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Greek Theatre
Rating Details »
Categories: Performing Arts, Music Venues [Edit]
Neighborhood: North Berkeley HillsU.C. Berkeley Campus
Gayley Rd
Berkeley, CA 94702
(510) 809-0100
- Hours:
Fri-Sat. 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sun. 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sat, Sun
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
328 reviews for Greek Theatre
This is the best venue I've been to for concerts.
I saw both Death Cab for Cutie and Counting Crows here, which were both amazing concerts. It's outdoors and the acoustics are very good. It started drizzling during Death Cab for Cutie and everybody yelled in excitement. We went down to the pit area, and it was surprisingly easy to get pretty close to the band.
A few people brought cushions to sit on for sitting on the concrete seats. Parking is pretty tight, so I recommend taking the bus, or walking if you are close by.
Hope more good bands come perform here.
I doesn't get much better than the Greek in Berkeley. Open Air, California
The Pixies were exceptional
The Ramones opened for Debbie Harry
Andreas Vollenvideder
Weird that the venue does not seem to have its own site... so you can't look for who's playing there. Get right on that you bastard lazy Berkeley music stoners...
After having just returned to the Bay Area after a 3 year stint of living in Asia, there was no better way to feel welcomed back to the Bay than a concert at the Greek. Over the past 12 years, I've seen the Greek from every possible angle -- up close against the front row rail, HIGH up in the grassy knoll, mid level on the bum bruising cement seats, and even a walk on stage to pick up a diploma. Needless to say, from every angle, I love this place, because every visit tacks on another great memory to an already long list of them.
Few suggestions - If the sun's out, bring your sunglasses cause it'll hit you square in the face as the sun sets gloriously behind the skene of the theater. If it's a cool night, bring a coat, a blanket, or another warm body to wrap yourself into. Lastly, say hi to the folks around you... they're there for the same great reasons you are, might as well enjoy it together.
My favorite amphitheater. This place has so many memories for me because I went to my first concert here (well the one I wanted to go to) with my family to see the Gypsy Kings back in '89, they had guest star Tito Puente on timbales... it was such a great show. We had the stone seats that are perfect height for the stage, and they're limited in number so if you got those you felt like royalty.
I remember when I was 11 (a couple years after) when my brother and I were asked to dance by a couple of other teens who went to the show.. it was so much fun.
If the stone seats are not available then the grassy knolls are just as good, bring a blanket and your loved ones to enjoy a night here.
It just feels like old greek history mixed with modern musical tech rolled into one fantastic place.
I love this place, and I know if you can catch a show here, you will too.
Enjoy!
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beautiful place, awesome setting, easy to get around. Bob Dylan, if you had only put some effort in to your performance.. how you do you feel? is different from..how do you feeeeeeeeel? with noo directioon hooooooome..
7:30pm- on time. no opening band. bob is getting up there in age (i think around 66..) two hours later he left, no good bye, no thank yous. exactly what i expected from the crazy ol' man.
VIP style with my visa signature card with parking included, unfortunately it took an unbelievable two hours from our house in the sunset, but the spot we got to park in was perfect location. we got to cut lines for quicker drinks, which were $8 a beer (!) and if we had gotten there in time for a seat, visa had given us seat cushions :)
it was an experience and totally fun
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Love this place! It's not only a amazing setting, but it always draws in a awesome crowd. Parking is a pain no matter what event you go for. Parking for general is on a STEEP grassy/dirt hill! You have no idea, no ideal for heels. LOL Honestly, that hill is killer.
Last time I went was for the 50th anniversary for Woodstock. I have to say it was worth it. There is an area strictly for "VIP" its where you can buy drinks and food. But the bouncer there was super nice and said we could go in because it wasn't busy. Bring cash!
They had another bar set up outside that area. The bathrooms are big and decent. Theres plenty of seating. The lighting they have set up is great as well, gives the atmosphere a comfortable feeling.
I've been here to see Death Cab for Cutie and John Legend. I missed John in January when he was in Oakland, so when I heard he was going to be back at the Greek, I had to get the BEST seats possible! My friend is an Amex card holder and received an offer for pre-sale tickets. We were able to get super good seats...Right Pit, row 10!!!!
