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Home / Archives for The Annex Sessions

The Annex Sessions: Modupue Wednesday Machina Sol Album Release – June 17, 2026

June 3, 2026 by The Natural Grocery Company

On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 6-8:30pm “The Annex Sessions” music series will continue at The Annex (El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex), 10387 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito with

 

“Modupue Wednesday”
Celebrating “Machina Sol” Album Release!! With Special guests!

Machina Sol

– David Flores- drums

– Tarik Ragab- bass

– Bob Crawford- keys

-Javier Navarrette- percussion, vocal

 

Javier Navarrette curates shows with various artists from different cultures in the Bay Area, as well as presenting his own global music projects at “Modupue Wednesdays”

Modupue- Thank you

 ~~~~~

The Natural Grocery Company is proud to present this series in partnership with SunJams and Javier Navarrette Music Productions.

SunJams is committed to funding children’s music education in underserved public elementary schools. Your donation will help support this ongoing program.

All of the proceeds will go directly to our network of local musicians, each of whom have been severely impacted by the lack of events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether you donate $10, $100, or $1000 – any amount helps and will allow us to keep bringing music to our community! As always, your donation to SunJams 501(c)3 may qualify as tax exempt.

Javier Navarrette Music Productions continues to bring live music to several venues around the Bay Area. Javier has been a professional musician and music educator in the Oakland Unified School District for the past 20 years. Over the past few years Navarrette has produced outdoors events that have proven instrumental in enabling musicians to deal with some of the fallout of the pandemic and shutdown that followed.

COVID RELATED SAFETY MEASURES

Please be safe. Feel free to wear a mask if you prefer.

TICKETS

Tickets are NOT required for this venue, you can simply come in, order food and beverages at the Annex counter and pay at the registers.

Filed Under: Annex, Events, Special Events, The Annex Sessions

The Annex Sessions: String, Skin & Breath – Wednesday, June 10, 2026

June 1, 2026 by The Natural Grocery Company

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 6-8:30pm “The Annex Sessions” music series will continue at The Annex (El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex), 10387 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito with

 

String, Skin & Breath

Aaron Kierbel: Drums/percussion

Arslen Metoui: quanun

Daniel Riera: flute/vocals, EWI

Misha Khalikulov: cello

 

with special guest

Adrienne Shamszad: vocals/setar

 

“Weaving global traditions with contemporary expression.”

String, Skin & Breath is a global ensemble weaving ancient traditions with contemporary expression. Their music unfolds as spontaneous journeys – guided by deep listening, collective intuition, and a shared pulse.

 

Drawing from Persian and North African modes, chamber music, global folk traditions, and jazz improvisation, the group moves fluidly between original compositions, reimagined covers, and in-the-moment creation. Their sound can settle into meditative stillness one moment, then ignite into intricate, rhythm-driven interplay the next.

 

Rooted in the belief that music transcends borders, String, Skin & Breath creates immersive sonic spaces where melody and rhythm evolve in real time. Each performance is a living conversation—unrepeatable, unpredictable, and deeply human.

 ~~~~~

The Natural Grocery Company is proud to present this series in partnership with SunJams and Javier Navarrette Music Productions.

SunJams is committed to funding children’s music education in underserved public elementary schools. Your donation will help support this ongoing program.

All of the proceeds will go directly to our network of local musicians, each of whom have been severely impacted by the lack of events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether you donate $10, $100, or $1000 – any amount helps and will allow us to keep bringing music to our community! As always, your donation to SunJams 501(c)3 may qualify as tax exempt.

Javier Navarrette Music Productions continues to bring live music to several venues around the Bay Area. Javier has been a professional musician and music educator in the Oakland Unified School District for the past 20 years. Over the past few years Navarrette has produced outdoors events that have proven instrumental in enabling musicians to deal with some of the fallout of the pandemic and shutdown that followed.

COVID RELATED SAFETY MEASURES

Please be safe. Feel free to wear a mask if you prefer.

TICKETS

Tickets are NOT required for this venue, you can simply come in, order food and beverages at the Annex counter and pay at the registers.

