Founded in 1989

Los Cenzontles

A nonprofit cultural arts academy, a band, a production studio, and a community space for youth and families, working together to amplify our Mexican roots here in the Bay Area and beyond.

Education

Considered a second home for generations of local families, Los Cenzontles Academy invites children to learn music, dance, folk arts and crafts and to play an essential role in maintaining living traditions.

The Band

Composed of Academy alumni, Los Cenzontles digs deep into our rich Mexican American roots and our many cultural connections to the world, promoting dignity, pride, and understanding.

Production

As first, second, and third generation immigrants and working-class people, with multi-racial and multi-ethnic backgrounds, we share our stories through film and video productions.

Testimonials

Words from our community

"Our friends at Los Cenzontles have not only helped our daughter Sophia develop her talent as a dancer. They’ve also nurtured in her such a beautiful connection to her Mexican roots. Los Cenzontles is a priceless resource for our youth and the community as a whole."

Heidi Lopez

Mother of Sophia, age 9

"Los Cenzontles 'both honors and upends traditional Mexican music, tapping deep roots as it flowers into something completely new, and distinctly American.'"

The New York Times

"Los Cenzontles is a sanctuary for people of all ages and nationalities, and encompasses the rich Mexican culture through music and dance, which in essence, feeds the soul."

Lola

Los Cenzontles Alumni

Los Cenzontles has changed my life because in Los Cenzontles I do something that I love. I think of Los Cenzontles as a second home for me because I feel like they are part of my family.

Jorge Raya

Student, age 15

"Los Cenzontles is the best community-based arts program I have ever seen."

Linda Ronstadt

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer

American Horizon Double-LP Reissue

American Horizon with Taj Mahal and David Hidalgo now available on LP!

Originally released in 2009 on CD, American Horizon brings together 15 inspired tracks rooted in Mexican and African American traditions, co‑created with David Hidalgo and blues legend Taj Mahal. Reissued as a deluxe double-LP for the first time, this landmark collaboration brings its powerful mix of tradition and innovation to vinyl listeners. Get it today by clicking below! Click here to purchase!
Special Presentation

Every Wednesday in October!

We are pleased to present five brand new singles by Los Cenzontles, premiering right here on Wednesday, October 1st, and every following Wednesday in the month of October (the 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th). See below for details!

Five New Singles

On Wednesday, October 1st, click the image to the left to listen to our new single Somos Semillas.

Written by longtime Los Cenzontles member Verenice Velázquez and performed by our cross-generational family, including a moving recitation by Raúl (15), Somos Semillas pulses with the energy of son jarocho and corrido tumbado, giving voice to a new generation rooted in ancestral wisdom.

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On Wednesday, October 8th, the image to the left and enjoy Soy Libre. Gentle and heartfelt, “Soy Libre” is Los Cenzontles’ Spanish interpretation of Keith Carradine’s beloved “I’m Easy,” 1975’s Academy Award winning song from Robert Altman’s film Nashville. With Eugene Rodríguez on vocals and a laid-back Latin groove, the song celebrates freedom with tenderness and serenity.

Check back October 15th!

Check back October 22nd!

Check back soon!

Saturday, November 1st at 7pm

Join us for Dia De Los Muertos!

We'll have a beautiful altar created by Astrid Do Rodriguez, food & drinks for purchase, and Music by Los Cenzontles with Special Guest Maestro Atilano López Patricio direct from Michoacán! Click here for tickets
Amplifying Our Voice

Check out our Films page!

Watch our full length documentaries at no cost as well as ad and commercial free. Click here!
Become a Member

Join our familia!

In supporting Los Cenzontles, you help to sustain the cultural arts, foster community building, and brighten youth development. Add your support by clicking the button below! Become a Member
Learn About Us

Timeline

Browse through Los Cenzontles’ interactive timeline, representing a history of over 30 years. Read More

Los Cenzontles is recognized around the world for its tremendous positive impact.

Awards

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