Oakland Entertainment

  1. 5th Amendment

    A lively Lake Merritt venue that's popular with African American professionals. The bar books local jazz and blues bands and has a friendly, flirty atmosphere.

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  2. Cafe Van Kleef

    On an otherwise quiet block, this artsy bar is trying to start something downtown. The owner and his staff are quite cordial, and bands play many nights to a usually full house. It's a real fun spot.

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  3. Kimball's East

    In Emeryville, northwest of Oakland, this huge jazz supper club books big-name musicians and the occasional comedy act. The club's in the Emerybay Public Market; from I-80 take the Powell St exit.

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  4. Yoshi's

    Yoshi's has a solid jazz calendar, with jazz talent from around the world passing through on a near-nightly basis. Often, touring artists will stop in for a stand of two or three nights. It's also a Japanese restaurant, so you might enjoy a sushi plate before the show.

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