Siesta Valley Bowl, which has taken over the outdoor performance location that for decades housed Cal Shakes, went live on Saturday, May 30 with a “Siesta Valley Bowl Spring Bash.” 

    The show started at 6 p.m. and concert goers were invited to dance and enjoy good food and drinks and good times under the stars at the al fresco venue. The main act, Burning Down the House – the Bay Area’s Talking Heads tribute band – played at 8 p.m. following openers, The Wayhighs – a San Francisco East Bay-based psychedelic rock and rhythm band – at 6 p.m. and Free Moment, a Bay Area “groovetronica” act that blends electronic, rock, and improvisational music at 7 p.m.

    The following weekend, on Friday, June 5, Siesta Valley Bowl offered its inaugural show, featuring singer/songwriter Jonathan Richmond with Tommy Larkins on drums. Currently the venue has concerts scheduled through October. 
 
    The schedule includes: Thursday, July 2, Eddie Roberts, Stanton Moore and Robert Walter the Breaks and the Headhunters; Thursday, July 23, DakhaBrakha; Saturday, July 25, Stanley Clarke; Friday, Aug. 7, Jake Shimabukuro; Saturday, Aug. 8, Rebirth Brass Band & Soul Rebels; Friday, Aug. 21, Earthless and Primative Ring; Saturday, Sept. 12, Beats Antique; Saturday, Sept. 19, Jerry's Middle Finger; Tuesday, Sept. 22, Cecile McLorin Salvant; Saturday, Sept. 26, Al Di Meola; Friday, Oct. 16, Steep Canyon Rangers; and Saturday, Oct. 24, Super Diamond.

    In addition to musical events, the organizers plan to feature some community events. On Sunday, June 7, there was a celebratory picnic to commemorate the new collaboration between Siesta Valley Bowl and the Friends of Orinda Nature Area. Campbell Foster, Siesta Valley Foundation chairman and founder welcomed the event to introduce the partnership with the group, which will be conducting some science-based events with youth citizen scientists on the grounds.  

    Toris Jaeger, who for 40 years served as the Naturalist at the Wagner Ranch Nature Area, was scheduled to be in attendance.
    Siesta Valley has also provided more information about future performances at the venue.  New stadium seats have arrived and according to Siesta Valley they are quite comfortable, so no need to bring any chairs, although visitors are reminded that it does get unexpectedly chilly, so clothing layers are recommended. 

    No outside food or beverages are allowed.  The venue offers food and drink for purchase.

    After the inaugural show, parking will no longer be free; payment will be required for all on-site parking. However, free parking will be available at the Orinda BART station, and shuttle services will operate between BART and the Bowl approximately every 10 minutes for a small round-trip shuttle fee. Accessible parking will continue to be available on site with a valid disable parking placard.  For more information, visit Siesta Valley’s website, at www.siestavalleybowl.com.