La Vida Yaya

Tis the season for some good music and New Year's Eve bashes around town. Here's a short list of events (which is rather long) of stuff to do this weekend and on New Year's Eve. Yours truly will be up in Seattle hanging out with the Poncho Sanchez boys at Jazz Alley. Enjoy! Saturday, December 26 Lucky 7 joins other bands in a "Salsa Showdown and Workshop" at Stevens Steak House, $10-$30 Holiday on Air, "A Mystical Aerial Show" at Club Can in Garden Grove, $15-$35 Celebrate Kwanzaa in Leimert Park from 10am to dusk featuring UMOJA and a Kwanzaa marketplace. Sunday, December 27 Susie Hansen will be at Fisherman's Village in Marina del Ray from 1-4pm. Free Thursday, December 31 Shiela E and family at the Conga Room$65-$115 Buyepongo and La Santa Cecilia at Rhythm Lounge in Long Beach, $20 Orquesta Estrellas del Son at Tapas in Newport Beach, $15 Celebrate the Roaring 20s at Chaya Brasserie in Beverly Hills, no cover Louie Cruz Beltran a

Seasoned actor and singer Gabriel Gonzalez is reviving the long-lost tradition of serenades this holiday season by offering Latin serenades direct to peoples homes. Starting this week and running through the New Year, Gabriel and an accompanying guitarist will wake up your loved ones with soulful songs of the holidays or romantic ballads just like they used to do so lovingly in Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete films. The serenata includes a special in-person appearance by Gonzalez who will sing three songs chosen by the hiring parties in English or Spanish starting as early as 5am and running through noon each day. The songs of choice include Las Mañanitas, Feliz Navidad, Silent Night and more. Sure to be a most memorable holiday season for lucky ladies, children, and especially moms and abuelitas, Gonzalez says "singing in such an intimate setting as a serenata is something that moves people to a point where you feel overwhelming love and pride in your rich and romantic cultura

It's no joke that the economy has trampled over people's finances and affected everyone's life so what are we to do about charity? For those of us blessed to be employed, we've pinched our pennies and given up the luxuries we used to enjoy like eating out, vacations, a new car, shopping on a whim. Now, we're clipping coupons, forgoing expesive concerts, driving less, and waiting much longer for the next haircut, at least I am. So, here we are in December and the calls for help and charity have increased. We are asked to give more of ourselves because there are many more people in need, but how much can we give before we can give no more? How do you choose who to support? Your kid's school fundraiser or the local food bank? The $1 breast cancer donation at the cash register or the lukemia walk at your doctor's office. No place is safe. Everywhere you go, there is a hand reaching out into your wallet. How much do you allow yourself to be guilted into donating

La Virgen de Guadalupe, Dios Inantzin I had the pleasure of seeing this wonderful play at the LATC last year and I can't wait to see it again. The performances are powerful, spoken and sung in Nahuatl and Spanish, it is the tale of Juan Diego and the Virgen de Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico. The play is directed by Jose Luis Valenzuela and the amazing cast includes mezzo-soprano Suzanna Guzmán, Sal Lopez, and dear friend and singer Gabriel Gonzalez. La Virgen de Guadalupe, Dios Inantzin, the simple story of an indian peasant’s vision of the Virgin Mary that has become a theatrical c...ornerstone at Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral for years. This profoundly moving show taps into our universal foundation of faith, love, and perseverance. Join the tens of thousands who have become transfixed by the story of Juan Diego-a simple peasant from Tepeyac. Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels General Admission Free! (Suggested Donation $5/person) VIP Seating $35/person More in

It's that time of year again when we stuff our bellies with tons of triptophan-laced turkey, stuffing, cranberry, rolls, papas and gravy. We get two days off of work and school to spend time with our friends and family and have few drinks, kick-back and relax. Yet, for those of us that know the history of this holiday, it is difficult to embrace the spirit of it with images of happy pilgrims and Indians permeating the grocery stores, office workspaces, and schools. During my hard-core activist days, we were angry at the Hollywood and Disney images of perfection that made anyone that didn't look that way feel like 2nd class citizens. Yet, now that we are parents, we're not so uptight about things. Even though my curly-haired, caramel, sun-kissed skin-toned daughter loves to watch the blonde, stick-thin Disney princesses I know that she can still enjoy watching those films and still have confidence in her own looks because, well, I'm her mom, and I won't let her think

