LOGOS C I T R U S
C A M P U S
The local indie quartet share coming up in the San Gabriel Valley music scene
&MORE
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C U L T U R E
MANTRA COFFEE Azusa’s new java stop “WE ARE IRIS”
ISSUE
THE
NEW GARDE A look inside the Citrus cosmetology department
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DESIGN l
a
y
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u
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typeography VIDEO PRODUCTION • photoshop • indesign • illustration
drawing? COOL, SEE YOU IN FALL 2016.
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LOGOS
MAY/ JUNE 2016 Volume 1 • Issue 3
contents
CULTURE 06 Opinion: Smoking, stamping out temptation 10 Mantra Coffee: Coffee & Karma 40 LACMA’s “Reigning Men” Men’s Fashion Exhibit 52 Q&A: Talking Politics with Prof. Dave Milbrandt
CAMPUS 19 New Garde: Profiling Citrus’ Cosmetology Dept. 46 Student Profile: Maxime Tondre
MUSIC 32 Iris: The band that ‘preys’ together, stays together 56 Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano
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LOGOS C I T R U S
C A M P U S
C U L T U R E
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MAY / JUNE 2016 ISSUE 3 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/ ART DIRECTOR Evan Solano JR. ART DIRECTOR Darius Johari CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Alcarez Sahara Barba Vidal Espina Montana Rose Levison Vanessa Oseguera ADVISER Margaret O’Neil Logos is produced by communications students and is distributed three times a semester. Views expressed herein do not represent those of the adviser, faculty, administration, Associated Students of Citrus College or the Citrus College Board of Trustees. © 2016 Logos Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited.
contact:
0 logos@ccclarion.com f /logosmagazinecc T @_logosmagazine Logos Magazine 1000 W. Foothill Blvd TC123 Glendora, CA 91741 Tel 626.914.8586 Web logosmagazinecc.com Cover Image Marleen Navarro by Vidal Espina / Logos Magazine
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Printed By American Foothill Publishing 1111 Address Way Sunland, CA 91111
letter from the editor
A
“in the future when all’s well”
Another semester is drawing to an end. It feels like just yesterday I was writing about the goals and hopes of bringing back this publication from it’s seven year hiatus. When this class began, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. After three years at the helm of the Clarion, the challenge of resurrecting not only a magazine that most students had no idea existed, but was also going to be a digital only magazine on top of that was something I wasn’t prepared for. Although I am technically a millennial (a term I loathe to no end) and I should embrace the wave of “digital first” media that we have all grown up with, I am still an old soul at heart. Print matters. Maybe its the jaded old guy in me that appreciates the tangible: I like the feeling of a vinyl record in my hands over the convenience of Spotify and Pandora. I prefer going to the movies instead of torrenting them to my laptop. I love the feeling of a paperback book and print magazine in my hands to the cold loveless feel of a kindle or cellphone. Technology has been an amazing advent to the world of media, but no matter how the technology changes over the next decades, the importance of the printed word will always matter. So it is my great pleasure to know that as you are reading these words, you can feel the weight and quality of the paper in your hand, you will be inconvenienced by having to carry this around in your backpack and years later perhaps you will happen upon it again and maybe it will take you back to the Spring of 2016 when you were a student here at Citrus College. As this semester comes to an end and we say goodbye to those who are transferring and moving
on to four-year universities, like this print magazine in your hand, Citrus will always be this tangible thing that you felt in your life. I have been fortunate to have this campus be a part of my life for the better part of my adult years. This school has given so much to me, and although I am sure my time here will not be as quick as many of you transferring (thanks Math requirements!), what it did give me was purpose and direction. It gave me an avenue to pursue an interest that I have come to respect and care for. That passion and interest is what you hold on your hand right now. So whether you are leaving after this semester or will be back again in Fall, take the time to pursue your passions, follow your interests and leave something tangible for others to appreciate. In the quick paced, easily forgettable world of snapchat and social media, be more than a flippant post or 10-second snap. Leave something worth picking up and holding. If I do nothing more in life after this semester, this magazine is the physical manifestation of my passion and goal to bring a print magazine back to Citrus. I hope it will inspire others to make the most of their time here so they can be immortalized in these pages someday. In my own strange way,
Evan Solano Editor-in-Chief esolano@ccclarion.com
the spring 2016 logos staff
reader meet author elizabeth alcarez // photographer • staff writer
Elizabeth is a first semester student at Citrus College, majoring in photography and writing for Logos Magazine. She is an art fanatic, immense music lover, and always a friend to animals. She aspires to be the female Andy Barron one day, living life on the road and behind a lens. As an adherent of visual arts, she hopes one day her work will reach others and inspire them to share their expressive side, too. She’s grateful working with Logos has given her this opportunity.
sahara barba // staff writer
Sahara Barba is a journalism major that is passionate about horticulture and jamming to technical guitar work. She found her love for news writing when she joined her high school newspaper a few years ago. In the future, Barba wants to write for the L.A. Times but also hopes to start her own magazine that focuses on environmental issues. Though Barba’s zeal is writing, she wants to try being a radio host in hopes that her quirky and sarcastic personality can keep people engaged and amused. An avid Universal Studio’s fan, she aspires to one day contribute to their birth of monsters in future horror films through photography and videography. “It’s commonplace to hear people say that they don’t trust the media. The future of journalism lies in the hands of millennials, but I’m not scared. I trust us.”
vidal espina // photographer • staff writer
Vidal Espina is working on obtaining a degree in communications with an end goal of working in digital media with elite fashion magazines, traveling the world and producing imagery for your eyes to consume. “Too cool to be someone else, too lame to be myself. An outsider. Looking to hear and share the stories of those on the inside. A jack of all trades and a master of none. Finding a way to combine my talents in this digital world,” Espina describes himself. He has a degree in fashion design, has interned in fashion show production for three years, was a makeup artist for five years, wardrobe stylist for ten years and a had brief four year stint in the fitness industry. Espina is honored to have written the stories of some amazing people for Logos Magazine but his real passion is behind the camera, capturing the beauty of his subjects that would be published in the magazine.
darius johari // jr. art director
Darius Johari is 20 years old and a fine art major but has more recently been involved in journalism. He is a quick learner and an art enthusiast who has been painting and drawing for 6 years. Darius has been at Citrus College for 2 years but it wasn’t until the Fall Semester of 2015 that he started designing for the Clarion. Darius was quick to take on the likes of Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop in his Desktop Publishing class. Come 2016 and he landed the spot of Jr. Art Direct for Logos Magazine where he can further develop his skills in design and writing. The future is still a bit hazy but Darius plans on finding a career path that will allow him to use his artistic imagination and to continue to push himself daily.
