Filter Magazine's Culture Collide 2011

                       FILTER  MAGAZINE - "Good Music Will Prevail"

In the twentieth century, "culture" emerged as a concept central to anthropology, encompassing all human phenomena that are not purely results of human genetics. Specifically, the term "culture" in American anthropology had two meanings: (1) the evolved human capacity to classify and represent experiences with symbols, and to act imaginatively and creatively; and (2) the distinct ways that people living in different parts of the world classified and represented their experiences, and acted creatively.

Thank you to Alan Miller and Alan Sartirana for producing a music festival that includes everyone from everywhere and transports them to the center of our great city, literally. Culture Collide celebrates all forms of song, showcases all types of talent and brings the world of music together for a perfect example of unity and camaraderie.

John Lennon would be inspired. Imagine.

FILTER Magazine’s Culture Collide is an international festival welcoming artist from all over the world. Alan Miller and Alan Sartirana co-creators, co-owners, co-publishers, co-producers of Filter Magazine put on a four day talent infused music festival know as Culture Collide.

It is a musical and multi-cultural melting pot of those dedicated to their love of music and grassroots.

I met so many intriguing, fascinating characters that I was often mesmerized by observing the simplest of moves, words, acts. There was a welcoming feeling all round… despite my glittering. I must share though… I did where a black pair of air walk sneakers instead of my usual. But, they were sparkly sneakers. Can’t help myself! Really. Nobody seemed to judge and some people I discovered were actually closet glitter fans and wanted me to rub some off on them. Not sure what to do with that one but let’s just say the glitter remained on me.

T-shirts and jeans, kicks of all kinds, caps and some hats made up the majority of the chill dressed populous. Just like the music. Simple. Basic. Relaxed. Except for maybe the punk/rock artists who belted out and did things I have never seen or heard before.

It is stimulating to watch these magnetic artists, many of them struggling and starving, as the saying goes. They play and sing and generate a unique sound for all of us to absorb. As I inhale and later digest I am elevated by their passion. They are true to form and slaves to their muse but what magic to our ears they create.

Culture Collide explempifies that when “one is in their power” they are truly emulating greatness. And by witnessing this over and over, at the end of the set, I am beyond inspired.

I wish the best of luck to all of them.


Sharla xoxo

Indulge LA 2011

Chocolate causes certain endocrine glands to secrete hormones that affect your feelings and behavior by making you happy. Therefore, it counteracts depression, in turn reducing the stress of depression. Your stress-free life helps you maintain a youthful disposition, both physically and mentally. So, eat lots of chocolate!

Elaine Sherman, Book of Divine Indulgences

INDULGE LA 2011 is a deliciously decadent event put on by the master himself Alan Semsar of Barcelona Enterprises.

Alan is extremely skilled when it comes to putting together any celebration  with grace and ease.  There is excitement in the air, people are preparing and buzzing everywhere.  In the middle of all of this you will find Alan dressed in a very stylish shiny suit… cool, calm, collected and focused on the event at hand.  He directs his staff and volunteers with respect and kindness as he validates the image of one who has been in this leading position for many years.

Finally, before the imaginary curtain goes up… all is in place and ready for an eager audience.  The show begins.

Although you will find Alan swiftly walking with purpose through the whole event, for the duration of the event, making sure things are running smoothly… you will also see him enjoying his creation as he shares in a joke, tease and/or a laugh.

He is inspiring to watch.

Every event that Barcelona Enterprises produces is connected to a charity.  Giving back is part of who Alan is.  Events with benefits for those in need.

Could it get any better?  I LOVE IT!!!

THE LOCATION

I was very happy to be at the Olympic Collection where I could wear a pretty, purple dress, high heels and still be comfortable.

They had restrooms.  REALLY NICE ONES TOO!  No out-houses.  YESSS!!!!  WINNING!!!  My push up and my glitter and my heels were finally back at home.

Hristomir wore ripped jeans and a t-shirt.  It’s a good thing he is so LOVEABLE :)

THE TREATS

Ummm….   YUM!!!

World class artists prepared a selection of the very best chocolate, cakes, pastries, and confections.  My mouth was very happy.

These are the people that make our taste buds go round.  Artists in their own right.  Creative, masterful and innovative.  Passionate about food, life and sweets.

The time and effort it takes to make just one tiny chocolate is unbelievable but worth every melting moment.  The cakes, cupcakes, cookies are masterpieces.  The confections straight out of the the Willie Wonka Chocolate Factory… and you enjoy all of this in one fabulously delicious afternoon.

The Champagne flows, Christine Divine from Fox 11 New shows up to support and share in all the splendor, Salsalicious performs some hot hot hot dance moves, the crooner croons, Priscilla the Psychic projects her insight and Indulge LA is in now full INDULGE mode.

 

Indulge LA benefits one of the most amazing organizations in the world. St. Jude Children's Hospital will receive the net proceeds from this amazing chocolate and pastry show.