Annual Festival: Pre-Event Art Show
Pre-Event Kick Off:
Join us for the Mercado Art Exhibtion: In Conjunction with La Vida Es Un Festival!
FANIA RECORDS ALBUM COVER ART INSTALLATION
Visual works by: @peraltaprjct & @peace_project “Cuba”
Vinyl DJ sets by @sonidodelvalle Record Store DJ’s @_boobsboo_ & @renesrelics with special guest DJ: @azul213
As we approach our annual Afro-Latine Summer Festival, we hope you'll join us in welcoming talented Afro-Latine artists and creatives to the Mercado! RSVP at the link below.
Featured Artists:
Fania Records Album Cover Art Installation
2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the legendary New York label Fania Records, one of the most significant Latin labels in the world, musically and culturally. In the ’60s, Fania pioneered creating and spreading the sound of salsa music from New York City to the globe. In addition to salsa, Fania is the definitive home for genres such as Latin big band, Afro-Cuban jazz, boogaloo, and Latin soul.
M. Tony Peralta - The Peralta Project
A contemporary artist and designer known for his fusion of pop art aesthetics, cultural iconography, and vibrant hues. While living in a home dominated by Dominican culture, Peralta developed a deep appreciation for American art and influences. Using screen printing, painting, and mixed media techniques, Peralta has paid homage to his heritage, showcased the stigma of Blackness in Dominican identity, and tipped his hat to the golden age of Hip-Hop.
Visit Tony’s website and use the discount code: LAVIDA10 to get a 10% discount on all posters and prints!
The Peace Photo Project - “Cuba”
This project started in 2007 initially as the PEACE in Iraq Project but quickly moved to the PEACE Photo Project representing many diverse communities united to deliver a universal message of peace and understanding. It is the first human photo petition to bring awareness to peace.
In 2016 Azul213 visited Santiago de Cuba to DJ the first electronic music festival on the island, He brought the sign and captured the island's unique Afro-Latine folx.
The Center for the Study of Political Graphics
The Center for the Study of Political Graphics (CSPG) is an educational and research archive that collects, preserves, documents, and exhibits posters relating to historical and contemporary movements for social change. Using its more than 90,000 human rights and protest posters and prints, CSPG creates traveling and online thematic exhibitions, and publications. CSPG is advancing the power of art to educate and inspire people to action.
DJ’s from Sonido del Valle
Sonido Del Valle has been the only record store in the historic Boyle Heights neighborhood in California for almost half a decade, boasting to have the Largest Latin Selection in Los Angeles!
DJ’s:
Azul 213
Azul 213 developed International acclaim through his soulful uptempo DJ sets. Musically his performances reflect his varied upbringing and experiences, they run the gamut from Afro-Latine dance tracks to hip-house club beats, and electrotonic edits.
Azul is still a prominent figure on the LA music scene being involved in some of LA's most successful club events over the last 20 years as a DJ & Host. One honorable mention would be the infamous international Do Over party in its 19th season, who in 2022 were named Redbull's Culture Clash LA Champions!
Annual Festival
Esperanza Community Housing Corporation Presents “La Vida Es Un Festival!“ An Afro-Latine Festival at the Mercado La Paloma celebrating the rich and diverse Afro-Latine culture in Los Angeles that promotes black and brown solidarity, and fosters wellness, education, and entertainment from the local and international diaspora.
This festival aims to create an annual platform for Afro-Latine communities and allies to come together, recognize and celebrate shared heritage and culture from the Caribbean to Central America and wherever the Afro-Latine diaspora is found in the world.
Through various forms of performance, workshops, and wellness activities, this festival seeks to provide a space where artists, activists, and educators can share their talents, experiences, and knowledge of culture with the Los Angeles community.