montana rose levison // staff writer
In a departure from her usual focus on music and theater classes, Montana Rose Levison has taken this semester to explore her budding interest in writing and photography. She was thrilled when presented with the opportunity to interview “Criminal Minds” star Kirsten Vangsness for Logos magazine. Her time outside of school is usually spent watching Netflix with her family or working as a private vocal coach at Bella Music Studios in Covina. Montana Rose also enjoys going to karaoke with her friends and appreciating film and television, as well as her obsessions with Harry Potter and BBC “Sherlock”. Her role models include Julie Andrews, Emma Watson, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
vanessa oseguera // staff writer
Vanessa Oseguera is determined to complete her general education here at Citrus then hopes to attend Cal Poly and major in kinesiology in hopes of becoming a personal trainer or a physical therapist. She also plans to attend school for cosmetology, “I have always been in love with makeup and clothes. I think makeup is such a great way to show your creativity and I think that it is such a beautiful art.” She has always been into athletics and fitness but lately she has been striving to meet her fitness goal. “I have always been unsure of myself my whole life but I am glad that I have finally made up my mind on what I would like to do as a career.” She continues to motivate herself every day.
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opinion
With the a Jerry Brown and elect
S
TE
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opinion
OPINION:
the approval of the tobacco consumpion age raised from 18 to 21 by Gov. rown young adults will be able to avoid the addicting power of cigarettes d electronic smoking devices. For one student the bill is too litlle too late...
STAMPING OUT
EMPTATION TEXT BY: SAHARA BARBA PHOTOS BY: VIDAL ESPINA & EVAN SOLANO
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I opinion
t’s relieving to know that starting next month, cigarettes will no longer be an issue for my wallet and health. The California Legislature voted to raise smoking age from 18 to 21. This week, Governor Jerry Brown approved the bill, putting it into effect June 9. The most frustrating thing about the bill is the realization that had I been born three years later, I might have never smoked my first cigarette. I am an 18-year-old smoker with anxiety issues. Cigarettes help me loosen up at school and collect myself before going to class. Though the prescribed medication I take helps a great deal, there are times when only the power of a cigarette can put my mind and body at ease. I started smoking last year, after a friend called and said he was having a bad day and needed help calming down. He suggested buying cigarettes, so we went to a 7-Eleven down the street and bought a pack of long Marlboro menthols. It seemed innocent at the time. Because experiencing a short moment of relaxation always seems a bigger concern than the long-term effects, it was easy for me to fall into a cycle of smoking cigarettes as a way to cope with stress. The most common drug addiction is nicotine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Research suggests that nicotine is as addictive as heroin, cocaine, and alcohol. I’m 18. I’m an adult. But like many teenagers, sometimes I act before I think The thoughts of tobacco addiction didn’t occur to me when I lit up my first cigarette. If they had, I never would have taken that first drag. “Cigarette addiction is a myth,” I thought after finishing the first one. “I don’t like them that much. It won’t become a habit.” The first few smokes were an experiment, but as the pack began to empty, the nicotine experience began to feel better and better. About one in every 15 12th graders are daily smokers, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Services, a great decline since the late ‘90s which was one in every four high school seniors. “These are gross,” my friend said while taking his first drag. About an hour later his was a different reaction. “I get it. I get why people smoke these,” he said. As a child, I assumed commercials
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about getting help to quit cigarettes were blown out of proportion, but I was wrong. As with any other addiction, quitting is easier said than done. Smoking cigarettes feels great. That’s exactly the reason that smoking age should be raised. Friends my age who are occasional smokers are avoiding the habit, but I have already developed a reliance on them has already developed. “These are disgusting,” I say almost every time I smoke a cigarette. “This is the last pack.” Thinking about being at school without them scares me into buying more. The younger someone starts smoking, the greater the chance of becoming a heavy smoker. Nearly 9 out of 10 cigarette smokers first tried smoking before age 18,
according to CPC. Though the health risks of smoking cigarettes were not as widely known in the past, today we know that cigarettes can lead to many diseases in addition to lung cancer. A study by researchers at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health concluded that cigarettes today have more nicotine compared to prior decades; tobacco companies are putting more chemicals into their cigarettes to ensure addiction and speed up the time for nicotine to hit the brain. Smoking can be more harmful than alcohol because of its convenience. It only takes a few minutes to smoke a cigarette and a few more for the nicotine high to abate, the shortness of the effects leads to lighting another. Opponents say there is no research
tha age But has 10
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“
opinion
Teens look for the fastest way to get what they want. If cigarettes aren’t easy to get, then they won’t bother.”
that shows that increasing the smoking age will prevent teenagers from smoking. But then again, raising the smoking age has only been law in over 140 localities in 10 states. Cigarettes are easily accessible. They are at liquor stores, gas stations, and markets. If a smoker wants some, they can find some. But raising the smoking age to 21 will most likely deter teenagers from trying cigarettes. They are not going to want to go through the trouble of finding someone to buy some for them. Teens look for the fastest way to get what they want. If cigarettes aren’t easy to get, then they won’t bother. Some believe that the freedom that coincides with being an adult is more important than the health risks. Health risks concern everyone, not just
smokers. Getting black lung is a bigger issue than forfeiting the opportunity to contract it. I am young and I hate the fact I love cigarettes. With the approval of the bill, the number of high schoolers smoking could start a dramatic decline. High schoolers will have to wait longer to actually try cigarettes, an interest that might die out even before they graduate college. Teenagers don’t always make good decisions, which is another reason why the new smoking age makes sense. A few more years to think it over could mean the difference between life and death. L
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culture
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culture
COFFEE KARMA
&
Mantra Coffee owner Jonny Liu is giving a whole new meaning to “coffee is life.” The Azusa small business is donating over 50 percent of their profits to charities and organizations, helping others one espresso at a time.
TEXT & PHOTOS BY: ELIZABETH ALCAREZ
Mantra Coffee owner Jonny Liu pictured outside of Mantra Coffee on San Gabriel Blvd in Azusa.
