Welcome to La Peña! Promoting social justice & intercultural understanding through the arts since 1975.
MARCH 31st CLASS IS CANCELED! Rumba class will resume next Monday, April 1st! For more information, contact Einar directly at einarleliebremusica@gmail.com | 510-325-2540. Interested in RUMBA and the Afro-Cuban Tradition? We have these 2 music classes back-to-back at La Peña that explore the musicality of Cuban Rumba and more! Note: classes are taught in […]
Wapau! 8-Week Fusion Bachata: Lead Shines Welcome and thank you for your interest in Wapau! Lead Shines Class Series!!! March 17th class is Drop-In friendly! Details: 8-Week Bachata Training Team Series All levels, no partner required All gender inclusive 8:00 - 9:30pm La Peña Cultural Center $150 + fees March 17th Drop-In single class: $15 […]
Join this fun class with instructor Momo Lebeau!! About Bodywerk Dance Classes: Bodywerk Dance offers a variety of different classes, all taught by award winning instructor, Momo LeBeau. We feature a fusion of Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Dancehall, jazz and many other dance styles. Bodywerk is a dynamic hip hop dance jam, good for all levels, […]
Founded in 1979 by Chilean refugees and community supporters, La Peña Community Chorus has been performing Latin American New Song — Nueva Canción — for many years. Accompanying themselves on guitars, flutes, drums, and a large assortment of Latin American instruments, the Chorus has sung for schools, churches, homeless shelters, retirement homes, drug rehab centers, […]
Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 9:00pm In person at La Peña Cultural Center **FREE Community Class on the last Wednesday of every month!** Come experience the spirit, music, and movement of Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola! We begin our class with one hour of […]
Join us for a FREE hour of song, hope, and community joy! Because we need it more than ever. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Event organized by Aya de León Aya de León is the Poet Laureate of the City of Berkeley, a creative writing teacher at UC Berkeley, and the Director of […]
We're grateful and excited to be offering these Immigration Rights Workshop for Allies: “Become an Immigration Rights Ambassador” FREE. In English. At La Peña Cultural Center. Due to the success of the last workshops and ongoing community need, we've scheduled additional sessions. This workshop will cover how ICE operates, how they collect information, and what […]
Brazilian Dance with Tainah Damasceno Brazil is a country that is rich in music and dance. Often what is advertised as Brazilian dance in the United States, is only what has been explored in the North-East and South-East of Brazil. Now you have the opportunity to experience a wider variety of dances encompassing the entirety […]
Sundays, 11:30am – 1:00pm. Cost: Drop-in $35 Adults, all levels. This class includes basic skills, improvisation techniques, choreography, and developing skills to dance in a Batey or community jam. Teenagers with some dance experience welcomed (please email for info). Folks interested in practicing Bomba percussion during the class are welcome (some experience in playing Bomba is […]
Beginners Salsa, Bachata & Merengue Dance Class Series (4 sessions) Mondays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 - 2025 6:15pm - 7:15pm Join us and explore the possibilities of your body and learn how to communicate with others through dance, rhythm and flavor! This class is taught as "leaders" and "followers" and prioritizes creating a safe […]
Interested in RUMBA and the Afro-Cuban Tradition? We have these 2 music classes back-to-back at La Peña that explore the musicality of Cuban Rumba and more! Note: classes are taught in spanish, but english speakers are welcome to join if you're comfortable with limited translation. CLASE 1: Lunes, 7:00pm – 8:15pm @La Peña LA RUMBA […]
Wapau! 8-Week Fusion Bachata: Lead Shines Welcome and thank you for your interest in Wapau! Lead Shines Class Series!!! March 17th class is Drop-In friendly! Details: 8-Week Bachata Training Team Series All levels, no partner required All gender inclusive 8:00 - 9:30pm La Peña Cultural Center $150 + fees March 17th Drop-In single class: $15 […]
Join this fun class with instructor Momo Lebeau!! About Bodywerk Dance Classes: Bodywerk Dance offers a variety of different classes, all taught by award winning instructor, Momo LeBeau. We feature a fusion of Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Dancehall, jazz and many other dance styles. Bodywerk is a dynamic hip hop dance jam, good for all levels, […]
Founded in 1979 by Chilean refugees and community supporters, La Peña Community Chorus has been performing Latin American New Song — Nueva Canción — for many years. Accompanying themselves on guitars, flutes, drums, and a large assortment of Latin American instruments, the Chorus has sung for schools, churches, homeless shelters, retirement homes, drug rehab centers, […]
Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm Instructor: María de La Rosa Son jarocho is a community music that reflects the cycle of life in its poetic lyrics. Classes at La Peña focus instruction on jarana jarocha, singing (including poetry), and percussion (including zapateado dance), although all son jarocho instruments are welcomed. Emphasis is placed on learning basic […]
Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 9:00pm In person at La Peña Cultural Center **FREE Community Class on the last Wednesday of every month!** Come experience the spirit, music, and movement of Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola! We begin our class with one hour of […]
La Peña Presents La Cumbia Dance Party! Dance with DJ Rabeat, enjoy a cumbia dance class, and celebrate in a welcoming, safe space! Happening monthly on second Thursdays. Date: Thursday, April 10th, 2025 | 7:30 pm - 12:00 am Location: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, CA Tickets: $10 for online presale (single ticket) $15 […]
The Wiggle Room: judgement free movement spaces April's theme is “Release the Cheeks” -- all about releasing tension and stress by connecting our mind to our hips through movement. The Event: Come shake off the stress and weight of the week with us at The Wiggle Room – judgement free movement workshops that get you out of […]
EVENT CANCELLED Join us at La Peña for this Open Mic Series that uplifts the experiences and talents of BIPOC, women, LGBTQAI+ folks, immigrants / migrants, and all other voices that have been historically erased, marginalized, and under/misrepresented. We want to hear you, support you, and transform the world with you! TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE […]
Brazilian Dance with Tainah Damasceno Brazil is a country that is rich in music and dance. Often what is advertised as Brazilian dance in the United States, is only what has been explored in the North-East and South-East of Brazil. Now you have the opportunity to experience a wider variety of dances encompassing the entirety […]
Sundays, 11:30am – 1:00pm. Cost: Drop-in $35 Adults, all levels. This class includes basic skills, improvisation techniques, choreography, and developing skills to dance in a Batey or community jam. Teenagers with some dance experience welcomed (please email for info). Folks interested in practicing Bomba percussion during the class are welcome (some experience in playing Bomba is […]
Interested in RUMBA and the Afro-Cuban Tradition? We have these 2 music classes back-to-back at La Peña that explore the musicality of Cuban Rumba and more! Note: classes are taught in spanish, but english speakers are welcome to join if you're comfortable with limited translation. CLASE 1: Lunes, 7:00pm – 8:15pm @La Peña LA RUMBA […]
Wapau! 8-Week Fusion Bachata: Lead Shines Welcome and thank you for your interest in Wapau! Lead Shines Class Series!!! March 17th class is Drop-In friendly! Details: 8-Week Bachata Training Team Series All levels, no partner required All gender inclusive 8:00 - 9:30pm La Peña Cultural Center $150 + fees March 17th Drop-In single class: $15 […]
Join us for a screening of No Separate Survival and intimate discussion with the director and filmmakers! No Separate Survival is a short documentary film and community experience about asylum seekers across the U.S./Mexico border. Through a lens of creative expression, the film gives voice to what it means to create home and seek safety. Themes […]
Join this fun class with instructor Momo Lebeau!! About Bodywerk Dance Classes: Bodywerk Dance offers a variety of different classes, all taught by award winning instructor, Momo LeBeau. We feature a fusion of Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Dancehall, jazz and many other dance styles. Bodywerk is a dynamic hip hop dance jam, good for all levels, […]
Come join The La Peña Old Guard* “Third Wednesday” Gatherings: each time a different discussion topic! Open to all. Please spread the word! If you're planning on coming, RSVP to oldguard@lapena.org *What is La Peña OLD Guard? We are a group of progressives who came of political age during the 60’s, 70’s and early ‘80s, often, in […]
Remember the music jams? All ages, all instruments, all skill levels, all welcome, all fun! Mark your calendars for the return of these legendary music jams to La Peña, led by José Roberto Hernández! Las mermeladas musicales son un espacio donde la gente y sus instrumentos se juntan para hacer música, comunidad y compañerismo. It’s Wednesday…don’t you […]
Every third Sunday of the month from 2:30pm-5:00pm in our Lounge! Join us for this Cuban Rumba Community Jam that has been held at La Peña for many years. Led by percussionist and culture bearer Bruce Williams. Free / donations encouraged Family-friendly event Bring your instruments if you have them! More about the Afro-Cuban […]
Dust off your dancing shoes for an epic night with live music & vibrant community energy! Join us for an evening featuring live music, not one but two dance floors, a gender-inclusive salsa and bachata dance class, a fundraising bar, delicious food from our partners at Los Cilantros, complimentary coat check, and a vibrant, inclusive community. […]
Sundays, 11:30am – 1:00pm. Cost: Drop-in $35 Adults, all levels. This class includes basic skills, improvisation techniques, choreography, and developing skills to dance in a Batey or community jam. Teenagers with some dance experience welcomed (please email for info). Folks interested in practicing Bomba percussion during the class are welcome (some experience in playing Bomba is […]
Interested in RUMBA and the Afro-Cuban Tradition? We have these 2 music classes back-to-back at La Peña that explore the musicality of Cuban Rumba and more! Note: classes are taught in spanish, but english speakers are welcome to join if you're comfortable with limited translation. CLASE 1: Lunes, 7:00pm – 8:15pm @La Peña LA RUMBA […]
