Koestel fought for civil rights in the South, danced at Ashkenaz and in Israel, backpacked in the Sierra and was active in the state nurses union.
Ashkenaz
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Marilyn Naparst, 86, dancer, artist, activist, free spirit
Naparst, 86, moved to Berkeley in 1957 and was a potter and a painter, a Greek folkdancer and a theater-lover, a daycare provider and a secretary, a storyteller and a kibitzer.
Posted inArts
How do you keep (live) music playing in the age of social distancing?
What does the future hold for live music? We checked in with cherished music venues like Ashkenaz, Cal Performances and the Freight to see how they’re feeling and what they’re planning.
Posted inArts
The beautiful sounds of blackness in Berkeley
For Black History Month, venues around Berkeley will be presenting an amazing array of music.
Posted inArts
Benefit for Kevin Vance and the UC Theatre opens (really!)
Kevin Vance in better days at Cody’s. Blame Sally, Thompsonia, Maurice Tani and Stephen Kent perform Saturday at Ashkenaz in a benefit for the longtime DJ. Photo: Andy Ross Kevin Vance in better days at Cody’s. Blame Sally, Thompsonia, Maurice Tani and Stephen Kent perform Saturday at Ashkenaz in a benefit for the longtime DJ. […]
Posted inEvents
The It List: Five things to do in Berkeley this weekend
Cal basketball head coach Cuonzo Martin. Photo: CalBears COACHING FOR LITERACY EVENT Coaching for Literacy has partnered with Cal Bears basketball to offer an “all-access” fan experience to raise funds for literacy work during the Saturday Feb. 6 Stanford game in Haas Pavilion. The Golden Bears join 17 other NCAA institutions and the Washington Wizards as a member of Coaching […]
Posted inCommunity, Events
The It List: Five things to do in Berkeley this weekend
The Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra will celebrate its 50th birthday this weekend with three free performances. Photo: Bill Hocker BCCO 50TH The Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra celebrates its golden anniversary this weekend with three concerts at UC Berkeley’s Hertz Hall. The program from the non-auditioned community chorus includes the first performances of “I Think […]
Posted inEvents
The It List: Five things to do in Berkeley this weekend
Caribbean Allstars: play Ashkenaz Saturday Nov. 14. Photo: Caribbean Allstars CARIBBEAN ALLSTARS The Caribbean Allstars, pioneers on the Bay Area reggae scene, return to Ashkenaz on Saturday Nov. 14 at 9:30 p.m. The ensemble, whose geographical roots range from Jamaica and South America to West Africa and the U.S., began joining together their musical forces and international […]
Posted inEvents
The It List: Five things to do in Berkeley this weekend
A big-eared bat. Photo: Wikipedia DEMYSTIFYING BATS In an appropriately timed event, come learn about local bats on Saturday Oct. 31 at the UC Botanical Garden with Director of NorCal Bats, Corky Quirk. Quirk will talk about bats and discuss the harmful myths that surround these potentially cute animals. You’ll also learn the importance of bats in […]
Posted inEvents
The It List: Five things to do in Berkeley this weekend
The Banned Books Week Bike party starts at the Berkeley South Branch library on Saturday Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.. Photo: Richard Friedman BANNED BOOKS WEEK BIKE PARTY Join the Berkeley Public Library for the second annual Banned Books Week Bike Party on Saturday Oct. 3, 10 a.m.-12 noon. This year, the event takes place at South […]
Posted inArts
Thomas Mapfumo kicks off Berkeley World Music Festival
Thomas Mapfumo: plays Ashkenaz Friday as part of the Berkeley World Music Festival The pantheon of African musicians who have put their bodies on the line while turning their music into a vanguard force against despotism and corruption includes Nigeria’s Fela Kuti and South Africa’s Hugh Masekela. But no one occupies quite the same role […]
Posted inArts
Getting Frisky with Macy Blackman & The Mighty Fines
The Macy Blackman and the Mighty Fines band: playing Ashkenaz on Thursday April 2. Photo: courtesy of band Maybe a Manhattan methadone clinic wasn’t an auspicious setting for encountering a musical hero, but Macy Blackman wasn’t going let an opportunity to hang out with New Orleans drummer Charles “Hungry” Williams go to waste. Looking to […]
