2nd Annual Moonflower Festival
Apr
12
11:00 AM11:00

2nd Annual Moonflower Festival

The 2nd annual Moonflower Festival is coming to Palenke Arts on Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 11am-2 pm. This FREE event is a celebration of AAPI culture, music and dance and will feature wonderful Asian American and Pacific Islander ensembles and over 100 performers: Shinsho Mugen Daiko (Japanese Taiko Drums), Na Haumana (Polynesian Drum and Dance), VietSteps (Vietnamese Dance), , and the Seaside Tongan Youth Dancers. There will also be artisans and community booths, art activities and food vendors.

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Un poema de amor para la comunidad - Los Cenzontles in concert
Apr
26
4:00 PM16:00

Un poema de amor para la comunidad - Los Cenzontles in concert

Palenke Arts and CSUMB proudly present a celebration of the immigrant spirit through music, dance and film featuring Grammy-nominated Los CenzontlesGhostly Labor, a dance film by La Mezcla and ballet folklórico students from Palenke Arts. The event will present the opportunity to obtain a signed copy of Eugene Rodriguez's brand-new book "Bird of Four Hundred Voices: A Mexican American Memoir of Music and Belonging". 

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Paradise Blue - a play by  Dominique Morriseau
Mar
15
7:00 PM19:00

Paradise Blue - a play by Dominique Morriseau

Paradise Blue is a captivating play by Dominique Morriseau directed by Don Williams that you won't want to miss! Join us at the Oldemeyer Center for an unforgettable in-person event. Get ready to immerse yourself in a story filled with drama, music, and powerful performances. Don't wait, secure your tickets now and experience the magic of Paradise Blue live on stage!

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Paul Richmond Book Release Party
Oct
19
7:00 PM19:00

Paul Richmond Book Release Party

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Celebrated Artist Paul Richmond to Host Book Release Party for “Star Gazing: My First 40 Years As An Artist”

Internationally recognized visual artist and activist Paul Richmond is set to unveil his latest work, “Star Gazing: My First 40 Years As An Artist,” at a special book release party on Saturday, October 19, from 7-9 PM at the Palenke Arts Teen Center in Seaside, California.

“Star Gazing” is a comprehensive 300-page chronicle of Richmond’s artistic journey from childhood to the present day, featuring a rich collection of his artwork, personal commentary, and reflections from family and friends. This beautifully crafted book offers an intimate look into the life and work of an artist who has made significant contributions to the art world and beyond.

The book release party promises to be an engaging and interactive event, with a display of Richmond’s artwork, live performances, and interactive art projects. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet the artist, get their copies of “Star Gazing” signed, and participate in a vibrant celebration of creativity and community.

Paul Richmond’s career has been marked by numerous exhibitions in galleries and museums across the United States, and his work has been featured in various art journals and anthologies. As an illustrator, he has created over four hundred novel cover illustrations. Richmond is also the co-founder of the You Will Rise Project, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals who have experienced bullying to express themselves creatively through art. Additionally, he serves as the Executive Director of Art Makes Us, a virtual creative space that nurtures the artist within everyone.

Richmond resides in Monterey, California, with his husband Dennis. He is deeply involved in the local art community, teaching art to youth and teens at Palenke Arts. The Palenke Arts Teen Center, where the event will be held, features a mural painted by Richmond in collaboration with fellow artist Brenda Scettrini-Saglio and local teenagers.

Join us for an evening of art, inspiration, and celebration as we honor Paul Richmond’s remarkable journey and the release of “Star Gazing: My First 40 Years As An Artist.”

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Flaco El Jandro y los Perros Callejeros
Sep
28
7:30 PM19:30

Flaco El Jandro y los Perros Callejeros

We are proud to present for the first time Flaco El Jandro y los Perros Callejeros, an evening of Rockmánticas y Cumbiapunk. Flaco El Jandro is a songwriter/musician from Salinas, CA. The concept behind the project has always been to continue the evolution and trajectory of Chicano music, blending traditional songwriting with modern instrumentation and energy, through the medium of a variety of different genres and rhythms. In 2020 he released his self-produced debut EP Canciones Para Curar la Depresión.

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Delbert Anderson Jazz Quartet in Concert
Aug
18
7:00 PM19:00

Delbert Anderson Jazz Quartet in Concert

Come join us at Palenke Arts for a night of smooth jazz vibes with the Delbert Anderson Jazz Quartet! Get ready to groove to some soulful tunes and experience the incredible talent of these musicians live. This in-person event promises to be a night to remember, so grab your friends and make sure to secure your spot early. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to enjoy live music in a cozy and intimate setting. See you there!

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Here, Queer and Thriving feat. Yosimar Reyes
Jun
22
6:00 PM18:00

Here, Queer and Thriving feat. Yosimar Reyes

We are excited to bring back to Seaside one of our favorite poets and humans Yosimar Reyes for another edition of Here, Queer and Thriving in partnership with the Epicenter.

