The Freight & Salvage is a nonprofit community arts organization dedicated to promoting public
awareness and understanding of traditional music—music that is rooted in and expressive of the
great variety of regional, ethnic, and social cultures of peoples throughout the world.
It all began when Nancy Owens took over the lease and the name of a failing used furniture and
re-opened the door as an 87-seat coffee house in June of 1968. “I had a vision of a place where
people could be whatever they wanted to be, as individuals and as members of a community.
Almost immediately, kindred souls gathered around and gifted musicians emerged to fill the
room with song.”
Thanks to a dedicated board of directors, the City of Berkeley, and the generosity of its donors,
the Freight moved to its current, world-class location in the heart of the Berkeley Arts District in
2008. The Freight celebrated 50 years in 2018, with a commitment to continue its work
preserving and promoting traditional music.
“After 19 months of being shut down, our community has felt more than ever the importance of
live music in their lives. The Freight survived though the generosity of our community of donors
and NIVA! Come out and celebrate Independent Venue Month with us!” – Freight & Salvage
Artistic Director, Peter Williams.
The Freight & Salvage is a nonprofit community arts organization dedicated to promoting public
awareness and understanding of traditional music—music that is rooted in and expressive of the
great variety of regional, ethnic, and social cultures of peoples throughout the world.
It all began when Nancy Owens took over the lease and the name of a failing used furniture and
re-opened the door as an 87-seat coffee house in June of 1968. “I had a vision of a place where
people could be whatever they wanted to be, as individuals and as members of a community.
Almost immediately, kindred souls gathered around and gifted musicians emerged to fill the
room with song.”
Thanks to a dedicated board of directors, the City of Berkeley, and the generosity of its donors,
the Freight moved to its current, world-class location in the heart of the Berkeley Arts District in
2008. The Freight celebrated 50 years in 2018, with a commitment to continue its work
preserving and promoting traditional music.
“After 19 months of being shut down, our community has felt more than ever the importance of
live music in their lives. The Freight survived though the generosity of our community of donors
and NIVA! Come out and celebrate Independent Venue Month with us!” – Freight & Salvage
Artistic Director, Peter Williams.
