‘We the People’ Festival
Sorry my post on the ‘We the People’ Festival took so long. I was grinding to get my online advertising portfolio completed (which I am happy to report is done) and spent the weekend in The Bay to attend Maite and Kris’ engagement/wedding party (I’m a bridesmaid for their wedding in the Philippines in January). I extended until Thursday, just in time to make it back for the Crooks & Castles ‘Real Recognize Real’ party at the Vanguard night club in Hollywood October 9. I met more people than usual–I’m guessing it’s because I was the only girl I saw in Crooks gear lol. Some assumed I worked for the company. I’m used to being the only girl wearing it in The Bay, but I didn’t expect so few to wear it here in LA.
Back to the Festival.
Johnnie came down to visit and Jason just so happened to send us the link to the festival on the same day. I was so tired and pushing to get my work finished, but somehow Johnnie convinced me to go and I’m glad he did.
Above: Los Angeles cityscape about halfway through the show.
It was an all-day event that took place on September 27 in the heart of Downtown LA.
The lineup consisted of Les Claypool of PRIMUS, EPMD, RZA of WU TANG, Tom Morello of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, DJ Premier of GANGSTARR, Suicidal Tendencies, Z Trip, Eek A Mouse, Barrington Levy, PRBassnectar, Dilated Peoples, Fishbone, Murs, Ill Bill, Flying Lotus, B Side Players, Garth Trinidad of KCRW, Fidel of Divine Forces Radio KPFK and many others.
Z-Trip was so ill. John introduced me to his mixtape “Z-Trip: Live In L.A.” (2003) and I’ve been a fan since. He’s toured and opened with The Rolling Stones and has this incredible talent of mixing unconventional mash-ups. His set was basically scratching a bunch of politically biased quotes over rock, hip hop, and electronic beats (his Obama mix is available for free online). I’ve heard him play live a few months ago at a club in Hollywood after DJ AM did his set. He never fails to amaze me!
Barrington Levy was another one I was excited to see live. He’s a reggae artist that I always end up playing on the way to snowboard in Tahoe or whenever I feel like relaxing. “Too Experienced” & “She’s Mine” are two of my favorite songs of his. He lit up the stage with a blissful energy.
RZA of The Wutang Clan was as expected. I’ve seen him perform with The Wu so many times and I swear they are consistently loving what they do. I love performers that are in it for the music and without commercial success in so long, still manage to come hard and project such passion.
Murs was more energetic than usual and the crowd loved him. He delivered and on top of it all, surprised everyone at the end by introducing someone “…that proves the west coast has lyricists.” Out came Kurupt from The Dogg Pound with a performance of “New York, New York”. Everyone went bananas.
Though the night was coming to an end and I was so exhausted, I just couldn’t leave without looking at the art exhibit. It consisted mostly of political posters. The highlight of my night came when we saw Mear One of C.B.S. Graffiti Crew. It was amazing to see such a master of the craft at work, especially me being a hobby painter. He was making a political piece that spoke volumes. He has done collabo’s with Conart, Kaotic, and Upper Playground. (I couldn’t find him in one of my favorite coffee table books, Graffiti World, though) Imagine having a talent, developing it, and getting paid for doing what you love. Regardless if it made you a millionaire or not, you still can’t call it work. That’s the dream and that’s where I want to be.
It is nice to see so many people, performers, and artists coming together and working for CHANGE with such fire. In regards to the upcoming election, it’s not about what side you’re on…everyone will always have their differences on account of their upbringing, their experiences, their belief systems, and what is in their best interest. It’s just beautiful to see such proactive energy. It proves how universal music can be and although we come from different walks of life, a simple love for music can bring everyone together. How Beatles-like.
The Art of Wore.
There were a couple Supreme hats, a handful of Crooks & Castles and The Hundreds shirts, a lot of Famous and political shirts, tons of Vans, and a lack of neck-breaking kicks. As far as the ladies, a couple of nice vintage pieces caught my eye.
Johnnie (styled by me) wore:
Burton fitted cap, Crooks & Castles x Mosley Tribe sunglasses, RVCA shirt, Diamond belt, selvage Levi’s, and Jordan III 2000 retro.
Tina is wearing: (I know, lame-o to tell you what I’m wearing, but I’ve been asked to post it lol) Gucci shades, TCEC dress I got at a fashion show I styled, and Michael Kors bag.
Nip/Tuck.
The dress on the left, I bought from a thrift store on La Brea for $22. I turned it into the piece you see me wearing to the wedding party. There are tons of nice things you can buy (and wash several times) from these vintage stores. Wear them as is or with a little imagination, you’ve got one-of-a-kind pieces. Email me for advice on designs, sewing, or whatever. I will be glad to help.
If you find yourself standoffish about the whole used clothes idea, like I was/am to an extent, buy cheap pieces and make them into something original to exercise your creativity. I’ve been designing some pieces and found the clothes in thrift stores inspiring and a good way to explore my imagination (even if I don’t end up wearing them). Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate good design on all levels, from a $300 Theory blazer to a $9 Target tank. My point is you don’t have to be ballin’ to have style. People pay the big bucks for the designers to have the style for them–where’s the fun in that? I personally buy classic pieces that are higher end, but will last me years and have fun with the cheaper, more trend-conscience ones.
Subscribe