This is one of my favorite venues. The first two concerts, I went to, I had lawn seats. I've sat at the very bottom and the very top. Don't sit in the middle or you'll just end up sliding down the hill...its pretty steep! You're pretty high up, but you can see the entire stage. But they don't have screens for you to look at, so bring binoculars!
If you don't mind spending more on good seats, I'd sit in the Pit. I got to see the performers up close and personal! John Legend and India Arie walked right by my section. I could've reached out and touched them, but was too busy trying to get a picture.
This is definitely a great venue for concerts. It can get a bit chilly at night, so bring a sweater!
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I've seen a few concerts at this venue- Coldplay, John Mayer, & most recently, Bob Dylan. I've also attended multiple graduations (including my own) here. All were pretty great, thanks to this location.
The acoustics are phenomenal. Listening to *anyone* under the stars just makes them sound that much better (yes, even Bob Dylan who sounds like has emphysema now). Even the worst seat in the house isn't that bad (unless you're 5'2" like me and standing directly behind someone who's 6'5"... ahem...) There's a decent amount of stone seating (bring your own butt-pad) w/ terraced standing room below, and grassy hills above. Get here early, though, for the best seats-- it fills up pretty quickly. There's also preferred seating blocked off for wheelchair access
It can get pretty cold here as the sun sets, so bring blankets. Or it can get scorchingly, sunburning-ly hot here in the midday summer, so bring sunscreen & sunglasses.
Parking is normal for Berkeley-- which means it's nonexistent. Event parking at the UC Berkeley campus lots runs $20 a pop. Street parking might be possible if you get here hours before the show. Maybe.
This is by far my favorite outdoor venue... ever.
I had been here once for a graduation, but never for a concert. The floor and pit seating provides you with a great view, but definitely a tight fit. I would have enjoyed just a tad bit more elbow room. It seems as though there wouldn't be a bad seat in the venue, including the lawn seating.
The sound was great, and the weather was nice enough to go without a jacket. We lucked out finding parking a few blocks down the hill, but there is also a lot very close. This area of Berkeley gets very crowded around showtime, so we just missed John Legend's brother, Vaughn Anthony, who sounds just like him, btw. Almost thought we were missing John Legend.
We avoided the long line at the main entrance, and walked up side steps and got right in, just in time for India Arie (who was great!). India Arie gets her beautiful voice from her Mother, Joyce, who also sang at the end of the set. Even Estelle made a quick appearance for "No Other Love!" John Legend was amazing, but we wouldn't expect anything else. Although, I thought he was much taller, hmm. Still very sexy though.
Wear comfortable shoes, ladies. I tell myself this everything time, but never learn. John Legend was filming his tour DVD, so we weren't supposed to take any pics, but I snapped a few. Too bad I didn't get one of the chick who ran on stage, and got arrested. Good times. Can't wait to check out the Greek Theatre again!
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Being a UC Berkeley grad, I have been here several times for graduations, but yesterday was my first time for a concert. My mom and I watched the Jason Mraz concert and boy, was the venue rocking!
So what's the most important aspect of a concert? It's not the beer, the opening acts, or even the t-shirts you buy for proof of going to the concert - it's the sound quality. I mean, what's the point of going if you can't even enjoy the headliner? But let me tell you, the acoustics are off the wall (literally) and make the sound so crisp.
Seats are first come first serve, so I suggest coming as soon as the doors open. You can choose to stand in the pit (which I'm glad I didn't do because I would have been standing for 4 hours!). Surrounding the pit are theses funky little seats that look like chess pieces. I've never sat in them, but I'm guessing I'd feel like back-in-the-day royalty if I did. Then there are the rows and rows of stone bleachers that encircle the stage. The best part about this is that there is no bad seat in the house. You never have to worry about someone tall sitting in front of you (which I do since I'm 5 feet tall) because each bleacher is raised just the right amount. However, there aren't any backrests and the stone can really hurt your bum after awhile. So if you're like me, scout out a seat in the top row so you can enjoy sitting with a backrest. I suggest bringing some kind of butt pad or blanket to sit on, because concrete is as far away from cushiony as it goes. Now if you get stuck in traffic or choose to miss the opening acts, you'll be stuck to fend for yourself on the grass. It reminds me much of the grass at the Shoreline, but if that's your kind of thing, go for it.