Northeast LA ’s Winter Solstice Festival is an inclusive celebration bringing together unifying and cultivating the awareness and power of all people through art, music, peace and social action. This celebration is a catalyst for creating and supporting a world in which all individuals, families, and communities are valued and can live in a society where freedom, justice, respect, dignity, peace and sustainable ways of living are its guiding principles. Northeast LA ’s Winter Solstice  Celebration Saturday, December 19, 2009, Noon Tierra de la Culebra Park 240 S. Avenue 57, Highland Park, CA 90042 Featuring Mexica, Aztlan Underground, Rudo Movimiento, Andrew Serra (Flamenco), Soul Conference, Guerrilla Queenz, Cihuatl-Ce, The Hashishans, and Wolfrobe. More info here: myspace.com/peacethroughculture

Boyle Heights Block Party and Mariachi Festival Sunday, November 15, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. First Street (between Boyle Ave. and State St.)   Celebrate the opening of the $898 million Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension.  Featuring: Tierra, Quinto Sol, Domingo Siete, UmoVerde, Dirty Hands, Jahny Wallz, Mariachi Sol del Mexico, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, Mariachi Mexicapan, Mariachi Voz de America, Mariachi Santa Cecelia and Mariachi Conservatory.   Enjoy free giveaways, live entertainment, and informational resource booths.Bring your children and participate in a free kids corner with oversized bouncers, arts and crafts, Chivas USA soccer kick, and a rock climbing wall. Also featured will be a photo exhibit about the now-defunct Bracero Program and the men and women who participated in it.  

Giving Thanks An expression of gratitude for all our moments. Music, dance of Brazil, India, Hawaii Featuring 45 musicians & dancers from: Halau Keali'i O Nalani Artistic Director-Keali'i Ceballos Shakti Dance Company Artistic Director-Viji Prakash Viver Brasil Artistic Director-Linda Yudin & Luiz Badaro Concert Info: On the islands of Hawaii, in the temples of India, and on the sacred shores of Brazil, music and dance are offerings of gratitude. Whether offered to Gods or Ancestral creators - they are an integral part of everyday life. Join us as 45 artists from 3 of LA's most creative dance companies share the stage for the first time. The results are a dramatic journey representing different lives, memories and legends from the sacred traditions of BRAZIL, INDIA and HAWAII through an exquisite synthesis of music, dance and chant. See Postcard Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 8pm Aratani/Japan America Theatre 244 S. San Pedro St. Los Angeles CA 90012

By the time you get to my age, you start losing people in your life that are near and dear to you. It's surreal to think that people you've shared wonderful times with are no longer with you. I don't know if I even comprehend it all or if I just refuse to think of their absence as permanent. Maybe my belief in life after death helps me to remember that I will see them again someday. I expect my older relatives and friends of  the family to pass on without much of a tear drop but when it happens to someone young or under 65 even, it hits hard. You feel  time stop, your skin tingle, and your pulse race when you get the news. I often think about what happens after you die or what will my family do with my body. Will I be buried or burned. Will my daughter carry around my ashes in a locket or will I be put up on a mantle for the cat the tip over. Maybe someone might find my bones 1,000 years from now to study and they'll name me Lucy. Or worse, I'll be flooded out of m

Hollywood Forever presents the 10th annual Dia De Los Muertos Celebration Saturday, October 24th, 2009  Admission $10.00 - 12 years & under are free. The celebration features: *The procession will begin with an Aztec Ritual Blessing and will continue with a traditional “Oaxacan Burial” that represents the suffering of death and it concludes on stage welcoming the spirits to celebrate. *The community honors their beloved that have passed away by creating altars as offerings throughout the cemetery. *Art exhibit in the Cathedral Mausoleum featuring work by the Linares Family and many more. *The world premier of the film “La Fiesta Eterna”, a film about the tradition of Dia De Los Muertos. *Children’s Area where kids can learn about this ancient celebration though art, including traditional face painting. Gates open at 4:00 PM Gates Close at 11:00 PM Lila Downs at 9:00 PM The public can call 323.447.0999 for more information. Location Address: Hollywood Forever Cemet

