Sometimes I take for granted the things that are happening in my barrio and the surrounding areas. I consider myself lucky to live in a community that cherishes culture in all it’s varied forms. I have Chicano Park, The Roots Factory, The Spot Barrio Logan and The Voz Alta Project all within two blocks of my apartment. My community is a living creature, alive and vibrant, with culture oozing out of it’s streets and alleys like sweat from a worker’s brow. For the most part I know what is going on around here.
Because I usually know the haps in Logan I sometimes fail to realize that others may not know what’s going on. Therefore as a service to not only my community but also the greater San Diego community at large I will regularly compile a list of cultural and activism related events that will be taking place. This list will not only feature events taking place in Barrio Logan and the rest of the Historic Barrio District but events elsewhere in San Diego that I think readers of this column and San Diego Free Press should consider attending. Most will be hosted by the places I normally frequent (and places I should frequent normally) and many will be related to Chicanismo, Native issues, lefty causes and other stuff that I’m down for.
Please support these grassroots cultural happenings, spaces and organizations by attending their events and, if so inclined, throw a few bucks their way.
Here is a list, in chronological order, of some of the happenings that are taking place between now and the end of January:
Idle No More Solidarity Demonstration
Show your solidarity and stand with the First Nations of Canada and the indigenous people of the Americas by attending this Idle No More round dance solidarity demonstration. Bring your drums and rattles.
January 11 – Gathering at 11am with the round dance to commence at noon
Corner of Newport Ave. and Abbott St. in Ocean Beach
Rogelio Espinoza: Education Abroad Fundraiser
Rogelio Espinoza is going to study abroad in Turkey but needs a little help with expenses. Come out for some wine, food and entertainment.
January 11 from 6:30-10pm – $20
Barrio Logan Winery
3030 Main St., Barrio Logan
Peace and Dignity Journeys
Hear stories from runners who took part in a spiritual journey from Canada to Guatemala to fulfill a prophecy told hundreds of years ago. Featuring Native food, music by the Hummingbird Drum Singers, stories and ceremony.
January 12 @ 7pm – Donations accepted
Centro Cultural de la Raza
2004 Park Blvd., Balboa Park
For more info contact coyotewarrior@yahoo.com.
Noches Bohemias
A performing arts series featuring local talent from San Diego and Tijuana.
January 17 & 31 @ 8pm – Donations accepted
Centro Cultural de la Raza
2004 Park Blvd., Balboa Park
For more info contact Samuel at saamul2003@yahoo.com
The Birds and the Beards presents: Its Just Surfing
A group surf craft and photo collective exhibit reception.
January 18 from 6-10pm – Free
The Spot Barrio Logan
1835 Main St., Barrio Logan
Roots Factory Three Year Anniversary
Featuring live music by Cumbia Machin, Buyepongo, Revival, Piracy, Odessa Kane, Scatterbrain, Bumbklaatt, Batwings, BDP&T and DJ’s Unite, Peet-O Perez, V-Rock, Anahuac, Marsellus Wallace and Pelengue.
January 20 @ 7pm – Admission charge
The Casbah
2501 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy
All Peoples Celebration
Alliance San Diego is organizing this 25th annual event celebrating the living legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. The theme is Art of Change and the keynote speaker will be San Diego Mayor Bob Filner.
January 21 @ 10am – $50
San Diego Public Market
1735 National Ave., Barrio Logan
Casa Galeria Grand Opening & Inaugural Exhibition
Casa Galeria is dedicated to cultivating and celebrating Latino arts and culture in our community and will provide a space for local and international Latino artists to showcase their work. The inaugural group exhibition, “5to. Tour de Artistas”, is presented by the National Foundation of Independent Artists & Talento Hispano
January 24 @6pm – Free
Casa Galeria at The Founders’ House
2260 Island Ave., Sherman Heights
Viva Posada
A group art exhibit reception inspired by master printmaker José Guadalupe Posada.
January 26 @ 7pm – Free
Voz Alta Project
1754 National Ave., Barrio Logan
Film Is Not Dead
A photography exhibit reception featuring work from Ben Grillo and Carlos Beltran.
January 26 @ 7pm – Free
Voz Alta Project
1754 National Ave., Barrio Logan
Rize
A group art exhibit reception featuring music by Unified Division and DJ’s Simon Sez, Unite, Peligro and V-Rock.
January 26 from 6-10pm – Free
The Spot Barrio Logan
1835 Main St., Barrio Logan
Apex Realm Vinyl Release Party
Featuring music by Apex Realm, Piff C. Herrera, River Bottom Rockers, Ricky Gutz-Andre Elias, Eskimo Brothers and Maitlan Roots Sound.
January 26 @ 6pm – Free
The Roots Factory
1878 Main St., Barrio Logan
Regular Happenings:
Latin Percussion Classes w/Paul Lopez
Bring your drums, bells and whistles and learn how to play Latin style
Every Tuesday @ 6pm
The Roots Factory
1878 Main St., Barrio Logan
Hands On Percussion Workshop w/ Charlie Chavez
Learn how to play congas, bongos, timbales and their various rhythms.
Every Wednesday from Noon-4pm and 5:30-7pm – Group lessons $20/Private lessons $35
Voz Alta Project
1754 National Ave., Barrio Logan
For more info contact Charlie at tupakinpakin@aol.com or (562) 569-2473.
San Diego Public Market
Buy organize fruits, vegetables and other goodies
b>Every Wednesday and Sunday from 9am-2pm – Free
San Diego Public Market
1735 National Ave., Barrio Logan
Latin Jazz Jam
Check out one of San Diego’s finest musical treasures, Bill Caballero, as he hosts his weekly Latin jazz jam.
Every Thursday from 7-10pm – Free though donations are greatly appreciated
Voz Alta Project
1754 National Ave., Barrio Logan
If you want your event to be considered for a future Desde la Logan listing send an email to desdelalogan@gmail.com.
Thanks, Brent for the cultural listings. Also please list some of the good restaurants that I know are down there in the barrio, but I never know where to find them.
That’s for a future column!
But here’s a short list of Barrio Logan eateries (not including Logan Heights):
Las Cuatro Milpas – doesn’t get any better than their beans and tortillas!
La Doña New Mexico Cafe – A full Mexican restaurant not just a taco shop.
Blueprint Cafe – Lunch time cuisine in the barrio.
Northgate Market – Great carnitas!
Ryan Bros. Coffee – Some breakfast items and sandwiches.
The Viva Posada art exhibit at Voz Alta has the wrong date. Sorry. It was January 11.
Love this! Barrio Logan is one of my favorite spots in San Diego! Great list of happenings. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you like. I hope to continue listing Barrio Logan events.