My Chicanocentric Photography Website

For more than half a century, I (Jesús Manuel Mena Garza) have captured photos and shot film (now video) for clients and exhibition. Today, I am still busy creating art. I have attached a link to my Chicanocentric website where you can download photographs. My general website is JMMGarza.com. Feel free to contact me should you have questions, suggestions or comments. Here is the link to my new Chicanocentric website: https://chicanophotographer.myportfolio.com

Flor del Pueblo Zoom Event

A conversation with San Jose's

Flor del Pueblo.

A Zoom Facilitated Event

Thursday, April 22, 2021

8:00 PM to 10:00 PM CDT

Link to registering for the Zoom event:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sjsu-luis-valdez-speakers-series-flor-del-pueblo-tickets-148840575167

The Luis “El Machete” Valdez Annual Speakers Series honors the work and accomplishments of people of Mexican ancestry in the areas of social justice, community involvement, culture, politics, and the arts. Past speakers have included Luis Valdez, Blanca Alvarado, and Dr. José Carrasco.

This year’s guest speakers will be the members of the San José-based Flor del Pueblo, one of the most influential musical ensembles of the Chicana/o Movement whose music inspired activism for social justice with local roots and intergenerational reach.

Formed in the 1970’s through their participation with different South Bay Teatro Chicano groups. Including El Teatro Campesino. The members of Flor del Pueblo, (Ed Robledo, Deborah Rodríguez, Felipe Rodríguez, Francisco Rodríguez, Ben Cadena, Yolanda Pérez, Ramiro Pérez, Enrique Castillo, Clay Shanrock, and Richard Garcia) found a meaningful avenue of engagement through the arts with the ideals of the Movimiento Chicano. 

Members of the group were active at numerous events, including being on stage at the Chicano Moratorium on August 29, 1970, when police violence broke a peaceful demonstration. Their 1977 recorded album, Música de Nuestra América, established a new sound of Movimiento music with the incorporation of Latin American protest music influences on Chicana/o Movement music as well as the group's unique vocal style.

Featured speakers:

Deborah Rodríguez-Garcia, Yolanda Pérez, Ed Robledo, Francisco Rodríguez, Enrique Castillo, and Ben Cadena

About the Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies at San José State University

The mission of the Chicana and Chicano Studies Department is to serve SJSU students and diverse communities through an interdisciplinary Chicana/o Studies Program that is based on principles of education for Social Justice. The program prepares students to critically examine and address intellectual traditions and contemporary issues resulting from race, ethnicity, class, and gender intersections in Chicana/o-Latina/o and other communities.

Co-sponsored by SJSU Chicana and Chicano Studies Department, Aspire/McNair Trio Programs, La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley, SJSU School of Music and Dance, the Department of Anthropology and the Department of Sociology & Interdisciplinary Social Sciences at SJSU.

Event link will be sent via Eventbrite and updated on Eventpage for livestream closer to the event date.

 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sjsu-luis-valdez-speakers-series-flor-del-pueblo-tickets-148840575167

YouTube Reviews?

Recently, various photo, video and audio venders have asked me to review their products. Typically, they want me to give their product an excellent review in exchange for a free mic, camera or accessory. So far, I have declined these offers. 

I'd be interested to know how many YouTube influencers are taking cash or freebies in exchange for a positive review? Just wondering. Most of the reviews on my JMM Garza channel have been of products I purchased. No freebies or reimbursement. Like many of you, I love free stuff. It is quite difficult not to be corrupted. Such is life. 

Need a professional and fair YouTube review?

If you are a manufacturer of an interesting product or service, feel free to send me an email. Please include a link to the product or service. I may just take you up on your offer, if there are no preconditions. If you pay for shipping and handling, I'll even ship  you back your product. As for reviews of services? Let's talk. 

I have several YouTube channels. Here's a list:

JMM Garza - Art, photography, video and audio production.

RV & Travel Adventures - The RVing lifestyle. RVs, travel and solar tech.

My Normal Life? - Lawnmower reviews, political commentary and my lifestyle.

Vintage Photo: Couple Celebrating at the Park

In this photo, I go retro. I didn't scan the negative, but the old faded print. The paper is ivory in color and has a stipple texture that was popular in the 80s. I like it. I hope you like it too. I've had this 4x4 inch print on display at my home for several decades. Now you get to view this couple having a couple beers and celebrating Cinco de Mayo at a Downtown San José, California park.

