Culture & Media
Woody Guthrie at 100: This Party Is Your Party

The words of some songs seem to ring true forever. Especially Woody Guthrie’s “Do-Re-Mi,” with its scathing appreciation of life in the Golden State:
California is a garden of Eden, a paradise to live in or see;
But believe it or not, you won’t find it so hot
If you ain’t got the do-re-mi.
This Saturday, July 14 (Bastille Day!), A Better World’s A-Coming honors the Dust Bowl Bard’s 100th birthday with “An Echo Park Tribute to Woody Guthrie” – what its organizers, the Trailer Trash Project (TTP), are calling “a free backyard picnic celebrating the life and music of Echo Park resident Woody Guthrie.” But wait, there’s more! “Enjoy an afternoon concert of hip-hop, blues, jazz, psychedelic and bluegrass by Woody-inspired musicians. Art activities [including children’s music and storytelling] will take place throughout the day. End the day with a second line parade led by Superbroke Brass and Tin Marching Band Ensemble.”
The festivities, which advertise appearances by Michelle Shocked and Krip Hop Nation’s Leroy Moore, take place at El Centro del Pueblo, 1157 Lemoyne Street, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Immediately afterward, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Echo, 1822 W. Sunset Boulevard, the TTP joins with Occupy Fights Foreclosures to raise funds for Skid Row housing. Alt-hip hoppers Olmeca will be headlining (suggested donation: $10).

-
Column - State of InequalityJuly 10, 2025
Will Covered California Land on Life Support?
-
Column - California UncoveredJune 18, 2025
Can Gov. Gavin Newsom Make Californians Healthier?
-
Beyond the BorderJune 24, 2025
Here’s What’s Happening to the People ICE Arrests in Immigration Court
-
Beyond the BorderJuly 8, 2025
With a Jar of Blood as Evidence, Detained Man Tells Immigration Judge ‘I am Dying Little by Little’
-
Latest NewsJune 30, 2025
Trained Volunteers Patrol L.A. Streets as ICE Raids Intensify
-
Striking BackJune 23, 2025
Nurses Run Up Against Labor Board Stalled By Trump
-
Featured VideoJune 19, 2025
The Crackdown on L.A. Protests is Costing the City Millions.
-
Latest NewsJune 27, 2025
LAPD Arrest of Journalist at ICE Raid Fuels Press Freedom Fears