Siesta Valley Bowl Announces Inaugural Concert Season, Bringing World-Class Live Music to the East Bay
A new chapter in the Bay Area’s live entertainment scene is about to begin as Siesta Valley Bowl, the intimate outdoor amphitheater located in the scenic Berkeley Hills of Orinda, officially announces its inaugural season of live music. Set on the historic grounds formerly occupied by California Shakespeare Theater, the venue is preparing to welcome audiences for an exciting lineup of performances that span multiple genres, generations, and musical traditions.
With a capacity of approximately 1,000 guests, Siesta Valley Bowl offers a unique concert experience that blends the beauty of Northern California’s natural landscape with the energy and excitement of live performances. The venue’s debut season will officially kick off on June 5 with an opening-night performance by acclaimed singer-songwriter and proto-punk icon Jonathan Richman, marking the beginning of what organizers hope will become a vibrant cultural destination for music lovers throughout the East Bay and beyond.
A New Outdoor Music Destination for the East Bay
For years, the East Bay has been home to a rich and diverse arts community, yet opportunities to experience nationally touring artists in a smaller, outdoor setting have remained limited. Siesta Valley Bowl aims to fill that gap by creating an intimate venue where audiences can enjoy world-class performances while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Berkeley Hills.
The amphitheater occupies a site already familiar to many Bay Area arts enthusiasts. The location previously served as the home of California Shakespeare Theater, making it a venue with deep cultural roots and a long-standing connection to live performance. Now, with a renewed vision focused on music, Siesta Valley Bowl is breathing new life into the space while preserving its legacy as a gathering place for creativity, community, and artistic expression.
Organizers have emphasized that the venue is designed to deliver an exceptional audience experience. The smaller capacity allows concertgoers to feel close to the performers, creating a personal and immersive atmosphere that larger arenas and amphitheaters often cannot match.
Opening Night Featuring Jonathan Richman
The inaugural season officially begins on June 5 with a special performance by Jonathan Richman, one of the most influential and beloved figures in American independent music. Richman’s career spans several decades, and his unique blend of storytelling, humor, and heartfelt songwriting has earned him a devoted following around the world.
As a pioneering figure in the proto-punk movement and founder of The Modern Lovers, Richman has influenced countless musicians while maintaining a distinctive artistic voice that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. His opening-night appearance is expected to set the tone for a season focused on musical excellence, creativity, and diversity.
Soft Launch Supports Community Initiatives
Before the official opening, Siesta Valley Bowl will host a special soft-launch event on May 30 featuring three Bay Area bands, including Burning Down The House. The event will serve as a benefit concert supporting the Siesta Valley Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Tickets for the event are priced at $25, and all proceeds will be donated directly to the foundation. Organizers view the concert not only as an opportunity to introduce the venue to the community but also as a chance to support local initiatives and establish a strong connection between the venue and the region it serves.
Diverse Lineup Showcases Multiple Genres
One of the most notable aspects of Siesta Valley Bowl’s inaugural season is the remarkable diversity of its programming. Rather than focusing on a single genre, the venue has assembled a lineup that reflects a broad spectrum of musical styles, ensuring that audiences with varied tastes will find something to enjoy.
The summer schedule includes celebrated jazz, funk, world music, rock, folk, brass, and alternative artists, creating a season that highlights both established legends and innovative contemporary performers.
Among the announced performances are:
- July 2 – Eddie Roberts, Stanton Moore, Robert Walter (The Breaks), and The Headhunters
- July 23 – DakhaBrakha
- July 25 – Stanley Clarke
- August 7 – Jake Shimabukuro
- August 8 – Rebirth Brass Band and The Soul Rebels
- August 21 – Earthless and Primitive Ring
- September 12 – Beats Antique
- September 19 – Jerry’s Middle Finger
- September 22 – Cécile McLorin Salvant
- October 16 – Steep Canyon Rangers
- October 24 – Super Diamond
The lineup represents an impressive blend of internationally recognized performers and fan-favorite touring acts. From the groundbreaking jazz fusion of Stanley Clarke to the genre-defying sounds of DakhaBrakha and the energetic brass traditions of New Orleans represented by Rebirth Brass Band and The Soul Rebels, audiences can expect a season filled with memorable performances.
Building a Long-Term Cultural Hub
Venue organizers envision Siesta Valley Bowl as more than simply a concert space. Their goal is to establish a long-term cultural hub that contributes to the artistic vitality of the East Bay while attracting visitors from throughout Northern California.
The combination of a picturesque outdoor setting, carefully curated programming, and a community-focused mission positions the venue to become a significant addition to the region’s entertainment landscape. By presenting artists from a variety of backgrounds and musical traditions, the amphitheater hopes to foster cultural exchange and create meaningful experiences for audiences of all ages.
The venue’s leadership has expressed enthusiasm about introducing a broad range of musical styles and genres to East Bay audiences. Their programming philosophy centers on accessibility, diversity, and artistic excellence, ensuring that every concert offers something unique.
Strong Start for a Promising Future
With more than a dozen nationally touring artists already scheduled and additional announcements expected in the coming months, Siesta Valley Bowl is entering its first season with considerable momentum. The venue’s inaugural lineup reflects both ambition and careful planning, showcasing performers who appeal to a wide range of listeners while maintaining a commitment to high-quality live entertainment.
As concertgoers prepare to gather under the open skies of the Berkeley Hills, anticipation continues to build around what promises to be one of the Bay Area’s most exciting new music destinations. The combination of stunning surroundings, intimate seating, and an eclectic lineup of acclaimed artists gives Siesta Valley Bowl a strong foundation for long-term success.
Whether attending the nonprofit benefit event, celebrating opening night with Jonathan Richman, or enjoying one of the many performances scheduled throughout the summer and fall, visitors can look forward to a concert experience that combines community, culture, and exceptional live music in a uniquely beautiful setting.
Tickets for all announced performances are currently on sale, and organizers encourage music fans to secure their seats early as interest in the venue’s debut season continues to grow. As Siesta Valley Bowl prepares to welcome its first audiences, the stage is set for a memorable inaugural year and the beginning of a new tradition of outdoor live music in the East Bay.
About Siesta Valley Bowl
Siesta Valley Bowl is a 1,000-person capacity outdoor amphitheater located in the Berkeley Hills in Orinda, California, and the former home of the acclaimed California Shakespeare Theater. Operating under a 15-year lease signed in November 2025, the venue brings world-class live music and an exceptional culinary experience to the East Bay. Siesta Valley Bowl is committed to showcasing a diverse roster of national touring artists and to supporting the local arts community through its affiliated nonprofit, the Siesta Valley Foundation.
About the Siesta Valley Foundation
The Siesta Valley Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting arts education and cultural programming in the East Bay community. Proceeds from the May 30th soft launch benefit event will be donated in full to the Foundation.
