Friday, January 29, 2010

Trumped by Volume

Los Angeles, CA --From Alameda Street, the voluminous sound of mariachi filled the air. A small door from the main, LA thoroughfare leads pedestrians to the congested cobblestone street call Olvera where vendors, restaurants and street performers provide their unique goods and services.

Walking out from the hall leading to Olvera Street, was a man with his accordion, sitting on a bench. He is part of a trio that regularly performs for handouts. This time, however, the big boys were out (earlier post), and were drowning out the talented underdogs. The moment the other team finished, my friends began their simple set of tunes.

4 comments:

Pasadena Adjacent said...

I lived in the heart of East LA for nearly a decade. My neighbor Jessie was an older mariachi player like this fellow. Sometimes his group would get together and practice in the back yard. I hope he's still around. He was part of the barrio that was uprooted to make way for the Nuetra housing complex. The complex was scrapped in favor of Dodger Stadium. Some dirty dealings there.

Anonymous said...

I wish I was there to hear it!

Unknown said...

PA, how lucky were you to have a neighbor play mariachi in the back yard. I've always had a dream of playing guitar with a group. Someday perhaps.

Petrea Burchard said...

Olvera St. is not to be missed. A bit touristy, but in the loveliest way.