It doesn't matter what kind of performing arts you like - the Greek Theater at UC Berkeley is a uniquely attractive venue, a place where you can listen to music while watching the sun set behind Richardson Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.

On a recent excursion to hear one of my teenager's favorite bands, the Greek was just as good as I had remembered. We went at the right time to get on-street parking on Hearst, near Euclid (you have to get there after 6, but not too close to show time.) It was a pleasant stroll from there to the entrance. Most people park in garages near campus, which are reasonably priced compared to SF's parking.

We already had tickets, and went quickly through a cursory security check. You can bring bottled water in, but you aren't supposed to bring picnic baskets or coolers. There is plenty of food and drink sold inside, including beer in plastic bottles.

There are several seating areas arranged in a classic horseshoe pattern around the stage. For this show, folding chairs had been set up in front of the stage. The rest of the permanent seating is traditional Greek terrace-style: make sure to bring pads or blankets to sit on this! These also get very hot in the summer sun. This show began at 7 pm, and by 8 pm the sun had shifted away from the concrete terraces.

We had lawn tickets, so we proceeded up to the top of the theater. It is a natural slope, somewhat uneven. We were equipped with a large beach towel to spread on the grass, sub sandwiches, and water bottles, supplemented by other beverages we purchased. As the opening acts played, the sun sank lower and lower behind the Marin hills, coloring the sky beyond the surrounding eucalyptus trees.

This particular show was not sold out, so it was even more relaxed. But there were plenty of security and event personnel on hand, and doubtless they would have managed a sell-out crowd just as well. There were plenty of port-a-potties available, but many of the women were willing to line up for the regular bathrooms anyway. For such a venerable outdoor theater, the Greek, originally built in 1903, handles crowds really well.

I'm not even going to go on about the excellent acoustics - you'll just have to go see and hear for yourself!