Straw Hat Band

The California Straw Hat Band is a subgroup of the marching band that performs at many events throughout the year, during the fall, spring, and even summer. The Straw Hat Band gets much of its exposure playing at men’s and women’s basketball games, away football games, but also supports other Cal sports like volleyball, ice hockey, swimming, gymnastics, lacrosse, baseball, and softball. Straw Hat Band performances are optional for all Band members.

In addition to sporting events, the Straw Hat Band can be seen throughout the year at numerous campus events such as Freshmen Orientations, Alumni functions, and local community events. During Big Game Week alone, the Straw Hat Band performs at over 50 events in and outside of Berkeley, ranging from on board a cable car to even a radio station!

The California Straw Hat Band also has been given large amounts of media exposure. The Straw Hat Band has been heard on radio stations such as Wild 94.9, Live 105, and KCBS 740 AM, seen in newspapers such as the San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, and Sacramento Bee, and has been featured in Rolling Stone and on the nationally syndicated game show “Wheel of Fortune.”

If you would like more information about Straw Hat Band performances, please see our page on How To Book the Straw Hat Band.