Activating Creativity: Asian American Artists on Art & Community

Flyer: Sara

Hey folks! I’m speaking at a NAKASEC panel tomorrow with a couple of my fave folks, Shani Shih and Darakshan Raja. Join us! [RSVP: bit.ly/AsAmArt519]

📆 EVENT ‼ Activating Creativity: Asian American Artists on Art & Community
🕗 19 May 2021, 7-8PM EST
📧 RSVP to get Zoom link: bit.ly/AsAmArt519

Virginia & DC-based Asian American artists and teachers - Darakshan Raja (DJ), Les Talusan (DJ, photographer, curator), Luisa A. Igloria (professor, poet), Robin Ha (cartoonist), Shani Shih (painter, illustrator) - will hold a live, virtual conversation about their journeys and inspirations, and how their processes and artworks are at once creative and political expressions. There will be Q&A at the end!

For #APAHM / #APAHeritageMonth , NAKASEC VA is celebrating #AsianAmerican identity, art, joy, laughter, healing, and all the things that bring life to our movement! Stay tuned for more events from us this month.

SAMASAMA ‘Sari-Sari Pop-up Market’ at Shopkeepers

Flyer: Katrin Davis

This Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPIHM), SAMASAMA is pleased to present Sari-Sari Pop-Up Market, a one-day indoor-outdoor shopping and art experience.

Since 2016, SAMASAMA has worked to shine a light on amazing creatives within the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and fellow artists of the diaspora. A sari-sari store in the Philippines is a variety store, nostalgic to the days where you would pop in for something you need and occasionally, discover something new. Curated with an intention to highlight artistic and local entrepreneurs, the Sari-Sari Pop-Up Market will feature AAPI and BIPOC artisans, makers, and chefs from the DC area.

Join us Saturday, May 15th to shop local, support some amazing vendors, and celebrate AAPIHM at Shopkeepers.

RSVP via Eventbrite (FREE!)

Click HERE to learn more about the vendors.

2021 DC Funk Parade: Black Broadway

The first time I DJ’d for the Funk Parade was when Nafisa Isa put together a "Women of Funk" showcase at Busboys and Poets, exactly 7 years ago today. Good times! 

I’m super excited to be part of Funk Parade’s virtual festival this year! The Musicianship is the Funk Parade’s new home and they’ve put together a dope lineup for you with the theme: Black Broadway!

Get your tickets today! - you can view the Funk Parade at your own leisure on 5/8 Saturday!

Maraming Salamat to Jessica Sturgis for bringing me in and to Jessica Teachey! Looking forward to our future collabs! ✨

The 2021 Funk Parade celebrating Black Broadway is coming up May 1-May 8! 💜Check out the full lineup of creatives, musicians, and industry experts that will be performing this year! ⚡💜

⚡Black Broadway Mural Walk on May 5! Led by our Funk Parade Historian Bernie Demczuk @benschilibowlfoundation, our mural tourists will visit 15 different murals in our festival’s home corridor! Look out...surprise performances will take place at (3) landmarks featuring Trombonist @reginaldcyntjemusic & Saxophonist @ejbjazz and Soul Singer/Guitarist @kenny_sharp!

⚡Our Funk Parade Virtual Festival on May 8 will feature performances by artists and creatives such as Langston Hughes II, Les The DJ, Onrae Lateal, Chazz G, Elevate Poetry, Brides of Funkenstein, Roquois, Leon Scott, Rolloway Productions. Funk Parade will also debut our new Funk Parade Documentary, directed by @cultclassiq and produced by @mike.ant

Click here to get your tickets today! 💜

ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH // There is still a global Pandemic

Photo: Oscar Olmedo

Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month from your Filipinx Tita and Cambodian Bong Srey!⁣

⁣Seda and I // SAMASAMA, have a couple of things up our sleeves for you!⁣

⁣5/15, Saturday, 12-6PM⁣
Sari-Sari Pop-Up Market at Shopkeepers⁣
We’re having an all-day market featuring local artists and food vendors!⁣

