Born and Raised: El Hijo del Santo

Hey everyone, sorry for the giant time lapse since last post. Rather than a long winded apology, let me simply say I've been obviously busy, but lucha libre is still in my heart, and this blog is always on my mind. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.

But now, let's talk about this great little interview I found!

I don't know much about Born + Raised with Chuey Martinez, but I find it amazing that he was able to sit down with the legend, El Hijo del Santo!! Only slightly jealous that he gets to dine with the man! This one is also subtitled, so kick back and enjoy!

Los Luchadores Exhibit at the Mexican Cultural Institute of Los Angeles

"Los Luchadores" hits the Mexican Cultural Institute of Los Angeles from
From June 11 through July 23. They will be featuring the photography of Richard Ehrlich, consisting of a series of 40" x 50" photographs of masked wrestlers.

The mission statement of the MCI is:  "The Mexican Cultural Institute is committed to being a leader in providing education, programs, resources, and presenting historical, cultural and contemporary arts of Mexican heritage, and to advocate for Mexico-United States social, cultural and historical art preservation as an important part of strengthening Los Angeles’ communities."

Considering that lucha libre has been a major part of Mexican culture, being a favorite sport of the people, this is a wonderful exhibit for the MCI. If you are in the area, check out the gallery!

An artist reception, screening of classic luchador films and music program to be announced! I'm very excited to hear what they plan on screening. I love to spread the word on lucha films being screened all over, it's a fun opportunity for everyone to enjoy some lighthearted action!

Exhibit runs from June 11 - July 23, 2011
Gallery Hours: Noon-6PM, Thursday -Sunday

125 Paseo De La Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213)624-3600
http://mexicanculturalinstitute-la.org/
E-mail:  info@mexicanculturalinstitute-la.org 

Link to the facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=135823219825895

They also forwarded me a few preview images for you all to see! They are truly a spectacle, my favorite is of Tinieblas!!

Lucha VaVoom - Cinco de Mayo Spectacular

Lucha VaVoom just had their Cinco de Mayo celebration at the Mayan Theater (photos below), as well as a show in Chicago! For those of you who don't know, Lucha VaVoom is probably the best event for lucha libre within the US borders! Not only is it masked Mexican wrestling, but it also combines burlesque dancing, comedy acts, music, and a party-like atmosphere. It's something more out of yesteryear Hollywood with vaudeville style vignettes of different skits, and performances, sandwiched between muscled men duking it out in the ring. How can you say no to all this fun?
Lucha VaVoom started in 2002, and has been going strong, and now is branching outside LA, into San Francisco and Chicago. It's definite the show that people talk about weeks, even months after attending!

Aztec Dancers in celebration!

The following photos are from the LA Weekly slideshow, all photographed by Timothy Norris. More amazing photos from all the Lucha VaVoom's history can be seen at their official website: http://luchavavoom.com/ Also, before you get to the photos, if you'd like to hear a story on Lucha VaVoom by NPR, check out this link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103797887

As a word of caution, some of the following photos may not be suitable for a work environment. No nudity, but there will be scantily clad women, bare chested wrestlers, and all sorts of entertainment below: