Address: | 2036 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA |
Phone: | +1 510-356-4000 |
Site: | theuctheatre.org |
Rating: | 4.6 |
DA
David Rotenberg
Most disappointing concert experience ever in the Bay Area. In order to see performers on the stage you either need to be well over 6 3" tall or you need to be within the first 3 rows of the stage or maybe 2nd of the 3 floor levels. I estimate that only about 5% of the crowd could see anything at all. To make things worse, the lighting was horrible. There was minimal fixed stage lighting, none of which placed any light at all on band members at the front of the stage. We saw The Psychedelic Furs, who like to spend most of the night on the front edges of the stage by the fans, so only the few folks within 6 feet or so of the stage could see anything other than shadows. I guess it really didnt matter since hardly anyone could see the shadows either. It took about 1 hour to clear the Church equipment and then do a total sound check for the Furs. I have not seen this slow of a turnaround in 15 years. I assume it is because of the limitations of the stage at the venue. The crowd on the lower level was packed in so tightly around the perimeter that there was no way to get in or out on the right side of the venue - a definite fire hazard. It was also an unusually hot day and early in the night it was like a sauna. We felt like they might have turned on the AC at some point because it got a little more comfortable later on. There are too many better choices for seeing shows in the Bay Area. This event reminded me more of a high school gymnasium than a modern entertainment venue. Sad.
DE
Deanna Chase
In the last year or so I have visited UC Theatre for almost a dozen shows. I am a fan! This venue is gorgeous! From point of entry security, coat-check, bartenders, and other staff on hand during events everyone has been very pleasant, welcoming, and seem happy to be there. I had a very pleasant experience with Tessa in their Marketing Department. She has been attentive, kind, and eager to answer any questions I had about their facility and upcoming shows. UC Theatre and their staff is as good as it gets! There are 3 bars (if I am not mistaken), the one in the pit is smaller with less options, but the others have plenty to choose from. Drinks are a little pricey, but beer is reasonable and I have seen specials, so look for those! They serve food, though Ive not ordered it, the bartender I spoke to made everything sound really great! Ticket prices are on point with other venues if not priced a little less. (love that!) Every month it seems their list of great acts continues to grow. The only downside for me is now choosing which shows I simply cant miss! If you have a chance to see a show here...stop in!
CH
Christine Doan
This venue is quite charming with a classic old movie theatre aesthetic. It has a beautiful stage with chandeliers. Theres plenty of small reserved seating in the mezzanine & (gen admin) standing is roomy with a bar situated in both areas. Bathrooms are clean & new. I would definitely come back to catch more shows.
YO
Yoni Mayeri
Im so proud of the hard work and vision that went into transforming this venue from a "closed for 13 years movie house" to a world class music hall. Its a great community asset that is providing diverse entertainment, jobs, and education for youth. A beautiful space, excellent acoustics, and a fun place to be.
CO
Colin Ballou
Stunning new venue. The renovation done to re-open this place is gorgeous!! Looks great . . the sound is even better. The new Meyer system they are rocking is out of control! Great food and beer selection as well. Prices are super reasonable. I definitely look forward to attending more shows here.
RI
Richard Lossing
This was the best repertory movie house that Id been to, decades ago before it closed. Its nice to see it open again, and Berkeley really needed a good live venue for mainstream rock (and other) shows. Think of the Keystone and Berkeley Square, and how nothing filled the void when they closed.
TH
Thebig3on3
Tiered venue with some limited seating and tables, great sound and and decent amount of space. Only complaint is that they reserve one or two of their doors for solely entry or exit, so if there are a lot of people either entering or exiting there can be a bottleneck
DO
Dominic Ornelas
A beautiful venue with amazing and helpful workers. Beer on the bottom floor is questionable due to the stickiness of the floor by the time the last band played. Sound and lighting was amazing with plenty of great places to watch the performance, both far and near.
MY
Myla Ablog
For a short person, there were a few places I could stand so I could see the stage easily. I liked that there are chairs in the lobby. I wish I was a bit more wowed by the sound system, but the inside of the hall was done well. Staff seemed very friendly.
RI
Richard Andrus
This theatre is in a great location, close to terrific restaurants and Bart. The sound and lighting are good. But its standing room - butt to butt- for performances. Some reserved tables, but if you didnt get one of those, prepare yourself.
RY
Ryan Paredez
Came here for a show for my first time. It was amazing. Nice and beautiful inside, sounded great. I didnt check it the bar, so unsure of price of drinks. Id definitely come back despite it being a little bit of a journey from the city.
DA
Daniel Kerpen
Taking their private tour was really interesting. The location has got quite a fascinating history, and their vision for its future is truly exceptional. I walked away feeling anxious: I cant wait to see the place full of live music.
IS
Issac Wilcher
Came here to see Nicolas Jaar. It was quite a fun concert. Just the standing room directly in front of stage is kinda small so it filled up and was kinda tight for a completely sold out concert.
KI
Kimberly Bell
Oversold, no room to dance, opening band no interest to crowd that came to see/hear headliner. Hostile management. Just another place that sardines in too many people. Unlikely to be back
JO
John Kittredge
Concerts like they used to be. A strong Bill Graham Presents vibe with the modern family friendly bar/food/festival seating that it shares with the Fox in Oakland.
LI
Liloux Elle
A well done venue, great selection of quality music, wonderful sound system- full of potential and you know some great music will be coming down in this locale.
WI
William Buckley
Great venue for live music. The sound system is state of the art and is incredible. A very nice place to see a concert and close to bart as well.
PA
Patrick Toms
Love the place its right on University campus great bands great layout nice service expensive alcohol though but I love the place
GR
Greggo G
Great place to see a band, you can get up close and personal. Decent general admission floor and cool dinner seating above.
BR
Brian Early
Great place to see a show!! Staff is awesome!! Pro quality sound and lighting rig. Good food, great service, killer shows!!
JA
Jannelly D Sussman
Small so you get an intimate experience. Nice place with clean bathrooms which is a miracle when seeing a concert.
MA
Matthew Smith
This place is going to be awesome when they are finished renovating it. Welcome to The Fillmore of the East Bay!!!
CH
Christopher Beasley
Wow. What a venue. Great sound and great views from their 3 terraces. Easy access to bars and bathrooms.