Category: Los Angeles

Experience the Best of Chicano Rock with Quetzal: Celebrating 30 Years of Exceptional Music
Experience the Best of Chicano Rock with Quetzal: Celebrating 30 Years of Exceptional Music

Experience the Best of Chicano Rock with Quetzal: Celebrating 30 Years of Exceptional Music

Quetzal, the East LA Chican@ rock band, has been redefining Chicano Rock for the past thirty years with their exceptional music. The band, led by Quetzal Flores and Martha Gonzalez, has been telling the stories of the people in struggle through their social, cultural, political, and musical narratives. In celebration of their 30th anniversary, a free event is being organized on August 19, 2023, at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.

The event promises to be a memorable one, with special guests to be announced. The art installations by altar maestras Ofelia Esparza & Rosana Esparza-Aherns will also be exhibited, adding to the cultural ambiance of the event. Attendees can also enjoy food and drinks available for sale while enjoying the exceptional music of Quetzal.

The event details are as follows:

  • Date: August 19, 2023
  • Time: 6:00 pm
  • Location: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the incredible journey of Quetzal and their contribution to the cultural landscape of Chicano Rock. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, art, and cultural celebration.

LOMA Film Festival at La Plaza!
LOMA Film Festival at La Plaza!

LOMA Film Festival at La Plaza!

La Plaza de Cultura y Artes is proud to present the LOMA Film Festival, a celebration of the intersection of Latino and non-Latino cultures. This festival highlights the stories of people who embody diversity, a key component in the formation of Latino culture. The selected films include Backstreet to the American Dream, El Espiritu, Arthur Carillo, Gabriela, The Delusion of Pisces, Red Velvet, and The Kill Floor.

At the festival, we will also be awarding the following:

  • La Cumbre Best of Show: Awarded based on film theme, talent, and impact.
  • Theme Award: Awarded for the best expression of LOMA criteria through the story and presentation.
  • Talent Award: Awarded for directing, acting, or writing.
  • Audience Choice Award: Awarded based on votes by the audience for the best film.

Guest moderator Juan Escobedo will be joining us for the event. Food and beverages will be available for sale.

Join La Plaza de Cultura y Artes on August 12, 2023, at 7 pm for a night of entertainment and cultural celebration. The festival organizer, Multiracial Americans of Southern California (MASC), has a nearly forty-year track record of creativity and integrity in the mixed-race community. Festival presenter LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes has been a showcase of Latino talent within the cultural heart of Los Angeles.

Register Here

Explore Hidden Gems with "Undiscovered Chinatown" Walking Tour
Explore Hidden Gems with "Undiscovered Chinatown" Walking Tour

Explore Hidden Gems with “Undiscovered Chinatown” Walking Tour

Discover the hidden treasures of Chinatown by visiting a temple, herbal shop, art galleries, antique stores, and more. This walking tour will take you to off-the-beaten-path points of interest and guide you to some of the best bargains and trendiest shops.

Sunset and Los Angeles magazines have Described Chinatown as a must-see destination for urban adventurers, and you’ll soon see why! As you explore the vibrant streets of Chinatown, you’ll quickly realize that this neighborhood is steeped in rich history and culture. Chinatown is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood that’s full of surprises. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, there’s always something new to discover on this dynamic tour of Los Angeles.

Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll wind your way through alleyways, plaza stalls, and classical courtyards to discover the charm of L.A.’s Chinatown.

  • Date: August 5
  • Time: 10:30 am – 1:00 pm PDT
Pink and Boujee: The All-Pink Taqueria in Boyle Heights
Pink and Boujee: The All-Pink Taqueria in Boyle Heights

Pink and Boujee: The All-Pink Taqueria in Boyle Heights

A new Latina-owned brunch and taco restaurant has officially opened its doors in Boyle Heights, and it’s all about the color pink! Pink and Boujee, owned by Yesenia Castro, started as a food truck in LA’s fashion district and has now grown into a full-fledged restaurant. “I feel very excited, very honored to be able to open in the community I grew up in,” Castro said.

Pink and Boujee became famous on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, thanks to its signature pink tortillas, pink pancakes, and pink chilaquiles. The restaurant also features pink nachos, among other menu items. Even the decor, from the front entrance to the tables and couches, is pink. “It’s definitely a big accomplishment to be able to provide something for young Latinas. To inspire and to basically have this be a safe space for them,” Castro said.

The Boyle Heights Chamber of Commerce’s Miriam Rodriguez said that it’s inspiring to see people return to the community they grew up in to share their talents. “We grew up here, we have proud roots here, and we want to make sure that we are supporting our family and honoring our family,” Rodriguez said.

Pink and Boujee is located at 1908 1st St. in Boyle Heights and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

North By Northwest - A Film That Defined a Genre
North By Northwest - A Film That Defined a Genre

North By Northwest – A Film That Defined a Genre

North By Northwest is a 1959 classic film that has had a significant impact on the spy thriller and action movie genres. Directed by the legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, the movie stars Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, and James Mason.

Alfred Hitchcock is considered one of the most influential filmmakers in cinematic history, and his contribution to North by Northwest is no exception. The movie features an unforgettable performance by Cary Grant as a man who is mistaken for a government agent and becomes caught up in a dangerous espionage plot. Eva Marie Saint shines as Grant’s love interest, while James Mason delivers a chilling portrayal of the film’s villain.

The movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $13 million at the box office. However, its impact extends far beyond its initial release.

The crop duster chase sequence is one of the film’s most iconic scenes and has become a staple of cinema history. The scene was shot on location in Bakersfield, California, and required the cooperation of local farmers to clear their fields for the sequence. The crop duster plane used in the scene was a specially modified Stearman biplane, painted to resemble a crop duster.

The sound of the plane’s engine was created by slowing down recordings of a jet engine, giving it a more ominous and menacing quality. The scene was originally intended to be a low-key moment of suspense, but Hitchcock decided to ramp up the tension by extending the chase sequence and adding more close calls and near misses. Cary Grant did most of his own stunts in the scene, which included running through the cornfield and dodging the plane as it swooped down on him.

The film’s legacy can be seen in countless movies that followed its release, including the Mission Impossible and Bourne series. Its influence on popular culture can still be felt today, with references and homages appearing in everything from TV shows to video games.

Overall, North By Northwest is a timeless classic that has had a lasting impact on the spy thriller and action movie genres. Its influence can still be seen today, making it a must-see for anyone interested in cinema history.

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