Birdland, a pop-up/underground jazz venue and supper club that’s been operating Friday nights in a space opposite the North Berkeley BART station for the last seven months, has garnered enough attention that the City of Berkeley now wants them to get some permits. Namely, they need a special event permit, because although there is food and drink, it’s BYOB, and the food isn’t really for sale — the Multi Culti Grill as they call it, serves up grilled meats with various and sundry marinades and spices for donations only. Berkeleyside spoke with founder Michael Parayno, who says he’s open to going legit. “We’d like to keep things up front, in public, that’s how you build community — not by being hidden away out back.” Whether the magic survives once they’re operating above board is anyone’s guess.
What next for the Multi Culti Grill and Birdland Jazz club? [Berkeleyside]
