Las Cafeteras, from Los Angeles, formed in 2005 after being inspired by the free son jarocho classes they were taking at Eastside Cafe in El Sereno. The Cafe is the project of Union de Comunidades, which started as a traveling cafe with roots based on the Encuentro Chicano-Zapatista and the Big Frente Zapatista. Las Cafeteras’ music relates the stories and struggles encountered by and as immigrants and they use this particular Veracruz style of music, son jarocho, “as a tool to build autonomy, community and solidarity.” Along with the music and the use of traditional instrumentation, their performances include zapatadeo, spoken word and hip hop. “Las Cafeteras strives to make this ancient music relevant to everyday people in everyday places.” The seven member ensemble’s new album, It’s Time, is available on BandCamp. This interview with Hector Flores, who handles vocals, the jarana and some zapateado, took place in the beautiful open patio at Copa Lounge after their Friday performance as part of South by Southwest 2013.

Hector Guerra of Pachamama Crew, “one of the new exponents of the new school of urban Latin music,” is currently on tour in promotion of his just released double-album, Amor… Desde El Infierno. Guerra explains that the music on this album reflects the duality, a light and dark side, in all of us and until we’re able to fully accept that notion, we won’t know the true joy of happiness.

Guerra’s music, a mixture of urban sounds, hip hop and reggae, strives to exemplify love, peace and harmony. Of Spanish/Bolivian descent, the MC and producer was signed to BMI and Warner Chappell. His collaboration on the album Estacion Wirikuta as part of the AHO Collective, put together to bring awareness to the current situation in that region, reached number one on iTunes Mexico. He just released a video teaser for his current single, Fallen Angels. We were able to snag Guerra for an interview, at Copa during the Friday night SXSW2013 showcase, a few minutes before he took off to Mexico for another performance.

Ramón Amezcua and Pepe Mogt are better known for their artistic names Bostich & Fussible. They are an important part of Nortec Collective, a group of artists that pays tribute to Mexican musical tradition by blending it using the latest electronic mediums. Their musical uniqueness mixes Norteño and Tambora fineness with old school electronic tendencies, such as those of Chicago House and Breakbeat. Bostich & Fussible are backed by numerous Latino musicians in a band that provides a great array of instruments and textures: tubas, clarinets, horns from the Tambora, accordions, bajo sexto from Norteño music and innovative electronic instruments like the Tenori-on.

Camilo Lara is the producer behind Instituto Mexicáno del Sonido, one of the most outstanding voices of the latino electronic scene. “Politico” is his latest album, an explicit social critique of the current situation in Mexico. His music is influenced by countless contemporary genres and popular figures, and is alway portraying his own postcard of Mexico by referencing places, people and the latino lifestyle. Camilo also expresses his flair for improvisation and a synthesized aesthetic: “I love being a dj. I can drop beats, cumbias and make every night a particular dj set. I never I bring anything planned, being a DJ I have to read the people moods every night.”

We sat down with the one and only “World Champion” of the world Judah Friedlander before his performance at the Laugh Factory in Chicago. My co-host from ChicagoOnAir_alAire Victor Alan Lozano and myself had an awesome charla with The Champ while he casually chowed down his burrito dinner. Oh yeah, with an extra side of refried  beans. BTW, he loves Mexican food and says that Chicago has some of the best he’s ever had. “Ha! Y eso que no fue a Pilsen o La Villita que sí no….”

Judah explained to us that he is the “World Champion” simply because he is able to win any and every karate death match anywhere, any time. Being the greatest athlete in history also helps. But don’t be sad amigos, you all can also become great ass kicking machines simply by reading his instructional and inspirational karate book – “How to Beat Up Anybody.” It will definitely make you feel Muy BadAss and Muy Chingon también!

