La Vida Yaya

I was watching an old Antonio Aguilar film the other day and thought how wonderful the film was because Sara Garcia was in it. I know her best playing the loving and often hilarious granny in Pedro Infante films. Another thing that made me think about her was buying the Mexican chocolate Abuelita recently at Vallartas for a coworker who wanted to make some at home. I had some made for a special occasion and it was delicious. Very comforting on a sunny but cool day. It's nice to introduce a new convert to the sinfully rich decadence of Abuelita. Now I'm not sure if that is in fact Sara Garcia on the Abuelita box but it sure does look like her and Wikipedia says it's so. And who better to be on that box of warm, yummy goodness than a warm, fuzzy, spitfire of a granny. She seriously does not get enough credit. Without her in those Infante and Aguilar films, the story lines would all be about macho men on horses singing to delicate flowers of women. But with Sara Garcia in the ...

Everyday is a day to learn about Black history and culture. I don't think you can realistically separate it from "American" culture, but alas, I think it continues to be of importance despite the progress we've made to be colorblind. We still need to be mindful of how every culture, every person, and every region contributes to society and how it affects-- and is very much a part of-- our daily lives. Perhaps the best way to pay homage to the Black community's contributions is to spotlight things that are already out there to do in and around LA that will expand your knowledge of African American history and culture. You don't need a specific festival or event in February to learn about it although you can find them and participate this month and year round. Check out these links below and create your own learning experience. Mayme A. Clayton Library and Museum: http://www.claytonmuseum.org/ St. Elmo's Artist Village: http://www.stelmovillage.org/ The ...

Did you know that the Mexican Consulate of Los Angeles hosts a wide-variety of cultural events year round? Aside from the major festivities they sponsor across the city, they also host in-house events such as art exhibits, lectures, and film festivals. Last year they hosted Building Brides, an art exchange panel discussion with artists from the US and Mexico; Cuarteto Mexicano, string quartet; art exhibit by Lawrence J. Herrera; Viva Mexico LA kick-off reception; history of Mexican Cinema courses;  Candida Peña's "Piedras/Stones" exhibit; a Day of the Dead event called El Fieston de las Calavaras ; Un Encuentro con Agustin Lara musical performance; and even children's events such as the screening of the film La Leyenda de la Nahuala and Q&A with the director. Their next event is a look into the golden era of Mexican film with screenings of   Ahi esta el detalle (Juan Bustillo Oro, 1940) on January 21 and Historia de un gran amor (Julio Bracho, 1942) on January...

Talk about the worst time to celebrate the arts, right after the holidays when everyone is spent, literally and financially. Luckily, there are many wonderful arts institutions that make visiting them easy and affordable. This year marks the first annual Los Angeles Arts Month’s to be held every January. Its mission is to raise awareness, appreciation, and participation in the arts in Los Angeles in all forms. It is an open invitation for all to discover LA's arts and cultural offerings. Long considered a haven for artists and creative expression, the Los Angeles art scene includes—world-class museums; concert halls and cultural institutions; gallery rows; theatres; public art complexes and renowned art; theatre, film, and design schools.  Los Angeles boasts the country’s largest creative workforce, which includes a world-renowned film industry, and employs nearly 1 million people throughout the region. Below are a few websites with calendar of events during LA Arts Month. Cl...

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...