La Peña, a Latin American Cultural Centre, opened in 1980 and has had a significant cultural and historical influence on Sydney’s music scene. This celebration takes place at Eastside Arts on Friday 13 August, 8.15pm.

Featuring Ricardo Andino, Jose Barroso, Luis Grimaldi, Hugo Leal, Jeannie Lewis, Jorge do Prado, Juan Carlos Rios, Justo Diaz, Olympia Karanges and Papalote, this 30^th anniversary concert celebrates some of the many outstanding artists who contributed to one of the world music landmarks in Australia.

La Peña has been hugely influential in Australian world music since opening in August 1980, through drafting new proposals for musical work, encouraging cultural research, creation and experimentation in many different fields, including theatre, dance and music.  “La Peña- which is the traditional dance or gathering where politics and music meet in Latin America- was formed to fight against the stereotype of the poncho and the sombrero and to reflect the cultural roots and the political context of Latin American theatre, dancing and song”. –‘Si, si señor, this is Bondi’. By Ruth Hessey, SMH Metro, February 10, 1989.

La Pena’s objectives were to provide a meeting place for those interested in the Latin American culture and an open and vibrant space for migrant artists to express themselves and to reflect their cultural roots. “Out of La Peña lots of people emerged playing Latin American music. A lot of Australian composers started using Latin Rhythms in their work.” -Olympia Karanges in ‘Latin Passions’ by Peter Holm, SMH Metro, February 23, 1990.

The organisation strove to promote multiculturalism, tolerance and generate a positive environment for Sydney’s Cultural Community, organizing many activities including Sunday Concerts and Music Workshops.  Now 30 years later we look at the positive developments that have occurred thanks to the work of La Peña, celebrate their achievements, and work for further progression into the future. The opening night of La Peña in 1980 announced songwriter Jose Barroso, and La Peña members; composer guitarist Luis Grimaldi and the popular band Papalote, and now this line up is to be repeated, only bigger and better, for the 30^th Anniversary, so don’t miss out! This night will be a fantastic celebration with a selection of the best world music artists in Sydney.

DATE                     |               Friday 13^th August, 8.15pm

VENUE                  |               Eastside Arts, 395 Oxford St, Paddington

TICKETS               |               $28 full, $25 concession, $22 member

BOOKINGS          |               1800 688 482 or www.cafecarnivale.com.au