Most important tip - stone is not a heat insulator, so bring a jacket, blanket, gloves, hats, whatever you need to keep warm. Otherwise, you better be of age to buy yourself a little warm-me-up beverage. (And no, I'm not talking hot chocolate)
Bottom Line: I'm telling you, Shakespeare got it right - outdoor theaters are the way to go.
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Follow the Scout's motto and BE PREPARED when you come to the Greek Theatre. Take the BART, brace yourself for a 15-20 minute trek through the campus, dress warm, bring blankets for makeshift comfortable seating, and pack your own snacks and sustenance. All of the work was worth it to ensure a memorable evening for last night's John Legend & India Arie concert! The Greek Theatre is the exact same design as the Los Angeles venue, but somehow feels more intimate - must be the Bay Area vibe. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
It's a great outdoor venue perched atop of UC Berkeley's campus, surrounded by monstrous broccoli shaped trees and stars hanging overhead. The light effects and sounds are crisp here, with a cool projector displayed on the stage background. I would recommend paying the cheaper price for lawn tickets since it's still a pretty good view if you can get close to the rail: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Food and drinks are sold here, but bring your own unless you crave hot dogs, tofu and hummus as part of your dining fare. Minor annoyance for lawn folks - beware of meandering folks that block your view by standing right in front of the concrete stands and of Ushers that don't do their job by shooing them away. Lucky for the fiance and I, the security patrolling the area checked in with us on occasion and would promptly inform people to take their seats. High five for that! Other than that, sit back and enjoy a rocking show at this amazing theatre.
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This is an amazing theatre. Awesome outdoor venue where any seat in the venue has a good view.
Like others, I recommend getting lawn seating if you are going to a chill show because it's great to be able to sit on the grass. WARNING: the grass area IS very steep, so hold onto your valuables before they slide down the hill!
I am biased when it comes to Berkeley.
Most of the venues are great. The food, people, Cal, and local venues are da best!!!!!!!!!!!
my concert experiences with the Greek theater rocks...Hubby and I loved the open space and high lawn open seats. When we got the seats, I remembered that it was bleacher style and large enough to stand up and dance.
parking always suck in Berkeley so you are not recommended to drive, ever! Just accept it. Park somewhere near Dwight way or Bart Albany (if from north) or Bart Fremont (if from south) and take Bart to see any of the venues in Berkeley.
If you drive, use a small car to parallel park or pay a huge fees for the covered parking lot. Even when it is not covered, it always is huge.
Side note: drive to 4th street or Shattuck for your gourmet ghetto moments- gourmet food & fine wine! or stick around Telegraph and visit TopDog for to-die for links.
LADIES...WEAR FLAT SHOES!!!!!!!!! Trust me on this!
Great ampitheater with very good acoustics. You can see from anywhere in the place. Lots of vendors set up with food and drinks (you can pay with cash or card). Plenty of port-o-lets and bathrooms.
If you want a seat, get there early. Parking is a little tough. The lawn is on a super steep incline which I why I suggest flat shoes. Navigating up and down the lawn is not exactly easy, but the incline makes it a great viewpoint for everyone.
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On a warm summer night, the Greek Theater rocks! I'm a dork. There's open seating on the lawn above or on the concrete bleachers. I felt like I was at the movies, trying to get the best seat close, but not too close and smack in the middle. I did appreciate that the seats stayed warm from the day. It was in my favor that my ass also serves as a plush built-in pillow, how jealous are you. You can also stand in the center close to the stage. I regretted sitting, after I realized that I could've been that much closer to Mr. Bird. The sound system was pretty good for an outdoor venue. Even if you're not too fond of the opening bands, you should get there early if you're particular about seating.
Regrets:
Not bringing a blanket or umbrella. *shaking fist* I knew it was going to rain!
Not bringing our Cheeseboard pizza in.
Not getting our drink on outside. Beer is $8, really.
Not bringing my camera.
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A concert here is a religious experience, seriously. This is coming from a near-heathen. If you get a chance, GO SEE A SHOW HERE. Amazing. I so wish we had a venue even half this special where I live.