Make sure to check him out on the hit comedy show 30 Rock during its final season and during any of his stand up comedy shows around the country. You’ll laugh so hard that you might even get a six pack from it. *results may vary* You can also find him on your favorite social network site; he won’t be that hard to find since he claims to have been using Twitter since 1985. This definitely solidifies his “World Champion Status.” Let him know you want him to come back to Chicago and visit your barrio to teach you and your friends some of his sweet karate moves. Who knows? He might actually do it…

For the first time in the history of the Grammy awards, the Afro-Mexican genre of Son Jarocho was nominated AND the genre received two noms – Best Regional Mexican and Best Urban/Rock/Alternative for Los Cojolites’ Sembrando Flores and Sistema Bomb’s Electro-Jarocho, respectively-

These projects that have more than the kind of music in common.Both albums involved the creative energy of Greg Landau and Hector ‘Hec-Dog’ Perez.

We had a chance to chat with renowned composer/producer Perez in his San Francisco studio to get the story on how the Sistema Bomb project came about, and find out just what the deal is with the bomb-headed musician playing the jarana!

Growing up between Brazil and the West Indies, the powerful and talented Zuzuka Poderosa is now taking the world by storm from her home-base in New York City.

Zuzuka raps and rhymes in Portuguese, Spanish and English in funk-laden grooves, creating an irresistible mix that speaks to the mind as well as the body – her lyrics touch on all sorts of subjects from the sexy to the serious.

Check out our video chat with Zuzuka as we find out about the sources of her inspiration and how she puts together her fiery brand of multi-culti beats.

Zuzuka Poderosa bring her ‘carioca bass’ to the Beauty Bar February 8.

Check Catalina’s show “Beat Latino”  on Facebook,  subscribe via Itunes, and check the playlist or download the podcast on the archives.

Latino comedians Thai Rivera and Dillon Garcia made people laugh their asses off during their performances at the Chicago Laugh Factory for their Thick and Thin Comedy Tour this December. Servando Cadenas (yo mero) and Victor Alan Lozano from Chicago OnAir had the chance to hangout with them before their show and find out a little more about these two Cabezones. Our conversation took us to places and stages of their lives that many fans want to know about: their early beginnings in stand up comedy to how they became the international comedy icons they are today. (Ok, maybe I’m exaggerating a little bit but it sounds awesome!)

Dillon’s type of comedy reflects the very active mind of a guy that simply turns average and very common things into jokes. It might sound plain and simple but the way he delivers his message can make anyone laugh their ass off uncontrollably. Thai, on the other hand, is a straight up comedian who tells things how they are, referring to himself as “America’s favorite fag.” No filters, no excuses and no pelos en la lengua (If you don’t know what that means, lo siento).

They are very active in the comedy world, and it seems that things can only get bigger and better for them. Make sure to check them out and let them know what you think. They actually do respond to many comments and questions on their social media sites.

At Chicago’s first ever trans pride rally this summer, Gozamos spoke with several local organizations that offer services to Chicago’s transgender community. About 300 people attended the historic event, dubbed the T.G.I.F. (trans, gnc, and intersex freedom) Rally. Lead organizer Kokumo, a transgender woman/activist/artist, kicked off the rally by explaining, “As a trans woman, I see that we are shut out of the establishment via education, employment, and housing. The only way we can truly find happiness is by creating our own movements and our own safe spaces.”

In addition to facing such issues as employment and housing discrimination, transgender women, particularly women of color, are disproportionately victims of hate murders. This year in Chicago, two young transgender women of color, Paige Clay and Tiffany Gooden, were murdered on the city’s West Side.

The T.G.I.F. rally addressed several of these issues in addition to providing a space for the trans community to celebrate its achievements. The keynote speech was given by Kylar Broadus, a lawyer and founder of Trans People of Color Coalition,  the first advocacy organization in the world run by and for trans people of color. Broadus made history himself by becoming the first transgender person to testify before the U.S. Senate.

The rally also  included a gender-affirming clothing drive, a self-defense class, performances, speakers, and a Wall of Remembrance for attendees to write the names of those in the trans community who lost their lives this year. The event also featured a Wall of Celebration because, as Kokumo explained, “we also want to celebrate those who are still with us and doing revolutionary work.”

