Gilman Brewing opened in 2015 right next door to the legendary Gilman Club in West Berkeley. Gilman prides itself on its farmhouse-style ales (among other styles) brewed in an old industrial auto shop building. Serving Detroit-style pizza and other tasty bites, Gilman definitely carves its own path. The brewery was in an ascendency coming up to the 2020 pandemic, opening three other locations in Daly City, Pleasanton, and Santa Cruz, but only Berkeley and Santa Cruz locations have survived.

This is one of multiple West Coast Songwriters Bay Area open mic events: it is open to both members and non-members, original music only. It used to be that WCS members could play these events for the chance to perform at local showcase concerts and to enter into the annual WCS songwriting contest, but the songwriting contest has moved online. More information about the song contest can be found at their website.

Formerly the Northern California Songwriter's Association, West Coast Songwriters has expanded geographically since the 90s and lends their influence to a number of open mics and showcase events in the bay area and beyond. They hold workshops and contests and have a paid membership model that enables songwriters to participate in the activities they organize.