Ink N' Iron 2011 & 2012

Ugh I've been trying to get this post up all month! I've been having major computer, technical difficulties. Well I can't remember If I even posted about Ink n' Iron 2011! I know I didn't post about 2012, so I might as well post about them both! Last year I got to experience Ink N' Iron all three days, versus the one day I had attended in 2011. I was pretty much working the whole time well I helped my friend vend vintage clothing. I met new people, made new friends and bumped into familiar faces. All in all I had a great time hanging out, seeing some great bands and all the attractions! Being that Ink N' Iron 2013 was held earlier this  month I was thrilled to find out that one of my all time favorite performers Punk legends, Iggy and The Stooges are playing! I've always wanted to see Iggy Pop since I was a teenager and I vowed I'd go, though I'm wasn't working the festival this year. However due to buying up concert and event tickets lately I'm a little short on spending funds, so I didn't make it out this year (soo sad!). I also wish that some of Friday's performers would be performing on Saturday night (like Wanda Jackson, The Growlers, Tijuana Panthers). To be honest this years lineup is not that exciting in my opinion, I did notice that there seems to  be a 1960's theme with some of the performers this year. A lot of bands have that retro, soul, garage, lo-fi sound going on which is interesting for Ink N' Iron. Though I do enjoy those type of genres when I go to Ink I want to hear some good ol' Psychobilly! A lovely gentleman who I met at last years Ink N' Iron told me that the show promoters are trying to cater to a more "Alternative" crowd, therefore adding bands that you wouldn't typically see playing the festival in previous years. But the times are a changing and sometimes change can kind of be a good thing. So here are some photos of both my 2011 & 2012 Ink N' Iron experiences. Enjoy!

2011

Here I am with Jerome singer of the psychobilly band Batmobile!

Batmobile on stage

Pin Up Contestants 

Here I am with my friend Gabriela Hernandez Owner and Creator of the amazing repro vintage inspired makeup line Besame 

Unexpected Twinsies! Haha Here I am with my friend Justine, she's currently filming her documentary about women in the Vintage Scene, titled "Vintage Vixens" 

I don't remember this fella's name, but I thought he was the best dressed guy here at the festival. 
The crowd is much different,but similar though it's no Viva. So yay for his spiffiness!

