Will Bernard - Guitar
Although currently a New Yorker, Grammy-nominated guitarist Will Bernard's unique voice was formed for the most part from the rich cultural roots of the San Francisco Bay Area. Along the way he studied classical music and jazz, played in basements and coliseums, and absorbed the Bay Area Multi-Kultii, the New York downtown edge, and the loose funk of New Orleans. He has performed or recorded with Charlie Hunter, Stanton Moore, Robert Walter, John Medeski, Dr Lonnie Smith, Ben Sidran, Peter Apfelbaum, Jai Uttal, Tom Waits, Bill Laswell, Dr. John and a lot of other known and unknowns. Will can be seen working in a chameleon-like way to fit into his current habitat. His 2007 CD, "Party Hats," as well as his 1997 collaborative project, T.J. Kirk's If Four Was One, were both nominated for Grammys, and he is nominated yearly in Downbeat Magazine's Critics Poll for "Best Rising Star" Guitar Player. Will is a regular fixture at New Orleans Jazz fest, Jam Cruise and other similar events, and has toured extensively in the US and Europe. Currently, Will performs with John Medeski's Mad Skillet, Peter Apfelbaum's Sparkler, Frequinox with Stanton Moore and Robert Walter, Club D’Elf, Brian Charette's Mighty Grinders, Club Foot Orchestra, TJ Kirk spinoff Damn Skippy and the Will Bernard ’s Freelance Subversives and Pond Life. Will’s 11th record as a leader was released in 2022 on Dreck to Disk records and was on many Best of 2022 lists. In 2023, Will released a duo record with SF clarinetist Beth Custer, and in 2025, Will’s Italian trio ’Smooth Elevator” was released by Losen Records in Oslo Norway.
Scott Amendola - Drums/electronics
For Scott Amendola, the drum kit isn’t so much an instrument as a musical portal. An ambitious composer, savvy bandleader, and capaciously creative foil for some of the world’s most inventive musicians, Amendola applies his rhythmic virtuosity to a vast array of settings. His closest musical associates include guitarists Nels Cline, Jeff Parker, and Charlie Hunter, Hammond B-3 organist Wil Blades, violinists Regina Carter and Jenny Scheinman, and clarinetist Ben Goldberg, players who have each forged a singular path within and beyond the realm of jazz. No project better displays Amendola’s big ears and musical ambitions than “Fade To Orange,” an orchestral piece commissioned as part of the Oakland East Bay Symphony’s Irvine Foundation-funded New Visions/New Vistas initiative. The roiling work premiered to critical acclaim at Oakland’s Paramount Theater on April 15, 2011. As a sideman, Amendola has performed and recorded with a vast, stylistically varied roster of artists, including Bill Frisell, Laurie Anderson, John Zorn, Mike Patton, Mondo Cane, John Scofield, Cibo Matto, John Dieterich from Deerhoof, Wadada Leo Smith, Bruce Cockburn, Madeleine Peyroux, Joan Osborne, Jacky Terrasson, Shweta Jhaveri, Phil Lesh, Sex Mob, Kelly Joe Phelps, Larry Klein, Carla Bozulich, Wayne Horvitz, Johnny Griffin, Julian Priester, Sonny Simmons, Pat Martino, Jim Campilongo, Bobby Black, Larry Goldings, Paul McCandless, Rebecca Pidgeon, and the Joe Goode Dance Group.
Jonathan Maron - Bass
Jonathan Maron is a Grammy-nominated electric bassist, composer and producer. Maron's unique approach, propulsive bass lines and big sound travel with him always, regardless of the musical setting.Early in his career, Jonathan co-founded New York's now legendary Groove Collective, a band that has toured internationally, released eight albums including their Grammy-nominated, "People People Music Music." The band's dance-floor blend of afro-cuban rhythms, jazz, funk and house music has provided a perfect showcase for Maron's playing and writing. With other artists, Jonathan can be heard on over 200 records ranging widely in style, including Maxwell's platinum selling “Ascenscion (Don't Ever Wonder)."Maron has also performed or recorded with Donny McCaslin, Taylor Eigsti, Meshell Ndegeocello, Mike Doughty, Ron Trent, Shigeto, Mark Guiliana, Karsh Kale, Dave Douglas and Kurt Rosenwinkel, among many others. In 2021, Maron released his own record, ‘Wide Open Lazy Eye,’ and performs as a leader regularly.
Tickets are $25 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.
Doors open 30 minutes before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.
The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.
Please refrain from using your phone during performances, and if you use your camera or video, please disable the flash.
Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.
Thank you for your support!
You may also like the following events from The Back Room:
- This Wednesday, 31st December, 08:30 pm, New Year's Eve with M'sippi Slide & Sam Rudin in Berkeley
- Next Thursday, 8th January, 08:00 pm, String, Skin and Breath in Berkeley
- Next Friday, 9th January, 08:00 pm, Ethan Ostrow/Remee Ashley in Berkeley
Also check out other
Music events in Berkeley,
Entertainment events in Berkeley,
Festivals in Berkeley.
