Free Opening Night screening brings film, literature, music and Mexican-American history together at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes and the performance of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson Youth Mariachi

LéaLA Spanish Language Book Fair & Literary Festival will open its 11th edition with a free screening of the award-winning documentary Ugly Little Monkeys – A True American Story on Sept. 24 at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in downtown Los Angeles.

Organized by the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA, LéaLA has built its reputation as a leading celebration of Spanish-language books, authors, arts and culture in Los Angeles. This year’s opening-night program expands that mission by demonstrating how stories can move across artistic disciplines — from the page to the screen and ultimately to the stage.

Admission to the three day festival is absolutely free with an added benefit to school children who are bused to participate in the book festival workshops, author readings and performances. Speaking with Marisol Schulz — Director, LéaLA, she expressed, “The greatest joy for me is to see the faces of the children and to know that they can say ‘I saw great authors speaking in my language’.

Directed by David E. Valdez and veteran actor and filmmaker Enrique Castillo, Ugly Little Monkeys chronicles the remarkable rise of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, the youth mariachi group that emerged from Tucson’s Mexican-American community in the 1960s and went on to international acclaim.

But the documentary is about far more than mariachi.

It explores identity, cultural pride, community, ambition and the Mexican-American experience through the story of young musicians who challenged stereotypes and opened doors for generations that followed.

The film features Edward James Olmos, Linda Ronstadt and Rubén Fuentes, as well as Ernesto Portillo Sr. and 19 original Changuitos. Wilfred Arvizu, author of Bless Me Father for You Have Sinned, which is the source material for the documentary, will also be in attendance at the opening-night event.

LéaLA’s decision to open its 2026 festival with the documentary gives that history a new platform — connecting the written word, filmmaking and live music in a single evening.

Following the screening, members of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson will perform live, bringing the music that helped define their extraordinary journey to a new generation.

Opening Night LéaLA Schedule

4:00 PM — Welcome and opening remarks by LéaLA representatives
4:30 PM — Ugly Little Monkeys directors introduce the film
4:40 PM — Screening of Ugly Little Monkeys – A True American Story
6:30 PM — Live performance by Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson
7:00 PM — Cocktail reception

“I’m proud of this film and very grateful that this documentary was made,” said Olmos who also served as Executive Producer of the documentary.

The opening-night program brings together film, literature, music and Mexican-American history, reflecting LéaLA’s mission to amplify Spanish-language storytelling and Latino cultural voices.

The screening is free and open to the public. INFO HERE: https://lea-la.com/programa/

LéaLA 2026 runs Sept. 24–27 at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.

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On August 19, 2023, the Chicano rock group Quetzal will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a collaborative evening of musical performances and visuals that take the audience on a musical journey spanning 30 years and multiple genres. The event is free. Quetzal’s 30th anniversary at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes also includes art installations grounded in legacy. Altar Maestras Ofelia Esparza and Rosana Esparza-Aherns will create an altar installation to further activate the holistic approach of the celebration and compliment Quetzal’s musical catalog as a whole.

Led by Quetzal Flores and Martha Gonzalez, Quetzal is an ensemble of highly talented musicians who first joined forces thirty years ago with the goal of creating good music that tells the tale of their community; the social, cultural, political, and musical struggles of their community.

Born in the aftermath of 1990’s Los Angeles, Quetzal has persistently challenged the music industry over the commerce of music. A Grammy-award-winning artist in their own right, their collective discography reflects the legacy of music from which they are born while honoring the stories, ideologies, and value systems of change-making. Deeper still, Quetzal has been collecting, honoring, and documenting peoples’ struggles and triumphs with their songs and albums. Their lyric, their music, and their engagement in Los Angeles are reflected in their energy and the sonic experiences we receive as audience members.

Community activism being at the root of Quetzal, the local arts community gives its love and appreciation back to Quetzal with special guest performances. The show will also engage the audience with videos of the band across the years including time in Japan, Chiapas, Veracruz, Seattle, and Los Angeles. Most significantly Quetzal remembers and honors their deep collaboration with renowned LA-based artist Jose Ramirez on over 12 album covers.