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culture
C
offee is mankind’s survival juice. A go getter companion for early mornings and go to for late nights alike. Americanos and macchiatos fuel us through our busy days. For Jonny Liu, owner of Mantra Coffee Company and self proclaimed coffee connoisseur, coffee goes far beyond the mere mid-day caffeine boost. Liu opened the doors of Mantra Coffee Company, located on San Gabriel Blvd in Azusa, on Dec. 4, 2015, making it one of the first non-profit coffee shops in the city. It’s artsy, homely structure and beaming blue exterior freshened up the city and provided locals with a new hangout to get their morning fix. As a resident of Azusa for 10 years, Liu found himself needing to travel to find the perfect cup of joe and decided it was time for his neighborhood to provide one themselves. “I’ve always been really passionate about this area and stayed focused on opening here,” Liu said. Walk into Mantra at any hour and you are bound to be greeted by smiling faces. The staff is bright and friendly, and the coffee is even better. Mantra prides itself on good quality coffee at affordable prices, with popular drinks like their vanilla lattes, for just under $5. Liu set out to create a comfortable environment for the community, with Mantra’s home-like appearance and neighborly vibes. “We want people to stay, we want people to feel comfortable,” Liu said. “Part of defining love is providing a space for people to hang out. We hope our environment makes people feel welcome.” In just the few months it’s been open, Mantra has become a well-known name among coffee goers. “The day before we opened we were wondering, ‘Is anyone going to come?’ but from the day we opened to now, it’s been busy, and maybe that’s because the community was ready for a coffee shop like this.” Liu said. This quaint coffee shop is a refreshing change from the corporate feel of Starbucks and Coffee Bean. Mantra offers a large outside seating area, snug indoor lounging, all surrounded by conversationworthy art pieces, bright colors, and light open space. Liu’s vision for Mantra was to bring people together, and the interior layout reflects that goal. A couch is placed near the baristas encourages them to socialize with guests as they work, allowing more
continued >>
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culture
personal interactions between the employees and customers. The shop also hosts weekly and monthly events, ranging from Donut Snob Saturdays, where Mantra teams up with LA’s popular delivery donut shop to serve locals unique and tasty pastries, to Puppy Patch Tuesdays, where puppies are brought into the shop for a couple of hours, promoting play time and a little pet therapy. Musical performances by local acts are also prominent at Mantra. “Mantra has given me a place to study and hang out with friends between classes, and the nightly music shows are awesome,” said Mantra regular and college student, Luis Limon. The shop is open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily, so guests are always welcome to start and end their days with good coffee and in good company. Liu’s previous career helped inspire his vision for Mantra, he always aims to make personal interactions with his guests. “I worked as a counselor, and I worked with college students for many years, and that’s why Mantra’s mission is to love people first. We’re really not just a coffee shop.” Liu said. Putting concern for the community into action, Liu plans to donate 51 percent of the money they make to local charities and nonprofit organizations. Liu will give that money away in June, the sixth month anniversary of its opening. “We want to support people’s dreams, because sometimes without money, we stop dreaming. So it’s really important for us to give away the 51 percent,” Liu said. Liu stressed the importance of helping people for the love of it rather than the profit. “If we open another location, it won’t be to make more money. It will be because we believe in that neighborhood and want to contribute towards its betterment,” Liu said. Liu and his team will continue to strive towards their personal and shared mantras, paving the way for hybrid nonprofit businesses everywhere. Many people contribute to this effort. From day one it took a collaborative approach of volunteers and dreamers who wish to see Mantra thrive. “Mantra opened with the vision to first and foremost love people, and make damn good coffee too,” Liu hopes that his shop will encourage others to discover their own mantras as well. L
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culture
SO WHAT SHOULD I GET? A QUICK GUIDE FOR THE JAVA IMPAIRED
Americano’s are choice drinks for lovers of black coffee, but not quite looking for the caffeine of an espresso. A shot of hot water is added to the bottom of americanos to preserve the strong flavor, but dilute the caffeine.
A latte is an espresso and steamed milk. Approximately 1/3 espresso, 2/3 hot milk and 1 cm foam. Baristas can create all sorts of artwork with the foam on top of your drink. For those who prefer a lighter taste of coffee.
Typically prepared using espresso, with hot milk and hot steamed milk foam. Cappuccinos were initially created to cater to people who like cream with their coffee. It’s believed until this century, coffee was always served black. They have a stronger coffee taste than lattes, but still fairly mild.
Espresso served with a small drop of milk. Today, the milk added is foamed. Macchiatos are favored by those who don’t want the strength of an espresso, and can be served iced or hot, and with sweeteners such as vanilla or caramel.
Finally, the espresso. A small amount of water is brought to a boiling point, then forced under pressure through finely ground coffee beans. Espresso’s are very thick and have the highest level of caffeine.
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Study abroad can be an enlightening, maturing and life-changing experience. As Students live and learn to understand different cultures, they are challenged to re-examine themselves, their attitudes and their SCFC & Citrus studies
London fall 2016
College
STUDY ABROAD citruscollege.edu/studyabroad email: studyabroad@citruscollege.edu
Florence winter 2017
Barcelona Spring 2017
NEW
GARDE
campus
Every year Citrus College ushers out a new class of artists in its cosmetology program. Here is a look at three visionaries, the gatekeepers of hairstyle and makeup artistry of the future. Their talents are as diverse as their backgrounds. Welcome to the New Garde.
TEXT & PHOTOS BY: VIDAL ESPINA
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Lee
Vicky
campus
Born in Taiwan, Vicky Lee immigrated with her parents to Texas when she was three years old. Three years later her father died, so her mom, with Vicky in tow, moved to Southern California for a new start. Lee would spend the rest of her childhood in South Pasadena. Like most teenagers graduating high school, Lee didn’t know what she wanted to do for a career. She loved fashion and considered attending art school. However following her mother’s advice, Lee enrolled in Pasadena City College to fulfill her general education courses. But she soon discovered that school was not for her. She entered the workforce in the import/ export field, but quickly realized that her earning potential was limited by her lack of a degree. So, she decided to re-enroll at Pasadena City College once again, this time focusing on studying accounting. She
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finished her undergrad degree at Cal Poly Pomona and immediately re-entered the workforce. During her on-again-off-again college career, Lee had expressed her creative side by developing her makeup artistry and hairstyling skills. She would practice on her cousin, friends, and her cousin’s friends for special events. Soon, Lee began making connections in the fashion industry that led her to working under “Trade For Picture”, an industry term where artists will provide services in exchange for professional photographs to be used for the artist’s portfolio. It was this avenue where Lee found a way to enter the fashion world. At that point she decided to go back to school to formally learn cosmetology trade techniques and to earn a license. Now in her last semester in the Cosmetology program at Citrus College, Lee’s goal is to gain representation through an artist management company to gain opportunities to work on fashion and beauty ad campaigns, prepare celebrities for red carpet events, and travel to exotic locations to work on fashion magazine editorials. L
campus
Lee’s look draws inspiration from romanticism and boho chic. She used Oribe Dry Texturing spray, Label.m Texturising Volume spray, L’oreal Elnett Satin hairspray
MODEL: TIFFANY DI SANTO
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campus
Lee’s look draws inspiration from romanticism and boho chic. For this look she again used Oribe Dry Texturing spray, Label.m Texturising Volume spray, L’oreal Elnett Satin hairspray
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MODEL: HILLARY NAPOLES
campus Lee’s look draws inspiration from romanticism and boho chic. On model Marleen Navarro, she used Oribe Dry Texturing spray, Label.m Texturising Volume spray, L’oreal Elnett Satin hairspray
MODEL: MARLEEN NAVARRO
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campus
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Beal’s style draws inspiration from her Belize heritage. For model Jacqueline Ross, Beal used Joico Smooth Cure Shampoo and conditioner. Redkin pillow proof blowdry protection. Paul Mitchell super spray for styling and Super Skinny serum. Creme of Nature gel for the updo.
