Mateo Berry hosted a launch party for “THE SOUND THAT WAS NEVER HEARD” from his Reserved Essential clothing brand on Wednesday, December 12th, 2019. “THE SOUND THAT WAS NEVER HEARD” is the autumn and winter collection for the brand. The party was held at RSVP Gallery in downtown Los Angeles, California. Mateo Berry’s signature color is named “Reserved Gold” and can be seen on much of his clothing line.
Read moreInvader: INTO THE WHITE CUBE, opening night by Roger Martinez
Stylish LA couple admiring Invader art by Roger Martinez
Over The Influence is thrilled to announce “INTO THE WHITE CUBE” a survey exhibition celebrating the internationally-renowned French artist known as Invader. The exhibition, offering an overview of the artist’s achievements from the past two decades, will feature his iconic mosaics along side completely new series and media for the artist. Marking Invader’s first solo show in Los Angeles since 2005, the exhibition opened on November 17th 2018 and will remain on view through December 23rd, 2018. There was an opening reception for the artist on Saturday, November 17, from 6 to 9pm and this are Roger Martinez’s pictures from that night.
Read moreRafael Navarro, Long Beach Comic Con 2018 Interview By Joel Duran
Rafael Navarro
Rafael Navarro is an American illustrator, animator, and comic book author. He is the winner of a Daytime Emmy award and has recently completed Guns A’ Blazin!, a comic book series, in collaboration with Mike Wellman. Additionally, he is the creator of the Xeric Foundation Award winning Sonambulo comic book series. We interviewed Rafael Navarro at Long Beach Comic Con 2018.
Read moreComplexcon 2018 Photo Essay by Roger Martinez
Complexcon 2018 by Roger Martinez
ComplexCon is an expertly curated convention and festival bringing the world of Complex to life. The groundbreaking festival and exhibition that brings together pop culture, music, art, food, style, sports, innovation, activism, and education. This is our generation’s world fair. The minds behind Complex have come together with Cultural Director/Executive Chair Pharrell Williams and legendary artist Takashi Murakami to imagine a place where creators, curators and YOU converge to celebrate and shape our culture.
This year, ComplexCon focused on the enlightenment and empowerment of the individual, reflecting the issues and conversations that permeate and influence culture today from entertainment to art to politics.
Read moreLucha VaVoom: Circo de Vampiros by Joel Duran
Kikutaro, Piñatita, Dirty Sanchez, and Joey Ryan by Andrea Antolini
Lucha VaVoom performed their “Circo de Vampiros” show the nights of Wednesday, October 24th and Thursday, October 25th, 2018 at the Mayan Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, California. “Circo de Vampiros” was produced by Rita D’Albert and Liz Fairbairn, directed by Angie Scarpa, and hosted by Blaine Capatch and Jeff Davis. The announcer was Javier Robles and Dana Gould was a guest performer. We attended the first show and were impressed with the entire performance. The artists and wrestlers are representative of the diversity of the Los Angeles community. They entertained with their distinct use of “sex and violence.” The show consists of burlesque, comedy, and lucha libre.
Read moreNoche de Calaveras 2 by Regime Contemporary: A Photographic Essay by Roger Martinez
Collaboration by RISK and Defer
On Thursday October 25th, 2018 was the grand opening of The Mayfair Hotel's latest art gallery "Regime Contemporary". This gallery is presented by Kelly "RISK" Graval, Brian Greif (Saving Banksy), Kevin Zinger, and Ivory Daniel. Sounds provided by DJ Fat Lip and the event was co-curated by Robert Romero & SEL.
https://regimecontemporary.com/
Read moreDr. Hayes-Bautista Interview by Joel Duran
Dr. Hayes-Bautista
Dr. Hayes-Bautista is currently Professor of Medicine and Director of the Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture at the School of Medicine, UCLA. He graduated from UC Berkeley and completed his MA and PhD in Medical Sociology at the University of California Medical Center, San Francisco. Dr. Hayes-Bautista's research focuses on the dynamics and processes of the health of the Latino population using both quantitative data sets and qualitative observations.
Read moreLUCHA VAVOOM: INSIDE AMERICA'S MOST OUTRAGEOUS SHOW, LA Premiere by Andrea Antolini
Dr. Maldad with Crazy Chickens
The LA premiere on October 17th, 2018 for LUCHA VAVOOM: INSIDE AMERICA'S MOST OUTRAGEOUS SHOW, a new documentary that goes behind-the-scenes at the hit live show “Lucha VaVOOM.”
The documentary that explores the fascinating cast of characters behind Lucha VaVOOM - an enthralling combination of high-octane Mexican wrestling, retro-style burlesque dancing, and witty commentary provided by Hollywood's most celebrated comedians. Discover how this family of wildly creative and passionate performers from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and gender orientations come together to create a unique shared experience. As the costumes, alter egos, and flamboyant performances are put on display, these masked marvels reveal their truest selves, offering up stories of perseverance, equality, and self-acceptance.
