Johnny Depp plays Tonto in Lone Ranger movie.

A little bit of music history before Johnny Depp took on the role of Tonto for Disney in the Lone Ranger movie to be released July 3, 2013 …

Mexican American film director Robert Rodriguez put together a soundtrack for Once Upon A Time In Mexico performed by a group of musicians gathered specifically for the soundtrack recording. Tracks performed by the group includes “Malagueña” with guitar by Brian Setzer and “Siente Mi Amor”, with singing by Salma Hayek. Track 9, “Sands’ Theme,” is credited to “Tonto’s Giant Nuts” but was in fact written by Johnny Depp (according to WIKI, some believe he invented the name ‘Tonto’s Giant Nuts’ as a joke). On the DVD director commentary, Robert Rodriguez states that he requested that each of the main actors give him four or eight notes of a melody for their character, but Depp presented him with the entire track.

More recently, Tonto’s Giant Nuts featuring Johnny Depp and Bruce Witkin recorded their version of “Little Lion Man,” a Mumford & Sons cover for a West of Memphis:  Voices For Justice Project.  The purchase of this album will in part directly benefit the West Memphis Three and serves to raise awareness for the continuing fight for exoneration of the West Memphis Three.

So there you have it.  It appears Johnny Depp had “Tonto” on the brain way before the Disney Lone Ranger movie came out.

Perhaps Depp admired Tonto for quite some time? 

Who knows …

Meanwhile, you can see one of Depp’s first music appearances via the Once Upon A Time In Mexico Soundtrack / tracklisting below.

“Malagueña” (Brian Setzer) – 4:22

“Traeme Paz” (Patricia Vonne) – 2:56

“Eye Patch” (Alex Ruiz) – 1:51

“Yo Te Quiero” (Marcos Loya) – 3:48

“Guitar Town” (Robert Rodriguez) – 2:04

“Church Shootout” (Robert Rodriguez) – 1:38

“Pistolero” (Juno Reactor) – 3:38

“Me Gustas Tú” (Manu Chao) – 3:49

“Sands (Theme)” (Tonto’s Giant Nuts) – 3:24

“Dias de Los Angeles” (Rick Del Castillo) – 5:08

“The Man With No Eyes” (Robert Rodriguez) – 2:09

“Mariachi vs. Marquez” (Robert Rodriguez) – 1:33

“Flor del Mal” (Tito Larriva & Steven Hufsteter) – 3:13

“Chicle Boy” (Robert Rodriguez) – 1:30

“Coup de Etat” (Robert Rodriguez) – 3:02

“El Mariachi” (Robert Rodriguez) – 1:22

“Siente Mi Amor” (Salma Hayek) – 4:24

“Cuka Rocka” (Chingon) – 1:44

Robert Rodriguez – Mexican-American film maker of Austin, Texas.

We are seeing the sign of the times…

Congrats to Mexican-American Robert Rodriguez the renowned American Filmmaker with regard to the El Rey partnership with UNIVISION.

El Rey Network is a new action and general entertainment TV and digital network founded and owned by legendary filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. The Network, taking its name from the iconic Mexican song EL REY and numerous references in Rodriguez’ films, will be the first television and digital network in English that will be inspired by a contemporary US-Latino sensibility that will be broadly entertaining, dynamic and cool for all young and young-minded adults.

While it will be primarily geared to the 2nd and 3rd generation Latinos who speak English first and define themselves as Mexican or Puerto Rican and the like, El Rey Network will create, produce and showcase content that

In addition to being a film director, Robert Rodriguez formed one of my favorite bands via Chingon –  a compilation album to Rodriguez’ Mariachi Trilogy, and released their debut album, Mexican Spaghetti Western. In photo, Robert Rodriguez, Alex Ruiz, and Del Castillo brothers.

has universal appeal and inclusive to everyone, as are all of Robert Rodriguez’ films throughout his 20-year career.
Just in from UNIVISION:

NEW YORK — MAY 14, 2013 – Univision Communications Inc., the leading media company serving Hispanic America, today announced it has made a strategic investment in El Rey Network, the new general entertainment, English-language cable network geared towards young-adult audiences and created by renowned American filmmaker Robert Rodriguez and FactoryMade Ventures. The network will launch in December 2013 and have nation-wide distribution with initial carriage via Comcast.

