Warning: This listing is no longer actively maintained. The information below is likely to be out of date.

The mission of Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center is to build community and understanding of the world's cultures. Ashkenaz is committed to supporting both established and emerging local, regional, national and international artists in a respectful, comfortable, and family-friendly atmosphere. Multi-cultural and multi-generational audiences gather together to dance to the music and rhythms of cultures from around the world. Ashkenaz is an all ages venue, a place where children are always welcome.

Description:
Ashkenaz presents live world and roots music (African, Balkan, Chicano, bluegrass/old-time, Brazilian, Caribbean, Cajun/zydeco, reggae, swing, salsa and more) 6 nights a week, year-round. More than 360 performances were held in 2003. In addition, we collaborate with Vista Community College on Monday nights for their class, "Jazz, Blues and Popular Music in American Culture."

Ashkenaz rents space to teachers who hold dance/movement/music classes for adults and children including: flamenco, belly dance, capoeira, Afro-Cuban, Hustle, Kalanjali dance of India, swing, pilates, NIA, creative dance classes for children, and more. More than 35 classes are offered each week of the year. In addition, we rent low-cost studio space to dance and music groups for rehearsals.

On Sunday afternoons Ashkenaz presents special music programs for young children and their families. Ashkenaz is especially well suited for kids' programs as the children are encouraged to dance and move to the music and can get up close to the artists.

During the summer, we work with artists/teachers who conduct music and dance camps for children and teens.

We also present special programs for teens including Bboy/Bgirl shows (break dancing competitions) and a YouthQuake Teen Music Competition that have attracted youthful, diverse, energetic audiences.

History:
Ashkenaz was founded in 1973 by David Nadel, a dedicated human rights activist and folk dancer, in response to the San Francisco Bay Area's strong interest in international folk dance. David himself had a life changing experience when he became involved with the Westwind International Folk Ensemble. He saw that listening and dancing to the music of other cultures fostered an understanding of different heritages, and he was determined to make this experience available to others.

David Nadel transformed a warehouse into a dancehall devoted to presenting international and contemporary world and roots music and dance. He envisioned a place where the world's music and dance would dissolve the differences that keep people apart. After David's untimely death in 1996, a group of community members (dancers, musicians, employees, cultural activists) came together and formed a tax-exempt nonprofit arts organization to continue the important cultural work that David began.

In its 31-year history, Ashkenaz has built an ever-expanding community through multi-cultural, participatory music and dance. We offer live nightly music, dance/movement/music classes during the day and in the evening, provide space to a variety of nonprofit organizations for benefits, and offer music and dance workshops.

Contact people:

Sue Schleifer, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Kathy Day, Program And PR Manager, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (510) 525-5099
Office fax number: (510) 525-3630

Address:

1317 San Pablo Avenue Berkeley, CA 94702 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.ashkenaz.com

Directions:

Located on San Pablo Avenue at Gilman Street in Berkeley across from REI.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: North Berkeley Bart,   Walk distance (in minutes): 30   Nearest Bus Stop: 52/52L/72/72M/72R, 1 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	No others
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	16
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	Yes