by Lucy Crivelli Frey
Art has always been a source of inspiration for me, but experiencing it live in such a beautiful environment was something else entirely. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the kickoff of Secret Walls’ “The Art of Competition” tour in Los Angeles. From the moment I arrived, I could sense the excitement as other art enthusiasts and curious newcomers got together in support of the local artist community. The space was transformed into a gallery where multiple artists, like Mr. B Baby, Blue The Great, Ashley Dreyfus, Fabez, and UPENDO created murals along the walls of the compound. The creativity, me enamoro!
For those who might be new to Secret Walls, it’s more than just live art battles, it’s a global art movement that has been empowering artists since 2006. During these “battles” artists are given a limited time to create their best work, and the audience or a panel of judges decides the winner. While it is a competition you can see the friendly rivalry but overall the mutual respect among artists.
Keeping the Creativity Flowing
Now, coming off the success of Secret Walls’ massive first tour, “Support Your Local Artist,” top artists will once again go head-to-head in front of a live audience as they battle for the winner’s crown – recently announced for their second North American tour, “The Art of Competition,” launching this fall. Sponsored by Posca + Monster Energy Ultra, this year, each battle also features surprise musical performances, DJs, limited-edition merch, workshops, and more.
While the kickoff event was just the start to “The Art of Competition” Tour, it’s taking this concept to cities across the U.S., including Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix, New York, Chicago, and more. Each stop features a different lineup of local artists, ensuring that every event has its own unique sauce. During the tour they will host multiple activities that will make the experience a celebration of creatividad. From live performances and DJ sets to exclusive merch and Secret Walls Academy workshops, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re an artist looking to learn new techniques or excited to give your support, the tour will be something you don’t want to miss.
Attending a Secret Walls event is more than just watching art being created; it’s about being part of a vibrant community that celebrates creativity in all its forms. It’s inspiring to see how art can bring people together.
I walked away from the kickoff, feeling a new sense of admiration and motivation. It was a powerful reminder of why I love art and the impact it can have on our lives. If you’re in any of the tour cities, I highly recommend experiencing Secret Walls firsthand. It’s an event that promises not only to entertain but also to inspire and connect like minded people.
Bigger and Better
With sounds by DJ Rareform, guests experienced live art as they entered the Secret Walls venue and were treated with food, gifts and libations by Monster Energy Ultra. The action-packed evening also included a Q&A hosted by Secret Walls podcaster and content creator Nick Major. This year’s tour promises to be Secret Walls’ biggest and best ever as the competition crisscrosses the country, entertaining and wowing audiences while connecting and inspiring artists with a range of amazing programming over two to three days in each city.
“We’re thrilled to bring back ‘The Art of Competition’ for a second edition,” says Terry Guy, Secret Walls Founder. “This tour isn’t just about the thrill of the competition; it’s about uniting artists and communities through creativity and passion. We can’t wait to see what this year’s tour brings!”
And I also can’t wait to see where the tour goes next!
To catch a Secret Walls battle near you and learn more about the “Art of Competition” tour dates and tickets, visit the Secret Walls website or follow them on social media for the latest updates. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to secure yours early. For tickets, go to: https://secretwalls.world/pages/tour
About Secret Walls
Secret Walls is revolutionizing the art world with its exhilarating live paint battles that captivate audiences and showcase the extraordinary talent of artists from around the globe. This one-of-a-kind event brings together creativity, competition, and community in a high-energy showdown that leaves audiences awestruck. With events held worldwide, Secret Walls has become a global phenomenon, attracting established and emerging artists alike. It provides a platform for diverse talents to showcase their skills, gain recognition, and connect with a vibrant community of art enthusiasts.
About Monster Energy
Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, eSports or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes, gamers and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, bands, believers, and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at www.monsterenergy.com.
by Dennis Richardson
In Partnership with The Pokémon Company International, the Festival’s Largest Event To-Date will Celebrate Creation, Collaboration, and Community.
Bigger & Better
Los Angeles, CA – Family Style Food Festival, the first-ever festival at the intersection of food and streetwear with a heavy hitting, curated lineup of the best chefs, restaurants, brands and entertainment will return on September 28th at The Los Angeles State Historic Park, joining forces with the leading convergence culture media juggernaut, Complex, for the biggest iteration of the most hyped food festival to-date.
Courtesy: Complex
Hosted by Kerwin Frost and in partnership with The Pokémon Company International, Family Style will bring together the best chefs, restaurants and brands to create limited, one-of-a-kind collaborative food and merchandise items.
This year’s line-up serves up the hottest chefs and restaurants, including: Din Tai Fung, Kuya Lord, Bacanora, baroo, Regina’s Grocery, Kato, Porto’s Bakery, LaSorted’s Pizza x Philippe The Original, Katz’s Delicatessen, Henry’s Pizza, Carmen’s Empanadas, 715 Sushi, Rocky’s Matcha, Mariscos Jalisco, Camphor, Moo’s Craft Barbecue, Camel Coffee, Villa’s Tacos, Stella, Budonoki, Howlin’ Ray’s, Broad Street Oyster Co., Burritos La Palma, Trill Burgers, Avenue 26 Tacos, Amboy Quality Meats & Delicious Burgers, Jeni’s Ice cream, Two Hommés, Lasita, Open Market, 10/10Burger., Park’s BBQ, Ggiata, Holy Basil, Wanderlust Creamery, No Free Coffee, Alma’s Place, Creaminal, Cobi’s, Big B The Chef , 27 Club Coffee, Golden Dragon, Fat Dragon, Steep LA and Clink.
More Than Food
Family Style Food Festival will also present Alfredo’s, a concept by The Alchemist and Freddie Gibbs, as well as the return of Pikachu’s Electric Cafe- a boba tea concept.
Festival attendees can shop exclusive merchandise in collaboration with the most talked about brands in streetwear, including: Nike, Converse, Awake NY, Verdy, Kids of Immigrants, Better Gift Shop, Badfriend, Billionaire Boys Club, Compton Cowboys, holiday®, New Era, AM-FM Equipment, Anti Social Social Club, Crenshaw Skate Club, Tombogo, Who Jung Woo, Dickies, Ignored Prayers, Bricks & Wood, The Hundreds, Vandy The Pink , Market, Gardens & Seeds, Paisa Boys, Carrots, ISLA Project, Ghetto Rodeo, Art Community, Diet Starts Monday, tokyovitamin, DJ Javier, Daydreamer LA and Represent.
NEXT IN LINE, the cooking competition that highlights the next wave of culinary masterminds will also return, and for the first time, exclusively feature emerging female chefs. In partnership with RE:Her, five female chefs will compete head-to-head for the chance to win $10,000 to kickstart their career.
Creation, Community, Collaboration
The upcoming festival follows the recent acquisition of Family Style by Complex, the leading convergence culture media powerhouse and marks an exciting new chapter for the brand as it enters new markets and prepares to make its debut at ComplexCon 2024 in Las Vegas this November. As Complex’s new food-focused vertical, Family Style will deliver the latest news, content, and media within the culture and food space.
Courtesy: Complex
Purchase tickets to join the festivities on September 28th for a celebration of creation, collaboration, and community. Experience the best brands, restaurants, and chefs coming together to serve up limited, exclusive food and merchandise items that you won’t find anywhere else. Tickets are on sale now at FamilyStyleFest.com.
For more information about Family Style and to stay up-to-date on the latest drops, please visit www.familystylefest.com and www.complex.com or follow on social at @FamilyStyleFest and @Complex.
About Family Style
Founded in 2019 by Ben Shenassafar and Bobby Kim of The Hundreds and Miles Canares, Family Style is a family-oriented food festival that brings people together through the collective love of food. Known for mixing food and fashion, Family Style connects the best brands and the tastiest restaurants to create limited one-of-a-kind collaborative food and merchandise items exclusively available at our events.
About Complex
Complex is the definitive platform for global youth culture and music lifestyle. With a powerful media presence and a curated marketplace, Complex engages its audience through video, long-form text, and social media, reflecting and shaping the zeitgeist of convergence culture. Complex’s strategic partnership with Universal Music Group ensures unparalleled experiences and exclusive collaborations for passionate music fans.
by Dennis Richardson
If you’re still hanging on to summer and need some more party vibes before the season is long gone, there’s a block party taking place and you’re invited!
Puffco, the industry leader in high tech dabbing accessories is preparing a sunset sendoff that will surely end in a puff (or a few). On September 28th, Puffco will be hosting Puffcon, the annual block party celebration of culture, cannabis, food & music from 2-10pm in DTLA at Los Angeles Center Studios.
Courtesy: Puffco
Puffcon is open to anyone 21+ who owns a Peak Pro, Peak, or Proxy from Puffco. Attendees must enter a serial number during checkout and have the fully-assembled device upon entry to Puffcon.
On site, guests will enjoy performances from Action Bronson, Larry June, and more, as they check out the unique products & merch from 50+ vendors and glass artists. In addition, over two dozen of SoCal’s top street vendors will be onsite serving food for guests as they can learn more about the Puffco brand and the world of dabbing.
Puffcon will officially run from 2-10 pm (doors close at 9 pm), though guests are invited to arrive at any time during the day. Tickets can be purchased here. Learn more about Puffcon’s location, parking, and requirements here, and all there is to see and do for visitors to LA, here.
