ARTS Briefs
Random Lengths News has gathered a wide array of local events coming right up, from Native teachings and traditions, to cultural celebrations and jazz festivals. There’s a lot to choose from in the Harbor Area during October.
Sixteenth Many Winters Gathering Of Elders
The Many Winters Gathering of Elders or MWGOE happens Oct. 6 through Oct. 9, at Angels Gate Cultural Center in San Pedro, on Gabrielino-Tongva territory.
The MWGOE is a four-day gathering where Native/Indigenous elders and knowledge-keepers from across the country gather to share teachings through oral tradition with the community. The gathering also hosts various Native ceremonies that take place throughout the four days. The event is family-friendly, open to the public and held in partnership with AGCC.
Elders from local tribes including Gabrielino-Tongva, Acjachemen, Fernandeño Tataviam, Chumash and other California tribes have attended in the past and will join in October. Tribal elders from other regions (Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Montana, South Dakota and others) are expected, as well. The gathering takes place under an arbor which serves as the traditional place of teaching and learning – where elders pass on knowledge to the younger generation, which is part of intergenerational healing from historical trauma.
The first MWGOE was held on Oct. 12, 1992, in response to the false narrative represented by the quincentennial celebrations of Christopher Columbus’ “discovery of America.” Today, the Gathering continues to be an important occasion for the Native/Indigenous community, to reconnect to and practice ceremony, and to celebrate 530 years of spiritual survival. It also allows access for the general public to learn and acknowledge the traditional knowledge and values that have supported and sustained Native lifeways.
During the 16th Many Winters Gathering of Elders, no alcohol, drugs, cameras, pictures, video or other recording equipment are allowed; the MWGOE Organizing Committee requests that attendees respect and observe ceremonial protocol.
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 6 through Oct. 9
Cost: Free
Details: 562-265-8423; linktr.ee/mwgoe
Venue: Angels Gate Cultural Center, 3601 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro
Festival of Books for Children
Kick off Filipino American History Month and join the first-ever Festival of Books for Children at the Philippine Expressions Bookshop. The event kickstarts the celebration of Filipino-American History Month. This is a special day because Marylaine Viernes will not only be the master of ceremonies, but also one of the featured children’s book authors. Enjoy many fun activities and meet other brilliant Filipino American writers. Time: 1 to 6 p.m., Oct. 4
Cost: Free Details: http://www.philippinebookshop.com/
Venue: Philippine Expressions Bookshop, 479 W. 6th St., Ste. 105 San Pedro
Filipino American History Month Kick-Off
The Filipino American History Month kickoff celebration in Carson will showcase amazing talents and performing artists in music, creative arts, and other varied forms of entertainment from the Filipino American community.
Headlining this year’s event are the Filharmonic and Jay R. Filharmonic is an LA-based acapella group featured on NBC’s musical competition The Sing-Off and featured in viral sensation Pitch Perfect 2. Jay R is a Filipino American singer, songwriter, record producer, actor and model. In 2008, he released a cover album, Soul in Love, his highest-rated and biggest-selling album. He made his big screen debut in the 2004 feature film Happy Together, and later released his self-titled second album in 2005.
Other performers also include The Voice Philippines’ grand finalist Janice Javier, comedians Eric Escobar and Rex Navarrete, performer and host Erik Escobar, singers and songwriters Jules Aurora, Chris Chatman and Ardyanna Ducusin. The event will be hosted by Michael Palma and ABC7 Eyewitness News health specialist Denise Dador.
Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 2
Cost: Free
Details: Parks and Recreation at 310-847-3570
Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park, 18400 Avalon Blvd., Carson