Wapau! 8-Week Fusion Bachata: Lead Shines Welcome and thank you for your interest in Wapau! Lead Shines Class Series!!! March 17th class is Drop-In friendly! Details: 8-Week Bachata Training Team Series All levels, no partner required All gender inclusive 8:00 - 9:30pm La Peña Cultural Center $150 + fees March 17th Drop-In single class: $15 […]
Join this fun class with instructor Momo Lebeau!! About Bodywerk Dance Classes: Bodywerk Dance offers a variety of different classes, all taught by award winning instructor, Momo LeBeau. We feature a fusion of Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Dancehall, jazz and many other dance styles. Bodywerk is a dynamic hip hop dance jam, good for all levels, […]
Founded in 1979 by Chilean refugees and community supporters, La Peña Community Chorus has been performing Latin American New Song — Nueva Canción — for many years. Accompanying themselves on guitars, flutes, drums, and a large assortment of Latin American instruments, the Chorus has sung for schools, churches, homeless shelters, retirement homes, drug rehab centers, […]
Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 9:00pm In person at La Peña Cultural Center **FREE Community Class on the last Wednesday of every month!** Come experience the spirit, music, and movement of Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola! We begin our class with one hour of […]
Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm Instructor: María de La Rosa Son jarocho is a community music that reflects the cycle of life in its poetic lyrics. Classes at La Peña focus instruction on jarana jarocha, singing (including poetry), and percussion (including zapateado dance), although all son jarocho instruments are welcomed. Emphasis is placed on learning basic […]
Experience Afro-Cuban Folklore and Cuban Charanga Fusion with Grammy-Nominated Michael Spiro and Bay Area’s Finest Musicians! Spirology: Afro-Cuban Folklore & Cuban Charanga Fusion Concert with Michael Spiro Enjoy an evening of music and dance at La Peña with Spirology, led by renowned percussionist Michael Spiro. This concert highlights the fusion of Afro-Cuban folklore and Cuban […]
We're grateful and excited to be offering these Immigration Rights Workshop for Allies: “Become an Immigration Rights Ambassador” FREE. In English. At La Peña Cultural Center. Due to the success of the last workshops and ongoing community need, we've scheduled additional sessions. This workshop will cover how ICE operates, how they collect information, and what […]
Brazilian Dance with Tainah Damasceno Brazil is a country that is rich in music and dance. Often what is advertised as Brazilian dance in the United States, is only what has been explored in the North-East and South-East of Brazil. Now you have the opportunity to experience a wider variety of dances encompassing the entirety […]
Sundays, 11:30am – 1:00pm. Cost: Drop-in $35 Adults, all levels. This class includes basic skills, improvisation techniques, choreography, and developing skills to dance in a Batey or community jam. Teenagers with some dance experience welcomed (please email for info). Folks interested in practicing Bomba percussion during the class are welcome (some experience in playing Bomba is […]
Interested in RUMBA and the Afro-Cuban Tradition? We have these 2 music classes back-to-back at La Peña that explore the musicality of Cuban Rumba and more! Note: classes are taught in spanish, but english speakers are welcome to join if you're comfortable with limited translation. CLASE 1: Lunes, 7:00pm – 8:15pm @La Peña LA RUMBA […]
Wapau! 8-Week Fusion Bachata: Lead Shines Welcome and thank you for your interest in Wapau! Lead Shines Class Series!!! March 17th class is Drop-In friendly! Details: 8-Week Bachata Training Team Series All levels, no partner required All gender inclusive 8:00 - 9:30pm La Peña Cultural Center $150 + fees March 17th Drop-In single class: $15 […]
Join this fun class with instructor Momo Lebeau!! About Bodywerk Dance Classes: Bodywerk Dance offers a variety of different classes, all taught by award winning instructor, Momo LeBeau. We feature a fusion of Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Dancehall, jazz and many other dance styles. Bodywerk is a dynamic hip hop dance jam, good for all levels, […]
Founded in 1979 by Chilean refugees and community supporters, La Peña Community Chorus has been performing Latin American New Song — Nueva Canción — for many years. Accompanying themselves on guitars, flutes, drums, and a large assortment of Latin American instruments, the Chorus has sung for schools, churches, homeless shelters, retirement homes, drug rehab centers, […]
Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 9:00pm In person at La Peña Cultural Center **FREE Community Class on the last Wednesday of every month!** Come experience the spirit, music, and movement of Capoeira Angola with Grupo de Capoeira Balanço de Angola! We begin our class with one hour of […]
Wednesdays, 7:00pm – 8:30pm Instructor: María de La Rosa Son jarocho is a community music that reflects the cycle of life in its poetic lyrics. Classes at La Peña focus instruction on jarana jarocha, singing (including poetry), and percussion (including zapateado dance), although all son jarocho instruments are welcomed. Emphasis is placed on learning basic […]
María Elena Pacheco & Ernesto Hermoza Live in Concert Direct from Perú: An unforgettable night of music with two masters of guitar and violin La Peña is excited to welcome 4-time Grammy-nominated guitarist and musical director for Susana Baca, Ernesto Hermoza, to our humble stage to share his artistry with us in an intimate and […]