If there is any artist that I have admired since I moved to LA and discovered the bold and dynamic world of art, it's George Yepes. His works, whether murals or paintings, are larger than life and strikingly beautiful. His visible brush strokes create expressions in pale faces, sadness in glazed over eyes, passion in black and red backgrounds. It is all back up by a long career which began in his youth. One of the youngest of the Chicano muralist movement in LA in the 1970s, he is still a force in the art world today. Read his exhaustive biography on his website: http://www.georgeyepes.com/George_Yepes/Biography.html It is well-worth the read with very personal details of his family history. I had the great pleasure of meeting George for the first time in San Antonio where he has a studio. It was at First Fridays in the Blue Star Gallery space where a couple of his works were on display. My cousin met him that summer and introduced me to him. Little did I know that a few yea

It's been a few years since I've been to a LALIFF event but what I have seen has me wanting to see more. Spend the entire day watching these fascinating films you won't see anywhere else. You'll laugh, you'll cry and all that good stuff. I absolutely love foreign films and the films shown at this festival are some of the best I've ever seen by such talented and resourceful filmmakers. The festival is halfway through its run this week but there is still time to check out a good film. I suggest just showing up and watching whatever is on the bill next. You won't be disappointed .  This links to a pdf of the daily schedule : http://www.latinofilm.org/festival/ScheduleFINAL.pdf Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival October 11-16, 2009 Mann Chinese 6 Cinemas 6801 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028 Emerging and established filmmakers from around the world showcase their features, documentaries and shorts depicting the diversity, creativity

MUSEUMS FREE-FOR-ALL 24 Los Angeles and Orange County Museums Free Admission Days October 3 and/or 4, 2009 In a joint effort to present the arts and culture to the diverse and myriad communities in Southern California, the Museum Marketing Roundtable announces the fifth annual "Museums Free-For-All" Saturday-Sunday, October 3 and 4, 2009. The following museums - presenting art, cultural heritage, natural history, and science - will open their doors wide and invite visitors free of charge. Click here for a co

The salsa diva, Laura Canellias is busy getting salsa lovers in shape. I've seen her in action when she taught the free salsa class during intermission at the Autry's Sizzling Summer Nights. She is fun and full of energy. You won't be bored or feel the burn because you'll be having a great time dancing. Here is her website: http://www.salsadivaprod.com/ Weekly schedule : Mondays : Universal Dance Designs 6009 W. Olympic Blvd. , (Miracle Mile Dist.) ( 1/2 block east of Fairfax /San Vicente /Olympic intersection

KPFK , the only radio station in LA to let just about anyone have a show, is one of my favorite stations. It all started with my friend Fidel moved his Divine Forces Radio show from what used to be a top rated station, The Beat, to KPFK. I thought, wow, what a downgrade. He moved from a fancy top security high rise office on Wilshire's Miracle Mile to a dusty back-alley, jiggle-the-lock security system down the street from Mama Juana's. As I started listening to his show and the station, I found the liberty of the hosts to say what was on their minds, things that I always thought too, inspiring. The variety of shows validated my views on a lot of issues of the day or catered to my holistic sensibilities. Some of my favorite shows are The Aware Show, Global Village, Democracy Now, Beneath the Surface with yo man Jerry Quickly, Innervisions, American Indian Airwaves, how can I forget the Pocho Hour of Power and Gustavo Arrellano's new show (I don't know what it's c

Long-time friend of my husband Joey and I appeared in his home town newspaper this week. Bassist and all-around good guy Rene Camacho deserves the recent profile. While saying that someone is a "good guy" in the music business is the kiss of death (meaning they can't play worth shit, but you don't want to say that so instead you comment on his character--now you know), but since I'm not a musician, I take the liberty of saying that Camacho is the genuine article. Never seems to get riled up, always cool, calm, and collected, just the way he plays too. Effortlessly gliding his fingers up and down the neck of his electric bass, you'd never know he got his start playing trombone or center for the Tucson High Badgers  (mascot which gave Joey and I a good laugh). What most impressed me about Camacho is his stint in the Tejano music scene. While I was growing up in San Antone, Camacho was touring with (G)Ram Herrera and even hit the stage and Texas television a

Oh yes, it is about time! Here is a new exhibit at the Huntington in collaboration with an organization I've known about for a few years now, the Mayme A. Clayton Library and soon-to-be museum. Their mission is to collect, preserve; exhibit and celebrate the unique history and cultural heritage of Americans of African descent and thereby help to provide a more complete view of American history. Mayme's son, Avery, has led the effort to realize this dream of opening up a museum. The collection is vast and contains unique items that will most-definitely enrich our lives. When is the last time there was a retrospective on the west coast African American Renaissance? It wasn't Harlem, but it was Central Avenue. I can't wait to hear about the music and night life that went on back in those days. The art and literature I would assume laid the foundation for a lot of what we see now. It will be fun making those connections. Save the date. The exhibit opens October 24. Admissio

