2011 Day of the Dead Press Release

< Back To Main Gallery Exhibitions Page

UCLA_DayofDeadFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact Felipe M. Sanchez
310-822-9560 x10
felipe@sparcmurals.org

On Wednesday, November 2nd, at 685 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA (Old Venice Police Station), SPARC’s historic headquarters since 1977, SPARC presents a traditional “Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead” ceremony to honor the dearly beloved/departed with the annual ritual of Calling the Spirits to come to their celebration. The traditional community ceremony will start at 6:30 P.M. and is open to the community. UCLA instructor and SPARC’s Artist in Residence, Martha Ramirez-Oropeza and UCLA’s César E. Chávez Chicana/o Studies Department students will guide the ceremony. After an intermission, guests will enjoy an ensemble featuring two traditional performers, Ruben Izquierdo and Alfredo Lopez who will be performing Mexican, Cuban, and South American music.

Ruben Izquierdo, studied classical guitar at the University of Mexico City and graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. He is a composer, arranger and guitarist who is currently working on many projects which include writing the musical score for the documentary “2500 plus one sculptures”, Alejandro Santiago, Mexican artist and collaborates as a core member for SPARC’s Planet Siqueiros Event Series in Venice, California. Ruben’s compositions were featured in both the Guitar Player’s “Spotlight” section and “Musico Pro” Magazine where he received favorable reviews.

Alfredo Lopez is an extraordinary musician/vocalist who has mastered more than twenty styles of Latino American traditional music. He is the director of Mexico’s well-known musical group Quetzalcoatl. His performances include solo concerts at venues such as the Smithsonian Institute, Royce Hall at UCLA and more. Alfredo has composed songs which have been included in films such as “The Net” (Sandra Bullock), “American Me” produced and directed by Edward James Olmos, “The Maldonado Miracle”, produced and directed by Salma Hayek.

Traditional Pan-Dulce (Mexican sweet bread) and Mexican hot chocolate will be served; donations to benefit Save LA Murals.

< Back To Main Gallery Exhibitions Page