5/27-29⁣, Thursday-Saturday
SAMASAMA // All Together Now at The Reach at The Kennedy Center⁣
We are curating the reopening kick-off weekend at The Reach! There will be an art market, a screening of “Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten”, an all-levels vinyasa class with Justin Espiritu, dance classes with Bonavy Chhim (Traditional Khmer Classical Ballet), Nāpualokelani Kamakele (Hula), Jamie Garcia (Asik) & Erica Childs (Hand Dancing), DJs (me and Shuno Re!) and the amazing Iza Flow with Dior Ashley Brown & Isabelle De Leon!⁣

⁣Also, every Fridays and Sundays (OPM Sundays) I DJ on twitch.tv/lestalusan - come kick it with us 🌿⁣

Mother's Day Mini Session Pop-Up at Shopkeepers

Hello! This Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9, @stylesbysadira and I are offering a photo mini session at Shopkeepers.⠀

This is not just for Mothers - it’s for everyone! I know Mother’s Day can be a complicated day for some folks, but I’m a Mother and I’m choosing to celebrate Mother’s Day with a photo session with you!

We will be taking photos during your booked session and the next day, I will be sending you the album and a credit for 1 hi-res photo download. You'll be able to purchase additional prints and files on the website as well.⠀

We’re fully vaccinated and will be taking proper precautions, keep a safe distance, and will be masked at all times. Mini sessions require full payment to book and is non-refundable.⠀

If you need a safe outdoor haircut this week (or some other time), please contact @stylesbysadira directly for scheduling.⠀

To view my work, please visit lestalusan.com/family-portraits and https://proofs.lestalusanphoto.com

If you need a safe outdoor haircut before your session, please contact Sadira: instagram.com/stylesbysadira

Visit this page for photos from the last pop-up session at Shopkeepers!

Bahala Na Global Pandemic Episode No. 14

It’s been a minute since my last show on Eaton Radio! Here’s a taste of what to expect on Monday’s New Wave Heartthrobs with DJ Neil Armstrong.

Bahala Na Global Pandemic Episode No. 14 by Les The DJ

Strawberry Switchblade "Go Away" (Korova)
Culture Club “Time (Clock Of The Heart)” (Epic)
Spandau Ballet “I’ll Fly For You” (Reformation)
Gazebo “I Like Chopin” (Baby Records)
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark “Souvenir” (Epic)
The Cure ”A Night Like This” (Elektra)
Tears For Fears “Mad World” (Mercury)
Lightning Seeds “Pure” (Ghetto Recording Company/MCA)
ABC “The Look Of Love (Part One)” (RCA)
Culture Club “Miss Me Blind” (Virgin)
Level 42 “Turn It On” (Polydor)
Haircut One Hundred “Lemon Firebrigade” (Arista)
Deacon Blue ”Real Gone Kid” (Columbia)
16 Tambourines “Bathed In The Afterglow” (Arista)
The Style Council “My Ever Changing Moods” (Geffen Records)
The Blow Monkeys “Digging Your Scene” (RCA)

https://www.mixcloud.com/eatonradio/bahala-na-w-les-the-dj-eaton-radio-dc-20210422

Sama Sama Cooperative's SAYAWAN DANCE-A-THON

Hey, hi! I know it’s only Wednesday but I want to tell you about one of the events I’m DJing for this Sunday.

Sama Sama Cooperative presents SAYAWAN DANCE-A-THON, an annual fundraiser in support of their unique Summer Day Camp of Filipino culture, language, and ecological heritage. Now in its eighth year, the camp this summer is themed “Air and Liberation” or “Himpapawid at Kalayaan” in Pilipino, echoing the camp’s aim to empower youth through cultural enrichment and connection to the natural environment 🌿 

Lisa is one of the first close friends I made after moving to the US from Pinas, and I consider her family. She is one of the organizers of this event and I’m so excited to DJ for her, her kids, and all the youth attending SAYAWAN! I’ll be warming up the floor before Ruby Ibarra’s set and you all already know she’s one of my favorite rappers of ALL TIME!