Check out our interviews with some of the local organizations that are doing such revolutionary work in Chicago.

Resources Featured in Video

Transformative Justice Law Project
4707 N. Broadway, Chicago
(773) 272-1822
www.tjlp.org
namechange@tjlp.org

Soy Quien Soy: Trans* Empowerment Collective
sqs-tec.tumblr.com
www.facebook.com/sqschicago
sqs_info@yahoo.com

Life Skills
(773) 245-3755
www.projectlifeskills.org
www.facebook.com/LifeSkillsChicago
lifeskills@childrensmemorial.org

Oak Park Public Library’s Transgender Resources
834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL
(708) 383-8200
www.oppl.org

Affinity Community Services
1424 East 53^rd St., Chicago
(773) 324-0377
www.affinity95.org
admin@affinity95.org

Lambda Legal
(800) 542-8336
www.lambdalegal.org

Additional Resources

AIDS Foundation of Chicago
The mission of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS and improve the lives of people affected by the epidemic.
200 W. Jackson, Ste. 2200, Chicago
(312) 922-2322
www.aidschicago.org/

Broadway Youth Center
Offers comprehensive services to youth, ages 12-24 including a safe space for young people experiencing homelessness.
3179 N Broadway
(773) 935-3151
www.howardbrown.org/byc

Center on Halsted
Provides a safe and welcoming environment with programs and services for the entire LGBT community.
3656 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL
(773) 472-6469
www.centeronhalsted.org

Howard Brown Health Center
To eliminate the disparities in health care experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people through research, education and the provision of services that promote health and wellness. (Includes advocacy groups and program for trans clients who wish to access hormones)
4025 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60613
773-388-1600
www.howardbrown.org

Illinois Gender Advocates
lllinois Gender Advocates (IGA) is the organization in Illinois performing public advocacy for transgender people. We petition for changes in the law and provide public education about transgenderism.
(630) 219-0526
IGA@genderadvocates.org
www.genderadvocates.org

Illinois Safe Schools Alliance
Promotes safety, support and healthy development for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, in Illinois schools and communities, through advocacy, education, youth organizing and research
70 E. Lake, Ste. 900, Chicago
(312) 368-9070
www.illinoissafeschools.org

Gender Just
Develops the leadership and power of diverse Queer Chicagoans through a commitment to racial, economic and gender justice, and the vibrant resistance cultures of our communities
(312) 650-9385
Info@GenderJUST.org
www.genderjust.org

Gender Queer Chicago
A grassroots, peer-led group that works to create safe spaces for all of us to talk about, think about, explore, and express gender
www.genderqueerchicago.blogspot.com

La Casa Norte
Serves youth and families confronting homelessness. We provide access to stable housing and deliver comprehensive services that act as a catalyst to transform lives and communities
3533 W. North Avenue, Chicago
773-276-4900
info@lacasanorte.org
www.lacasanorte.org

The Night Ministry
Provides housing, health care and human connection to members of our community struggling with poverty or homelessness.
4711 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago
(773) 784-9000
info@thenightministry.org
www.thenightministry.org

Project VIDA
Project VIDA is a culturally-focused HIV/AIDS prevention and direct services community-based organization located on Chicago’s West Side.
2659 South Kedvale Avenue
Chicago, IL 60623
(773) 277-2291
info@projectvida.org
www.projectvida.org

RAICES
RAICES is a project in Cicero and Berwyn Illinois with the goal to end homophobia, transphobia, and HIV/AIDS stigma in our community.
raices@projectvida.org
www.projectvida.org/raices

Task Force Prevention and Community Services
Provides counseling, case management, support groups, healthcare for youth
9 N. Cicero, Chicago, IL
773.473.4100
info@cityforce.org
www.cityforce.org 

