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
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 🌿
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 ✨
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
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! ⠀
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Thanks for having us at Shopkeepers, Seda! Love you and your little family.⠀
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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!
NextNOW Fest 2020
I’m so excited to be a part of NextNOW Fest 2020! I’ll be playing a set after mxmtoon’s performance on Thursday, September 10. Thanks for the invite, Megan!
NextNOW Fest 2020
Venue: Mixcloud
September 10, Thursday, 10-11PM
RSVP: NNF.UMD.EDU
Looking forward to playing an all-vinyl set of Asian and Asian American and Pacific Islander artists!
March Calendar Update
It’s Women’s History Month! Here’s where you’ll find me this March:
3/3 Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area (CFCNCA)’s Finale and Awards Ceremony, representing Girls Rock! DC
3/5 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
3/9 National League of Cities Congressional City Conference
3/10 National League of Cities Congressional City Conference
3/11 Panel: Find Comfort in Uncomfortable Places at Arc'teryx (6-8PM)
3/12 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM) [CANCELLED]
3/12 NGA Nights: GRL PWR at the National Gallery of Art (6-9PM) [CANCELLED]
3/21 Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Cherry Blossom Family Celebration at the Kogod Courtyard (my slot is from 12:15-1:15PM) [CANCELLED]
3/21 Sister Sister at Showtime (10PM-2AM) [CANCELLED]
3/26 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM) [CANCELLED]
3/26 APALA Census Dance Party (8-10PM) [Virtual]
3/27 Allegory (10PM-2AM) [CANCELLED]
3/28 Neptune Room (10PM-2AM) [CANCELLED]
See you at one or more of these events 🌿
Photo: Mark Anthony Enriquez
Allegory + PRESENT TENSE
Tonight, I'll be playing records all night at Allegory with new music from my travels. They’ve got fancy cocktails, mocktails and super nice bartenders. Needle drops at 10PM.
Photo: Oscar Olmedo
On Saturday afternoon, I’m playing records Transformer from 2-5PM for Farrah Skeiky’s book release. She’s one of my favorite people in DC and am a fan of her work! First 100 copies of her photo book “PRESENT TENSE” will be available.
Photo: Farrah Skeiky
2/28 Allegory at the Eaton DC (10PM-2AM)
2/29 PRESENT TENSE: DC Punk and DIY, Right Now by Farrah Skeiky book release at Transformer (2-5PM)
See you soon ✨
Happy New Year! January Calendar Update
Illustation: Minori Uemura
Happy New Year, World! ✨
I just got home from DJing two NYE parties and I’m wide awake.
Here is where you’ll hear me playing tunes for sure this month:
1/9 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
1/16 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
1/17 Admerasia’s 25th Anniversary w/ Ruby Ibarra and Year of the Ox
1/23 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
1/24 Presentation: T.C. Williams International Academy
1/24 Allegory (10PM-2AM)
1/31 Punk Soul Sisters w/ Sally Go Round and DJ Daisy Lacy at Showtime Bar (10PM-2AM)
October Calendar Update
It’s Filipino American History Month!
How’s your October going so far? Mine’s been a bit contemplative.
I moved to the U.S. 20 years ago this month, painfully leaving everyone I know. I wanted to give Anak a good life. I think it worked out! Anak was able to join us a few years ago and now he’s a sophomore at the University of Washington. Community helped me survive and thrive in the past two decades. Thank you.
Tomorrow, I’m DJing at one of my most favorite museums in DC, the National Gallery of Art, from 6-9PM.
On Saturday afternoon, I’m DJing DC Punk Archive’s 5th Year Anniversary! I’m on at 2:30PM then CORIKY (Amy Farina - Ian MacKaye - Joe Lally) goes on at 4:00PM.
In commemoration of Filipino American History Month and with the help of my friends, I’m throwing us a FAHM Celebration on Saturday with one of the dopest rappers on earth, Ruby Ibarra.
