Taco Madness, Obama Blvd Naming Ceremony, and Vinyl ~ GTFO LA!

It’s May! The year is basically half over – where did all that time go? If you haven’t used my weekly guide yet, this is the week to do so. There’s going to be a lot of fun happening this weekend, including our own Taco Madness! So gtfo L.A., and make the most of the weekend!

Taco Madness

FREE

[dropcap size=big]I[/dropcap]t is the first weekend of May, so naturally I want EVERYONE to go to the tenth annual Taco Madness. This party is going to feature the best taquerías in town and is the culmination of Taco Madness, a democratic competition to vote for the hottest taquería in El Eh. There will be tacos, music, and drinks. We’ll have some great DJs with some dope sets. L.A. Taco staff will be there to chill with party goers [I’ll be there all night] and will definitely be available to talk about tacos, Los Angeles, and life. Entrance is free, however tickets for food plates and drinks are priced at $8 each. L.A. Taco members get VIP treatment and can show up and early to avoid crowds. The event runs from 6 pm to 12 am Saturday night at LA Plaza de Cultura y Arte. It’s right in front of Union Station, so super convenient for folks coming in on public transportation – you’re IE and OC friends can come in on the train! Get more details here!

BONUS: The following day, Cinco de Mayo, L.A. Taco is taking over Smorgasburg for a Taco Madness after party. Get details here.

When: Saturday, May 4
Where: LA Plaza, DTLA

Obama Blvd Naming Ceremony

FREE

[dropcap size=big]L[/dropcap]os Angeles is officially unveiling Obama Boulevard in honor of the 44th president, Barack Obama. The ceremony and festival will be at the intersection of Obama Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The  introduction of Obama Boulevard also establishes a “Presidential Row” of roads named after presidents in Los Angeles. L.A. is celebrating in the most L.A. way, with food vendors and food trucks. There will also be performances from Doug E. Fresh, Yo-Yo, BJ The Chicago Kid, Battlecat, Kurupt, Alex Isley, and many more. Get more details and register here.

When: Saturday, May 4
Where: 5001 Rodeo Rd, Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw

La Chamba, We The Folk, Chulita Vinyl Club at Gold Diggers

[dropcap size=big]I[/dropcap]f you want some great local music on May 5, head over to Gold Diggers. This show will feature La Chamba, We The Folk, and Chulita Vinyl Club. La Chamba is described as "Afro-Latin psychedelic urban chicha from Los Angeles." They take their inspiration from Peruvian psychedelic surf pop. La Chamba’s beats are unique, timeless, and beg you to groove along (about to play “Cascabel” on repeat). We The Folk is a mix of flamenco folky funk, and they have a nice theatrical flair. Chulita Vinyl Club DJs will also be there spinning records, so you know it’s going to be good! Support your local vinyl loving mujeres!

When: Sunday, May 5
Where: Gold Diggers, Santa Monica

Cinco De Pie-o

[dropcap size=big]Y[/dropcap]ea, I also cringed at that event title, but whatever. Anyway, the deals are as follows: $5 glasses of sangria, $4 beers, and $5 “enchilada hand Pies” (empanadas?). If one was trying to get tipsy, eat some great pies made from scratch, and giggle about Cinco de Mayo nonsense with some friends, this might be the spot. There’s going to be a DJ too, but I’m most interested in their pie shots. Let me know all about those! Get more details here.

P.S. whatever you do, don’t google "cinco de pie-o."

When: Saturday, April 27
Where: Pie Bar, Long Beach

Discoteca Silencio at Ace Hotel

FREE

[dropcap size=big]H[/dropcap]onestly, silent discos are kinda fun but really trippy if you take off your headphones and watch everyone dancing in silence. Head over to the Ace hotel on Sunday for an new and exciting experience. A DJ battle between KCRW’s Garth Trinidad and Sun Lee is providing the beats for the party. There’s also going to be a ton of mezcal – which i’m really into – and a lot of craft cocktails provided by Mezcal El Silencio. Get more details here.

When: Sunday, May 5
Where: Ace Hotel, DTLA

DUBLAB Presents: VIBING TIME

FREE

[dropcap size=big]A[/dropcap]lso happening at the Ace is “Vibing Time” presented by DUBLAB. Unlike the Discoteca Silencio, Vibing Time is happening in the “upstairs” portion of the ACE hotel from 1 pm to 6 pm (so you could potentially do this and then hop over to the Discoteca Silencio). DUBLAB is a community supported web radio and collective dedicated to growth of progressive music, arts, and culture. Get more details here.

When: Sunday, May 5
Where: Ace Hotel, DTLA

Cinco de Mayo at the Melody Lounge

[dropcap size=big]D[/dropcap]Js Rich Spirit, Listen Recovery, and King Steady Beat are going to spinning  records at the Melody Lounge this May 5th! There’s going to be a mix of cumbia, salsa, tropical, and Latin funk. The Melody Lounge is in Chinatown and is home to a large selection of craft beer. It looks like a chill and lowkey way to have some fun on a Sunday. Stop by and enjoy a drink or two, and listen to some old records before you head into the work week.

When: Sunday, May 5
Where: Melody Lounge, Chinatown

Hot Sauce Hangover Party

[dropcap size=big]O[/dropcap]n Sunday you'll have gone to Taco Madness, had your fill of tacos, micheladas, and other imbibes. You're allowed to nurse a hangover on Cinco de Mayo, people. If you can make it out of the house, come down to Smorgasburg with I Love Micheladas for a hot sauce hangover party. With vendors such as El Machete and Greengo, the official Taco Madness afterparty is sure to give you the kick you need to (maybe) go for another round by lunchtime. Check out the salsa vendors here.

When: Sunday, May 5, 10am-4pm
Where: The Row, DTLA