Where four-strings and pizza meet

Lovers of live, old-timey banjo music had better have a soft spot for pizza, because the best banjo bands from San Jose to Sacramento have taken to finger-picking in family-style pizza parlors. Kitschy? Sure. But the bands’ talent and enthusiasm make their appearances well worth a detour.

Some say the banjo-and-pizza trend started with the Oakland All-Star Banjo Band, which was formed over 50 years ago and has been a weekly fixture at Porky’s Pizza Palace in San Leandro for the last 25 (the band moved to Porky’s after its union objected to its performing in a corporate pizza-slinging venue). Every Thursday, its more than a dozen members—in the late ’50s the band had around 400 rotating members—take the stage in matching white shirts to plink out hits like “The Beer Barrel Polka” and “You Are My Sunshine” (don’t knock it till you watch 10 banjoists playing them). A vocalist, a harmonica player, and even a few diners join in. Two hours of music, a bit of dancing, and a refreshingly irony-free evening of serious musicianship are just a short drive from the city and—for the price of a pie—a downright bargain.

Porky’s Pizza Palace
8:59 p.m.

THE GROUPIES
The first few tables are always occupied with spouses and flirtatious white-haired singles.

LINE 'EM UP
Stretch your legs (and aid digestion) during the nightly three-song line-dancing break.

THE TIP
Seats are often full at the beginning of the show, so come early or after the first hour to snag a good table.

THE THEME SONG
At any Bay Area banjo show, you’re all but guaranteed to hear “Breezing Along with the Breeze” at some point.

THE SLIPPERY SLICE
The pizza at Porky’s is so laden with toppings that if you grab a piece without a plate, half of it will land in your lap.

Every Thursday evening from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., 1221 Manor Blvd., San Leandro, 510-357-4323.

Elsewhere

Views of the East Bay Banjo Club’s performances are partially obscured by a low wall, but wandering tuba players bring the music right to your table. Tuesdays, 7:30–9:30 p.m., Round Table Pizza, 1938 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill, 925-930-9004.

Happy Time Banjos features a washtub bass player who keeps time. Wednesdays, 7–9 p.m., Straw Hat Pizza, 373 Main St., Redwood City, 650-364-0750.

The exception to the rule is the San Francisco Banjo Band, which plays monthly at the pizza-free Molloy’s Tavern in Colma. First Saturday of each month, 7:30–10:30 p.m.,
Molloy’s Tavern, 1655 Mission Rd., Colma, 650-755-9545.