Filed Under: Annex, Blog, Events, Special Events, The Annex Sessions

The Annex Sessions: The Key System – Wednesday, June 3, 2026

May 26, 2026 by The Natural Grocery Company

On Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 6-8:30pm “The Annex Sessions” music series will continue at The Annex (El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex), 10387 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito with

 

The Key System

Al Marshall – drums

Dave Shul – guitar

Troy Lamkins – bass

Bob Crawford – keyboard

 

Come take a journey with the Key System as they return to a buzzy time in the 1990’s when one could hear live bands play a mix of jazz, funk, hip hop, latin music and beyond from SF’s South of Market to various locals in the East Bay.

These four Bay Area veteran music travelers were there, and they’re excited to share their tales!

 

Musician Bios

 

Drums: Al Marshall aka Alcide has enjoyed a rewarding career as a drummer, band leader and booking agent in the SF Bay area.  He has performed and recorded with local and nationally known artists including El DeBarge, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Mary Wilson (of the Supremes), Rich Little, Sly Stone, Bobby McFerrin, NDea Davenport (Brand New Heavies) just to name a few.

 

Guitar: Dave Shul  has been involved in the Bay Area music scene for the past 35 years as a songwriter, producer and guitarist. His versatility landed him gigs with Ozomatli, Sly and Robbie, Lenny Williams, Jennifer Holiday, Counting Crows, Pink and Billy Preston to name a few. He was also a member of Michael Franti and Spearhead for 14 years writing over 30 songs over the span of seven albums. In his spare time he works with Bay Area youth musicians in bands and coaches them through his decades of experience.

San Francisco based guitarist whose earliest work can be found in the works and remixes of the Hardkiss brothers, including their remixes of Elton John, The Sandals, Mother and of course their own recordings. Soon after he formed his own Conga Club project as well as joined Spearhead with Micheal Franti.

He remains in the Bay Area and more recent projects include working with Cornell C.C. Carter, Jay Lane (Primus), Luis Enrique , Jason Becker, Latin Killers among others.

 

Bass: Troy Lamkins Well rounded, gifted bassist Troy Lampkins expands the definition of bass. The son and godson of prominent Bay Area jazz musicians. Troy began playing bass at 4 years old. By 9 years old, Troy had already played his first gig and by age 15, he was already sharing the stage with jazz great Pharaoh Sanders, Eddie Marshall, Ray Obiedo and his Godfather, the late Ed Kelly. Influenced by great bassist like Jaco Pastorius, John Patitucci, Anthony Jackson, Marcus Miller and others help fashion his own signature sound and style, Troy is a virtuoso performer on the bass.

Since his musical career began, Troy has preformed with some of the recording industries most prominent artist like George Duke, Earl Klugh, Santana, Dionne Warwick, Sting, Regina Belle, Angela Bofill, Ledisi, Michael Franti, Shanice Wilson, Tevin Campbell, Shanice Wilson, Gerald Austin, The Temptations, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Marlena Shaw, Frank McComb, Latoya London, Melba Moore, Jeanie Tracy, Ray Obiedo, Willis Hickerson, Tramaine Hawkins, Byron Cage, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, James Henry & Hands On Fire and many others.

Troy has appeared on a number of recordings by Grammy Award Winning Producer Narada Michael Walden and still active with the Narada Michael Walden Band today. In 1998, Troy also appeared on Motown Records legendary group, The Temptations platinum selling album “Phoenix Rising”. Troy is also, a gifted songwriter and producer in his own right and has two solo releases to his credit and a host of recording as a producer. An accomplished professional and highly sought after session player and touring musician, powerful things are sure to come from this innovative bassist and performer.

 

Keyboard: Bob Crawford was born in Long Beach California, and raised in the Bay Area with his 12 brothers and sisters. He started playing in bands with his playing twin brother during their college years.  After graduating, Bob gained experience in various Bay Area ensembles, playing jazz, funk, Latin and Brazilian music. In 2001 he was offered the keyboard chair in Michael Franti’s band Spearhead.  Bob logged multiple tours throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe and Japan.  Bob also recorded on several of Spearhead’s albums and appeared on a number of international TV programs with the band.

