Keystone

Keystone was a two-story brick building on University Avenue that held a concert space with room for around 500 people. It had a stage, dance floor, and a simple bar where visitors could spend time between performances.

The venue opened in 1972 and served as a stage for more than 200 performances by Jerry Garcia and many other musicians during twelve years. It closed in 1984, marking the end of an important chapter for live music in the region.

The place drew musicians and fans from rock, blues, punk, and metal scenes, making it a meeting point for people who appreciated different sounds. This blend of styles helped shape what people listened to across the Bay Area during those years.

The location downtown made it easy to reach by public transportation and major roads for music fans traveling from across the East Bay and San Francisco. This convenience meant people could come from different parts of the region without spending hours getting there.

In its final years, the club served only Miller Lite beer and popcorn, putting all focus on the music itself. This simplicity showed how much the place prioritized performances over fancy food and drinks.