Beal
Reneé
campus
Reneé Beal, 46, is a single mother of two and a new grandmother. She was born and raised in Los Angeles, by a very strict mother from Belize. It was her mother’s influence that led her to pursue a 25-year career as a pharmacy technician after graduating high school. But her real passion has always been hair design. As a youngster, Beal remembers sitting in salons, while she was getting her hair done, for hours thinking ”I can do this!” As an adult, she took joy in styling her daughter’s hair for special events. She continues to do hair in her kitchen during weekends, for friends and family members, who encourage her to foster her innate talent. With her daughter, 26, and her son, 20, moving on to live their adult lives, Beal is finally pursuing her dreams. Just like her idol, celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble, Beal plans to own a salon, a boutique salon where she can treat all her clients like the stars they are. L MAY / JUNE 2016 | LOGOS | 25
campus
Beal’s style draws inspiration from her Belize heritage. For this model Beal used an olive oil wrap and mouse to set hair in curls first. Creme of Nature styling creme and Sebastian Texture Maker to style the updo.
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MODEL: KIARA JELKS
campus
Beal’s style draws inspiration from her Belize heritage. For this look Beal used shampoo and conditioner with shea moisturizers and finished with Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum.
MODEL: DESTINEE ARNOLD
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Lynch
Stormie
campus
Stormie Lynch was named after her grandfather’s favorite song “Stormy Weather”. It has been a prophetic moniker as she has had to weather tough times. As a teenager, Lynch was relentlessly bullied by classmates who would make fun of her name and weight. This torment was also compounded by the fact that she was so shy. She escaped into books where she let her mind wander through fantastical foreign lands. She also lost herself in movies, noting Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” as a formative experience. These outlets allowed her to escape from the brutal world
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of narrow-minded teenagers. After graduating high school, Stormie considered going to college and studying mortuary science. It was Cynthiana Navarro, owner of the salon where Lynch works as a receptionist, who introduced Lynch to cosmetology. Her mentor explained how it could relate to being a mortician. After researching cosmetology, and eventually enrolling into the program at Citrus, Lynch realized she could bring the fictional characters in her books and films into reality. Ultimately she sees herself doing hair and makeup for traveling theater productions, but her first goal, after graduation, is to work for Disney in the hair and makeup department. “You’re making children’s dreams come true when you create those characters,” Lynch said. “I’d like to be a part of that.” L
campus
Lynch’s style draws inspiration from director Tim Burton and grunge movement. For model Katarina Vega, Lynch used Dry Shampoo to enhance the natural texture of her hair.
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campus
Lynch’s style draws inspiration from director Tim Burton and grunge movement. For this look, Lynch used hair spray and texture spray on the models naturally straight hair.
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MODEL: TIFFANY GOMEZ
campus
Lynch’s style draws inspiration from director Tim Burton and grunge movement. For this look, Lynch simply used a flat iron, hair spray and smoothing serum.
MODEL: YVETTE ESTEPHAN
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iris music
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s
music
To stand out among the many bands in the local San Gabriel Valley music scene, it takes talent and luck. Iris has both. TEXT BY: SAHARA BARBA MAIN PHOTO BY: EVAN SOLANO // LOGOS MAGAZINE LIVE PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALEXIS BONIN // ALEXISBONIN.COM // IG: @LEXII0022
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music
The alternative fourpiece from Covina have an acute sense of songwriting and ear for blurring the lines between many genres of music. No matter what band or show they are playing, they can fit the sound, even if the band was the progressive stalwarts CHON, and the show was the first night of The Super CHON Bros Tour, which featured three instrumental progressive rock/metal bands on March 11 at the Glass House in Pomona. That night, Iris vocalist/ guitarist Michelle Malley was the only singer, but the band meshed well because they do not limit themselves to one style. The band can ebb-andflow between progressive and alternative, between bleak soundscapes and poppy, dream-like vocals. “I feel like with this kind of music, the crowd is just really welcoming and accepting,” Malley said. “They’re all so into it and excited and they don’t know who we are.” Since the band usually plays local shows, playing bigger shows like the Glass House gig was different for them, but their contrast between the heavy guitars and feminine vocals made for a memorable combination
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that evening. Though the band could have been overshadowed by the more technical music on the bill, Iris’s ability resonated with the audience. Their combination of fuzzed out heavy alternative rock of the late 90’s like Smashing Pumpkins, mixed with soulful and powerful vocals reminiscent of Janis Joplin won them some new fans that night, and that’s no surprise for them. “I think we give you the calm before the storm and the storm,” bassist Michael Maldonado said. “We hit you with everything.” Iris has never felt like they fit a certain mold or type, despite there being loads of bands in the Inland Empire and L.A scene they call home. “We’ve always been the outsider. We never fit that sound or scene,” Maldonado said. “We were doing our thing. It was different but we were still able to bring it.” Iris began as a guitar and vocal duo in 2010 and became a full band continued >>
ALEXIS BONIN // ALEXISBONIN.COM // IG: @LEXII0022
music
Iris perfroming at the Glass House in Pomona on March 11.
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“ music
We have gone through a lot of stuff together throughout our ‘20s that would tear most friendships apart but it has just made ours stronger.”
