* Image: Stained glass by Frances Emley, adapted from a tapestry given to Fernando Alegría by Violeta Parra.

After taking a break in August to focus on planning our next fiscal year, we are coming back on September 11th to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-backed coup that overthrew the government of Salvador Allende in Chile in 1973. This painful historical event marks the origin of La Peña as a community center and, to this day, it is the backbone of our mission to promote social justice and intercultural understanding through the arts.

Since this year is special, we are holding a series of events aimed at revitalizing our history and reflecting on where we are today, centering the value of community as the foundation for long-term resistance, resilience, healing, and joy. We hope to see you all there. See details below and save the dates!

MONDAY, SEPT 11, 2023: we will be gathering just like every year since 1975 at La Peña, reflecting on what it means to resist today, and turning pain and grief into community resilience through music, poetry, dance, and food. Since this year is special, we’ll also have the premiere of a short documentary directed by Francisco Núñez and an Art Exhibition by Héctor Salgado! RSVP here for FREE! | SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER!

FRIDAY, SEPT 22, 2023: “Punto de Encuentro” (Meeting Point) is a film directed by Roberto Baeza (2022) that reveals the intimate process between filmmakers Alfredo and Paulina, as they attempt to recreate what their fathers experienced in Villa Grimaldi, an emblematic torture center of the Pinochet dictatorship. This screening will be the film’s West Coast Premiere! TICKETS HERE!! | SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER!

FRIDAY, SEPT 29, 2023: For this special concert, community member Fernando “Feña” Torres will be leading two sets of music, poetry, and storytelling that will honor the life and legacy of Víctor Jara, one of Chile’s most important singer-songrwriters who fought for a new world through teaching, art, and activism, and whose life was taken on the 5th day of dictatorship. TICKETS HERE!! | SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER!

• WHEN? Friday, July 21st, 2023, from 7:30pm-1:00am
• WHERE? At La Peña (3105 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley CA 94705)
• ALL AGES ARE WELCOME!

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!!

MORE ABOUT LATIN RHYTHM BOYS: In 1963 Jr. Henry Miranda’s plan came to fruition. A lifelong Cuatrista, he brought his amazing music from Hawaii to California where he formed the group “Jr. Miranda and His Latin Rhythm Boys”. He inspired and mentored many, leaving behind a musical legacy for his sons Earl R. Miranda and Henry Miranda Jr.

Latin Rhythm Boys has now evolved into a powerhouse of high energy Puerto Rican Music that includes Salsa as well as their specialty Jibaro sound. Reminiscent of the FANIA All Stars, these bad boys of Latin Music are hitting the world by storm.

To date this phenomenal specialty band combines expertise sounds acquired throughout the Bay Area, Puerto Rico and New York City. Latin Rhythm Boys continue to captivate their fans and audiences with their unique musical style and stage presence. With two successful CD launches under their belt, “Musica De Mis Padres” in 2005, and “Year of The Cuatro” in 2013, they released their third CD project on December 2018, “CELEBRANDO – 60 Years Est.”, featuring multiple award-winning invited guest artists such as Grammy Award winner (the late) Johnny Polanco on Trombone and Tres Guitar, Artie Webb on flute, vocals by 8-time Grammy nominee and 3-times Grammy winner Willy Torres, as well as other Latin music luminaries like Chino Nuñez, and Jimmy Bosch, among others.

La Peña Staff, 2023. Top: Corey Raynor, Natalia Neira, Consuelo Tupper, Rocío Cancel, Maryela Pérez. Bottom: Tara Dalbo.

This week, we are announcing the transition of one of our beloved teammates and leaders, Tara Dalbo. During the almost six years that Tara worked at La Peña —first as a Production & Development Coordinator and then as Deputy Executive Director— she not only supported the production of events and artistic projects in our space, but she also helped rebuild our structural, administrative, and financial foundations as an organization. Because of her hard work, La Peña is now a much stronger and more sustainable center that can support and uplift our communities for years to come. Thank you, Tara, for allowing La Peña to thrive and grow during such challenging times!

As La Peña staff, we’ll make sure that we continue to build upon the work developed under Tara’s leadership. Tara, we’ll miss you so much, but —as you know— you’ll always be part of La Peña’s community, and we are excited for the next chapter of your professional journey!! Best wishes & see you soon!