A Night In Bronzeville – History Of Little Tokyo (06/23)!

Spotted over at my friend Michelle’s page, I’ve seen this flyer with some horns on it. Then when I started reading the details, I just realized that I’m getting schooled in the history of the development of Little Tokyo, and what changes it went through in the 40s during World War 2 . Anyhow, this project started off as a fundraiser that ended up meeting their goal ($$), which in turn is putting together this event (which includes a play, an exhibit, and a musical which stars Miguel Atwood-Ferguson)!

HISTORY: This exhibit takes a dive into the relationship between the Japanese & African Americans during World War 2, after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. The United States then issued the Executive Order 9066 (the removal & incarceration of Japanese Americans all across the West Coast). Once that went down, LA Mayor Fletcher Brown wanted the Japanese Americans removed completely from the Southland, resulting in evictions wherever they stayed. All the locations where there was a high influx of Japanese Americans became ghost towns, and one place (in particular, Little Tokyo) became a huge migration place for African Americans (those from the Deep South), seeking employment. The reason they chose Little Tokyo? It’s simple. During these times, places like Watts, Compton (especially the Willowbrook area).. were all occupied by white people, and since racism was still alive & well.. there were strict rules that barred ‘color people’ from living in certain ‘specific’ areas.

To read more about it, and how it became a place named Bronzeville, continue reading here. Thank you, Michelle!

‘Licensed To Ill’ Photography Exhibit by Sunny Bak in Sherman Oaks [03/16-24]!

Sunny Bak, who is currently one of the chair members of the Venice Art Crawl, has had a long career in photography. Her roster of clients include Keanu Reeves, Jason Priestly, Gene Simmons (of KISS), Seth Green, among many others. Her work has been featured in many top notch publications, like TIME Magazine, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Jay-Z‘s Decoded, and lots more. But one thing is for sure is that she’s well-known for taking pictures for the Beastie Boys, including their debut album for Licensed To Ill.

This saturday, Sunny will be showcasing her photography in Sherman Oaks at The Basement 818 Gallery. Also, the Beastie Boys’ tribute band, the Pollywog Crew, will be performing the trio’s hits in their honor. Make sure you get there  early, as it’s expected to be packed. The exhibit ends on the 24th.

Red Bull Brings Latin America To Los Angeles For ESCENARIO [03/07]!

This thursday night, Red Bull Panamerika will be hosting an event which features a variety of styles of alternative Latin music at the Fonda Theatre! For example, you have the Colombian band Bomba Estereo, the Chilean alternative rock band Astro, the ‘tropical bass’ DJ Que Bajo?!, the Mexican pop-rock singer Carla Morrison, and more! This event will be all ages, with tickets being sold for $15 right now. The show does start early, so make sure you guys get there early as well to avoid the line! According to Red Bull’s facebook invite, it looks like there’s over 400 people going.. so you have been warned.

Delicious Vinyl x SAE Los Angeles: Beat Showcase is tonight!

Tonight, SAE Institute has collaborated with Delicious Vinyl to bring you a special beat showcase which will feature LA’s own beatsmith, Exile! The event is free with RSVP, and it’ll start at 6pm! Make sure you get there early!

Shout out to Jessica for putting this together!

Brewery Artwalk 2013: April 27th & 28th!

I’ve been trying to go to this gig for the past three years! I’m not going to miss out on this one this year!

PICTURE OF THE DAY: MUHAMMAD ALI x STREET FIGHTER

From the looks of this painting, Ryu has met his match, but he never made it past the round. Any special moves that Ryu has in his arsenal (including the fireball and dragon punch) didnt match up to what Muhammad Ali had (especially with his shit-talking). Props to Combo for having this piece up in Paris (somewhere).

More on his art: click here

They Reminisce Over You: Donna Summer (MURAL by SERVE ONE)

LaDonna Adrian Gaines
‘Donna Summer‘
(12/31/48 – 05/17/12)

A couple of days ago, the Disco Queen has received her wings. She unfortunately lost her battle to cancer, which has been a very rough battle in the past two weeks for her and her fans. Hearing about the news the same day through a friend via text, South Bronx’s legendary graffiti artist/DJ SERVE (known as SERVE ONE) immediately paid homage to the ‘Last Dance‘ artist by curating her 1978 double-LP cover Live and More. Serve One went to respond to his friends on his facebook page on how this came about..

….when I came to Tuff City today, I never knew about her death at all. My friend text me telling me that Diana Ross was dead at first. So when I Googled it up, that’s when I found out it was Donna that died. So I grabbed some cans and blazed this for all of you that loved her.

Broccoli City’s ‘Earth Day Social’ at Papillion Institute Of Art [04/22]!

In support of this coming Earth Day, the good folks at Broccoli City have a few events for you guys to attend. One of them, will be held over at Michelle’s art studio on sunday (04/22). Check out more of the details [here].

Earth Day has grown over the years and today more than one billion people celebrate Earth Day in their communities and across the globe. Broccoli City has been an integral part of bringing disadvantaged communities into the green living movement and today they are leading the way in teaching multicultural communities how to “go green” and live a more health conscientious lifestyle.

Beat Swap Meet: 4 Year Anniversary [03/11]!

This sunday, Beat Swap Meet will be celebrating four years of being in existence over at their Grand Star Jazz Club home. Also, DJ Revolution will be vending there for the first time as a special guest DJ as well. There will be all sorts of stuff going on, from drum circles, to bboy/girl battles, live performances from 2MEX, Free Moral Agents, and the band Buyepongo, live art, and a live screen painting by Hit+Run Crew. There’s definitely going to be all sorts of things going on this sunday, so bring your kids and make it a family affair! It’s going on from noon-6pm!

For more details, [go here].

Nu-Soul Magazine Presents: ART+SOUL w/Maya Jupiter & D-Felic [03/03]!

Maya Jupiter makes a return to another Nu-Soul exclusive event which will be featuring beatsmith D-Felic, emcee Verbs, and DJ Lucha. Included will be all sorts of art features by Astronaut Disco, James Haunt, Nicole Bishopp, Germizm, and more… with nail art that will be showcased by Kleur. It’s free w/RSVP before 11pm, and $5 afterwards. It’s going down in DTLA this weekend..

Your hosts for the evening will be Christina Maxine & Cali.