Los Angeles is home for me and always in my heart. Watching the fires from afar in my current city, New York, has me thinking a lot about what makes my hometown great: breathtaking mountains, stunning beaches and above all a hodgepodge, tapestry community that comes together in powerful ways during a painful moment.
The good and bad of LA's history — redlining and rebuilding, previous fires and displacement, immigration and annexation — have all been building blocks for an exchange of culture that shows up in layers in its music and art. This week on Alt.Latino, we've decided to shine a light on some of the sounds that feel most quintessentially LA, while also specifically honoring the creativity that has come from communities most affected by the fires.
We're thinking of family and friends, and the beating heart of the city as a whole. There's nothing quite like LA and we hope this episode is an intro to some and an invitation for others to celebrate what makes it so special. —Anamaria Sayre
Songs featured on this episode:
- José Feliciano, "California Dreamin"
- Ry Cooder feat. Lalo Guerrero, "Barrio Viejo"
- Banda MS feat. Becky G and Snoop Dogg, "Que Maldicion"
- Jasper Bones, "Amor de mis sueños"
- Gerardo Ortiz, "Dámaso"
- Empress Of, "For Your Consideration"
Audio for this episode of Alt.Latino was edited and mixed by Simon Rentner. Editorial support from Hazel Cills. Our project manager is Grace Chung. NPR Music's executive producer is Suraya Mohamed. Our VP of Music and Visuals is Keith Jenkins.
Resources for the Los Angeles community:
National Day Laborer Organizing Network / Pasadena Community Job Center
Anti-Recidivism Coalition Firefighter Fund
https://antirecidivism.org/firefighterfund/
LA Regional Food Bank
https://www.lafoodbank.org/fire/
Pasadena Humane Society
https://pasadenahumane.org/give/donate/
LAIT911
California Community Foundation Wildlife Recovery Fund
https://www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/
Musicares
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