Bob took a break from extensive touring to spend time with his family, and to pursue his own musical vision.  Now residing in the East Bay, Bob has continued to perform with a variety of artists, including  Fito Reinoso y su Ritmo y Armonia, John Santos, Pete Escovedo, Mic Gillette (Tower of Power), Pedrito Calvo and Yeni Valdes (of Los Van Van) Richard Bean (Malo), Sam Andrew (of Big Brother and the Holding Company), and more.   Bob served as the musical director for the Latin Kings Allstars band, which featured members from Tower of Power, Tierra, Malo, and The Whispers.  He has worked with the Alayo Dance Company and the Stagebridge Theatre Group.  He has also worked for two years with the San Francisco Symphony’s “Adventures in Music” program, bringing music to every public elementary school in San Francisco.

Recently, Bob has appeared on recordings by Pete Escovedo, Ray Obiedo, Taj Mahal and Los Mocosos.  Bob teaches at Marin Country Day School, East Palo Alto Center for the Arts, as well as teaching children and adults at his home.  Bob also leads his own piano trio, and is a founding member of the latin jazz-funk band Machina Sol.

~~~~~

The Natural Grocery Company is proud to present this series in partnership with SunJams and Javier Navarrette Music Productions.

SunJams is committed to funding children’s music education in underserved public elementary schools. Your donation will help support this ongoing program.

All of the proceeds will go directly to our network of local musicians, each of whom have been severely impacted by the lack of events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether you donate $10, $100, or $1000 – any amount helps and will allow us to keep bringing music to our community! As always, your donation to SunJams 501(c)3 may qualify as tax exempt.

Javier Navarrette Music Productions continues to bring live music to several venues around the Bay Area. Javier has been a professional musician and music educator in the Oakland Unified School District for the past 20 years. Over the past few years Navarrette has produced outdoors events that have proven instrumental in enabling musicians to deal with some of the fallout of the pandemic and shutdown that followed.

COVID RELATED SAFETY MEASURES

Please be safe. Feel free to wear a mask if you prefer.

TICKETS

Tickets are NOT required for this venue, you can simply come in, order food and beverages at the Annex counter and pay at the registers.

Filed Under: Annex, Blog, Events, Special Events, The Annex Sessions

The Annex Sessions: “Changui!” with Jose Andres “El Sinsonte” – Wednesday, May 27, 2026

May 20, 2026 by The Natural Grocery Company

On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 6-8:30pm “The Annex Sessions” music series will continue at The Annex (El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex), 10387 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito

 

“Changui” with special guest from Guantanamo, Cuba

Jose Andres “El Sinsonte”

Jose Andres – lead vocals + percussion
Einar Leliebre – bongo de monte + backup vocals
Cy Thompson – Marimbula + backup vocals
Kai Lyons – Cuban tres guitar + backup vocals

Jose Andres returns for his second or third appearance at the Annex. Thanks to Gabriel Garcia, founder of Changui Majadero, SF-based jazz guitarist Kai Lyons was able to connect with Andres in his native city of Guantanamo, Cuba and subsequently foster a relationship of deep mentorship by means of the genre known as “changüi”, a rural, proto-son, 19th century Afro-Cuban rhythm and dance style. For this rare performance, they will be joined by SF-native and UCLA ethnomusicology graduate Cy Thompson on the “marimbula” (metal bass box) and “Santiaguero de Pura Sepa” Einar Leliebre on “bongo de monte” (bongo of the forest/mountain), plus special guests.

~~~~~

The Natural Grocery Company is proud to present this series in partnership with SunJams and Javier Navarrette Music Productions.

SunJams is committed to funding children’s music education in underserved public elementary schools. Your donation will help support this ongoing program.

All of the proceeds will go directly to our network of local musicians, each of whom have been severely impacted by the lack of events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether you donate $10, $100, or $1000 – any amount helps and will allow us to keep bringing music to our community! As always, your donation to SunJams 501(c)3 may qualify as tax exempt.

Javier Navarrette Music Productions continues to bring live music to several venues around the Bay Area. Javier has been a professional musician and music educator in the Oakland Unified School District for the past 20 years. Over the past few years Navarrette has produced outdoors events that have proven instrumental in enabling musicians to deal with some of the fallout of the pandemic and shutdown that followed.

COVID RELATED SAFETY MEASURES

Please be safe. Feel free to wear a mask if you prefer.

