Reader blogger Robin Tung already mentioned the Kava Lounge fundraiser for the Balboa Park lily pond, which was damaged in a late night water gun fight last month when a few dozen of the several hundreds participants hopped in the iconic pond, causing approximately $10,000 in damage.
I want to add to Tung’s coverage with a personal statement from fundraiser coordinator Donnie ‘EshOne’ Valdez, who is curating the event alongside Mixster.com, Dataset Clothing, Elk Beats, and Eric Yo Presents.
“My name is Donnie Valdez. I have been involved with the underground music culture of San Diego for nearly eight years now. While I believe that San Diego's underground music scene is constantly struggling to define itself, or even stay alive for that matter, there has always been a strong source of inspiration for all San Diego artists in Balboa Park. I know that many individuals of and around my generation feel the same, and were disheartened to hear of the recent vandalism of the park.
“Knowing how strongly San Diego residents feel about Balboa Park, I doubt that Balboa Park or its supporters will find any difficulty in funding this, or any future repairs that may result from unwarranted and disrespectful activities in the park.
“Luckily, thanks to a lot of support from volunteers and donations from park lovers, most of these repairs have already been completed or are underway. In my eyes, what has been damaged and overlooked is the younger generation's reputation in the city of San Diego. The media uses keywords that reflect much of what we do to promote our art and music events, to describe the offending group.
“This fundraiser event is not solely for raising money to repair the pond and landscaping, it is also meant to signify the real existence of people who DO appreciate places like Balboa Park, and do not take them for granted. I may not have much to give financially, but what I can contribute is an ability & a means to inspire young people to recognize and appreciate the people, places, and organizations that are indeed essential for the existence of creativity and FUN in our community. That's all this is about... Fun!
“I refuse to place blame on anyone or react negatively. I doubt that anyone involved in the incident had any real intentions to vandalize the park. Maybe a few of these individuals just need something they can identify with to open their eyes.
“I encourage everyone to come to this event. For those with an ear for underground electronic music, you are in for a treat! For those with a lot to learn, this is a great place to start. Our events are friendly, with a very diverse following, and are a fantastic place to network for just about anyone in Southern California.
“The visiting talent we have from Los Angeles; artists/DJs, Deco and Mesck, are truly innovative and are bringing a style of Bass Music down to San Diego that will translate well on Kava Lounge's renowned sound system.
“The local music support we have is from two of San Diego's most well known supporters of the Bass Music scene. Long time San Diego music veteran Eric Yo has been producing and playing Bass Music events for over a decade, and is no stranger to events with charity or other great causes in mind.
“North County resident, P Man, is one of the first people to be involved in the dubstep movement of San Diego, and has been supporting and playing events since day one.
“As for visual artists, we are lucky to not only have AY-AR painting live during the event, he has also kindly offered to raffle off his finished piece at the end of the event, with proceeds going to Friends of Balboa Park.
“I look forward to meeting many like-minded individuals inspired to support one of San Diego's most beautiful locales and to seeing lots of friendly faces at the Balboa Park Lily Pond Fundraiser event on September 14th, 2012 at The Kava Lounge (2812 Kettner Blvd., SD 92101.)”
Those who wish to donate online may do so here.
http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/04/30829/
Reader blogger Robin Tung already mentioned the Kava Lounge fundraiser for the Balboa Park lily pond, which was damaged in a late night water gun fight last month when a few dozen of the several hundreds participants hopped in the iconic pond, causing approximately $10,000 in damage.
I want to add to Tung’s coverage with a personal statement from fundraiser coordinator Donnie ‘EshOne’ Valdez, who is curating the event alongside Mixster.com, Dataset Clothing, Elk Beats, and Eric Yo Presents.
“My name is Donnie Valdez. I have been involved with the underground music culture of San Diego for nearly eight years now. While I believe that San Diego's underground music scene is constantly struggling to define itself, or even stay alive for that matter, there has always been a strong source of inspiration for all San Diego artists in Balboa Park. I know that many individuals of and around my generation feel the same, and were disheartened to hear of the recent vandalism of the park.
“Knowing how strongly San Diego residents feel about Balboa Park, I doubt that Balboa Park or its supporters will find any difficulty in funding this, or any future repairs that may result from unwarranted and disrespectful activities in the park.
“Luckily, thanks to a lot of support from volunteers and donations from park lovers, most of these repairs have already been completed or are underway. In my eyes, what has been damaged and overlooked is the younger generation's reputation in the city of San Diego. The media uses keywords that reflect much of what we do to promote our art and music events, to describe the offending group.
“This fundraiser event is not solely for raising money to repair the pond and landscaping, it is also meant to signify the real existence of people who DO appreciate places like Balboa Park, and do not take them for granted. I may not have much to give financially, but what I can contribute is an ability & a means to inspire young people to recognize and appreciate the people, places, and organizations that are indeed essential for the existence of creativity and FUN in our community. That's all this is about... Fun!
“I refuse to place blame on anyone or react negatively. I doubt that anyone involved in the incident had any real intentions to vandalize the park. Maybe a few of these individuals just need something they can identify with to open their eyes.
“I encourage everyone to come to this event. For those with an ear for underground electronic music, you are in for a treat! For those with a lot to learn, this is a great place to start. Our events are friendly, with a very diverse following, and are a fantastic place to network for just about anyone in Southern California.
“The visiting talent we have from Los Angeles; artists/DJs, Deco and Mesck, are truly innovative and are bringing a style of Bass Music down to San Diego that will translate well on Kava Lounge's renowned sound system.
“The local music support we have is from two of San Diego's most well known supporters of the Bass Music scene. Long time San Diego music veteran Eric Yo has been producing and playing Bass Music events for over a decade, and is no stranger to events with charity or other great causes in mind.
“North County resident, P Man, is one of the first people to be involved in the dubstep movement of San Diego, and has been supporting and playing events since day one.
“As for visual artists, we are lucky to not only have AY-AR painting live during the event, he has also kindly offered to raffle off his finished piece at the end of the event, with proceeds going to Friends of Balboa Park.
“I look forward to meeting many like-minded individuals inspired to support one of San Diego's most beautiful locales and to seeing lots of friendly faces at the Balboa Park Lily Pond Fundraiser event on September 14th, 2012 at The Kava Lounge (2812 Kettner Blvd., SD 92101.)”
Those who wish to donate online may do so here.
http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2012/sep/04/30829/