The Greek Fest is happening this weekend, but I only had time to check it out tonight. Uh, it also happened to be the only time its free, what a coincidence! But at only 5 bucks, it’s still not too bad. It’s small but enjoyable, as they cover most of the basics. I took a few lousy pictures. Want to see? Click ahead!
One of my favorite houses on the Eastside, it’s on Fourth Street overlooking the bridge. I hope it never has to face the stucco monster!
Botanitas is an ongoing feature bringing you stories and news from various sources, upcoming events and other bits of ephemera that might be of interest to LA Eastside readers. Suggestions welcome!
Click through for Greeks and geeks, Love and Rockets, Son Jarocho and protest remembrances.
*New events just added!*
The Vex, Willie Herron III and Punk Rock. Three interesting subjects. All are respected (by me) but sometimes maligned (by others). It’s a Saturday afternoon, why not entertain the three? Continue reading
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My Debora Iyall from Romeo Void post came back to life just in time for some some good news for LA based Debora fans.
She is playing a show at the Knitting Factory this Thursday (September 3.)Â Her band includes Peter Dunne, Frank Zincavage and Dave Scheff.
Wire Train and Translator will also be playing.
I know this is LA and there is alot going on, but how about going to a traditional new wave show, though possibly putting traditional in front of new wave is a bit odd, but you know what I mean.
-Browne Molyneux
Just another day in Lincoln Heights photo by Mecatli Acatl
(see what happens next at the bottom of the post)
Botanitas is an ongoing feature bringing you stories and news from various sources, upcoming events and other bits of ephemera that might be of interest to LA Eastside readers. Suggestions welcome!
Keep clicking for artistic Eastsiders, punk podcasts, East Los radio, businessmen on bikes, forgetful fires and slanguage!
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Zoning out at Mariachi Plaza, I look around the newly built Eastside Gold Line Extension while waiting patiently for Tejano turned Angelino, Vincent Valdez, who last year exhibited in LACMA’s “Chicano Visionsâ€, a collection of Cheech Marin’s amassed Chicano artwork. Behind me, the sun collides with downtown skyline, and in front me, appears the modest Valdez, in plaid with portfolio walking up First Street. We meet at the venue for his latest solo show “An Evening with Vincent Valdezâ€, hosted by Boyle Height’s own Eastside Luv. Shaking hands for the first time, two things strike me: the artist is incredibly friendly, having a warm and welcoming disposition (I had always heard myths of San Antonian hospitality, now I know them to be true), and that he vaguely resembles a Chicano Edward Norton.
Pre-show Valdez
We step into the space; the red of overhead lights bleed onto the bar, stage, and cinémex posters. Valdez moved to Los Angeles in 2005 and has since been integrating LA themes and lifestyles into his artwork. He sits ready to talk about developing projects, and his new city muse. “Right now, I am really excited about making this LA series,†Valdez explains enthusiastically. He is currently working on a new show entitled Burn, where the artist sets city landmarks a blaze, from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica Pier.
G: You have been in LA for quite sometime, would you consider yourself an Angelino?
V: You know, I think that I sort of claim myself as both a San Antonio native always and as an Angelino. I think I have put in a major amount of time and work here in Los Angeles, and most importantly, than anything else, I really sort of seen a significant influence in my work as far as the city and the neighborhoods have in my work. I have seen it start to enrich a lot of the imagery I have been working with in my most recent work while being here.
By next summer there will be a cumbia show at Hollywod Bowl. Mark my words.
With the popularity of Very Be Careful, Santa Cecilia and Buyepongo among MANY other groups, LA is shaping up for cumbia to be the next flavor to blow up.
I know cumbia clubs have existed for a while, so have their artists, but the above mentioned are not playing in exclusive cumbia spaces. They are playing to billingual Chicano/a crowds at local hip spots as well as Grand Performances. On the radio Jeremy Sole on KCRW drops a cumbia like he does at his weekly party, deep in the westside, Afro Funke. The beat is easy to catch, most anyone can dance to it and its plain fun.
