Long Beach\u2019s celebration of Latin American comic arts returns next month as the Latino Comics Expo and the Museum of Latin American Art partner once again for a day devoted to creators, fans, and graphic storytelling.<\/p>\n
Established in 2011, the Expo has become the top gathering for Latino comic artists, animators, writers, experts, and the audiences who champion their work.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s edition takes place Sunday, Dec. 7, inside MOLAA\u2019s Viva Event Center, transforming the space into a hub of creativity.<\/p>\n
Attendees can browse Artist Alley filled with illustrators and vendors, join meet-and-greets with industry professionals, and sit in on engaging panels highlighting everything from character development to the evolution of Latin American comics.<\/p>\n
A roster of featured artists \u2014 including animators, writers, and producers \u2014 will be speaking throughout the day.<\/p>\n
Hands-on programming rounds out the event, like children\u2019s workshops, a story-boarding session led by industry pros, and a drawing workshop for aspiring artists.<\/p>\n
The Expo atmosphere continues outdoors with food trucks, a beer tent, and plenty of space for cosplay.<\/p>\n
And if you\u2019re a teacher of any kind, you\u2019re extra lucky: Save the date for Tuesday, Dec. 2, when MOLAA\u2019s Evening for Educators featuring special guest artists and a hands-on story-boarding workshop gets underway at 4:30\u202fp.m.<\/p>\n
Gates to the expo open at 11 a.m. and the vendor hall closes at 5 p.m. Onsite parking is available for $15, but admission to both the Latino Comics Expo and the Evening for Educators is completely free.<\/p>\n
LBCC<\/p>\n
Long Beach City College will close out the semester with a powerhouse evening of music as its Big Band, Vocal Jazz ensembles, and \u2014 for the first time in the school\u2019s history \u2014 its brand-new Mariachi Ensemble share the stage.<\/p>\n
The concert takes place Friday, Dec. 5, in the LBCC Auditorium, marking a significant moment for the college\u2019s expanding music program. The show will start at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n
While LBCC\u2019s large jazz ensembles are perennial favorites, this year\u2019s program adds a cultural milestone: the debut of the Mariachi Ensemble.<\/p>\n
Rooted in 19th-century western Mexico, mariachi began as a regional folk tradition featuring string instruments and lively rhythmic patterns. As it evolved through the 20th century, trumpets, vocal harmonies, and dancers were incorporated, transforming mariachi into a symbol of Mexican identity.<\/p>\n
Mariachi and jazz might seem worlds apart, but the two traditions share surprising common ground. Both rely heavily on improvisation, call-and-response, and rhythmic drive.<\/p>\n
In fact, in recent decades, artists on both sides of the border have experimented with jazz harmonies and mariachi instrumentation, creating crossover styles that highlight their shared musical DNA.<\/p>\n
LBCC\u2019s program taps into that spirit of exploration, pairing the college\u2019s seasoned jazz ensembles with an art form rich in both history and innovation.<\/p>\n
Tickets to the evening are $15 general, $10 for seniors, staff, veterans, and kids, and free for LBCC students with an ASB sticker.<\/p>\n