It looks like Saturday is going to be a pretty crazy day for me. I forgot to mention that I’m going to be participating in the Downtown El Monte Art Walk in addition to Summer Voyage. Come by and take a look at what some talented local artists are currently up to.

Hopefully I’ll have some time to take a nap between events so I can recharge a little.

I’m pleased to announce that I will have a solo show at Geeks, a rad comic/action figure/role playing shop in Uptown Whittier, on August 1st. Mark your calendars! What can you expect to see at Geeks on August 1st? A bunch of new pieces (plus a couple of older ones…maybe), the second installment in the limited edition ERICVALDEZART.COM button pack series (series 1 packs are currently available at Raggedy Threads in Downtown L.A., Casita del Pueblo in Uptown Whittier or from me when I get the webstore up and running), new prints and some surprises.

Lastly, big thanks to those who came out for shows at Five Stars Bar and Casita del Pueblo this past week. The After Walk party at Five Stars that the Hear Gallery put on was incredibly fun and most of the funness  was due to the music of James Yuill, a U.K. “electrofolk” solo artist. If you dig dancy electro stuff and Postal Service then do yourself a favor and check this guy out. Seriously!

LAIST.COM has a great interview with James. Peep that shit.

I had an amazing time at The Hear Gallery’s last event which is why I was extremely happy to be added to the next one that they’re putting together. I’m sure this will be even crazier than Lovers and Strangers.

If you haven’t attended something that these fine people have put together, then do yourself a favor and make sure you head out to this one. It’s gonna be ILL! There’s also a good chance that I’ll finally have some new pieces for the show…maybe.

Tonight I missed both the series finale of Mad Men and what was sure to be really good episode of Entourage. I wouldn’t have missed those shows unless I was doing something that was going to be a lot of fun and worthy of skipping a very pleasurable television experience. I met a hero of mine, Mr. Ian MacKaye. He’s best known for bieng the frontman of the influential Minor Threat and Fugazi and for being the head of Dischord Records. He’s currently in The Evens and he was also in a few other really good, but lesser-nown bands.

Ian was at Hollywood High wrapping up a short California tour of Q&A shows. He started the show spending over five minutes answering a question that I asked. After the show I talked to him along with a group of fellow fans and autograph seekers after the two hour session. I think that means I won’t be lying if I tell someone that I met him and we had a conversation.

He is one of the handfull of people who directly influenced the kind of music that every band I was in played. I wouldn’t probably wouldn’t be painting if it wasn’t for punk rock so Ian Mackay’s music means a lot to me.

I’ll post a couple of pictures later.

UPDATE: