AFA if you missed it!

Last night was the kickoff party for the AFA Benefit in Pomona, CA. It was held at Casa Jimenez. Alongside AFA, Amanda Schemkes was  the main event coordinator and big thanks goes out to her for making this event happen. Also another thanks goes out to Danny Lyerla, who availed the event by providing a venue and sound equipment.

It was the first event, many more to come, to start off the Southern California branch. It was a success, it attracted many musicians and artists. The place was filled with amiability. They had many representatives and volunteers to answer questions anyone had. They also had plenty of reading materials for anyone to pick up and read. The crowd was ecstatic and wanted to know more in getting involved and helping out.

Here are a few photos throughout the night.

AFA Rep

Delicious Vegan Cookies

Raffle being done by Amanda and Breezy

Breezy (Left) and Amanda Schemkes (Right;event coordinator) speaking about AFA and starting raffle.

Person interested by the AFA Literature

More people viewing the literature.

Breezy Rondilone performing.

Breezy Rondilone performing.

Kevin Lopez

Kevin Lopez

Crowd listens intently to Kevin Lopez reciting his poems.

Lora Roame performing.

Lora Roame performing.

LaBella

Resist and Exist

Resist and Exist

Some shots may not be clear, because I failed in the common rules of taking a camera to a place: a) bring a charged battery, and b) bring extra batteries! Performers not shown above were They as in Them due to technical difficulties with my camera. All photos taken by A.T.


The night had many memorable moments. It was enjoyable watching all the musicians play. They all had their strong messages to convey. 

Kevin Lopez , the poet, knew had to grab the room's attention while reciting his poems. He started off with a personal poem called I'm a Nerd. It quickly explained who he was, then he continued with other poems dealing with many issues such as love, being a good role model, self-esteem, etc. Most of his poems had a light hint of comedic content. This drew the crowd in, making them want to hear more.

The two acoustic sets were a great start off to the night. Breezy Rondilone played a great set luring the crowd with her great voice. She got the crowd to listen and bask in the beauty of her music.Lora Roame, the second acoustic performer, started off her set playing a banjo. She was playing catchy tunes singing about her parents wanting her to be a doctor, but she would rather be a creative artist, having fun, veganism, and much more. She got the crowd to sing along with one of her songs. She definitely had great stage presence, and refusing to use a mic to just hear her natural voice as she sang.

They as in Them, the first of the three bands to play came out on stage and just started going. It pumped the crowd, and their energy got the crowd going. Definitely a great band to start off the night. After them La Bella came out. The vocalist and the drummer came out dressed formally, making key jokes that they were what wall street is. They are the ones that control the working class, they have all the power. It got the crowd to smile and laugh. Although, they were telling jokes and having a good time their message was clear about animal cruelty and their support for the organization. They continued to play nonstop going wild. It was definitely a fun act to see.


Lastly, we had Resist and Exist. They are always a good band to watch, because first they are activists and secondly they are musicians. They will let you know about societal issues, and what to watch out for. Supporting peaceful protest for noble causes, such as Action for Animals, is what they are all about. Telling the crowd to counter protest (peacefully) the neo-nazi rally, National Socialist Movement, coming up on November 5th at Pomona's City Hall.

Before they played a song about suicide, Resist and Exist informed the crowd if anyone feels depressed, and if they think no one cares for them, it is only a temporary situation; life will eventually turn out better down the road. If anyone feels like their is no turning back they should feel free to contact any one of them for support. They continued to give inspirational words and great messages throughout the night.They performed well, and played as good as they always have. 

It was a great night for AFA.It brought people together to know more about animal cruelty, what they can do to help, and now the Southern California branch has started.