About this Event
Aki Kumar left his native home in Mumbai, India for the United States with the intention of working as a software engineer. Then he discovered the sounds of the blues, and his life changed dramatically.
One of the hardest working artists on the music scene today, this San Jose-based musician has successfully blended elements of Indian music into his musical and visual presentation, making for a multi-cultural mash-up that sounds like no one else, yet never loses touch with the inspiration it draws from the blues. He has made multiple appearances at The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival, has been featured on PRI “The World,” and has toured in Russia, Scandinavia and South America.
Kumar's Little Village Foundation releases Aki Goes To Bollywood (2016) and Hindi Man Blues (2018) are considered ground-breaking albums that have garnered international critical acclaim. In 2020, Kumar made major news with the world-wide launch of his album Dilruba on Sony Music India. Kumar kicked off 2021 with the release of an uplifting reggae-infused single "Zindagi" (Life).
German-born guitarist-singer Volker Strifler plays with a rare blend of fire, restraint and clarity. His creative style is rooted in the blues but offers innovative explorations into rock, jazz, and Latin rhythms, with several stops in New Orleans along the way!
Volker is also widely known as the guitarist in The Ford Blues Band. As a longtime associate of the famous Ford brothers (Robben, Patrick and Mark), Strifler has proven his mettle as a guitarist and singer a long time ago, and has become increasingly popular on the Northern California circuit as well as regionally and in Europe. Volker took part in the recording of several Ford Blues Band albums, among themTribute to Mike Bloomfield and Tribute to Paul Butterfield, joined by Robben Ford, Chris Cain and many others.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.
Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.
The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.
To join our mailing list, please click here.
Thank you for your support!
Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Back Room, 1984 Bonita Avenue, Berkeley, United States
USD 27.37
