International Women’s Day Women Who Fight: A Charcoal Portraits Exhibition
Mar
8
to May 12

International Women’s Day Women Who Fight: A Charcoal Portraits Exhibition

In honor of International Women’s Day, Esperanza Community Housing and Mercado La Paloma present Women Who Fight: A Charcoal Portraits Exhibition, which celebrates the lives, work, and transformative power of women from the United States and Latin America. This exhibition features a collection of twelve charcoal portraits, each capturing the strength, courage, and legacy of extraordinary women who have contributed to social change in their countries through activism, leadership, and a vision for a better world.

From Dolores Huerta’s tireless advocacy for labor rights to Angela Davis’s fight for racial justice, from Madonna Thunder Hawk’s fierce defense of Indigenous sovereignty to Bertha Cáceres’s profound commitment to environmental justice, these women have stood as pillars of resistance and struggle.

The exhibition also honors voices such as Rigoberta Menchú and María de Jesús Patricio “Marichuy,” who have amplified Indigenous struggles, and the words of Rosario Castellanos and Alaíde Foppa, who used literature as a tool for social transformation. Prudencia Ayala, Morena Herrera, and Miriam Miranda exemplify the perseverance of women in the face of political oppression, while Elvia Carrillo Puerto’s early fight for women’s suffrage and rights in Mexico echoes the suffragist battles of 20th-century women around the world.

Through the raw intensity of charcoal, these portraits come to life—each stroke telling a story of resilience, defiance, and an unwavering commitment to justice.


En honor al Día Internacional de la Mujer, Esperanza Community Housing y Mercado La Paloma presentan Mujeres que luchan: Una Exposición de Retratos en Carbón, que celebra la vida, el trabajo y el poder transformador de las mujeres de Estados Unidos y América Latina. Esta exposición presenta una colección de doce retratos en carbón, cada uno de los cuales captura la fuerza, el coraje y el legado de mujeres extraordinarias que han contribuido al cambio social en sus respectivos países a través de su activismo, liderazgo y visión de un mundo mejor.

Desde la incansable defensa de los derechos laborales de Dolores Huerta hasta la lucha por la justicia racial de Angela Davis, desde la férrea defensa de la soberanía indígena de Madonna Thunder Hawk hasta el profundo compromiso con la justicia medioambiental de Bertha Cáceres, estas mujeres se han erigido como pilares de resistencia y lucha.

La exposición también rinde homenaje a voces como las de Rigoberta Menchú y María de Jesús Patricio “Marichuy”, que han amplificado las luchas indígenas, y a las palabras de Rosario Castellanos y Alaíde Foppa, que utilizaron la literatura como herramienta de transformación social. Prudencia Ayala, Morena Herrera y Miriam Miranda ejemplifican la resistencia de las mujeres frente a la opresión política, mientras que la temprana lucha de Elvia Carrillo Puerto por el sufragio y los derechos de la mujer en México se hace eco de la batallas sufragistas de las mujeres del siglo XX en todo el mundo.

A través de la cruda intensidad del carbón, estos retratos cobran vida: cada trazo cuenta una historia de resistencia, lucha y compromiso inquebrantable con la justicia.

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Steve Cho: Knife Sharpening Services
Mar
28
10:00 AM10:00

Steve Cho: Knife Sharpening Services

Steve Cho has been a professional knife sharpener at Mercado La Paloma for one year, but his passion for sharpening, repairing, and collecting high-quality kitchen knives extends for more than half a decade. What sets Steve apart from other professional sharpeners is his pursuit of excellence in hand sharpening on whetstones.

Steve’s abilities were first noticed by the chefs at Mercado La Paloma, beginning with Holbox and soon spreading to chefs at other restaurants in the market. His meticulous process, which combines synthetic and natural stones, produces an edge that is both fine and “toothy,” a quality highly prized by chefs who work with raw seafood.

If you need knife sharpening services, Steve is here every other Friday morning. He will be set up in the outdoor pergola and is happy to discuss his services with you.