Valeo at Lakeshore Hospital
Provides comprehensive psychiatric and addiction-related treatment for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals.
4840 N. Marine Drive
Chicago, IL 60640
(800) 888-0560
www.chicagolakeshorehospital.com/GLBT

VIDA SIDA
Primarily invested in GLBTQ issues, HIV prevention, HIV/STD testing and counseling, and outreach services to high-risk individuals. Offers temporary housing program for LGBTQ youth.
2703 W. Division Street
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 278-6737
www.prcc-chgo.org/vidasida

For additional resources, also see ChicagoGender.com, OutintheSuburbs.com, GenderAdvocates.org

The immensely talented Pedrito Martinez has been on our radar for a while, ever since the days when he was the percussionist for the trail-blazing Yerba Buena. Now leading his own group, Pedrito continues the tradition of his famous Havana barrio and takes the intensely percussive Cuban rumba to places it may never have been before. We were delighted to have a chance to chat with Pedrito when he last visited us for World Music Fest 2012.

Tijuana’s Ceci Bastida is a rock songstress with an amazing history – she’s moved from early years as a renowned punk musician to keyboards and vocals as part of Julieta Venegas’s band to developing a own unique and very socially conscious-take on rock ballads. At Pilsen’s Unisono Festival, we caught up with Ceci to hear the many stories behind her music.

Nominated for a Shock Award from shock.com.co—a premier music site for avid Latin American readers, musicians, and fans of good music—Rah,   a music engineer, producer, DJ, and guitarist, talked with me outside of Tammany Hall in New York City during the Latin Alternative Music Conference. He told me about his most recent project: El Reino del Mar (Kingdom of the Sea). We sat outside on a stoop to discuss the relationship among art, politics and beats. I thoroughly enjoyed asking Rah questions about his native Colombia, his artistic collaborations and more. Though he mixes latin synths, dub, electro and hip hop, his perspective is equally informed by his travels and experiences as a musician. Enjoy.

We had a chance to visit with immensely talented, Dominican-born multi-instrumentalist artist, DJ and producer Nova at Pilsen’s Unisono Fest. Nova founded Pacha Massive in the Bronx in 2005, one of earliest groups in the U.S. to mix the traditional rhythms of his native land – cumbia, merengue, palos and salves, to an New York-ified eclectic electro-rap mix. Now with the vocals and songwriting of Monica Lionheart, Nova describes how they are moving into exciting new territory.

Our World Music Fest 2012 brought many wonderful musicians to town, and amongst them, one of our favorites, multiinstrumentalist and singer/songwriter Rana Santacruz, from Mexico City, but now based in New York. Chatting at the Mayne Stage, we find out not only about the many influences that shape his artful alt-folk-mexicano ballads but the story behind his authentic mariachi pants.

This past October Latino comedian & winner of 2010′s Last Comic Standing, Felipe Esparza, stopped by Chicago to make many people laugh at the Laugh Factory comedy club.

He’s comedy involves many life stories from his old neighborhood, growing up poor and his (not so good) luck with women, among other hilarious stuff.  Gozamos had the chance to sit with him before his last show an have a “heart to heart” to find out a little more about who Felipe really is.  Even before our conversation started it was obvious that he is a genuinely funny person as he walked toward us wearing his “Save a Hoe” super hero outfit complete with a cape and a very serious look on his face. From politic to Lucha libre, this guy has an opinion that might sound funny but it can certainly send a message to his audience.

BTW. Next time he’s in Chicago he promised to hang out with us around La Villita & Pilsen. So if you spot us or him, don’t be shy and come say “What’s up fool”

The fiercely-spirited Ana Tijoux performed for hundreds as part of Millenium Park’s Downtown Sound program on 23 July 2012. Featuring tracks from her newly released album “Bala” and from her formerly Grammy nominated record “1977” (Latin Alternative music category), this rabble-rouser also made time during her set to offer a few shout outs to some local Chicago groups, particularly the Mental Health Movement.