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-Alex Moreno
Iris guitarist
music
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music
after the duo’s Iris drummer self-released E.P. Glenn Chu Malley and gui(right) and bassist Michael tarist Alex Moreno Maldonado met through mutual (below) friends when they performing at were 19. the Glass House in Pomona on “I think we both March 11. knew what we wanted to do. I think we wanted to start a band together even before we liked each other,” Moreno said. Though they hardly knew each other, they put themselves out there and decided to meet up with their guitars at Edna park in Covina. There they realized how well they work together and decided to form a band. In the beginning, the two had opposite taste in music. Moreno was influenced by Alice in Chains, Mark Lanegan, and Queens of the Stone Age, while Malley mainly listened to ‘60s and ‘70s music like the Beatles, Karen Carpenter, and Carole King. With Malley’s broad vocal talent, she could have sang anything but chose to take a more alternative route. “I want to play music that means something to me and means something to other people.’” Malley said. It was this diverse array of influences that melded its way into what would be Iris’ sound. From the start, Moreno and Malley never planned on playing a certain genre of music, but the writing process has always gone smoothly, Moreno said. “It blew my mind. She showed me all this music I never knew about and that’s when my taste started changing,” Malley said. Moreno and Malley knew Maldonado before he joined Iris because he was in another local band. They happened to play a show the same night and met there and has been the bassist ever since, Malley said. The band recently added new drummer Glenn Chu who has fit in perfectly with the band’s style and sound. Growing up in a band together, continued >>
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ALEXIS BONIN // ALEXISBONIN.COM // IG: @LEXII0022
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the girls have gone through their fair share of arguments that most bands have gone through, but the one thing that has always kept them together are the goals they share as sisters bonded through music. “Although [Iris] has tested our friendship in the past, there was always one thing that remained static above all else in both of our lives and that was Iris,” said Malley. “We have gone through a lot of stuff together throughout our ‘20s that would tear most friendships apart but it has just made ours stronger,” Moreno said. Their main goals are Iris and traveling as a band. The two are not only band mates, but used to also work serving at the same restaurant. Their chemistry on stage translates to the workplace as well. “Me and Michelle definitely created a system that worked for us and made work easier and far more productive,” said Moreno. “We also joked around a lot and got really goofy at work.” Working together could be a struggle because the two know each other so well. When they are not working, the band practices rigorously to prepare their material for shows. Being kind and respectful to everyone at their shows has led to their fans becoming a group of friends that goes to their shows. Because they have been making the effort to talk to their fans at shows for years, there is no one that would badmouth them, Moreno said. Although they had big goals in mind for the band, at no point in time did Moreno and Malley really know what they were doing or how long it would last. “Me and Michelle always knew we would play music forever with or without Iris,” Moreno said. Although the band recently released their latest E.P. “Prey” in Oct. 2015 through Future
Force Records, the band already has a new song written for their future album of next year, and is filming their first music video next month. The song being used for their music video is “Loser,” a more poppy song compared to their more somber tracks off “Prey.”. The album has a great sense of balance and dynamic, with “Loser” being Moreno’s, favorite song to perform live because of its catchy guitar part. The rest of the band agreed that “Wolves” is their favorite because of the heaviness the song. Moreno’s ominous chords and Malley’s haunting vocals create the pained atmosphere of the song that continues to resonate even after the song has finished. Though there is no premise in mind for the music video, the band agreed that it is definitely going to be dark. The set of the music video is a friend’s house in La Verne that was built in the ‘70s where the band practices. The Kubrick-esque house belongs to a friend of Maldonado and is at the top of a long, windy road and has long, dark hallways, a wooden spiral staircase, a wine cellar, and a grand piano, all which have not been cleaned in years. The man who lives there, “only lives in one section of the house and the rest of it kind of just stays dark,” said Moreno. “So when you give someone a tour, you have to know where the light switches are otherwise you’re walking in blackness.” The band is always pushing themselves, said Maldonado, and hopes to either headline their first tour or continue playing bigger venues and consistently opening for bigger acts. Although they all have varying personalities and musical styles, Iris is the bond that the four share. “It kept us together,” said Moreno. “It’s given us something not to give up on, which makes us not give up on each other.” L
lights camera, action! Going behind the scences of Iris’ new music video for their song, “Loser.”
All images courtesy of Iris’ instagram page: @weareiris
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T H E S K E H E A N Inside the new Los Angeles County Museum of Arts’ brand exhibit “Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear, 1715-2015” which takes a looks at the history of men’s fashion
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WHEN IT COMES TO FASHION, WOMEN GET ALL THE CREDIT. Millions of people tune into awards season to see the outfits of music and movie industries’ top female performers. Thousands of fashion freaks flock to New York twice a year vying for a chance to experience the famed Women’s Fashion Week. The quintessential fashion magazine, American Vogue, fires the imaginations of a global audience with fantastical lands where fashion rules all and meticulously styled women are it’s goddesses. Women are indeed beautiful creatures to behold, and to dress. But what about the men? Do men not wear clothing? Do we not take notice when a sharply dressed man walks by? Men and menswear have a unique place in the fashion ether and history. Los Angeles County Museum of Art is finally showcasing its history in its current exhibit, Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear, 1715-2015. Sharon Takeda, Senior Curator and Head of LACMA’s Costume and Textile department, introduces the show, “Reigning Men takes us on an intriguing 300-year journey of sartorial splendor of aristocrats, dandies, mods, punk, and so many others. Through examples of historical and contemporary ensembles, viewers can encounter the evolving nature of menswear and contemplate the future of men’s fashion.” And what a journey it is. Reigning Men invites the visitor on a tour through five rooms, each with a different theme. The first room is called “Revolution/Evolution,” and take a look at dress during periods in rebellion and evolution of fashion in Western Society. It’s in this
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Ensemble, Vivienne Westwood Spring/Summer 1991
room where you also see the evolutionary styles of mod and punk. Next is East/West, featuring exquisite silk jacquard fabrics from China and Japan as well as robes, kimonos and kaftans. The East influenced the usage of Chinese silk fabrics in jackets to the simplistic approach of modernity in tailoring from Japan. Even hand painted naturescapes on silk from this area of the world has been translated to the modern day Hawaiian shirt. The exhibit in the third room titled Uniformity introduces military influences with the
precise tailoring techniques of today’s work suits and evening attire. The exhibit also shows camouflage prints and their influence in men’s fashion through the ages. Body Consciousness follows with garments constructed to conceal and manipulate the male body and its proportions. The room features the evolution of men’s underwear to swimwear as a means to conform to society’s pressures of concealing the body. Also present are ensembles that are padded and manipulated to shape the male form.