Chairman Robert Rodriguez — who has been named one of Time magazine’s 25 most influential Hispanics and has directed films such as Desperado, From Dusk till Dawn, The Faculty, Spy Kids, Machete and Sin City — unveiled the plans for the new network and showcased one of its slated programs today at Univision’s 2013 Upfront presentation in New York.

As the lead curators of content for El Rey Network, Rodriguez and FactoryMade will cultivate a mix of reality, scripted and animated series, movies, music and sports programming. El Rey Network will provide English-language programming and will include action content that boldly features — or is created, produced or directed by – high-caliber talent, celebrities and public figures. Univision Communications will be responsible for the back office operations, sales and distribution of the network. Financial details for the agreement were not disclosed.

“Our partnership in El Rey Network is a testament to Univision’s culture of innovation, the power of our brand to live in both languages, and our constant quest to ensure we remain the ultimate resource for all Hispanics’ tastes and preferences. As we continue to grow, evolve and expand into new frontiers, Univision remains the one and only gateway to U.S. Hispanic audiences,” said Randy Falco, president and CEO of Univision Communications Inc. “We are pleased to partner with Robert, FactoryMade and the teams at El Rey Network to launch a new network to serve one of the most influential, rapidly growing audiences in America – young Hispanics. Today at our upfront, we spoke about Univision’s unparalleled brand connection and showcased our world-class content offerings across our multiplatform portfolio, as well as our firm commitment to providing Latinos with the best in-culture programming available.”

“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Univision on this groundbreaking initiative to deliver high-quality original programming to our community and the wider, mainstream audiences,” said Rodriguez. “El Rey Network will serve as a launching pad to satisfy the tastes of young adults looking for exciting, cinematic, action-packed content. As a broadcast leader in media, Univision is the best partner to support us in achieving this vision.”

Added FactoryMade CEO John Fogelman and co-CEO Cristina Patwa: “Univision’s investment in the network is a ringing endorsement of the strength of El Rey Network’s strategy and its potential not just through television, but also through social and mobile platforms. El Rey will offer a slate of visionary talent, adventurous stories and iconic characters that will entertain, engage and relate to younger audiences.”

At Univision’s upfront presentation, Rodriguez unveiled the first original scripted production for El Rey Network. Based on the hit action/horror franchise from Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino, From Dusk Till Dawn, the series will be written, produced and directed by Rodriguez. It will explore and expand on the characters and story from the original film, providing a wider scope and richer Aztec mythology.

In addition, Rodriguez announced that K/O Paper Products, the television and film production company founded by Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, will produce a scripted, action adventure series for El Rey Network, which will start development at the end of June. Kurtzman and Orci are the writers and producers of blockbuster movies such as Star Trek, Transformers and Sleepy Hollow as well as broadcast shows such as Fringe and Hawaii Five-O.  The duo plans to announce a showrunner later this summer.

“Robert, Alex and Roberto exemplify the types of show creators that will ultimately set El Rey Network apart. We are honored to pave the way for their unprecedented debut into cable,” said the network’s Vice Chairman Scott Sassa.

The two original scripted shows are being developed as a part of the network’s co-financing pact with Reliance-backed television studio Georgeville Television and will be produced in Austin, Texas, home of Rodriguez’ 26-acre studio facilities.  Georgeville, founded by Motion Picture Capital and Reliance, will be co-producing scripted programming for El Rey in a $250 million deal announced two months ago.

