La Peña Cultural Center

First and likely last time I'll go there. Went to a dance class/party. The dance space is so small we could not see the instructor and could barely move. DJ played music so loud it was painful. Small restaurant is connected to dance space -- I would not eat there when any music is scheduled because impossible to hear conversation. One star for being a community space + one for friendly greeter = 2 stars. (A shame that silly management can not figure out how to expand dance area into large adjacent coat room area next door, and how to separate restaurant from dance space.)

I loved visiting La Peña! Everyone here is incredibly kind. I really enjoy the programming they do and how it connects with community care. I attended the archiving event for some of their historical posters relating to Chile and had a wonderful time learning more about how to help archive different historical documents. I highly recommend this center!

This spot is amazing & always doing great events, you should definitely check it out if your looking to build community-powered spaces!

I’ve been here a couple of times for open mic and this time for a comedy show. I just love this space and the wonderful people I meet! 10/10 would recommend attending anyyyyy of their events

LP has been a cultural hub in the bay area for decades, check out their website for events calendar. I enjoy the Baila monthly event, the QPOC events, and the restaurant.

This home, la casita, where you can make a community. Donate to la peña if you can, they do so much for the people.

We had a WONDERFUL time at La Peña for Aguacate Music Kids!

I love La Pena. This gem of Berkeley has sponsored diverse cultural programs that support and benefit local artists, and communities as well as international arts and artists from the global south and beyond. After an evening of amazing musical and educational presentation, you and walk next door for a fabulous meal of delicious tacos, pupusas, fried fish and other authentic food.

I volunteered here briefly as a teenager in the late 70's. I'm so delighted that La Peña is still around. They host a variety of community events, mostly musical performances but political presentations, dance, poetry and more. They also host, art shows, classes, fundraisers and more. They have a chorus that since primarily South and other Latin American sings almost exclusively in Spanish. The chorus has performed widely including in Latin America and supports many causes. It's a no frills space - it can be chilly or hot, sometimes it's hard to see the stage or sometimes the sound quality leaves something to be desired but it is always a pleasure to be there for a heartfelt event with likeminded people.

I went here for a crafts faire and it was cool. This place has changed so much since Paul Chinn was ED. And Cafe Valparaiso provided fantastic eats and my husband had his own chair with his crew and they'd chug beers and talk about politics on a weekly basis.The performance space is one that I used to visit monthly, but it's been years. Back then Conjunto Cespedes, Lila Downs, Aya DeLeon used to hold court and there was great music, poetry readings, and other performances. It was nice seeing the crafts people selling their wares for the holidays. I wasn't looking for anything. One woman was complaining that her table was in the back for the third year in a row. I didn't see a lot of people making purchases. It was a decent faire, but I don't know if I'd return again. They didn't have much of what I'd want or look for. The spark is gone.

Excellent time had with my mama, learning about Afro-Colombian música and the various regions each instrument was known for. They supplied conga drums and we loved the participation aspect. Beautiful time had.

Recently a friend who is so much into salsa dancing took me to La Pena cultural center and I had a blast, dancing like crazy all night (well, all night in here is barely until midnight or a little bit more). I liked the concept of popular venue with zero or very cheap cover and different musical expressions depending on the day of the week. I loved the live salsa music band and the vibe, event though as others have noticed, the chairs were not comfy. Well, who wants to go dancing and remain seated? Not me! You will find an eclectic crowd in there, from couples who have been dancing since forever and you pale in comparison, to meetup groups of salseros that try to catch up and learn, to singles in search of a soul mate with some swing. Perfect place for all that.

I came to La Peña for some Blues dance lesson and ended up having the best time dancing with some just awesome, warm people (they do social after the wed 8-9pm beginner class)! Thank you, Reeva, our teacher, for making everyone be "lead" and "follow," and your thoughtful insights. Thank you, Karen, for making a beginner feel like it's all good...

Love this place as it has a cozy room with a stage and seating for a concert and for dancing. Plus they have a nice restaurant where they have tasty and reasonable guacamole and chips as well as plantains. We were here for a show and they have beer on tap and wine available. However, the only negative side was that the restaurant closes at 9 and so if you want to get any refreshments, you have to buy them before the show.

