EDITOR’S LETTER

uprising

Coachella Magazine #7 UPRISING reflects on the stories of resiliency and creativity in 2020. On the cover, local artist Gustavo Rimada paints “Tu Lucha Es Mi Lucha” a symbolic portrait evoking struggle and rebirth. “The chains represent a breaking from the norms that we grew up with to dislike each other, the butterflies represent our playful and hopeful youth. The fist is a fight to break the cycle with the rose representing the birth of a new alliance,” said Rimada.

Despite the ever changing conditions in these uncertain times, I remain optimistic. Whether spending days quarantined due to COVID shutdowns, wearing a face mask outdoors, stressing over politics or racial injustice, I am inspired watching the arts continue to thrive in the Coachella Valley. For instance, in this issue we go downtown Palm Springs with artists/filmmaker Tysen Knight to discover Main Street Bench Project — transforming the ordinary into works of art. We travel to Morongo Valley and meet Ground Series dance collective who are pushing boundaries in outdoor theater. The talents of Victor Simmons, DJ LF and Selene Colón combine fashion, music and dance in their production video GENERATE. SaveArtSpace converts public billboards into an outdoor galley curated by Sofia Enriquez and featuring local artists. Fault Line Meditation by Jevpic invites you on a metaphoric path — shifting focus from blame to reflection. Days of Los Muertos overcomes COVID hurdles to keep the annual family tradition alive at Sunnylands. We meet César García-Alvarez who will co-curate the third edition of Desert X in the Coachella Valley. Flat Black owner Pete Salcido leads a community effort merging art and activism to bring awareness for human rights. Slipping Into Darkness releases their much anticipated album “Second Wind for Our Love.” Filmmaker Christian Sesma talks PAYDIRT, making movies, mentoring and a bold vision to bring more production into the Coachella Valley. The New Royals getaway at Villa Royale. Michael Costello launches Million Mask Mission to help essential workers through the pandemic. Christy Jeziorski invites local leaders for a discussion on race. Katherine Gonzalez, chef/owner of Chúla Eatery shares her story from selling tamales and salsas at farmer’s market to running a top-rated restaurant in the age of COVID. And more.

Stay safe and healthy. I look forward to what’s to come in 2021.

JORGE PEREZCHICA Founder / Editor in Chief