“As an independent studio, we were already thrilled to partner with El Rey Network on these series — we have been receiving tremendous interest in these shows internationally on multiple windows, given the filmmaker-driven stature and high-quality content of the series selection.  El Rey’s partnership with Univision only strengthens our combined ability to bring more A-list content to a wider audience,” said Georgeville Television founders Marc Rosen and Leon Clarance.

Read more: http://corporate.univision.com/2013/press/univision-communications-and-el-rey-network-announce-strategic-partnership-unveil-upcoming-scripted-series/#ixzz2TIE30kuQ
Follow us: @hispanic411 on Twitter

Above, Frida portrayed as Dia de los Muertos image — fine art by El Moises.

Yesterday a viral petition to get Disney to withdraw the trademark on Dia de los Muertos was making its way around the net.  According to the PEW, rates of technology use among native-born Hispanics [Mexican-Americans] are relatively high. I signed the petition along with several other Mexican-American leaders who believe our culture should not be owned by a corporation.

We own our own culture.

More importantly, hundreds of Mexican-American artists draw, paint or sing about Dia de los Muertos.  It would have been a shame for a corporation to make their way in monopolizing what is ours.

We are very glad to hear Disney withdrew.  I predicted a Mexican-American backlash if

Ranking by Population — Pew

they did not withdraw — and we already know that Mexican-Americans make up the bulk of the Latin population pie with almost 70%.  We also contribute billions and billions to our national economy.

From the LA TIMES:

Disney withdraws trademark filing for ‘Dia de los Muertos’

By Adolfo FloresMay 8, 2013, 8:32 a.m.

If the dead could speak, they probably wouldn’t have been heard over the burst of virtual shouting and howling Walt Disney Co. drew for attempting to trademark “Dia de los Muertos” — a bid it has since dropped.

The company filed 10 applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for “Dia de los Muertos,” including applications pertaining to toys, cereals and jewelry. The May 1 filings came in anticipation of an untitled movie about the Mexican holiday, known in English as Day of the Dead.

FULL STORY>>>

Photo by NaiChe Sol Chavira El Moises live art demonstration at Grand Avenue Get Down (2013 Cinco de Mayo celebration of art and culture).

the Phoenix area and hundreds of parties throughout the state – it is hard to argue with that fact particularly when Arizona’s  very own Chicano Picasso via El Moises sparked a new Latin Renaissance movement which enhances, encourages, and embraces Mexican-American culture via art, lowriders, hot rods, custom motorcycles and live art demonstration.

The unique thing about the Grand Avenue Get Down / Cinco de Mayo celebration was that this event included artists from our neighboring states like California and New Mexico.  The California artists included:  D.A. Garcia, El Chikle, Jowee Mr. Rhythm Ramirez, Lucky Hellcat, Johnathan Mercado and  Ricardo Islas.   New Mexican artists included: Nani Chacon and Toby Morfin.  Last but certainly not least, Arizona artists included: Sam Gomez, Jason Rudolph Pena, El Moises, John Garza, Angelica Johnson, El Podrido, Moe Madrid, El Whyner, Pablo Luna, Albert Rodriguez, Buggs, Leland Chapin, Mike Royal Sage Rock, Ron Hernandez, Luis Miranda, 9 Gallery artists and more.

Next year’s Cinco de Mayo event will be bigger.   Bigger plans are already being made with a concert, car and motorcycle show.  John Coll’s Brewery should be in full swing by then, too, and this is all very exciting.

Lowrider and hot rod cruising is a lot of fun.  If you have never been on a lowrider cruise before, you are in luck as I take a quick video from a Cadillac convertible point of view while interviewing one of the pinstripers who pinstriped at the Grand Avenue Get Down event.

Several pinstriper artists dominated the event while showcasing their work in addition to the many many other acrylic and mixed media artists who adorned our City with their beautiful paintings and artwork.

