On Saturday, July 30, 2016 Antonio Pelayo Productions really set the bar high in entertainment for Los Angeles. Celebrating his 2nd. Annual Tatuaje , there is no better way to say this to you but Lincoln Heights was on fire! If you missed Tatuaje let me take you there and enjoy the way us Angelinos like to celebrate our culture, tattoos, good music and Arte. This reventon took place at legendary Plaza de la Raza and we all know half of the proceeds fund programs for the Lincoln Heights community. Great cause to help our younger generation and to have it done so with style and Tatuajes and to be hosted by Patricia Lopez, Danny Trejo and Emcee Anthony Fernandez, what a night to remember!
First of, I would like to thank Antonio for always welcoming me with open arms to his fantastic events, Natily I love you too your community will always come out and support your hard work. So the night started by picking up my hot Birthday girl Pesky Oner, amazingly talented artist and friend. As we got to the venue which for once got there right when it started to have a better chance of taking photos of the art gallery which was curated by the legend himself; Freddy Negrete. As we walked to Plaza de la Raza we were welcomed by my dear friend Eriberto Oriol; an accomplished photographer whose iconic images are recognized worldwide. Along with the Bombitas, custom bikes and other low riders brought to by Bomb Magazine, one can say that the party was getting started there. The energy walking thru the venue was surreal; so many stunningly beautiful people everywhere we turned; I felt right at home.
The Sullen Angels were everywhere that night and as this new movement of tattoo culture acceptance by society has broken many stereotypes and critical judgment on appearance and one of the areas that has changed a lot is for modeling and women. It used to be such a taboo for a woman to be considered a model covered in tattoos and now we have embraced those differences in body shape norms and body appearance by admiring these women as beautiful as they are; tattoos or not, you ladies rock! There was just so much to do, from the Live tattoo competition, awesome gallery art exhibit, catching to take pictures with all the celebrities that were walking all over Tatuaje but where the party really was at the Main stage with our homeboy DJ Gargamel spinning for us throughout the night. I have never witnessed the public get upset every time they made him stop playing! Ah the sight to see, we love you Gargamel; you really brought the best Cumbias, old school funk and boy did my feet hurt by the end of the night. Hot sexy Lizette from Sullen Angels, pinche loko Joe Formula, and you know the presence of the SKAsters was there. As Roten, Phowl, Payback, Big Flaks, and other members came out all the way from San Diego. Always great to see familiar faces supporting the same people I do too. Thanks Payback for dancing the old funky beats with me! Yes, no shame in my game as I got caought slipping a few times on the dance floor with Og Overgold, thanks Nick for keeping up to La Sonora Dinamita.
It was a gathering of talented professionals in the Tattoo industry, artists, friends and community supporters so at no point did I feel out of my element, the vibes at Tatuaje were on that “ Puro Pari” tip. As the night progressed and the crowd was getting loose to the shots of Jimador and Jack Daniels, Johnny Ortiz, Mike Flores, Danny Trejo and all actors lokotes made their rounds around the event cheering on the crowds and the backstage lounge room was the place to be, as you got to hang out with all these talented musicians, artists and models and get to learn more about their upcoming projects. The bands performed in front of a public that was 100% down on the dance floor, as Corey Miller’s Powerflx5, LP3 & The Tragedy, The Blackouts and Gabba Gabba Heys ripped the stage all night. As I mentioned it before, it was a surreal experience but it got real when the one and only Efren Ramirez comes on stage and gets down on the harmonica. He spoke to us about his humbling beginnings in his very own stomping grounds of Lincoln Heights and as you might have guessed it, yes he said it, “Vote For Pedro”!
Tatuaje also held their very first Pachuca contest and it was a hit, as Wardrobe Divas finalized the touch of style with their very own inspired Pachuca/o Fashion Shows presented the Men’s look by El Pachuco Zoot Suit, flowers by Cute by Bupi and hosted by Leslye Rox. Great job Elvira, you are one Xingona Mujer. Congrats to reservoir Tattoo Studio for winning the Tattoo Competition and to Freddy Negrete and Antonio for receiving awards and recognitions from the Museo Casa Leon Trotsky in Mexico City and La Casa del Tatuaje. See, you have to really analyze and appreciate what is going on here with every event Antonio Pelayo produces, to understand that yes, these are events that will give you the ultimate experience and have a great time. But what he really is saying, is that us as a Raza, as a Cultura, we are a community founding our own Galas, our own cultural events and the support and response is as astounding as the hard work Antonio and his entire family and team sacrifices for us all. With that being said, I just want to give a big shout out with all my love and respect to Antonio Pelayo, his family, Natily Gonzalez, Elvira from Wardrobe Divas, Lea Monique, Edwin from Cold Fire Co. My boy DJ. Gargamel, Eriberto Oriol, Anuh and Yasmin Ferrada, photographer Jenny Jen, Drew, Monalisa, Isaac Pelayo, OG Overgold, the SKA Crew and of course my amiga Pesky Oner . Thank you for reminding me once again how very lucky we are to be part of this exclusive Artistic Raza Unida Community! Till next year and remember; keep creating, keep showing your support and most importantly; Be Proud to be from Los Angeles.
Much Love & Respect
Monica Smiles Tobon
mstobon.com 
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