The ZOOM event is FREE and all AGES - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER, and if you’re able to, please consider donating and write in “Supporting Lisa” in the note ✨

Para sa kabataan // For the youth 🖤🇵🇭

Usapang OPM EPISODE 1: The Origins of OPM (Original Pilipino Music) with Roger Rigor of VST & Company and Emmie Joaquin

Yesterday, Joel Quizon and I had the pleasure of talking story with Roger Rigor (of VST & Company) and Emmie Joaquin on the first episode of Usapang OPM!

Emmie and Roger were the organizers/pioneering staff for the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival and they had very thoughtful insights on the origins of Original Pilipino Music.

We are truly honored to have them both on our show! Check out the first episode below!

---

Usapang OPM features conversations on OPM (Original Pilipino Music) with artists and key players from its origins through today.  

Join DJ’s/Music Curators Les Talusan and Joel Quizon, along with special guests to talk about the roots of the movement, the creators, the songs, the untold stories, and the lasting influence. 

Flyer: Katrin Davis

SAMASAMA x Red Scarf Revolution: Chul Ch’nam Tmei

Flyer: Les Talusan

Chul Ch’nam Tmei literally meaning “enter the new year” in Khmer is a 3-day celebration of the solar new year. Also known as Sonkran, this new year is shared with many countries including Thai, Laos and Burmese neighbors. It’s a time to honor our ancestors, eat, and reflect on our blessings. 

Join SAMASAMA and Red Scarf Revolution for this year’s virtual Ch’nam Tmei celebration.

Les The DJ will be playing a live, all-vinyl set of Asian music including vintage Khmer pop, rock, and roll.

SAMASAMA & Red Scarf Revolution Presents
"Chul Ch’nam Tmey"
New Year, Same Thoughts, New Action
April 15, Thursday
5PM PT / 8PM ET
twitch.tv/lestalusan⠀⁣⁣


You don’t need a Twitch account to tune in, just click on twitch.tv/lestalusan when the event is happening but feel free to create a Twitch account to join in the chats and follow Les Talusan!

OPM Sundays // USAPANG OPM

Flyer: Katrin Davis

THIS SUNDAY, Joel Quizon and I will be debuting the first episode of USAPANG OPM with a sobrang special guest - ROGER RIGOR of VST & COMPANY and EMMIE JOAQUIN! Please save the date and join us!

USAPANG OPM features conversations on OPM (Original Pilipino Music) with artists and key players from its origins through today.  

Join DJ’s/Music Curators Les Talusan and Joel Quizon, along with special guests to talk about the roots of the movement, the creators, the songs, the untold stories, and the lasting influence. 

OPM SUNDAYS // USAPANG OPM
w/ Les Talusan and Joel Quizon
EPISODE 1: The Origins of OPM (Original Pilipino Music) with Roger Rigor of VST & Company and Emmie Joaquin
April 18, 2021, Sunday
6PM PT / 9PM ET
Tap in: twitch.tv/lestalusan

You don’t need a Twitch account to tune in but you do need one to get in the chats!

Tell your kapitbahay / neighbor!

OPM Sundays “Araw Ng Mga Puso” / Valentine’s Day Special

This Sunday’s Bahala Na! OPM Sundays (Original Pilipino Music +) happens to fall on Valentine’s Day so I will be paying tribute to some of the best 🇵🇭 love songs!

I’ll be taking song requests in advance until Saturday. Make sure you include a dedication, or better yet, a love letter for your minamahal / loved one that I’ll be reading out loud during the stream 🖤

CLICK HERE FOR SONG REQUESTS / DEDICATIONS!

