Feel Good Music; Venezuelan Zinga Son Vol 1

Los Amigos Invisibles take you on a continuous blend of latin, funk, house, lounge and bossa nova, making this album a unique musical experience! Trust me, you need this album in your life, Listen

Long Beach Funk Fest Schedule

Alright everyone, today is the day. Make your way out to beautiful downtown Long Beach for a day FUNK w special performances & some of LA's funkiest DJ's! Here's the lineup.....

Pine Stage
11:00am - 12:15pm DJ Gazoo (ANDA)
12:15pm - 1:10pm Orgone
1:10pm - 2:35pm Ervin Arana (Root Down)
2:50pm - 3:40pm Weapon Of Choice
3:40pm - 5:00pm Thomas PM (Ubiquity)
5:00pm - 6:00pm Yo Mama Big Fat Booty
6:00pm - 7:40pm Glenn Red (Afro Funke')
7:40pm - 8:40pm Bloco Nove

Main Stage
12:00pm - 1:20pm Luman (Bar One)
1:20pm - 2:30pm Big Ol Nasty Getdown
2:30pm - 3:50pm Clifton (Funky Sole)
3:50pm - 4:50pm Stone City Band
5:50pm - 6:15pm DJ Abel (Good Foot)
6:15pm - 7:30pm The Jimmy Castor Bunch
7:30pm - 9:00pm Monalisa (Garth Trinidad Sound)
9:00pm - 10:15pm Ladies Of The P Funk

Rhythm Lounge
12:00pm - 1:00pm Renato (Super Cuts)
1:00pm - 2:00pm Connor Rogan
2:00pm - 3:00pm Gazoo (ANDA)
3:00pm - 4:00pm Laroj
4:00pm - 5:00pm Expo (Root Down)
5:00pm - 6:00pm Bobby Soul
7:00pm - 8:00pm Marvski
8:00pm - 9:00pm Thomas PM (Ubiquity)
9:00pm - 10:00pm Glenn Red (Afro Funke)

DJ Tent
2:00pm - 3:00pm Expo (Root Down)
3:00pm - 4:00pm Marvski
4:00pm - 5:00pm ReMitch (Soul Sessions)
5:00pm - 6:00pm Renato (Super Cuts)
6:00pm - 7:00pm Laroj
7:00pm - 7:20pm Spankie Valentine

7:20pm - 8:00pm Ervin Arana (Root Down)

8:00pm - 9:00pm DJ Abel (Good Foot)

Lunch Breaks

This Friday afternoon as part of the Rock Steady Crew 33rd Year Anniversary, DJ's Tony Touch, DV One, Fever One & myself will be Djaying on Lunch Breaks with Crazy Legs! Show starts at 1:45pm-5pm Bronx Time. So for all my Cali peeps that's 10:45am-2pm. Tune in; crazylegsworkshop.com/

Rock Steady Crew 33rd Year Anniversary

Rock Steady Crew has been holding it down for 33 years! I've been down with the movement since Nov 2002 and it's been an incredible journey! I'm in NY right now celebrating with the crew. Saturday July 31st we'll be hosting the UK Champs Qualifier (winning crew & soloist will represent the US later this year in the UK) For more info; crazylegsworkshop.com

Sunday August 1st, Rock Steady For Life Free Outdoor Concert & Food Drive. Live performances by Big Daddy Kane, EPMD, Black Sheep, Lords of the Underground, 9th Wonder, Immortal Technique, Rakaa & Much Much MORE! All going down at Lincoln Park (1 Lincoln, Newark NJ) Free all day 12pm-9pm!!!

KRS One Lecture

Wednesday, July 28th at 6pm, Amoeba Music is honored to host a private Lecture, Q&A and book signing with the legendary KRS One aka The Teacha. This special event will take place in Amoeba’s Jazz Room where a smaller group of fans will be able to hear KRS One read selections from his new book and answer questions.

Due to the intimate nature of this event and space constraints, Amoeba will sell advance Gospel of Hip Hop packages. Includes a copy of the book on event date, guaranteed space in signing line to meet KRS One and a ticket to hear KRS speak and answer questions in Amoeba’s Jazz Room.

Package price is $25 and they are available at Amoeba Hollywood now (6400 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028) Get them while they last!

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

Long Beach Funk Fest

Ladies of P-Funk, Jimmy Castor & The Bunch, Original Stone City Band, Orgone along with DJ Gazoo, Clifton, Glenn Red, Marvski, yours truly & many more funk bands, artist, dancers & DJ's will invade downtown Long Beach for a free Funk Festival. All going down Saturday August 7th!