La Peña is more than a venue/cultural center. It is a hub for political activism, free thought, queer expressionism, erratic dance moves, and all channeled through fantastic programming in their theater and lounge. In one week you can catch blues dancing on a Wednesday, Flamenco on Thursday, one woman musical theater performance Friday, and a trans folk trio's album release party on Sunday. La Peña = Love

La Peña was born out of the Chilean dictatorship, 1973-1990. It was a cultural hub to resist the human rights abuses of the Chilean state, and support Chilean exiles. These days it has lost its focus on Chile and instead works to be a cultural hub for Latin America and writ large. The 3 stars isn't because it doesn't do it's new job of promoting Latin American culture, it's because since the social unrest started in Chile (10/18/19) it hasn't done its job in supporting its conception: fighting for human decency in Chile. It has "lent" its space to Chilean activists, but it's merely renting a room. The leadership of the Peña itself is absent. So, as far as Chile goes, and thus its namesake, La Peña is dead. It's a Latin American Cultural space, no más.

So I went here to watch the TMI Storytelling with my girlfriend and the guy at the box office was extremely useless and unhelpful. Very off putting. He told him what we were here for and he couldn't find our name since we bought our tickets from Goldstar. He then asked for out receipt and we had it on the phone but insisted we step aside so he can help other people. We show him the confirmation and he's like (que stoner voice) ohhh Ya it's for the other event and we are like ok where do we go? And he just stares at us. Hello earth to guy in the ticket box and he's like Ya it's over there. Very very frustrating and not a good start to my night The rest of the night however made up for it so it did gain some stars back. Amazing performers.

La Peña is a community cultural treasure. I wish they'd hold more events, but whenever I go I love the local, diverse, energetic vibe. Just came from the monthly Afro-Cuban music jam. Free, people milling in and out with kids and without, lots of hugs and smiley greetings, some dancing. It's like slipping into a Berkeley wormhole. Love it.

It's a small intimate setting for a show. There were no bad seats in the place! Absolutely love venues like that. The first two rows had tables and rows of chairs in the back. It's easy to drive right by and not notice the cultural center amidst the other businesses on Shattuck, so finding it can be tricky. We were there last night for the monthly "Go Ohana" show. Great show! Layla Afrika, Chin-Chin the Magician, Cynthia Lin, and Yo Yo Joe. It was a good time... The theater was attached to Cafe Valparaiso, a Chilean restaurant, where you can get drinks to bring into the show.

Saw the incomparable Georges Lammam Ensemble play here and it was an extraordinary evening to remember. The music was phenomenal and the intimate setting made it all the more enjoyable. We definitely appreciated the restaurant and bar next door as well. Wonderful staff, delicious empanandas and you can bring your wine or beer inside La Pena (in a plastic cup) while you enjoy the show. Reasonable prices, easy residential parking. We would happily go again.

I came out here back in November to support my bay area brothers Broken Halos. I really like this venue, its a good spot for local bay area artistic flavor. Im all about local talent and venues that support them The show that I came out to was called Ohana and it was filled with some great hip hop, poetry, and the awesome sushi cali band. The place is right next door to a good deli spot and an Irish bar, so there are spots next door that are cool stop by at. If you're into local talent and smaller local venues, this joint is for you. One of the great things about the SF Bay is all the local arts to take in. this is one good place to do it.

I enjoyed coming here for dinner and a Latin Jazz performance. This is a great location and excellent dance floor. The Latin inspired food was good.

La Pena is the real thing, a truly welcoming community center with a great diversity of events including talented musicians and artists. There is also a restaurant Los Cilantros with some of the best food around. If you live in the Bay Area or are traveling through don't miss stopping in and taking in a show.

Educated Cochina's! 5 stars for introducing me to Adelina Anthony. A funny as hell chicana queer. It's a small venue, but holds large talent and the tickets are affordable. A small cafe is located next door, which serves latin american cuisine. Parking is free, and pretty easy to find on the street.

I love this place. I was 16 when I first came here. My teacher had told my favorite author was going to be doing a poetry reading. and I was super excited. Luis Rodriguez the author of "Always Running" My god I loved that book since i was about 13. Well anyways The place look like a jazz club, I love how everything is set up. The Food is amazing. Everything on the menu is different. For Newbies entering UC Berkley This is a Must CHECK-OUT. If you enjoy all things Latino and you like tropical, Classical, Cuban, Merengue sounds this joint is for you

Once a month La Pena Cultural Center hosts "Go! Ohana," a concert featuring Asian/Asian American musical performers. I was lucky enough to see Keane L's band, Festizio, perform here on Friday night. All the performances were great! Chill crowd, lots of laughs, lots of great music (Keane's band rocked!), nice ambiance, a Hawaiian Spam-based dish (sorry folks, I don't DO Spam). In a word: awesome!

