Brokechella: The Complete Artist Experience

All photos taken by Fernando Cervantes @bedammedia  for Really Not Radio

This is the 5th year Brokechella has opened its arms to embrace the thriving and diverse arts community of  Los Angeles. Brokechella is a platform where independent creators from the performing to visual arts world unite into one space to share their passion with others. And  there is no greater place to showcase up and coming artists than in the revitalized Arts District of downtown
Los Angeles.

Brokechella is the more affordable music festival alternative to Coachella. The curators of Brokechella may have cut the price, but didn't lose quality when it comes to the featured artists. You may not recognize many names on the line up, but all the acts I witnessed are of a high caliber as you will hear from the playlist below. The uber cool thing about Brokechella is that a majority of the attendees are creatives as well. If you threw a penny you would most definitely hit a musician, producer, DJ, photographer, fashion designer, painter, sculptor, radio/tv personality or comedian. This encouraging, supportive atmosphere was birthed several years ago at coffee shop in Venice, CA, and is still prevalent today. You will hear from the audio below, interviews I had with those I crossed paths with. There was so much love everywhere. People from all walks of life being and expressing exactly who they are and enjoying this interactive adult play land.

Brokechella consists of four stages. The cARTel Indoor and Outdoor stage, Brownies And Lemonade and Shifty Rhythms stage. Each stage has a different musical experience. Depending on your preference, you can rock out with indie rock bands, dance to the selections of a dope DJ, relax to the sounds of singers and songwriters or have a FUNKin' good time. If you're like me you will bounce around to all the different stages. I LOVE all music deeply, and need variety. However, it's so cool and convenient to be able to stick to one stage to listen to your favorite type of music if  that's how you roll. If you need a break from the music, said nobody ever, but let's say you did. You can explore the "Broke Kingdom" to stimulate your other senses. There is just so much to see and do. It may feel odd at first, but Frank Rozasy encourages you to walk on his art. Lorna Alkana allows you to engage in a form of freestyle art with her. Then, there was visual artist and singer (Jazmin Sisters), Felicia "feliFRESH" Khong, who started and completed a live painting right before your eyes.

The vendors on site had unique merchandise you actually would WANT to buy. Mafmatiks had the fresh to def hats, Caitlin Nicole Jewelry displayed her beautiful vintage and fine pieces, Infinite Expression had handmade custom apparel to rock, and you were able to screen print your own shirt with Skool Boiz. The food choices were plenty. They had everything from Good Greek Grub to the Pudding Truck, and you could even get peanut butter wasted with Spread PB. To wash it all down Lagunitas Brewing Company provided the yummy beer. While you're chomping and sipping away, buying cool things, hanging with your friends or making new ones you will come across some of the cutest 4-legged friends. Puppychella was back for the 2nd year, and it's safe to say it's here to stay.

Brokechella covered all the details from a logistics and artistic perspective. It ran like a well-oiled machine. Last year, I was impressed with the experience. This year, it felt like family was all around, and we were just having a good ole time. Truthfully, I'm already anticipating Brokechella 2016. Long live the "Broke Kingdom".

Please enjoy the sights and sounds of Brokechella from the picture gallery, music playlist and interviews below.