2026-06 musical dialogueS in Berkeley
where
I should just live on this block. Between La Peña and the Starry Plough, I've been playing way too much music at these two adjacent music meccas.
Glory Jam
Coming off an extended dialogue between a violin and a trombone, with some synthy sounds sprinkled in, I found myself saying, "I missed this so much" (okay, was probably just wailing and sighing on my violin, instead of speaking English). These open-form jams are a good place to express all the crazy that I accumulate between sessions.
Singjam
This is a group gathering on Saturday late night at the Plough. If you like group sings, inserting harmonies where appropriate, and having all the lyrics and chords available to take that cognitive load off your overworked brain, then show up and kick back.
Las Mermeladas at La Peña
this is a family-friendly jam where I want to practice feeling the groove and playing odd rhythms. I didn't grow up with this traditional music, but the various groups I've encountered have all welcomed me in. https://lapena.org/series/el-regreso-de-las-mermeladas-a-la-pena/
For either venue:
Walk 8 minutes east of the Ashby station and follow the scent of harmony, community, and JAMMY JAMZ.
Cover charge or cover donation goes toward musicians' chiropractors as they lug tons of boxes into and out of this intimate and storied hall.
Calendar events and map pins are listed at ninaviolina.com/jamboreena, the place where I call out a handful of jams and gatherings where you are most likely to find your fit.