Art connoisseur to this beautiful movement we call CHICANO.
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CHICANO ART MOVEMENT visits: AAA ELECTRA 99 CO-OP GALLERY - PRESENTS: ALICE BAG - AUGUST 16, 2012
Alice doing a soundcheck
CAM:
On August 16 I took a trip out to Anaheim, California to see punk rock legend Alice Bag read from her book Violence Girl: East L.A. Rage to Hollywood Stage, a Chicana Punk Story, and to also watch this chicana rock goddess perform.
I was able to meet and chat with this influencal woman prior to her inspiring performance. One of the questions asked was what MEChA chapter was she from as a youth. As I miss read an older ineterview and thought she was a MEChA member. But, Alice told me “MEChA did not let me join because of the way I dressed.”
Violence Girl: East L.A. Rage to Hollywood Stage, a Chicana Punk Story.
BUY IT!
I first heard of this punker by the name of Alice Bag in the early 2000’s, but never had a chance to listen to her music until I came upon a website promoting the exhibition (I could no longer find website) ‘Vexing: Female Voices From East L.A. Punk’ traces the history and the legacy of a key era. That is when I went searching for The Bags music and came upon her song Violence Girl. The more I learned the more I was intriged about her and chicanos in punk. Having spent most of my time learning about the visual movement it was exciting to learn raza was involved in this music medium called “Punk Rock.”
Alice and her band pay tribute to punk rockers Pussy Riot
Photo courtesy of: Anita
One of the treats for me was when Alice did her soundcheck and covered Angel Baby by Rosie & The Originals. The intimate crowd stood up and took attention while this legend warmed up with an oldie but a goodie.
Having lured me in closer with a classic from the barrio, I found my way to a great spot close to the stage to watch this educator/feminist/writer, read excerpts from her autobiography and play some great tunes inbetween the excertps read of her book.
As she read from her book Violence Girl, I was able to learn about the many facets of this super mujer called, Alice Bag.
Alice Bag reading from the chapters of Violence Girl
Photo courtesy of: Anita
Prior to each song Alice played, the crowd and I were gifted with a story about chosen tune, and in one story the enamored crowd and I learned about her crushes on David Bowie and Elton John. That is when a punk cover of Elton John’s “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fightin,” was belted with such fireceness by this “Violence Girl”
After her performance Alice Bag did a Q&A, that is where I learned about the early days of Alice and the Bags. From why they performed with bags over their heads (equality), to her brief affiliation with the notorious Kim Fowley. I also learned on how their is no “official” Alice and the Bags studio album, only singles were released.
Punk Rock legend Alice Bag at her finest.
I would like to thank AAA ELECTRA 99 Gallery (phenomanal last event at Anaheim location) and the lovely Alice Bag for her performance, being awesome and inspriational. I purchased a book and poster at the event signed both by Alice for my collection.
I even was lucky enough to take a picture with this amazing Rocker.
Thank you Alice, ROCK ON!
More images at Chicano Art Movement Facebook
