If you’re of Mexican descent then at some point in your life you have probably played the ubiquitous game Loteria. For those who are not Mexican Loteria is somewhat similar to Bingo except you use numbered playing cards with iconic images on them such as La Calavera, El Borracho, El Catrín, La Luna, El Diablito, La Muerte and many others instead of numbered balls.
Ruben Torres, who I wrote about in a previous column called Love Thy Neighbor. It’s Not About Charity, It’s About Humanity, has teamed up with a collective of creative Southern Cali folks to curate a massive art exhibit, to be held at the Centro Cultural de la Raza, called The HeART of Loteria.
Ruben told me that “the opening reception is meant to celebrate a family tradition through art, performance, food and Loteria game play. It is meant to be an experience that is rich with Loteria inspired imagery and art. There will be about 200 art pieces that will be featured, created by artists from all walks of life. There will be two main experiences – inside and outside.
Inside, Loteria characters will be walking around the event, where people will be able to take a picture of themselves with their favorite characters in front of large Loteria playing card back drops. Loteria tables will be set up for play. Live painting. Folklorico performance, musicians, DJs and bands will be filling up the room with great tunes. Outside, we will be creating a traditional tianguis style mercado.
People will begin the Loteria journey by entering through a street market-like experience that one may expect to find in Mexico. The vendors will provide a wide range of authentic food, candy, games, toys, art and crafts.”
He also stated that this exhibit will be one of the largest Loteria inspired art shows in the U.S. and will showcase an incredibly diverse community of artists which includes a 4 year old child, an incarcerated inmate, fine art, street talent, tattoo art, sculpture, digital works, mosaic and other artistic styles. This show is not to be missed.
The HeART of Loteria runs from February 16 through March 1 with the opening reception celebration taking place on the 16th from 5pm to 1am. There will be a cover charge of $5 for the opening reception. The Centro Cultural de la Raza is located at 2004 Park Blvd in Balboa Park. In addition to the opening reception other events are planned throughout the run of the exhibit. For more information contact Ruben Torres at heartofloteria@gmail.com or visit www.heartofloteria.org.
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Here is my list, in chronological order, of some of the happenings that are taking place in San Diego in February. By no means is it a complete list. These are events that I’ve personally chosen to highlight because they take place in Barrio Logan and surrounding communities or have some personal significance to me because of the issue or who is organizing them. Enjoy.
Lowrider Legends San Diego Exhibition
Check out some Lowrider Legends at the San Diego Automotive Museum.
Runs February 1-June 2
Reception March 1
San Diego Automotive Museum
2080 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
For more info visit www.sdautomuseum.org
No Hope for the Manicured
A group art exhibit reception featuring the artwork of Matt Land, Nacho Chincoya and Acamonchi with live music by The Lumps, Gloomsday and Batwings.
February 2 @ 6pm – Free
Voz Alta Project
1754 National Ave., Barrio Logan
Justicia en la Frontera/Justice at the Border Fundraiser
Since 2010, 19 people have been killed by Border Patrol agents. The purpose of this fundraiser is to raise money to bring family members of the victims to a demonstration at the border to share their tragic stories and to demand justice for their loved ones. Featuring Danza Coatlicue, Mariachi Sol de Chula Vista, Ballet Folklorico, Son Jarocho, AfroPaisa, Maldodanz and guest speakers: Pedro Rios (AFSC), Maria Puga (widow of Anastasio Hernandez Rojas) and Felix Garcia (Abajo y a la Izquierda)
February 3 from 5-9pm – $5 donation
Centro Cultural de la Raza
2001 Park Blvd., Balboa Park
For more info call (619) 235-6135.
4 Installations
The iconic Weber’s Bakery building has been turned into an art gallery and will soon include live/work spaces for artists. The inaugural exhibition features installations byMichael James Armstrong, Thomas DeMello, Joseph Huppert, and Lee Lavy.
February 8 from 6-9pm
Bread & Salt
1955 Julian Ave., Logan Heights
For more info call (619) 851-4083.
