Ernesto Yerena working with a spray can. (Photo: Juan Luis Garcia)

HECHO CON GANAS (HCG) is the new project from Ernesto Yerena, a 23 year old El Centro artist that has stenciled his way to Los Angeles.

He describes HCG on his website as, “an experiment and art-publisher that explores the lengths one can reach through motivation, persistence, and hard work. The phrase hecho con ganas is Spanish for made with motivation / desire / passion. HCG isn’t just a title, but a clear and powerful phrase that sums up the very spirit of the project.”

He adds that while HCG is heavily influenced by Chicano / Mexican-American culture, it also honors those who work against all odds to reach success with ganas regardless of culture, nationality, sex or age.
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Olivier as Hamlet

To many of my friends who have never seen live theater, a stage play is nothing but, “to be or not to be.” Theater to them is a far cry from who they are or the language they use in everyday transas. Tu sabes.

Well, if you’ve never been to a play and you want to start with something that has familiar faces and characters, this is a good month to get acquainted with an age old art. There are four shows running now from four theater groups that each have a long running history in this town. Four powerful groups that know how to bring the Teatro: Culture Clash, Latino Theater Company, Casa0101 and Company of Angels. Below is a list of these shows and the info you need. (more…)

Sal Lopez, Geoffrey Rivas and Evelina Fernandez.

“Mexicans drink to confess” – Octavio Paz

A funeral creates an excuse for a “party” and a group of friends who have not seen each other in years find themselves in one house with lots of liquor and plenty of “catching up” to do. And you know what happens when you have alcohol and a chillon in the room. Confessions, confessions, confessions.

Gabriel, played by Geoffrey Rivas, just buried his mother that he had not seen in years. He left the neighborhood abruptly over 20  years ago,without saying good bye to his best friends and  never looked back. Now, a successful man, he is thrown into a situation where he has to host his friends at his house. Much to the dismay of his wife Sonia, played by Lucy Rodriguez, (more…)

Andalucia, by Red Maids. Due October 23, 2009

From the opening notes, Andalucia fucked with my head in a good way. It drew emotions out of me like good sound is supposed to. This debut release by the Red Maids is on Victrola Songs’ label, due out October 23, 2009.

The first notes from an intro “Music Box” are a plea for you to drop your guard and trust that the rest of this album wants to be right there, where you are. Whether in your car, at your cubicle, studio or home, this album wants to roll with you as a silent partner. It wants you to think out loud in your own head. The lonely sound of Michael Corwin’s guitar will remind you that you’re not alone. The compositions will coddle you. (more…)

Rooftop lounging at 2023. (iPhonetography)

It’s Tuesday night and I said I was not going out this eve because I’m feeling sick. But after a having bottle of wine with my dinner, I’m feeling, “better.” Now I’m driving down Santa Fe, bumping the iPod, and heading to 2023.

What the fuck am I doing? I should be resting. But, driven by the chance to see a Dorian Wood set, I put on my blinders and proceeded with caution.

2023 is a loft on Santa Fe Avenue, near Washington Boulevard. I like to call this place; the outskirts, of the fringe, of the L.A. music scene. So far from all the L.A. hype, because that’s the way they like it. (more…)

“El Verde: Viva La Frita!”Only 6 more shows left.

Wear green and pay only $12!CASA 0101, 2009 E. First Street, L.A.;
Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.; thru Aug. 30.
(323) 263-7684. (Martín Hernández)

RSVP at elverdereservations@gmail.com

Olmeca commands the stage. (iPhonetography)

In front of a packed house, in Boyle Heights at Eastside Luv, Olmeca owns the stage with his presence and handles the microphone with the skill of a linguistic samurai. Backed by, Eduardo Arenas: guitar, d.gomez: bass, and D.J. Dubtones on the turntables, they delivered progressive hip hop to the congregation. Chu’ch!

I showed up early for this gig so that I could grab a beer and pull Olmeca aside for an interview before the show. We sat in a couple of tiny vinyl chairs that were too small for my ogrish frame.

“I don’t drink, don’t smoke,” said Olmeca, as he sips a Coca-Cola (something he gets criticized for a lot) while sporting his trademark “keffiyeh” scarf.  I held firm to my, Dos Equis.
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From CommonGroundCity.com

Los Angeles area artists are embarking on a vitally new campaign for a comprehensive neighborhood arts policy. We have already met with muralists, graf artists, poets, cultural venues, Open Mic crews, arts advocates, and more since March. We plan to take the rest of spring and all of summer meeting with similar groups and individuals in all districts of this vast city. We’re talking about theater groups, independent bookstores, dance troupes, musicians, playwrights, folk arts, and more.

….read the full article at THIS LINK.