Slide 1 of 32.
O.G Ron Hernandez pinstriping and doing his thing LIVE!
Source: Photo courtesy of NaiChe Sol ChaviraSlide 2 of 32.
Bugs pinstriping at Grand Ave Get Down
Source: Photo courtesy of NaiChe Sol ChaviraSlide 3 of 32.
Aaron Voight gas tin artwork on display.
Source: Photo courtesy of NaiChe Sol ChaviraSlide 4 of 32.
Grand Avenue Get Down Attendees
Source: Photo courtesy of NaiChe Sol ChaviraSlide 5 of 32.
NaiChe Chvira repping a Grand Avenue t-shirt
Source: Photo courtesy of NaiChe Sol ChaviraSlide 6 of 32.
Pinstriping artist David Anthony Garcia of Whittier California beautifies Grand Ave with his talent
Source: Photo courtesy of NaiChe Sol ChaviraSlide 7 of 32.
Hot Rods on Display on Grand Avenue
Source: Photo Courtesy of Hotrodron CarlstenSlide 8 of 32.
California Artist Lucky Hellcat Sells This Piece for $400.00
Source: Photo courtesy of NaiChe Sol ChaviraSlide 9 of 32.
Patron of the Arts via DeeDee Garcia Blase appreciates art with strong women empowerment messages
Source: Photo courtesy of NaiChe Sol ChaviraSlide 10 of 32.
Master Lowrider builder Luis Miranda's beauty! Every part including the upholstery was hand crafted by Luis!
Source: Photo courtesy of NaiChe Sol ChaviraSlide 11 of 32.
Tony Perez demonstrating pinstriping
Source: Photo courtesy of NaiChe Sol ChaviraSlide 12 of 32.
Cruiser Photo at Grand Avenue Get Down
Source: Photo Courtesy of Christian Otjen Photography at the SagradoSlide 13 of 32.
California Artist Lucky Hellcat with husband and Viva Ramirez
Source: Photo courtesy of NaiChe Sol ChaviraSlide 14 of 32.
Picture of Albert's 1967 Impala. This car was originally painted by Mario Lopez fromthe Candy Factory in Los Angeles. He has since passed away.
Source: Photo courtesy of NaiChe Sol ChaviraSlide 15 of 32.
Old Cars beautifying Grand Avenue in Phoenix
Source: Photo courtesy of NaiChe Sol ChaviraSlide 16 of 32.
A beautiful 1950 Chevy Truck
Source: Photo courtesy of NaiChe Sol ChaviraSlide 17 of 32.
El Whyner of In the Streets Magazine that features cars and lowriders
Source: Photo courtesy of NaiChe Sol ChaviraSlide 18 of 32.
Ron Hernandez and El Whyner at Grand Avenue Get Down
Source: Photo courtesy of Mark SalcedoSlide 19 of 32.
Jmm Pinstriping.
Source: Photo courtesy of Sam GomezSlide 20 of 32.
Pinstriped cars on display at Grand Ave Get Down
Source: Photo courtesy of Sam GomezSlide 21 of 32.
Photographer Sam Gomez captures El Moises' Native American fine art
Source: Photo courtesy of Sam GomezSlide 22 of 32.
DA Morales Pinstriping
Source: Photo courtesy of Sam GomezSlide 23 of 32.
Grand Ave Get Down
Source: Photo courtesy of Gail Mokry Shoultes Slide 24 of 32.
Grand Ave Get Down Paintings by Mike Royal (first 2 paintings on the left)
Source: Photo courtesy of Gail Mokry Shoultes Slide 25 of 32.
Motorcycles at Grand Ave Get Down
Source: Photo courtesy of David ArandaSlide 26 of 32.
Mini Chopper at Grand Ave Get Down
Source: Photo courtesy of David ArandaSlide 27 of 32.
Grand Avenue Get Down
Source: Photo courtesy of NaiChe Sol ChaviraSlide 28 of 32.
Con Safos C/S
Source: Photo courtesy of NaiChe Sol ChaviraSlide 29 of 32.
El Moises -- Arizona Fine Artist
Source: Photo courtesy of Sam GomezSlide 30 of 32.
El Rudy - Photographer at In The Streets Magazine
Source: Photo courtesy of Sam GomezSlide 31 of 32.
Photographer Sam Gomez
Source: Photo courtesy of Sam GomezSlide 32 of 32.
Bikini Lounge
Source: Photo courtesy of Christian V Otjen

