Live music in Berkeley, CA

Jill Scott brings the To Whom This May Concern Tour to Paramount Theatre of the Arts. This performance will take place in a locked-device setting to support a distraction-free atmosphere. On arrival, phones and recording accessories, including smart glasses, will be secured in Yondr pouches that remain with each guest and are unlocked at the end of the show. If a phone is needed during the event, there will be designated areas inside the venue where it can be used, and devices must be re-secured before returning to the performance space. Use of a non-permitted device during the show may result in removal from the venue. For purchases inside the venue, bringing a credit card is recommended. Tickets are available through a public onsale, several presales such as Live Nation, Citi Cardmember, Artist, Venue, SiriusXM, and BandsInTown, and VIP package options.

Grammy-winning producer and musical innovator Teddy Riley pioneered the New Jack Swing sound that reshaped contemporary R&B, hip hop, gospel, soul, and pop for more than three decades. His early breakthroughs included co-producing Doug E. Fresh and the Get Fresh Crew’s “The Show,” and at 17 he produced Kool Moe Dee’s “Go See the Doctor,” which reached the Billboard Hot 100. He helped launch a new era with Keith Sweat’s debut Make It Last Forever, then solidified the movement with Guy, blending hard-hitting rhythms and rich R&B harmonies. As a founding force behind Blackstreet, he delivered enduring hits like the Grammy-winning “No Diggity,” as well as favorites such as “Don’t Leave Me” and “Girlfriend/Boyfriend.” Riley’s studio credits top a thousand and include producing Michael Jackson’s Dangerous, a global blockbuster that sold more than 40 million copies and set sales records. His touch can be heard on work for Big Daddy Kane, The Jacksons, the Winans, James Ingram, and the celebrated remix of Jane Child’s “Don’t Wanna Fall in Love,” along with Johnny Kemp’s “Just Got Paid” and Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative.” He also guided Wreck-N-Effect during the “Rump Shaker” era and discovered The Neptunes, signing the then-emerging duo of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo. Honors such as induction into the Hip Hop Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a Soul Train Legend Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame reflect his lasting impact. His expertise bridges music and technology through collaborations with Yamaha, PreSonus, and AKAI. This appearance highlights a trailblazer whose creativity and technical mastery continue to influence artists and audiences across generations.

La Luz is bringing their psychedelic, indie, and surf rock sound to Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music in Berkeley. The show starts at 8:00 PM, with tickets available via Bandsintown.

Enjoy a live performance by Orquesta Akokán at The Freight in Berkeley. The show is scheduled to start at 8:00 PM, and tickets are available through Bandsintown.

Join the Ukulele Club at the THP South library branch for a friendly strum-and-sing session. No prior experience is needed. Bring your own ukulele if you have one, or use one provided by the club.

Now in its twenty-fifth year, the Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival celebrates the Laurel community with global sounds and neighborhood spirit. The main stage features Halau Makana sharing Polynesian dance, Nzuri Soul with soulful R&B, MJ’s Brass Boppers bringing traditional New Orleans brass, In Lak’ech Danza Azteca honoring Aztec dance, Bululú with tropical Latin sabor, Non-Stop Bhangra pulsing Punjabi dance music, Bongo Sidibe with Guinean and West African rhythms, Duniya Dance & Drum Company blending West African and South Asian traditions, and the Shabnam Bellydance Ensemble showcasing Middle Eastern and Egyptian dance, with more performers in the mix. Festivities include a Kid’s Carnival presented by Jain Williams State Farm, the CA Draft Tech craft beer garden, specialty cocktails, and a marketplace of local vendors and shops. Admission is free and the experience is designed for all ages. Community partners and sponsors include Laurel Ace Hardware, Dolan Law, Domino’s Pizza, the City of Oakland, Oaklandside, Becker Boards, AC Transit, IKE Smart City, Supervisor Nate Miley, Oaktoberfest, Kos Read Group, Jain Williams State Farm, Tante’s, California Draft Tech, Black Cultural Zone, and Oakland Recycles, with appreciation for the many volunteers, artists, staff, residents, merchants, and visitors who help bring it all to life.

The Jazz Piano Masters Series presents Cyrus Chestnut in a solo piano performance at Piedmont Piano Company. Known for agile technique paired with a full, soulful sound rooted in gospel and the drive of hard bop, he blends a church upbringing with classical training for a warm, swinging approach. Each set is created in the moment, shaped by the room and the listeners for a one-of-a-kind experience. Two performances are scheduled. General admission is $40 in advance or $45 at the door, and seating is limited, so purchasing ahead is recommended.

Celebrate Dr. Pate Thomson’s 90th birthday with an afternoon of music and art at Richmond Art Center. The program features pianist Cullen Luper, singer Jesse Castillo, and violinists Dr. Pate Thomson and Nakele Rechenauer. Tickets are $50.

