JUL
28
Marcos Valle
The Back Room is a small, quiet listening room tucked into downtown Berkeley, a few blocks off the main Shattuck strip. The space looks more like a big living room than a club, with brick walls, a high wood ceiling, and a mix of couches and simple chairs. Most shows are fully seated, and sightlines are straightforward because the room is compact, so even seats in the back feel close to the stage.
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The focus here is on live music without much distraction. The schedule leans toward rootsy and acoustic acts, including blues bands, bluegrass groups like Crying Uncle, songwriters such as Danny Click, and small jazz or Americana combos. It is an all-ages venue, and audiences tend to stay quiet once the music starts. There is no bar service, so people often bring their own drinks and small snacks. Phone use is discouraged during sets, and the house lights stay low, which keeps the room fairly calm.
Opened in 2016 by local pianist Sam Rudin, The Back Room was set up as a roughly 100-capacity listening room in downtown Berkeley, with the specific idea of recreating the cozy feel of the old Freight & Salvage coffeehouse era. Over the years it has settled into a steady role as a place to hear working musicians in a close-up setting, without the noise and bustle that come with larger clubs in the area.
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Berkeley
Berkeley, CA, USA0.1 miles away
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The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall
2036 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA0.1 miles away
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Berkeley Historical Society & Museum
1931 Center St, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA0.1 miles away