As Obama visits Mexico, here’s a little reminder on how the US and Mexico sought to work together during WWII via this propaganda poster. This poster was all over Houston, South Texas and California. (Photo shared by Russell Contreras)

Happy Cinco, Amigos!

I want to share a great story by AP writer Russell Contreras since a bunch of us “Messicans” viven aqui in the great Southwest.

An ol’ story about Cinco de Mayo and how it evolved.  

FULL AP story can be read here:

Often mistaken for Mexican Independence Day (that’s Sept. 16), Cinco de Mayo commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla between the victorious ragtag army of largely Mexican Indian soldiers against the invading French forces of Napoleon III. Mexican Americans, during the Chicano Movement of the 1970s, adopted the holiday for its David vs. Goliath storyline as motivation for civil rights struggles in Texas and California.

Over the years, the holiday has been adopted by beer companies as a way to penetrate the growing Latino market, even as the historical origins of the holiday remain largely forgotten.

David Hayes-Bautista, a professor of medicine and health services at UCLA and author of the newly released “El Cinco de Mayo: An American Tradition,” said the holiday’s history in the U.S. goes back to the Gold Rush when thousands of immigrants from Mexico, Central and South America came to California during the Civil War.

According to Spanish-language newspapers at the time, this first group of multinational Latinos on U.S. soil identified with the Union Army’s fight against the Confederacy and often wrote pieces about the evils of slavery. Hayes-Bautista said these Latino immigrants were concerned about the Union’s lack of progress and Napoleon III’s interests in helping the South.

“It wasn’t until the news came about the Battle of Puebla that they got the good news they wanted,” said Hayes-Bautista. “Since Napoleon III was linked to the Confederacy, they saw the victory as the first sign that their side could win.”

They didn’t, of course, at least not for a few years. French forces took over Mexico after the Battle of Puebla, and installed Habsburg Archduke Maximilian as Emperor of Mexico. He was captured by Mexican forces five years later and put to death.

But in the years that followed, Latinos in California and the U.S. Northwest celebrated Cinco de Mayo with parades of people dressed in Civil War uniforms and gave speeches about the significance of the Battle of Puebla in the larger struggle for abolition, said Hayes-Bautista.

The Cinco de Mayo-Civil War link remained until the Mexican Revolution, which sparked another wave of Mexican immigration to the U.S. Those immigrants had no connection to Cinco de Mayo – except that U.S. Latinos celebrated it.

“That’s when it became about David vs. Goliath, Indians beating a European force, and it took on a new meaning,” said Hayes-Bautista. “The Civil War ties disappeared.”

The date received another jolt during World War II during the U.S. government’s “Good Neighborhood Policy” aimed at building good relationships with Mexico and during the Chicano Movement, when Mexican American activists adopted the day to reinforce civil rights demands. Two police beatings of Cinco de Mayo revelers – one in Houston in 1978 and the other in Washington DC in 1991 – resulted in riots and sparked protests and calls for reforms from Latino advocates.

The holiday spread outside of the American Southwest as more Latinos moved to new areas around the country. Alyssa Gutierrez, 35, a teacher who is originally from Robstown, Texas but now lives in New York’s Harlem neighborhood, said Cinco de Mayo was barely noticed when she moved to New York in 1998. “Now there are Mexican restaurants on almost every block and all do something on Cinco de Mayo, usually around a boxing match,” said Gutierrez.

Jody Agius Vallejo, a sociology professor at the University of Southern California and author of “Barrios to Burbs: The Making of the Mexican-American Middle Class,” said Cinco de Mayo is now used by assimilated Mexican Americans as an easy way for them to showcase their ethnic identity.

“It’s very similar to how Irish-Americans celebrate St. Patrick’s Day,” said Vallejo. “One way they can honor their ethnicity is to celebrate this day, even when most don’t know why.”

But not all buy in. “To others,” she added, “this holiday is kind of viewed as a joke because they feel it’s their culture that is being appropriated and exploited.”

Hayes-Bautista said because the theme and focus around Cinco de Mayo has transformed a number of times, it won’t be surprising if it changes again.

“No one has owned Cinco de Mayo,” said Hayes-Bautista. “And no one ever will.”  FULL STORY>>>

ON EXHIBIT AT 1205 FOR FRIDAY MAY 3RD AND SAT MAY 4TH–BY BAD BOY DESIGNS/MOE MADRID

Grand Avenue is the place to be this Friday and Saturday during the art walk as we enjoy this Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Join the Grand Avenue Get Down to see Phoenix Custom slammers, Lowriders, Rat Rods and Choppers. There will be live art demonstrations as artists from California, New Mexico, and all your favorite local artists participate in the Grand Avenue Get Down on First Friday and/or Cinco de Mayo weekend!  Enjoy live music, food and art!

BRING YOUR RIDE!

California Artists:  D.A. Garcia, El Chikle, Jowee Mr. Rhythm Ramirez, Lucky Hellcat
Johnathan Mercado, Ricardo Islas

New Mexico Artists: Nani Chacon, Toby Morfin

Arizona Artists: Sam Gomez, Jason Rudolph Pena, El Moises, John Garza, Angelica Johnson, El Podrido, Moe Madrid, El Whyner, Pablo Luna, Albert Rodriguez, Buggs, Leland Chapin, Mike Royal Sage Rock, Ron Hernandez, Luis Miranda and many many more!

LOCATION: 1205 W. Pierce Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007

DATE/TIME:   May 3rd, 2013, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. & May 4th, 2013, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

In my view, Geronimo was not the last Apache Native to surrender. He had compassion for the last remaining Apache family before Manifest Destiny; and he merely wanted the Apache Native American seed to carry on when he admitted himself as a sacrifice in order for the Apache blood to continue.

The absolute dignity of the Apache Native American continues…

San Carlos, Arizona, is a place where the U.S. Government rounded up many Apache’s to keep away from scaring white settlers, and as we move forward into the new millennium — it is my goal to do what I can (with my limited talents afforded to me) in order to help make the world better as we work to supporting our Native friends in Arizona.

I have a deep appreciation for Douglas Miles of the San Carlos Apache Tribe in Arizona because the Great Spirit that lives within him is the same One that makes something from nothing. It is my wish into the universe that the Mexican-Americans and Apache’s will create an alliance from love that is more powerful than an atomic bomb. My hope is to take care of the land that was created for us by our Creator.

Together.

The video below is extremely soulful and I am grateful Douglas Miles shared it with me this morning …. setting the tone of future things to come. In other words, this Mexican-American (me) seeks an alliance with the Apache Natives for the sake of caring for our lands and our environment. Allowing love to break through the darkness that sometimes blinds us. It’s good to smoke a little tobacco from mother earth that comes in a gifted sacred cloth … exchanging peace between neighboring communities to undo past evils. I am saddened to hear the Apache Tribe of San Carlos does not have an art museum commemorating the talent I see coming from there. I am asking the Great Spirit — our Creator … to help me work towards ensuring the light shines from San Carlos.

Will our Creator hear our prayers?