As a Chicago activist involved in antiviolence and antiracism organizing, my head was spinning with excitement when I learned that Gozamos had secured an interview with Tijoux. I had numerous questions I wanted to pose ranging from her political lyrics to her own involvement in Chile’s organizing community and recent collaborations with Arizona’s undocumented organizers to her own journey as an MC in a predominantly hypermasculine hip hop scene. However, it seems that a mix of exhaustion and a blazing hot sun contributed to the contentious responses I got from Tijoux. It is my hope that next time we come across each other – both as activists and artists striving to see real change in our respective communities – that we can have a more amicable dialogue that moves beyond our perceived roles.

Following the interview is a newly released music video featuring her visit to Arizona and collaboration with the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), National Immigrant Youth Alliance and Puente Movement.

Gozamos talk to several of the leading artists of 18th St Pilsen Open Studios. We met a Colibri Gallery & Studio and talk a bit about the history of Art in Pilsen, their work and some of the visions after this 10th Anniversary. The best way to explore is to check out the online map at PilsenOpenStudios.net and or to pickup the printed map at Colibri Gallery at 2032 W 18th St. Please be sure to visit Jeff Abbey Maldonado at A.P.O. John Pitman Weber and Oxalá Fine Art.

By Olivia N. Castañeda and Elizabeth Morales
Photos by Jacinto Ariza 

As part of the Sor Juana Festival: A Tribute To Mexican Women, the National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA) hosted the second annual La Catrina Fashion Show: Cultura Meets Couture. After a sold-out showcase last September, this year’s fashion show kept the celebration of Mexican culture thriving for a full house of local and out-of-town fashionistas last Friday night. Designers Claudia Urrutia, Elizabeth Lara, and returning designer Elda de La Rosa wowed the audience with their exhibitions of diverse collections that celebrated the female form. In addition, Mexican folk artist Lilia Vega’s collection of handcrafted Dia de Los Muertos masks served as the closing showcase of the night.

The evening began with attendees mingling and enjoying delicious comida Mexicana provided by Fogata Village while eagerly anticipating the show’s commencement and three face-painted “catrina models” teased them with glimpes of what was to come. “I can’t wait to see the show! To see what they have!” says an excited woman amidst the crowd. The audience did not hesitate to pose with the models before the flashing lights of photographers.

Two models wore special occasion floor-length evening dresses by De La Rosa: a red dress with twinkling sequins cross the waist and another wearing a grey V-neck, sleeveless mermaid dress with a sheer black, polka dotted fabric over, that ruffled from the knee down. Another model wore a sexy black lace jumpsuit created by Urrutia. After the one-hour cocktail party, the doors to the main room burst open with the spotlight highlighting only the black runway and music drawing the crowd in like a magnet. Soon after, the people settled in their seats, organizers said a few words, and the show began.

View La Catrina Fashion Show 2012 Slideshow on Flickr »

CLAUDIA URRUTIA

Up first, Urrutia presented her women’s winter 2012 collection of faux (save the animals!) fur coats, vests, hooded cashmere capes and wool coats with faux fur trimmings. The strong structured coats and vests were form-fitting, often cinched at the waist giving the models a very a feminine silhouette. Urrutia described her collection as being, “Elegante con un poquito de sexy. La mujer se debe que sentir sexy”. She presented the ‘fur’ in an array of neutral, warm tones, but also the occasional eye-popping purple. Her playful choice of color palettes paired with classic cuts resulted in a glamorous reinvention of 60’s mod, demonstrating a modern take on icons like Twiggy. While her staple material was present in almost every look, the collection also incorporated other fabrics such as suede and wool. Among them, a beautiful violet wool pea coat with ivory fur trim around the neck and arms, which seemed to be a mature interpretation of Veruca Salt. She draws much of her inspiration from the 1920s and ‘40s styles. “Since I was little I always admired elegant actresses,” she said, referencing old-Hollywood black and white films and Marilyn Monroe. Along those lines, closing out her show was a beautiful lime-green beaded evening dress from her Fall 2010 collection that was accompanied by a faux-fur hooded cap.

