In The Stax feat. Connoisseur Rat @Claremont

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.

Experimental musician Sean Norris, aka Connoisseur Rat, returns to the Claremont Branch with his vision of Jazz. Using samples and found sounds beneath live saxophone and electronic wind instruments, Connoisseur Rat takes elements and techniques from the uniquely American arts of Jazz and Hip Hop. 

This In The Stax concert is a function of The Break Room, an ongoing collaboration with Black American Sound System. 

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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