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Tango dance classes with Anahí at La Bruja: beginning and intermediate
Visiting from Buenos Aires, Anahí leads beginning and intermediate tango classes in Berkeley that blend an energetic pace with clear, culturally informed instruction. The focus is on social-dance figures and strong lead-follow communication, with no prior experience required for the beginner session. The intermediate session is aimed at dancers with at least three months of experience, roughly twelve classes, and beginners are welcome to observe. Practice sessions are included with class admission, with one shared practice for all levels and another following the intermediate class. The classes use the terms leaders and followers and explicitly welcome queer, trans, and non-binary participants, encouraging everyone to try both roles. Sessions are planned for the ballroom, though the room may change. Pricing is $25 for a single class general admission, $15 for students with ID for a single class, or $40 for one person to take both classes in a single visit. Payment is accepted in cash or via Venmo at the door. For cyclists, use the bell at the service entrance and continue straight to the back courtyard for bike parking, and there is no parking in the Berkeley City Club lot. Anahí Carballo is a master teacher, choreographer, and director with more than two decades of international experience, founder of Estudio Tango Cuir, and former director of Compañía Tango Entre Mujeres for ten years. She teaches at the National University of the Arts, holds a Provincial Malambo Championship title, was a World Tango Championship semifinalist, and created Vinculadas and Otro modo, co-creating Nuestra historia. Organized by Lindsey Newbold.
FloLab - $300 Weekly Rap Contest and Cypher
At Club Cali, FloLab hosts a weekly rap contest and cypher committed to keeping Bay Area Hip Hop rooted in people, politics, skill, and community. It offers a home where MCs refine their pens, the audience truly matters, and the culture stays in the hands of those who built it. Each gathering unites artists, writers, listeners, and neighbors for a $300 rap writing competition alongside open mic energy. All are welcome, whether stepping to the mic or soaking up the vibe. The prize pool awards $150 for first place, $100 for second, and $50 for third, and crowd response plays a major role in who takes home the cash. Contestants track the current theme and beats on Instagram, secure their spot by registering in advance, and prepare one verse for each beat. Hooks and choruses are allowed, and memorizing verses can strengthen a performance. The movement is also working toward expansion, with plans to grow into San Francisco and San Jose and a call for monthly support to help sustain spaces for real Hip Hop. People come for authentic culture, a growing Bay Area community, timely topics, and a room where MCs can build, test, sharpen, and perform.
Club CaliThe Fray at Greek Theatre
The Fray brings the Summer Of Light Tour to the Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley, with Dashboard Confessional opening the show. Tickets are on sale now.
The William Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre at UC BerkeleyThe Itals
The Itals return for a night of classic reggae, with a lineup that includes Donny Rasta and JAHBUDDA, plus additional local reggae acts and DJs to be announced. Their sound is grounded in a pure, back-to-the-source approach that has helped them endure well beyond short-lived trends. The group first made its mark with the single “In A Dis Ya Time” more than three decades ago and has stayed true to the same guiding spirit ever since. Emerging on a 1970s SpiderMan label compilation, the trio of Porter, Lloyd Ricketts, and Ronnie Davis went on to release three studio albums and several singles collections through the 1980s and 1990s. Their second album, Give Me Power, reached number one on the CMJ reggae charts in 1980, and the final release with the original lineup, Rasta Philosophy, received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. The Itals have toured across Europe, Canada, and the United States, and plan to share a new album titled Let Them Talk later this year. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the show. Students can purchase a $20 ticket at the door with a valid student ID. Ashkenaz welcomes all ages at all times, and children 12 and under receive free admission unless otherwise noted.
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