Very cute venue with a friendly staff but uncomfortable chairs. The sangria was good but not too fond of how the empanadas looked but I didn't eat any so until then.... Would I come back? Heck, yeah! CASH ONLY Cafe

La Pena is a cultural staple in the East bay for musicians involved with, or just interested in Afrocuban music, especially percussion. There have been many crucial shows there over the years, and the venue is small enough to feel cozy. I believe the 1st and 3rd sunday afternoons they host a free event, the 'Rumba' where people in the community come together to play and sing Afrocuban folkloric music. It can be really nice. I believe they still have some classes there too. The folks behind the counter have always been nice and I have to note their 'Death & Taxes' ale on tap! There's a lot of 'world music' shows that happen here. Most often something with a latino flavor; but also I've seen middle-eastern and hip-hop events there.

I've had great memories here. I came here to see my first spoken word show when I was 15 and a few other times for some cultural showcases. Every time I've been here it was a really great experience. Positive people, positive vibes, and great acts/performances. I haven't been here in a while, but I just saw the calendar for March and I think I just might be going to see Marina La Valle =)

Boring, cold, slow slow slooow service - stuck in the '60s mentality of "we believe in the revolution and gawd forbid we should improve our service, food, restaurant or decor. Heat the place, get rid of the sliding glass door, improve the seats and tables - ends up being a brief stop off for La Pena music venue- which could also stand to live into the 21st century instead of post revolution Fidel - sigh.

A fan since the age of 6, when I witnessed an amazing play by Chicana/os. I love bringing people here for cafesito and short educational sessions. This place is so full of cultura- I love it, very Berkeley, if you dig me. A great place for anyone and any age.

Having always driven by La Pena, I never really noticed it until I got invited to an event. Apparently La Pena hosts an Asian American music showcase every month called "Go! Ohana" put on by RAMA. One of my long-time friends was performing that night, and considering I never get to see her, I decided to come out. At first, you're greeted by an amazing mural on the outside. The inside is a very cozy setting with a fully functional stage, tables, all the works. The performances were great, with a special shout out to Lailani Africa and Branden Nguyen for doing an awesome job. If you have time, come out to "Go! Ohana" and see what they have to offer. By the way, did I mention there's amazing spam musubi too? I usually hate spam musubi, but this time it was REALLY good!

There were few things that I did not do while I lived in Berkeley during the good ol college days. However, one thing that I didn't end up doing was visiting this awesome, progressive cultural space known as La Pena. I've heard great things over the past 8 years about this place, and I finally visited and came out very satisfied and a lil bit more educated to boot. We attended an interesting spoken word event with Brown Star (South Asian progressive spoken word duo from Beantown), Johnny Hi-Fi singing, and Joe the yo-yo champion. It was really a fun evening with such diverse acts, with the space being intimate enough for one to really feel immersed in the acts, while simultaneously feeling a part of something larger than oneself -- the community. There is also a neighboring cafe/restaurant/bar from which you can grab some food to bring into La Pena. Great space for npo events, which reminds me -- I think South Asian Sisters should totally hold the next "Yoni Ki Baat" here!

Came here to watch a show and really enjoyed the venue. It is a very intimate setting; however not too small. There is a cafe next door where one can purchase beer and wine. Overall, I loved the experience and would come back here to watch another show.

Last year I found about la pena from my friend Jonathan. He is a really outgoing guy. He often drags us to random places restaurants with him. La pena was one of this random places. At first i thought I wouldn't like it because trying different stuff is not really my thing. One of the events we went to see was Veracuzan Music. It is a mexican style of music, that talk a lot about love. It was actually pretty good Also, there is a restaurant that services Chilean food next door to la pena. The food was pretty good too. I tried the lomito sandwhich. It is a sandwhich with pork meat with cheese and they serve it with a side of delicious fries. Oh, and their Sangria is like the best drink ever. Very natural and tasty. Give it a try if you love cheese and good music.

