Social Eyes: Week of Jan. 29-Feb. 4 Features Diverse Music Acts

Pokey LaFarge, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Drink the Sea, and more perform in the Bay Area.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The East Bay Express highlights a variety of musical acts performing in the Bay Area during the week of January 29 to February 4, 2026. The lineup includes Americana artists Pokey LaFarge and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, jazz musicians Philip Gelb and Duo-B, rock band Drink the Sea, and 311 frontman Nick Hexum's solo project.

Why it matters

The Bay Area's vibrant music scene continues to attract a diverse array of talented artists across genres, providing local residents with a rich cultural experience and highlighting the region's appeal as a hub for live entertainment.

The details

The week kicks off on Thursday, January 29 with performances by Pokey LaFarge at The Freight in Berkeley and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit at the Fox Theatre in Oakland. On Friday, January 30, jazz acts Duo-B and Gareth Pearson take the stage, while Saturday, January 31 features classical saxophonist Steven Banks and pianist Xak Bjerken, as well as the interactive podcast Folk and Funky. The week wraps up on Tuesday, February 3 with the international supergroup Drink the Sea at The Freight, and on Wednesday, February 4, 311 frontman Nick Hexum performs at Cornerstone in Berkeley.

  • The events take place from Thursday, January 29 to Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
  • Pokey LaFarge performs on Thursday, January 29.
  • Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit perform on Thursday, January 29.
  • Duo-B and Gareth Pearson perform on Friday, January 30.
  • Steven Banks and Xak Bjerken perform on Saturday, January 31.
  • Folk and Funky podcast recording and performances take place on Saturday, January 31.

The players

Pokey LaFarge

An Americana singer-songwriter and guitarist known for his seductive crooning and facile guitar playing.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

A six-time Grammy-winning Americana artist who blends his Southern roots with influences like Bob Dylan and left-wing politics.

Duo-B

A protean partnership of bassist Lisa Mezzacappa and drummer Jason Levis, known for their volatile and daring improvisational music.

Gareth Pearson

A Welsh guitarist who combines jazz, pop, and country influences for a cool, mellow, and rippling sound.

Steven Banks

A classical saxophonist on a mission to bring the instrument to the forefront of the classical music world.

Xak Bjerken

A pianist and professor of music at Cornell University who has performed with prestigious orchestras and ensembles.

Drink the Sea

An international supergroup featuring members of Queens of the Stone Age, Screaming Trees, and R.E.M., blending oud, sitar, gamelan, and other global instrumentation.

Nick Hexum

The longtime frontman, rhythm guitarist, and songwriter of the band 311, who is exploring Americana-tinged terrain in his solo work.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The diverse lineup of musical acts performing in the Bay Area during this week showcases the region's vibrant and eclectic entertainment scene, catering to a wide range of music lovers and highlighting the area's continued appeal as a hub for live performances.