Berkeley still has and apparently will always have, the reputation for protests and civil disobedience.  I like to think of the activities in Berkeley as a major player in the Free Speech Movement, but that’s just me.

This post isn’t specifically focused on Berkeley and what went on back in the 60s, but on the Cal-Berkeley area and the culture of the place.  I’d say that there’s a very chill vibe around campus and in Berkeley in general.  It’s mainly because of the student population, but I really do feel that the city residents have that be and let be, but be conscientious about it mentality.

Berkeley Options

You might want to visit to see campus, or to check out what People’s Park looks like or you could be going to a performance at one of the many venues on and around campus.  Cal is an NCAA Division I school, so you could also be going to a collegiate sports event.  And don’t forget the museums!

Performance Venues

To give you a taste here are some of the performances that have come through.  A sidenote…I used to work at the box office at Zellerbach Hall on campus.  It was a great opportunity to see artists and shows that I might not have otherwise been exposed to.

• Alvin Ailey American Dance – they came through every year and from the looks of it, it’s now an annual “tradition”.  I cried the first time I saw them, it was that moving.
• Joshua Redman would pop up on the calendar a lot.  You can catch other jazz groups/performers there like The Preservation Hall Jazz Band or Paquito D’Rivera.
• I saw both Sounds of Blackness and the Gospel at Colonus which I absolutely loved.  The Soweto Gospel Choir recently came through and I know Lady Blacksmith Mambazo came before COVID.

Up at the Greek we had some of the following come through:

• Miguel
• Adele
• Yasiin Bey was with Erykah Badu
• Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
• Dave Matthews Band has been through multiple times
• John Legend was with India Arie once and again with Corinne Bailey Rae

The museums include:

• The Berkeley Art Museum – has pretty good exhibits come through
• Lawrence Hall of Science – beautiful view of the Bay, great for families and your hidden inner scientist

Memorial Stadium (football) is up on the hill and Haas Pavilion (basketball) is centrally located on campus.  The Cal athletic ticket office is at Memorial Stadium at the north end by gate1.

Food for Thought

I don’t focus on food, but I have to mention two of my college favorites that are still there:

• Zachary’s Pizza if you love deep dish like I do.  When I returned to the Bay Area the 2nd time and lived on the San Francisco side, I had a friend who wasn’t allowed to come across the bridge unless there was Zachary’s in the car.
• Barney’s Burgers- from beef to turkey to chicken to salmon to Beyond patties, they’ve got you covered.  Ohhhh and the fries!  PLUS the milkshakes!  Yum!

I need to stop because I could go on and on.  I have lots of great memories being at Cal and living on the East Bay.  To be young and carefree!  GO BEARS!!

Until next time…

May the road rise to meet you and the wind be at your back.