July 24, 2013


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Thursday, August 1 - Sunday August 4 Downtown Berkeley Live Music Venues
 
Thursday, August 1 | FREE Kick-off Concert: Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic and Talk of da Town | Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza | 5:00 - 7:00 pm | FREE 
 
The Downtown Berkeley MusicFest returns for the sixth year August 1st through 4th, commences the festivities with a lively Kick-off Concert featuring Bay Area a cappella singers Talk of da Town, and Grammy nominated virtuoso accordionist Andre Thierry & his band Zydeco Magic. Starting the MusicFest off with a bang at 5pm August 1st in BART Plaza, Andre and the band cook up a soulful bubbling cauldron of Zydeco Creole music that is stewed and imbued with hip-hop, blues, jazz and rock mastery. Talk of da Town will follow with sizzling renditions of R&B, Motown and doo-wop hits. The 6th annual Downtown Berkeley MusicFest showcases a cornucopia of musical and artistic talent at venues throughout the Downtown area including: The Jazzschool, Jupiter, Freight & Salvage, Berkeley Public Library, Bobby G's Pizzeria, Subterranean Arthouse, Sliver Pizzeria and Berkeley Arts Festival. These events are just a sampling of the arts and entertainment that can be found all year round in Downtown Berkeley.

See the full list of performers HERE
See the full schedule HERE



  Berkeley Spark Banner
Saturday, August 10 | 11:00 am - 9:00 pm 
Civic Center Park | MLK Jr. Way b/t Allston & Center | FREE
 

Always wanted to go to Burning Man? 

Getting ready for your annual sojourn to the Playa? 

Want to share the creativity of Burning Man with fellow Berkeleyans and other East Bay friends? 

 

Then this is your chance! On August 10th from 11am-9pm, Berkeley Spark will ignite Civic Center Park in Downtown Berkeley with a FREE day-long festival of Burning Man bound or inspired art, music, performance, dance, mutant vehicles, vendors and more.

 

Experience kinetic sculptures and art cars before they head out to the Nevada desert. Dance and live music and DJ beats along with ecstatic dance and silent disco, make art, participate in interactive workshops, revel with local musicians and performers. Spark your Playa preparations with burn-friendly clothing vendors and jewelry designers, light specialists, bike decorating ideas and more. Enjoy local food vendors, and starting at 3pm a beer and mead garden. Inspired by Burning Man's 10 Principles, Berkeley Spark is a place for radical self-expression, inclusivity, transformation and mutual respect.

 

Volunteer to help make this amazing day of creative community collaboration possible, by contacting Kat Parkin at berkeleyspark@gmail.com.  We need help in four hour shifts from 10am-2pm, 2pm-6pm, and 6pm-10pm.

 

And also please consider a supporting Berkeley Spark by making a donation to our Kickstarter campaign HERE. Proceeds will be used to support artists and event logistics.

 

For more information, please visit www.berkeleyspark.org

Almare Gelato cone
Tuesday, August 6 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm 
Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza FREE, gelato is 50 cents a cup
 
Come meet your neighbors at Downtown Berkeley's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social in BART Plaza! Local elected officials and police officers will be in attendance to chat and answer questions. Delicious gelato from Almare Gelato at "old fashioned" prices will be served - only 50 cents a cup. The John Brothers Piano Company will play original music with styles ranging from Jazz to blues to stride and classical.

Sunday, October 13 | 11:00 am - 4:00 pm 
Shattuck Ave from Rose St. to Haste Ave. | FREE
 
Sunday Streets Berkeley is a block party for people to experience Downtown Berkeley in a whole new way. Shattuck will be car-free from Haste to Rose, so people can walk, bike, skate, dance, and play in the open streets. You won't want to miss this amazing day - 50,000 people are expected to attend the event this year!
 
Learn more about Sunday Streets HERE.

 

As a local business or non-profit organization... make your storefront inviting and offer interactive activities!
 
As an individual... be an Activity LeaderPerformer, or Volunteer!



And the winners are....
 
Best Place for Vegans and Carnivores to Peacefully Coexist | Gather
 
Best Happy Hour for the Frugal | Sliver Pizzeria
 
Best Customizable-Pizza Joint | BUILD Pizzeria Roma
 
Best Bubble Tea Cafe | Asha Teahouse
 
Best Indian-Infused Cocktail | Ornament of the World at East Bay Spice Company
 
Best Margarita | Comal
 
Best Swim Lessons for Kids | Downtown Berkeley YMCA
 
Readers Poll Winners
Best Bike Shop and/or Bike Repair Shop | Missing Link Bicycle Cooperative
 
Best Bookstore | Pegasus
 
Best Breakfast/Brunch | La Note
 
Best Coffee | Peet's
 
Best Locally Sourced/Organic Menu | Gather
 
Best New Bar | BUILD Pizzeria Roma
 
Best Outdoor Outdoor Seating | Jupiter

email: info@downtownberkeley.com web: downtownberkeley.com Tel: 510.549.2230