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Join us at Southwestern College Art Gallery for the opening of Movidas Razquaches and Other Cheap Thrills, a collection of new work by artist Perry Vásquez. The exhibition is open from February 4 - March 4, 2025. Regular Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 10:30 AM -2:30 PM or by appointment.ARTIST STATEMENT“As an artist I try to pay attention to things being created and consumed within my milieu along the San Diego/Tijuana boundary. I find inspiration by reframing and recontextualizing overlooked things I find here and there and on the margins. I chose Movidas Razquaches as the title for my show because I think it captures the spirit and methodology of what I want to accomplish as an artist.” – Perry Vásquez.ABOUT THE LANGUAGEAccording to Tomás Ybarra-Frausto, rasquachismo is a sensibility that gets expressed in Chicano cultural forms and practices. Ybarra-Frausto writes, “It is a sensibility that is not elevated and serious, but playful and elemental. It finds delight and refinement in what many consider banal and projects an alternative aesthetic, a sort of good taste of bad taste.” Like African-American funk, or the improvised inventions of Rube Goldberg, the emphasis is on wit, resourcefulness and working with what is at hand. The add-on word, movida, can be translated as a maneuver, or a play (as in a game). Poet Juan Felipe Herrera interprets movidas rasquaches as “cheap thrills”, linking it to a pleasurable activity open to anyone who cares to partake. While legal scholar Alfredo Mirandé offers the word “hustle,” suggesting an illicit or unethical way to make a living. Sociologist David Spener uses movidas rasquaches to describe the network of the ad hoc work-arounds and tricks employed by migrants to navigate the US/Mexico border. While no single one of these terms perfectly captures the full meaning, taken together they give a reliable framework for interpretation.ABOUT THE WORKOver the last year and a half, Vásquez has created new work that divides into four projects using different media and including collaborative and solo work. Some of the projects are well established while others are being presented to the public for the first time in this exhibition.BlanketsVásquez collects flyers advertising gardening services left on his driveway by workers seeking employment. The no-thrills graphic style and the not-so-subtle way in which they seem to copy each other caught the artist’s eye. The act of weaving the flyers into blanket designs celebrates the DIY approach while reminding us of the workers’ aspirations to provide warmth and shelter for their families.Le Voyage/El ViajeThis is an AI imaging project whose goal was to rethink and replace the transactional language used to prompt and generate AI images. “The AI image making process is hyper-focused on the outcome as the only part of the process with artistic merit. The prompt itself is written to be transactional and limiting.” Vásquez turned the process of generating imagery into a Surrealist game by inserting lines from French poet Charles Baudellaire’s poem Le Voyage into the software. The resulting images were used as the basis for a series of oil paintings.MonopalmsThe presence of cell towers disguised as palm trees (monopalms) has become a common sight in Southern California. This series of paintings implies the link between palm trees and the myth of paradise. The paintings also offer commentary on the telecommunications industry and how it alters our perception of nature and our sense of public and private space.Mexus Nexus FluxusInspired by Mexican recording artist Esquivel and the German techno artist Señor Coconut, Vásquez arranged four traditional Mexican songs for the synthesizer. He then worked with visual artists Lianne Mueller-Thompson and Carlos Solorio to create video and animations for the music. The music will be presented as a video installation.RECEPTIONSSaturday February 8, 11 AM -1 PM.(free parking in Lot O for this event)Tuesday, February 11, 11 AM -1 PM.