At Ashkenaz, a community drum circle invites participants to explore rhythm, lift their spirits, and connect with others through an energizing group experience. The session is led by Jeni Swerdlow, MA-ATR, founder of DRUMMM Rhythmic Events and Chief Rhythm Activator, who guides an engaging, hands-on program that welcomes every level of experience. Beginners and seasoned drummers alike are encouraged to participate, and people of all ages, cultures, genders, and abilities are included. Minors must attend with an adult. Bring a drum if you have one, or use one provided on site for a $5 convenience fee. Chairs are provided.

Catch The Rubinoos live for a fun set of surf rock, pop, bubblegum pop, pop rock, and power pop. The show is scheduled to start in the afternoon.

An onslaught is on the way to Cornerstone as Profantaica takes the stage, joined by Morbosidad and Cloak. Look forward to a full night led by the headliner with support from both guests.

Case brings a live band to Yoshi's Oakland -Jack London square for an evening of smooth R&B and soul. Born Case Woodard, he has built a decades-spanning career marked by platinum success and songs that trace love from every angle. He first made his mark co-writing and singing background for artists like Usher, Christopher Williams, and Al B. Sure before launching his solo path with Def Jam. His debut introduced the hit Touch Me, Tease Me with Foxy Brown and Mary J. Blige, and he followed with favorites including Happily Ever After, Faded Pictures, and Missing You from Open Letter, which earned Grammy nominations. His voice has appeared on soundtracks for films such as Nutty Professor, Rush Hour, and The Best Man, and his catalog has grown with albums like The Rose Experience, Here, My Love, Heaven's Door, and Therapy, featuring Make Love with Teddy Riley and Tank. This performance highlights a vocalist known for heartfelt storytelling, polished grooves, and an enduring commitment to his craft.

Little Feat brings The Last Farewell Tour to Oakland's historic Fox Theater. Tickets are on sale now.

The Blues Project is scheduled to perform at Yoshi's in Oakland. The show takes place in the evening, starting at 8:00 PM.

Get ready for a big summer rock night as Tedeschi Trucks Band takes the stage with special guest Lukas Nelson. Expect a lively set filled with fan favorites, standout singles, and a few surprises at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley.

Tedeschi Trucks Band and Lukas Nelson are performing live at Greek Theatre-U.C. Berkeley in Berkeley. The show starts at 6:00 PM, and tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Yoshi’s Oakland welcomes a high-energy showcase led by Rotimi, with Red Lotus joining the bill and Phoenyx Rose guiding the night as host. Rotimi, a Nigerian American actor, singer, and songwriter, brings a sleek blend of R&B, Afrobeats, and Caribbean influences, highlighted by tracks like In My Bed and Love Riddim along with Afro-fusion releases. His presence in both music and television, including the series Power, reflects a career that connects audiences across cultures. From the Bay Area, Red Lotus adds incisive lyricism and a melodic, genre-blending approach that spans hip hop, R&B, pop, rock, EDM, and alternative styles. Songs such as Only You and Built Different underscore themes of vulnerability and individuality, while Heartless confronts loss with unflinching honesty. Serving as host, Phoenyx Rose is an international hip hop artist from San Francisco whose background in performance and creative writing, informed by a life immersed in global sounds, brings narrative flair to the program. Her releases include Ooh Baby, FlyShitOnly, Wet, and Jiggytron. This fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and hip hop offers live-show energy as cultures meet and momentum builds from the opening moments to the closing applause. The presentation is by Mark Elliott of the A-List Musiq Circle and Kim Pruitt of KP Entertainment Connections, and the evening is hosted by Phoenyx Rose, known as the first lady of Hip Hop TV.

FloLab champions authentic Hip Hop in the Bay Area by protecting culture and community from being pushed aside. At Club Cali, this weekly gathering centers a $300 rap writing contest and a cypher, bringing together artists, writers, listeners, and neighbors in a room that values substance, style, and truth. Both performers and non-performers are part of the experience, with an audience whose reaction truly matters and MCs who keep sharpening their craft. Contestants prepare one verse for each beat, with hooks or choruses allowed, and memorizing material helps elevate the performance. Arriving early increases the chance to secure a spot, and the crowd’s energy helps decide who takes home the prizes: $150 for first place, $100 for second, and $50 for third. People are drawn to this space for culture that feels genuine, a growing Bay Area community, timely topics that reflect real life, and a setting where MCs can build, test, refine, and perform while an attentive crowd engages. FloLab is also working toward expansion into San Francisco and San Jose, sustained by monthly supporters who want to see more community-rooted Hip Hop spaces across the Bay.

An evening of social dancing at Just Dance Ballroom welcomes all experience levels, from long-time dancers to first-timers, providing a friendly way to break up the week. It offers a chance to enjoy the dance floor, try something new, or simply move for fun in a relaxed setting.

Tracie Spencer is performing live at Yoshi's in Oakland. Doors open for the show at 7:30 PM local time.

Omni Zouk’s Weekly Social + Práctica offers an open-floor space centered on Brazilian Zouk, with music to keep you moving and a welcoming community. The atmosphere is both friendly and focused, inviting newcomers and seasoned dancers to connect, practice, and feel inspired. Whether you are working on head movement or simply enjoying the vibe, the session supports all experience levels. Drop-in admission is $15 plus fees, and it takes place at The Oak Grove.