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

Salida

I feel blessed to be surrounded with such talented people. Mayda del Valle, Def Poet & member the Rock Steady Crew (I told you, we're not just bboys & bgirls) will be performing an excerpt of her one woman show at the Greenway Court Theatre (544 N Fairfax Ave Los Angeles CA 90036); Not sure what the cost is, but I'm sure it won't be too expensive. Either way, it's a good to support! Show starts at 10:30pm Wednesday July 7th.

Salida is a work in progress that explores culture, traditions, memory, and the wounds and stories women inherit from their mothers. While trying to break free from her mother’s expectations and restrictions, a daughter uncovers their shared longing for a way out and establishes a healing connection to the grandmother she never met.

*photo by Ervin Aarana

Fiesta Tropical

I met DJ Sloe Poke when I was 17 years old at the Bboy Summit in San Diego, since then we hit it off. When DJayin was just a dream, he believed and encouraged me since day one. We've seen each other grow artistically & personally. I love this dude, Happy Birthday DJ Sloe Poke!!! Come celebrate his bday/cd release party with us at the Rhythm Lounge in downtown Long Beach!

Setenta "Funky Tumbao"

Just discovered a new band out of Paris France. SETENTA's, latin funk combo of seven musicians' fusion of nuyorican salsa, modern boogaloo and mambo immediately caught my attention. Bottom line, this album's off the hook! Listen; http://fatbeats.com

Thank You Afro Funké Pt2

It's an amazing feeling when you play for a crowd that's open to all genre's of music! Shout out to Jeremy Sole, Glenn Red, Cary Sullivan & Rocky Dawuni, thanks again for having me at Afro Funke'.

And for those who didn't make it, here's a snippet of what you missed, enjoy! Download HERE

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

Root Down Returns To Gabah

That's right ya'll! If you remember Root Down's many legendary nights at Gabah, you know what you're getting into! So join us, this Thursdays June 17th & 24th with the usual suspects spinning all vinyl; Music Man Miles, Loslito, Sloe Poke, DJ Jedi & of course yours truly. 4658 Melrose Ave (1/2 West of Normandie) $5 Cover/ And if you know me personally, hit me up for guestlist!

ANDA 2 Year Anniversary

This Saturday, June 5th ANDA celebrates their 2 year anniversary. If you haven't experienced ANDA, you don't know what you're missing. It's quickly become one of my favorite latin parties in LA! So join resident DJ's Mando Fever, Gazoo, Gomez Comes Alive, Juan Lennon along with a special performance by Very Be Careful! Mal's Bar 2331 S Hill St Los Angeles CA 90007; $10 Cover All Night

It's A Man's World

This performance always gives me the chills! Speechless...

Sonido; First Wednesdays

DJ Sloe Poke is bringing you some of the best sounds and beyond! This Wednesday June 2nd at Little Temple (4519 Santa Monica Blvd) Here's the line up... DJ Sloe Poke, Rude One, Ervin Arana, Leche, Illadox, Ray Ricky Rivera, & more!

Sonido de Mayo

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo at Little Temple with some of my favorite LA latin performers and DJ's. Here's the line up, LA's best Latin Reggae Band Quinto Sol, Eastside Hip Hop/Cumbia Sensation Ray Ricky Rivera along Root Down's DJ's Sloe Poke & Ervin Arana; DJ Lengua, DJ Ganas & DJ Enorbito of Mas Exitos; The Sonidero King of LA/Monterey Mexican Dubweiser; Representing the ANDA Sound System Gomez Comes Alive & Highlands Sounds' DJ Rude One.

All going down at Little Temple (4519 Santa Monica Blvd in Silverlake) on Wednesday Night May 5th; For more info; ervinarana@gmail.com

Amoeba's First Ever Garage Sale

Bouncing Cats

A couple years ago, the Rock Steady Crew (Crazy Legs, Ynot & myself) along with director Nabil Elderkin traveled to Africa to shoot a documentary titled, "Bouncing Cats." This film is about Abrahmz Tekya and the Breakdance Project Uganda's effort to better the lives of misplaced children affected by war. The week I spent in Africa with Abrahmz inspired me more than words can express.

"Bouncing Cats" is set to debut at the Newport Beach Film Festival on Tuesday April 27th; Lido Regency Theatre 3459 Via Lido, Newport Beach Ca 92663. For tickets & more info; http://newportbeach.bside.com

*Photo by Ervin Arana (2007)

R.I.P. Guru

Legendary MC Guru of Gang Starr passed away on the morning of April 19th after losing a battle with cancer. Guru was one of the first MC's I paid attention to. He provoked me to think and his lyrical content helped me understand life a little better. Thank you for your contribution to Hip Hop, Music & Life. Rest In Peace Guru

Record Store Day

Record store day was founded in 2007 to celebrate the unique culture of independent record stores throughout the world. I've spent a lot time at record stores and have fallen in love with this culture. So I thought I'd share my experiences with some of my favorite record stores. Here are a few words along with a record store pictorial...