Here’s where you hear me playing tunes the rest of the month:
10/3 Coach Diversity Institute Culture at Work | Symposium for Coaching in Diversity and Inclusion at the Newseum
10/10 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
10/10 NGA Nights: Art History Mysteries, After Hours at the National Gallery of Art (6-9PM)
10/11 Allegory (10PM-2AM)
10/12 DC Punk Archive 5th Anniversary Celebration
10/12 SULONG! A Filipinx American History Month Celebration w/ Ruby Ibarra at Wild Days (10PM)
10/17 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
10/17 DC Jobs With Justice "2019 I'll Be There Awards"
10/18 Pyramid Atlantic
10/18 Taking the P*ss - Goodbye To All That w/ The Kaiser at Marx Café (10PM-3AM)
SAMASAMA Presents: SULONG! A Filipinx American History Month Celebration
Illustration: Michelle Chen
SAMASAMA Presents:
SULONG! A Filipinx American History Month Celebration
Wild Days, Eaton DC | 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005
October 12, 2019, Saturday, 11PM Doors, 21+
Eventbrite [FREE w/ RSVP] | FB
Ruby Ibarra
Wabi-Sabi Society
Marie Anamong Ramos
Les The DJ
Sulong means “push forward” in Tagalog. This event will highlight and celebrate Filipinx artists that are pushing the creative boundaries of traditional art and cultural performances. Featuring artwork by Ashley Dequilla.
SULONG! will kick the night off with inspiring and talented Filipinx artists and honor this year’s Filipino American National Historical Society’s FilAm History Month theme, “Pinay Visionaries: Filipina American Women”. Join us as we celebrate Pinays for their strength and contribution to the cultural landscape of America.
Special edition SULONG! and SAMASAMA gear hand screen printed by Soul & Ink available for purchase. Pre-order now and pick-up at the event.
* Many thanks to SAMASAMA’s community partners, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), Jamie Garcia, Andrea Kim Neighbors and to the Eaton/Wild Days for hosting us.
October 1991 marked the United States' first Filipino American History Month (FAHM). This month commemorates the major contribution of Filipino American early identity in the US. SAMASAMA is honoring FAHM for its efforts of encouraging diverse narratives through art, food, and culture.
September Calendar Update
Illustration: Katrin Davis
Here (and cool weddings) is where you’ll hear me playing tunes this month:
9/1 Beats & Burgers: DJ 101 with Les The DJ and DJ Zombie at Slash Run
9/5 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
9/6 I Dig Your Mind: Come Dig Our Minds Edition at Showtime (10PM-2AM)
9/7 Smithsonian APA Center Presents: Queer Futurisms feat. Olivia Neutron-John, Zavé Martohardjono and Les The DJ at The REACH Opening Festival at the Kennedy Center
9/8 DC Public Library Performance Tent - 18th & Belmont at Adams Morgan Day (12-1:15PM)
9/12 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
9/13 National Women’s Law Center Reception for Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
9/19 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
9/19 Ambassador’s Night of Jazz & Conversation
9/20 Taking The Piss “A Night of Good Music” at Marx Café (10PM-2AM)
9/22 Homespun feat. Que Verde (live set) at Black Cat
9/25 NARAL Pro-Choice America Cocktail Reception
9/26 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
9/27 Allegory (10PM-2AM)
And lastly, SAVE THE DATE! On 10/12, Saturday, I will be hosting SULONG! A Filipinx American History Month Celebration Featuring Ruby Ibarra at Wild Days. Details to follow.
Mt. Pleasant: The Social Power of Music
I’ve been DJing at Marx Café in Mt. Pleasant for almost 17 years now and have always loved the neighborhood. Tomorrow I’ll be on a sold out panel with some of my oldest pals.
First Ladies to Anthology of Booty: Women’s DJ Collectives in D.C.
Lost Origins Gallery | 3110 Mt. Pleasant St. NW, Washington, D.C.
August 8, 2019, Thursday, 7-9PM
Eventbrite
Join us for a discussion on the past, present, and future of women’s DJ collectives in Washington, D.C.
Moderator: Allison Wolfe (Bratmobile, riot grrrl, I’m in the Band podcast)
Panelists:
Ebony Dumas (DJ Natty Boom)
Les Talusan (Les The DJ)
Maegan Wood (DJ Junebullet)
Kristy Chavez-Fernandez (Kristy La rAt)
Kristina Gray (DJ K La Rock)
This Smithsonian Folklife Festival event is co-presented by the D.C.: The Social Power of Music program and is supported in part by Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative.
August Calendar Update
Illustration: Katrin Davis
How’s your summer going so far? It was so nice this evening at Fort Reno. The last show of the season is on Monday, 8/5. Hope to see you there!
My friend and co-DJ instructor at Girls Rock! DC, DJ Zombie and I are hosting a DJ 101 Workshop at Slash Run on 9/1. Please join us! Register here for yourself or for a friend.
