19-02-2025
Miss Rita Rekindles Lucha VaVoom for Fire Relief
In its heyday, Lucha Va Voom was arguably the one of the most uniquely festive events in town. It was a gathering where Mexican wrestling, bodacious burlesque, comedy and often, live music, came together like a sexy slap to the head that made you laugh, gasp and cheer. Though its two promoters went their separate ways last year, each doing their own versions of the event with their names attached, there's always excitement when Lucha comes back to local theaters and clubs. Rita D'Albert's parties have been especially rockin' as she's leaned into her musical roots (she's been in some beloved L.A. bands and projects over the years, from The Pandoras to White Trash Wins Lotto) in producing the show."During the fires, I felt so anxious and unhelpful— like survivors guilt in real time," D'Albert shares, conveying a sentiment we all can relate to. "When we were advised to be ready to evacuate, I just reached out to all of my favorite performers and friends and the response was overwhelming."
"I see this a Valentine to L.A., home to me and so many of my favorite people and artists," she adds. "I want to bring together people from all backgrounds and celebrate the strength and creativity of Angelenos."Feb. 19 will be her first all-ages event in Los Angeles, and the musical theme is, what else: Los Angeles! Artists will perform songs about L.A., and there are a lot of local legends on the bill, including Stray Cats' Slim Jim Phantom, L7's Donita Sparks, punk legends Kid Congo Powers and Alice Bag (performing as Juanita and Juan), Church and Love Bailey to name just a few. Comics Dana Gould and Jeff Davis will host and there will be roller skaters, aerialists, DJs and of course, lucha libre ring Charlie Paulson has put together the backing band, Kii Arens designed the event poster and Rose Apodaca curated the art auction featuring work from Shepard Fairey, Aaron Rose, Piper Ferguson, Merrrick Morton and many more. The proceeds will go to benefit Best Friends Animal Society, ARC Fire-Fighter Fund and Grief & Hope, a fund set up by volunteer artists/art professionals to directly assist the 400+ artists and art professionals who lost or suffered significant damage to their homes, studios and work.
At the Belasco Theater, Wednesday, Feb. 19.