Bahala Na! OPM Sundays
Araw Ng Mga Puso / Valentine’s Day Special
February 14, 2021, Sunday
6-8PM PT | 9-11PM ET
twitch.tv/lestalusan

First OPM Sundays of 2021

Tomorrow//SUNDAY is the first OPM Sundays of 2021! @joelquiz and I will be playing back to back sets of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and covers! Here’s a dope cover of a Hollies song by Yoyoy Villame and The Embees✨⠀
⠀
OPM SUNDAYS RAID TRICYCLE!⠀
January 3, 2021, Sunday⠀
6PM PT / 9PM ET twitch.tv/lestalusan⠀
8PM PT / 11PM ET twitch.tv/joelquizon⠀
⠀
Tell your neighbor/kapitbahay!⠀

Last OPM Sundays of 2020

Tomorrow//SUNDAY is the last OPM Sundays of 2020! @joelquiz and I will be playing back to back sets of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and covers!
⠀
OPM SUNDAYS RAID TRAIN! (But just me and @joelquiz 😆)⠀
December 27, 2020, Sunday⠀
6PM PT / 9PM ET twitch.tv/lestalusan
8PM PT / 11PM ET twitch.tv/joelquizon⠀
⠀
Tell your Lola!⠀
⠀

Bahala Na Global Pandemic Episode No. 12

Check out the last Bahala Na episode of 2020!

Bahala Na Global Pandemic Episode No. 12 by Les The DJ

Mammani Sani Et Son Orgue "Lidda" (Sahel Sounds)
Admas "Anchi Bale Game" (Frederiksberg Records)
Transs "Kalangan Dusta" (Groovyrecord)
Cortex "Troupeau Bleu" (Trad Vibe)
Susana Estrada "¡Gózame Ya!" (Espacial Discos)
Marcos Valle "Estrelar" (Vampi Soul)
Garfield Fleming "Don't Send Me Away" (Becket Records)
Saint Etienne “Spring (Air France Remix)" (Heavenly)
Bobby Reed "The Time Is Right For Love" (Expansion)
Plustwo "Stop Fantasy" (Mothball Record)
Freeez "Can't Keep My Love" (Virgin/Beggars Banquet)
Shakatak "Maldicion A Los Chicos = Bitch To The Boys" (Polydor)
Pino D' Angio "Ma Quale Idea" (Flarenasch)
Sharon Prabhakar "Aaj Ki Raat" (Outernational Sounds)

https://www.mixcloud.com/eatonradio/bahala-na-w-les-the-dj-eaton-radio-dc-20201210

Pop-Up Fun Photo Picks!

This past Sunday, I had my first photo mini-session pop-up ever! It was a fun collab with my beautiful elf friend, Sadira - hit her up for a cut! ⠀
⠀
Thanks for having us at Shopkeepers, Seda! Love you and your little family.⠀
⠀
Check out a few of my favorite photos from the session and let me know if you need photos - I have a long lens and am always wearing a mask!

Holiday Photo Mini Session Pop-Up

Illu

To view Les’ work, please visit https://lestalusan.com/family-portraits and https://proofs.lestalusanphoto.com

If you need a safe outdoor haircut before your session, please contact Sadira: https://www.instagram.com/stylesbysadira

Hataw Na!

Early in the summer, I was thinking about making a mix of 🇵🇭 pop and dance hits from the late ‘80s-early ‘90s. Some of them tv and radio hits from when I was growing up in Pinas.

Vex Ruffin invited me for a guest slot on his show with possiblemusic, “Manila Times” on NTS Radio and I thought it would be a good time to finally finish and share this mix.

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Hataw Na! by Les The DJ for Manila Times

Geneva Cruz “I Like You”
Archie D. “Pakita Mo”
FOJ “Crush Kita”
Viktoria “Dance With Me (Tayo’s Magsayaw)”
Gary Valenciano “Sa Yahweh Ang Sayaw”
Ogie Alcasid ”Dito Sa Puso Ko (Pogi Remix Version)”
Rachel Alejandro “K.S.P. (Kulang Sa Pansin)”
Manilyn Reynes “Feel Na Feel”
Jamie Rivera “Sige Na Nga (Crush Din Kita)”
Randy Alejandro “Siguro”
Regine Velasquez ”Promdi”
Donna Cruz “Kapag Tumibok Ang Puso”
Ogie Alcasid “Sumayaw, Sumunod”
Gary Valenciano ”Tara Na”
Archie D. ”Kasayaw”

https://www.mixcloud.com/NTSRadio/manila-times-w-les-the-dj-30th-october-2020

ASTIG 2 Year Anniversary | A Fundraiser for Typhoon Survivors in the Philippines⠀

