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Hello friends,
You ever notice how life is mostly emails, logistics, the news cycle (eek), and trying to find that one key
that actually works? (Maybe that's just me...we have a lot of locks)
And then, every once in a while, you stumble into a room full of strangers who are already smiling at you before you’ve even said hello.
That’s Ashkenaz.
Some nights the band hits that first downbeat, and I swear you can hear the whole building inhale - like
oh, we’re really doing this again. And then the floor starts to move, and suddenly we’re part of something bigger than errands and inboxes.
If you’ve had a long week?
Come dance.
If you haven’t danced in a while?
Definitely come dance.
If you’re overwhelmed, tired, or feeling disconnected?
That’s literally what this place is built for.
You don’t need to know how to dance.
You don’t need a partner.
You just need a willingness to show up.
We’ll take it from there.
And, bonus points, we're a nonprofit, which means every ticket you buy supports:
- Fair pay for artists
- A living legacy of world music and dance traditions
- A community dance floor where everyone belongs
Ashkenaz isn’t just a place to see music, it’s a place to feel it, together.
So pick a night. Bring a friend. Or come solo - you’ll leave with new ones! Take a look at the list below for our upcoming shows.
We’ll have the stage warmed up and your spot on the dance floor waiting.
See you under the disco ball,
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P.S. Did you know our disco ball was out of action for a while? Volunteers from our Grateful Dead sound engineer community (Bo, Shaun, Darrell, and Doug!) are the reason it's back up and
running - if you see them around and feel inspired, be sure to tell them thank you!
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Ashkenaz is a 53-year-old nonprofit, holding down the music and dance at 1317 San Pablo Ave. since 1973 - genuinely, your support keeps the music alive
(and is tax-deductible - yay!)!
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For show details and full schedules, click the ticket link next to the event!
Questions? Reach out to ashk...@ashkenaz.com
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Bachata Nightz
Bachata Nightz is one of the East Bay's premier Latin dance parties — every first Thursday of the month at Ashkenaz!
For this installation we will be joined by Xavier and Edna offering beginner-friendly Bachata dance lessons and DJ Ron spinning your favorite latin beats.
Join us and enjoy an energetic environment full of opportunities to dance, mingle, and learn with/from your community!
For more information, contact krd...@gmail.com.
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Cantadora & The Hot Clams and the Iavnana Georgian Ensemble
Cantadora & The Hot Clams is a music collective featuring Kitka vocalist Kristine Barrett that presents sultry folk and jazz from
Sephardic Spain, Italy, Greece, and Corsica, plus bossa nova and jazz manouche.
The Iavnana Georgian Ensemble is a choir dedicated to the performance of traditional polyphonic music from the Republic of Georgia,
Lazona, and neighboring Caucasus, Black Sea, and Baltic regions. Comprised of the words “ia” (violet) and “nana” (mother goddess), the ensemble borrows its name from a type of healing song.
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SATURDAY/SUNDAY
NOVEMBER 8TH/9TH
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Dare to be Square West
For the first time in over a decade... Dare to Be Square West is back in the Bay!
Come learn to call, play for, and dance traditional old time square dances, November 8th and 9th at Ashkenaz!
Featuring mentor callers Sue Hulsether (WI) and Tony Mates (Seattle), and hard driving dance bands Echo Mountain (Los Angeles) and
Stumptown Stringband (Portland). Plus local talent of course!
For more information, visit daretobesquarewest.com
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Wednesday Balkan Dance
Discover the captivating world of Balkan folk dancing at our monthly event, where we revive the '70s-style Berkeley folk dance scene
to the exhilarating rhythms of the Balkans.
Join us as we pay homage to the spirit of Ashkenaz founder David Nadel, who first introduced Balkan folk dancing in 1973 by dancing
to recorded music that captures the essence of that era.
Expect a mix of fun, easy, and more challenging dances. Come and be a part of this vibrant celebration of Balkan culture through dance
and music!
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The Back Dimples
The Back Dimples is an electrifying new Zydeco band based in Oakland, CA.
With a mission to ignite the dance floor, they serve up irresistible grooves that will compel even the most hesitant dancers to move
their feet.
Drawing inspiration from the greats like Clifton Chenier and Buckwheat Zydeco, The Back Dimples infuse their music with a range of influences,
including blues, R&B, jazz, Cumbia and ska. Their sound is a testament to the Bay Area’s diverse and vibrant music scene.
