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

Special Event: Friday, February 27th!

Music & Tacos Featuring Los Cenzontles Juvenil!

Join us Friday, February 27th at 7pm for a special concert at Los Cenzontles Cultural Arts Academy. The evening will feature Los Cenzontles Juvenil, perhaps our most advanced group of teen musicians to date. These young artists have worked hard to master a wide range of traditional and contemporary styles, and on this night, the stage is theirs entirely. Add in great food and great energy from our community, and you’ve got a night you won’t want to miss! Buy tIckets here!

Northern California Short Film Festival

"Taj Mahal and David Hidalgo: An Afternoon at Los Cenzontles" selected for Film Festival

Dedicated to showcasing the best in short fiction films, the Northern California Short Film Festival celebrates creative storytelling from around the world, highlighting emerging and established filmmakers in the short narrative form. They have selected our film, "Taj Mahal and David Hidalgo: An Afternoon at Los Cenzontles" for this year's festival. For more information visit norcalshortfilmfest.org More Information

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!

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