Rod Dibble News Today

Oakland’s Alley doesn’t miss a beat going virtual For music lovers, the piano bar is family in the best sense, and they won’t let it slip away By Emma Silvers Oakland’s Alley doesn’t miss a beat going virtual For music lovers, the piano bar is family in the best sense, and they won’t let it slip away By Emma Silvers By Emma Silvers | San Francisco Chronicle The first time Jacqualine Simpkins set foot in the Alley, she felt overcome, and not in a good way. It was 1995, and she w...

The Alley on Grand Avenue has been closed since March due to the pandemic. Its owner says the historic piano bar is on the brink of closure. Photo: Sarah Han A group of bar regulars is asking for help to forestall yet another pandemic-driven closing of an institution near and dear to so many: Oakland’s historic Alley piano bar. The timeless Alley, the third oldest bar in Oakland, has been at 3325 Grand Ave. since 1933, but with the pandemic keeping its doors closed, its owner since 2009, Jacq...

Regulars fight to save beloved Oakland piano bar the Alley Emma Silvers FacebookTwitterEmail 1of2 The late Alley pianist Rod Dibble, who built the bar’s loyal following over nearly 60 years, claps in approval after a woman sings in 2011.Alex Washburn / The ChronicleShow MoreShow Less 2of2 Bryan Seet (center), who succeeded Rod Dibble as featured pianist at the Alley, plays there in 2018. He and loyal regulars are trying to save the historic venue from permanent closure.Carlos Avila Gonzalez /...