Copyright 2018 Jesús Manuel Mena Garza · All rights reserved

My Review: Sennheiser ew 100-ENG G3 Kit & MD 42 Mic Review

In this video, I report on the ew 100-ENG G3 and MD 42 mic. This concise report could be quite informative for those interested in a flexible ENG set for indoors and outdoors. The Sennheiser kit and mic are definitely professional quality.

My wife Ann Marie Leimer, PhD uses this wireless mic setup along with her Lumix GH5 to interview Chicanx artists and academics. Feel free to contact me should you have any questions about this product, video or post. If you have the time, please like, subscribe and share my YouTube video.

Click below to start. Thanks!

My Review of the Manfrotto MVH500A Fluid Drag Video Head with MVT502AM Tripod

In this video review, I delve into the world of ENG with the Manfrotto MVH500A Fluid Drag Video Head with MVT502AM Tripod. This concise report could be quite informative for those interested in a tripod and fluid head combination for video production. This is a solid option for those seeking a high-quality fluid head and tripod combo for Electronic News Gathering (ENG).

My wife Professor Ann Marie Leimer uses this video tripod with her Lumix GH5 perched atop to interview Chicanx artists and academics. A professional setup indeed. After many years of hands-on experience, I sincerely believe that Manfrotto is an excellent brand worthy of your professional consideration. Feel free to contact me should you have any questions about this product, video or post. If you have the time please like, subscribe and share my YouTube video.

Click below to start. Thanks!

Step by Step: Building an Artist Panel for Acrylic and Oil Painters.

Yes, I am enjoying retired life. Along with taking a lot of pix, I am also painting again. In this video, I construct a panel for painting. This panel is suitable for acrylic and oil painting. Please like, subscribe and share my JMM Garza YouTube Channel. My YouTube channel is a hobby. I get to use some of my media production skills so I won't get too rusty.

Respite From the Rat Race: Big Bend Camping and Photo Trip

This week I went to Big Basin National Park and did some camping and hiking. I shot some photographs and video. What great weather. Here are some pix and video.

Chisos Basin Campground

Landscape near entrance to the park (1 of 2)

Landscape near entrance to the park (2 of 2)

My truck at Chisos Basin Campground

Big Bend National Park Photo Adventure

I am headed to Big Bend in a week. I plan to take pictures of infrastructure and the landscape. I will be using a Nikon D800 to capture stills and a Lumix G85 for 4k video. My Chevy Colorado truck has a camper shell. Yes, I will be truck bed camping. I plan to be in Big Bend for only a couple days only. I have to return to my class in Fort Worth on Friday. 

Updated Website, Portfolio and More

If you have the time or inclination, please check out my updated website and photography portfolio. You will see plenty of photographs and articles on my photography and the Chicano experience.

While you are at it, this year I started a new YouTube Channel ... Texas Moto Foto. There, I have coalesced a melange of mainstream to esoteric videos. It's all fun! Subjects explored range from photography to technology to recreational vehicles. An unusual mix indeed.

Oh, I almost forgot! I have a Patreon Page. If you are able and willing, support my photography by donating on my page. You can be the first!

Here are the links:

Website: http:www.jmmgarza.com
Online photography portfolio: https://jmmgarza.myportfolio.com/
Texas Moto Foto YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMCtI2P70RhJr6Z1kNcSKBA
Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/jmmgarza

Photos of Oaxaca, Alebrijes and More

If you have the time or the inclination please check out my photographs of Oaxaca Mexico in a UHD … 4k YouTube video. In 2005, I captured the original pix using a Nikon D70s … a 6-megapixel camera. Today, I use a 36-megapixel camera. Yes, in photography bigger sensors are typically better.

I haven't gone to Europe, Africa, Asia or even Hawaii, but I have traveled a bit. Primarily throughout the American Southwest and Mexico. I have enjoyed the amazing diversity and photography opportunities this region has to offer. 

In Oaxaca, I photographed the communities, artists and workshops. Along with photographs of Oaxaca, I have several images of Mexican artists creating wood sculptures called Alebrijes. These fantastical and colorful creatures are popular in Mexico City and Oaxaca. My photographs explore the artistic transformation from roughly hewn pieces of wood, to sculpting fine details to painstakingly adding colorful lines, dots and textures. 

If you like my YouTube video ... don't forget to like, subscribe and share my video. Support my photography and video efforts by visiting my Patreon page. Your professional comments and questions are always appreciated. 

Download a free eBook on Alebrijes: https://issuu.com/jesusmanuelmenagarza/docs/alebrijes_de_oaxaca

Thanks!

Si se puede! Hablo español.