A History of Live Music
Concerts at the Kaiser Auditorium
Before it closed in 2005, the Henry J. Kaiser Center played host to an impressive array of legendary bands and artists, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. Our stage witnessed electrifying performances from a slew of artists, including Bob Marley, Jefferson Airplane, Frank Sinatra, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Green Day, Santana, Elvis Presley, Elton John, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, and Queen to name a few. Most notably, Bay Area group, the Grateful Dead, performed 57 shows here between 1979 and 1994!
Beyond its role as a stage, the Kaiser Center held deep cultural significance. Its transformations in name and function paralleled the changing identity of Oakland, making it not just a venue, but a focal point for musical expression. Explore footage from shows in our pre-2005 era below.
Bob Marley at Oakland Auditorium in 1979:
Local Taj Mahal performing on November 26th,1989:
Grateful Dead performing August 5th, 1979:
Green Day Concert in 1995:
Looking for more?
Check out our HJK History playlist on YouTube for more videos.