Some Cumbia has an electronic element to it which is being played in tracks such as this one by Zizek
From the press release:
Take advantage of opportunities this summer to start a new career. On Saturday, August 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the City of Los Angeles’ Human Services Department, the office of the Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, City Council President Eric Garcetti’s Council District 13 and the L.A. Derby Dolls will host a free job fair for women at the home of the Derby Dolls – the Doll Factory (1910 Temple St., 90026).
The free community fair will include job placement assistance, opportunities for green jobs and unexplored avenues for women (such as local trade unions), as well as career training for positions in which employers are currently seeking candidates.
In addition, as part of the Economic Stimulus Package, the City of Los Angeles has received funds for improvement of infrastructure to the city. This has created numerous job opportunities within the city of Los Angeles. The goal of the Free Women’s Job Fair is to help interested women get connected, trained and ready for these jobs.
For any women currently unemployed or looking for a new career, join these community organizations on August 22nd at the Doll Factory for workshops and to meet employers, recruiters and trainers that want to see the women of Los Angeles succeed
Go see El Verde. Why ? Because I said so. That’s not good enough for ya ? Well how bout if I told you that you are going to have a great time at the show ? That you’ll end up loving the show and laugh your ass off from all the jokes and skits in the show. That you’ll love the way it is cleverly written by play right Anthony Aguilar and has a star studded cast that will amaze you and make you feel like you’re watching a major production in Boyle Heights. Did I mention that El Verde is hilarious ? Because it is. It’s playing all month long Friday through Sunday you none of you have any excuse not to go see it. Not only that but Boyle Heights residents get a discount too. Go see it. You will not be disappointed. It’s a great date night and a great opportunity to see a Casa production at its finest. RESERVATIONS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BECAUSE THERE’S ALWAYS A FULL HOUSE.
August 7 – 30, 2009
Fri- Sat @ 8pm
Sun @ 2pm
General, $15
Students / Seniors, $12
Boyle Heights, $10
Group Discounts available
Purchase your tickets at
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/69294
Or make your reservations at
elverdereservations@gmail.com
For more information on the show please email us at
elverdeshow@gmail.com to join our mailing list!
*Dates:*
August 11-18, 2009
*Location:*
The Forum
3900 W. Manchester Blvd.
Inglewood, CA 90305
*FOR PATIENTS*
*How to Receive Treatment:*
All of our services are free and are provided by volunteers. The doctor is
free; the dentist is free; the eye doctor is free. Please arrive early,
bring a snack, and be prepared to wait. Your wait may be long; chairs will
be provided for your comfort.
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I fell into my art genre, tearfully waiting for my head to explode from the pressure of making a major life decision. It’s true what they say about giving birth to new ideas, and deciding on possible roads to take, they are painful and sometimes regretful. Nervously, you dive into your choices, like a first time Acapulco cliff jumper, hoping you’ll hit the right timing of the waves.
As I mentally engage for another art activism workshop this week—I give into its course, not knowing what to expect. I trust that my genuine effort to create something meaningful has its place in the world and like kinetic energy creates a small droplet of human hope into the universe. I see myself far and removed from the distant tragedies in the world, my voice against injustice seems so small and ineffective way over here in East LA. Continue reading
http://www.anarchistconference.org/
The Southern California Anarchist Conference– a weekend long conference centered on anarchist and its anti-authoritarian tendencies as uniquely manifested in the southern California. Collectively we hope to show past & present examples of anarchist ideas in practice, through speakers, panels, workshops, images, theater, music, film and non-coercive socializing as they intersect in the everyday struggles against coercive power, capitalism and the state.
Saturday, August 1st 2009 CONFERENCE
(workshops, strategizing and networking sessions)
12:00-8:00PM at the SoCal Library
6120 S. Vermont Ave. L.A. 90044
$5.00 suggested donation; no denied entry.
Sunday, August 2nd 2009 FERIA LIBERTARIA
(Art, music, theater, food, tabling, and more!)
12:00-8:00PM UCLA Downtown Labor Center
675 S. Park View St. L.A. 90057
FREE!