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

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Last night was definitely a night to be grateful for. My night started with my weekly residency "Low Key" at Carbon in Culver City. Lots of folks came to vibe & groove with us. Special thanks to DJ Bennett (Amoeba Music) for coming thru as well.

Then I headed out to the 12th Annual Thanks Givends event to rock with all my LA peeps. Spinning 45's after Japan's DJ Muro & Stone Throws' Peanut Butter Wolf is no easy task, but your boy did it. After seeing those two rock, it's inspired me to hit the lab & sharpen up my skills! Much respect to both of them!

I didn't get say hello to too many folks, but I hope everyone had a great night! And don't forget, be thankful everyday, not just once a year. We're very fortunate to be living the life that we do :D

*Photo by Ervin Arana

Thanks Givends 12 Year Anniversary

Every year LA comes together for the Annual Thanks Givends Benefit fundraiser. This year's event will be benefiting Mar Vista Family Center & Peace 4 Kids/Watts Boys & Girls Club Arts. I hope everyone will come out to support this great cause. Music will be provided by just about all your favorite LA DJ's, including yours truly! Here's the info....

Club Seven Forty
753 S Spring St (Corner of 8th in Downtown LA, Enter Alley)
9pm-3am | 21+ | $10 Suggested Donation


Mar Vista Family Center -
The mission is to provide low-income families with quality preschool education, youth enrichment, and educational tools to create positive change in their lives and in their communities. Every program adheres to the basic premise that it is critical to empower children, teens and adults to play vital and responsible roles – as decision makers, community leaders, mentors, classroom volunteers, and fundraisers – at MVFC

Peace 4 Kids/Watts Boys & Girls Club Arts -
Provides programs and services for foster and at-risk youth from ages 5-18, and after emancipation until age 24. Peace4Kids is truly on the front lines in addressing the needs of foster and at-risk youth in the South Los Angeles neighborhoods of Watts,
Willowbrook and Compton. They create a strong foundation
through programs focused on creative expression and life
skills, allowing our kids to discover their unique voice and
limitless potential for success.

Root Down Sound System

The Root Down Sound System doing what we do best. Check us out tonight at the New Gabba 4916 Hollywood Blvd CA 90027; $5 Cover or Free before 11pm with password "The Meters" so tell all your your friends!!!

Low Key

In the mid to late 90's I discovered what the media labeled, neo soul. Artist like Amel Larrieux, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu & more. As a DJ, this was a sound that interested me the most. However, most DJ gigs required me to play more uptempo music.

Don't get me wrong, I love all types of music. But every Wednesday Night at Carbon, I'll be exploring all the r&b and soul music that moves me the most. I hope you'll stop by and join me sometime...

Breakestra live at the Root Down

The Root Down's back for it's second week with a special live performance by The Breakestra! Join us at the New Gabah 4916 Hollywood Blvd LA 90027. $10 all night!

All Hallows Evil

Some of the best house parties I've ever been to have been hosted by Easy Roc. If you don't know Easy Roc, all you need to know is that when he does something, he goes all out & does it RIGHT!!!

So with that being said, I hope to see you at his annual Halloween House Party this Saturday Oct 30th! Bring all your friends, all cool peeps are invited. I guarantee, you won't be disappointed. Music provided by DJ Wobbles & yours truly! $5 donation, 16636 Georgia Ave in the city of Paramount CA 90723

Don't Call It A Come Back

...we've been here for years! After a year hiatus, The Root Down has returned. The Sound System's in full effect; Music Man Miles, Loslito, Sloe Poke, Expo, DJ Jedi, Burt Blackarach & of course yours truly! Going down at a new location, G-Club aka Daddy Cools; 4916 Hollywood Blvd, LA 90027. Free before 10:30pm w RSVP; ervinarana@gmail.com $5 After

Sonido Presents...

Another installment of Sonido Presents with LA legendary DJ Marvski along with resident DJ Sloe Poke & yours truly, here's the info, I hope to see you there!

Union Del Barrio Fundraiser

Going down tonight at Sonido Sundays; DJ's Sloe Poke, Expo, Frank(E), Chicus, DJ Ethos, yours truly and special performance by Aztlan Underground. More info...

Wake Up

John Legend & The Roots' new album Wake Up was officially released this past Tuesday September 21st. Off the bat, I'm definitely feeling their first single, Wake Up Everyone. I haven't picked up the album yet but I've heard a few snippets of the rest of the tracks so we'll see how it goes. I'm a big fan of the Roots & John Legend so I'm hype to hear what they got for us! Peep the site for more info; http://johnlegend.com/

Fat Beats LA

The end of an era, but you better believe Fat Beats is going out with style. Make sure you stop by this week for anyone of their instores.... & shame on you for not supporting the store before it went out of business!

ANDA w Surprise Guest DJ

Tonight ANDA presents an all vinyl set from resident DJ's Gazoo, Gomez Comes Alive, Juan Lennon & Mando Fever along with Chico Sonido, Glenn Red (Afro Funke'), B+ (Mochilla) & a very, very special guest that you don't want to miss ;)

$10 or $7 before 10:30 w RSVP at andarsvp@gmail.com 21+ Mal's Bar 2331 S Hill St Los Angeles, CA *100% of the door money will be donated to benefit the LA 4 PK Coalition's flood relief efforts for Pakistan!

Quote

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit." -Aristotle

Sonido Presents...

This Wednesday Night, join us for another night of Sonido Presents with special guest DJ's Ethos, Marvski, Resident DJ's Sloe Poke & yours truly along with a live performance by Mexico 68. Hosted by Artson, all happening at Little Temple (4519 Santa Monica Blvd in Silverlake)

Root Down Back at Lil Temple

For one night only, the usual suspects; Music Man Miles, Loslito, Sloe Poke, DJ Expo, DJ Jedi, Amani & yours truly spinning all vinyl back at our last residency; Little Temple 4519 Santa Monica Blvd in LA.

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