So Much Aloha – Feat. LA Got Aloha 2011

Walking down the dimly lit sidewalk towards the Dragonfly Nightclub on Tuesday, August 9th, there was a certain electricity palpable in the air. A subtle energy emanated from the establishment along with the sound of metronomic bass vibrato. Pulling back the heavy rouge curtain, the energy surged at me like carbon dioxide trying to escape a shaken soda bottle. The laser lit, fog filled foyer was brimming with people mingling and dancing while the DJ orchestrated the turntables onstage behind towers of speakers. Working through the labyrinth of smiling faces, I made my way towards the art gallery where I said my hellos to Lovelin Descalso who was Co-Creator of the event as well as a talented graphic artist. Lovelin teamed up with Blake Borisoff who, along with beat producer Kelii Behasa, comprises the hip-hop group Analog Dive. The two joined forces with Rising Sons Independent and Wreckon Clothing to host the annual hip-hop, live art gallery known as LA Got Aloha.

After paying my dues I meandered through the adorned gallery where I was taken back by the many talented artists contributing to the cornucopia of styles. I carefully studied the intricate paintings of local artists and made my way to the corner of the room where I watched as live painter Nora Martin Hall fluidly worked the canvas. I felt so inspired by her focus and the hush of the crowd behind her, waiting with bated breath, like children waiting for the next firework on the Fourth of July.  I made my way towards the photographs shot by the adventurous Eddie Saucedo and the graceful Diane Abapo. Gazing upon their photos I felt the resurgence of inspiration coursing through my nervous system like a bolt of lightning in a pool of water. I couldn’t help but feel so positive and enthusiastic by the shear amount of talent in the building. People from all walks of life were sharing their passions, and not just that, but being enthusiastic and supportive of everyone else’s work as well.

Each of the artists and performers seemed to literally be walking on air as they navigated through the swathes of supporters, family, and friends. I’ve been to a lot of shows before, but this one harbored such a feeling of community and love that any other experience would have been hard pressed to come close second. It was different, refreshing. Over 300 people were in attendance, yet it felt like I knew everyone. And to a certain respect, we all did indeed know each other in one degree or another.

After a healthy dose of art I made my way to the main stage where Analog Dive was set to perform. The energy was through the roof. Blake nimbly flitted his vernacular to Kelii’s clean beats. He worked the crowd to a roar as lasers darted in and out of sight. Analog Dive ceded the stage to Creed Chameleon who flexed his lyrical clout. Creed, who has been a mentor to Analog Dive, laid down a ridiculous sick set.  After Creed, Also Known as from Los Angeles came up and revved up the crowd to a level that rivaled the monstrous speakers spewing deep bass vibrations. DJ Packo then took to the stage and spun sets from his album Aquadust. He demonstrated such a level of Zen while performing – a simple man would think what he was doing was easy.

I retired for the night after witnessing all the amazing groups perform, still buzzing like the aftermath of a thunderstorm. Being in a building with over 300 people who are all about the love for art can leave you feeling a little euphorically intoxicated. I was so moved by what a positive experience I had, and how until that night I had truly not been aware of how  many extremely gifted individuals I had found the pleasure of being surrounded by. It was indeed a boost of faith, because Lovelin and Blake, along with their great team had successfully managed to physically manifest a philosophy that I hold personally dear: Together there is no limit to what we can achieve.

“That’s what it’s all about,” Blake said smiling days later after the show when I spoke with him. “It’s about Community. I don’t want to shine by myself, I want to help uplift others so we can shine together.” Again, the Phenomenal Zephyr over took me as Blake explained his struggle with booking and performing shows after moving from his native Hawaii locale. “It’s tough when you’re an artist in LA. People tend to treat you as an expendable. It’s like ‘Oh, you don’t like it? F— you, we’ll find someone else.’ I’m not about that. It’s important that we are doing it for the Art – that’s what matters most. I want people to feel welcome when they come to our events. That’s what the Aloha spirit is all about – It’s about love and community. That’s why we bring that Aloha spirit to Los Angeles.” And brought it they have. Blake started on his own way – a way that brought him close relationships and a massive network of extremely talented trailblazing individuals. Together they have managed to create an experience truly unlike any other: Events for the artists by the artists. Entrenched in community and passion, infused with aloha spirit. They have offered a place for the artist to shine their light for the world to see, and in Los Angeles, that’s a lot to have Aloha for.

WORDS
NICHOLAS MANSOURI

PHOTOGRAPHERS
EDDIE SAUCEDO
C. DILLION
WOES MARTIN

LOCATION
THE DRAGONFLY, HOLLYWOOD, CA

LA GOT ALOHA IS AN ANNUAL EVENT OF
RISINGSONS INDEPENDENT & WRECKON PRODUCTIONS
www.rsiwreckon.tk
www.facebook.com/risingsonsindependent
www.facebook.com/wreckonclothing