Yosimar Reyes is a nationally-acclaimed Poet and Public Speaker. Born in Guerrero, Mexico, and raised in Eastside San Jose, Reyes explores the themes of migration and sexuality in his work. The Advocate named Reyes one of "13 LGBT Latinos Changing the World" and Remezcla included Reyes on their list of "10 Up And Coming Latinx Poets You Need To Know."

His first collection of poetry, For Colored Boys Who Speak Softly… was self-published after a collaboration with the legendary Carlos Santana. His work has also been published in various online journals and books including Mariposas: An Anthology of Queer Modern Latino Poetry (Floricanto Press), Queer in Aztlán: Chicano Male Recollections of Consciousness and Coming Out (Cognella Press), and the forthcoming Joto: An Anthology of Queer Xicano & Chicano Poetry (Kórima Press). Reyes was featured in the Documentary, "2nd Verse: The Rebirth of Poetry."

He is a LAMBDA Literary Fellow as well as the recipient of the Undocupoets Fellowship. Reyes previously served as Artist-in-Residence at the media and culture organization, Define American.

Reyes has toured and presented at university campuses across the United States. He is currently working on his one-man show, "Prieto," to premiere in the near future. Reyes holds a B.A in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University.

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8th Palenke Arts Festival
Jun
2
11:00 AM11:00

8th Palenke Arts Festival

Palenke Arts is thrilled to present our 8th Annual Palenke Arts Festival at Laguna Grande Park (lakeside) on Sunday, June 2nd from 11AM to 5PM. Our featured performers include America’s Got Talent and TikTok icons The Curtis Family C-Notes (60s-70s inspired Bay Area funk), Jesús Díaz y Su QBA (Cuban Timba music), Nā Haumāna (Polynesian dance ensembles), and Calpulli Ocelocihuatl (Mexika Dancers)! This FREE family-friendly event will feature our multi-talented student and professional performances, interactive art activities, artisan booths, delicious food vendors, and community booths. Bring your family, friends, and portable chairs and join us for a day filled with great food, live art demonstration, and amazing student and professional performances!

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Moonflower Festival
Apr
13
11:00 AM11:00

Moonflower Festival

The first annual Moonflower Festival is coming to Palenke Arts on Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 11am-2 pm. This This FREE event is a celebration of AAPI culture, music and dance and will feature six wonderful Asian American and Pacific Islander ensembles and over 100 performers: Shinsho Mugen Daiko (Japanese Taiko Drums), Na Haumana (Polynesian Drum and Dance), VietSteps (Vietnamese Dance), Kulintang Dialect (Southern Filipino Gong Ensemble), Monterey Bay Chinese Lion Dancers and the Seaside Tongan Youth Dancers. There will also be artisans and community booths, art activities and food vendors.

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Watsonville Film Festival presents "Cantos de Latinoamérica
Mar
15
7:00 PM19:00

Watsonville Film Festival presents "Cantos de Latinoamérica

Palenke Arts is excited to present, in partnership with the Watsonville Film Festival, Cantos de Latinoamérica, an evening of film and music centered around the Latine experience. 

The event will begin with the ceremonial red carpet reception, followed by the screening of three documentary shorts about artists and storytellers from México, Ecuador, and Nicaragua, an audience Q&A with director Jon Silver and a short concert by Nicaraguan legendary singer songwriter Carlos Mejía Godoy accompanied by musicians  Jorge Nicoya Rivera and Daniel Franco.

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Feb
24
11:00 AM11:00

Cheza Nami Presents Moving Together

Join us for a fun and free outdoor family concert celebrating African Culture and the Diaspora followed by a Drum and Dance Interactive Workshop
We are excited to present in partnership with Martin Luther King School of the Arts, A Taste of Africa, a celebration of traditional cultures from Africa and the Diaspora, presented by Cheza Nami Foundation, followed by "Moving Together" a community engagement dance and drumming workshop. The goal of this program is to bring awareness of the richness of the many cultures in Africa, and enable cross-cultural engagement between our community of Seaside and local African and diaspora cultural artists.

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Diana Gameros in concert
Jan
20
7:30 PM19:30

Diana Gameros in concert

Diana Gameros is a Latin singer/songwriter who performs songs of love, longing, and hope. Originally from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and now living in San Francisco, Gameros creates inspiring music that reflects the 21st century experiences of a young indie artist at the borderlands between cultures, languages, and genres. Whether teasing every ounce of expression from her acoustic guitar or bringing people to their feet with her dynamic full band, Gameros transfixes listeners with her soaring vocals, impressive musicianship and captivating stage presence.