TICKETS

Tickets are NOT required for this venue, you can simply come in, order food and beverages at the Annex counter and pay at the registers.

Filed Under: Annex, Blog, Events, Special Events, The Annex Sessions

The Annex Sessions: “Modupue Wednesdays” Bobby Wallace’s Going Away Party – May 20, 2026

May 13, 2026 by The Natural Grocery Company

On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 6-8:30pm “The Annex Sessions” music series will continue at The Annex (El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex), 10387 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito with

 

“Modupue Wednesdays”
Come Celebrate Bobby Wallace’s Going Away Party with “Rhythm Cafe” Friends and Family!

Bobby Wallace- percussion, vocal
Mamadou Sidibe – Ngoni, vocal
Al Lazard- saxophone, vocal, percussion
Ben Isaacs- percussion
Wade Peterson –  percussion
Javier Navarrette- percussion , vocal

 

Join us in celebrating Bobby Wallace, an important artist in our Bay Area community! Through his project Rhythm Cafe, Bobby has brought together many of the Bay Area’s finest musicians and percussionists, creating a space rooted in rhythm, connection, and culture.

 

As Bobby and his family prepare to relocate to Portugal at the end of the month, we’re gathering to honor him and celebrate this exciting new chapter in their lives.

 

Come celebrate, play, and share your blessings with Bobby—alongside a community of musicians, friends, and family.

 

Javier Navarrette curates shows with various artists from different cultures in the Bay Area, as well as presenting his own global music projects at “Modupue Wednesdays”

 

Modupue- Thank you

 ~

The Natural Grocery Company is proud to present this series in partnership with SunJams and Javier Navarrette Music Productions.

 

SunJams is committed to funding children’s music education in underserved public elementary schools. Your donation will help support this ongoing program.

All of the proceeds will go directly to our network of local musicians, each of whom have been severely impacted by the lack of events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Whether you donate $10, $100, or $1000 – any amount helps and will allow us to keep bringing music to our community! As always, your donation to SunJams 501(c)3 may qualify as tax exempt.

 

Javier Navarrette Music Productions continues to bring live music to several venues around the Bay Area. Javier has been a professional musician and music educator in the Oakland Unified School District for the past 20 years. Over the past few years Navarrette has produced outdoors events that have proven instrumental in enabling musicians to deal with some of the fallout of the pandemic and shutdown that followed.

 

COVID RELATED SAFETY MEASURES

Please be safe. Feel free to wear a mask if you prefer.

 

TICKETS

Tickets are NOT required for this venue, you can simply come in, order food and beverages at the Annex counter and pay at the registers.

Filed Under: Annex, Blog, Events, Special Events, The Annex Sessions

The Annex Sessions: OS Cocos Reggae Afro & Jahomi – Wednesday, May 13, 2026

May 7, 2026 by The Natural Grocery Company

“The Annex Sessions” will continue our music series held at The Annex (El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex), 10387 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 6-8:30pm with

 

Os Cocos Reggae Afro & Jahomi

Marcos Odara – sing & drum kit

Manny San Gabriel – Bass

GUI Hope – leader guitar & vocals

Omi Bahari – sing & keyboard)

 

The show will be pure reggae!! With small touches of jazz and Latin beats.

JahOmi is the Birth of a Nu movement unifying sound integrally in circulation. We are celestial Souljahs vibrating on the sacred love and freedom of music. Roots Jazz Fusion mixing with Ethereal tones of Soul psychedelic. Feelings of Spirit forever evolving. Alchemy of the elements The North, South, West and East we have the musicianship and kinship of Gui Hoppe on Guitar, Manny San Gabriel on Bass, Marcos Odara on Drums and JahniahOmi Bahari on Lead Vocals and Keys. JahOmi We Are. Music.

 

OS COCOS (The Cocos)

Inspired by the documentary THE COCONUT WAR, The Cocos (or Os Cocos) Roots Reggae band was first formed by Marcos Odara (band leader, vocals, guitar, percussion) in the city of Rio de Janeiro Brazil advocating equality and justice throughout his music. In continuum his adventures and message rises in Oakland, CA.

Marcos has enlisted band members and family JahniahOmi Bahari (keyboards, vocals, dance), Elandis Brooks (trumpet), Dawood (saxophone), Gui (guitar), Manny San Gabriel (bass), Tico Santos (percussion), Sawblue (drums). Together we are OS COCOS.