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Stu Allen & Mars Hotel
A tradition started back in the 20th century, Ashkenaz’s Grateful Dead Night is always evolving.
Led by acclaimed guitarist-singer Allen (of Phil Lesh & Friends, Melvin Seals & JGB, Ghosts of Electricity), a revolving cast of incredibly
talented musicians inhabits Mars Hotel, drawing from the Grateful Dead’s vast catalog to delight Deadheads and dancers of all generations.
A Mars Hotel show is always an energetic evening of good vibes, good music, and good community.
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SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 15TH
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Honky Tonk Night
with The Dogweeds
The Dogweeds draw inspiration from the Western Swing dance bands of the 1930s and 40s, but with a modern take that is rooted firmly
in the present.
Blazing instrumentals and honest, soulful vocal harmonies meet dance-inspiring grooves in a sound that’s both unique and familiar.
Genre bending originals add elements of country, jazz, blues, vintage pop, and folk, while dazzling new arrangements bring old classics
and deep cuts back to life.
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Jimmy Breaux & Friends
Jimmy Breaux, longtime accordion player in the Grammy Award-winning group Beausoleil, is acknowledged to be one of the best Cajun accordionists
of the modern era.
He spent 25 years touring the globe with Beausoleil, from all 50 U.S. states to Europe and the Middle East, and performing at prestigious
venues like Carnegie Hall and two presidential inaugurations for Presidents Bush and Obama.
Jimmy will be joined by his friends Suzy Thompson, Eric Thompson, Allegra Thompson and Mark Marcin.
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Alamo Mission Band
Every performance from the Alamo Misison Band is a journey, a celebration of sound and soul that leaves audiences energized and connected.
All inspired by the Jerry Garcia Band,
their sound is built on a solid foundation: soulful lead guitar, the rich textures of a Hammond organ, and a rock-solid rhythm section.
But it's their standout female vocalists who truly define their music – their voices blending in stunning, seamless harmonies that have
become their signature.
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Check out Salsa, Bachata, Tango, Capoeria, Line Dancing, and more — see the full schedule here!
Questions? Reach out to ashk...@ashkenaz.com
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Ashkenaz is a 53-year-old nonprofit, holding down the music and dance at 1317 San Pablo Ave. since 1973 - your support keeps the music alive!
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Volunteer:
Ashkenaz is looking for a few amazing volunteers to help bring two exciting community events to life! Whether you're a
longtime supporter or new to the Ashkenaz family, this is a great way to get involved, meet folks, and support local music & culture.
ADVISORY BOARD SERVICE
Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center is seeking passionate, committed community members to join our Advisory Board, and our Board of Directors, to help guide the future of this beloved nonprofit.
As an Advisory Board member, you will play a vital role in ensuring Ashkenaz continues to thrive as a hub for music, dance, and cultural exchange. Our Board works in alignment with
the Ashkenaz mission, champions the well-being and growth of the organization, and reflects the diversity of the vibrant communities we serve.
We welcome candidates who bring expertise, energy, and a deep belief in the power of music and dance to connect people. Some valuable (but not required) skills and experiences include:
- Fundraising & Development — annual campaigns, grant writing, donor cultivation, and special events.
- Finance & Business — accounting, budgeting, and strategic advising.
- Community Connections — local partnerships, civic engagement, and relationship building.
- Nonprofit Leadership — governance, policy, and organizational development.
- Legal Expertise — nonprofit compliance, contracts, and intellectual property.
- Marketing & Communications — PR, branding, design, and digital engagement.
- Technical Skills — sound, lighting, web, and IT support.
- Creative Vision — aligned with the mission and spirit of Ashkenaz!
Most importantly, we seek people who care deeply about Ashkenaz, bring fresh perspectives, and yes — a sense of collaboration and humor!
Why Join?
Becoming an Advisory or Board member is a meaningful way to:
- Contribute to the cultural vitality of the Bay Area.
- Support a nonprofit dedicated to equity, community, and the arts.
- Collaborate with a passionate team of leaders, artists, and advocates.
- Help ensure Ashkenaz thrives for generations to come.
If you’re ready to make an impact and join a legacy of community leadership, we’d love to hear from you.
Ready to volunteer?
Email us at
ashk...@ashkenaz.com
with your name and contact information and let us know how you'd like to get involved!
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