Berkeley Provides Lots of Arts for the Old

The City is creating a wonderful Downtown Arts District, filled with theaters and music clubs featuring Jazz and Folk music.

However, unlike the past--there isn't much for youth culture. Of course, young people are loud.

Places like Jupiter, with its pleasant jazz, yummy beers and outdoor patio, are great. But, if you are a young band, playing any kind of music oriented toward young people (hip-hop or rock), you better find a gig in San Francisco or Oakland.

Of course, there is the venerable Gilman Street, which seems to be more a clubhouse for disenfranchised teen punks, and other old-time institutions like La Pena, Blakes and Starry Plough. These venues seem to be out of the past--a darn good past, don't get me wrong-but you have to leave Berkeley if you want to see music based in 2007.