Cornerstone Berkeley: Reggae Jams with Katchafire

Cornerstone Berkeley - Katchafire Live

The Cornerstone Berkeley is one of Berkeley’s top new music venues. Last night, Katchafire made their way to the stage to electrify the Bay Area with their nationally recognized music. No these guys are not arsonists but they do bring the flame with their electric reggae sound. 

Let’s take a look at who Katchafire is and what you can expect from a night at Cornerstone!

Who is Katchafire?

Hailing from Hamilton, New Zealand, these Kiwis are a testament to timeless reggae spirit. Turning the clocks back, these guys started as a Bob Marley cover band and as their skills and popularity grew, transformed into one of New Zealand’s and the worlds top reggae acts

 Coast to coast, country to country, Katchafire has played with almost everyone who has a reggae pulse. Katchafire headlines some of Reggae’s largest regular festivals. Now these guys are about 1/2 way though their tour and so happy they made it here to Berkeley!

The family runs deep in this group with father Grenville and sons Logan and Jordan, accompanied by Tere Ngarua (bass), Hani Totorewa (keyboards, vocals), James Ferguson (keyboards, saxophone, vocals), and Leon Davey (percussion, vocals).

Cornerstone Music Lineup - E.N. Young

Opening for Katchafire was local artist Nocean & renowned reggae artist E.N. Young. E.N. Young was apart of the band Stranger, which won the 2009 San Diego Music Award and Tribal Seeds

Katchafire at Cornerstone, Berkeley, CA

Cornerstone Bar and Restaurant Side

Cornerstone was once an old famous Berkeley Pool Hall, but has transformed into one of Berkeley’s most exciting Music Venues and Restaurants. The 13,000 square foot face has 2 full bars, 42 taps and more than 100 beers available. 

The menus focus is on Rustic Comfort food that includes: Chicken Pot Pie, Ribs, Baked Mac & Cheese and many more.

 Don’t feel like eating inside or want a quick escape from the live music? Make your way outside to the Beer Garden Patio equipped with fire pits to ensure maximum enjoyment. 

Make sure to come early and stay late as the energy here is contagious and very welcoming

Cornerstone + Katchafire

Music Venue at Cornerstone

Katchafire Reggae at Cornerstone Berkeley

The music side of the house is played out beautifully.  The space is intimate but also provides enough breathing room to not feel enclosed. My favorite section of the house is easily the second floor viewing platform. The balcony wraps around the room and makes it clear there’s not a bad seat in the house.

When the music isn’t pumping in the venue, Cornerstone uses the space for corporate events and bar games such as Ping-Pong & Corn-hole. 

With an inviting vibe, modern aesthetic feel, and all these other offerings, Cornerstone is a place to not miss out on. 

Best Things to do near the Cornerstone

You could easily just hang out all night at the Cornerstone because of it’s impressive beer list and fine food food selection. However, Berkeley has a plethora of eccentric and worthy spots that you can consider as well. 

If it’s food you’re after, make sure to take a visit to: Tacos Sinaloa.

If it’s more Beer or drinks you’re craving, take a stroll to: Triple Rock Brewing

One of the best parts about the venue is it’s central location in Berkeley and only 3.5 blocks away from BART! Don’t drive in, BART!

Visit the Cornerstore Website if you need anymore information or photos of this amazing Bay Area music venue.

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