Oakland, CA

 

Fox Theater
DESCRIPTION: After closing this 1920s era theatre in 1966, the Fox re-opened in of 2009 after $75M renovation into a state-of-the-art concert theater with flexible capacity from 1,500 to 2,800; the theater's wrap around building is the permanent home for the Oakland School for the Arts dedicated to artistic and academic excellence; now serves as the flagship live music venue for Another Planet Entertainment

BOX OFFICE: open only on show nights

ADDRESS: 1807 Telegraph Avenue  MAP

TRANSIT: 19th Street BART Station

PARKING: plenty of paid lots nearby

PHONE: 510-302-2277

WEBSITE: http://www.thefoxoakland.com

Paramount Theatre
DESCRIPTION: This fully restored art deco palace seating 3,000 patrons, is home Oakland Symphony and its director Michael Morgan; the superb acoustics also make it "the place" for R&B concerts, the annual Black Comedy competition and advance screenings by the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame; this theatre was also on the last tour schedule of Luther Vandross and hosted an advance screening of Introducing Dorothy Dandridge with Halle Berry; tours of the theatre provides an informative view of the theatre and cameras are allowed

BOX OFFICE: Tue-Fri 11a-5:30p and Sat 11a-3p; on the first and third Saturdays of each month, 2-hour tours begin at 10a at Box Office entrance for $5 per person

ADDRESS: 2025 Broadway  MAP

TRANSIT: 19th Street BART Station

PARKING: plenty of paid lots nearby

PHONE: 510-893-2300

WEBSITE: http://www.paramounttheatre.com

Berkeley, CA

Zellerbach Auditorium
DESCRIPTION: Seating 2,014 patrons, this venue is well known for hosting a wide range of events ranging from concerts, ballet and comedy; in past years Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre has performed here

BOX OFFICE:Mon-Fri Noon-5:30p, Sat-Sun 1-5p

ADDRESS: 101 Zellerbach Hall,
 University of California at Berkeley  MAP

TRANSIT: Berkeley BART Station

PARKING: plenty of garage space and paid lots nearby

PHONE: Box Office 510-642-9988

WEBSITE: http://www.calperfs.berkeley.edu

San Francisco, CA

Davies Symphony Hall
DESCRIPTION: In 1980, the San Francisco Symphony moved into this grand symphonic hall seating 2,700 patrons; the San Francisco Symphony has presented more than 200 world premieres, commissioned more than 100 new works, and received 12 awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers for adventurous programming and/or commitment to American music; the hall also hosts critically acclaimed concerts for Jazz, Blues and R&B as well; the Hall, Opera House, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and nearby ballet school are slowly earning a reputation as Lincoln Center of the West; in 1992, the hall was acoustically upgraded to add depth and airiness around string instruments; Adventures in Music program is provided at no cost to local schools and reaches grades one through five

BOX OFFICE: Mon-Fri 10a-6p, Sat Noon-6p

ADDRESS: 201 Van Ness Ave  MAP

TRANSIT: Van Ness Muni Station

PARKING: plenty of garage space and paid lots nearby with the closest half a block west on Grove Street

PHONE: Box Office 415-864-6000

WEBSITE: http://www.sfsymphony.org

War Memorial Opera House
DESCRIPTION: San Francisco Opera is the second largest opera company in North America and has called this 3,176-seat opera house home since 1932; it is dedicated to veterans of World War I; heralded for its first-rate productions and roster of international opera stars, the company’s season now contains 27 performances of ten operas, it has thrived as a labor of love by thousands of patrons and volunteers over the years and by expanding its outreach programs via training programs and performance opportunities for young artists; operas like Carmen, MacBeth, Madame Butterfly, and Samson & Delilah have stood the test of time to warmed the hearts of many at this distinguished venue

BOX OFFICE: during performance season between September and July, Mon 10a-5p, Tue-Sat 10a-6p

ADDRESS: 301 Van Ness Ave  MAP

TRANSIT: Van Ness Muni Station

PARKING: plenty of garage space and paid lots nearby with the closest half a block west on Grove Street

