Live music in Hayward, CA

Lydia Pense & Cold Blood bring the storied East Bay Grease sound to Yoshi’s Oakland, led by vocalist Lydia Pense, whose range spans fiery soul shouts and quietly intense blues. The group first broke through during the Fillmore’s prime, drawing the attention of Bill Graham, who signed them to his label. Their late-sixties and early-seventies run helped shape a funky blend of soul and R&B that still resonates today. Early releases such as Cold Blood, Sisyphus, First Taste of Sin, and Thriller remain among their best-known work, and the band continues to record and perform with a veteran Bay Area lineup featuring a gritty horn punch and a deep-groove rhythm section, with credits alongside Elvin Bishop, Jefferson Starship, Boz Skaggs, and Albert Collins. Performances often include essentials like You Got Me Hummin’, I Just Want To Make Love To You, I’m A Good Woman, and Down to the Bone, alongside songs from Soul Of The Gypsy, a collection that shows how the group pushes ahead while honoring its roots. Admirers over the years have included Bonnie Raitt, Michelle Shocked, David Lee Roth, and, in earlier days, Janis Joplin.

Frank’s Sports Bar hosts a weekly karaoke night with a live DJ spinning favorite tracks. Expect karaoke all evening, refreshing drinks, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. It suits both seasoned performers and casual singers, whether arriving solo or with friends, with plenty of chances to take the mic and shine.

A dance party at Just Dance Ballroom welcomes both seasoned dancers and those curious to try something new. It offers a friendly atmosphere that provides a refreshing break in the middle of the week.

At Yoshi's Oakland, Wild Night honors the music of Van Morrison with a show built on the legacy of its founder, the late Gary Coppola, who launched the project in 2019. The lineup features lead vocalist Jason Feddy, whose career includes opening for Neil Young, Tears for Fears, The Cranberries, Joe Cocker, and Christie Moore at stages such as the London Palladium and Albert Hall. Guitarist and singer Magic Kramer has performed and recorded with Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, The Knack, Norah Jones, B.B. King, Diana Krall, Michael MacDonald, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Bramlett, Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, and Phillip Bailly of Earth, Wind, and Fire. Bassist and singer Bobby Pickett has worked with Sugarloaf, Etta James, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Big Joe Turner, The Drifters, The Coasters, Martha Reeves, Bobby Freeman, and Greg Allman, and he spent many years with Detective. Drummer Chris Ross has toured and recorded with Maria Muldaur, Coco Montoya, Lyle Lovett, Mark Chestnutt, Kenny Loggins, John Waite, Three Dog Night, Grammy Award winner Pete Anderson, and Hall of Fame singer Sam Moore. Keyboardist Chris Rhyne has appeared on stage and on record with Santana, Whitney Houston, Jean Luc Ponty, Gino Vannelli, Dianne Reeves, Dave Koz, BB King, Buddy Rich, Burt Bacharach, and George Benson. Saxophonist and flutist Mel Steinberg has collaborated with Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, The Beach Boys, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Lesley Gore, Sam "The Sham," Joe Williams, Emmanuel, Lupita d'Alessio, Little Joe y La Familia, Yoram Gaon, Dudu Fisher, and Alexander Bisenz. Baritone sax player Chris Jennings has credits with Martha Reeves, Freddy Cannon, Brian Wilson, José Feliciano, John Entwistle, Carla Olson, Doug Fieger, and Bob Hope. Trumpeter Gary Bivona has performed and recorded with Tom Jones, The Four Tops, Mel Torme, and Phil Hartman, and has also played on and produced tracks for Survivor and for television shows including Seinfeld, 21/2 Men, Hill St Blues, Frazier, Murphy Brown, Everybody Loves Raymond, and The Tonight Show. Promotional videos for the group were filmed by Nathaniel Beaver with support from Steve Vlasak and edited by Beaver with help from Magic Kramer.

Grammy-nominated R&B and soul artist Syleena Johnson performs at Yoshi's Oakland -Jack London square. A versatile talent, she has shared her gifts as a singer and songwriter, as well as an author and a host on daytime talk television. With a sultry voice, classic style, and commanding delivery, she has connected with fans for nearly twenty years.

A tango weekend in Oakland explores the genre’s breadth, from Golden Age favorites to contemporary and alternative sounds. The schedule features workshops with Nick Jones and Diana Cruz, live music by Trio Tangazo, and five milongas. Each evening includes two curated dance rooms, with the Golden Room presenting selections from the Golden Age through contemporary tango, and the Spectrum Room highlighting contemporary through alternative music. Designed for dancers who value musicality, creativity, and connection, it offers opportunities to learn in depth, dance with joy, and discover the wide range of tango.

West Coast Swing takes center stage at Just Dance Dance & Event Center with instruction from Stephanie Krul and Jason Wayne. The program starts with lessons for beginners and pre-intermediate dancers, followed by an intermediate class. After the classes, the dance floor opens for a West Coast Swing party.

