The Freight has been a beloved Berkeley institution since 1968, when it opened its doors as an 87-seat coffee house on San Pablo Avenue. Now based in the heart of Downtown Berkeley, we welcome audiences and artists from around the world to a venue renowned for its world-class sound, intimate atmosphere, and rich musical legacy.

MISSION 

The Freight is a vital home for music with deep roots from around the world that celebrates cultures, connects communities, and inspires creativity.

VISION

To be a center for the discovery and exploration of music from around the world that welcomes curiosity, pushes boundaries, and champions inclusivity.

VALUES

Joy

We believe that the act of experiencing music together is the constant rediscovery of joy.

Welcoming

We believe that all are welcome to experience live music and that all should have access to it.

Community

We believe that the power of music encourages social interactions, cohesion, cultural understanding, and community participation.

Education

We believe that music and music history are essential tools in the continuation of adult learning and in the overall development of our youth.

Connection

We believe that music connects us to each other, strengthening our ability to build a better future together.

DEIA STATEMENT

While we are strongly rooted in a profound respect for the varying traditions of all cultures, we acknowledge that some of our institutional practices over the years have perpetuated a system that caused some people to be excluded, silenced, or neglected. Changing this part of our culture is necessary. We believe that the most powerful way to serve our community is to be representative of it and to co-create a new, shared culture.

We are committed to engaging and building trust, and being an inclusive, accessible music organization for people of color, LGBTQ+ people, women, individuals with disabilities, and many other integral members of our internal and external communities. 

We pledge to:

• Embrace the evolving process of self examination (individually and as an institution) 

• Stand firm in our commitment to equity & justice 

• Continue to seek a deeper partnership with our community

• Expand access to our venue and resources to all 

• Attune our sensitivities to multiple perspectives to create an environment welcoming to all

• Expand connections by actively including underrepresented communities.