The Sound Room - Oakland, California

LA M.

saw a wonderful samba band play here - every seat is a good one, intimate and affordable, good food and wine/beer available at the cafe up front, a fun audience including a few aisle-dancers, and the best local owners.

Patricia S.

I love this venue. We went twice in one week. First for storytelling, then for an amazing concert. The food is good. The people are friendly. The atmosphere is intimate and fun.

Denise F.

Imitate setting for live music 🎶 A bay area local legacy, the one and only Kenny Washington. His band was smooth too.

Patrice P.

My first time at The Sound Room. I went for my birthday as I LOVE jazz and live bands. I loved the vibe here. Seemed like most of the people there were regulars, which I wouldn't mind being a part of now that I know it's a non-profit supporting local artists. We had the pleasure of seeing Chloe Jean who was phenomenal. If all the artists are of her caliber, I'll definitely go back again and again.

Amy L.

I've been going to The Sound Room for years now, way back when they were at their previous location. The quality of the performances are always top-notch - my personal favourite is Kenny Washington, and most recently, Fog City Swing! Every show is a treat for the ears, and there is so much love and passion put into everything by the owners. I come here every time I am in the Bay - truly the best place for jazz in the area!

Carolyn S.

The Sound Room has the right setup the right environment where you’re really comfortable and feeling wonderful. There sound system is fantastic even when sitting directly in front of the stage the sound comes out just right not too loud at all.

Rashida A.

I am writing to express my profound disappointment regarding an interaction my husband, friends, and I had with Karen Van Leuven, one of the owners, at The Sound Room on February 15, 2025. Our visit was intended to celebrate Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, and the joy of fellowship—occasions rooted in love, unity, and cultural appreciation. Unfortunately, the unprofessional and disrespectful behavior displayed by Karen overshadowed what should have been a meaningful evening.

From the moment we engaged with Karen, her tone was dismissive and condescending, creating an atmosphere of discomfort. When I inquired multiple times about the name of a champagne bottle listed on the menu—a reasonable request for a patron seeking clarity—she responded by merely rereading the menu, stating its origin, and asserting it was a “great champagne” without addressing my question directly. Her refusal to provide a straightforward answer felt deliberately evasive, as though my curiosity was an inconvenience.

What escalated this interaction from rudeness to outright offense, however, were comments that carried troubling racial undertones. After her coworker praised the champagne enthusiastically, Karen remarked, “Unless you’ve been to Champagne, France, you wouldn’t know the name,” followed by the pointed question, “Have you ever been to France?” This line of questioning felt laden with assumptions about my background, knowledge, or financial means—a microaggression that reduced a celebratory moment to one of humiliation. As a Black woman celebrating Black History Month, a time meant to honor resilience and cultural pride, this exchange felt particularly jarring and discriminatory.

The emotional toll was immediate. My husband and friends noticed my distress, prompting my husband to confront Karen directly. While she offered *him* a half-hearted apology, she pointedly refused to acknowledge me for the remainder of the evening, even as we stayed for the full three-hour event. Her silence spoke volumes, compounding the initial disrespect with a refusal to take accountability.

A establishment like The Sound Room, which I assume prides itself on curating inclusive experiences through music and hospitality, should hold its staff to the highest standards of professionalism and cultural sensitivity. Karen’s conduct fell woefully short of these expectations. Her actions not only marred our celebration but also undermined the values of diversity and respect that Black History Month embodies.

I urge you to address this incident with the seriousness it warrants. Training in implicit bias, customer service, and conflict resolution for Karen—and perhaps all staff—would be a meaningful step toward ensuring no other patron feels belittled or “othered” in your space. Accountability and growth are essential to fostering an environment where all guests feel valued.

While I will hesitate to recommend The Sound Room until meaningful changes are made, I hope this feedback serves as a catalyst for reflection. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wisely said, *“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”* May this incident inspire your team to “be the light” by cultivating empathy, equity, and genuine hospitality.

Vic O.

A most fantastic place to enjoy good music and bring your data on for a nice dinner the sound is especially good when I'm doing the mixing of the show