PHONE: Box Office 415-864-3330

WEBSITE: http://www.sfopera.com

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
DESCRIPTION: Recently renovated, this four-story Beaux-Arts auditorium occupies an entire city block with elegance and style; the 7,000-seat auditorium boasts state-of-the-art theatrical equipment and audio system make it a favorite for touring musical groups; fans also like it for its proximity to the Civic Center, BART station and Van Ness Blvd; Bay Area Music Awards (BAMMIES) features a bronze-inscribed Walk Of Fame next to the entrance honoring Bill Graham, Carlos Santana, John Lee Hooker and others

BOX OFFICE: opens 1 hour before the doors

ADDRESS: 99 Grove Street  MAP

TRANSIT: Civic Center BART and Muni Station

PARKING: plenty of garage space in the underground plaza

PHONE: Fillmore Box office 415-346-6000

WEBSITE: http://www.billgrahamcivic.com

Masonic Auditorium
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1958, the Memorial Sculpture topping the east end of the California Street wall is dominated by four 12 feet high figures representing branches of our Country’s Armed Forces - adjoining these a frieze of 14 smaller marble figures depict a titanic tug-of-war in the global struggle between the forces of good and evil; inside, the 3,165-seat Masons Hall with upgraded acoustics hosts concerts and major speeches with no seat more than 21 rows away from the proscenium stage 

BOX OFFICE: only open during events so call or check website

ADDRESS: 1111 California Street  MAP

TRANSIT: California Street Cable Car stop at Russian Hill

PARKING: 24/7 onsite parking garage at $8 per hour, $30 per day

PHONE: 415-776-7000

WEBSITE: http://www.freemason.org

Orpheum Theatre
DESCRIPTION: Built in 1926 as a showcase for theatre magnate Alexander Pantages, this 2,500-seat ornate 12th century Spanish palace features a protruding balcony that places you close to the stage; lobby adornments and iconic figures from Spanish folklore line each aisle command your attention as you head towards a seat; an ornate sun with twinkling stars illuminates the auditorium in this in the elaborate cathedral; the Orpheum has featured vaudeville, silent films, motion pictures, musical comedy and other theatrical entertainment; two major renovations have dressed up the theatre and made this San Francisco Historical Landmark suitable for large Broadway productions; part of the SHN theatre group

BOX OFFICE: Mon 10a-6p, Tue-Sat 10a-8:30p, Sun 11a-6p

ADDRESS: 1192 Market Street  MAP

TRANSIT: BART and Muni Civic Center Station

PARKING: Trinity Plaza Apartments on 8th just past Market Street, the Holiday Inn on 8th, and Civic Center Garage at 355 McAllister

PHONE: Box Office 415-551-2000

WEBSITE: http://www.shnsf.com

Golden Gate Theatre
DESCRIPTION: This palatial vaudeville theatre opened in 1922 and has hosted the likes of the Marx Brothers, Frank Sinatra in its heyday; as entertainment evolved, the 2,400-seat theatre with its magnificent stage and acoustics was badly altered over the years (more like damaged); fortunately, friends of the theatre removed tons of steel, an escalator, excess plaster and 4,000 square feet of plywood were removed during the restoration to its original splendor for live theater; now Broadway blockbusters like Hairspray, Mamma Mia, Chicago, 42nd Street and Rent play at the Golden Gate; part of the SHN theatre group

BOX OFFICE: Mon Noon-6p, Tue-Sat Noon-8:30p, Sun Noon-4p

ADDRESS: 1 Taylor Street  MAP

TRANSIT: BART and Muni Powell Street Station

PARKING: Central Parking at Golden Gate and Jones—the closest lot to the theatre, and 5th and Mission Garage

PHONE: Box Office 415-551-2000

WEBSITE: http://www.shnsf.com

American Conservatory Theatre
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1965, A.C.T. opened its first San Francisco season at the Geary Theater in 1967; A.C.T. won a Tony Award for outstanding theater performance and training in 1979; In 1996, A.C.T. won the prestigious Jujamcyn Theaters Award; since the reopening of the American Conservatory Theater (formerly called the "Geary Theatre") in 1996, A.C.T. has enjoyed a remarkable period of audience expansion and now serves 3,000 students per year; Danny Glover, Annette Bening, Denzel Washington, and Benjamin Bratt studied and performed here

