Programs @ Berkeley's La Peña for January & February 2008

La Peña Cultural Center
3105 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley
510-849-2568 http://www.lapena.org

Programs @ La Peña for January & February 2008

Live Music
Friday, Jan. 4
Enjoy an evening of Latin jazz classics and original compositions. Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble of San Francisco. The Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble of San Francisco is a performing group of musicians ages 10 - 18, directed by acclaimed musician John Calloway. 8pm $12

Saturday, Jan. 5
A truly unique & memorable performance. Alex Pfeifer-Rosenblum, whose music ranges from the personal to the political, with a focus on soul-searching and introspection, returns to La Pena. His heartfelt lyrics, emotive voice, fresh folk-rock style, and soulful presence make every performance truly unique and memorable. Don't miss him. 8pm $10 adv. $12 dr.

Saturday, Jan. 12
Time to do some serious dancing to the Afro-Cuban music of Pellejo Seco. With music from their soon to be released second CD. Features Ivan Camblor-Tres/Vocals, Livan Montoya-Bass/Vocals, Mario Silva-Trumpet/vocals, Fito Reinoso-Vocals, Osvaldo Carvajal-Vocals/percussion, Gerardo Borras-Percussion/vocals. 9pm $12

Friday, Jan. 18 CD Release
Songs of love and protest, from both sides of the border. A concert with MamaCoAtl, Steve Taylor-Ramírez and Alfredo Gomez (releasing new CD). Mexico-born MamaCoAtl brings her passion for life and justice as she takes us across the line, reducing walls to rubble and creating new paradigms in bolero, blues and funk ranchero. Acclaimed Berkeley songwriter Steve offers his acoustic soul, neo-folk and Latin roots with songs of love and rebellion. Classically trained Mexican guitarist Alfredo brings Nueva Trova to life as he sings of love and its absence, sadness and joy…and releases his new CD. 8pm $10 adv. $12 dr.

Saturday, Jan. 19
CD Release Celebration Saoco. This energetic group will debut their 2nd CD entitled: Second Round. An evening of Latin Hip Hop and Reggaeton with the Bay Area's
DJ Walt Digz on turntables. Please join us for this debut! 8pm $10.

Thursday, Jan. 24
One of Mexico's legendary son jarocho groups returns to La Peña Son de Madera
Utilizing the rare and beautiful instruments of eastern Mexico, including the Veracruz harp, jarana, requinto, & the lively box-drum tarima, Son de Madera sings and dances music ranging from plaintive love ballads to exciting get up & move sones. 8pm $12 adv. $15 dr.

Saturday, Jan. 26
Benefit concert for De Rompe y Raja’s Diáspora Negra CD (6 years of production with over 30 collaborating artists). Join us for a delightful evening of Afro-Peruvian & Latin American music/dance with De Rompe y Raja’s friends. Special guest Marina La Valle.
8:30pm $13 adv.15 dr.

Thursday, Jan. 31
Singer Songwriter Joe Reilly. Michigan singer offers songs of hope and laughter, helping listeners awaken their hearts and minds to joy and love. Says the Real Detroit Weekly: "Reilly...seamlessly combines the regional folk of Sufjan Stevens with the quirky humor of Barenaked Ladies and the multicultural activism of Ozomatli." 8pm $5-$10 sliding scale

Friday, Feb. 1
Fundraiser for Berkeley Liberation Radio & Carol Denney. Performers Andrea Prichett & Friends of Carol Denney, Funky Nixons, Phoenix, and After Buffalo
M.C. Che-X. 7pm $12-$15 sliding scale

Saturday, Feb. 2
Workshop with Michelle Jacques. Do you love to sing? Come share my journey of discovery of my New Orleans heritage. In 90 minutes we will experience a little of the history of the women who made an impact on the unique music and culture of New Orleans. Best of all, we will also sing! If you love New Orleans music and love to sing, this is a golden opportunity to experience both. $15 for the workshop with a $5 off the evening show.

Saturday, Feb. 2
Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez! Mardi Gras Countdown. Join the CHELLE! and Friends along with special guests, to ring in Mardi Gras (fat Tuesday) and celebrate New Orleans, its people and music. 8pm $12 adv. $15 dr.

