From: VoyageLA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Contreras.

Eric, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Alivio Open Mic was born from the void that existed here in Southeast Los Angeles. There was a lack of spaces that promoted artistic expression and voices here in our community. Each time I wanted to listen to spoken word, engage with artists, enjoy artwork, or share my poetry, I found myself leaving my community of Bell. After finding myself one too many times on the 5 freeway, the 710 freeway, the 10 freeway, and the 101 freeway, I began to think, “Why do I always have to extract myself from my community to enjoy art?” This thought fermented inside of my mind until I ended up doing something about it.

Back in 2012, I told a few friends that I wanted to start an open mic in my garage, but I was stifled by the thought of starting it at a public space. I was stifled by the thought of rent, and bill, and permits, and all the other requirements that come with opening up a public establishment. I knew we had an incredible amount of talent and stories to tell, but we had no platform for ourselves. After being inspired by a conversation I had with a friend – Lady Basco – I was certain that I could cultivate the open mic in my own home.

My friends helped me with the first open mic — Microfono Libre — and the turnout was incredible. Nearly 100 people arrived to the humble garage, so I knew the need was there. I took a few months of time to prepare to make the space a continuous platform for storytelling, art exhibition, musical performance, poetry, and community.

In January 2013, I hosted the first ever Alivio Open Mic, and I was fortunate enough to have the nation-wide renowned author, Luis Rodriguez Jr., visit our space and share his raw and powerful words. Since 2013, Alivio Open Mic has not let up. From documentaries being filmed at Alivio, to hosting a community of vendors each month, to LGBTQ nights, to all women’s poetry nights, we’ve engaged Southeast Los Angeles in an organic grassroots way that has never been done before. Since 2013, we’ve been featured on the front page of the LA Times, KCET, KPFK, Univision, and now, Voyage LA. Read Rest of Interview Here