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I love coming to the Greek Theater for concerts! John Legend, Radiohead... The venue is the perfect size where every seat is good. The venue is open (outdoors).. on a nice summer night its definitely a great way to spend time with friends. The food and booze are plentiful so if you're heading in from the City would definitely recommend getting a limo or car service.
I'm convinced that there is no venue more beautiful, fun or intimate than the Berkeley Greek Theatre. There are probably going to be 1M+ people who disagree with me. I could care less.
I saw Tom Petty at the Greek on this amazing evening where the sun set perfectly behind the trees, clearing the line of sight for an amazing sparkling Bay Bridge view and the fog rolled in at just the right time to make Stevie Nicks's unexpected backup on "American Girl" even more poignant and showstopping.
On Mother's Day 2006, I sat in a folding chair in the Greek in a black robe with a navy blue satin stole, awating my graduation from the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business undergraduate program. The sun was shining down on all of us (it was hot as f), my family was there snapping (tons) of photos and it was one of the most memorable days of my life -- sitting in the unreal Berkeley weather, graduating from Haas and joking around with my BFFs. Doesn't get much better than that and definitely no better setting for such a monumentous occasion. (take that, history majors who graduate in Zellerbach!)
And most recently, I caught myself while walking the streets of North Berkeley up to the Greek -- Josh got us tix to see Van Morrison. The air characteristically lingering with the scent of lightly damp eucalyptus trees sparked memories of parties at (the boys-only) Bowles Hall and late-night study seshes at Haas and hiking behind the Greek to get up to the top of Big C. Every time I head over to the Greek, I'm flooded with tons of memories of Berkeley, from my childhood days tailgating before Cal games to my college years goofing around with my sorority sisters and walking from class to class.
And the concerts? Well, if you've ever seen a show @ the Greek, you'd definitely know that there's not a bad seat in the house. Acoustically, the Greek rocks because it's coliseum-style and very intimate. The wide cement benches make it comfy to scoot around and you can even dangle your legs off the edge, which is a lot to say for a 5'10" girl who loves to wear tall boots. A soft blanket (or two) is a must, as is a seat cushion for ultimate comfortability.
... and if you are with a really thoughtful guy, per se, he may or may not feel inclined to bring mini bottles of white/red wine, cheese and (onion, mmm) water crackers with him for snacking. Best part? Berkeley (obvi) doesn't check for anything, so there are lots of people bringing in bottles of wine, champagne, beer, illicit drugs... er... WHAT!
All I'm going to say is... don't be surprised if everyone in the place is mildly (really) stoned out of their f'ing minds and dancing around like wild people. Then again, it IS Berkeley and I wouldn't have it any other way.
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Gayle and I were here this morning to honor the graduation of her son's longtime girlfriend. I had last been to the Greek for my nephew's graduation a few years back and for my own back before some of the graduates were born. Roll on you Bears!
It was nice morning to be in a sweater, take in the happy crowd, and adjust to sitting on the hard concrete for a few hours. The fog did burn off and the sun eventually came out to shine on the "best and the brightest". Besides, cheering on our extended family's graduate, I really enjoyed listening to Robert Reich's witty and insightful keynote address for these challenging times.
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A coliseum-style amphitheater featuring acts from the Dalai Lama to Daft Punk and everything in between. So far my list runs Arcade Fire, Massive Attack, Daft Punk and Bob Dylan. This means that when you're raising your eyes upwards as an act of thanks, there's nothing but glorious blue sky above.
Oh, and if you're not feeling the pit action, a blanket or cushion for your derriere and some binoculars (they need to add some screens for the lawn) will do ya right.
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SO great.
Nothing better than a nice-afternoon-turned-gorgeous-evening kicking back on the grassy knolls of the Greek Theater's way- up-high area. I've been down in the standing area, which is cool. I've sat in the big funny concrete chairs, which is alright. But i really prefer to sit up on the grass with the cool kids.
(Parking is crazy! Plan ahead.)
This is a great outdoor setting. We were able to get there easily from BART with a nice little stroll through UC Berkeley campus, slightly uphill. There's reserved seating as well as lawn seats.