I came across this documentary while flipping channels on a recent quiet evening. I love all kinds of documentaries that show a glimpse into regular people's lives. Little did I know that this documentary would move me to tears. Not much on tv makes me emotional because I can separate myself from it but this one hit home. It is unfamiliar and familiar at the same time. Growing up on both sides of the border, I can appreciate the struggle of immigrants in the US. I know why people uproot their families and leave everything they love and know for a better life. Even more poignant, the people in this movie are kids, 11 year olds, boys and a couple of girls, traveling across countries on their own, looking for a better life than what is back home. I've never know how to defend it exactly. The words never come out of my mouth as effective as I'd like them to be. The best I can do is say "what would you do if you couldn't feed your family? Put yourself in their shoes.&q

Hard-working percussionist Alex Acuña takes center stage at the Grammy Museum this Friday. A legend in the eyes of his fellow musicians and most-definitely in his home country of Peru, Acuña is the humblest man you'll ever meet but don't let that fool you. His performances are fierce.    Reel to Reel: The Rhythm Collector Friday, September 18, 2009; 7:30 pm Drum Workshop, Inc. and The GRAMMY Museum are proud to present the film premiere of DW DVD's The Rhythm Collector , the story of world-renowned drummer Alex Acuna's rise from a small Peruvian village to the most celebrated stages and studios in the world. Infused with exciting performance footage and insightful interviews, the film is inspiring for fellow drummers and non-musicians alike. After the screening, enjoy a rare opportunity to see Acuna perform in the Museum's 200-seat Sound Stage. Doors open at 7 pm. $10.00 suggested donation. Reservations Required. To reserve your seats, call 213.765.6830 or e-mail

NPR has the exclusive first listen of Poncho Sanchez's new album Psychedelic Blues. I have a copy of it at home but it's so much easier to hear it streaming online. What a great way to get through the workday. I  plan on writing something about my experience with the Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band since I've had the pleasure of joining my husband, the bongocero, Joey De Leon, on a few trips, backstage green rooms, and local performances. It's a tight-knit band of good friends and great musicians. In the meantime, enjoy the exclusive first listen! Listen here: NPR: Hear The Latin Jazz Hero's New Album, 'Psychedelic Blues,' In Its Entirety Poncho's website: http://www.ponchosanchez.com Check out their schedule. They are playing in my hometown of San Antonio this Saturday.

Special offer from Richard Montoya of Culture Clash. "Two for One on Thursday Nights for Peace - we just hammered out a deal to lower the Thurs tickets for the run of the show - just say "friend of the cast" and get your second ticket free! Pretty cool I must say - c'mon. Its an amazing experience. Thanks!" Aristophanes' Peace Thursdays - Saturdays through October 3, 2009, 8 pm The Barbara and Lawrence Fleischman Theater, Getty Villa While ancient Athens is mired in war, a band of rustic patriots plot a daring mission to Mount Olympus to seek the goddess Peace. The comic heroes of Culture Clash and guest director Bill Rauch invoke the revolutionary spirit of Aristophanes in freely adapting his zany and visionary utopian escapade for the Getty Villa. Tickets $42; $36 students/seniors. Previews $20. Please be advised that this play contains bawdy humor and is not suitable for children.  Read the LA Times review here: LA Times Culture

This just in. Quetzal, Nortec Collective, K-Paz de la Sierra, and Mariachi Reina de Los Angeles perform at El Grito on the steps of LA City Hall tonight. Festivities start at 7pm but arrive early to get a good spot. Thousands of people are expected. Read all about the event here: http://blogdowntown.com/2009/09/4676-city-updates-el-grito-sound Some background on el Grito de Dolores here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grito_de_Dolores http://www.sanmiguelguide.com/tour-el-grito.htm

Latin Beat Magazine is the magazine to read for coverage on all things salsa and beyond. I've enjoyed reading their feature stories on artists and their photo coverage of events around the country especially LA and New York.  Established in January 1, 1991, Latin Beat Magazine, which has been published consecutively for the past 19 years in both print and online, has decided to publish 100% online. Firmly established as the premier Latin music publication in the world dedicated to documenting salsa, Latin jazz, Latin pop and Afro-world music, the print magazine enjoyed coast-to-coast distribution in the United States, including Hawaii and Puerto Rico, in addition to a solid base of international subscribers.  Latin Beat Magazine has been educating and entertaining thousands of Latin music aficionados throughout the years with its exclusive interviews, articles, reviews and news of the artists of the past, present and future of Latin music. The critical success of Latin Beat Maga

