I mentioned earlier that HNDP would be back in Bell soon, but how did we get there? Well it all started on May 31st when we made our first trip over to LA's City Hall for their #techLA event. We met a number of cool organizations, and amongst them Cristina from IME. We learned IME was working to assemble a team of artists from Los Angeles for a mural festival and we were excited to jump on board.
Over a series of meetings the plans took shape, artists and organizations began to assemble and before we knew it the stage was set for one of the most memorable events of the summer. "Barrio Roots" - a two day festival sponsored by Mexico's "Instituto De Los Mexicanos En El Exterior" featuring music workshops by HNDP.
HNDP had planned a 2 course meal. For day 1 it would be a crash course in music production on the iPad and way too much fun was had. Day 2 we hosted a mini open mic session, trained a fresh batch of audio engineers and donned a new generation of lyricists with MC names - including MC MILDEW.
check us out - don't blink @ 2:38: http://youtu.be/f3d-SY9d460?t=2m38s - ***crazy music warning
Before one of our sessions we crashed an art class by Fabian Debora. About a dozen of us sat around a round board table as Fabian lead the discussion. "Think of an object that reminds you of something or some one" - we received 4x6 cards and pencils. Fabian shows us "This is a keepsake my father always had in his wallet, now I carry it in my wallet. This is what I would draw". Every one draws their object, and tells the story of what it means to them. We're all connected by our experiences, and this expression of art is what made us all realize it.
"Barrio Roots" was a huge collaboration effort, we high five'd our friends at SELACO - gave mad props to the great artists Chaz and Cache, and went HNDP for the second time that summer in the City of Bell.
We hope to be back soon, props again to Bell mayor Nestor Valencia for making space for some great art events in the south bay, and tremendous appreciation for IME for making a splash in the community by bringing together such an eclectic and talented group.
HHNDP Blog Team
HNDPLA Recaps by HNDP LA BLOG TEAM. Photographs by HNDP LA.