International Women's Day Salsa Celebration ft. Salsa y Sol and Agua Pura

Join us for a special night of Salsa and Latin Jazz, featuring two incredible all-womyn and femme-led salsa bands: and . This double-header concert is a powerful celebration of womyn and femme artists, showcasing the best of the Bay Area music scene on La Peña’s historic stage.

Expect a night of uplifting, high-energy music with an open dance floor for all to enjoy the beats of Salsa and Latin Jazz. If you prefer to relax and enjoy the show, limited seating will be available—so be sure to arrive early. This is a space for everyone to celebrate the creativity and talent of womyn and femme musicians, and to dance, uplift, and celebrate one another in community.

• $25 Pre-sale General Admission
• $35 at the Door

La Peña members get a 25% discount! Use your promo code at checkout.

In a musical genre often dominated by men, is a welcome, all-womyn band to the Bay Area’s salsa scene. The Salsa y Sol repertoire embraces salsa, mambo, rhumba, cumbia and Latin jazz influences. The band’s membership is an ethnically diverse group, including representation from the Caribbean, Latin America, the Philippines and the African-American communities. These are experienced musicians and vocalists, with a level of improvisational acumen that is exhilarating. A wide emotional range of songs are offered, from eminently danceable tunes to the slow burn of romantic ballads. Clap your hands, tap your feet, snap your fingers and make your moves on the dance floor to the vibrant sound of Salsa y Sol.

Featured Artists of Salsa y Sol:

• Akilah ‘Mwamba’ Blakwomyn – Bass, Bandleader
• Patricia Thumas – Keyboard (Special Guest)
• Susan ‘Suki’ Kaye – Congas
• Rita Hargrave – Timbales (Special Guest)
• Sara Julian – Trombone
• Robin ‘Nzingah’ Smith – Tenor Sax & Flute
• Maria Cora – Vocals

Agua Pura is a Bay Area based Salsa band comprised of all femme/queer musicians. Agua Pura plays a mix of traditional Cuban music, Cumbia, Salsa, Timba, and R&B fusion. This local Salsa band’s mission is to create a safe space for femme/queer musicians to express themselves and connect to their ancestry. ¡Ay que sigue la salsa Mamá!

Featured Artists of Agua Pura:

• Rebecca Rodríguez - Bandleader, conga, and vocals
• Katharine Headlund - Piano
• Mireya Leon - Bass
• Mena Ramos - Timbales
• Belén Cortes - Percussion and vocals
• Zahra Rothschild - Vocals and hand percussion
• Alexis Harnage - Trumpet
• Mara Fox - Trombone
• Nzingah Smith - Tenor saxophone and flute

Volunteer at La Peña to help create a safer, inclusive space for all! Enjoy free entry, complimentary food and refreshments, and connect with our community. Sign up to volunteer here!

At La Peña, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive dance environment that supports gender diversity, is LGBTQIA+ affirming, and welcomes all ages (with adult supervision for minors).

Help shape this space by modeling behaviors that promote safety, joy, and mutual respect. Be mindful of others' needs and preferences, and share your own. Together, we can create a space where everyone feels valued, heard, and free to express themselves.

Building an inclusive community is an ongoing effort. We celebrate authentic self-expression and prioritize consent, respect, and inclusivity for dancers of all skill levels.

To ensure a positive experience for everyone, we ask that all attendees adhere to our community agreements. These include, but are not limited to:

• Respect Personal Boundaries: Always ask for and respect both verbal and non-verbal consent before initiating physical contact or dancing.
• Zero Tolerance for Harassment or Abuse: No harassment, verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. We expect kindness and respect for all.
• Inclusive Participation: Celebrate diversity and engage with others in a way that makes everyone feel welcomed, valued, and respected.
• Responsible Alcohol Consumption: Be mindful and legal with your consumption of alcohol. Moderation ensures the well-being and safety of all.
• Good Dance Floor Etiquette: Dance safely by avoiding reckless movements that may cause harm to yourself or others. Respect your partner’s space.
• Support and Empower Others: If you witness behavior that compromises others' safety or comfort, speak up, or notify a staff member or volunteer for support.
• No Discrimination: No discrimination based on gender, sexuality, race, ability, or any other identity. We are an inclusive space for all.
• Active Participation in Creating a Safe Space: We all share responsibility in creating a welcoming environment. Be proactive in modeling behavior that promotes safety, mutual respect, and joy.
• Immediate Compliance: If asked to stop a behavior, comply immediately. We all play a part in maintaining a respectful and enjoyable space.

We value your safety and the safety of our community. Those who violate these agreements may be asked to leave without refund.

If you wish to make a report after an event, please contact us at Lapena.org. Together, we build this space.

• La Peña is a wheelchair-accessible venue with step-less entry, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms.
• Masks are strongly encouraged. If you’re experiencing COVID-19, cold, or flu-like symptoms, please consider staying home to protect our community. HEPA air purifiers operate throughout our space.
• Restrooms are all-gender

We strive to make La Peña a welcoming, accessible space for everyone. If you have any specific needs or questions about accessibility, contact us in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate. Email us at [email protected]

• Public Transit: The 18 bus line stops directly across the street (Shattuck & Woolsey), and Ashby BART is just two blocks away.
• Parking: Free street parking is available, or park at the Ashby BART station for a fee.
• Bike-Friendly: Bike racks are available outside the venue.

Become a La Peña member today! Enjoy a 25% discount on tickets to this event, plus access to other exclusive perks. Learn more at: Lapena.org/members

Contact us at [email protected].

Host or Publisher La Peña Cultural Center