This place IS AWESOME!!!!! I love Cuban rumba, and I go here on the first and third Sunday of every month for some fantastic singing, drum playing, and dancing! This place has remarkable sangria, and they have reasonable priced beer. Not to mention you can order awesome Peruvian food, and coffee. I really recommend you come down on a Sunday afternoon from 3:30 to 6pm and enjoy the rumba. Now, aside from the rumba, this place has some of the best local bands and artists performing on a regular basis. You can check out there calendar for some AWESOME entertainment, and what may be a great date destination. check them out at http://lapena.org/calendar

I guess this gets a 5 star rating on behalf of the amount of fun I had at the Rico Pabone concert here last year http://www.myspace.com/ricopabon Check him out- he's dope as f**k. La Pena always has sweet events going on, for brown and black cultural and musical vibrations and emancipation. Yeah, east bay.

I had the great privilege of attending La Pena's monthly GO!OHANA showcase during a little vacation in the Bay back in Oct. 2010. My cousin has actually performed in one of their showcases last year and I've heard nothing but great things from her about La Pena. It's a very intimate venue where you feel like My cousin and I got there a little late and I was worried that there weren't any good seats left. We ended up sitting in the back, near center. I honestly don't think there's a bad seat in the house, whether you're sitting in the front at the tables or in the back with the rows of chairs. I left La Pena wanting to see more, to soak up more of the community's immense talent. It's a great progressive community space and its location in Berkeley could not be more perfect. There's so much amazing talent in the Bay that people don't know about and I wish more people knew about & support them. I'm now hoping I'm able to attend more shows in the future to support La Pena, the artists that perform at their showcases, and organizations like RAMA. Events like GO!OHANA make me wish I lived in the Bay or went to school there.

This is a great venue to see fantastic smaller multi-cultural acts. There's not a bad seat in the house - and the sound is usually pretty good. It's small so a cappella acts do pretty well in here. Arrive early to find parking as it can be tight in the neighborhood but it's a very nice neighborhood.

The people who work here are lovely, I have attended LP for many different classes, dances, concerts, fundraisers, events etcetera. The employees are always sweet, kind and attentive. The last time one of the staff gave me her seat b/c it was a sold-out show. LP is a true asset to our musical community and the staff deserves both applause and recognition. Thank you !!!

DJEMBE CLASSES on SUNDAYS with BOLOKADA at 11am i love this class! Bolokada is a perfect teacher for me...i have struggled with perfecting my "tone" versus my "slap" for a year and he is the one teacher who finally helped me i really resonate with his teaching style...the atmosphere is friendly and we always end up laughing and playing some wonderful rhythms together if you are looking for some djembe instruction in a friendly environment, look no further

good food, great shows that support community, not just supporting the community. Always fun and good people. Check out a show from the list on the calendar, plan to go and enjoy. I love the fact people organize here, it is so not corporate yet the events are always top rate, whether it is educational and/or a performance. try the empenadas and sangria

I've been coming here since I was a boy & have always felt connected to the space. I have even hosted a few music events at La Pena. But now that I'm grown they treat me like a thug when I walk through the door. They front like La Pena is this liberal safe haven, but when you become choosy over who gets to experience love & warmth and ostracize anyone else that doesn't fit in their cookie cutter definition of a welcome guest then you show that the positive vibes everyone else is talking about is only for certain people. That's not progressive. I would give this space 5 stars if they were who they claimed to be, but I know weak sauce when I smell it and these precious folks reek of it. Things done changed in my neighborhood.

5 stars for . . . great children's programs poetry readings music classes; latin percussions, drummming, guitar dance classes offering women empowerment workshops for being a hub for all cultures and all ages just being who you are . . . muah!

La Pena has been a progressive icon in Berkeley for 36 years. There focus is on the intersection of the arts and social justice. We were there with severeal hundred people celebrating the night Obama was elected. In the intimate theater, more recently we have seen a dramatic theater piece about the Chilean folk-singer Victor Jara, a rockin' Brazilian Samba band, and we dropped in on a late night hip-hop show that was jammed, but lots of fun. In December we intend to go to the annual show by the Venezuelan music project. An changing ensemble of a dozen Venezuelan performers and dancers that always please with high-energy music and dance. The social message at La Pena is a welcome change from the usual highly commercial fare in our consumption culture.