View this profile on Instagram

Steve (@sharp.right) • Instagram photos and videos

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The Rehearsal: Season 5
Mar
28
7:30 PM19:30

The Rehearsal: Season 5

  • Mercado La Paloma (Conference Room) (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

the re•hears•al (n.)

a weekly residency for seasoned artists to explore new bodies of work in front of a live studio audience.


Wow, can you believe we only have two more episodes left this season? The vibes have been immaculate and the talent, next level. Let’s keep the energy high this Friday at the one and only Mercado La Paloma!

This week’s lineup is stacked:
KIA
Niina Soleil
Kulani Dragonfly
Natasha Mangali

Don’t miss your chance to catch these incredible artists live. As you know by now, we’re hitting capacity more and more each week, so if you want in—RSVP now to lock your spot.

See you Friday. Let’s make this one unforgettable.

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Dinner & Poetry @ Mercado La Paloma
Mar
26
6:00 PM18:00

Dinner & Poetry @ Mercado La Paloma

Join us for an evening of community, poetry, and delicious food at Mercado La Paloma! This special AWP 2025 offsite event will feature readings by local and visiting poets, offering a unique blend of literary artistry and culinary delights.

Featured Poets:
Adrian Cepeda, Amy Shimshon-Santo, Angela Siew, Angela Torres, Diamond Forde, Diana Cao, Jessica Abughattas, Karen Llagas, Karen Terrey, Laura Paul, Lydia T. Liu, Margarita León, Megan Pinto, Samyak Shertok, and Zoe Blaq.

Free & Open to the Public – Come for the poetry, stay for the flavors of Mercado La Paloma!

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Rubato Elegante Jazz Ensemble
Mar
15
5:00 PM17:00

Rubato Elegante Jazz Ensemble

🎵 Experience the Magic of Live Jazz! 🎵
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music with Rubato Elegante Ensemble at Mercado La Paloma!

Featuring Talented Musicians:

  • Kenji Terajima – Drums

  • Rudy McDonald – Bass

  • Kenji Yamada – Piano

  • Kim Vinson- Flute

Enjoy a dynamic performance of Straight Ahead Jazz, Ballads, Standards, and Latin tunes, all brought to life by this incredible ensemble!

Come Hungry!
Explore Mercado La Paloma's unique eateries before the performance and savor delicious dishes from diverse cuisines.

Parking Information:

  • Main Parking Lot (Lot A): 3655 South Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007

    • Available: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

  • Overflow Parking (Lot B): Adjacent to Mercado La Paloma

    • Available: Monday–Friday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Weekends, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Note: Lot B is accessible via the main Mercado parking lot gate.

Admission is Free and Open to the Public! 🌟
Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in an evening of exceptional music and vibrant community spirit.

We can't wait to see you there!

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The Rehearsal: Season 5
Mar
14
7:30 PM19:30

The Rehearsal: Season 5

  • Mercado La Paloma (Conference Room) (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

the re•hears•al (n.)

a weekly residency for seasoned artists to explore new bodies of work in front of a live studio audience.

We’re back once again this Friday at the one and only Mercado La Paloma for another unforgettable night!

RSVP Now – Space is Limited!

If you joined us last week, you know the vibe—standing room only! We’re beyond grateful for all the new faces making The Rehearsal their weekly home. With that said, we’re hitting capacity fast, so RSVP now to secure your spot!

This Week’s Lineup

We’ve got something special lined up for y’all this Friday, March 14th—don’t miss performances by:
🔥 Nahima
🎤 Calista Del Toro (Happy Birthday, Calista! 🎉)
🎶 Los Skallejeros

Doors open at 7:30 PM | Show starts at 8:00 PM

Check Out The YouTube Channel!

Did you know we have a YouTube channel? Catch live in-studio performances and our weekly show livestream. Subscribe & watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Rehearsal

See you Friday at The Rehearsal!


More information will be posted soon.

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Steve Cho: Knife Sharpening Services
Mar
14
10:00 AM10:00

Steve Cho: Knife Sharpening Services

Steve Cho has been a professional knife sharpener at Mercado La Paloma for one year, but his passion for sharpening, repairing, and collecting high-quality kitchen knives extends for more than half a decade. What sets Steve apart from other professional sharpeners is his pursuit of excellence in hand sharpening on whetstones.