Concluding the exhibit is The Splendid Man, a look at clothes worn by those who have no qualms about living to excess. From the 18th century to today, opulence is the keyword where every sequin, gem, fur and metallic lace is imagined and reimagined. The styling of Reigning Men is on point with the modernity of the exhibit space, lending personality to each outfit while tying in contemporary sensibilities. A modern approach to wigs, created without hair, adds to the ambiance of the referenced time periods. Brooches, watches, shoes, hair ties and props give dimension to the experience. Each room is painted in masculine colors - such as navy, brown and gray - as an homage to the male psyche and adding layers to the thematic journey. The organization of the pieces is, at first, a little confusing, until one realizes that the progression of the exhibit is nonlinear, as most fashion exhibits are chronological. Instead, LACMA organizes the historical references with its contemporary counterparts housed within the overall theme of each room. The rhythm of the show becomes apparent as the visitor progresses through the installations. As a fashion fanatic, I was continually breathless to be in the presence of some of the world’s greatest designers: Gianni Versace, Chanel, Bill Blass, Tom Ford for Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Balmain, Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. An intangible experience of connection results when you can study an artist’s work and
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Shirt and trousers, Jeremy Scott Spring/Summer 2013 Cap: New Era for Jeremy Scott Sunglasses: Linda Farrow for Jeremy Scott Boots: Adidas for Jeremy Scott
Zoot suit 1940-42 Necktie (Bellywarmer) 1945 Shoes (Spectators) 1935-42
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Ensemble, Ken Etro for Etro Fall/Winter 2014-15
Ensemble, Thom Browne Fall/Winter 2014-15 Hat, Stephen Jones for Thom Browne
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“Fast Skin LZR Racer” swimsuit, Speedo International collaboration with Comme Des Garcons, 2008
“The Thong” swimsuit, Rudi Gernreich for Bob Cunningham, 1974 “Topper Swimsuit”, Jantzen, Inc, 1935
Thong swimsuit, Tom Ford for Gucci, Spring/ Summer 1997
right next to it is the historical reference and influence, especially when derived from America’s history. The feeling intensifies while viewing a designer’s work that resonates with you on so many levels. That deeper heartfelt connection is something that is lost on those who have no biographical knowledge of the people who create these clothes and that the effort to educate is something that this exhibit lacks. Historical blurbs throughout the exhibit put the clothes and their influences into context, but ultimately history is nothing without the designer’s stories. Perhaps there would be too many biographical sketches to post around the exhibit, but
in an age where we are losing connection with our past because we are obsessed with the technological present, then a technological approach through LACMA’s app is needed to connect the stories to the past. The exhibit does include a few quick bios, but they read more like short dating profiles rather than tributes to the designers’ triumphs and tribulations, and their genius. Today’s fashion world seems to be all over the place. There is something for every taste level from dandy to punk, preppy to Goth and everything in between. However in the current cultural movement toward acceptance of transgender and sexually non-binary
persons, we are starting to see convergence in men’s and women’s fashions. This influence is reflected in the last three collections at Gucci in which feminine styles of blouses, lace and jackets have been intermixed with the house’s traditional styles in their men’s division. This fashion trend is a reflection of the growing acceptance of non-conformity and feasibilities outside the cultural gender norm. Perhaps in 100 years future generations will note this change in society through our fashions. What will men’s fashion look then? Reigning Men has much to offer museum-goers. For those who simply want to look at beautiful things as they take a walk down memory
lane, the clothes no doubt will satisfy. For those who want to experience history from a different perspective, this exhibit will fill that need. And for the fashion fanatic, this show presents the possibility of a deeper connection to our Western history, that is, through fashion. Visiting an exhibit like Reigning Men is an exciting and rare opportunity. It is more than just a comprehensive look at the evolution of menswear. It is an illustrated commentary on our history and its influences on ordinary people. Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear, 1715-2015, is on view now until August 21 at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. L MAY / JUNE 2016 | LOGOS | 45
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THE FRENCH CONNECTION
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TEXT & PHOTOS BY: VIDAL ESPINA
At first glance, MAXIME TONDRE looks like your average all-American college basketball player. It isn’t until you listen to this mature 23 year-old and hear his deep voice encapsulated in an accent you would want to listen to all day, that you realize he is more than your average college student, he is a man of many worlds. Tondre was born in Avignon, a little city in the south of France. His mother, a secretary and soon-to-be-mother of a first-born child, sought the assistance of her sister and brother-in-law, both doctors, to help Tondre come into this world. From there, Tondre’s mother brought him to the City of Lights, Paris, to raise him. Growing up, Tondre had a normal childhood, well, normal for a child raised by a single, working parent. During the regular school season, he could be found in a classroom or on the playground , but two months out of the year, Tondre would spend his summer at his grandparent’s house. “My grandparents lived about five hours away from the city. It was a change of landscape and I loved it there,” Tondre said. It was at his grandparents’ home where he first was introduced to the English Language by his grandmother, “My grandmother was in England during the second world war. She was fluent in French, English and German.” Tondre jokingly makes an excuse about his disinterest in the German language, “She tried to teach my cousins and I English and German. My cousins got German but I was ‘allergic’,” he laughs. In the third grade, Tondre convinced his mom to let him join basketball. “I was like, ‘I love basketball! Please, let me try it mom,’” Tondre remembers convincing his mom to let him play with his friends already on the team. But, soon afterwards he had become disillusioned. “When you first learn basketball, you don’t play games. It was practice, practice, practice. We never got to play games.” It wasn’t until middle school when Tondre’s love of basketball was rekindled by his friends. “I was younger than everyone, but I was taller,”Tondre said, “so my friends kept telling me ‘You know, the city club is very good. It’d be nice if you could come play with us.” After some short consideration, Tondre tried out and made the team. It wasn’t long before the world of basketball embraced Tondre. Starting out in the city team, Tondre’s natural talent for the game propelled him into the continued >>
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bigger leagues. A national league coach spotted Tondre at a basketball summer camp. “The coach approached me and asked me ‘Where are you playing right now?’ I told him I was just playing my city club,” said Tondre. Feeling the sense of urgency in the coach’s voice, Tondre remembers him saying, “What? No, we’re going to call people for you.” It was as simple as a coach being able to spot natural talent that allowed Tondre to play on France’s under-16 national stage. “It was a good experience. It was then when I fell in love with the sport. Now I don’t see myself not playing [basketball].” That would not be the first of breakout experiences. As a freshman in high school, Tondre was approached by a French recruiter with an opportunity that he couldn’t resist; an opportunity to come the United States. Tondre said, “He told me, ‘Go to the U.S. It’s a great opportunity. You can combine school and basketball.’ Which, when you’re playing at the national level is not really the case.” Tondre said., “When you play at a high level, it’s so time consuming that most people stop school altogether. Basketball teams are mostly done through private clubs, it’s not like in the U.S. where you have high school and college teams.” With the prospect of being able to get an education and be able to play basketball, Tondre was sold. He just had to sell it to his mother, “Well, at first she asked, ‘How’s it going to work. Explain it to me.’” And reminiscent of the time he convinced his mother in the third grade he replied, “I just wanna go.” She was not convinced. So Tondre, unable to shake the possibility of living in the U.S., created a logistical plan on how he would make it work. With his new plan and realizing how passionate Tondre was about this prospect, his mother gave her blessing. “She’s always been supportive. She was always pushing me to do the best things. She would never hold me back from pursuing the things I desired,” Tondre said about his mother. And so, Tondre
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“When you first learn basketball, you don’t play games. It was practice, practice, practice.” -Maxime Tondre
started his senior year at a private high school in Indiana. Tondre was in a whole new world here in America. Although American culture heavily influences pop-culture in Paris, Tondre still felt the culture shock. “It’s a lot harder to get close to people here, like establishing a
lasting friendship, compared to how it is in France,” Tondre said. That wasn’t the only cultural shock. Even in the sport he loves, the cultural approach on how to get into college basketball was different, “I thought I just needed to get good grades in high school, like in France.” But luckily Tondre’s coaches in Indiana helped him out, “They explained how things worked, like the kind of work ethic colleges are looking for and other requirements like good grades and good SAT/ ACT scores. I had no idea.” Not wanting to give up on the dream of continuing his education in the U.S., Tondre enrolled in a prep school. It was there he spent a year getting college-ready, both in and out of the classroom. His prep school also had a basketball team and it was there that Tondre was seen for the college he was to attend next. Tondre attended Pensacola Christian College for one year, but discovered that it was an unaccredited college after hearing that a close friend had been denied acceptance into a Master’s program for not having a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Tondre did not want to risk his future prospects of getting a higher degree. “The idea of coming to the U.S. to get a college degree was to get an edge over someone else who has the same diploma in France.” But, having known someone who was having trouble with his diploma from an unaccredited school, Tondre continues, “Then I definitely did not want that to happen to me.” So, Tondre was on a search for a college that was accredited and had a basketball program where he could play. That search led him to Citrus College. While in Florida, a few French friends suggested Tondre get in touch with a basketball coach in Riverside, California. That coach only coached a females only basketball team; however, he did know a coach at Citrus. A tryout was scheduled in May of 2014 and Tondre made the team. Tondre is majoring in business and will be graduating this spring.
