Mar Vista Family Center

Mar Vista Family Center (MVFC)
4th Annual Sights and Sounds of DJ Dusk Art & Music Festival
Sunday May 2nd, 2010 3pm-7pm

The 4th Annual Sights and Sounds of DJ Dusk Art & Music Festival returns for its fourth installment on Sunday, May 2nd, 2010, four years after the passing of the renowned LA deejay/youth mentor for whom it is named after. Hosted by the By Youth For Youth (BYFY) Leadership group of Mar Vista Family Center (MVFC), the Art & Music Festival will bring together the surrounding community and the friends, family, and colleagues of this LA pioneer. This is a free event open to the public and will take place from 3:00pm to 7:00pm at MVFC, 5075 S. Slauson Ave., Culver City, CA 90230.

There will be live music from some of MVFC’s own youth leaders, in addition to the local up-and-coming chicha cumbia band La Chamba. Also performing are veteran Latin-journeymen The Boogaloo Assassins, serving up greasy beats reminiscent of 1960’s and 70’s Spanish Harlem and acclaimed Stones Throw artist Aloe Blacc. San Francisco’s famed DJ and party rocker, Sake 1 (Local 1200), will recount his favorite stories and experiences with his fallen “soul” brother, the late DJ Dusk. Spinning some of DJ Dusk’s favorite music throughout the day will be LA legend Marvski, KCRW night owl Anthony Valadez, along with Gazoo, DJ Concise and others. The Dance Room will host an art exhibit displaying pieces from local youth as well as acclaimed artists from across LA’s urban landscape. Also in the Dance Room will be the silent auction, which will feature artwork from some of LA’s renowned artists and other memorabilia and items of value that are sure to generate bidding wars. In the multimedia room there will be DJ workshops facilitated by some of DJ Dusk’s colleagues, teaching children and youth of the community tricks of the trade (deejaying). Appetites are strongly suggested as there will be tacos, gorditas (vegetarian friendly) and refreshments available for sale.

In May of 2007, the Sights and Sounds of DJ Dusk Festival, which has since become an annual celebration, commemorated the life of long-time MVFC employee and youth leader, Tarek "DJ Dusk" Captan. On April 29, 2006, Tarek tragically lost his life to a drunk driver. He was walking his girlfriend across the street to her car after a quinceañera. His last heroic act was to push her out of the way of the speeding car, saving her life. His absence has been felt citywide, especially at MVFC. Through art, music, and civic education, Tarek was able to reach wide audiences across the Los Angeles landscape and beyond. During his ten years of service here at Mar Vista, he was able to empower youth with the tools to seek higher education and social justice.

Since DJ Dusk was an advocate for expression through art, music, dance and photography, this festival has become the primary funding source to improve the existing creative arts programs and to furnish the multimedia room. The proceeds raised from this event will be directed to purchasing new equipment and instruments to complement the programs which will feature deejaying, video making and editing, music, photography, and all forms of art and dance.

Mar Vista Family Center is a nationally recognized program that creates positive changes through dozens of community programs, including BYFY, which promotes individual and social responsibility among youth. The BYFY program provides positive role models and important leadership development tools for 90 underprivileged youths, ranging in age from 13 to 21. These youths, in turn, supervise enriching activities for 600 children and preteens who attend programs at MVFC year-round.

“None of us are as strong as ALL of us.” – DJ Dusk

Sponsorship Packet
If interested in becoming a sponsor for the Annual Sights and Sounds of DJ Dusk Art & Music Festival, please click here.

Silent Aution Donation Form
If interested in showing your support by donating to our silent aution, please click here.