OS Cocos is a driving musical/spiritual force in the Oakland Community. The sound frequencies consist of a Roots Reggae, Samba, Jazz and Soul fusion influence along with Revolutionary lyrics in English, Yoruba and Portuguese. Guaranteed to provide irie vibes in your life. Praises to the Most High. Asè

Find Os Cocos:

https://youtu.be/qd3gpkL9Iww

https://m.facebook.com/oscocosreggae

~

The Natural Grocery Company is proud to present this series in partnership with SunJams and Javier Navarrette Music Productions.

SunJams is committed to funding children’s music education in underserved public elementary schools. Your donation will help support this ongoing program.

All of the proceeds will go directly to our network of local musicians, each of whom have been severely impacted by the lack of events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether you donate $10, $100, or $1000 – any amount helps and will allow us to keep bringing music to our community! As always, your donation to SunJams 501(c)3 may qualify as tax exempt.

Javier Navarrette Music Productions continues to bring live music to several venues around the Bay Area. Javier has been a professional musician and music educator in the Oakland Unified School District for the past 20 years. Over the past few years Navarrette has produced outdoors events that have proven instrumental in enabling musicians to deal with some of the fallout of the pandemic and shutdown that followed.

COVID RELATED SAFETY MEASURES

Please be safe. Feel free to wear a mask if you prefer.

TICKETS

Tickets are NOT required for this venue, you can simply come in, order food and beverages at the Annex counter and pay at the registers.

Filed Under: Annex, Blog, Events, Special Events, The Annex Sessions

The Annex Sessions: Heart Matter – Wednesday, May 6, 2026

May 6, 2026 by The Natural Grocery Company

Last minute change for tonight’s show at The Annex, 10387 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito! It’s still Dillon Vado but with a different group of musicians:
 
Heart Matter
 
Dillon Vado -vibraphone and piano
Amy D. – vocals
Lukas Vesely – bass
Isaac Schwartz – drums

Filed Under: Annex, Blog, Events, Special Events, The Annex Sessions

The Annex Sessions: Dillon Vado Vibes Trio – Wednesday, May 6, 2026

April 30, 2026 by The Natural Grocery Company

“The Annex Sessions” will continue our music series held at The Annex (El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex), 10387 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 6-8:30pm with

 

Dillon Vado Vibes Trio

Dillon Vado – vibraphone

Jeff Denson – bass

Isaac Schwartz – drums

 

The Dillon Vado Vibes Trio plays a spacious alchemy of music inspired by Brazilian and funk grooves, and the singer-songwriter tradition, all while being informed by the spiritual and liberation seeking stances of the 1960s. This group’s feet are firmly on the ground with eyes set on the stars, playing groovy music with a spiritual quality uniquely suited to the percussive yet otherworldly nature of the vibraphone. This evening will feature Jeff Denson on bass and Isaac Schwartz on drums.

 

Dillon is best known for being a co-leader of the band Heart Matter, featuring Amy D. Heart Matter just celebrated a sold out show at SF Jazz in May 2025, a West Coast Tour spring 2026, and is hard at work on their debut album coming in Summer 2027. Dillon also is known for his collaborations with mentors and other notable musicians, Art Lande, Jovino Santos Neto, Hafez Modirzadeh, Marcos Silva, Dave King, and more.

 

For a little preview check this out:

https://youtube.com/shorts/WDgMD5ahpIY?si=j7kCOa7Zqfc41uGR

~

The Natural Grocery Company is proud to present this series in partnership with SunJams and Javier Navarrette Music Productions.

SunJams is committed to funding children’s music education in underserved public elementary schools. Your donation will help support this ongoing program.

All of the proceeds will go directly to our network of local musicians, each of whom have been severely impacted by the lack of events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether you donate $10, $100, or $1000 – any amount helps and will allow us to keep bringing music to our community! As always, your donation to SunJams 501(c)3 may qualify as tax exempt.

Javier Navarrette Music Productions continues to bring live music to several venues around the Bay Area. Javier has been a professional musician and music educator in the Oakland Unified School District for the past 20 years. Over the past few years Navarrette has produced outdoors events that have proven instrumental in enabling musicians to deal with some of the fallout of the pandemic and shutdown that followed.

