Live Music Highlights East Bay Weekend Events

Kensington Circus Pub hosts a variety of top local bands for music lovers in El Cerrito and beyond.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:04am

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering, textured sequins in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the glamour and excitement of live music performances.The return of live music to Kensington Circus Pub brings a sense of energy and celebration to the El Cerrito community.Berkeley Today

The Kensington Circus Pub in El Cerrito is the center of attention this weekend, with a lineup of acclaimed live music acts performing across multiple nights. From bluegrass to jazz to Beatles covers, the popular neighborhood pub is showcasing the best of the East Bay's vibrant music scene.

Why it matters

Live music venues have been hit hard by the pandemic, so the return of these regular performances at Kensington Circus Pub is a welcome sign of the community's cultural resurgence. The diverse lineup also reflects El Cerrito's eclectic mix of residents and their musical tastes.

The details

The Harkenbacks, Red Dragonfly Revue, Hydra-Matic Drive Bluegrass Band, and Jazz with Red Kicks Krewe are all slated to take the stage at Kensington Circus Pub over the next few days. The pub has long been known as one of the top live music destinations in the East Bay, hosting both local favorites and up-and-coming acts on a regular basis.

  • The Harkenbacks perform on Friday, April 18 at 8:00 pm.
  • Red Dragonfly Revue takes the stage on Saturday, April 19 at 8:00 pm.
  • Hydra-Matic Drive Bluegrass Band plays on Sunday, April 20 at 8:00 pm.
  • Jazz with Red Kicks Krewe performs on Monday, April 21 at 8:00 pm.

The players

Kensington Circus Pub

A popular neighborhood pub in El Cerrito that has long been known as a top live music venue in the East Bay, hosting a diverse array of local and regional acts.

The Harkenbacks

A bluegrass band that is considered one of the best live music acts in the East Bay area.

Red Dragonfly Revue

A jazz and blues band that is also highly regarded for their live performances in the East Bay.

Hydra-Matic Drive Bluegrass Band

A bluegrass group that is part of the vibrant local music scene in El Cerrito and the surrounding region.

Jazz with Red Kicks Krewe

A jazz ensemble that is bringing their unique sound to the Kensington Circus Pub stage.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The diverse lineup of live music acts at Kensington Circus Pub this weekend reflects the vibrant cultural scene in El Cerrito and the East Bay, providing something for every music lover in the community.