Q’vole my beautiful Raza of Los Angeles! If you were at Antonio Pelayo’s Productions “El Velorio 2016” at Plaza de La Raza located at 3540 North Mission Rd. Los Angeles, Califas this past Saturday, November 5, 2016, then you are well aware of the tremendous festivity that went down that night. For those of you that missed out on the hottest event in Los Angeles, follow closely to the reventon I am about to show you; should have been there Fam!
This extravagant Day of the Dead inspired fiesta was hosted by stunning Melissa Santos with headline bands such as Metalachi, Mariachi Manchester, DJ Gazoo and Casa de Calacas, Ev Dub, El Carro Fantasma, and many others. It is inspiring to see so many talented individuals as well as the supporting public join together to celebrate our beautiful cultura de Dia de Los Muertos. A big shout out to Antonio Pelayo and Natily Gonzalez, the amazing duo behind every successful event in the past few years; thank you for always welcoming me.
I was actually at El Velorio last year and I must say that this year was the best El Velorio turnout, the energy was immense. Beautiful Catrinas y Catrinos everywhere I turned, really awesome to see how the public went all the way out to dress the part and celebrate the lives of our Loved ones con Mariachi, tequila y baile. This is exactly how this night is supposed to be celebrated; you know how we do it, puro pari! The night started late for me as I had to look around for a pinche parking space, no joke when they say to Uber or Lyft it #estacabron. But I walked in to El Velorio at its strongest force and although it was a bit late, the lines were still forming outside. This night was packed, to walk from one part of the venue to the other was an adventure itself, never a dull moment though with hot ladies and handsome caballeros dressed in full attire for the occasion.
First stop, find Natily to get this party started, as I had just came from another show she helped with Sur le Mur, this woman works hard. Finally made my way to the main stage and hang out with Natily and Melissa Santos, really down to earth lady (thanks for dancing with me) as always, the ultimate experience is backstage with all the performers and artists, as the energy and excitement to be there pretty much vibe off on all of us while they performed. I think the funniest part of the night was not realizing that my Press Pass fell off and so there I was walking thru the event randomly asking people if I can photograph them without being aware that my Press Pass had fallen off hours ago! OMG what were these people thinking? This chola asking to take photos of us, oh well why not!. A big thank you for still letting me do my thing!
After a few tequila shots, I finally worked my way thru the entire venue to snap shots of our gente, arte and vendors. I really enjoyed the Art exhibit, as the grand entrance was welcomed by the breathtaking masterpiece of Johnny Quintana. Great art work display as always could not be any more Brown and Proud of my fellow artists! On the other side of the gallery space was the dance floor hosted by my Chingona Friend Calipso and DJ Sloepoke, pretty dope to be welcomed by my new fond family from Cholos Try, got to boogie on the dance floor to some cumbias with the homey Scar and la Chulada de Mujer Irene Soto. Big ups to Big Tokes and Carlos. I always enjoy hanging out with you all at these events. Make me feel right at home chilling with the homeys; they are the real deal, no fronting. As the night progressed, ended up getting into a desmadre with Scar up on the main stage while Metalachi performed, the crowd was hyped to see him on stage, dancing and drinking and clowning with everybody was the highlight of my time at El Velorio. You all know how I feel about humble, down to Earth celebrities!
The best surprise of the night was to see my Mala Influencia Size OTR and my lady (well, his girlfriend) Blanca! Love you both to the moon and back. The night ended with some bomb tacos from Chicas Catering and I don’t say this much but their tacos al pastor were the best I have ever eaten, I really do not have anything else to argue on that. Thank you for feeding me at the end of a long night. You ladies rock!
Big shout out to all my peepz I got to hang out with tonight, Size OTR and Blanca, Roten SKA, Anuh, Payback, Jackie Boy and his beautiful wife, DJ Sloepoke, Calipso, Pauline, Mike Flores, DJ Gargamel, Isaac Pelayo and Dakota, Yasmin Ferrada, the one that holds my heart Elvira Zamora, CEO of Wardrobe Divas, Estela Hydes, Jose Joker, Jaime and Priscilla. And of course Antonio Pelayo and Natily Gonzalez.
It is always important to always remember where you come from and the people who have blessed you with so many opportunities, and that is the mutual respect that these artists, performers and Antonio express to the public. With that being said, Antonio, (and I speak for the community) Thank you for allowing us to have our own events and our very own art exhibits in our beautiful city of Angels. Please continue to represent our Cultura and Firme Style.
Please check out my Recap Gallery of El Velorio 2016!
Much Love & Respect,
Monica Smiles Tobon
mstobon.com 
Thank you all raza for the constant support and contribution to our art movement that’s been in the shadows for generations el giganta se a levantado is time be move together as one holding hands uplifting our spirit of perseverancia , inherited by our ancestor Gracias por events like this that bring our people together in this dark moments in chicano history
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