Steve’s abilities were first noticed by the chefs at Mercado La Paloma, beginning with Holbox and soon spreading to chefs at other restaurants in the market. His meticulous process, which combines synthetic and natural stones, produces an edge that is both fine and “toothy,” a quality highly prized by chefs who work with raw seafood.

If you need knife sharpening services, Steve is here every other Friday morning. He will be set up in the outdoor pergola and is happy to discuss his services with you.

View this profile on Instagram

Steve (@sharp.right) • Instagram photos and videos

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The Rehearsal: Season 5
Mar
7
7:30 PM19:30

The Rehearsal: Season 5

  • Mercado La Paloma (Conference Room) (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

the re•hears•al (n.)

a weekly residency for seasoned artists to explore new bodies of work in front of a live studio audience.

Join us this Friday for Episode 04 of The Rehearsal! We’re continuing to grow this season, and to keep the experience intimate and engaging, RSVP is required to attend. But don’t worry—the show remains free and open to all ages!

This Week’s Lineup:

  • Dru

  • Cherell Terri

  • MarvelousXe

  • ChannelRah

Get ready for an electrifying night of live performances, music, and community vibes.

🔊 Catch a sneak peek! Check out ChannelRah’s live studio session on our YouTube channel for a preview of what’s coming this Friday!


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Steve Cho: Knife Sharpening Services
Feb
28
10:00 AM10:00

Steve Cho: Knife Sharpening Services

Steve Cho has been a professional knife sharpener at Mercado La Paloma for one year, but his passion for sharpening, repairing, and collecting high-quality kitchen knives extends for more than half a decade. What sets Steve apart from other professional sharpeners is his pursuit of excellence in hand sharpening on whetstones.

Steve’s abilities were first noticed by the chefs at Mercado La Paloma, beginning with Holbox and soon spreading to chefs at other restaurants in the market. His meticulous process, which combines synthetic and natural stones, produces an edge that is both fine and “toothy,” a quality highly prized by chefs who work with raw seafood.

If you need knife sharpening services, Steve is here every other Friday morning. He will be set up in the outdoor pergola and is happy to discuss his services with you.

View this profile on Instagram

Steve (@sharp.right) • Instagram photos and videos

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The Rehearsal: Season 5 Opener
Feb
14
7:30 PM19:30

The Rehearsal: Season 5 Opener

  • Mercado La Paloma (Conference Room) (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

the re•hears•al (n.)

a weekly residency for seasoned artists to explore new bodies of work in front of a live studio audience.

How are you doing? Strange start to 2025, right?

Some good news about this year, we’re DOUBLING DOWN on our commitment to hold space for Real Music and Real Connections. You know where, the historic Mercado La Paloma!

We’re kicking off our fifth season on a very lovely day and we’ll be showcasing some incredible talent every Friday from Feb 14th through April 4th.

Lots of exciting things to share this season including new team members, a new podcast (launching soon), a new logo, new merch, and now RSVP (plus raffle)!

RSVP now! We’re trying something new this season. As we grow and reach closer to the capacity of the space, we are now *requiring* everyone to RSVP to attend.


But don’t worry, the show is still free and family-friendly.

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Steve Cho: Knife Sharpening Services
Feb
14
10:00 AM10:00

Steve Cho: Knife Sharpening Services

Steve Cho has been a professional knife sharpener at Mercado La Paloma for one year, but his passion for sharpening, repairing, and collecting high-quality kitchen knives extends for more than half a decade. What sets Steve apart from other professional sharpeners is his pursuit of excellence in hand sharpening on whetstones.

Steve’s abilities were first noticed by the chefs at Mercado La Paloma, beginning with Holbox and soon spreading to chefs at other restaurants in the market. His meticulous process, which combines synthetic and natural stones, produces an edge that is both fine and “toothy,” a quality highly prized by chefs who work with raw seafood.

If you need knife sharpening services, Steve is here every other Friday morning. He will be set up in the outdoor pergola and is happy to discuss his services with you.