Expect connection, craft, and a whole lot of heart at Songwriter Sanctuary’s May 30 edition, featuring in-the-round performances by Surrija, The Lovebirds, and Yo Jonesy Jones. Hosted by the legendary Jeff Berkley and Normal Heights United. (4650 Mansfield St. Suggested Donation $10. All ages. Doors 6:30 p.m., Music 7 p.m.)About the Artists:SURRIJA is a new music project by Jane Lui that plays with asymmetry and electronic treatment of her roots in classical training and singer songwriter roots. The self-titled album features drummer Matt Chamberlain (David Bowie, Perfume Genius, Fiona Apple). The Album and “How Do I” were nominated for Best Recording and Best Pop Song at San Diego Music Awards 2021 & 2022, respectively. “Southern Winds” earned Best Music Video at Dublin Web Fest. She began her songwriting days in San Diego during college, with three previous albums recorded and produced by Aaron Bowen. She has a large body of work and subcribers on her YouTube Channel, Luieland (29K subs), and continues to explore soundscapes with a cult following. Most recent contributions: featured vocal as Opera Evelyn on the soundtrack of "Everything Everywhere All At Once." She was co-music director and originating cast member of "Cambodian Rock Band" by Lauren Yee, (National Tour, Off-Broadway Signature Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, OSF). She was composer for "All’s Well That Ends Well" (OSF 2019) and "Secret In The Wings "(Coeurage Theatre). Surrija has worked with Son Lux, Matt Chamberlain, Tom Brosseau, Felicia Day, Kate Earl, Kina Grannis. Her work has been featured in Earmilk, Ladygunn, Bearded Mag, CNN, Virgin America In-Flight, Huffington Post, UPPERCASE mag.The Lovebirds are reuniting for a special one-night only appearance! You may remember this Kerrville New Folk award-winning folk/pop duo (active 2010-2016) featuring friends, turned romantic partners, turned bandmates, turned exes, turned friends, turned forever family Lindsay White and Veronica May. Falling somewhere on the female duo scale between The Indigo Girls and Tegan and Sara, The Lovebirds shared the stage with many other humans that make music, such as Steve Poltz, Tristan Prettyman, Bushwalla, The Lumineers, Jack Tempchin, John C. Reilly, Glen Phillips, Sara Watkins, Susanna Hoffs, Berkley Hart, Raining Jane ft. Jason Mraz, and more. Recorded at Berkley Sound, their three "LPs Nutsy Pants," "And a One and a Two," and "Breakup Shmakeup" chronicle the rise and fall of their musical and romantic partnership: sprinkled with joy, peppered with chaos, and drenched in harmonies that won't quit.Yo Jonesy Jones is a multi-talented songwriter and musician celebrated for her ability to seamlessly blend Pop, Rock, Blues, R&B, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Reggae into dynamic performances. Known for her captivating stage presence and innovative artistry, she delivers experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. Born into a family of musicians, Jonesy began her journey as the lead vocalist of her family’s gospel band at just five years old. Her natural talent blossomed as she mastered the trombone, percussion, guitar, and tap dancing. Today, she is based in San Diego, California, where she collaborates with elite musicians and performs at prestigious venues, including Seaworld, The Rady Shell, Disneyland, The Belly Up, and top-tier casinos, wineries, and festivals across the state. Jonesy’s performances are unforgettable, often featuring her signature hoverboard and trombone routine—a true testament to her creativity and showmanship. Her mission to spread the “Live in Peace” (L.I.P.) message through music is the driving force behind her career. This movement began with her acclaimed band, Crowned Jewelz, which was voted Best Band at the 2018 Port City Secondliners Honor Awards. Her latest release, "Jonesy 3:16 Crowned Jewelz" Album, exemplifies her artistry and ability to connect through music. In her words, “Crowned are my thoughts, and Jewelz are the words I spit,” reflecting the deep authenticity she brings to every performance. Currently, Jonesy is finishing up a brand-new feel good album, packed with soulful grooves, powerful lyrics, and genre defying sounds . The project leads with the release of the heartfelt single “Southern Soul,” dropping in June 2025. With a feature on the cover of Mobile Bay Magazine and a reputation for high-energy, soul-stirring shows, Jonesy is a powerhouse performer who captivates audiences with a diverse sound and innovative stage presence. From intimate venues to grand stages, she ensures every show is a celebration of life, peace, and music.Event Details:Location: Normal Heights United Church4650 Mansfield St, San Diego, CA 92116. Thank you to our generous venue partner for sharing this beautiful space with the local music community!Time: Doors 6:30 p.m., Show 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. ish.Suggested Donation: $10, but please be generous in your support of these top tier talents whose creative work is their livelihood. 100% donations go to artists. No one turned away for lack of funds.All Ages: Bear in mind we do not censor our artists so please make sure to check out the lineup and make the best decision for your family.Parking: Street parkingFood/Drink: Beverages for small purchase, thanks to our sponsors! Duck Foot Brewing Company. Guests are welcome to bring food into the venue (please eat and dispose of waste respectfully)Accessibility: Please direct any venue accessibility requests to Molly mollyrose@nhunited.org.Remaining 2025 Season Schedule:*subject to change June 27 - LGBTQ Pride Show!- Anna Ballew- Kimiko- In MazesJuly 25- The Bella Lunas- Espi- Miranda RamosAug. 29- Claire King- Hailey Wetzel- Lexi PulidoSep. 26- Joe Summers- Grainne Hunt- Helena HolleranOct. 24- Shea Givens- Kevin Cooper- Anthony CullinsDec 5 - Holiday Edition!- JT Moring- Cara Cormier- David Beldock and Peggy WatsonFor inquiries, media comps, or further information, please contact:Lindsay White: lindsaywhite.music@gmail.com Songwriter Sanctuary on InstagramNormal Heights United Church on Facebook / Instagram

