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.

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Brent E. Beltrán

Brent E. Beltrán is a third generation pocho and second generation San Diegan that lives next door to Chicano Park in Barrio Logan. He's the former publisher of Calaca Press, is married to his healing heart watcher Olympia and is the proud father of a youngling name Sandino. Brent is a member of the SDFP Editorial Board, occasionally writes the column Desde la Logan, posts Looking Back at the Week every Sunday morning, sits on the Barrio Logan Community Planning Group, and is on the Board of Directors of the Environmental Health Coalition. He can be contacted at desdelalogan@gmail.com and through his Twitter account @DesdeLaLogan.

Latest posts by Brent E. Beltrán (see all)

• Looking Back at the Week: August 13-19 - August 20, 2017
• What Would You Do If White Supremacists Tried to Hold a Rally in Chicano Park? - August 16, 2017
• Looking Back at the Week: August 6-12 - August 13, 2017