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As an international student, there are limited resources that would help him further his education. During his college career at Citrus, Tondre has spent summers back in Paris, working to save money for the upcoming semesters, as well as working on campus in the Outreach program. However, tuition fees at the university level are exorbitantly more than at the community college level, so there are only a handful of scholarships that will be able to cover that cost. Tondre has applied for U.S. government’s Diversity Visa Program, which if granted, would allow Tondre to have access to additional scholarships only available to publicly funded universities. UC Berkeley is one of those universities and where Tondre has applied for his Bachelor’s. Holding steadfast to his goal of completing a higher degree here in the U.S., Tondre’s contingency plan, should transferring be postponed, is to go back to France to play semi-professional basketball. With his earnings from playing semi-pro basketball, Tondre will come back to the U.S. to finish his degree. Tondre’s ultimate plan is to enter the world of entrepreneurship. “I have different ideas on businesses to start,” Tondre said. “One would be a business that helps French students and athletes with scholarships and advising. It can be tricky for international students to go through the paperwork process.” Tondre already does something similar in Paris, volunteering during the summer at Frenchy Associates. An organization dedicated to helping French student athletes make the transition from France to America. Tondre is not only big in stature but he is big in work ethic, big in heart, and big in dreams, “Growing up as a kid I always wanted to do something big! I wanted to do something not many people have done before. I want to do it to influence people.” L MAY / JUNE 2016 | LOGOS | 51
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PRIMARY PRIMARY PRIMARY PRIMARY PRIMARY PRIMARY
Political science professor Dave Milbrandt breaks down should matter and why this presidential election ‘trump
TEXT BY: SAHARA BARBA PHOTOS BY: DARIUS JOHARI
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Y DEFENSE Y DEFENSE Y DEFENSE Y DEFENSE Y DEFENSE Y DEFENSE
own why politics umps’ any other
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PROFESSOR DAVE MILBRANDT IS A POLI SCI SUPERHERO. He teaches at San Dimas high school by day and at Citrus College by night. He has been teaching political science at Citrus for about six years. Milbrandt was exposed to politics early on. Growing up, politics were his own sport–a full contact sport. Always interested in political science, Milbrandt has written and published one novel, “Chasing Deception” which deals with local
politics and is working on his follow up novel. His novels integrate his passion for journalism and background in politics. With the 2016 presidential election shaping up to be a heavyweight battle to the White House, Milbrandt stresses that political science is not just a major in college, but something that governs our way of life. Something we can fix, not fear.
With the California primary just a month away, we talked about some things that have been going on in the election thus far. What are your thoughts on Donald Trump becoming the presumptive Republican nominee due to Cruz and Kasich dropping out? You have people who were hoping Ted Cruz could take it all the way here. He kept losing more and more states. I think the challenge is that when they lose Ted Cruz they lose the conservative in the party. Some of my facebook friends, and I have friends on both side of the aisles, are saying that it’s a unity ticket. But I also have people saying without Ted Cruz, they don’t know who they’re going to vote for. I think the republicans are going to have a hard time without Ted Cruz and John Kasich because they have Donald Trump left. Trump is not liked by major segments of the party: the establishment, the conservatives. People don’t know if he really is a republican. He’s been a democrat for a couple of years. Donald Trump has jumped all over the map, making it difficult for conservative voters to think he’s trustworthy. It’s going to be a fun little competition this summer.
Super delegates are an interesting thing. They want to have people who have been around the party who have had a chance to have a voice in the party. The problem is, you have someone who is still contending for it. The problem is, Bernie Sanders hasn’t always been a loyal democrat. He’s an independent. He’s a socialist. It’s fine to be a democratic socialist as he says he is, but he hasn’t catered and tried to bring in democratic support traditionally. Because he hasn’t been pushing for democratic support traditionally, he doesn’t have the democratic establishment behind him. The establishment behind him are the superdelegates. Hillary Clinton has been a loyal democrat for 40 years. That gets you superdelegates and that gets you a win. Bernie Sanders is very proud of how he’s not taking large contributions. That’s not how you win a presidency in 2016. You need large contributions. You need your donor support. It’s great that he has all these donors that give him $27 or $37 or a small amount. It’s wonderful. The small time donations show that he’s a man of
Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are neck in neck in delegates, but Clinton has superdelegates. What’s your opinion on that?
