UC Theatre is the ‘Fillmore of Berkeley’

The former Bill Graham Presents pro says his newest passion project is the UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall, a 1,400-person all-ages venue blocks from UC Berkeley. With its eight chandeliers, three viewing tiers and a full-service kitchen, Mayeri calls it “The Fillmore of Berkeley.”

UC Theatre’s renovations include a state-of-the-art Meyer Sound Leopard PA sound system, Martin lights and acoustics overall making it “one of the best-sounding venues in the Bay Area.” Since opening in March, the venue has hosted NOFX, Dark Star Orchestra and Deerhunter.

“For the artists on the stage, there’s a dance floor you can reach out and touch,” he said. “And the middle tier is at the same level as the stage, giving the band a great connection with the rest of the room.”

The UC Theatre is also a classroom for students age 17 to 25 interested in working in the live music business.

“Our model is a combination of workshops and paid internships where young people learn best practices and essential skills,” Mayeri explained.

The UC Theatre has been at the epicenter of counter-culture in the city since 1974 when it was purchased by Gary Meyer and added to his Landmark Theatre chain. For 22 years, it held live cinematic performances of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” In 1974, Warner Herzog was filmed eating his shoe in

front of a live audience, the price of losing a bet to fellow director Erroll Morris. 

Mayeri first learned of the venue in 2007 when he was contacted by Berkeley’s economic development team. He eventually worked with a nonprofit to raise $5.4 million to restore the venue and completely overhaul the interior.

Michael Bailey with Live Nation is doing the talent buying for the venue, although most concerts are promoted in-house, Mayeri said.

UC Theatre is half the size of the Fox Theatre in Oakland, and Mayeri said the two venues complement each other nicely. In fact, most of the renovations at the UC Theatre pay tribute to the great venues of the Bay Area.

“It’s a nod to the Fillmore and the ‘Last Waltz,’” – the farewell live concert movie featuring The Band, held on Thanksgiving Day 1976 at Winterland Ballroom. “It’s a nod to creating an upscale feeling to this grand space with excellent sight lines and incredible acoustics.”