Sunday, Feb. 3
Some of San Francisco's most acclaimed musicians join the Bay Area native and Latin vocalist Ana Nitmar for a vibrant and soulful concert. They will be performing timeless tunes that blend jazz with Brazilian rhythms, Italian ballads, and classic Latin music. Ana is a singer-songwriter, who "radiates with a vocal prowess full of experience and expression." Jessy Varela. 7pm $12 gen. ($10 students & seniors)

Friday Feb. 8
Pianist, composer, and singer extraordinaire Catalina Claro. On tour from Chile, Catalina presents a repertoire with her own compositions and original arrangements of favorite Latin American songs. Catalina has written music for films and TV and has performed with Víctor Manuel, Ana Belén, Cirque du Soleil, and Tonino Carotone.
8:30pm $15.

Friday, Feb. 15
Enjoy traditional son & old-school salsa, with an inflection of East Bay funk & Cuban timba La Familia Son. Get ready to dance to new & old favorite songs. The group features: Violeta Arroyo & Lina Luna on lead vocals; Sekou Heath, tres; Raul Perales, bass; Danny Perales, piano/guitar; Mario Silva, trumpet; Norm Downing, timbal; Roberto Medina, bongo; Sylvia Sherman, congas; and Marina Garza, trumpet. 9pm $12

Sunday, Feb. 17
La Gran Noche de la Canción Boricua! The Night of Puerto Rican Song. From Puerto Rico José Saavedra and special guest Meli Rivera. Rooted in the acoustic traditions of Latin America’s Nueva Canción, singer-songwriter José Saavedra started writing songs that attempted to paint the Puerto Rican reality. Singer & songwriter, Meli's music defies labeling, for it is the outpouring of her soul. A venerated voice in the Bay Area music scene, Meli is a musician of rare power and depth, you will be touched by her magic. 8pm $8.

Friday, Feb. 22
An uncompromising brew of artistic exuberance and exceptional musical talent. Toshi Reagon. Her infectious energy has been electrifying audiences for years. Her Righteous Babe Records debut Have You Heard, calls the listener back to the heart of rock and roll with a voice overflowing with raw emotion. 8pm $16 adv. $18 dr.

Saturday, Feb. 23
Come listen to some great charanga, & support the Bay Area's own, playing classic & modern Cuban dance music. Orquesta La Moderna Tradición returns to la Peña. Hear the Orquesta performing great Cuban dance music, from Danzón and Cha-cha-cha to Songo and Timba, as well as new arrangements of compositions by Juan Carlos Formell. You'll be dancing all night long! 9pm $12 gen. $10 students/seniors

Sunday, Feb. 24 CD Release
Pat Wynne in Concert. Launching her new CD, Singing Is Believing, Pat Wynne and her musical friends present songs about solidarity, creativity, women's hands, love, and resistance to injustice, globally and locally. Pat is the director of the Bay Area Rockin' Solidarity Labor Chorus. Her songs draw on gospel, blues, jazz, and a little Brecht/Weill. 7:30pm $12-$25 (sliding scale)

Wednesday, Feb. 27 CD Release
The Freedom Archives CD Release Party! Paul Robeson: Words Like Freedom. This is a CD release celebration featuring musicians and poets in celebration of Paul Robeson. Produced and sponsored by The Freedom Archives a non profit organization that preserves historical recordings. Visit them at http://www.freedomarchives.org
7pm $10-$20 sliding scale. No one turned away for lack of funds.

Thursday, Feb. 28 Beatboxing
Speak the Music. A new organization dedicated to supporting and preserving the art of beatboxing in the Bay Area. Its founders, Ian Canright and Mike Tinoco, who were previously in charge of the well-known Vowel Movement crew, are committed to providing a platform for beatboxers of all skill-sets to be heard. An evening featuring some of the Bay Area's most prolific and best beatboxers, surprise musical guests, emcees, and more. In addition to featured performers, we will have a small beatboxing battle and a beat-matching segment (like the DJs do). Artists performing include: Infinite & Soulati (Felonious), Eachbox, Constant Change, Syzygy, Monkstilo, Butterscotch, Joshua Walters, Tim Barsky, DC. 8pm $8.