The lawn: I sat on the lawn for the Earth, Wind, and Fire + Chicago concert. Even from there we could see everything on stage very clearly. It's pretty steep but if you sit at the bottom or top of the hill, it's more flat. The steepness actually helped allow everyone on the hill to see the stage without people in front of them bothering them. We had to put in some effort to keep ourselves from sliding but I didn't feel it until after a couple hours sitting there. I saw plenty of people tripping on the lawn, especially the women in heels so be careful. Sometimes people stand in the aisle between the reserved seats and the lawn, blocking the view for those on the lawn, but the staff was really good about eventually telling them to move so it wasn't an issue for too long. Bring a blanket to sit on as well as an extra to wrap up in because it gets cold as it gets later in the concert.
The view: If you sit at the very top of the hill in the middle area of the theater, you get a great view of the bay area to go along with the concert. I'll be trying to sit there next time I go.
Food: I got a beer for $8 and a hot dog for $6. I also remember a pulled pork sandwich being $10.
Overall, a fun venue. I had a great time on the lawn but next time I'll try to sit at the bottom or top of it so it's flat.
Enjoy the outdoor venue. Easy to get to from SF. Plenty of street & garage parking and like that it's general admission so come early and get the seat you want.
Was very Berkeley, they have tofu rice bowls and other healthy items you can buy as meals pre or during the show. Not the most comfy (since you are sitting on concrete) so bring a blanket or something to sit on and dress in layers.
Overall fun and somewhat intimate venue to see a show.
I LOVE this place.
I love how the concrete bleachers emanate heat when day turns to night and sweaty turns to chilly. I love how dramatic the stage suddenly becomes when the sun sets and the lights go on. I love how the grass seating area is like a whole nuther universe compared to the pit or the bleachers. I love how the women's restrooms have seatless potties--so practical and so much cleaner! I love how the devoted are rewarded with pit seats for lining up hours before the show. I love that I can bring my kids to shows here. I love that it's only a short bike ride away from my house. I love that you can bring in your own food.
I love the amazing acts that play this place. I've seen RADIOHEAD, the Mars Volta, Massive Attack, the Pixies, Sigur Ros and on and on and on.
I love this place.
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Imagine - an overcast, rainy day w/ tons of ominous dark clouds & no sign of letting up in sight.
Now, who in their right minds would go to an outdoor venue for a show? Well, if you're talking VAN MORRISON at the Greek, it's a no-brainer! It's Me! Me! Me!!
Performing Astral Weeks w/ a 14-piece ensemble, Van absolutely *rocked* Berkeley last night!
Had the most amazing seats - on the benches but right behind the sound board so there was no one in front of us & it was magical .... paired w/ the fact the rain stopped in time for the show & nary a drop during, it was a marvelous night for a moondance....just m-a-g-i-c !
Needless to say, no one was on the lawn since there would have been no physical way to get down there - still no landscaping to lessen the incline grade so 4 Stars it continues to be
But I absolutely love the Greek & can't wait to come back in June for DAVID BYRNE!!
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/30/2008
The Greek, The Greek - The Amaaaaazing Greek!
Small, intimate, outdoor venue that draws HUGE names &… Read more »
Saw John Legend and Corrine Bailey Rae here. It was a beautiful evening with great weather which only made the concert a better experience. The parking is terrible and you end up paying up to 20 dollars to park and still walk a good 5 minutes. The stone hard seats can be a bit uncomfortable but something which can be ignored in the moment of enjoying yourself at a nice venue.
Def recomend when the weather is nice, towards early summer or early fall.
The Dalai Lama. Best friend's College of Engineering (Cal) graduation. Norah Jones. No Doubt. There's more, but these are just some of the events I've been here for.
I usually got there 40-50 minutes before the event but there was already a line down the street wrapping around the Foothill Residences. It didn't really matter though, because it only took 10-15 minutes for us to make it through the gates.
Concrete seats are not comfortable if you're going to be there for more than an hour. I prefer lawn seats - we always get it near the center and the view is perfect. Bring a blanket so your butt doesn't get wet.
At the Dalai Lama event, I went to the concession stand and ordered a drink, fruit salad, and pesto pasta for a total of $10. My bad for not eating before the event but dang!
Final Call:
Decent prices for good events. I'm finding my spot on the lawn ASAP.
DALAI LAMA!! DALAI LAMA!! DALAI LAMA!!
Great warm weather
Rushed to see Mr. Lama
Everything was at peace
Even the flies flying around
Kept thinking... "Wow, I'm really here!"
