Today we’d like to introduce you to David Cardena.
David, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
LA JUNTA, or ‘the gathering’ in Spanish, was established in the summer of 2013 as a bi-weekly summer event bringing together people of all backgrounds in the name of friendship, dancing, and music from points all across the globe. Its humble beginning saw maybe 30-40 guest at each event held on a tiny Patio of a sushi restaurant in Pasadena Ca.
At the end of the First year, a tiny buzz had spread and a big event would see 60 guests. Unfortunately, the restaurant had to close and the group began the search for a new venue. Many venues in Pasadena could not understand the vision or the event itself so the group decided to look elsewhere. Not ready to compete with bigger, more established DTLA based events La junta found a new home on the slightly larger second floor patio of the Cantina “Fronteras” in Alhambra Ca. a small buzz had begun to go grow around the event and guest from LA began to attend regularly. Event now saw an Agv attendance of 80-100 guest and began to include Live bands as part of the event.
At the end of the second year, La Junta had established itself as an event worth the most seasoned party goers time and the attendance had grown to over 150 guests per event (more than could comfortably fit on the Patio) during this time the Venue also changed owner ship and things became a bit unstable. The group decided it was best to move and take a shot at taking the event to the next level. An opportunity to move to the roof-top Patio of Don Chente in DTLA presented itself and the group with much discussion, fear & excitement agreed to host the remainder of its summer events there.
This move was the beginning of La Junta becoming one of LA’s top Latin/Afro-Latin events. Attendance now regularly tops 500 guest and the level of talent brought to each event is some of the best LA and the west coast has to offer.
Event-goers are treated to sun-kissed afternoons in an outdoor cantina, as cool breezes, music, food, libations, smiles, and dance moves joyfully flow into dusk.
At a typical LJ summer gathering, Resident deejays (Glenn Red, Yukicito, degruvme) take music lovers on a tropical sojourn to Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Africa, Cuba, Puerto Rico, India, Mexico and back to the underground clubs of our own American metropolises. Alongside the selectors, guest musicians, dance ensembles and visual artists collaborate in unison to create a spirited outing for the musically adventurous and fun-loving folks who attend.
Going on its 6th year, La Junta has established itself as one of LA’s trusted brands for good times and great music. Over the last year La Junta resident DJ’s have kept busy playing guest sets at some of LA’s hottest spots. On the music Production side, they have also released 2 Remix EP’s Las Cafeteras and QuitaPenas. Both EP’s have seen a lot of love from fellow DJ’s and fans across the country.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No. LOL.
Many sacrifices of personal time, money and even some relationships/friendships (producing large events don’t always leave lots of time for b-day parties, baby showers, dates, etc.)
So, as you know, we’re impressed with La Junta – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a collective who produces Afro-Latin & Global music events
We are also DJ’s who play & Produce/remix Afro-Latin & global music.
Our events are known for being very well executed, a vibrant combination of party & culture, in fun, friendly atmosphere, with some of the best musical talent around as featured guest.
Being DJs and music producers gives us the advantage of understanding how important sound and presentation of an event is.
We also have one of the best Host/Hostess in the game (Prescilla) she is our secret weapon!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Right now, plans are to produce more original music & do some shows as DJ’s/La junta Sound system out of state and out of the country.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.lajuntala.com/
- Phone: 323-816-3996
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: lajuntala
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lajuntala
- Twitter: lajuntala
Image Credit:
Bracero LA
Farah Sosa
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