Describing Quetzal’s influences, Dr. Alex Chavez states, “You hear students of Chicano rock, rhythm and blues, JB funk, Cuban batá, punk, and Motown soul. You hear a band that has cut its teeth organizing, that has worked to fight forms of oppression in the communities they are connected to. And in pursuit of forging these creative and political bridges, you hear artists who are at the epicenter of the transnational world of son jarocho.”

Quetzal’s live shows are filled with moments of tenderness, fervor, and vivid storytelling that transport the audience into a world of affirmation and belonging. Recognized by notable institutions such as the Library of Congress and The Kennedy Center, the traveling exhibit American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music sponsored by the Smithsonian Institute, featured Quetzal as leaders and innovators of Chicano music. This feat coupled with their Grammy Award-winning album on the Smithsonian Folkways label “Imaginaries” (2013) marks the importance of their past and ongoing work.

For more information about this event, visit https://lapca.org/event/l-a-profundo-30-years-of-redefining-chicano-rock/?event_date=2023-08-19.

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The LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes (LA Plaza) Eastside Arts Initiative (EAI) recently announced that it will continue its Artist Relief Fund. The fund totals $100,000 this cycle for artist emergency relief and creative project relief grants to support individual artists serving or residing in Eastern and South-Eastern Los Angeles County who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications will be accepted through May 30, 5 p.m. at www.eastsideartsinitiative.org.

In an effort to help sustain the arts community and to preserve the rich cultural arts ecology of the Eastern and South Eastern LA County region, LA Plaza EAI artist relief grants will be awarded to individual practicing artists experiencing hardship related to loss of creative work during the pandemic. Grants will be prioritized by need and eligibility. Artists of all disciplines, including creative crafts and other artistic occupations, may apply for one of two unrestricted one-time grant categories: $1,000 grant for financial emergencies due to the pandemic or up to $5,000 grant to help complete creative project halted during the pandemic due to financial restraints.

Applicants are also invited to submit a “Show Your Creativity” video along with the grant application to document how they are keeping their artistic spirit alive during the pandemic.  Selected videos will be featured on En Casa Con La Plaza, LA Plaza’s virtual programming sessions. Video submission is strictly optional and not required to qualify for a relief grant.  However, videos are helpful in showcasing artists’ creative work to EAI grants review committee.

During the past two funding cycles, LA Plaza EAI provided $95,000 in grant funding to support artists in need of financial assistance during the pandemic.

“There are no words to express my gratitude during one, if not the most, difficult times of my life and career,” dancer and theater artist Marissa Herrera said. Herrera received an EAI emergency relief grant during the previous granting cycle.  

“My EAI artist relief grant came at a very hard time when I needed emergency financial help during this pandemic, and I am most grateful,” said musician and multi-disciplinary artist Jonathan Perez. “I also appreciated seeing my video featured on En Casa Con LA Plaza along with the other videos featuring the creative work of my fellow artists.” Perez received an EAI emergency relief grant during the previous granting cycle.

Information from previous applications indicates a strong need not only for personal emergency financial assistance but, also a strong need for funding to complete unfinished creative projects due to financial loss during the pandemic. Applications received span from filmmakers to comedians, theatre technicians, musicians, writers and others in various art disciplines and occupations.

“The EAI is glad to continue supporting our local artists in need of financial assistance during these distressing times,” said Lupe Arriola, EAI Chair and LA Plaza board member.

For more information about the LA Plaza EAI artist relief grant guidelines and application, please visit www.eastsideartsinitiative.org.     

— Latin Heat News Service

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Igniting A Spark of Unity
2nd Annual LATINAfest On August 25, 2019!

