There was an eerie feeling to the lounge this past Saturday. The crowd of young adults that typically attend Al Borde Lounge events were replaced by aspiring journalism high school students. The Monster energy drinks that usually serve as the thirst quenchers for lounge attendees were replaced by SoBe Lifewater and the moonlight and L.A. evening breeze that usually welcomes people in was substituted by the warmth of a sunny Saturday afternoon. This was anything but the typical Al Borde lounge event.

Hosting its first ever Journalism Day event dedicated directly to high school students, Al Borde staff tested uncharted waters. On Saturday February 9th 2008, the Al Borde lounge served as a meeting place for over 100 students from Schurr, Jordan, La Puente, South East, Roosevelt, Huntington and Whittier high school and provided them with a dose of knowledge and a shot of musical entertainment.

A Dose of Knowledge 

The students were bussed in to attend a scheduled discussion provided by Mariluz Gonzalez—Public Relations Director of Fonovisa and President of Sour Pop Records, Josh Norek—VP of Business Affairs & Media Relations with Nacional Records and Co-founder of Latin Alternative Music Conference, Marthin Chan—host of MTVtr3’s “Indie 101” and guitar player for Volumen Cero, Omar “Boris” Ponce—host and producer “Galeria Alternativa” on Channel 27 in the city of LA, Lalo Alcaraz—Syndicated Cartoonist of “La Cucaracha” and co-host of KPFK’s “Pocho Hour of Power” and Gustavo Arellano Syndicated Columnist of “Ask A Mexican”.

During the panel discussion, Lalo jokingly asked the audience “Does anyone here like to scribble on the side margins of their papers?” A couple of students jumped up from their seats and cheered in agreement. “There you have it folks,” he said “future successful cartoonists. You’re on the right path!” On the other hand, Mariluz directed many of her comments to the young females in the audience and reflected on the hardships she encountered as a young Latina wanting to attend a university. Boris encouraged students who have difficulty dominating the English language by sharing his experiences as an ESL (English as a second language) student to becoming producer of his own television show. “There’s a lot of kids that are interested in what we do,” he stated “and if saying a few words inspires a teen to continue their studies and purse their dreams, well, what a wonderful thing that is”.

During the discussion there were no cell phones ringing, no headsets plugged into someone’s ears, no gossiping in the back of the room, all attention was geared towards the front of the room and directly to the speakers. One student in particular had a list of ten questions to ask the panelists. Although she only had time to ask one, her dedication was worthy of admiration. Not only was she well prepared, but she was also courageous enough to voice her question before a room full of media professionals and peers.

A Shot of Entertainment

Attendees were also provided with a live performance by Indie band “Pastilla” and ska band “La Banda Skalavera”. “Pastilla”, who is scheduled to participate in Mexico city’s Reactor FM AntiSocial event, gave an electrifying performance just before leaving to tour in Mexico city, Veracruz, Puebla and Cuautitlan Izcalli.

“La Banda Skalavera” who will headline pin up model Gina Georgettes calendar release party later this month, played an energetic set and left the students with a couple of words of encouragement. “If you’re seeking a career in journalism or in music,” said George, the lead singer to the band, “follow your dreams. Anything is possible”.

Other bands attended the event in hopes of exposing the young students to new music. L.A. based rock band Neblina and Latin alternative band Fatima attended the lounge to sign CD’s, posters, and to encourage students to expand their musical tastes. Meanwhile, panelists made themselves available and had one on one time with students who wanted to know more about their careers. “The participating students are bright and engaged. No doubt, many of them will go on to careers that will further empower Latinos and help diversify the face of American media” stated panelist Josh Norek.

With the sole purpose of encouraging and motivating teens to pursue a job in journalism, the panelists and band members volunteered their time to make the event happen. And with the afternoon coming to an end, students were shuttled back to school, band members loaded up their equipment, and the panelists left the premises. The only things left behind were the usual band promoters and the networking scene-moguls. The Al Borde lounge was no longer occupied by eager teens nor filled with youthful laughter. The energy that filled the lounge that Saturday afternoon was unlike anything that it had ever experienced. “It was amazing to get to know some Hispanic writers devoted to the Latin culture” posted “Lizzy” on the Roosevelt High School news staff blog “ [it was] the second best day of my life…”

Ticket winner: Krisley Barahona of Roosevelt High won the drawing for two tickets to an advance showcase of “Rock N Roll From Mexico: Evolution to Revolution.”

Fotos: Luz Esparza, El Calabozo Radio