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the people, but that only gets you so far. When you have to raise $1 billion, that’s a lot of money. You need big donors. That’s against Bernie’s principle and that hurts him. The superdelegates are there. The democrats put them there. It’s their choice. Bernie has to play by the same rules that Hillary does. He likes to be independent which is great when you’re a senator. It’s not so great when you’re running for president of the United States of America. What would you say to the student voters who have been turned away because they registered as Independent and weren’t able to vote? I would tell millennials that they need to research parties and figure out which one they believe in and support it. There are about 7-8 percent who are actually Independent. The rest of them lean to one party or another. It’s okay if your party doesn’t agree with 100 percent of what you agree with. 75 percent? Pick the party and sign up for it. Be a republican, be a democrat, be a libertarian, be whatever party that’s most like what you believe in. I’d rather be a part of the solution than out there in this group that can’t vote for somebody because of how you registered. But find out about a party and participate in the next cycle. Find out which party you like, support their values and get connected to them. Maybe your party will never come out on top in elections, but stick with them. The millennials can change the platform. Morph it into what you like. They may not be bad parties but you’re not going to be in the winner’s circle. I’d rather be with a party that’s going to make a change. People are saying that Sanders might not win the primary, but he has started a social movement. I think he has began a social movement. I think what he’s going to do is pull Hillary to the left. She might be there anyway but she doesn’t want to go there if she doesn’t have the support, but she has Bernie for cover. She’s sort of supporting the ideas and values Bernie has and heading in that direction. I think that helps out the democratic party and Bernie supporters. You can say he helped the democratic party that way. He moved the country that way. That’s a win. It’s not about getting into the oval office. It’s about getting policies changed. Sanders has the votes of the millennials. It’s not just because of free tuition in college and legal weed.
He’s listening to folks and people are engaging with him. He’s this old guy who’s getting young people to vote for him. That really says something. They’re “feeling the Bern.” Hillary Clinton is not strong in that way, but she has Bill Clinton. He’s a genius in that but Hillary is not. He goes around with her pulling people in, I that helps the party.
“I teach the Great Gatsby in my high school English classes. Donald Trump is like Daisy Buchanan, they both play dumb but they’re not dumb.” Normally the U.S. election is watched by other countries, but why do you think this election in particular is being so closely watched by the world? Donald Trump. I think Donald Trump is the key reason people are concerned. Nobody knows what he is. He’s such an enigma in his statements because he speaks off the cuff, have been very unrehearsed and some would say unpolished. Because of this, his statements can make other countries look scary. I teach the Great Gatsby in my
high school English classes. Donald Trump is like Daisy Buchanan, they both play dumb but they’re not dumb. Donald Trump is not stupid. He went to Wharton then he went to work. He’s run businesses, but he’s playing to that less educated, angry American audience. That gets him his votes. I think people are afraid that he will enact the policies that he said he will, in the way he says he’ll do them. He has chants at his rallies. “What are we gonna do? Build a wall. Who’s going to pay for it? Mexico.” Whether he’s actually saying that to get votes or not is another question. A lot of people may agree with Donald Trump but his presentation style can be offputting to some, which is what makes people nervous and interested. Why would you encourage millennials to vote? I would encourage millennials to vote because they need to have their voice heard. We live in a republic which means that we pick people that make decisions for us and not every time is our voice heard. If they don’t get involved, don’t participate in a campaign, they don’t get involved with social causes they care about or involved with social advocacy groups, then what are they doing? They’re part of the problem. We will not vote if it interrupts our Starbucks run. We will not vote because we didn’t bother to read about the issues but know all about the Kardashians or who’s on Pretty Little Liars or the last vine we saw with a cat. It is criminal, metaphorically speaking, to not vote in a country where we are allowed to do so. People have died to give us the vote. You are disrespecting that legacy by not voting. Your issues will never be heard if you don’t vote. There are countries where you are threatened about how you will vote. You are free to vote for or against whoever you like. The only consequence is that somebody might rip the bumper sticker off your car. They might throw an egg at your car or key it. That would be pretty bad, but that’s about the worst that can happen to you. We are free to vote and free to speak our minds. And if we do not vote, we may not be free to speak our minds very much longer. That’s what frightens me. L
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OUTSIDE OF VISITING THE COUNTRY ITSELF, THE NEXT BEST PLACE TO FIND MEXICAN CULTURE WOULD BE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.
CO MEETS DE OF THE OOTHILLS
TEXT BY: DARIUS JOHARI PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HAUGH PERFORMING ART CENTER
Glendora had to look no farther than Citrus College where the curtains rose on Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano in the Haugh Performing Arts Center. Dressed in traditional Mexican charro suits the 13 performers filled the night with Hispanic culture and pride. The trumpets, violins, guitars, guitarrón and the harp resonated across the venue while the booming vocals from the singer strung out a long note. The guitarist Jonathan Palomar set aside his instrument and came out to sing. He is a well-developed group member whose voice serenated the audience. Everyone – not just fluent Spanish speakers - could share the energy from the performers. California has had strong Mexican influence since 1800s but it wasn’t until the 1960s that mariachi music flourished and was brought to Southern California audience. Natividad “Nati” Cano, the founder of Mariachi Los Camperos, who died in October 2014. He was considered as a giant in the mariachi scene, a visionary who took the traditional style of mariachi music and brought it to larger venues. Cano was raised in a family of day laborers who played mariachi music as a side job in Jalisco, Mexico. His family was a band for hire such as those in a cantina going from person to person asking if they would like for them to play music. Cano had bigger dreams of moving mariachi music from the usually small cantinas to a much larger audience in a concert hall. In 1960, he moved to the United States and joined Mariachi Aguila, the house ensemble for the Million Dollar Theatre, located in downtown Los Angeles. Cano quickly took over and renamed the group Mariachi Los Camperos (The Countrymen).
The collective ensemble consists of musicians from Mexico and the United States with a common goal: spread the music of Mexico. Cano was a disciplined perfectionist. He would push his ensemble to get the sound he wanted and that discipline. His strict approach would earn his ensemble a Grammy for their 2008 album “Amor, Dolor y Lágrima.” Winning a Grammy was a great achievement for not only Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano but also for mariachi music and its founders. Mariachi music dates back centuries. It is dance oriented and celebrates moments in the lives of Mexican people. Just like other country music it differs in each region. The mariachi music we recognize today originated in the city of Cocula in Jalisco, Mexico. This type of Spanish theatrical orchestra consists of violins, guitars, a small five-stringed guitar known as a vihuela, an acoustic bass called a guitarrón and a harp. The most iconic instrument of the mariachi sound, the trumpet, would not be introduced till about 1933 by the young group of players known as Mariachi Tapatío de José Marmolejo. Mariachi music didn’t break form the local region until Gaspar Vargas and his ensemble Vargas de Tecalitlán came on to the scene in the mid 1930s. Vargas de Tecalitlán moved the mariachi sound from Jalisco to Mexico City. Silvestre Vargas, who took over his father’s ensemble, hired a musical director Rubén Fuentes. Together they created their own musical arrangements and brought the ensemble’s sound to a wider audience. The performance at the Haugh Performing Arts Center on April 30 paid tribute not only to Nati Cano and his ensemble but also to mariachi music and to the people of Mexico. L MAY / JUNE 2016 | LOGOS | 57
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