Learn about Afro-Colombian music and enjoy the depth of its history and rhythms!

We are pleased to present at La Peña these two workshops that go deep into the history, meanings, sounds, and variations of some of the most important Afro-Colombian rhythms like Cumbia, Bullerengue, Puya and Mapalé. 

This is a unique opportunity to learn directly from Colombian musicians who have dedicated their lives to honoring, practicing, and preserving these fundamental musical traditions!

• See descriptions and instructors’ bios here.
• One workshop: $30
• Both workshops: $50

N. Bruce Williams, African American percussionist, educator, rumbero, cultural bearer, and a beloved member of the La Peña community for many decades, will be leaving the Bay Area on July 18th, 2022, which means that on July 17th from 2:30-5:00pm he will be leading his last Rumba Jam at La Peña. Please come join us as we honor the decades of work and deep love that Bruce has given to the Rumba community!

RUMBA JAM: Sunday, July 17th | 2:30-5:00pm | Free admission, donations appreciated | Open to the community | In person at La Peña: 3105 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, CA 94705.

More about the Afro-Cuban Rumba Community in the Bay Area and how Bruce came to be a cultural leader:

Since the early 1980s, the Afro-Cuban rumba community has gathered in the East Bay to preserve the traditional folkloric music known as Afro-Cuban Rumba. Harold “Butch” Haynes, an African Amercian percussionist and Oakland native, was among a handful of Bay Area musicians introducing Afro-Cuban rhythms to Bay Area musicians through organic drum circles held in Sproul Plaza at the University of California, Berkeley. Here, students and musicians could learn from experienced Afro-Cuban rumberos about rumba, as well as Afro-Cuban culture.

Overtime, this resulted in a cohesive group of Afro-Cuban rumberos and local percussionists/musicians searching for a consistent and safe place to meet, learn and play rumba. As time progressed, Yaya Maldonado, a Puerto Rican musician and educator, was able to establish a consistent rumba gathering at La Peña in partnership with Afro-Cuban rumberos living in the East Bay in the mid 1990s. Due to medical complications, Yaya relocated in 2006, passing the torch to N. Bruce Williams, an African American percussionist active in the rumba community since its inception.

Throughout the years, the rumba has hosted numerous groups and individuals from Cuba including members of Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, one of the most internationally well-known rumba groups of all time from Matanzas, Cuba. It has also provided pathways for travel to Cuba for American students and musicians resulting in the fostering of intercultural connection, appreciation and respect between musicians in the Bay Area and culture bearers from Cuba.