What makes the Melrose Trading Post so special compared to your average flea or farmers market?
Here’s a hint: it’s not just their wide variety of vendors selling vintage clothing, handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and other unique items, or their fantastic live music and food from local vendors in an eclectic atmosphere.
Although the Melrose Trading Post is wholesome for shopping and overall good vibes, their heart for giving back to Fairfax High School is truly inspiring. According to Natalie Iturbe Jackson, the Marketing and Special Events Manager at the Greenway Arts Alliance, “The Melrose Trading Post has been around since 1997 at Fairfax High School. The organization that puts on the Melrose Trading Post is called the Greenway Arts Alliance, and we’ve been around for about 25 years now, and we fund the Greenway Court Theatre and the Greenway Institute for the Arts which is an Arts Education program for LAUSD students, all through the funds that are raised from the Melrose Trading Post every Sunday!” I was thrilled to learn that the Trading Post also employs Fairfax High School students, which teaches them some lasting life skills and empowers them to explore a variety of career interests and options post high school graduation.
There’s something in the air at Melrose Trading Post, and I was welcomed with open arms by some incredibly friendly and kind individuals. Some notable moments included live performances from Brenda Carsey and Nick Hames, who both captivated the audience with their authentic sounds and easy to listen to music.
I had the honor of getting to chat with some extremely kind and down-to-earth vendors, such as Matt Warren with Paper 8 Apparel based out of DTLA. I couldn’t help but buy a tee shirt featuring his funky drawing of Taylor Swift, a recreation and modern spin off of an old Instagram post, drawn on a 3×3 sticky note and then screen printed. Seriously such a unique piece of merch! Matt’s unique take on Hollywood icons was refreshing and something I can’t wait to hear more about.
I also enjoyed a wonderful conversation with Jennis, who goes by the artist name COATS, a musician turned coffeepreneur and the creator of Melrose Mixology, home of the #BestFuckingColdBrew. The reviews were true… it was the best coffee drink I’ve ever had and Jennis’ inspiring story and heart for each customer that supports his business brought a big smile to my face.
I am so excited to see what 2023 has in store for Melrose Trading Post and the Greenway Arts Alliance as they continue to expand and give back like never before.
Podcast Panels
We also had the good fortune of hosting two panels with some of the brilliant musicians who perform regularly at MTP. Check each one out below:
Panel with Sydney Raneé, Christopher Watson and Ishmael Perez (Smiley Bones Jones)
Post Panel with Michael Paik, Christi Lao and Megan Ukoh