Friday, Feb. 29
María Volonté: Íntima. Argentine vocalist & Latin Grammy nominee María Volonté returns to La Peña. She is celebrated for her ability to move audiences with her innovative and intensely personal performances of the music of Buenos Aires. In this one-woman show, María reveals herself at her most intimate. http://www.mariavolonte.com. 8pm $16 adv. $18 dr.

Films and Videos
Sunday, Jan. 6
Film Showing. The Business of Being Born. Birth is a Miracle. A rite of passage, a natural part of life, but also a big business. Actress Ricki Lake and filmmaker Abby Epstein question the way American women have babies. Should most births be viewed as a natural process, or as a potential medical emergency? Followed by a panel discussion. 7pm $10-$20 sliding scale

Sunday, Jan. 20
Documentary Film Debut. Crossing the Line: Multiracial Comedians. Exploring boundaries of expression and identity, a documentary debut screening & talk w/producer
Darby Li Po Price. 7:30pm $10 gen. $8 students

Poetry, Books, Spoken Word and other Literary Events
Wednesday, Jan. 16
Cafe Poetry & Open Mic hosted by Paradise 7:30pm Donation

Thursday, Feb. 7 Book release
Reception & Book Launch. No Easy Victories: African Liberation & American Activists Over a Half-Century, 1950-2000. Gathering and celebration of the Bay Area Africa solidarity and anti-apartheid movement veterans. 6-8:30pm Free. RSVP: BayAreaNoEasy [at] Yahoo.Com or (510) 238-8080 ext. 309

Thursday, Feb. 14
13th Annual Love Fest! An alternative Valentine's Celebration in spoken word & music, hosted by Aya de Leon. 7:30-8:45pm: performances featuring Maceo Cabrera Estevez performing excerpts from Amor Cubano, vocals by Adrienne Maree Brown. 9-10:30pm: dancing with dj fflood (Transdub Massiv, Magic Milkcrates) + card & domino party + door prizes & goodies! $12 adv. $14 dr.

Wednesday, Feb. 20
Cafe Poetry & Open Mic hosted by Paradise. 7:30pm Donations.

Thursday, Feb. 21
Poetry for the People presents: Poetry in the Community. A multi-generational poetry conversation, featuring National Poetry Series prizewinner Tyehimba Jess, Def Poet Rafael Casal, Poetry for the People poets, and special guests! Hosted by Aya de Leon. 7:30pm $15 ($7 students/yth/sr/disabled)

Theather, Solo Performances, and Comedy
Friday, Jan. 25
Santiago: The Funny of Dance. Bill Santiago, from Comedy Central, riffs on the syncopated reconquista of American dance floors by the cadera-centric body language of la raza, aka the vida loca people. Come ready to share your dance stories and dance yourselves a little. 8pm $10 adv. $12 dr.

Saturday, Feb. 9
From Los Angeles Butchlalis de Panochtitlan in “Dickwhipped!” Meet a dazzling panoply of characters, videos + situations in an all-NEW defiantly innovative sketch show. The safe word is transition, so come & witness the intrepid new trio infuriate + inspire vis-à-vis challenging interventions around identity + practice, community + self. Carol Burnett would be so bi-curious. (Adult material). 8pm $12 gen. $10 students and seniors.

Saturday, Feb. 16
Adelina Anthony in her solo performance La Angry Xicana-Y Qué?! A wild ride through queerlandia-Xicana style! (Oh, and people, she's really not angry, … she's just getting even!) Hailed by critics as "bawdy, proud and hysterical" and "screamingly funny," Adelina is one of the few-if not the only-queer Chicanas of her generation following in the provocative footsteps of Latina lesbian comic pioneers Marga Gomez and Monica Palacios. . 8pm $12 adv. $15 dr. ($10 students w/ID) (Adult material)

L@s Amiguit@s de La Peña
La Peña’s Little Friends Saturday Mornings series
Every Saturday morning, remember to turn your TV off, get your coffee early, and bring your kids to experience and participate in our lively & educational programs.

