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

Join us for Music & Tacos at Los Cenzontles Cultural Arts Academy!

Come spend a summer evening with us on Friday, July 24 at 7pm for a fun community gathering filled with music, food, drinks, and good company. Bring friends, bring family, and enjoy the energy of Los Cenzontles in the heart of San Pablo.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Tickets: $15
Ages 17 and under: Free

We hope to see you here on the 24th!

Click here to purchase tickets!

New in our Tienda

Available Now: Adios Ke Aloha Double-LP Vinyl and Merch!

Adios Ke Aloha double-LP vinyl, featuring Taj Mahal, David Hidalgo, Gary Haleamau, Sonny Lim, and Los Cenzontles, is now available for purchase in our Tienda!

We also have some GREAT Adios Ke Aloha merch: t-shirts, tote bags, stickers, and more, all featuring designs from the LP package.

Check it out!

American Horizon Double-LP Reissue

In the News: KTVU's Estefany Mendez Covers Los Cenzontles

Published immediately after our appearance on KTVU’s Mornings on 2, this beautiful new article by KTVU Producer and Writer Estefany Méndez captures Los Cenzontles with real care, depth, and respect. In “Los Cenzontles: raised in rhythm, rooted in resistance,” Méndez highlights our original song Somos Semillas, the voices of our young artists, and the decades of cultural work. We’re grateful for this thoughtful feature and for the attention it brings to our students, our history, and our mission. Please click the link and take a moment to read it.

Check it out!

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.