By DeeDee Garcia Blase

I offer my love to my Creator — Raw and Contrite
Nothing else greater can manifest in my power and might
You help me overcome obstacles nobody else can bring
Power and Love that manifests will never be replaced by a mere mortal soul
The Love You give me is enough to sustain me
Words can never express the debt I owe to you
Will you take my broken heart so humble but free?
Riches will never replace what is everlasting — may my soul you created lives eternally?

The appreciation you’ve placed in my heart embraces culture and diversity
And I’ll never understand the complexity
You’re the Lord of my soul
I offer my tender brokenness thru Rock n Roll 
I hope you’ll remember when He said they not know what they do
The hate and the harm, is there something else that will suffice in lieu?
Is it too late to reverse humanity?
For then we wouldn’t have to see war, death and the ugly darkness brings?

I know there are no wishes for you to see riches
Because you own and Create all at the whisper and tips of your fingers
But please know O’Lord — that I offer my broken soul
I know you want me to submit –
So this moment I offer a simple contrite heart … nobody else can omit

This Declaration explains no happiness that will ever come to me
Without first the blessings You grant to me
I’m forever grateful to my Creator– no mortal man will ever bring me
My love I surrender — Nobody but Thee

The happiness you bring me
Will never be matched thru eternity
My heart how it hurts because it’s all that I have
Even though Hendrix gave his heart to music; I know deep down you gave him lyrics to ever last
I summon the great Love that can only come from You
I’m doing all that I can despite the transgressions I’ve done
But no matter the sin
I love you despite what’s pinning me in

By DeeDee Garcia Blase

God I’m admitting I’m drunk with your love…
No mortal man can give me your hug
This golden fountain you give me
Will never climb the love mountain
The love you bring me is an everlasting fountain
Its spiritual and I finally see
Nobody will ever replace you
No matter the degree

Know that your love is everlasting no matter the broken promises given to me
Despite what I couldn’t foresee
Your love sustains me in every way with the help of Jimi and Beam
Take me to Kentucky — suspended in this Spiritual in-between

My God, How I Love thee
I’m sorry for past sins that I bring
I’ll forever submit this brokenness that I give
I’m really happy — not blue
And what I lay at your feet
Will be set in concrete
The doves that you send me
Mends what many say can never sing

I don’t have a care in this world
The love I live for because it’s something I’ll swim towards
His memory is long and in the past
This golden love you’ve given to me will never surpass and wait the ultimate class act

I’m a gypsy traveling from the north to the east
I’m comforted the friends you’ve entrusted me
Set my paths straight in this long lonely walk
May my prayers be incense every Cigar under the stars
Know I’m forever grateful
The Love and Mercy you constantly bring me will make me accessible

Very cool.  Read on>>>

New Orleans Jazz Fest displays Native American graffiti-style murals

The New Orleans Jazz Fest will include graffiti-style murals by Arizona artists Douglas Miles and Thomas “Breeze”

Artist Douglas Miles

Marcus. The 2013 Fest places an emphasis on the arts, culture and cuisine of Native Americans. Miles is part of the San Carlos Apache Nation, Marcus descends from the Tohono O’odham Nation.

During an eerily quiet visit to the mostly deserted Fairgrounds on Thursday (April 26) afternoon, I met Miles in the ground floor of the grandstand, where the 80- ft. mural he and his collaborator painted earlier this week spans an entire wall. The dramatic black on white aerosol painting has the feel of an enormous pen and ink drawing.

At the center of the symbol-laden image is a huge angel, which Miles said represents the Crescent City. People everywhere know that New Orleans is the mother of much of American music, he said, but people also know that the city “has been through a lot.”

The face of the angle figure is based on the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival presented by Shell’s cultural heritage coordinator Rachel Ornelas, posed beside the painting with her hands pressed together in prayer to demonstrate the likeness.

The angel’s wings, Miles said, represent resurrection. They are laced with an intricate geometric pattern that gives them a delicate insect-like aspect on one hand and a robust carved stone appearance on the other. The pattern is Marcus’s specialty.  FULL STORY HERE.