This site combines the work by Rubén Martínez, his books and articles, his music, documentaries and performances, and his blog. You can contact Rubén, see his appearance in the media via his bio+ page.
Rubén’s new book, Desert America is now available. You can read excerpts online (see Desert America for more info).
NEW! Sneak Preview of KCET-TV’s Broadcast of “The Ballad of Ricardo Flores Magón” (see “Variedades” for more info).
VARIEDADES is an interdisciplinary performance series that brings together music, spoken word, theater, comedy and the visual arts, loosely based on the Mexican vaudeville shows (“variedades”) of early 20th century Los Angeles that my Mexican grandparents performed in as a musical duo. Each show is focused by a particular theme.
Program (PDF). This episode was taped for television broadcast and will appear next year (2013), check back soon for more details. Shout out to Jesús Barraza of Dignidad Rebelde for lending his iconic print for our event poster.
NEW! YouTube preview of “Ballad” Broadcast on KCET-TV:
For reviews see in the media.
VARIEDADES at The Echo. Starring Rubén Martínez, Richard Montoya, Victoria Williams, Elia Arce, Douglas Burton-Christie, Josh Kun, Angela Garcia. Directed by Colin Campbell. November 12, 2011. Made possible through a grant from the Material World Foundation.
The third VARIEDADES at The Echo, in Los Angeles. The Anarchy Show, inspired by the life and writings of Ricardo Flores Magon. Starring Ruben Martinez, Raquel Gutierrez, Richard Montoya, Chicano Son, Los Illegals, The Electronic Disturbance Theater 2.0. Directed by Colin Campbell
May 14, 2011 – Ruben Martinez and Raquel Gutierrez host the second installment of this “variety” show series at the Echo in Echo Park, Los Angeles. Focusing their talents on theme of the drug war and its toll on both sides of the border are Richard Montoya, Alexis de la Rocha, Joe Garcia, Ersi & Rosella Arvizu, Angela Garcia, Carolyn Castano, Dino Dinco, Adolfo Guzman Lopez, and the Martinez del Rio band. Directed by Colin Campbell.
The inaugural “performance salon” hosted by Ruben Martinez at the Echo in Echo Park, featuring Roma Maffia, Cesar Castro, Marisoul y los Hermanos Carlos, Betto Arcos, Josh Kun, and the Martinez del Rio Band. This “varieadades” (variety) show in the style of Mexican vaudeville tells the story of the immigrant City of Angels, featuring readings of John Fante’s classic novel The Road to Los Angeles, stories of David Alfaro Siqueiros and his whitewashed mural on Olvera Street, and much more! Directed by Colin Campbell.