Last Friday in the Berkeley Hills, Orinda’s newly christened Siesta Valley Bowl stepped into the spotlight with a low-key but lively debut, as proto-punk veteran Jonathan Richman headlined an intimate opener that drew roughly 500 people. The hillside amphitheater, built on the former Cal Shakes site, showed off fresh stadium seating and an upgraded sound rig over terraced lawns, and fans settled into the warm evening while Richman stitched newer material together with older favorites.
Opening night and the set
Richman led the main set for opening night and leaned into songs from his 2025 album Only Frozen Sky Away, according to The Mercury News. The outlet put the crowd at about 500 and described the Bowl’s first outing as more neighborhood block party than mega-fest, with a laid-back vibe that matched the cozy scale of the venue.
Season lineup and ticketing
The Bowl’s inaugural season announcement lists more than a dozen touring acts running through the fall, from The Breaks to Cécile McLorin Salvant, according to Business Wire. In that release, the operator characterizes the space as roughly a 1,000-person amphitheater, and tickets are being sold through the official site at SiestaValleyBowl.com and via Ticketmaster.
How the site returned
The East Bay Municipal Utility District signed a 15-year lease with the nonprofit Siesta Valley Foundation last year, according to an EBMUD press release. That document lists an opening capacity of 540 seats or 750 standing, while the operator has separately described the Bowl as roughly a 1,000-person amphitheater. Coverage from SFGATE has highlighted the property’s Cal Shakes history, and a 15-year revival lease feature has underscored the foundation’s conservation commitments.
Rules, parking and transit
Organizers opened the Bowl with brand-new stadium seats and a firm no-chairs-from-home rule, and outside food and drink are not allowed. The venue debuted with what reviewers called a top-notch sound system, while on-site parking is set at $30 and a complimentary shuttle runs between Orinda BART and the venue roughly every 10 minutes, according to The Mercury News.
What's next for the Bowl
Promoters say the season will mix national touring artists with local benefits and community events, and founder Tom Romary said the team is ready to put on some great shows in the season announcement. For tickets and the full slate of dates, fans can head to the Bowl’s official site and to Ticketmaster, where most of the shows are already on the calendar.
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