Saturday, Jan. 12
Don't miss Gerry Tenney's first concert of 2008. Always a La Pena and local favorite, Gerry ’s concerts are always a wonderful mix of original and traditional music. Whether it’s “King Kong the Gorilla playing ping pong with Godzilla”, or an old Yiddish folksong about potatoes, his shows are a treat for the whole family. Gerry's song, "The Haunted House" has been sung by many but nobody does the full version except Gerry. 10:30am. Adults $5, Children $4, Family pass $12

Saturday, Jan. 19
Abby and the Pipsqueaks! Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to sing. Two time award winners and UNESCO featured artists, Abby and the Pipsqueaks play fun catchy tunes that are entertaining, educational, and interactive. 10:30am. Adults $5, Children $4, Family pass $12

Saturday, Jan. 26
EarthCapades' unique and memorable programs offer a hilarious blend of environmental education and entertainment. Circus arts, storytelling, music and comedy are skillfully woven with learning to enthrall audiences of all ages. 10:30am. Adults $5, Children $4, Family pass $12

Saturday, Feb. 2
Songs of hope and laughter. Enviromental songs with Michigan singer songwriter Joe Reilly. 10:30am. Adults $5, Kids $4, $12 family pass.

Saturday, Feb. 9
Gary Lapow performs original songs for children. Join the "Father of Bay Area's Children's Music" in a joyful, laugh-along, move-along, sing-along concert for the whole family. "Gary's Kid's stuff is great! You're in for a good time" Whoopi Goldberg. 10:30am. Adults $5, Kids $4, $12 family pass.

Saturday, Feb. 16
Acclaimed singers, and children's performers Bonnie Lockhart and Fran Avni once again team up to offer a double serving of joyful music for children and families. 10:30am. Adults $5, Kids $4, $12 family pass.

Saturday, Feb. 23
Join Viva el Español's teacher María Fernanda Acuña for an interactive musical tour across Latin America - all in Spanish! We'll lead your children to move to the Latin beat and have them join in to play drums of all sorts, bells, maracas, shakers, rhythm sticks, castanets, rainmakers, tambourines, and more! Viva el Español is a non-profit Spanish Language Center located in Lafayette10:30am. Adults $5, Kids $4, $12 family pass.

La Peña Art Exhibits

In the Theater : From January 03 until February 25, 2008. Encuentro Indígena de las Americas. Photo exhibit. A Xicana of Yaqui roots, Tamara Orozco highlights the Indigenous Gathering of the Americas held in the Yaqui territory of Vicam, in the Sonoran desert. The event convened delegates from over 60 native communities of the Americas to discuss an agenda for self-determination.

In the Lobby: From January 03 until February 25, 2008. Women of the Americas Series. Photos taken in the streets of Buenos Aires by Maria de la Vega. Exploring new possibilities for expression through poetry & photography.

In the Cafe: From January 03 until February 25, 2008. Paintings by Janelle Clayton. “My artwork is a colorful expression of my experience as a woman & the many inspirational people in my life... the beauty of discovery and self-realization, the essence of humanity, and the physical aesthetic. My paintings celebrate life!”

Benefits Events

Sunday, Feb. 10
A Benefit for the Longest Walk 2. An event to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Longest Walk that occurred in 1978. Organized by the American Indian Movement and the International Treaty Council. “All Life is Sacred, Save Mother Earth” is the central theme of the walk that will leave San Francisco on Feb. 11 and go to Washington D.C. and cover over 4,000 miles. Speakers; AIM founder Dennis Bank. Musicians and Poets: Charlie Hill, Arigon Starr, Jimbo Simmons, and One Struggle and many more to be announced. 7pm $15-$25 Sliding scale. For more info. (415) 568-0826.

Saturday, Jan. 26
Benefit concert for De Rompe y Raja’s Diáspora Negra CD (6 years of production with over 30 collaborating artists). Join us for a delightful evening of Afro-Peruvian & Latin American music/dance with De Rompe y Raja’s friends. Special guest Marina La Valle.
8:30pm $13 adv.15 dr.


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