MORE BANDS THAN EVER!

Rock-N-Stroll’s 2023 Finale Features a Music Showcase

 Fall Fest is the theme of the October 12th Rockridge Rock-N-Stroll. Because this is the final event in the annual summer series, it promises to go out with a bang, and a bite. There will be more bands performing than previous months, fall tastings and special menus, and the big that make this series a shoppers’ delight. With free outdoor live music, popup vendors, kids’ crafts, art shows, and fun activities for the whole family, Rock-N-Stroll showcases the local wares, fine dining, savory sweets, and delicious drinks you can only find in Oakland’s Rockridge District. 

The music lineup includes Rock-N-Stroll veterans and new bands to the series. Frances Anchata (12pm-2pm) is a singer/songwriter offering thoughtful, electric acoustic folk, indie, pop/rock, and tropical new wave folk. With three albums released, her music has garnered international independent and internet radio airplay in the US, Canada, UK, and Spain. Frances performs both original songs and her own interpretation of covers. 

John Vicino (12pm-2pm) started his musical journey as a San Francisco street performer at age 16. It was from this raw form of performance that John began to delve more deeply into musicianship and the understanding of audience. He has come a long way from the days of filling coffee cans with coins and currently has residencies at Cavallo Point Lodge, Andaz Napa, Hotel Zeppelin, and many other locations throughout the Bay Area. Powell, his first album (in reverence to where it all started), is currently in the recording process.

New to Rock-N-Stroll, the Belinda Salvidge Minstrels (2pm-4pm) plays fast and vengefully with high-energy. They play traditional and modern Irish tunes in pubs, picnics, microbreweries, and more. Belinda Salvidge is a professional musician for over 25 years, playing in bands and touring in the UK as well as in the United States, and has spent periods of time being a studio musician. She is also an accredited teacher of cello, violin, viola, piano, mandolin, and musicianship.

Dan DeWitt performs at Rock-N-Stroll as Dan Do Mandolin (2pm-4pm). He is a San Francisco-based mandolinist and guitarist who specializes in music that evokes a nostalgia from a time before the sounds of traffic, television, and Tik-Tok dominated our lives. His repertoire ranges from the Baroque masters Bach and Vivaldi to jazz standards, Brazilian “choro”, and even video game soundtracks.

And Rockridge’s Open Mind Music (5521 College Avenue), and Beer Barron (5900 College Avenue), will showcase local legends and up-and-coming stars outside their businesses. Enjoy local craft beers and sunshine on the Beer Barron patio or swing by the sidewalk show for which Open Mind Music has more discretely become renowned for offering. Bring a lawn chair to enjoy the shows or meander by while taking in all the other activities happening that day along College Avenue. A full schedule and locations can be found at http://www.RockirdgeDistrict.com.

In addition to the beats, fall harvest will be on display with tastings and free meals offered by Rockridge’s restaurants, specialty markets, and bottle shops. Rockridge Market Hall (5655 College Avenue), Love + Chocolate (6309 College Avenue), Belly Restaurant (5634 College Avenue), Starter Bakery (5804 College Avenue), and Acre Restaurant (5655 College Avenue) — with free brunch for kids — are just a few of the places where attendees can sample seasonal flavors and regular menu items. Specialty packaged foods are found for sale at numerous pop-up vendors dotted along the Avenue, as well.

The October Rock-N-Stroll is your last chance to leisurely meander tee-lined College Avenue, enjoy live music, and enjoy the season’s offerings before the holiday bustle and winter season starts. Rockridge’s merchants welcome you to visit and enjoy the day with the whole family.