Sade

Big birthday shout to the lovely Miss Sade. Check out this incredible portrait done by artist Steven Lopez as part of his After Midnight Soul Series. I also ran into a DL link (via Inka One's FB post) for a Best of Sade Mix done by DJ Spinna.

Photo LA 2012

I've been to the last two & was really inspired. So considering that this year I'm focusing more on photography, this event is a must for me! I suggest the same for anyone truly into photography. See you there. Here's the info directly from the site, photola.com

© Anthony Friedkin, Woman by the Pool, 1975

21st Annual International Los Angeles Photographic Art Exposition
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium | January 12th-15th, 2012

Confirming Los Angeles’ rising status as a destination and marketplace for curators, collectors, and art enthusiasts are the city’s many new galleries, world-class museums, and outstanding university programs. Now in its 21st year, Photo LA, the longest running art fair west of New York City, carries on its mandate to showcase emerging and established artists from around the globe. Photo LA continues the discourse on photography’s place in the fine arts, providing a platform for the display of vintage masterworks from the 19th and 20th centuries, contemporary photography, new techniques, and new forms of presentation alongside video and multimedia installations. This exciting juxtaposition creates the character that is Photo LA.

During the Martin Luther King holiday weekend, January 12-16, 2012, Photo LA returns to the landmark Santa Monica Civic Auditorium for the 13th time. As the Getty’s Pacific Standard Time: Art in LA 1945-1980 initiative continues into January, Photo LA will include installations focusing on post-WWII art created in Southern California. January is also LA Arts Month, a collective marketing effort by the city and its arts organizations to attract enthusiasts and collectors to Los Angeles.

Buy tickets HERE

13th Annual Thanksgivends Benefit

The 13th Annual Thanksgivends Benefit takes place this Wednesday Night Nov 23rd 9pm-4am. Thanksgivends is
a community effort to raise funds and awareness for programs incorporating the arts for underprivileged and at risk youth.
2 levels, 3 area featuring the best of LA Underground culture. Live art patio, 21+ $10 admission at Los Globos Nightclub, 3040 W Sunset Blvd in LA

Participants include...
4 Mula, Analigital, Anything Fresh, Art Don't Sleep, Bach MRKTG, Beat Junkies, Beat Swapmeet, Beathackerz Collective, Blu Events, Bodega, Boombox, Bridges, Bunda Funk, Cornerstore Radio, Descarga, Devil's Pie, DP Sound, DTLA Tonight, Dublab, Escapism, EVFA Music, Extra Mile Sauce, Fast FWD, Flavorpill, Fly Ball, Footlong Development, For Those Who Know, Frolab, Funkmosphere, Funky Sole, Fusicology, Gata Recordings, Gifted City, Hang Together, Harmony Sound, In Soul We Trust, Incognito, Juju, KCRW, KPFK, Ladies First, Low Key, Muzicality, Nance.Arte, Niteshift, Nu-Soul Magazine, Ozomatli, Pitchblend Media, Plug Research, P.O.P. Culture, Pocho Hour Radio, Power Tools, Proper, Resident Friday, Rice & Beats, Rick & Ray, RK Entertainment, Root Down, Sailaway Collective, Shift, Solshock, Soul Children, Soul Circle Radio, Soul Sessions, Spring Strut, stay Gold, Strictly Social, Subsuelo, The Noise Academy, Transit Events, Tumbe, Turntable Addicts, Uniquity Records, Unison, Universal Rhythm, Vibes & Stuff, Walk Talkin, We own The Night

DJays...
Al Jackson, Analog, Anthony Valadez, Beat Ventriloquists, Billy Goods, Bobby Soul, Brazilia, C-Minus, Cee Brown, Clifton, Danny Massure, Destroyer, Drack Muse, Dubs One, Duran Castro, Ervin Arana, Expo, Frank Foreal, Gazoo, Inka One, Jedi, Just Pudge, Kerry Simester, Mando Fever, Marlon Fuentes, Michelle Q, Monalisa, MZA, Panamami, Phatrick, Phersone, Phyz Ed, Plann B, Puffs, Raul Campos, Re-Mitch, Rick Wren, Rudy Carmona, Scott K, Sean O, Selectra, Seven 57, Sloe Poke, Soluz, Wordamouth, Wyatt Case

Host/performers...
Quetzal Querrero, Derrick Buck, E Reece, KG Superstar & Mayda Del Valle

Live art by, Mear One & Outdoor Art Gallery by Analigital
This years beneficiaries; Marvista Family Center, Sound Art,
Peace 4 Kids & Pio Pico Ms Music Program

"Legend's Hip Hop" by Justin Bua

Pick up Justin Bua's new book and get it signed by the man himself at Amoeba Music in Hollywood (6400 W Sunset Blvd.) Here's the info....

