The performance space at Avonova is located in a commodious music studio in a residence in Oakland CA. The typical reaction to the room from first-time visitors is “OMG!”. It is available to performing artists of the Bay Area and beyond. Inquiries are welcome from artists of all levels, or teachers seeking a rehearsal or recital venue.
The performance space is a large well-lit studio with 14’ high ceilings and great acoustics. It is a somewhat “live” room that requires little sound reinforcement for most instruments. It is particularly suited for acoustic music, where subtle expression and nuance can be appreciated. Note the following specifications:
- Capacity for 50-60 patrons, all good vantage points, within a few feet of the performers.
- Built-in stage lighting
- A Baldwin baby grand piano, regularly tuned and regulated
- PA system and misc. gear, including:
o Mackie16 channel mixing board w/ reverb & phantom power
o Mackie SRM 450 active speakers
o Floor monitor
o Shure SM57 and SM58 microphones + mic and music stands
- Easy ground level load-in/load-out
- Comfy green room
- The performance space is wheelchair-friendly, though not technically ADA compliant
Shows are only booked for Saturday afternoons, Saturday evenings or Sunday afternoons. Terms of engagement are available on request. The artist determines the start time and configuration of the show, as well as the price point for donations. Suggested start time is 3 PM for afternoon gigs. Artists often play two sets with an intermission. This allows for CD sales and interaction with the audience. It also allows for listeners to get refreshments (provided by the house) and stretch their legs. There are additional mingling areas on the ground floor for schmoozing and noshing. In nice weather, patrons sometimes tour the sizeable garden areas and pick raspberries.
A note about attendance: We are a new venue with a growing reputation, but we cannot guarantee a full audience for every show. Listeners come to Avonova to hear the specific artist. We do our share of promotion and publicity, but the responsibility lies primarily with the artist to reach out to their listeners. Thus, our shows are considered to be “self-produced” by the musicians.
In service to the music and the creative process, we do our best to provide the best possible experience for the performers and their audience. We feel that a show at Avonova will rival that of any commercial venue in the Bay Area. To open a booking dialogue at Avonova, please email jimmy@avonovamusic.com or leave us a note at the Contact page.