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Event Hours:
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
KJ Focus & The Bay Area All Stars Performance
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Jazz Days Contest Judging
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Caroline & The Citizens Jazz Performance
Jazz, a timeless genre that originated in the African American communities of New Orleans in the late 19th century - characterized by its improvisational nature, rhythms, and its blend of African and European musical traditions.
Berkeley, California has a long and rich history of jazz music. The city's proximity to San Francisco, which was a major jazz hub in the early 20th century, helped to foster a vibrant jazz scene in Berkeley.
One of the earliest jazz clubs in Berkeley was the Black Cat Café, which opened in 1917. The club hosted many of the leading jazz musicians of the day, including Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet, and Louis Armstrong.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Berkeley became a major center for bebop, a new and experimental style of jazz. The city's jazz scene was influenced by the presence of the University of California, Berkeley, which attracted many talented young musicians.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Berkeley's jazz scene continued to thrive. The city became a center for free jazz, an experimental style of jazz that emphasized improvisation and spontaneity. Some of the leading free jazz musicians who lived and worked in Berkeley include Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor, and Albert Ayler.
Jazz Bands
Today, we are honored to present a lineup of some of the finest jazz musicians in the Bay Area. Enjoy the beautiful sounds of soul and fusion through out the day from the esteemed performers:
KJ Focus born Kalin Freeman, is an American musician saxophonist, producer, and song writer. The Oakland native has made his name in the industry by showcasing his talent within the many genres of music. Confidently crossing the playing fields of R&B, Neo-Soul, Jazz, Hip hop, reggae, Latin and Tribal.
Caroline Chung is a professional jazz bassist, songwriter and producer based in San Francisco. She has performed several shows at SF Jazz as well as the San Jose Jazz festival and was one of 27 recipients commissioned by San Jose Jazz to compose original music. She has released her full length album of original music Sounds Of Haejin last year as well as several singles and a tribute to the great Nina Simone EP. She is currently working on a new original project called Free Energy with several single releases leading to a 5 song EP to be released later this year.
She is an active gigging musician and can be heard playing all over the Bay Area with some of the best jazz musicians.
Jazz Themed Dress up Contest
Wear your favorite Jazz outfit and join our Jazz Days dress up contest. This fun addition to the day brings out a fun and lively atmosphere as you meet others shopping and enjoying the music with you.
The judging for the contest will take place at 1pm after the first performance. Prizes are: $150 for first place winner, $100 for 1st runner up, and $75 for 2nd runner up.
Be sure to arrive no later than 12pm and sign up at the Flea Market entrance, so you will be entered into the contest! There will be no more contest entrants allowed after noon.
Vendor Shops
Enjoy a day of relaxation and shopping with our vendors from around the bay area selling all sorts of items from clothing and accessories, jewelry, art, health & beauty products, thrifty gift items, plants, novelty items, music items, and much more.
Food Vendors
There will always be something to eat and drink at the Berkeley Flea Market. Choose from several food vendors preparing hot and tasty meals from chicken, beef, vegan, fish and more unique options like shrimp, international food, soul food just to name a few.