I was fortunate enough to purchase the tickets last March for this event and to see his Holiness, Dalai Lama the 14th! It was a SOLD OUT event today!
I was debating between taking the BART or driving up to Berkeley and parking. Though I was leaning more towards driving, we ended up taking the Fremont BART to Downtown Berkeley ($8.10 roundtrip) and then #51 ($1.75 one-way) to College and Durant. Saw a lot of vacant parking lots around the UC campus at 9:00am, but it was a nice walk to the Greek Theatre. We got there at around 9:20am... a bit earlier than most people. haha The box office didn't open until 11am, the gates didn't open until 12noon, and the event didn't start til 2pm. So yeah, we were a bit crazy.
We sat on the unreserved lawn area. By the time the event had started, my bottom was sore and I was getting restless and sunburnt! I had a hard time hearing what Mr. Lama was saying. The warm sun was making me sleepy and want to doze off. zzZZ haha
Security was extremely tight for this event. Secret service was here, along with the Berkeley police and NES. There was a long list of items we couldn't bring in, including food and water, binoculars, cameras, backpacks, and large purses... http://berkeley.edu/dl... It was ridiculous, but I saw some people were able to sneak these items in. =\
I was sad that this event was soooo short. The Dalai Lama only spoke for a little over an hour!!! -.- Next time, I'd want to come here for a longer concert and sit in the reserved seating area. Hopefully the sound system will be better too.
http://events.berkeley...
Go green take: BART and #51 (to Durant & College) or walk from the station.
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I saw Daft Punk here when they came to town in July 2007. I spent $20 more on the ticket than most concert-goers since I bought it off some chick on http://Craigslist.org.
Let me sum it up: best experience ever, and worth that extra money. It felt like a giant open-air rave with a crescent moon hanging above, and I felt connected with everyone in the crowd. It was a damn-near religious experience. Management really doesn't care if you drink or smoke some salad as long as everyone has a good time and gets along. Don't bother bringing a coat or jacket (unless it's raining) if you're attending a packed show - you're going to burn up a sweat anyway, and standing awkwardly with a jacket is no fun.
I think that the Greek Theatre sometimes is praised too much. I won't comment on the food, drinks or service, because as anyone who goes to concerts and/or festivals know, the fare is usually similarly priced and the service is always just as bad.
What I will comment on is the fact that the people who reviewed and said "there isn't a bad seat" and " anywhere in the venue has amazing seating" are, more likely than not, on several mind altering substances.
Unless you get there super early, and want to stand in the very front of the amphitheatre, you're going to either:
A) get stuck standing up with your hips pressed into a railing so you can get a decent look at the band you just dished out your funds to see
OR
B) you're going to sit on a hill that goes SO far up, that when this place is sold out, you can't see anything but what looks like ants on the stage.
The sound here is awesome, as is the lighting. I find that more often than not, the prices for tickets to see shows here are a bit higher than most other venues, but thats how the cookie crumbles.
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I'm not sure what is better.. graduation at Greek Theatre or seeing Radiohead play here. I know - having Radiohead play at your graduation! In my dreams...
I have a special place in my heart for the Greek Theatre. I sang with thousands of others to Radiohead's "Creep," danced on the lawn to John Legend and Corinne Bailey Rae, sat mesmorized in the rain to Sigur Ros and tapped my feet to Jason Mraz. I watched as countless couples made out to Death Cab for Cutie and stood so close to The Shins that I could reach (or more like leap) out to touch them.
I love the quality bands that the Greek attracts and can't wait to see the line up for this summer/fall. Go watch a concert here, you won't regret it!
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Isn't this place THE BEST?...I work this venue so I won't have an audience point of view but this place is amazing. Its beautiful when you're at a concert near sunset and even afterward when you can see the stars. I love how its so open and welcoming.
Beautiful beautiful place
This place is absolutely gorgeous, and probably my favorite outdoor concert venue.
It is so nice in this day and age to see a place that doesn't have a corporate name, and is still very much in a natural setting w/ minimal concert accomodations made.
There are plenty of annoying seats in the house, like way up top, but not a bad seat. Plus if you're way up top like I was, you get a great view of the city.
