Music festival season is upon us. And while the Bay Area has a few to offer, Guillermo Goyri of Psyched! Radio is presenting the second Tenderloin Music & Arts Festival—given to the people at no cost. That’s right it’s FREE, no strings attached.
Daytime shows will be held at Dodge Alley, Civic Center Plaza and The Phoenix Hotel on May 16–May 18, with a selection of evening shows at Edinburgh Castle and Kozy Kar. This festival features some of our favorite East Bay bands, including Oakland’s Fake Fruit, whose lead singer Hannah D’Mato says the band feels “honored to be a headliner on a festival with so much LatinX representation.” The festival does have a fair share of LatinX artists on board, but it’s definitely not limited in sound and culture.
“This festival has something for everyone,” adds D’Mato.
The Tenderloin Music Festival is one of two music festivals from Psyched! Radio, along with autumn’s Psyched! Fest.
“The Tenderloin Music Festival takes place just in the TL [Tenderloin] and has 95% Northern California and Bay Area bands, including 10 from the East Bay,” said Goyri.
“Along with the live shows, we’re also helping to raise money for the trans community,” said Goyri. “We’re hoping to get exposure on the positive aspects of the TL and raise awareness for what the area needs.”
The Tenderloin is often at the center of over-exaggerated controversy, with emphasis on the area’s crime rate, challenges with unhoused individuals and dependency issues. Psyched! Radio is choosing to focus on the art and potential of the area as noticeable changes are being made.
Local trio Buzzed Lightbeer, who played last year’s festival, are returning this year. “Art is for everyone and everyone can make art, no matter who they are, where they come from or where they are at,” said Gabi Araujo, vocalist and rhythm guitarist. “[We’re] stoked to be playing at a festival that takes place in such an underserved area.”
Araujo adds that Psyched! Radio brings talent to their festival lineups that other promoters won’t generally take a risk on. “They book bands based on the sound not marketability or who sells the most.”
Oakland’s Fatale—who describe their style as “Riot Girl Metal with trash influences”—is playing this festival for the first time. Also new to the festival is East Bay’s Pure Hex.
The Tenderloin Music & Arts Festival has 61 artists on its roster, including several East Bay artists like Xocé Román, Trough and LAHORKA.
Pedro Rolón, who does synth and vocals for LAHORKA, expressed that they are “thrilled to be on board” and “share their labor of love” with festival goers this year, while Tricky FM—San Francisco-based artist Hana Freed—says she’s “ready to go crazy!” at her first time playing the festival.
“Performing live is keeping my joy alive,” Freed said. “All of my favorite bands come from Oakland!”
For more info, visit: psychedradiosf.com/tenderloinfest2025.
