How It Began

Nestled in the heart of Danville, Sideboard Cafe is a local favorite known for its versatile menu, homey environment, and most of all, its live music. Sideboard has been hosting local musicians on Wednesday and Friday evenings for over a decade, connecting residents and musicians of the Bay Area and beyond. 

Owners Erin and Ford Andrews have welcomed local musicians at Sideboard since its opening in 2010. It all started when the Andrews’ noticed a band performing around the corner, and offered to host them as long as they performed at the cafe once each year. Since then, music at Sideboard has become a renowned tradition: from bands to soloists, the establishment has provided a platform for musicians across the Bay.

“We don’t try to get super big bands or anything like that. It’s a way to provide a stage and an audience for people to bring their friends and family. And we just love to support that,” said assistant manager Haley Slanec.

As a Thanksgiving tradition, Sideboard invites its first-ever band back for The Gratitude Jam, an annual classic, to play on one of the busiest nights of the year. Throughout the week, artists have the opportunity to display their personal styles; on Wednesday, singer-songwriter Joe Brennan performed both originals and covers of singers such as Noah Kahan, Tyler Childers, and Zach Bryan.

“I think that because it’s midweek, it’s very low stress. People are out for a quick dinner, so I can play songs I probably wouldn’t in a crowded Friday night bar,” said Brennan.

Creating Connections

For many musicians, performing at Sideboard is an opportunity to pursue their passions outside of their day jobs. 

”Without getting too deep, [music] is the only thing I don’t have to convince myself to do—I just do it. Other things, I have to pump myself up to get it done…this doesn’t feel like work,” said Brennan.

Likewise, many Amador students enjoy the spot, commenting on its welcoming ambiance, notably during Sideboard’s “Music Nights.”

“Live music encouraged a lot of people to sing along, listen along, and clap along. It wasn’t just us watching; we almost felt like we were part of the performance at times,” said Ella Fortes (‘27).,