View this profile on Instagram

Steve (@sharp.right) • Instagram photos and videos

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Santuario @ The Mercado
Feb
8
7:00 PM19:00

Santuario @ The Mercado

Join us for Santuario, an inspiring night of poetry that celebrates our collective power and the safety found within the sanctuary of community. This family-friendly event is FREE and open to all!

Date: February 8, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Mercado La Paloma Conference Room, 3655 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90007

Featured Poets:

Matt Sedio

Xitalic Guijosa Osuna

RHIPS

Ariadna Sanchez

Martha Alicia / mujer barro

Alegría Publishing Poets:

Jesenia Chavez

Alejandra Acuna

Virginia Bulacio

Hosted by: Janet Gonzalez & Damon Turner

Brought to you by Donají Oaxacan Crafts, Mercado La Paloma, and Liquid Death.

Come experience the power of words, community, and connection.

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Steve Cho: Knife Sharpening Services
Jan
31
10:00 AM10:00

Steve Cho: Knife Sharpening Services

Steve Cho has been a professional knife sharpener at Mercado La Paloma for one year, but his passion for sharpening, repairing, and collecting high-quality kitchen knives extends for more than half a decade. What sets Steve apart from other professional sharpeners is his pursuit of excellence in hand sharpening on whetstones.

Steve’s abilities were first noticed by the chefs at Mercado La Paloma, beginning with Holbox and soon spreading to chefs at other restaurants in the market. His meticulous process, which combines synthetic and natural stones, produces an edge that is both fine and “toothy,” a quality highly prized by chefs who work with raw seafood.

The Mercado La Paloma fosters entrepreneurs like Steve by creating a "business ecosystem" of like-minded businesses that support one another and create opportunities throughout the South Los Angeles region. This unique environment encourages collaboration and innovation, allowing local entrepreneurs to flourish. Through technical assistance, affordable retail opportunities, and a strong sense of community, the Mercado provides a foundation for small businesses to thrive and make a meaningful impact on the local economy.

If you need knife sharpening services, Steve is here every other Friday morning. He will be set up in the outdoor pergola and is happy to discuss his services with you.

Today, Steve’s high-quality knife sharpening services are available to all visitors of Mercado La Paloma. Whether serving professional chefs or home cooks, Steve is passionate about delivering precision and excellence. He is thrilled to contribute his expertise to the Mercado community and beyond, helping others maintain the tools that bring their culinary visions to life.

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Rubato Elegante Jazz Ensemble
Jan
25
5:00 PM17:00

Rubato Elegante Jazz Ensemble

🎵 Experience the Magic of Live Jazz! 🎵
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music with Rubato Elegante Ensemble at Mercado La Paloma!

Featuring Talented Musicians:

  • Ricardo Mowatt – Drums

  • Rudy McDonald – Bass

  • Paul Batson – Guitar

  • Russ Mullen – Trumpet

  • Kim Vinson – Flute

Enjoy a dynamic performance of Straight Ahead Jazz, Ballads, Standards, and Latin tunes, all brought to life by this incredible ensemble!

Come Hungry!
Explore Mercado La Paloma's unique eateries before the performance and savor delicious dishes from diverse cuisines.

Parking Information:

  • Main Parking Lot (Lot A): 3655 South Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007

    • Available: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily

  • Overflow Parking (Lot B): Adjacent to Mercado La Paloma

    • Available: Monday–Friday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Weekends, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Note: Lot B is accessible via the main Mercado parking lot gate.

Admission is Free and Open to the Public! 🌟
Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in an evening of exceptional music and vibrant community spirit.

We can't wait to see you there!

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Skid Row Messiah Telecast
Dec
22
6:16 PM18:16

Skid Row Messiah Telecast

Every December, a remarkable collaboration unfolds on Los Angeles’ Skid Row, where homeless men and women join forces with professional musicians from the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Master Chorale to perform Messiah at the Midnight Mission. Under the direction of concert violinist Vijay Gupta, this unique event bridges centuries and continents, drawing connections between modern Los Angeles and Handel’s 18th-century London. This deeply musical Christmas Sunday Feature captures the spirit of the performance while delving into the rich history and enduring significance of Messiah.