Join Palomar College's Pride Center for a very special screening of the new documentary "Sally!" followed by an in-person conversation with the film's Co-Director Ondine Rarey! The screening will take place on Palomar College's San Marcos campus on March 20 at 5 p.m.FILM SYNOPSIS: "Sally!" (2024)Sally Gearhart was a charismatic trailblazer who led the charge in the 1970s and '80s lesbian feminist movement, leaving an indelible mark on women’s rights and LGBTQ+ equality. A brilliant and magnetic superstar, she inspired thousands with her unapologetic activism and visionary leadership. Yet, by 2008, her pivotal contributions had been all but forgotten, her legacy notably absent from the Hollywood film Milk. How could history overlook Sally Gearhart? This is the story of a revolutionary figure who cannot be erased.SPECIAL GUEST: Ondine RareyOndine is a filmmaker, editor, and writer. Her documentary FOOLS AND HEROES was a Grimme-Preis nominee (the German equivalent of an Emmy), airing on ARTE in France as well as stateside on PBS. She has edited well over a dozen documentary features and shorts, including "Now en Español" (for PBS), "A Great Ride," "Who Will Write Our History" and, “Rebel Hearts” an official selection at Sundance 2021. She has also worked on multiple TV series, including KEEPING UP WITH THE KARDASHIANS and ALIEN ENCOUNTERS.

The Department of Agriculture is demanding sensitive data from states about more than 40 million food stamp recipients, as DOGE is amassing data for immigration enforcement.

Art historian Zaixin Hong examines the enduring significance of the soundscape of music and calligraphy.The soundscape of calligraphy and music is a hallmark of Chinese civilization. This lecture explores their intricate connections and shared purpose, exemplified by Professor Lei Liang’s award-winning “A Thousand Mountains, A Million Streams,” and delves into Chou Wen-chung’s question, “When is a line not a line?”From Confucius’ “Six Arts” to modern masters like Huang Binhong, Pan Tianshou, Zao Wou-ki and Wang Dongling, the connections across centuries between music and calligraphy have bridged tradition and contemporary expression. In the age of AI, celebrating this human spirit becomes more vital than ever.The lecture will feature a special presentation of Huang Binhong’s masterpiece “Landscapes,” shown in stunning 4K projection with original music composed by Liang. Kuiyi Shen, professor of Asian art history, theory and criticism from UC San Diego, will provide a short commentary. Please join us for these events:Lecture in English, 4–5 p.m.Reception, 5–5:30 p.m.Lecture in Chinese, 5:30–6:30 p.m. (Professor Hong will deliver the lecture again in Chinese after the reception. Bilingual audiences may opt to register for either the English or Chinese lecture.)This public lecture is co-sponsored by the 21st Century China Center (21CCC) at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) and Haili Foundation. For more information on China activities, please visit china.ucsd.edu.If you have any questions, please contact GPS Events Coordinator Susan Zau at jszau@ucsd.edu.

Bad Bunny's DeBÍ TiRAR Más FOToS and Fuerza Regida's 111XPANTIA hold down the No. 1 and No. 2 spots on this week's Billboard 200, making this the first week in history with Spanish-language albums in the chart's top two spots.

Georgia's law that restricts abortion once cardiac activity is detected doesn't allow relatives to have a say in whether a pregnant woman is kept on life support.

Whether you get your forecast from an app on your phone, a website or a meteorologist on TV, most of the underlying information comes from the federal government.

The Chinese AI company may be about to burst Silicon Valley's bubble.

Florida lawmakers have sent the governor a bill that would provide financial relief to condo owners. The measure softens mandates passed after the deadly 2021 collapse of a condo tower in Surfside.