Here’s where you’ll hear me playing tunes this month:
8/1 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
8/4 JALSA: A Muslim Writers Salon [2019 Asian American Literature Festival] at Wild Days (2:30-4PM) - Register
8/8 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
8/8 Panel: First Ladies to Anthology of Booty: Women’s DJ Collectives in the District of Columbia w/ Allison Wolfe at Lost Origins Gallery (7-9PM)
8/9 Allegory (10PM-2AM)
8/10 GR!DC End of Summer Celebration! (1-4PM)
8/15 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
8/16 Taking The Piss “A Night of Good Music” at Marx Café (10PM-2AM)
8/22 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
8/23 Caz’s Underground Party at Marx Café (10PM-2AM)
8/29 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
8/30 Punk Soul Sisters at Showtime (10PM-2AM)
A little something special for September:
9/1 Beats & Burgers: DJ 101 with Les The DJ and DJ Zombie at Slash Run - Register
July Calendar Update
Summer’s finally here and the outdoor pools in DC are open!
I took these photos a couple of months ago when I was invited to talk to elementary school students about my career.
Here’s where you’ll hear me playing tunes this month:
7/11 Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel (2-3PM)
7/11 DJ 101 - Girls Rock! DC 2019 Summer Workshop Series: Learn to DJ and Make A Mini Mix! (6-8PM) - Register
7/12 Punk Soul Sisters at Slash Run (10PM-1:30AM)
7/18 Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel (2-3PM)
7/19 Taking The Piss “A Night of Good Music” at Marx Café (10PM-2AM)
7/25 Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel (2-3PM)
7/25 REMIX Express Yourself(ie) at the National Portrait Gallery (6-8:30PM)
7/26 Keep On Movin' “A 90’s Dance Night” at Ten Tigers (10PM-2AM)
June Calendar Update
Hi, it’s June! Catch me playing tunes this month ✨
6/11 Rent the Runway “Sip & Style” at Sonoma Wine Bar (5-7PM)
6/21 Taking The Piss “A Night of Good Music” at Marx Café (10PM-2AM)
6/22 America Now: Celebration of Music at the National Museum of American History (11AM-1PM) - Tickets
6/22 Community Weekend: Celebrating The Life of Animals in Japanese Art at the National Gallery of Art (5-8PM) - RSVP
6/22 By The People International Arts and Dialogue Festival “Solstice Saturday” at the Smithsonian’s Arts + Industries Building (9-11PM)
6/23 Community Weekend: Celebrating The Life of Animals in Japanese Art at the National Gallery of Art (11AM-5PM) - RSVP
6/30 Workshop: Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Presents Likha: A Learning Together Workshop on Creative Process w/ Ruby Ibarra for youth ages 14-19 (12-3PM) - Register
6/30 The DC Record Fair Summer 2019 Edition at Eaton DC (4-5PM)
See you soon!
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Illustration: Katrin Davis
Happy AAPIHM!
We are celebrating by creating new traditions and building community through art with our 3rd Annual SAMASAMA Art Show and Gathering! Join us tonight at Shopkeepers for the opening reception. I will also be curating an all-vinyl set of music by Asian/Asian American and Pacific Islander artists ✨
When I’m not DJing weddings or taking photos, here’s where I’ll be playing tunes:
5/1 SAMASAMA Opening Reception at Shopkeepers
5/2 Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel
5/2 The KGB at Compass Spring Party for Friends and Clients at Gaslight Tavern
5/3 Petworth First Fridays at Petworth Fitness
5/9 Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel
5/14 Power Your Day with Rent the Runway at Compass Coffee McPherson Square (8-11AM)
5/15 Power Your Day with Rent the Runway at Compass Coffee Chinatown (8-11AM)
5/16 Power Your Day with Rent the Runway at Compass Coffee Farragut (8-11AM)
5/16 Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel
5/17 Power Your Day with Rent the Runway at Compass Coffee Georgetown (3-6PM)
5/17 Taking The Piss w/ The Kaiser at Marx Café
5/18 Power Your Day with Rent the Runway at Compass Coffee Spring Valley (8-11AM)
5/19 SAMASAMA Family Day at Shopkeepers
5/23 Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel
5/24 All Night at Allegory
5/25 SAMASAMA Closing Reception at Shopkeepers
5/26 Movie/Brunch: Better Luck Tomorrow at Slash Run
5/28 Presentation: Harmony Hills Elementary School Career Day
5/30 Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel
5/30 Midnight Driver at Black Cat
5/31 Punk Soul Sisters w/ Sally Go Round at Showtime Bar
Photo Credit: Mel Valera
Hi! I'm Les.