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AZA, Tamazight music from Morocco
Dec
2
7:30 PM19:30

AZA, Tamazight music from Morocco

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Palenke Arts is proud to present the band AZA in concert. AZA unites traditional Tamazight, indigenous to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, with the global influences of its diverse members. Evocative of Saharan-African blues, yet with an original style that truly defies categorization, AZA’s stirring performances feature deep, danceable rhythms, intricate string melodies, and soaring, soulful vocals. Visually dynamic and engaging performers, AZA has been inspiring international audiences for more than 15 years.

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Día de los Muertos Celebration
Nov
2
6:00 PM18:00

Día de los Muertos Celebration

On Tuesday, November 2 at 6 pm we will be celebrating a free Día de los Muertos event at the Oldemeyer center in Seaside. We will have an ofrenda/altar comunitaria, performances by our Palenke Arts youth chorus and folklorico dancers, ofrenda de cempasúchil (marigold), calaveras literarias, pan de muerto, chocolate caliente (outdoors) , facepainting and live music by a Oaxacan traditional banda.

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Malama Maui Benefit
Aug
27
12:00 PM12:00

Malama Maui Benefit

Upon hearing from local families on the ground how difficult it has been to receive aid, Director Louella Sumler, of Nā Haumāna Hula Hālau, and Juan Sanchez, of Palenke Arts, followed the call and are collaborating to host Mālama Maui, a benefit event to bring much needed aid directly to the people of Hawai’i. The event, set for August 27, 2023 from Noon - 5:00pm in Seaside, will host over 25 vendors and features performances by the distinguished Ho’omana Hawaiian Band, local hula hālaus, Hi’ilani ‘O Ke Kai , Ha’a Hula/Te Reva O Te Manu, and Marina’s own Nā Haumāna, in addition to other local artists.

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Vino, Tapas and Manouche Jazz, a benefit for Palenke Arts
May
21
3:00 PM15:00

Vino, Tapas and Manouche Jazz, a benefit for Palenke Arts

You are cordially invited to: Vino, Tapas and Manouche Jazz, a benefit for Palenke Arts

Join us on May 21, 2023 as we gather at the legendary Hidden Valley Music Seminars grounds in Carmel Valley for a wine, tapas and Manouche Jazz concert to benefit Palenke Arts, an exciting multicultural arts center in Seaside.

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Chloe Canton Rice - PIANO SOUNDSCAPES FROM THE PHILIPPINES
Apr
30
4:00 PM16:00

Chloe Canton Rice - PIANO SOUNDSCAPES FROM THE PHILIPPINES

Palenke Arts proudly presents virtuosa pianist Dr. Chloe Canton Rice in a program called Piano Soundscapes from the Philippines.

This recital will feature a lush collection of piano works written by Filipino composers such as Abelardo, Molina, Tapales, Buencamino, and Kasilag.  These works showcase the richness and depth of the history, culture, and traditions of the Philippines.

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Watsonville Film Festival presents El Poder del Arte
Mar
12
4:00 PM16:00

Watsonville Film Festival presents El Poder del Arte

Tired of #OscarsSoWhite? Then join us for #CineLatino! Tonight we join forces with Palenke Arts in Seaside to present Strawberry Picker and Remover el corazón (Mending the Heart). Eugenia Rentería, Director of Strawberry Picker, will be in attendance. Don't miss this special evening of film, art and community. Free, limited capacity.

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Cheza Nami presents Moving Together
Feb
11
11:00 AM11:00

Cheza Nami presents Moving Together

Join us for a fun and free outdoor family concert celebrating African Culture and the Diaspora followed by a Drum and Dance Interactive Workshop
We are excited to present in partnership with Martin Luther King School of the Arts, A Taste of Africa, a celebration of traditional cultures from Africa and the Diaspora, presented by Cheza Nami Foundation, followed by "Moving Together" a community engagement dance and drumming workshop.

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Tammy Hall Trio in concert
Jan
14
7:30 PM19:30

Tammy Hall Trio in concert

Tammy Lynne Hall is among the premier pianists in the Bay Area, with a richly deserved international reputation and audience. Her playing is steeped in jazz, gospel and classical influences.

“A musician who has much to offer in the way of originality, fine technique and a rich, emotional quality that is evident on everything she does. Her playing is warm and persuasive and a listener’s delight.”
– Marian McPartland, Piano Jazz

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Día de los Muertos Celebration
Nov
1
6:00 PM18:00

Día de los Muertos Celebration

On Tuesday, November 1 at 6 pm we will be celebrating a free Día de los Muertos event at the Oldemeyer center in Seaside. We will have an ofrenda/altar comunitaria, performances by our Palenke Arts youth chorus and folklorico dancers, ofrenda de cempasúchil (marigold), calaveras literarias, pan de muerto, chocolate caliente (outdoors) , facepainting and live music by a Oaxacan traditional banda.

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