Also, no one should complain about parking/transportation/getting here; how many other outdoor concert venues do you know that you can take public transportation to?
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Basic tips for a great night @ the Greek
1) Getting there - Take BART. Though its a bit of a walk from the Berkeley station you can walk through Berkeley's beautiful campus for an hour instead of wasting that time in a car looking for decent parking.
2) Once inside: Anywhere in the venue has amazing seating. I prefer the first tier up from the floor. Never managed to grab one of those giant chairs but those look amazing as well. The grass I find to be generally occupied for people looking to get a bit more drunk and those who want to be a bit more "green" by consuming some...
3) Beer/Food Break: The food is more environmentally conscious than any other venue I have been to. The Berkeley students are always amiable and social. I've had a pretty decent teriyaki skewer bowl for cheaper than I have paid at some restaurants.
4) Show time: As the sun sets and bands start to hit the stage, something about the combination of the openness of the venue and the wonderful people will make any show a memorable one. One of my top shows that I have ever seen was Arcade Fire. The floor was full of dancing hipsters that were actually pleasant!
5) The walk back to BART will be full of conversation of the amazing show just had, in no small BART due to the uniqueness of the Berkeley atmosphere and its people.
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This is one of the greatest music venues I have ever been to. The first time I came here was almost three years ago when Radio Head was playing. My friend and I waited in line for hours months previous to get the tickets. It was well worth it. As Thom Yorke and the band was about half way through an amazing concert the sun began to set and the fog rolled in. It was a magical experience of a great performance, great vocals, flashing lights, and the energy of an amazing crowd.
Ive been back twice since then for Incubus and Daft Punk. I cant wait to see what concerts this summer will bring... =)
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The Greek is one of my favorite concert venues in the Bay Area. I've been able to see a wide genre of acts here and absolutely love the set up. (Though I miss the annual Jack Johnson concerts that were held here every August......sigh. COME BACK JACK!!) The Theater has a really intimate feel with a combination of the pit area, stone seating, and lawn seats.
The venue is stocked very well with food/drinks booths spread throughout the theater from the moment you walk in to the very top of the lawn seats. However, I suggest taking blankets and jackets because it chills up fairly quick in the evening!
Minus a star for parking--which totally sucks! Who freaking designed these backward parking structures anyway?! Save yourself the time, agony, and potential DUI and take BART :)
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@301streview: (cracked fortune cookie) Jimmy, congratulations on much happiness, success, and longevity. "It's never Lupus," House says.
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Last Friday I took my first venture across the Bay to the Greek Theater to see Mew, Two Gallants, Broken Social Scene and Bloc Party. I'd barely heard of some of these guys, but I ended up draining my pockets for their cds and my feet were soar from dancing by the end of the evening. All in all, I have to say the music was great, the memories will last and the venue was phenomenal!
The first words out of my mouth as we made our way up the stairway to enjoy the view on the lawn were, "Rugged Terrain." Rolling down the hill as I've done at many a venue is not an option here as you may just roll down the steep, cement bowl and directly into the stage. Although that sounds like an easy way to get close, the massive head trauma and internal bleeding that would ensue would not make for a very good Friday night. Luckily, there's not a bad seat in the house as the acoustics sound great from anywhere that you can find to plant your feet.
I've been here for about a year and have enjoyed many of the fine indoor venues in the bay area, but I've noticed that a good outdoor arena is hard to come by. (If I'm wrong, please correct me) I've been to Shoreline, which to me looks like a giant circus tent that they call a theater, and the sound (which you can't hear if you aren't next to the clowns) leaves a lot to be desired. For a small fee to get on BART and a beautiful walk through Berkeley's campus, the Greek Theater is now my new favorite place to be on a gorgeous summer evening.
Tom Petty is going to be a great show....
I saw Jurrasic 5 here, saw Yellowcard here, and graduated from here...not all on the same day. The theatre is made of cement seating and the stage is all nice with pillars. At first when I came here, I was like what? Where's the cushioned seats? But now I love it. Aw, the memories...I've been here pre, during, and post college!!
Saw Jason Mraz here. Great venue and a chill crowd, though I did get a whiff of some secondhand doobage smoke. Gee, that seems out of place in Berkeley. I love how open it is and amazingly, every seat is a good seat.