The 39-year-old designer graduated in 2007 with a B.A. in Fine Arts from the International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT). Afterwards, she was exposed to faux fur fabric and realized her liking to the material, which she says looks very similar to real fur and doesn’t harm animals in the process. Urrutia works with sizes 6 to 14, and offers tailoring services. Her prices range from $50 to $350; more can be seen at her website.

ELIZABETH LARA

Wedding and special occasion designer Lara was second to present. Her wedding collection was made up of the traditional, virginal, white floor-length dresses with a train on the back, as well as non-traditional knee-length dresses. Her collection also exhibited many hair pieces that were all handcrafted by Lara. Added to the mix was a long dress in a soft pink with a delicate silver sequined racerback. Her designs can meet any bride-to-be’s style. “I look at the ‘40s and ‘50s for inspiration. I love everything that is romantic. I like my stuff to be really, really girly,” said Lara, 27,  in a phone interview, days before the show. Her collection, which consisted of mainly full skirted gowns was a sweet and classic representation of the modern bride. However, it was the closing look that solidified her youthful vision. The closing look consisted of a ivory mini dress with a sheer detachable skirt that sat at the model’s hip. Her youthful take on classic looks made her pieces more accessible to a contemporary audience while still being elegant.

Like Urrutia, Lara graduated in ’07 from IADT with a B.A. in Fine Arts. A couple of years ago, Lara was an intern for returning Catrina designer Elda De La Rosa and it was after this when Lara was inspired to pursue bridal fashion. “I fell in love with [De La Rosa’s] work and working with gowns and wedding dresses. I thought that that was my calling because I enjoyed it so much, and at the same time I was also planning my own wedding. [I thought] maybe I could do this as a living. That is when I started my business,” said Lara, of making her own and bridesmaid dresses and party accessories. She works with all sizes and customizes too. The collection sells at prices from $600 to $1,100. Her online store is available on Etsy.

ELDA DE LA ROSA

And the last to present her fall 2012 collection was last year’s veteran, bridal and special occasion designer Elda De La Rosa. In a surprising contrast to her collection at last fall’s La Catrina Fashion Show last, this year it did not consist of mainly bridal pieces. It was a cohesive collection that was comprised of vintage-inspired business wear and classic evening gowns in addition her signature bridal couture. Her show began with a series of Mad Men-inspired looks which featured form-fitting dresses and an androgynous pant suit. The flawless transition into evening wear celebrated the female shape in elegant silhouettes that were reminiscent of the 1920s. And of course, her collection could have not been complete without her signature bridal ensembles. Accordingly,  some of her designs were accompanied by the ever adorable flower girls who not only carried with them La Catrina masks, but were also dressed in Elda de La Rosa. Her show did not fall short of last year’s; it exceeded expectations. Her fresh perspective on classic staples in a woman’s closet is what makes her design aesthetic timeless.

This season she explained that she has created more ready-to-wear evening dresses than before, and drew her inspiration from the various fabrics she picked up along the way during her travels across the country. “It all came from just looking around and wondering the streets of Los Angeles and New York, and seeing what I would find in fabrics. When I see a pretty fabric, I just take it up, buy and run with it,” said De La Rosa. Seen on the runway were her classical silks, laces and jersey materials. “To me the romanticism of la catrina and the females — it is all in the fabrics that I have chosen. The colors are dark and they are dramatic; just the way the catrinas are,” she says. De La Rosa creates custom wear, and traditional gown prices start at $1,900. To view her couture gowns, go to her website here.

LILIA VEGA

Closing out the event was Lilia Vega, who unveiled her Día de Los Muertos masks. Vega moved to the U.S. three years ago, and is originally from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. She currently lives in central Kentucky. Backstage, standing next to a table covered with her creations, she explained that since her childhood, she was always attracted to el Día de los Muertos. And just two years ago, with the encouragement from her husband, she began making catrina masks and became the artist she yearned to be. Today she is self-employed specializing in “Paper mache skull masks and Day of the Dead craftwork,” according to her Facebook page. Regular masks are priced from $45 to $300, and featherhead dressed masks are $1,000 to $2,500.

