Culture
Punk Icon Shawn Stern On the World’s Best Underground Scene (and Surviving Slam Dancing in the Desert)
We caught up with Shawn Stern on the day after Youth Brigade played first show in five years with all three brothers in the lineup again. To get his insights on the how L.A. became—and continues to be—the epicenter of underground punk rock, and practical tips for surviving the chaos and camaraderie of Punk Rock Bowling this weekend in downtown Las Vegas.
Six Musical Legends You Forgot Are From South L.A.
While the world may be familiar with the South Los Angeles roots of Dr. Dre, Serena Williams, Kendrick, and Flo-Jo, numerous musical legends people forget come from the city's heart. That’s why L.A. TACO is here to remind you of some musical legends from South L.A.
‘Deportation Set Me Free:’ Deported Influencer Is Building Community and Thriving In Mexico
"I view the U.S. as a golden cage with many of our immigrant brothers and sisters trapped inside a system out of fear of the unknown in their home countries," says Anni Garcia, an influencer who has been documenting herself thriving in Jalisco.
Post-Punk Rising Star Depresión Sonora on L.A. Culture Shock and Tacos
L.A. TACO caught up with Madrid’s rising post-punk crooner over tacos de pulpo on Sunset Boulevard. We talked about the critical differences in the tacos in L.A., Spain, and Mexico, his favorite cheeseburger in Los Feliz, and a new album out soon.
Little Tokyo’s Japanese American National Museum Stood Up For DEI, Then Lost Funding
Like many museums across the country, JANM has recently been targeted by the Trump administration. After receiving a letter saying that their programs do not align with the current administration’s goals, their funding was cut by $1.7 million (with an additional $5 million still in limbo).
Revisiting ‘Mi Familia’ and the Main Filming Location In Boyle Heights 30 Years Later
Boyle Heights has changed since Gregory Nava filmed 'Mi Familia' 30 years ago, and gentrification threatens the neighborhood’s very essence. Unchangeable, however, is the commanding presence of the concrete viaduct at 4th and Lorena where he shot most of the iconic film.
Barrio to Broadway: How ‘Homeboys, the Musical’ Turns Trauma Into Acapelas
Although not officially affiliated with Homeboy Industries, the new production supported by USC Visions and Voices draws inspiration from the organization’s founding story and brings it to life through six dynamic characters.
Revisiting Iconic Film Locations from ‘Friday,’ 30 Years Later
Many fans of the classic L.A. film make the pilgrimage to the world-famous “Friday” house, equating it to visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame or Santa Monica Pier.
The Demons Behind the Brisket: Heritage Barbecue’s Daniel Castillo’s Untold Raw Story to the James Beard Awards
He never told anyone—until now. Heritage Barbecue’s Daniel Castillo on alcoholism, fitting in with punk and rockabilly culture, and redemption. These are the questions no one asked him about. This is how he overcame his broken family to become the celebrated pitmaster he is now.
What ‘Die Like a Man’ Gets Right that Other L.A. Hood Movies Don’t
Shot on a shoestring budget in just 14 days, Die Like a Man is an intimate portrait of a naïve teenage boy striving to live up to misguided masculine codes while struggling to accept the female affection that seems agonizingly close to saving him.