Read moreProfessional Fighters League: Long Beach Playoffs 2018 by Joel Duran
Professional Fighters League championship competitor Sean O’Connell by Andrea Antolini
Vinny Magalhaes, Sean O’Connell, Natan Schulte, and Rashid Magomedov each won two fights on Saturday, October 13th, 2018 in the Long Beach Arena during the Professional Fighters League Semifinals and will advance to the inaugural championships. The championships will be televised live by NBC Sports Network from the Hulu Theatre of Madison Square Garden on Monday, December 31st, 2018 at 16:00 PT.
Read moreLimited Run’s Pop Art Photo Show: A Photographic Essay by Roger Martinez
Entrance display for Limited Runs’ Pop Art Photo Show featuring a photograph by Connie Conway. Limited Runs was founded by Pierre Vudrag.
Founded by Pierre Vudrag, it is Limited Runs’ mission to make it easy for you to discover and purchase original vintage posters, print art and photography online. Limited Runs’ Pop Art Photo Show was a four-day celebration of 70+ years of pop culture-influenced expression. It went from September 27th - 30th, 2018. The show featured an interactive space showcasing rare and vintage images bridging all varieties of pop culture, including movies, music, celebrity, fashion, and more. Pop Art Photo Show offered everyone from car enthusiasts, classic movie lovers, and music aficionados, a space to explore and purchase their favorite rare and vintage art.
Read moreAina Dumlao Interview: Diwa by Joel Duran
Aina Dumlao in Diwa, a short film
Aina Dumlao co-directed, co-wrote, and starred in a new short film titled Diwa. Diwa has won the US Short Award for Excellence at the Catalina Film Festival and also won Best Diversity Award at the HollyShorts film festival. We interviewed Aina Dumlao as part of our coverage of the San Diego International Film Festival where Diwa will be shown.
Read moreJordan Jacinto Interview: El lavaplatos (The Dishwasher) by Joel Duran
Jordan Jacinto, director and producer of El lavaplatos
Jordan Jacinto is the director and producer of El lavaplatos (The Dishwasher). We interviewed him as part of our coverage of the San Diego International Film Festival because his movie will be shown there. The film is described as a touching and impactful story of a family that is victimized by the cartel.
Read morePremier Boxing Champions: Brandon Figueroa vs. Oscar Escandon By Joel Duran
Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa knocks out Oscar “El Guerrero” Escandon by Andrea Antolini
On Sunday, September 30th, 2018, Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa of Weslaco, Texas defeated the Colombian Oscar “El Guerrero” Escandon via tenth round knockout at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California. The super bantamweight match was scheduled for ten rounds and ended at 1:42 of the last one with a right hook from Figueroa to the chin of Escandon.
Read moreTop Rank: Jose Ramirez vs. Antonio Orozco by Joel Duran
Jose Ramirez (red) vs. Antonio Orozco (black) for WBC Super Lightweight World Title
Jose Ramirez successfully defended his Super Lightweight WBC World Title against the undefeated Antonio Orozco on Friday, September 14th, 2018 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. Jose Ramirez won via unanimous decision in twelve rounds. The title bout began with a flurry of punches thrown by both Chicano boxers.
Read moreChicanos: Disrespected in America, Invisible from Russia by Joaquin Tierra
By Roger Martinez
Joaquin Tierra writes a thought provoking opinion essay on Russia’s interference in America’s 2016 elections. He describes what Russia’s interference reveals about Chicanos in America.
Read moreJavier Hernandez Interview by Joel Duran
El Muerto REQUIEM by Javier Hernandez
Javier Hernandez is a Latino comic author. He has created a comic book series based on the character El Muerto. Apart from writing other comics, he and Ricardo Padilla cofounded Latino Comics Expo. He will be presenting his work and moderating a panel at Long Beach Comic Con 2018 on September 8th and 9th, 2018.
Read moreMelina Chavarria Interview by Joel Duran
The Magic Glasses and Los Lentes Magicos
Melina Chavarria is a Chicana comic book author. Her comic book series is titled The Magic Glasses. We interviewed her as a celebration of her work. She will be appearing in Long Beach Comic Con on September 8th and 9th, 2018 in The Long Beach Convention Center.
Read moreSmoke Me Out Festival 2018 by Joel Duran
Regulo Caro by Roger Martinez
Jimmy Humilde of the Rancho Humilde music label was the host for the Smoke Me Out Festival 2018 on Saturday, August 18th at The Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. There was an impressive crowd of over 15,000 fans in attendance. The lineup of Mexican and Chicano artists included: Banda Los Recoditos, Legado 7, El De La Guitarra, Roberto Tapia, Los Nuevos Rebeldes, Enigma Norteno, Arsenal Efectivo, Los Hijos de Garcia, Omar Ruiz, Hijos de Barron, Noel Torres, Fuerza Regida, and Hijos de Leyva. Unfortunately, Los Alegres del Barranco could not attend because three members of the band were denied visas, according to Jimmy Humilde.
Read moreDew Tour 2018 Long Beach by Joel Duran
Brazilian skater Luiz Francisco by Thulani Ngazimbi
Dew Tour Long Beach 2018 was a skateboarding competition which was held at the Long Beach Convention Center from Thursday June 28th to Sunday July 1st, 2018.
Read moreSpanish Arabic by Joaquin Tierra
Joaquin Tierra writes an insightful essay about the Chicano identity and its relation to the Middle East. It is a response to Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales' poem "I am Joaquin."
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