The Mexican Consulate in LA is kicking-off its festival cultural with Viva Mexico LA on Wednesday, September 16th. RSVP to CZavala@sre.gob.mx

There is so much going on at Chimaya Gallery featuring some of the best local Latino artists. Makes you want to spend all your savings on art when you go there. Some of my favorite artists are displayed constantly including George Yepes and Yolanda Gonzalez. They both feature bright and bold Latino colors that I love. Check out Mitos y Realidades en Color featuring Pola Lopez, who I had the pleasure of meeting at the Southwest Museum, before it closes on September 24 or just stop by anytime. You know there is always something good to see. http://www.chimmaya.com/

  KCRW presents Sounds Around Town , a series of free music and culinary events hosted in partnership with Westfield Shopping Centers in Los Angeles. Over the next 12 weeks, KCRW will bring the best from our basement studios into the community - from live band performances hosted by KCRW DJs to culinary adventures. September 10 - PALENKE SOULTRIBE + DJ RAUL CAMPOS September 17 - BROWNOUT + DJ JEREMY SOLE September 24 - ORGONE + DJ RAUL CAMPOS October 1 - LOCOS POR JUANA + DJ MARIO COTTO October 8 - CHRIS PIERCE + DJ AARON BYRD October 15 - THE LIONS + DJ ANTHONY VALADEZ October 22 - KEZIAH JONES + DJ MATHIEU SCHREYER October 29 - FOOL’S GOLD + DJ JEREMY SOLE Westfield Century City  is located at 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, 90067. FREE! http://www.kcrw.com/events/sounds-around-town

For a rich, cultural taste of the beautiful Mexican Caribbean state of Veracruz all you have to do is listen to Jarochos play some driving rhythms and dance on the tarima. Fandango Sin Fronteras presents Son Jarocho Art & Jarana Exhibit Opening Reception and Fandango September 12, 7pm at Imix Books in Eagle Rock http://www.imixbooks.com/events.html

The 2009 Original Lobster Festival will be held September 11-13, at the Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach, California. You won't want to miss this event. Friday, September 11th —5 PM - 11 PM Saturday, September 12th —12 NOON - 11 PM Sunday, September 13th —12 NOON - 10 PM http://www.originallobsterfestival.com/

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th - ETHIOPIAN NEW YEAR CELEBRATION featuring LA HOUSE MAESTRO TONY POWELL - LA bounce muzik, ddhc LIVE PERFORMANCE BY: KABASA TRADITIONAL SENEGALESE & GUINEAN MUSIC Grand Star Jazz Club (2nd Door Entrance - UPSTAIRS) 943 N. Broadway - Chinatown, Downtown Los Angeles, CA 90012 10pm - 2am | $5 before 11pm & $10 After | 21+ For More Info Go To: www.myspace.com/SpiritLA | info.spirit.la@gmail.com

The guys will be in D.C. performing at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's 2009 Awards Gala where Barack and Michelle Obama will be attending. The event marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month with over 2,000 guests in attendance. Check out the LA Weekly blog post about it with a cool video of the guys in Burma.

There are no LA dates but it's good to promote our local boys on tour. Ozomatli has teamed up with Musictoday® to offer pre-sale tickets for all the shows on the upcoming "Off the Grid" Fall Tour. Musictoday® is also offering our fans the lowest service fees around! Not only will the hardcore fans, aka you, be able to purchase tickets with low service fees before anyone else - we have also added some dope prizes for people who purchase their tickets early. See details here.

In celebration of the 199th Anniversary Celebration of Mexican Independence, the Viva Mexico Festival LA will introduce and showcase the rich cultural and artistic works unique to Mexico to Los Angeles audiences from September 16-20th, 2009. www.vivamexicofestla.com

Curated by Gregorio Luke Thursday September 10, 2009 6:00P.M. The Latino Museum of History, Art and Culture 514 S. Spring Street Los Angeles, California 90013 Free Admission R.S....V.P. by Telephone: (213) 626-7600 or E-mail: latinomuseum@sbcglobal.net

Aztlan Underground releases their self-titled album available on itunes, etc. Watch their new video here. Check out the flyer here.