Los FabuLocos
Check out the rocking’ sounds of East LA’s Los FabuLocos as they play a concert for returning US Army veteran and Klique Car Club member SSG Miguel Alatorre.
February 9 from 6pm-Midnight – $5 – 21 and up
Don Diego Post 7420
2100 Logan Ave. Barrio Logan
SWC Guest Writers Series presents Matt de la Peña
Young adult writer Matt de la Peña, author of Mexican Whiteboy, We Were Here and Ball Don’t Lie, will read selected writings from his novels.
February 11 from Noon until 1pm – Free
Southwestern College – Room L 238
900 Otay Lakes Rd.
For more info on the author visit www.mattdelapena.com.
Ruben Torres presents The HeART of Loteria
The HeART of Loteria gallery exhibition will be an immersive and interactive experience of loteria inspired art, ‘living’ loteria game card characters, game board table stations, DJs and musicians, folklorico performance, fashion, digital art, art vendors, culinary delights and beverage.
February 16 from 5pm-1am – $5
Centro Cultural de la Raza
2004 Park Blvd., Balboa Park
For more info visit www.heartofloteria.com.
Stop the Keystone XL Pipeline and Demand Climate Action Now!
San Diego will join San Francisco, Los Angeles, and other cities around the country to support the massive protest of the Keystone Pipeline being organized by 350.org and the Sierra Club in Washington DC on February 17. Be there and let your voice be heard.
February 17 from 1-3pm
Mission Bay Park Visitors Center
2688 E. Mission Bay Dr., Mission Bay
For more info visit http://sandiego350.org/ai1ec_
The Roots Factory Presents…Old English, Vampire and Skrapez
A concert presented by the folks at the Roots Factory featuring music by Old English, Vampire and Skrapez.
February 17 @ 8:30pm – $5 – 21 and up
Soda Bar
3615 El Cajon Blvd., North Park
Chicano Batman
Check out this firme Chicano band from Los Angeles as they bring their sound back to Barrio Logan.
February 23 @ 8pm
The Roots Factory
1878 Main St., Barrio Logan
For more info on Chicano Batman check out their website: www.chicanobatman.com.
We’re Not Playin’ Anymore
Toymaker Victor Villa curates this exposition of custom toys by more than 40 different artists.
February 23 @ 6PM – Free
The Spot Barrio Logan
1835 Main St., Barrio Logan
For more info visit www.thespotbarriologan.com.
Celebrate the Birth of Cuauhtemoc
Join the Aztec danza group Calpulli Mexihca as they celebrate the birth of the last Aztec emperor Cuauhtemoc.
February 23 @ 5pm
World Beat Center
2100 Park Blvd., Balboa Park
For more info call (619) 230-1190.
Protest Against Border Patrol Killings
Within the last year the U.S. Border Patrol has shot and killed Munique Tachiquin, Jose Antonio Elena Rodriguez, Guillermo Arevalo Pedroza, Juan Pablo Perez Santillan, and Byron Neftali Sosa Orellana. Activists from various human rights groups and family members of the deceased will be speaking at this demonstration. Join them as they seek justice on behalf of those killed.
February 23 from 2-4pm
San Ysidro Border Trolley Station
Reading of Melinda Lopez’s Play, Sonia Flew
Amigos Del Rep presents a FREE reading of a Latino/a play every last Monday of the month at the San Diego Rep. February’s reading is of Sonia Flew by Melinda Lopez.
February 25 @ 7pm – Free
San Diego Rep
79 Horton Plaza, DowntownFor more info (619) 231-3586 or www.sdrep.org.
Regular Barrio Logan Happenings:
San Diego Public Market: Buy organic fruits, vegetables and other goodies.Every Wednesday and Sunday from 9am-2pmSan Diego Public Market1735 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 appreciatedVoz Alta Project1754 National Ave., Barrio Logan
If you want your event to be considered for a future Desde la Logan listing send an email with all of the relevant info to desdelalogan@gmail.com.
Brent E. Beltrán
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