The handcrafted pieces were an homage to traditional sugar skulls which adorn many cemeteries during All Saint’s Day in Mexico. The masks were a parade of color that also exhibited the many facets of Aztec culture that inspire her artwork.

Hers was an eclectic showcase that truly embodied the quirky nature of the masks that at times were depicted laughing. She is donating her alluring mask called Xochipilli — the name for goddess of art, dance and love — to the NMMA. However, the most striking them was the mask Lilia Vega is donating to the National Museum of Mexican Art. The piece is a tribute to Quetzalcoatl — the “feathered serpent” as he is referred to in Aztec mythology. It is a stunning emerald mask with black feathers adorning the head like a crown and accompanied by pyramid drop earrings. Lilia Vega’s showcase of intricate masks truly embodied the theme of the night, a celebration of la cultura mexicana.

After witnessing an elaborate and lovely display of fashion, the night concluded with a fashion market where the audience’s glimmering eyes became filled with contentment as they purchased a garment or mask of their choice. A very fitting end to the evening. So, until next year, ¡feliz día de los muertos!

To support and purchase garments from these three amazing designers, go to Claudia Urrutia’s, Elizabeth Lara’s, and Elda de la Rosa’s online stores. Check out Lilia Vega’s craftwork at her Facebook page too!

Missed the show? Want to see the fashion for yourself? Watch Gozamos’s footage of the event at Gozamos.tv!

It was a pleasure to chat with Monica Lionheart at Unísono Fest in Pilsen and discover the talented multinistrumentalist is as brilliant as she is beautiful. Seriously! The New-York based singer/writer, whose Latinidad is from both sides of the Atlantic (Her father is from Spain, her mother from Puerto Rico), has a Master’s in Music Information Technology, and she throws down complex ideas and philosophy with the same ease as she puts together delicately crafted electronic alt latino ballads. Enjoy!

Pamela Rodriguez’s effervescent personality is well-noted in her “Ligera Love” music video (and not to mention, my interview with her). Though it may be infectiously distracting, Pamela is a talented singer-songwriter, so much so that in 2006 she was nominated for a Latin Grammy. Her lyrics are contemplative and she explores topics like female identity, the politics of love and heartbreak, and her own ethnic differentness (she’s European-Peruvian). Rodriguez has two other albums Peru Blue (2005) and On the Shore (2007). Her third one Reconocer (2011) is a folk-pop inflected album that, as she explained to me, took her on a journey that allowed her to recognize herself again. Following the video interview is “Mantra” her newest single and “Ligera Love”, which is saturated with sugary and sexy sequences.

La Santa Cecilia – who take their name from the Catholic church’s patron saint of music Saint Cecilia -
is a musically savvy L.A. based band. Their music integrates sounds from several different genres ranging from ranchera to jazz to rock. One can say that this is a reflection of their cultural background. Having been  raised in a well-known immigrant community, they were nonetheless exposed to a wider American culture. Adding to their sonic eclecticism are their unique art covers and funky pins of “unicorns, donuts, cacti and sombreros to smiley-faced condoms”, all of which are designed before performances by family, friends, fans, and the band members. However, that’s not what garnered them a Latin Grammy Award nomination nor landed them an on-camera appearance on HBO’s Emmy award-winning show Entourage. Having heard them play live during the LAMC for an acoustics showcase at SOB’s in New York, I am convinced it is their rollicking sound. Ok, and Marisoul’s 50s vintage style!. I am also convinced that you won’t disagree with me. Check out my interview with them above!

Anyone who’s from Chicago knows it’s possible to travel to Puerto Rico without ever boarding a plane or a ship or even crossing the ocean.

I’m talking of course about Humboldt Park, specifically, el Paseo Boricua.