The first record store I ever stepped into was Bagatelle Records. Every payday, I used to rush over to Bagatelle and dig through as many boxes of records as I possibly could. The store has it's designated sections for different genres of music, but my favorite place to dig, is in the random boxes of records Steve (the owner) has laying around the store. Steve always has more records stashed away somewhere, and you never know when he'll pull them out for you to look through. I'd say 80 percent of my record collection comes from Bagatelle. (260 Atlantic Avenue Long Beach, CA 90802)

Fingerprints has a nice selection of records, that I can't find anywhere else. I've taking a lot of chances on records there and found out about a lot of artist that I'm now a huge fan of. Don't sleep on Fingerprints. (4612-B E 2nd St Long Beach, CA 90803)

Fatbeats on Melrose is my first stop for Hip Hop. Whether I'm looking for something that just dropped or a classic 12" I may have missed, Fatbeats usually has it and has it cheap. (7600 Melrose Ave Suite J 2nd Floor Los Angeles, CA 90046)

Then there's Amoeba Music. What can I say, the store feels like you're in music heaven. You can dig through the clearance section and find some serious heat for as low as $0.50. Any genre of music, Electronica, House, Hip Hop, Cumbia, and even country. Amoeba has something for EVERYONE! (6400 West Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90028)















*Photography by Ervin Arana (2010)

Fire Away

This Tuesday April 20th at 6pm, Ozomatli will be performing at Amoeba Music (6400 Sunset Blvd Hollywood CA 90028) to celebrate the release of their new album Fire Away. I admit, I've been a little out of touch with Ozomatli's latest work and I haven't seen them perform for a couple years now, so I look forward to reconnecting with one of my favorite bands! For more info; http://www.ozomatli.com/

Thank You Afro Funké

This past Thursday night, I got to share the decks with some very inspirational DJ's. Jeremy Sole & Glenn Red have been digging deep to bring you feel good music from all around the globe. So for the Root Down & Afro Funké to come together was just outrageous! I enjoyed the music so much, I didn't get to shoot as much as I wanted to, but I did manage to take a few shots...







*Photography by Ervin Arana (2010)

I Need A Dollar

Aloe Blacc's new single, also happens to be the theme song for HBO's new show "How To Make It In America." Check out Aloe perform the track live at The Do Over (Winter Music Conference 2010) with Jeremy Sole.


*Taken from http://www.giantstep.net

Soul Sessions

My first time spinning at Soul Sessions. Friday April 9th, you don't want to miss this night, I have the honor of opening up for what is sure to be a BANGIN' Percussion/DJ performance by Eric Bobo of Cypress Hill & DJ Rhettmatic of the Beat Junkies. On top of that, the Soul Sessions Crew will be holding it down as usual! All happening at the Grand Star in downtown LA; 943 N Broadway; 21+ $5 before 10:30pm $10 after. For more info; http://soulsessionslive.com

*Download Bobo Meets Rhettmatic Mixtape; http://bobomeetsrhettmatic.com/

Frosty Freeze (R.I.P.)

On April 3rd 2008, we lost a true legend and pioneer of Hip Hop culture. Wayne "Frosty Freeze" Frost, member of the Rock Steady Crew was known for his inventive acrobatics and comedic style. His character inspired so many bboys & bgirls. It is without question, the dance world would not be where it is today without Frosty Freeze and his contributions!

Peep; Frosty Freeze Tribute arranged by Popmaster Fabel. You can also see Frosty in some of Hip Hop's classic's documentaries/flims; Flashdance, Wild Style, Style Wars & The Freshest Kids!

*Rock Steady Crew performance at The Common Ground; photographed by Martha Cooper (1981)


My first love, my introduction to Hip Hop was through bboy culture. I started breakin' in 1993, paid a lot of dues and eventually I was recruited into the Rock Steady Crew. Frosty Freeze was there the day I got down and he welcomed me with open arms. He made me feel like I was part of the family and he reinforced that feeling when I ran into him again in San Jose about a year later. Frosty never forgot a face and always treated you like a real person. For that I will never forget him!

*Photographed at Easy Rock's house with Frosty Freeze & Ice Man the day I got down with Rock Steady (2002)