Avotcja's 84th Birthday Bash

Avotcja's 84th Birthday Bash Concert

Avotcja is back at La Peña for an unforgettable birthday bash and has assembled the most incredible all-star lineup to celebrate 84 years of music and poetry.

La Peña is honored to host this community-led event, featuring so many legends on one stage. Join us for a night of incredible music, poetry and celebration.

Some of the featured artists include:

• LINDA TILLERY & TAMMY HALL (Piano)
• LESLIE SIMON (Poet)
• FAYE CAROL & JOE WARNER (Piano)
• SUSANA PRAVER-PÉREZ (Poeta/La Tertulia)
• LADY BIANCA (Oakland Blues Diva)
• FRANCISCO HERRERA, Dr. LOCO & AVOTCJA
• CHOKWADI (Poet/Storyteller/Dancer)
• members of THE BILLY HIGGINS LEGACY BAND
• RICHARD HOWELL (Saxophone)
• MYRON COHEN (Drum Set)
• RAYMOND NAT TURNER (The Town Cryor)
• members of AVOTCJA & MODUPUE
• (the Bay Area Blues Hall Of Fame Jazz Group 2010 & 2005)
• SANDI POINDEXTER (Violin)
• HESHIMA MARK WILLIAMS (Bass)
• VAL SERRANT (Steel Drum/Djembe)
• RAUL RAMIREZ (Multi Percussionist)
• BABA KEN OKULOLO (Talking Drum)
• MYRON COHEN (Drum Set)
• AVOTCJA (Poet/small Multi-Percussion) with Guest Artists
• JORDANA (Vocalist) & TBD

The proceeds of this event will go La Peña Cultural Center to support its programs.

Restaurant opens at 5:30pm, Theater Doors open at 6:30, show starts at promplty at 7:00pm. TICKETS: Sliding scale $15-$1,500

Date: Saturday, July 26th, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM)

Dinner Service from Los Cilantros begins at 5:30pm, and food and beverage are welcome in the Theater during the performance.

Location: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, CA

Tickets

• Sliding Scale $15-$1,500

Volunteer with us!

Sign up to volunteer: signup.com/go/gmujtSa

Accessibility

• 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 info@lapena.org

Getting to La Peña

• 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.