After Saturday, it’s a week of music — some of it free, some of it rather pricey (though you can catch Jack Johnson from the top of “Cheapskate Hill”). From rap to symphony to singer-songwriter pop nostalgia, the mix of genres fits a multitude of tastes, so it’s up to you to decide what you’re up for!
Saturday, July 22 | “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
The local Berkeley troupe Inferno Theatre is bringing Shakespeare’s beloved “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to the John Hinkel Park Amphitheatre in Northeast Berkeley this Saturday. The play is a whimsical, comedic drama surrounding a love triangle, meddling fairies and a bumbling performance group. The production is adapted, directed and designed by Inferno’s artistic director, Giulio Cesare Perrone, who has won awards for his adaptations of Milton’s “Paradise Lost,” among other works. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will run Saturdays and Sundays at 4 p.m. from July 22 to August 13. The show is sure to be a joyous time for families and Shakespeare fans alike. Audiences can enjoy picnics in the amphitheater starting at 3 p.m. before every show.
Sunday, July 23 | San Francisco Symphony free concert at Pier 27
Every year, the San Francisco Symphony hosts a free concert of fan favorites on the scenic San Francisco waterfront. Set up as a family-friendly community event, visitors are encouraged to bring picnics along to the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27 on the Embarcadero for a selection of highly popular pieces, including Holst’s “The Planets,” Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” and several pieces by Bernstein. The San Francisco Symphony is a community mainstay and offers several free performances like this one each year.
The symphony is conducted by Edwin Outwater and features soprano Julie Adams. The program begins at noon.
Tuesday, July 25 | The Psychedelic Furs at The Fillmore
The Psychedelic Furs sounds as cool as you’d think it would based on the name — the band’s most-listened-to song on Spotify, “Love My Way,” is disco-esque pop song with a glockenspiel instrumental line. Playing at The Fillmore for $68 at 8 p.m., the group will come on after the opener Robyn Hitchcock, and promises to make your night the perfect blend of weird and danceable. Plus, The Fillmore always gives out apples — and free posters at the end of each (sold out) show. What’s better than leaving a concert with a snack and a souvenir for your wall?
Wednesday, July 26 | Jack Johnson at the Hearst Greek Theatre
If you’re feeling nostalgic on a Wednesday night, make your way up the hill to the Greek Theatre for Jack Johnson’s concert. His tunes were likely staples on your late-2000s summer playlists, and you probably spent half of 2006 with “Upside Down” stuck in your head, so it’s safe to say you’d be able to sing along to his discography. He’ll be playing songs from his upcoming album, All the Light Above It Too, set to release on September 8 this year. Johnson will be performing both Wednesday, July 26, and Thursday, July 27 — both at 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 27 | G-Eazy at 1015 Folsom
On his latest album cover, G-Eazy stands loosely, back facing us, head tipped cockily, leather jacket blaring the words, “These things happen when it’s dark out” — he looks precisely the way his rap sounds. Spitting out raps with a slow, lethargic confidence, his voice competes with a thudding bassline and the melodic work of guest artists, as in the popular “Me, Myself & I.” If you’ve ever wanted to witness this live, Thursday is your lucky day — G-Eazy will be playing at 1015 Folsom from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. on Friday morning. The venue is 21+ only and a valid ID is required at the front door. Tickets are priced at $45.
