On Their Shoulders We Stand: A Musical Homage to Our Ancestors

Avotcja Presents: A benefit concert for La Peña’s 50th Anniversary Campaign. All proceeds will support future free events at La Peña.

Join us for a night of music, poetry, and community as we honor the artistic brilliance of our ancestors. Avotcja brings together some of the Bay Area’s most powerful artists for a special benefit concert supporting La Peña’s 50th Anniversary Campaign—helping ensure this beloved cultural hub thrives for generations to come.

All ages welcome | Wheelchair Accessible

Let’s come together to celebrate our ancestors, our history, and the future of La Peña!

• Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Doors at 6:30 PM)
• Location: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, CA
• Tickets: Donation-based (Suggested: $10–$500) No one turned away for lack of funds. Get your tickets at Lapena.info/Benefit-Concert

A truly amazing lineup of 12 musicians, ensembles, poets and choirs to honor our musical and cultural roots, and celebrate the artists that bring together our La Peña community – now more important than ever!

Featuring Performances by:

Vukani Mawethu (honoring Fundi)

Lady Bianca (honoring Sugar Pie DeSanto & Big Mama Thornton)

Genny Lim (honoring Sachiko Nakamura & Yuri Kochiyama)

Val Serrant & Ava Square (honoring Connie Williams & Pearl Primus)

Kaylah Marin (honoring Gwen Avery & Koko Taylor)

Francisco Herrera & Avotcja & Dr. Loco (honoring Rafael Manriquez, Dylcia Pagán & Consuelo Velasquez)

DuoMuxa aka Marci & Ricardo Valdivieso (honoring Violeta Parra, Rafael Manriquez & Víctor Jara)

Naomi Helena Quiñonez (honoring Elizabeth “Betita” Martinez)

Avotcja (honoring Pat Parker & Piri Thomas)

Myron Cohen & the Billy Higgins Legacy Band (honoring Billy Higgins, Alice Coltrane & Jimmy Garrison)

La Peña Community Chorus (honoring Rafael Manriquez)