BOX OFFICE: Noon to curtain time on performance days and Noon-6p otherwise

ADDRESS: 415 Geary Street  MAP

TRANSIT: BART and Muni Powell Street Station

PARKING: $10 per 5 hours at Mason O'Farrell Garage, whcih is closest. Others close by: Taylor/O’Farrell Garage, Union Square Garage at Geary between Stockton and Powell, and Sutter/Stockton Garage

PHONE: Box Office 415-749-2228

WEBSITE: http://www.act-sf.org

Curran Theatre
DESCRIPTION: With understated elegance throughout, crystal chandeliers, cozy lobby and intimate auditorium, this 1,700-seat theatre is a vibrant example of San Francisco's rich theatrical and architectural heritage since 1922; fully restored today, the theatre hosts excellent touring Broadway plays; a number of fine restaurants surround the theatre; part of the SHN theatre group

BOX OFFICE: use the Orpheum Theatre Box Office

ADDRESS: 445 Geary Street  MAP

TRANSIT: BART and Muni Powell Street Station

PARKING: $10 per 5 hours at Mason O'Farrell Garage, whcih is closest. Others close by: Taylor/O’Farrell Garage, Union Square Garage at Geary between Stockton and Powell, and Sutter/Stockton Garage

PHONE: Box Office 415-551-2000

WEBSITE: http://www.shnsf.com

 

Warfield Theater
DESCRIPTION: Another venue from San Francisco’s grand era of theater built in 1922; its austere front belies the flamboyant interior that harbors a 2,250-seat concert venue, restaurant, nightclub and bar; during the Prohibition Era, the theater reportedly operated as a Speakeasy; one of his favorite venues, Lenny Kravitz, Joe Cocker, and Prince have often performed at this Livenation venue

BOX OFFICE: Sundays 10a-4p and show nights until the headliner goes on

ADDRESS: 982 Market Street  MAP

TRANSIT: BART and Muni Powell Street Station, come up at 5th Street and Market Street, walk 1 1/2 blocks west to The Warfield

PARKING: Taylor Street lot behind The Warfield, Turk Street lot at 175 Turk Street

PHONE: 415-775-7722

WEBSITE: http://thewarfieldtheatre.com

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
DESCRIPTION: Features an incredible diversity of performing art, graphic art and art programs – a real treasure in the community; emphasizes contemporary art by emerging artists and film festivals; this venue deserves props for its commitment to providing a platform for a diversity of voices, with a special emphasis on those that, for whatever reason, have been marginalized

BOX OFFICE: Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun Noon-5p, Thu Noon-8p

ADDRESS: 701 Mission Street  MAP

TRANSIT: BART and Muni Powell Street Station

PARKING: garage behind San Francisco Museum of Art on 3rd Street across from Yerba Buena Gardens

PHONE: 415-978-2787

WEBSITE: http://www.ybca.org

Fillmore Auditorium
DESCRIPTION: Seating 1250 guests, in the 1960s, this world famous auditorium hosted Motown acts, The Grateful Dead, Cream, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, The Doobie Brothers, Janis Joplin and Otis Redding among others; after falling on years of hard times and closure, Bill Graham's estate renovated the Fillmore to a better state the the original; now all manner of musical acts perform here again; since its acquisition by LiveNation, that entertainment conglomerate has begun calling other theatre-clubs in its stable "Fillmore _________"; no enfants allowed

BOX OFFICE: check website

ADDRESS: 1805 Geary Boulevard at Fillmore Street  MAP

TRANSIT: Muni Bus on Geary Blvd

PARKING: on street

PHONE: 415-346-6000

WEBSITE: http://www.thefillmore.com

 

Concord, CA

 

Sleep Train Pavilion

DESCRIPTION: a great place for concerts, whether under the canopy or on the lawn; the sight lines are good from any seat; although there is planty of parking, limited access means it can take a while to leaving the parking lot after a show

BOX OFFICE: check website

ADDRESS: 2000 Kirker Pass Road  MAP

TRANSIT: None

PARKING: plenty on the premises

PHONE: 925-676-8742
WEBSITE: http://www.livenation.com/venue/sleep-train-pavilion-tickets