COVID RELATED SAFETY MEASURES

Please be safe. Feel free to wear a mask if you prefer.

TICKETS

Tickets are NOT required for this venue, you can simply come in, order food and beverages at the Annex counter and pay at the registers.

Filed Under: Annex, Blog, Events, Special Events, The Annex Sessions

The Annex Sessions: Pedro José Pastrana Trio – Wednesday, April 29, 2026

April 23, 2026 by The Natural Grocery Company

“The Annex Sessions” will continue our music series held at El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex (The Annex), 10387 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 6-8:30pm with

 

Pedro José Pastrana Trio

Pedro José Pastrana – cuatro

Ayla Dávila – bass

Colin Douglas – drums

With special guest Miguelito Martínez

 

The Pedro José Pastrana Trio is a dynamic instrumental ensemble known for its innovative approach to Latin Jazz centered around Puerto Rico’s national instrument the “Cuatro”. Seamlessly blending intricate melodies and groove-driven rhythms with folklore and improvisation.

 

Pedro José Pastrana

A music creator re-thinking the concept of Puerto Rican music, Pedro crosses over invisible frontiers with an (extra)ordinary approach to music. He aims at fusing the earthy quality of folk music with forward looking compositions and live performances, reflecting the mixed identities of his heritage and influences.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Pedro José Pastrana grew up in the “jíbaro” music tradition and surrounded by the vocabulary of other popular sounds. His work has been reviewed and play-listed by LatinJazzNet, KCSM Jazz, Puerto Rico Jazz and PRPop. As a sideman Pedro has redefined the versatility of the Puerto Rican Cuatro in Latin Jazz by performing and recording with artists like John Santos, Barrio Manouche, Jerry Medina, Juango Gutierrez, Orestes Vilató, Atabal, Gary Nuñez, Andy Montañez, among others.

 

His 2022 debut album, “Crónicas de la Pierna Inquieta”, selected by prpop.org among the top 20 best recordings of that year, consists of eight original tracks, serving as snapshots of self-discovery, inspired by the coming of age events of the past 13 years. This work combines incisive, Cuatro generated groove based songwriting with the sounds of Puerto Rico as the color palette.

~

The Natural Grocery Company is proud to present this series in partnership with SunJams and Javier Navarrette Music Productions.

SunJams is committed to funding children’s music education in underserved public elementary schools. Your donation will help support this ongoing program.

All of the proceeds will go directly to our network of local musicians, each of whom have been severely impacted by the lack of events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether you donate $10, $100, or $1000 – any amount helps and will allow us to keep bringing music to our community! As always, your donation to SunJams 501(c)3 may qualify as tax exempt.

Javier Navarrette Music Productions continues to bring live music to several venues around the Bay Area. Javier has been a professional musician and music educator in the Oakland Unified School District for the past 20 years. Over the past few years Navarrette has produced outdoors events that have proven instrumental in enabling musicians to deal with some of the fallout of the pandemic and shutdown that followed.

COVID RELATED SAFETY MEASURES

Please be safe. Feel free to wear a mask if you prefer.

TICKETS

Tickets are NOT required for this venue, you can simply come in, order food and beverages at the Annex counter and pay at the registers.

Filed Under: Annex, Blog, Events, Special Events, The Annex Sessions

The Annex Sessions: Tiffany Austin & Nora Free – Wednesday, April 22, 2026

April 16, 2026 by The Natural Grocery Company

On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 6-8:30pm “The Annex Sessions” music series will continue at The Annex (El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex), 10387 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito with

 

Tiffany Austin & Nora Free

Meet us at the intersection of jazz and soul!

 

Tiffany Austin is a Vocalist, Educator, and Berkeley Law Juris Doctor whose musical influences include Sarah Vaughan, Aretha Franklin, Bessie Smith and John Coltrane. She has performed with luminaries such as Pharoah Sanders, Roy Ayers, John Handy, Cyrus Chestnut, Taj Mahal and Doug Carn. She has also performed at prestigious venues including Birdland and Dizzy’s Den in NYC, Walt Disney Concert Hall in her native Los Angeles, SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco, and on nationally televised programming in the United States. Beyond California, she has performed in Europe, Asia, and Australasia.

