Berkeley’s UC Theater Renovation Project –

Music to My Ears

Photo Courtesy: UC Theater

If you’ve been in Berkeley long enough, you remember going to art house films at the UC Theater at 2036 University Avenue in downtown Berkeley back in the day. Old wood floors, dusty ruby velvet seats, art deco lobby, buttery popcorn and French New Wave – you get the picture. Rumor has it that film director Werner Herzog ate his shoe there on a dare from Errol Morris at the premiere of Morris’ first feature film, Gates of Heaven in the late Seventies. If you’re a more recent resident, you’ve no doubt wondered what

that shuttered up old theater in a 1900’s-era building on the main drag is doing gathering dust for the past 14 years.

Well, behind the scenes, plans for renovation and revival have been in the works since David Mayeri formed the Berkeley Music Group and made good on a dream to bring a new music venue to downtown. While an ever expanding arts and music scene in Berkeley blossoms, Mayeri and company have broken ground on a new vision that will book acts normally seen only in San Francisco – picture The Fillmore without the bridge crossing. With a history of high-level involvement in Bill Graham Presents as well as board advisory for the Downtown Berkeley Association, Mayeri sounds like the man to get this job done!

David tells me, “As a Berkeley native, a Berkeley High School graduate and a former UC Berkeley student, the renovation of the UC Theatre is a project that I’m very passionate about. I formed the Berkeley Music Group, a non-profit organization, to transform a building that was beloved but neglected, and turn it into a place for live music, education and job training programs, and community events.”

Photo Courtesy: UC Theater

To elaborate, beyond the creation of a 1400 person capacity, cabaret-style music hall with Meyer Sound on board for acoustic perfection, the BMG also plans on spearheading educational programs for youth. With workshops covering topics like live sound mixing, production management and events promotion, and hands-on internship

opportunities to work alongside professionals, the program will provide a unique entrée into the music industry.

Original Interior Photo Courtesy: UC Theater

Future Interior Photo Courtesy: UC Theater

As of now, the projected opening of the new UC Theater is Fall 2015 and you can volunteer, donate or support in a variety of ways. David adds, “We’ve come a long way towards completing our building campaign, and we deeply appreciate the support we’ve received to date, but we still need the help of our community to complete the renovation.”

Photo Courtesy: UC Theater

For more information and to follow construction progress, visit the web site or sign up for their newsletter. If you’re in a band or anticipate hosting a special event, film screening or private party, contact booking for more information. The space will be open for all ages with a full-service restaurant/bar and also be a forum for fundraising events for local non-profit arts organizations, lectures, film and live comedy. I’m looking forward to this new, state-of-the-art entertainment venue in downtown Berkeley, aren’t you!

Mary Corbin

Mary Corbin is a writer and painter who has lived in Berkeley for 32 years. She is always amazed with finding something new around the next corner while out on a walk, biking in the hills, or chatting with locals about food or fun events around town. Visit her cycling blog at MommaWheelie.com and drop her a line. A website featuring Mary’s artwork is coming soon!

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