Guest Speakers
STEM Engineer Ángeles Elena Van Ryzin, Actress Shakira Barrera (Netflix’s Glow), Actress Zulay Henao(ABC’s Star, The Oath), (Artist/Entrepreneur Sand One, Goya Guest Chef Cindy,TALK: Latina Speakers Screenwriter Josefina Lopez & Actress and L.A. Weekly Culture Editor & Entertainment Editor Lina Lecaro,and Odalys Nanin’s live performance Frida: A Stoke of Passion scene, with live music by DJ Breesa Renee

Event MC’s: 
Fernanda Kelly, Entrepreneur/Owner of Shop Her Closet
and Donaji, Univision Radio DJ on KLOVE 107.5

Sunday, August 25, 2019 — 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
LA Plaza De Cultura y Artes
501 N. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

The 2nd Annual LATINAFest, a unique outdoor event that celebrates “all things Latina,” is set to break attendance records on Sunday, August 25, 2019, from Noon to 6:00 P.M. The event is presented by LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Latin Heat Media, and LATINAFest, LLC.

After an overwhelmingly successful first edition in 2018, LATINAFest is on track to surpass last year’s attendance of 2,000 and will no doubt have a steady flow of attendees throughout the one-day festival.

With over 120 vendors on site, LATINAFest brings together thousands of women to connect attendees eager to engage and network with Latinas from a variety of industries– Entertainment, Culinary, Financial, Beauty and Spas, Entrepreneurs and more — all sharing their experiences, skills, and wisdom.

For Tickets CLICK HERE   

“We are excited to have the participation of all of these amazing women,” said Bel Hernandez, President/CEO of Latin Heat Media, and co-founder of LATINAFest. “Our event is all about empowerment and we have partnered with like-minded sponsors to provide resources, but mostly a fun day for the mind, body and soul.”

LATINAFesthas ignited a spark of unity in Los Angeles, the city that sits at the top of the $1.7 trillion annual Latino consumer market. Thousands of highly motivated, bilingual and bicultural Latina decision-makers from multiple generations will be ready to explore, have fun, learn and leave better armed to lead their communities through an era of continuing prosperity and activation. 

“It was exciting to see how many women made lasting and meaningful connections at the first LATINAFest” stated Naibe Reynoso, Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, and co-founder of LATINAFest. “Attendees and exhibitors alike walked away with valuable resources that they have leveraged to further grow their businesses or personal development!”

The demographics and stats reinforce the fact that Latinas are poised to play a pivotal role in two key national events coming in 2020: The U.S. Census and the election of the next President of the United States.  LATINAFest will have engagement with voting registration, census polling, and the Thrivent Action Team which will prepare survival kits which will be donated to homeless and battered women shelters.

“LA Plaza is pleased to serve as host venue again for the second edition of LATINFest,” said John Echeveste, CEO, LA Plaza. “This event is both a celebration and a confirmation of the many strides and accomplishments of Latinas in Los Angeles.”  LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is, once again, co-presenting LATINAFest at their beautiful facilities right in the heart of L.A.

LATINAFest 2019 SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES 

• Our over 120 Latina entrepreneurial vendors will be offering everything from clothing, Jewelry, sweets, shoes, hats, cultural clothing and wares, handwriting analysis, financial information, treatments and massages.

• TALK: Latina Speakers by inspirational Latina leaders and spoken word poets will be presented on stage.  Scheduled to speak is the  screenwriter of the hit play Real Women Have Curves and Producer/Entrepreneur Josefina Lopez; and L.A. Weekly Culture Editor & Entertainment Editor/Radio Host and DJ, Lina Lecaro 

• A live taping of TheTRENDTalk hosted the show with celebrity guests, Latina in STEM Angeles Elena Van Ryzin, Sr. Engineer at KIA; and actresses Shakira Barrera, who plays Yolanda (“Yo-Yo”) in Netflix’s Glow and Zulay Henao whose credits include ABC’s Star, and Crackle’s The Oath

• LATINAFest Cocktail Garden for refreshing spirits prepared by Ilegal Mezcal, and wine by San Antonio Winery, and Cerveza Xteca. 

• Club de Cocina Goya Pop Up Workshop– Goya Foods presents a cooking demo by a celebrity Chef Cindy Ruedapreparing easy summer recipes. Goya Ambassador Actress Shakira Barrera. Pull up a chair and watch, or join, and create one of Goya’s delicious recipes.