Internationally acclaimed artist Justin Bua celebrates the release of his new art book, "The Legends of Hip Hop" with a book signing event at Amoeba Hollywood. With a forward by Chuck D, his new book is an an intimate look at the visionaries, the movers and the shakers and the pioneers who have helped shape the world of hip hop.

DJ Qbert is featured in the book and will be spinning at 6pm to kick off the event and will sign copies of the book with Justin. Book will be available for purchase at Amoeba day of the event.

The Way I See It

*Photo by Ervin Arana 2011

The Way I See It

A little bit about myself that you may not know. Over the years, I've falling deeply in love with music, djayin & everything about hip hop culture. I'm grateful for every experience & look forward to having more. But deep in my heart, I always knew I was meant to do photography. I never neglected that feeling, but I never talked about it much.

Lately, I've had the itch to shoot more than ever & I decided not to keep everything to myself anymore. With that being said, I'd like to share my perspective of life, The Way I See It...

*Photo by Ervin Arana 2011

After Midnight

Steven Lopez at it again...

Easy Roc's Halloween Decor

Yes, I know Halloween was a month ago, but a couple days after Easy Roc's Halloween house party, I stopped by his house to shoot all the incredible decor that was still up. Chatting it up with Easy, he was already mapping out his decorations for next year. So again, don't make any plans for Halloween weekend in 2011, lol. His parties truly capture the Halloween spirit!








*Photography by Ervin Arana

Artwalk

I've been to the art walk in downtown LA a few times before, but this past Thursday was the first time I got to take my time and enjoy the experience. Out of respect to the artist, I didn't post any photo's of any art work (except for images of the protest). But from these photo's you can see that the art walk soon turned into the "ate walk" (as the dapper dames now call it , lol). Art walk goes down every second Thursday in downtown LA. Swing by next time, get inspired, meet new people and grab a bite to eat from one of the many food trucks! Check out the photo's, see you next month.....





*Photography by Ervin Arana

Spirits Of A Feather

This Saturday Night, find a friend and share an evening of art & music in my beautiful hometown city of Long Beach! Viento Y Agua Coffee House & Gallery presents artist Steven Lopez; Spirits Of A Feather. Music provided by Glenn Red of Afro Funké. Here's the address; 4007 East 4th St Long Beach Ca 90814

For more info; http://www.ikeepmoving.com

Afro Funké

This Thursday Night, catch me spinning at Afro Funké in Santa Monica Ca. Live painting by one of my favorite artist, Steven Lopez. And of course the the Afro Funké Sound System always holding it down; Jeremy Sole, Glenn Red, hosted by Rocky Dawuni. Here's the details; Zanzibar 1301 5th St (at Arizona Ave); $7-$10 Cover http://afrofunke.com/

Justin Bua

This Satday June 12th 1pm-8pm, Justin Bua's Urban Art Studio will feature original paintings & drawings as the artist himself host conversations with leading artist, musician, dancers & more. Guest include; Mr Wiggles, Mear One, Mixmaster Mike & MORE! Free tickets for each interview session will be available at LACMA Box one hour before program.

I had the pleasure of meeting Justin a few years back when the Rock Steady Crew Anniversary came to LA. Aside from all the incredible art you'll be expose to, you don't want to miss Mr Wiggles' performance. Truly one of the best dancers I've ever seen!

LACMA; 5905 Wilshire Blvd Blvd Los Angeles CA 90036
For more info Justin Bua Blog or lacma.org

East3 (Rock Steady Crew)

Most people think of Rock Steady Crew as just a bboy/bgirl crew. Let me remind you, we represent all elements of hip hop culture. If you don't already know East3, allow me to introduce you to Hawaii's finest.

Born in San Francisco and raised in Hawaii, East started painting at the age of 14. In 1994 he met Crazy Legs and was recruited into the Rock Steady Crew. Since then he's work with Q-Bert, Tony Touch, Rawkus Records, GQ Magazine & many more. Check out this time lapse video featuring some of East's most recent artwork...



For More Info; http://www.east-3.com/

Steven Lopez's After Midnight Soul

I first met Steven Lopez at Easy Roc's legendary backyard parties in LA. I usually DJ'd and Steven along with Easy Roc, Taz Rock & Laten would provide some of the amazing art displays. I got to know him and his art a little better through a mutual friend. Steven never fails to impress me with his art. Check out his latest project titled "After Midnight Soul"

After Midnight Series: Erykah Badu "Amerykahn Promise"
Erykah Badu Featured in Limited Edition Print by Steven Lopez

For more info;
http://ikeepmoving.com/
http://aftermidnightsoul.com/shop/