Business Details
37 Years
experience
Los Cenzontles Cultural Arts Academy
Founded in 1989, Los Cenzontles is a nonprofit cultural arts academy, band, and production studio dedicated to preserving and innovating Mexican American traditions. Our mission centers on education, performance, and production, offering youth and families immersive programs in music, dance, folk arts, and crafts. With over three decades of experience, we bridge cultural divides through cross-generational collaboration, fostering pride in Mexican heritage while creating contemporary expressions rooted in tradition.Our team of master artists, many of whom are first- or second-generation immigrants, combines pedagogical expertise with community engagement to address social challenges through the arts. Recognized by institutions like the California Arts Council and the Grammy Awards, we maintain a global reputation for excellence in cultural preservation and innovation.
Services
Music Education
Dance Instruction
Cultural Productions
Folk Arts Workshops
Community Events
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience preserving Mexican cultural traditions through the arts.
- Our Grammy Award-winning productions combine tradition with contemporary innovation.
- We employ master artists and educators from diverse Mexican American backgrounds.
- Our cross-generational programs connect youth with cultural heritage through hands-on learning.
- We've been featured in The New York Times and recognized by national arts institutions.
Associations and certifications
- Grammy Award
- California Arts Council Legacy Fellowship
- United States Artists Award
What people say
Priceless resource for youth
Changed my life
Second home for families
Best community-based arts program
Nurtures Mexican roots
Services
Music Education
We offer comprehensive instruction in traditional Mexican music, including guitar, accordion, and vocal training. Our curriculum blends son jarocho, rancheras, and indigenous styles with contemporary pedagogy. Students perform in ensembles and collaborate with professional musicians, gaining technical skills while connecting with cultural heritage through hands-on learning.
Dance Instruction
Our dance program teaches regional Mexican styles like zapateado, son jarocho, and Purepecha traditions. Students learn rhythmic patterns, cultural context, and performance techniques from master instructors. Classes emphasize community participation and intergenerational knowledge transfer, culminating in public performances that celebrate Mexican heritage.
Cultural Productions
We produce award-winning music videos and documentaries that document traditional practices while creating innovative artistic expressions. Our productions feature collaborations with renowned artists like Taj Mahal and Linda Ronstadt. These works preserve cultural narratives while reaching global audiences through film festivals and digital platforms.
Folk Arts Workshops
Our workshops teach traditional Mexican folk arts including papel picado, jewelry making, and costume design. Led by master artisans, these classes explore cultural symbolism and techniques passed through generations. Participants create functional art pieces while learning about the historical context and contemporary relevance of these practices.
Community Events
We organize public celebrations like our annual Da de los Muertos event, featuring altars, traditional food, and live performances. These gatherings create inclusive spaces for cultural exchange, bringing together diverse communities through music, dance, and shared traditions that honor Mexican heritage.
People
Eugene Rodriguez
Executive Director
Third-generation Mexican-American founder of Los Cenzontles, Eugene pioneered urban folk music education. He received a Grammy Award for children's music and the California Arts Council Legacy Fellowship for his cultural preservation work.
Fabiola Trujillo
Academy Program Manager
Immigrant from Mexico since age seven, Fabiola leads teen mentorship programs and teaches traditional singing styles. She blends Mexican ranch music with American genres as the band's lead vocalist.
Marie Astrid Do-Rodriguez
Folk Artist
French-born artist specializing in costume design and visual arts, Marie-Astrid has taught at Los Cenzontles since 2001. Her work combines European techniques with Mexican folk traditions in educational settings.
Lucina Rodriguez
Music Instructor
Specializing in multiple Mexican folk music styles, Lucina teaches guitar, jarana, and percussion. She studied under Mexican master artists and incorporates diverse regional traditions into her curriculum.
Verenice Velazquez
Development Coordinator
Bay Area native with UC San Diego degree in Urban Studies, Verenice connects cultural preservation with community development. She manages communications while maintaining ties to Guanajuato traditions through folk arts.
Questions
What cultural programs does Los Cenzontles offer for youth?
We provide music, dance, and folk arts education for children starting at age 4, focusing on Mexican traditions through hands-on instruction and performance opportunities.
How does Los Cenzontles preserve Mexican cultural heritage?
Through intergenerational teaching of traditional music, dance, and crafts, we maintain living traditions while creating contemporary works that honor Mexican roots.
Can adults participate in Los Cenzontles programs?
Yes, we offer community events, workshops, and performance opportunities for all ages, fostering lifelong engagement with Mexican cultural arts.
How do I sign up for classes at Los Cenzontles?
Contact us at (510) 233-8015 to enroll in music, dance, or folk arts classes for children and adults in San Pablo, California.
What recognition has Los Cenzontles received?
We've earned a Grammy Award, United States Artists Award, and California Arts Council Legacy Fellowship for cultural preservation and artistic innovation.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Students regularly perform in public events, collaborating with professional artists and participating in our touring group's cultural productions.
Videos
Reviews (1)
Andrea Alvarez
Jun 28, 2020
Report
I called from a non profit organization, i called to ask for the two women to come sing to our event, asked for an estimate of how much they would charge to come. One of the ladies said well how much money do you have. I replied well how much do you charge and she respond again the more money you have the more we charge. Horrible horrible experience! Never again will i ever call them. The lady i spoke to is one of the singers.
