The Freight Community Education Festival 2026.
The Freight Community Education Festival 2026.
The Freight on July 11 will host a free day of music workshops, performances and hands-on activities, giving families and music lovers a chance to experience the Berkeley venue’s education programs.
Running from noon to 4:30 p.m. (doors open at 11 a.m.), the event invites families, students, teachers, musicians and community members to explore the venue’s (formerly Freight & Salvage) educational offerings through workshops, performances, presentations and hands-on activities.
The day includes demonstrations of the organization’s Golden State of Song curriculum, featuring modules on Japanese American incarceration during World War II and Sonic Tapestry: Indian Music in California, which explores the influence of Indian music on the state’s musical traditions.
Visitors can also participate in a country and bluegrass jam led by Richard Brandenburg, a family friendly Roots Zydeco workshop with Dave Eagle and Craig Berletti, and “Hip-Hop Is Folk Music,” led by Najee Amaranth and Amani Jade. Berkeley vocalist Zoe Ellis will lead a beginner-friendly community singing workshop.
An Instrument Petting Zoo will be open throughout the day, giving visitors of all ages the chance to try banjos, mandolins, percussion instruments and more in a relaxed setting.
The event concludes with a mini concert by the Freight Singers, the venue’s community chorus celebrating traditional and roots music from around the world. See the full schedule below.
Admission is free, though attendees are encouraged to arrive early for the full schedule of activities.
12 – 1 p.m., Lobby: Golden State of Song Sonic Tapestry: Indian Music in California presentation
12 – 1 p.m., Room 208: Singing for Fun! with Zoe Ellis
12 – 1:30 p.m., Room 210: Country/Bluegrass Jam with Richard Brandenburg
1:30 – 2:30 p.m., Showroom: Golden State of Song WWII Japanese Incarceration presentation
2:45 – 3:45 p.m., Lobby: Roots Zydeco Family Friendly Workshop with Dave Eagle and Craig Berletti
2:45 – 3:45 p.m., Room 210: Hip-Hop is Folk Music with Najee Amaranth and Amani Jade
4:00 – 4:30 p.m., Showroom: Freight Singers Mini-Concert
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