Movers & Shakers: Garth Trinidad

No other DJ in the last decade has had a bigger influence on Los Angeles music culture than Garth Trinidad. As both a resident DJ with KCRW over the last 15 years and a voting member of The Recording Academy, Trinidad has risen to prominence by championing progressive, creative and often overlooked artistry in urban alternative music. Through his weekly show, Chocolate City, Trinidad has inspired a refashioning of the Los Angeles underground music scene, providing a much-needed platform for new, independent music artists. Further, Chocolate City has evolved into a global soundscape by infusing soulful classics with the best in independent world music.

I’ve had the good fortune of getting to know Garth over the last year and was happy to discover the many layers of the man
behind the music. Garth, a loving husband and father, is also an artist in his own right and, lucky for us, 2013 will be a year of many Trinidad-laced projects. First up, is the KCRW 5th Annual Moja Moja Pre-Grammy Brunch & Benefit Concert happening this Saturday, February 9th at the W in Hollywood. The brunch, which benefits Oxfam America and The Darfur Stoves Project, will honor the legendary George Clinton this year and feature intimate performances by artists such as pianist, Chloe Flowers and Malaysian singer-songwriter, Yuna. This event usually sells out so check here for tickets for more information.

Watch and listen to the first in a two-part series with Garth Trinidad. Stay tuned for more to come!

Photos by Monica Orozco and JLogic.

LA EVENTS: Jill Scott To Host Cancer Walk

Thousands of cancer survivors, research supporters, and friends and family of cancer victims are expected to take to the streets of Los Angeles on Saturday for the sixth Annual Brittiana “Smile for Life” 5-K walk/run. Beginning at 9 a.m. at the Kenneth Hahn Park & Trails, the event will honor Brittiana Henderson, who fell victim to cancer at age 13 on Jan. 31, 2007, and children who are fighting the deadly illness.

Brittiana succumbed to bone cancer and leukemia.

Award-winning R&B singer Jill Scott will host the event alongside 11-year-old Amir Mitchelle Townes, who was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a muscular cancer, at the age of 10. Amir continues to battle for life and others by raising the awareness about cancer.

Amir saved $167 of his allowance and donated it to BrittiCares International, an organization named in honor of Brittiana to help children like himself. The donated funds were used to purchase items for 9-year-old cancer patient Taylor Hall. “I am a winner, and I am not only fighting for myself, but I am fighting for all other kids battling cancer,” Amir said.

His contribution went toward purchasing comforters, lamps and other items in Taylor’s newly decorated bedroom. Although Taylor lost her battle with cancer on April 3, family and friends say she felt the love and support from everyone around her.

Source: Our Weekly