Thursday, July 21, 2011

Very Be Careful: Warning-very heavy photo post.

Despite the endless gridlock traffic and a nasty smog that happens to make the prettiest sunsets on the West Coast, Los Angeles is my love. People don't understand the vastness of this place until they get here. Then they realize how MASSIVE LA is. There is so much to do and see and as a native living here for almost all my life, I still haven't made a proper dent in the City of Angels.

I plan on living in another city or perhaps abroad for a year one day but for now, I continue to make an effort to check out new places. LA is a cultural oyster and there is too much to soak in. So why not live life, and see what's out there in the community and meet new, interesting people.

On that note, I went to check out a local Vallenato/Cumbia band last night called Very Be Careful at the very popular downtown bar/dance club La Cita.  The band and fellow Colombianos gathered this hot night to celebrate Colombian Independence Day. 

La Cita is a Downtown treat oozing with Latin culture. Known for their dancing and live music, the place has a long bar upfront with local patrons peppering the seats. Cumbia music blares and everyone inside is either latin or hispanic. Walking in on your left, next to a small stage are luscious ladies kickin their feet to the beats. Disco lights dancing around them.

A friend that was DJing that night, recommended that I make sure to check out the patio because of its sick view of the DT skyline. So, after I ordered a moderately priced Jameson and Ginger, I made my way out back to check out the scene.

Suddenly, a different vibe was cast. Punk rock music echoed throughout the patio and young hipsters, greasers and cool cats were enjoying the cool night air. The dichotomy between the inside and outside was just amazing. All those people, partying in one place.

After my 5th Whiskey Ginger (I know it's a lot but I got there early), the band finally made their way to the stage around midnight or so. Everyone, inside and out, came together and made their way to the stage, sardined on the small dance floor for some good old accordian-playin' Cumbia.

With the simplicity of traditional Vallenato sounds plus a demeanor that screams punk rock, these guys could wail! Pieced together with the accordian, bass, bongos, Guiro (a ridged gourd played with a thin stick) and cowbell, this band was just plain fun! Latin sounds, sweaty dancers, a hot ass venue and high energy combined with the wailing spanish harmonies made for a kick ass show. It's no surprise they had everyone in the club boogieing the night away!


Well, enough jib jab from me....here are some photos from the event.



Not the band.


The only pic of myself that night.

How awesome are his glasses? Kind of steampunk-ish.

Sweatin' balls.


Lead singer is giving me the stink-eye.



I love how he hugs his accordian.

Guy in the foreground, with the light blue button up practically molested me on the dance floor.  In a nice way, I guess.


Arturo slappin' the bass.

You can never go wrong with Cowbell.



The girl behind this one with the blonde streaks totally gave me her fan after I lost mine.  How sweet. :)




This one is a bit cheesy, but I dig it.




A very friendly Kat with her man.

Valerie. An awesome bartender that introduced me to Honey Jack and soda with a squeeze of lime.  Yum!

The patio.

Kick ass view!


A handsome Frenchie named Stephan with his buddy, Seth.

Something I found to be very beautiful.




Here's a taste of what VBC sounds like, it's a much better experience in person:

6 comments:

  1. I love the pictures.. Wish I could be there..

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  2. love these snaps, looks like so much fun!

    http://blogoftheprettythings.blogspot.com/

    xxx

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  3. It definitely looks like you had a blast! I am scared when it comes to venturing out and trying something new. This post has inspired me!

    Now following!

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  4. loving all of these awesome photos!

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  5. whoa! this looks like a fantastic evening, I love the photography. I love live music <33

    xoxo,
    daisy

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  6. Thanks everyone! Glad you enjoyed them.

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