Handel’s Messiah stands apart from his other works, deeply intertwined with philanthropy and community. In Georgian London, the profits from its early performances helped free people from debtor’s prison and supported the Foundling Hospital for children. Beyond its charitable roots, Messiah has a legacy of public participation and communal singing, transcending the boundaries of formal classical performance. It belongs not just to the concert hall but to everyday people—a timeless message of shared humanity and hope.

Through rehearsals and performances at the Midnight Mission, the voices of Skid Row participants bring fresh perspective to Handel’s work. They share what Messiah means to them, illuminating how Handel and his librettist Charles Jennens crafted a piece with profound secular resonance. Beyond its devout text, Messiah becomes a vision of social change, a statement of resilience, and an anthem of hope. For these singers, it is a refusal to accept societal neglect or the permanence of homelessness.

Recorded on the streets of Skid Row, during rehearsals and performances at the Midnight Mission, and in Handel’s London home where Messiah was written, this feature offers a powerful narrative. Vijay Gupta, founder of the Street Symphony project, conducts and reflects on the transformative power of this masterpiece.

Produced by Simon Hollis and Eve Claxton
A Brook Lapping Production for BBC Radio 3

The performance will be broadcast at the following link:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00262bg

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Noche de Rabanos
Dec
15
2:00 PM14:00

Noche de Rabanos

Join us for a festive evening at Mercado La Paloma as we celebrate Noche de Rábanos on Sunday, December 15, 2024! This cherished Oaxacan tradition showcases the artistry and creativity of radish carving, brought to life in vibrant, intricate displays.

The event is proudly organized by Lizbeth Antonio, and Oaxacalifornia, Inc. This event promises a delightful experience for the whole family. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy cultural performances, unique handcrafted art, and delicious food.

Event Highlights:

  • Radish Carving Competition – Prizes for the top 3 winners!

  • Radish Carving Workshop – Learn the art of carving techniques from experts.

  • Live Music & Cultural Performances – Enjoy music and dance performances by Patricia Alcaraz, Martha Toledo Mar, Maqueos Music, Grupo Folkloriko Princesa Donají, Grupo Folkloriko Huaxyacac, Los Elegidos de Asis, and more!

  • Community Resources – Connect with local organizations and resources.


Event Schedule

12:00 PM - Welcome/Bienvenida

12:30 PM - Performance by Grupo Los Gulos

1:00 PM - Performance by Martha Toledo Mar

2:00 PM - Workshop and Competition Begin

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Performances by Grupo Folklórico Huaxyacac and Grupo Folklórico Princesa Donají

4:00 PM - Performance by Grupo Los Elegidos de Asís

4:30 PM - Performance by Ensamble Voces y Cuerdas

5:00 PM - Competition Ends and Judging Begins

5:30 PM - Performance by Patricia Alcaraz

6:00 PM - Recognition and Announcement of Winners

6:30 PM - Popular Dance and Gift Distribution (Baile Popular y regada de obsequious)


Where: Mercado La Paloma, 3655 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007
When: Sunday, December 15, 2024 | 12 PM - 7 PM
Cost: FREE and open to the whole family!

This is a wonderful opportunity to experience a piece of Oaxacan culture right here in Los Angeles. Come for the radish carvings, stay for the music, food, and community spirit! Bring your family and friends and make it a day to remember.

We look forward to celebrating with you at this unique and festive event!

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Viibration Sundays
Nov
17
3:00 PM15:00

Viibration Sundays

Viibration Sundays is the heartbeat of LA’s weekend, brought to life by So Be It Union—the collective of Damon Turner, Jenn Johns, and DJ Kiilu Grand.

Originally launched in South Africa at Bertrand’s Cafe, this vibrant day party now brings its high-frequency vibes to Mercado La Paloma every Sunday at 3 PM. With Jenn’s Afro-Diasporic artistry, Damon’s soul-driven cultural vision, and Kiilu’s legendary mastery of hip hop, funk, and R&B,

Viibration Sundays delivers an uplifting, one-of-a-kind experience. Free and family-friendly, the event also includes a marketplace powered by ATLAS, featuring locally sourced products, inviting the community to connect through music, joy, and energy.

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