• AARP brings the Soccer “Field” to LA Plaza and the kids (and adults too) to try their luck and compete for prizes.  Then for a slower pace, there’s Chair Yoga for all who want to “meditate out” and “work that body” at the same time.

• LA Times En Espa?ol/Hoy will host a Manifestation and Affirmation Tree where attendees can pin their affirmations for success on the Manifestation Tree and then record an audio affirmation, some of these recordings will be selected to be included in a LATINAFest Podcast!

• East L.A. Artist/Entrepreneur Sand One will be doing a live interactive drawing of her famous 20-foot sassy women with big eyes and lashes at LATINAFest. The audience is invited to help her with the painting of her iconic “dolls” on the walls of a 15–foot U-haul.  

• Book Readings – Promoting literacy at all ages LATINAFest has several authors in attendance.  Authors of children’s books, self-help books, a physiological thrillers who will read from their books. 

• Author Readings & Signings
• 2:05 – 2:25 PM            
  Nancy de Los Santos, 8 Ways to Say I Love
  My Life- “Loving my Life+

• 2:30 – 2:50 PM            
  David Damian Figueroa, 
  “A Reminder to My 20-Year Old Self” 
  
• 3:00 – 3:20 PM            Josefina Lopez, Hungry Woman in Paris
  
• 3:25 – 3:45 PM            
  Karina Noelle reading an Excerpt, “The Dead of Summer”
  by Author/Actor Enrique Castillo
  
• 3:50 – 4:10 PM            
  Naibe Reynoso, “Be Bold, Be Brave, 11 Latinas
  Who Made U.S. History”

• 4:15 – 4:35 PM           
  Bel Hernandez, 8 Ways to Say I Love My Life-
  “The Power to Say I Belong” 

• 4:40 – 5:10 PM            TBA

• 5:15 – 5:45 PM            TBA

• Frida Fever– The fascination with Frida continues at this festival. Honoring one of the most iconic Latinas in history is playwright/ actress Odalys Nanin, who will pay tribute to the artist by channeling a scene from her hit published play, Frida: Stroke of Passion at the festival.

• Empowerment Fashion Paradewhere Somen of all ages, shapes and forms will parade through the venue, up to the stage, modeling clothing, jewelry, hats and accessories from LATINAFest vendors — all while carrying their empowering mantra.

Other Activities: Zen Zone, Wellness Demos, Make-up demos, Kid’s Corner, Cooking demos, Food tasting and so much more.

LATINAFest MC’s:  

Former host of Univision’s Lanzateturned entrepreneur, Fernanda Kelly, now the owner of Shop her Closet will return as a LATINAFest MC along with Donaji, Univision Radio DJ on KLOVE 107.5

LATINAFest’s Sponsors:

Goya, AARP, LA Times En Español/HOY, CBS, Thrivent Financial, Los Angeles County Board Supervisor Hilda L. Solis,  Martin EZ Stick Labels, Inland Body & Paint Center, Vallarta, Mineragua, Cerveza Xteca, Cafe Bustelo and Riboli Family of San Antonio Winery

Partners: Balloons & Blooms, Pretty Lil’ Things, Sherwood Florist, JT Printing. 

Media Sponsors:  Latin Heat Entertainment, Latin Alt 88.5/HD3 and L.A. Taco, 

 See the 2018 LATINAFest Recap: CLICK HERE  (https://youtu.be/v0ELb1ZHZco)

What: 2019 LATINAFest: Mind, Body & Soul 
When: Sunday, August 25, 2019 
Where: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes 
501 North Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 
(Adjacent to Plaza Olvera a.k.a. Olvera Street)

For Tickets CLICK HERE   

Kids under 12 are free
$10.00 General Admission

Follow LATINAFest on Social Media:

@LATINAFest    @LAPlazaLA   @TheTRENDTalkShow   #LATINAfest2019
For more information about LATINAFest, please visit:www.latinafest.net

For Sponsorship opportunities, please inquire at latinafestevents@gmail.comor 323-205-6158

For volunteer opportunities, please E-mail: latinafestevents@gmail.com

adelapena@lapca.org

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