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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Award winning Singer Songwriter Keith Greeninger and legendary guitarist Nina Gerber join forces for a powerful night of music, song and community celebration. Both artists share deep roots in the rich California music scene and are well know for their dynamic and improvisational performances.

The City of Seaside will be hosting its 3rd Annual “Oaxaca by the Sea”, a traditional Oaxacan celebration at Laguna Grande Park. This free community event will feature live entertainment, food for sale, craft vendors. Festivities will begin at 12 pm, and go until 5pm.

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.

In collaboration with The Epicenter of Monterey, Palenke Arts is hosting an Open Mic Night, centering youth, people of the global majority and LGBTQ+ community! Featuring Performances by Yosimar Reyes & Bianca Zamora, DJ Luna will be spinning into the evening. Hosted by River Navaille

The 7th Palenke Arts Festival is coming back in person to Laguna Grande Park in Seaside! We are again planning a wonderful FREE event full of student and professional performances, children's art activities, live art demos by Paul Richmond, food vendors and community booths.

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.

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.

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.

Palenke Arts proudly presents Al Firdaus Ensemble in concert a Sufi-inspired musical journey directly from Granada, Spain in the heart of Al Andalus.

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.

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

Dayan Kai and Joe Craven in concert

Dazzling multi-instrumentalists Dayan Kai (Maui,Hawaii) and Joe Craven (Dillon, CA) join for an evening of musical fireworks!

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.

Join us for a very special concert featuring master Son Jarocho artist and teacher Patricio Hidalgo, directly from Minatitlán,Veracruz, México. Don Patricio is a singer, poet, jaranero (jarana player) and founder of Afrojarocho, who has been reviving the “conga” genre, a part of the musical heritage of southern Veracruz, for over 20 years. He is part of the new generation of Veracruz musicians who have multiplied their collaborative efforts to recover an authentic version of Son Jarocho, deeply rooted in African rhythms. Mr. Hidalgo, who has performed at major international Jarocho gatherings in México and abroad, will perform with María de la Rosa (vocals, dancer), Dominic García (percussion) and Claudio Vega (requinto jarana).

Open Mic Night is back at Palenke Arts! in partnership with The Epicenter of Monterey, we will be centering Open Mic Night around youth, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ voices.

The event is open to all ages and will take place outdoors. Dress warmly and please wear a mask!

Bring a friend and watch people from our talented community perform!

Presented by Daniel Summerhill, Palenke Arts board member and Monterey County Poet Laureate, this open mic will have 2 very special featured performers: Bianca Tonantzin Zamora and Porsche Veu aka The Poetic Activist.

The 6th Palenke Arts Festival is coming back in person to Laguna Grande Park in Seaside! We are planning again a wonderful FREE event full of student and professional performances, children's art activities, live art demos by Paul Richmond, the Wheelie Mobile, food vendors and community booths. Our featured performers are Orquesta Rumba Café, a wonderful band directed by Hugo Barragán that will get us all dancing cumbia, salsa and merengue, Calpulli Tonalehqueh (Aztec dancers), and Congolese singer songwriter Elie Mabanza.

Asian Reflection on Art and Nature with Chopsticks Alley Art. Join Palenke Arts and Chopsticks Alley for a very special FREE art talk, guided meditation, and a fun art making activity for the whole family.

Palenke Arts is proud to welcome back master percussionist and singer Jesús Díaz y su QBA in Noche Cubana, an evening of infectious Cuban music featuring the sounds of the Cuban danzón, cha cha chá, son montuno, timba y mucho más! This concert is presented in partnership with California State University, Monterey Bay’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and the World Theater.

Let’s go to the movies!!!! You're invited to a FREE family outdoor screening of the wonderful family film “Tesoros/Treasures” by famed Mexican filmmaker María Novaro. Please come this Sunday, March 13 at 6 pm to listen to the Chirrines Trio and to enjoy the delightful food from @jugoslas2fridas and Antojitos Mexicanos. The movie will start at 7pm. Please bring your own comfy chairs and blankets.

A 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

Palenke Arts is proud to present our first indoor event in over 18 months: WORD UP: an evening of inspiring spoken-word poetry and song. It will feature electrifying spoken-word poet Jamey Williams from Oakland, and soulful gospel singer/pianist Carlos Tottressx hosted by award-winning poet and CSUMB professor Daniel Summerhill.