Freight & Salvage

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. 

The Freight recognizes that music flows from a rich diversity of traditions and communities. The music speaks of love and inspiration, it challenges conventions, it is rooted in social justice, and it unites musicians, audiences, and students in the joy of sound and story. The Freight’s values focus on: traditional music as an expression of human creativity across cultures and throughout time; equity and respect as fundamental human rights; the connections between people that are strengthened by a shared love of music; learning that inspires renewal and transformation; and social responsibility and engagement that enrich our communities.

Since its founding in 1968, the Freight & Salvage has been deeply rooted in that aspect of Berkeley’s culture that embraced freedom, justice, acceptance, collaboration, and innovation. In 2008, the Freight moved to its current location at 2020 Addison Street with 490 seats in the heart of the Berkeley Arts District. The Freight presents more than 340 concerts and hundreds of classes, in person and online, every year, and are active in Berkeley’s public and independent schools.