I don't remember this gals name either, but I thought she had such a cute little outfit and check out that cool mini double tier parasol! I want one!! 
~~~~~~~~~
2012

Here is my friend's booth, Got Vintage.  We're set up and ready to sell! It was the first time Ink N' Iron decided to have vintage vendors, though it was new we didn't get much traffic. But we did make sales and met new people too! I had a lot of fun vending, it made me think about going into sales. 

Here I am with one of my favorite ladies, the lovely Amanda Lee! 
She's such a beauty in person and totally sweet!

Here  I am with my lovely friend Gloria and fellow blogging buddy. Her and her gal pals came all the way from Las Vegas to check out the festival, they weren't expecting such a casual crowd. If only every festival were Viva, haha

Some of the afternoon crowd

Cool a giant Tecate can!

 I believe this gentleman's name is Jason. I thought he certainly looked very spiffy for Ink N Iron! 
Yay for dressing pre post war! haha 

During my break I decided to do a little dancing with my friend Jason, because no one jives at Ink N Iron haha

Aren't they the cutest and fabulously dressed couple you've seen! I had to take a pic! This is Heather and (I think) Paul, they came from Northern California for their first Ink N Iron. I complimented them on their great garb, they too expected it to be like Viva. I actually spotted them this year at Viva, but I didn't get a chance to speak to them.

A sword swallower at the Pleasure Portal

Whoa! Work that Pole!

I loved this womans burlesque performance! She was so lovely and it was so 1920's-esque! I completely forgot her name (as of right now), but ever since I saw her consider me a fan.

Magician Christopher Wonder and his Chicken! He was a hoot and put on a great performance!

Ooohh

Such a classic and tantalizing burlesque act!

What a sunset!

Fire Dancer

Tight Rope Walker

Ready to watch the band!

She Wants Revenge!

Some cars out on the lawn

Someone's gone and lost their weave!

That's my friend Jason right in the middle! Haha go Jason go!

This cute little lady was one of our customers the previous day. She bought this awesome two piece vintage 1970's set and she wore the top out the next day! Awesome!

"High Heels coming back in fashion.. High Heels walk over me.."
(Demented Are Go- High Heels)

Such a beauty! I'm loving that Cherry Red, can I get lipstick and nail polish in that shade?

Another shot of lovely and fabulously dressed couple Heather & Paul

Here I am with my lovely friend Ariana! Fashion Designer, Pinup Model and first ever Miss Uptown Whittier!

(all photos by Angel Rivera)

Happy Birthday Violator

Depeche Mode Violator March 19th 1990

Today the Depeche Mode Violator Album turns 22!

This album practically sealed the deal as Depeche Mode being world wide stars and musicians!!

Arguably their best album ever and certainly an amazing and inspirational album at that! With all kinds of bands and singers covering songs off this album, everyone from Marilyn Manson to Hilary Duff! It also features probably the most well known/popular/famous DM songs out there like Personal Jesus and Enjoy The Silence!!

  

Also probably the most favorite album artwork ever, done by artist Anton Corbijn!! Oh and music videos too!

It's my personal favorite DM album even though that might sound very cliche. I feel a special connection to it, the month and year it was released was the same as I was conceived, it's the first album that introduced me to DM's music. My all time favorite DM songs including my favorite B sides too are on that album and the song "Waiting For The Night"  was released on single the day before I was born! As for the album artwork and music videos they're some of my favorite ever and the album cover symbolizes a lot for me,I plan on getting the Violator Rose tattooed sometime (even though that's like the most popular DM tattoo ever!)

So here's to the renowned DM album Violator!!

Celebrate by wearing a "Clean" "Blue Dress" with your "Personal Jesus" while "Waiting For The Night" you could "Enjoy The Silence", that would be the "Sweetest Perfection".

I wish I could've been there!! It was craziness, where later on a riot started!!

Violator Fever!!

For my Fashion Program at School there was a theme category where you pick an artist and a song and design a piece that was inspired by it. I picked Depeche Mode and the song Personal Jesus!

This is what I came up with a reflection of the band and the song!

With mucho Mode love

-Victoria

Happy Birthday Steve Naghavi

Steve Naghavi

May 26, 1970

Happy 41st Birthday Steve!! Are you wondering just who Steve Naghavi is, never heard of him? Well I wouldn't expect you too especially since many Americans don't. If you would've asked me who Steve was 6 years ago I would've said the same thing. But all due to the little crowd I hung out with when I was 14 and going to certain backyard  high school parties I discovered And  One.  And One? Steve Naghavi is the singer for the band And One, an awesome Synthpop/ EBM  band from Germany!!!