Yoshi's Oakland -Jack London square hosts a performance by Grammy-nominated recording artist Syleena Johnson, an R&B and soul vocalist whose voice and clear, heartfelt delivery have resonated with listeners for many years. Her catalog spans the Chapter album series with songs like 'I Am Your Woman' and 'Guess What', collaborations with Kanye West, Common, and Anthony Hamilton, and the live-in-the-studio project 'Rebirth of Soul' created with her father, the legendary Syl Johnson. She also released the single 'WOMAN' from the album of the same name with Grammy-winning Toxic Productions. Beyond music, she has appeared on television programs including R&B Divas: Atlanta and Marriage Boot Camp, is part of the TV One daily talk show Sister Circle, and is the author of the self-help book 'The Weight Is Over'. This show brings her blend of classic soul and contemporary R&B to the stage.

Kruder & Dorfmeister brings the K&D Kicks 30 Anniversary Tour to Oakland's historic Fox Theater. An Another Planet Entertainment presale is offered online only and uses the password ace. A general on sale follows.

Karaoke Night at The New Parkway offers a relaxed evening of music and community. Take the mic or sing along from your seat, and enjoy a welcoming setting for every voice and comfort level. Come solo or with friends, choose a track when you arrive, or simply enjoy the performances. Song choices are pulled from YouTube, providing a wide range of options. There is no need to be perfect... heartfelt, playful, bold, or reserved performances are all encouraged, and first-timers are welcome. Food and beverages are available for purchase throughout the event, including beer, wine, and nonalcoholic choices. Arriving a little early can help with finding a seat and getting your song in before the list gets full. All are welcome as they are for a low pressure night of singing and cheering together.

Yoshi’s Oakland hosts a showcase built on the legacy of Detroit-born talent linked to Rick James’s punk funk era and Motown history. At the center is vocalist Val Young, who started out singing behind acts like The Gap Band, George Clinton and P-Funk, and Roy Ayers before Rick James elevated her at Motown with a glamorous "Black Marilyn Monroe" image. Her debut album Seduction became a gold seller with songs such as "Mind Games," "Piece Of My Heart," and "If You Should Ever Be Lonely," followed by Private Conversations on Amherst Records. Her credits span collaborations with artists including Mariah Carey and Tupac Shakur, notably the track "To Live & Die In L.A.," and sessions with members of Rufus. Sharing that lineage is Candice "Candi" Ghant, another Detroit native who signed to Motown at 19, moved to Hollywood, and was selected by Rick James as one of the Mary Jane Girls. Her studio and stage work ranges from background vocals for Ice Cube and other hip hop and R&B figures to soundtrack contributions and production projects that highlight her range behind the scenes. The story also connects to Farah Saraya Melanson, an L.A. artist who has performed with The Mary Jane Girls featuring Val Young, New Birth, and Jon B, and has recorded with Barry White. A multi-instrumentalist with formal music studies, she has collaborated with Val Young and Candi Ghant for several years. Together, these histories trace a path from Motor City roots to Hollywood studios, reflecting the voices and collaborators that shaped a distinctive chapter of funk, soul, and R&B.

This once-a-year flamenco night returns to The Dome for its fourth edition, showcasing Melissa Cruz in live performance with an ensemble of dancers and musicians. The program highlights Roberto Zamora on flamenco vocals, Brenna McDonald on flamenco guitar, Yeshe Wingerd on flamenco guitar and vocals, Jesse Torre on flamenco guitar, and Bob Sanders on electric bass, with Melissa Cruz leading in flamenco dance. Additional artists will be announced. Guests can settle in to enjoy the distinctive setting along with drinks and light snacks. A suggested donation of $25 per person is requested, and a separate reservation should be made for each attendee. Thanks to The Dome, performers receive 100 percent of donations.

LeeAnn Law & the Motherlode Band take the stage at The Ole Fillin Station in Meadow Vista, a 1940s-era service station reinvented as an old-school bar full of character. The venue opens only occasionally, creating a chance to experience a hidden foothills spot as it comes alive with high-energy country and country rock. Enjoy live music, a drink from the bar, and a reason to pull on your boots for a spirited night in a one-of-a-kind setting.

Patrick Landeza & Sons weaves a multigenerational celebration of music, family, and aloha. Led by slack key guitarist Patrick Landeza, a two-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award recipient, the group features Justin Firmeza on Hawaiian steel guitar and keyboards with Danny Landeza on bass. Their sound honors Hawaiian roots while embracing fresh energy from a new generation. The performance blends skilled musicianship, warm storytelling, and light island humor as they share songs and memories that trace Patrick’s musical path. Spanning treasured Hawaiian standards and original pieces, the set shines a light on family, culture, and the lasting spirit of aloha.

Isaiah Collier appears at Yoshi’s Oakland with a forward-looking take on contemporary jazz that bridges heritage and the present moment. A South Side Chicago native, he is a composer, arranger, educator, and self-described sonic scientist whose work has earned international recognition. Honors include selection as a Steve Jobs Archive Fellow, being named Chicagoan of the Year in Jazz in 2024, a cover feature in DownBeat Magazine, and placement on The New York Times list of the year’s best jazz albums. His suite The Story of 400 Years was highlighted on NPR’s Jazz Night in America, and he has received a DownBeat Critics Poll award along with the Jazz Journalists Association’s Up and Coming Artist of the Year.