Bay Area familia, here is a November concert with a Puerto Rican voice in a wider conversation. Rico Pabón joins The Neighborhood Kids, Rocky Rivera and the Palestinian Youth Ensemble at La Peña Cultural Center on Saturday, November 21, 2026.
The multi-artist evening, titled My Heros Have Always Killed Colonizers: A Night to Honor Resistance, honors Filipina revolutionary Gabriela Silang. La Peña describes it as a gathering centered on cultural resistance. It is not a solo Rico Pabón show or an exclusively Puerto Rican concert. Read the official event description.
Get to know Rico Pabón
Pabón’s work connects hip-hop, poetry and Afro-Latin music. According to his official biography, he began performing as an emcee at 15 with Prophets of Rage, then became a singer and emcee with O-Maya and AguaLibre. Those groups brought together salsa, hip-hop and reggae.
His collaborations also extend beyond those bands. He toured with Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir, contributing rap, vocals and percussion, and has performed with percussionist and bandleader John Santos. His solo discography includes Louder Than Fiction, Todo Lo Que Soy and And Still the Sun Rises.
That range matters when getting to know his work: Pabón’s career is not confined to one musical lane. His biography describes a writing practice shaped by questions about community, struggle and resilience, with social engagement running through his music.
Want a listening introduction before the concert? His official music page includes Never Mind the Title, a collaboration with producer Headnodic released in October 2020. The track list includes “Center of the Storm,” “Royalty” and “Children of the Earth.” Treat it as a chance to explore his catalog, not a preview of the November 21 set list, which has not been announced.
Why La Peña fits this gathering
La Peña has been part of Berkeley’s cultural life since 1975. Inspired by Chilean peñas, it was established as a community gathering place where music, culture and discussion could meet. Its work continues to connect Latin American, Caribbean and other diasporic communities through performances and cultural exchange. That history gives this concert a setting with its own story, not simply a stage and a ticket window. Explore La Peña’s history.
Plan your visit
When: Saturday, November 21, 2026. Doors at 7 p.m.; event 7:30–11 p.m., Pacific.
Where: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley.
Admission: The venue lists $20 general admission, with higher support tiers and a $25–$35 door sliding scale. The early-bird deadline has passed.
Format: All ages, amplified sound and standing room, with limited seating for people who need it.
Access: The venue lists step-free entry and accessible restrooms. Contact programs@lapena.org about access requests.
Before buying: Check current availability and the final checkout total. Eventbrite lists a no-refund policy.
See official concert information and open the organizer’s ticket page. Find more outings on the CaliRicans event calendar.
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