I love And One's music! Plus the whole reason And One was created or more so influenced in the beginning was because of Depeche Mode! Steve was obsessed with Depeche Mode and wanted to be Dave Gahan! He still is a huge Depeche Mode fan, and if you ask me he kind of resembles Dave Gahan a little. Oh and Steve is a hell of a good looking man if you ask me! He's even a great dancer just like Dave and just as sexy and he even knows how to work that mic stand!!! Over time their sound and look has been less Depeche and more And One which is a good thing since they established and identity. Their sound is much heavier and I like that, but don't worry they're still very DM influenced. However being that they aren't very popular in the US doesn't mean they aren't liked, oh no they are! Lot's of goth clubs that play a lot of industrial and synth usually have their music playing on a regular basis (I've never been to a goth club). But the way I found out about them would I guess be because of the "Rebel Scene". [The Rebel Scene I really don't know much about it, I wasn't around when it happened. I guess it started in early to mid 1990's  Los Angeles where (It was extremely popular with Latinos in particular Mexicans) kids were into Rockabilly style, but they listened to a lot of 1980's alternative, synth, trance, and early house music. Listening to Depeche Mode, The Smiths & Morrissey, The Cure, 90's House and yeah, And One. In high school I hung out with a couple of second generation Rebels, I listened to DM and the Smiths before I met them, but they introduced me to And One, and I love what I heard ever since! ] In fact I dreamt of the day I would finally get to see them! I mean they're hugely popular in their Fatherland (Germany) especially in Russia and in Mexico as well as other parts of Europe and South America where the EBM scene is big (EBM stands for Electronic Body Music, it's like early industrial it's synthy too)! When they announced their new album last year and presented a North American tour I went crazy! I made sure I bought tickets! I had planned to see them May 15th in Hollywood and be in the front row, only for the show to be canceled, I was devastated!

I missed out on what could've been all this awesomeness! I frekin love Steve's outfit for the Tanzomat tour! Those dance moves!! And yes they even cover Depeche Mode songs!! The video is a little long, but you should so watch it!

I guess one day I hope to see them, maybe they'll come back if not I guess a trip to Europe is the works  I would love that, hahaha But I don't think It'll be happening anytime soon!
Alles Gute zum Gerburstag Steve!!



The First song that introduced and hooked me onto And One. "Military Fashion Show" from the 2004 BodyPop album.

And as if I couldn't love them anymore, they do this!! And One's Rockabilly version of Military Fashion Show!!! Wooo!!! The video is a little cheesy though.

And One's "Second Voice" an early song of theirs from 1991 and an old favorite!

*I think I'll do a post about EBM it will be interesting  and the whole Rebel Scene too! New posts to think about!*

4th Annual Latino Rockabilly Festival

This year's Rockabilly festival was just as big as last year's, but not as fun. I think it had something to do with the the weather, it was freezing outside! It seemed like there weren't as many vendors and bands, plus by the time I arrived the last rockabilly band was playing, so I kind of missed out. It wasn't as eventful as I was hoping it would be, but it was fun. They had a raffle and a car contest, but no other awards this year. I was really hoping to see some familiar faces, especially some lovely bloggers. No luck on the bloggers, (or maybe I didn't see you? lol) I did run into some friends. I also was anticipating to see some great outfits. Not happening, very few girls braved the cold and went with a skirt or dress, myself included. We were only a small percent in a sea of jeans, leopard prints, and ill fitting clothes. My poor brother complained, saying he didn't want to deal with this stupid rockabilly crap. So we didn't stay for very long. Hopefully next years will be much more fun, sunnier and warmer too! I'll see you there next year!

Jivers! 

A familiar face, that's the girl Darlene that I photographed at last years festival. Yet again her outfit and dancing were great!

The Wiseguys

A rat pack esque group from Montebello, California. They're very close to my neighborhood and often perform at nearby events. They're good, but they're not really one of my favorites.

Steven

I named him yet again best dressed guy at the festival. I took his photo and didn't even notice his eyes were closed (so sorry Steven). This guy is always dressed to impress, even though I only see him at the festival I'm curious to know what other great outfits he comes up with. I completely forgot to ask him if he would be interested in modeling for me for at my school's fashion show this year (I'll be showing my own work), I think it had to do with me being slightly nervous; he's a handsome guy. So if anyone knows this Steven or if this is you? Can you please contact me, the modeling offer is still open!

Tonya

Yay! A gal who's not wearing jeans! Tonya braved the cold and wore this cute floral retro dress, I love the aqua blue. And her hair do is amazing, a cluster of rolls with swirls of blonde. So cute.

I'm in love with this Chevy! 

Showing off my Backseams

 I ran into my two friends Jr. and Andre. We met at a friends birthday party last year, and were reunited at the festival! We were wondering if one another was that "person we talked to at the party" haha yeah It was, now we can finally keep in touch all because of the Rockabilly festival!

(All photos by. Angel Rivera & Victoria Inez Rivera)

-Victoria