This past Sunday marked the 19th anniversary of Fiesta Boricua, the Division Street festival celebrating the best of the fatherland and the neighborhood that represents it with pride. “From flag to flag,” the event was an ocean of people dancing to Antillean sounds, kids and grandparents savoring every morsel of Puerto Rican street fare, and 20-somethings enjoying as much sunshine as they see on the enchanted island.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Congressman Luis Gutiérrez were even on hand to see the Puerto Rican rap-rock band Calle 13 receive a medallion on the Paseo Boricua Walk of Fame. Afterward, Emanuel and Gutiérrez chatted over a late lunch at upscale Coco. Sitting at a table closest to the street, a large crowd quickly gathered to gawk and snap pictures of the two men — two of the most dominant people in the city, if not the country.

After his visit with the mayor, Congressman Gutiérrez was gracious enough to speak with Gozamos and share his thoughts on the festivities, Puerto Rican politics and the upcoming presidential election.

Students from Pedro Albizu Campos High School helped keep the street clean and other members of the community stationed along the avenue to spread awareness on issues ranging from diabetes and AIDS to gentrification and the 30-plus-year imprisonment of Oscar López Rivera, a Puerto Rican nationalist and former Humboldt Park resident.

Personally, I thought the event was successful in highlighting the unique cultural wonders the Paseo has to offer.

As I was told by one attendee, there were some residents who fought to keep Fiesta Boricua from happening in the first place. More and more, the movement to shut down the event is becoming a yearly phenomenon as Humboldt Park itself becomes a battleground for people trying to preserve the neighborhood’s personality on one side and those trying to make it a second Wicker Park on the other. (There’s nothing wrong with Wicker Park, but the city doesn’t need another one, especially if means tearing down the flags.)

I hope Fiesta Boricua remains on the calendar for years to come. There’s room enough for people from all walks of life to take in the sights and sounds of the Paseo Boricua and its surrounding community, but the Paseo belongs to its residents, first and foremost. If you’d forgotten that, then the organizers of Fiesta Boricua just reminded you.

Feature photo by Chicago Hustles Magazine

The sacred solace found while cruising and putting together cars may only exist for a third of the year here, but we cram more than enough into the summer months of Chicago to capture the calendar’s attention and put our LowRider culture up there with the best of em.

Musicians performed, people danced and sang along to: MC Phillip Morris, Old Town Latin Funk Ensemble, Impala Sound, DJ Jesse De La Peña, Sones Del Viento Ensemble, MC Phero, DJ Rico Killer Diller, DJ Ray Fernandez, and more. The weather was beautiful. Fully loaded with snacks and supplies, we caught up with some local cats and some national wave pavers for the lowdown on the lowrider.

The virtual road trip all lined up, the car clubs that participated this year made up Chicago’s most highly touted and well-respected, bringing the lifestyle to a whole new plateau. The Chicago Lowrider Preservation Fund and The Chicago Urban Arts Society provided a bigger and badder festival than last year, and everyone involved noticed and was happy with the turnout.

The exhibition inside CUAS featured car club badges dating back to last century, custom car parts from “The Creator,” photographs and video footage from the makings of a culture that celebrates the middle class’s ability to take part in what once was thought to be reserved for the elite. We all just want to feel good about what we’re doing. It’s all love.

Despite how often we interview artists, us music journalists get star-struck too. My moment came when I had to talk to the sweet Mexican pop-rock starlet Carla Morrison at the Latin Alternative Music Conference. Though Morrison’s known for her heavily intoxicating ballads, she is also an affably-spirited and politically-informed artist. We got to talk about her latest collaborative music project, a video titled “Un Derecho de Nacimiento” which features Natalia Lafourcade amongst other well-recognized Latino artists. An avid supporter of the Yo Soy 132 student movement in Mexico, I also learned that as warm as she is, Morrison is also deeply informed, moved and inspired by those forming part of the movements that are changing the face of ‘nuestra patrias’.