Check out some cultural and/or political events. Hear nationally and internationally acclaimed artists perform, learn about the local gems, and support your youth initiatives! This venue brings in a wide range of performers and introduces current issues relevant to our community. Make sure to book tickets early; they get sold out quick! Give yourself enough time before performances to grab some sangria at the bar; buy yourself (ok, ok, you can share with friends) a pitcher of the delish bebida and bring it into the auditorium space while watching the show. Be prepared to get uplifted, inspired, moved and motivated by the great voices, performers, speakers, dancers! Also, be prepared to dance and sing yourself!

I've lived in the neighborhood near La Pena for several years. Recently, La Pena management has been renting event space to concert and show promoters that charge covers and host parties. On several recent occasions, Berkeley PD has responded to serious incidents at such events at La Pena. On October 10th, GUNSHOTS were fired by event revelers and Berkeley PD arrived!! La Pena needs to stick to the community-based classes, workshops and events for adults and children that has earned La Pena respect in the community, and not sell out event space to outside concert promoters that bring this type of trouble. I will not be donating to La Pena at Whole Foods any longer.

As a venue for readings, etc., I have to say I've enjoyed every event I've attended. Look forward to more.

attended a teen dating violence awareness event here... watched some talented young performers... musicians, spoken word etc... was nice to come out and support a good cause more places like these have to be created in every local neighborhood and community

been there a few times now, most recently for the mangoes with chili performance. part of a great evening--kirala for dinner, then a good show (heard this one had more energy than the sf show the next night), and dancing at velvet for dj olga's birthday bash... la pena is a great venue--the space itself is great, not a bad seat in the house, eclectic offerings (so far all have been above par), and they offer food and drink! i haven't eaten there yet, but the beer selection is good enough that we never seem to make it to the starry plough for our pre-show drinks. (and i can get over the fact that they use plastic cups, as it gets my beer into the auditorium...thanks!)

This is a nice little place. We attended a woman's drum concert called "Born to Drum" a few days ago and it was an excellent performance. We were running a little late, but we were able to get in right away and the person behind the counter was nice and efficient. Unfortunately, we didn't get the best seats, but we still had a good view of the stage and good sound. The only problem was that they had rows and rows of folding chairs placed, so it got a little crowded and it was a bit of a hassle trying to get in and out, especially since it was pitch dark. Another issue is the parking. The place is on Shattuck, not too far from the Ashby BART. There is very little parking on Shattuck Ave. itself, and there aren't too many in the residential areas, either. The area is also not the best after dark, and there was a sign at the theater saying that there had been a series of auto break-ins. I would definitely recommend taking public transportation if you can, but like I said, the area isn't the safest after dark, so keep that in mind. But overall, it is a great place and they have interesting and affordable performances!

Food is good. Service is order at the counter and it's brought to you. Many cultural events are held here.

I have been here time after time and the experience has always been great. Love when the focus on Cuban and Puerto Rican music but in general, they always seem to have great acts. I also love the little restaurant that is attached. Show up early and some authentic South American food then go next door and dance. Makes for a great evening!

Friendly people, colorful atmosphere, good and cheap selection of drinks. The cover charge is only five bucks and there always a nice diverse group of people here on the weekend. It doesn't get too crowded and it's a great place to hang out and meet fellow music lovers

This place has such an amazing spirit and energy. The staff are all so kind making this place a true gift to the community! I can't wait to perform there on October 6th!!!!

I love this place! The sangria in the restaurant inside is just awesome and there is always a variety of events. This year I have gone to see a flamenco show, Chilean hiphop, Woobly World, and also even Mexican-American flute music. If you have nothing to do during the weekend, check thsi place out!

I went to hear a friend on Father's Day. It was not very well attended. I was sad about it. But I don't think I will go back. It was just too loud! It hurt my ears! Why do people think that music has to hurt? I had to go out to the lobby to listen. That is just craziness! I don't want to pay people to destroy my hearing. Please!!! Turn the volume down!!!! It will be ever so much more enjoyable.

This is for the cafe/restaurant. Do not eat here, maybe it's because they're new but it was the worst food. Ordered nachos and it was made up of stale chips and shredded cheese...that's it. Never was a fan before but the sangria used to be good at least. I think the employees were embarrassed to serve the food, felt bad for them but whoever owns this place needs to get their stuff together.