Registration opens:
September 30th, 2026

Femme Cypher After Hours @Central

A Function of The Break Room

The Black American Sound System is joining forces with the Berkeley Public Library to transform its branches into vibrant hubs of Black musical culture and community memory.

When the library doors close, the real volume goes up.

Join us for an exclusive, after-hours femme hip-hop cypher where towering bookshelves become the backdrop for raw rhythm and wordplay. This event flips the script on the traditional, quiet library space, transforming it into a high-energy arena for women and non-binary lyricists, producers, and DJs to claim the mic. Come witness local artists trade verses, drop heavy beats, and celebrate the power of storytelling in the ultimate sanctuary of words.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!

The Berkeley Public Library's In the Stax is collaborating with artist Derwin Deon Brown II, founder of the Black American Sound System (B.A.S.S.) in bringing Black American music into the library. 

This partnership will feature a sound exhibit titled The Break Room with two activations called The People's Sonic Park and 7th Street Cafe which will be on display at the Central Library's 2nd and 5th floor September-December 2026. This collaboration will also feature public programming across all five of our locations where the community will be able to interact with the exhibit, learn the rich history and current scene of Black American music in the Bay Area as well as live music events and workshops. 

Learn more about The Break Room exhibit and other programs here.

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