music scene, as well as profiles of some of the most popular performers.