So stoked to be invited to participate in @astig.sound’s 2nd-year anniversary! @et_iv asked, so of course I’m down. I’ll be playing an all-vinyl set of Original Pilipino Music. Details below:⠀
⠀
ASTIG 2 Year Anniversary A fundraiser for typhoon survivors in the Philippines⠀
November 28, 2020, Saturday⠀
6PM (ET) / 3PM (PT) / 7AM (MNL/Sunday)⠀
TAP IN and FOLLOW: twitch.tv/astigsound⠀
⠀
Join us as we enter another musical journey through the eras and genres of sounds from the Philippines & the diaspora. This lineup is special and believe us when we say you don’t want to miss this.⠀
⠀
Featuring sets by:⠀
@vexruffin8888⠀
@parallel_uno⠀
@lestalusan⠀
@immuzikation⠀
@tallteesound⠀
@cocomachetz⠀
#ovrrsrrr⠀
@mister_rey.beats⠀
⠀
Plus residents DJs:⠀
@et_iv⠀
@joogmac⠀
@djhellal⠀
@lilthowwow⠀
⠀
Donations will be collected during the stream and sent to @kidsforkidsph and to @sabokahan. Please visit their pages to find out more ways to support their efforts on the ground. Follow @astig.sound for more information about the event.

Bahala Na Global Pandemic Episode No. 11

📷 : taken by me, at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens

Check out my Bahala Na episode from November 12!

Bahala Na Global Pandemic Episode No. 11 by Les The DJ

Helen & The Horns "Footsteps At My Door" (RCA)
Altered Images "See Those Eyes" (Epic)
Bow Wow Wow "Fools Rush In" (EMI)
Miaow "When It All Comes Down" (Factory)
Veronica Falls "Bad Feeling" (Slumberland Records)
Motorcycle Boy "Big Rock Candy Mountain" (Rough Trade)
Chefs "24 Hours" (Graduate Records)
Dolly Mixture "Everything and More" (Respond Records)
The Siddeleys "My Favourite Wet Wednesday Afternoon (demo)" (Firestation Records)
The Flying Lizards "Money" (Virgin)
Dislocation Dance "Show Me" (Rough Trade)
Siouxsie & The Banshees "Cities in Dust" (Polydor)
Carol "Breakdown" (Weyrd Son Records)
Explode Into Colors "Sharpen The Knife" (M'lady's Records)
The Slits "Typical Girls" (Antilles)
Mo-Dettes "White Mice" (Mode)

https://www.mixcloud.com/eatonradio/bahala-na-w-les-the-dj-eaton-radio-dc-20201112

Bahala Na Global Pandemic Episode No. 10

📷 : taken by me, at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Check out my Bahala Na episode from October 22!

Bahala Na Global Pandemic Episode No. 10 by Les The DJ

Toshiki Kadomatsu "Off Shore" (Air Records)
Nohelani Cypriano "Lihue" (HanaOla Records)
Nina Atsuko "Kalapana Black Sand Beach" (Invitation)
Izumi Kobayashi & Flying Mimi Band "フルーツ・パフェ One Note Samba" (Philips)
Phase 7 "Could It Be Love" (Aloha Got Soul)
Kalapana "The Hurt" (Abattoir Records)
Haruko "You're Young" (HMV Record Shop/Tokuma Japan Corporation)
Mackey Feary Band "It Takes Two" (Rainbow Records)
Tatsuro Yamashita "Love Space" (RCA)
Lemuria "Hunk of Heaven" (Worldblend Music)
Eri Ohno "Skyfire" (Better Days)
Yurie Kokubu "スノッブな夜へ" (Great Tracks)
Kaoru Akimoto "Dress Down" (HMV Record Shop)
Tomoko Aran "I'm In Love" (Warner Bros. Records)
Epo "いつか" (Dear Heart)

https://www.mixcloud.com/eatonradio/bahala-na-w-les-the-dj-eaton-radio-dc-20201022