Information for Fringe Performers
One of the most exciting components of each Berkeley Festival is the Fringe—a series of self-produced concerts by individuals and ensembles from around the world. The Fringe offers a perfect opportunity for your ensemble to showcase its unique talents to a large and appreciative audience.
Fringe Registration
After reading the information below, you may register your show as part of the 2022 BFX Fringe by filling out the online
Fringe Registration Form (N.B. You will need a Gmail or Gmail-based account to use this form.)
Pay SFEMS online or send a check to SFEMS, P.O. Box 10151, Berkeley, CA 94709.
Questions? Email Sarah Coykendall at [email protected].
Determining a date and time—avoiding “blackouts”
Fringe concerts can take place at any time during the dates of Saturday, June 4 through Sunday, June 12. However, to maximize attendance at both main stage and Fringe events, any Fringe concerts that take place during the primary main stage event times will not be publicized by SFEMS. To maximize publicity and attendance for your event, please avoid scheduling an event during any part of the following “blackout” times:
—Sunday, June 5: 3:30 – 5:30 pm; 6:30 p.m – 9:00 pm
—Monday, June 6: 6:30 – 9:00 pm
—Tuesday, June 7: 12:00 – 1:00 pm; 6:30 – 9:00 pm
—Wednesday, June 8: 3:30 – 5:30 pm (San Francisco-based events only); 6:30 – 9:00 pm
—Thursday, June 9 12:00 – 1:00 pm; 6:30 – 9:00 pm
—Friday, June 10: 12:00 – 5:00 pm.; 7:30 – 10:00 pm
—Saturday, June 11: 12:00 – 1:00 pm; 7:30 – 11:30 pm
—Sunday, June 12: 1:00 – 6pm
Note that BFX does not officially start until Sunday, June 5, but the preceding day is available for Fringe concerts. Also, we draw your attention to the possibility of scheduling a late-night concert (e.g., a 9:30 pm start time). There is one late-night main stage concert this year on Saturday, June 11, in Berkeley.
Concert Venues
The Berkeley area offers many fine locations for Fringe performances, some within walking distance of the main BFX venues and some a short drive away. SFEMS provides a suggested venue list for Fringe performers. The venues and contact information here are based primarily on previous Festivals, and offered merely as suggestions to Fringe performers and are not endorsed in any way by the San Francisco Early Music Society (SFEMS). All Fringe concerts must abide by our Covid-19 protocols, which will be updated as conditions change. Please note that venues may be subject to additional Covid-19 protocols.
Note that some venues will require that any organizations renting their facilities must have non-profit status and/or must provide their own event insurance. If your organization is not a SFEMS affiliate, be sure to ask about such requirements when contacting the venues. SFEMS affiliates who have paid insurance dues for the 2021–22 year can rely upon SFEMS’ non-profit status, and may also request an insurance certificate with sufficient notice.
Special note regarding Loper Chapel: Loper Chapel at First Church Berkeley UCC (First Congregational) is a popular venue for Fringe events. However, Loper Chapel is not available from Monday, June 6 through Friday, June 10 (due to the 2016 fire, First Church remains short on space for their own activities), and the church will not accept direct bookings. A limited number of weeknight and weekend slots are available through SFEMS for SFEMS-sponsored and SFEMS affiliate events only. For interest in Loper Chapel, please contact SFEMS directly at [email protected].
Publicity Services
SFEMS, as producer of the 2022 Berkeley Festival, offers a range of services for individuals and groups wishing to present Fringe events. The services are optional and are available to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis.
$100 per event listing ($60 for SFEMS affiliate organizations)
- listing in online 2022 Fringe Calendar
- title
- brief description [250 words or less]
- performers
- location
- pricing
- one hi-resolution photo in .jpg or .png format
- program and program notes (linked, in PDF format)
- short listing (title, brief description [100 words or less], performers, location, and pricing) in the print Festival Reader
- short listing (title, performers, location, and pricing) in a Festival Fringe Publicity Flyer, to be emailed to the BFX mailing list and as printed and available at Festival events
Please note that information received after April 22 cannot be included in the Festival Reader.
In addition, no registrations or additional listing information will be accepted after May 27.
All images and copy are subject to approval and emendation by the Festival.
Go to the online Fringe Registration Form. (N.B. You will need a Gmail or Gmail-based account to use this form.)
Pay SFEMS online or send a check to SFEMS, P.O. Box 10151, Berkeley, CA 94709.
Questions? Email Sarah Coykendall at [email protected].