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On September 11, 1973, the government of democratically-elected president Salvador Allende was violently overthrown by a US-backed military coup and dictatorship that led to the murder, torture, and exile of thousands of Chileans, most of whom —to this day— are seeking justice.

La Peña Cultural Center was founded in Berkeley, CA one year later by a group of Chilean immigrants and local residents in the tradition of “peñas” as a gathering place for solidarity, political activism, art, music, and food. Fifty years later—as the last operating peña in the US—La Peña is hosting a month-long program to commemorate this historical moment through community-centered events that focus on resilience, respect, and healing.

This event is the first one of the month, where we will be coming together to reflect on what it means to resist today, turning pain and grief into beauty through music, art, poetry, dance, and food. Community members will offer their love and respect to those who are no longer with us, and everyone is welcome to participate.

The night will include live music, visual art, Chilean food from El Meson de Violeta, Chilean beverages (vino navegado), a handmade community altar, Chilean dance (cuecas, among others), and a good opportunity to talk and reflect on the importance of this day for our past, our present, and our future.

We will also have the pre-screening of “La Peña, a 50-year Love Story”, a short documentary directed by Chilean filmmaker Francisco Núñez Capriles and a multimedia art exhibition called “Deconstructing Episodic Memory” by community member and former political prisoner Héctor Salgado.

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*ENGLISH BELOW*

El trágico caso del cantante, compositor, director de teatro y poeta Víctor Jara es el epítome del odio de la clase alta chilena y su miedo al proceso fundacional de una sociedad chilena más justa. El ensañamiento de los esbirros en contra de la humanidad física y visceral de un poeta que solo le cantaba al amor que le tenía a su pueblo, no puede ser más ejemplificador. ¿Por qué tan siniestro odio contra un poeta? ¿Por qué tuvieron que destruir su cuerpo con brutales golpes y 44 balazos? Porque la burguesía chilena y su brazo armado, apoyados por políticos traicioneros y financiados por los Estados Unidos no pudo soportar la idea de un gobierno popular dedicado a sacar de la miseria a su pueblo. No es de extrañar que la voz y el trabajo de Víctor se convirtieran en un símbolo mundial casi instantáneamente. Su obra es tan perenne que ha sido interpretada y adoptada por la mayoría de los países de América Latina y el mundo entero.

Para este concierto, el Dúo Made y Feña, en compañía de numerosos artistas locales y extranjeros, destacarán la victoria moral de nuestro Víctor tocando sus mejores canciones. Además, contaremos con la presencia de Carlos Baron, dramaturgo y uno de los fundadores de La Peña, ¡quien estará oficiando la noche!

Este concierto será el evento de clausura de un mes de conmemoración del 50avo aniversario del golpe de estado respaldado por Estados Unidos en Chile que derrocó al gobierno democráticamente electo de Salvador Allende en Chile en 1973. Puedes ver el programa completo en bit.ly/chile50aniversario.

ARTISTAS:

•  El Dúo Made y Feña está compuesto por la multifacética canta-autora de Puerto Rico Madeleine Zayas y el autor, compositor y multi-instrumentalista Fernando Torres.
• Sudamericanto es el grupo de Madeleine Zayas que está dirigido musicalmente por el compositor y maestro brasileño Marcos Silva, el compositor y bajista peruano David Pinto, y la percusionista Michaelle Goerlitz.
• El Coro de la Comunidad de La Peña ha estado cantando las canciones de Victor desde que se fundó en 1978, solidarizando con la resistencia chilena en sus esfuerzos por derrocar a la oprobiosa dictadura militar.
• Invitados espaciales: Lydia Mills y Daniel Oñate.

ENGLISH:

The tragic case of the singer, composer, theater director and poet Victor Jara is the epitome of the hatred of the Chilean upper class and their fear of the founding process of a more just Chilean society. The cruelty of the minions against the physical and visceral humanity of a poet who only sang to the love he had for his people, cannot be more exemplary. Why so sinister hatred against a poet? Why did they have to destroy his body with brutal blows and 44 bullets? Because the Chilean bourgeoisie and its armed wing, supported by treasonous politicians and financed by the United States, could not bear the idea of a popular government dedicated to bringing its people out of misery. It’s no wonder that Victor’s voice and work became a worldwide symbol almost instantly. His work is so perennial that it has been interpreted and adopted by most Latin American countries and the entire world. For this concert, the Dúo Made y Feña, in the company of numerous local and foreign artists, will highlight the moral victory of our Victor by playing his best songs. We will also have the presence of Carlos Baron as the MC, playwright and one of the founders of La Peña.

This concert will be the closing event of a month-long commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the U.S.-backed coup in Chile that overthrew the democratically elected government of Salvador Allende in 1973. You can see the full program at bit.ly/chile50aniversario

ABOUT THE ARTISTS (plus special guests Lydia Mills and Daniel Oñate):

Get ready for Latin Rhythm Boys!! Mark July 21st on your calendar, invite all your friends, and prepare your best dance moves!

• GET YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE!! Super Early Bird: $15 | Pre-Sale: $25 | Door: $30
• VOLUNTEER & COME FOR FREE! Every shift includes free food and beverages.

The night will include:

• • 7:30pm: Doors open with Ritmos Tropicales Dance Party in our Lounge!
  • 8:00pm: Gender-inclusive Bachata & Salsa Dance Classes in our Theater (no partner or experience necessary!)
  • 9:30pm: Dominican Bachata Party with DJ Ron in our Lounge & Dance Party with DJ Jose Ruiz in our Theater!
  • 10:00pm: LIVE Salsa Concert with Latin Rhythm Boys on our mainstage!
  • Bar & Food by Taquería Esperanza will be available all night!
  • Party goes until 1:00am in our Lounge (Dominican Bachata), Theater (Salsa y más) and Community Room (fundraising bar and hang out)!

The vibe of this party will be like a spontaneous dance party that broke out in your kitchen, only if your kitchen had big wood floors, a great live band and sound system, and 200 of your friends, chosen family, and a few intriguing strangers…

Like all events at La Peña, this gathering is inclusive of all cultures, ages, orientations and identities so you can bring your whole self to the dance floor and be properly celebrated.

 

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.