“Nothing But Soul”, Austin’s debut album from 2015, garnered attention from NPR’s “Fresh Air” program and Downbeat magazine for its bold recasting of Hoagy Carmichael standards. Her 2018 sophomore album, “Unbroken”, was hailed by All About Jazz as a “fully formed masterpiece”, received a 4 star Downbeat review, and reached #16 on jazz radio charts.

Austin has also written commissions for the Oakland Symphony, San Jose Jazz, Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, and Healdsburg Jazz. Her community efforts include teaching at the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts in Richmond, CA, guest speaking at educational and activist events, and the 2021 launch of her Con Alma Music Creative Intellect scholarship fund for BIPOC high school musicians who excel in the areas of leadership, community service, academics, and musical artistry.

She is a guest educator at series sponsored by SFJAZZ, Stanford Jazz Workshop, and local school districts, and has taught at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s “Roots, Jazz and American Music” program. Austin is currently Musical Director of the Healdsburg Jazz Festival Community Choir and Artistic Director of the Albany, CA Juneteenth Celebration. Most recently, she co-launched the new Wyldflowr Arts venue in Oakland, CA, and co-founded “The Diaspora Sessions”: an immersive Black art experience combining music, dance, and visual art in an interactive context. Her vision is to build spaces and opportunities for communities to exchange ideas, connect, and create.

 

Nora Free is an artist with an endless appetite for new ideas. Existing at the intersection of jazz, soul, and the avant-garde, Nora first garnered attention as an arranger for Atlantic Records in 2011. She was mentored by the great jazz pianist Geri Allen, at the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned her Doctorate in Music Composition and Theory in 2016.

Whether she’s revamping timeless standards or performing her powerful original pieces, Nora’s music casts a spell on all who hear it. She has performed extensively at some of the largest jazz festivals in the US and in Europe.

Her work is deeply informed by her activism and work for social justice. Her latest project “Liberation Qtet” demonstrates her commitment to support the struggles of oppressed people throughout the world.

 ~

The Natural Grocery Company is proud to present this series in partnership with SunJams and Javier Navarrette Music Productions.

SunJams is committed to funding children’s music education in underserved public elementary schools. Your donation will help support this ongoing program.

All of the proceeds will go directly to our network of local musicians, each of whom have been severely impacted by the lack of events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether you donate $10, $100, or $1000 – any amount helps and will allow us to keep bringing music to our community! As always, your donation to SunJams 501(c)3 may qualify as tax exempt.

Javier Navarrette Music Productions continues to bring live music to several venues around the Bay Area. Javier has been a professional musician and music educator in the Oakland Unified School District for the past 20 years. Over the past few years Navarrette has produced outdoors events that have proven instrumental in enabling musicians to deal with some of the fallout of the pandemic and shutdown that followed.

COVID RELATED SAFETY MEASURES

Please be safe. Feel free to wear a mask if you prefer.

TICKETS

Tickets are NOT required for this venue, you can simply come in, order food and beverages at the Annex counter and pay at the registers.

Filed Under: Annex, Blog, Events, Special Events, The Annex Sessions

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ALL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

OPEN EVERY DAY
El Cerrito: 8:30am to 8:30pm, seven days a week
Berkeley: 8:30am to 8:30pm, seven days a week
Annex : 7:30am to 8:30pm
Wine opens at 9am
EL CERRITO STORE
10367 San Pablo Ave.
(510) 526-1155
Seven days a week 8:30am-8:30pm
EL CERRITO ANNEX
10367 San Pablo Ave.
(510) 526-5150
Every Day 7:30am-8:30pm
Wine: 9am-8:30pm
BERKELEY STORE
1336 Gilman St.
(510) 526-2456
Seven days a week 8:30am-8:30pm

Our Stores

  • Our Stores
  • Sales Flyer – Stores
  • Calendar

Annex

  • Annex
  • Sales Flyer – Annex
  • Calendar

Who We Are

  • Who We Are

What’s New?

  • What’s New
  • Sales Flyer
  • Calendar

Eat Well

  • Eat Well
  • Resources

Contact

  • Contact
  • Maps & Directions
  • Join Our Team

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