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Doors 6:30pmOpen Stage Jam 7pm
House Band 8pm
Open Stage Jam 9pm
Informal/Off-Stage Jamming All Night!
Join us for the Second Installment of the Berkeley Bluegrass Barn Jam at Ashkenaz, hosted by Spencer Krenz!
For this installment (Tuesday October 28th, 2025) we are joined by:
Scott Gates:
Guitarist, mandolinist, and vocalist Scott Gates has been a fixture in the California bluegrass scene since childhood. A member of AJ Lee & Blue Summit, Scott’s intricate flatpicking, creative arrangements, and rich harmony vocals have helped define the band’s sound on stages across the U.S. and Europe. He’s performed alongside legends like, David Grisman, Mike Marshall, and Chris Thile, bringing both deep tradition and fearless innovation to his playing.
Mark Schatz:
Twice named International Bluegrass Music Association’s Bass Player of the Year, Mark Schatz has toured and recorded with a stellar array of artists including Bela Fleck, Tony Rice, John Hartford, Tim O'Brien, acoustic innovators Nickel Creek, Claire Lynch, and Sarah Jarosz.
Ian Ly:
Flatpicking guitarist Ian Ly is best known for his dynamic work with Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band, blending precision, tone, and drive beyond his years. A 2023 National Flatpick Guitar Champion, Ian’s style draws deeply from Tony Rice and Doc Watson while infusing a modern flair that’s made him one of the Bay Area’s most exciting young pickers. He’s toured internationally with Crying Uncle and performed on major festival stages across the U.S. and abroad.
Mei Lin:
Rising fiddler, singer, and songwriter Mei Lin Heirendt began on classical violin at age 7 before finding her voice in bluegrass through the California Bluegrass Association’s Kids on Bluegrass program. A two-time IBMA Kids on Bluegrass selection and co-founder of Broken Compass Bluegrass, she’s toured internationally and shared stages opened for artists like Sierra Hull, Peter Rowan, and the Infamous Stringdusters. With her soulful vocals and fiery fiddle, Mei Lin bridges traditional roots and modern jamgrass energy.
Christine Wilhoyte:
Christine Wilhoyte grew up steeped in traditional bluegrass music. She discovered her love of old-time music while living in Nashville, and has had the bug ever since. In addition to playing banjo with Laurie Lewis and Kathy Kallick, she plays with a local band of women, Bitchcraft, as well as Jesse Appelman's West Coast Stringband Project, and calls the occasional square dance.
This is a FREE, community-oriented event. To help keep this thing going though, we need some support from those who are able. We have a suggested donation of $10-30 (sliding scale) and a tip jar for the musicians. Although you are not obligated to tip, the support will help support Ashkenaz, this event, and most importantly the musicians.
Ashkenaz is all ages, all the time. Kids and minors are always welcome. Those 12 or under are admitted FREE (unless otherwise noted).
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA, United States, California 94702
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