Orgullo Hispano en el Phil

From the Times' Ann Powers article:


"As a band, we always mix genres, cultures, generations, and now to have a musical director who does the same, it's awesome," said Ulises Bella of Ozomatli, the Latin hip-hop fusion band, during one introductory segment. Like much of the day's banter, this statement was in English and Spanish, now the unofficial parlance of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
y le decimos "bienvenido a Gustavo"

El Taquero

The host of the best impromptu party on the street: the taquero. A friend who feeds you. A figure which to congregate around and make new compadres. El taquero: because you know that name brand stuff in a frozen shell seems illogical after the first mordida.

Una señora was selling treats for the kids that attend John Liechty Middle School on Union Avenue in Los Angeles...from a stroller. You do what you can with what you have. Just as this photo was taken, her daughter, who was doubling as her watchguard, exclaimed, "Ahi vienen! Here they come!" The police were right around the corner. She told me to hurry up,so I did...so that she could stand in front of another populated place para ganarse la vida, or to earn a living.

For you to see!

The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana is hosting two exhibits that are sure to intrigue! So brake from the routine, go see some art, and get ready to get in touch with some history!


The first is called The Baroque World of Fernando Botero which are works from the Colombian artist's collection. As the museum's website states, "...this is an opportunity to view many never exhibited works that the artist reacquired or never parted with." This exhibit will run from September 12-December 6, 2009.


The second is called Latitudes: Latin American Masters from the FEMSA collection. It is running from September 12,2009-January 17,2010. This exhibition includes eclectic "contemporary works" from artists such as Orozco, Rivera, Siqueiros, and many more!


Check them out here:
-Botero


-Latitudes

Music to their ears...

What has been all over the news this week (thanks, Maria Elvira Live for extensive interviews and reports,) has been the concert in Cuba headed by Colombian poprock idol Juanes along with Miguel Bose, Olga Tañón, and more. The purpose was accompanied really by no political agenda, though this was disputed by immigrants from Cuba residing all over the world ranging from the 40 years of age onward. They disputed that this would only fuel the Castro regime. The show was enjoyed by predominantly youthful crowd who was overwhelmed with the once in a lifetime experience of seeing a mainstream artist(after this courageous show, which was titled "Paz Sin Fronteras"/Peace Without Borders," hopefully it will not be the last.)

How could anyone in their right mind oppose this? The oppressed people have a right to see,breathe, and listen to all that live music has to offer. To hear the uplifting rythms of artists is something that the Cuban people, scarce income and who do not have much technology at their fingertips as we in the U.S. do, is something they have probably only dreamt of. Did I mention the masses walked to the show? No guagua would transport them there. The footage that was shown on the television of the concert was enough to perplex those that have the freedom,(and I emphasize FREEDOM) to attend as many shows as they want a year, or a month,even.

Bottom line: This had to happen. Rumor has it that Placido Domingo wants to next. Looks like our elders do not always know what's best.

Desfile Centroamericano/Central American Parade 2009

Just as the billboard indicates, many friendships must have been formed among spectators of the 2009 Central American Parade established by COFECA (Comite de festejos centro americanos.) The parade, which was proceeded by a festival, reached its goal of sending a message of unity among the central american community and continued with a euforic and festivo atmosphere.

"Aqui te espero..." (I'll wait for you here.)

-On Alvarado St. in Los Angeles during the Central American Independence Festival.

Apparently, Target in West Covina's Eastland Shopping Center has been carrying these for...well, they couldn't tell me exactly when these popular candles came in...must've been divine intervention...la virgen de guadalupe will cost ya 40 cents more,though.