Brokechella 2012: a festival of music, art, food, drink, friendship, community, and, of course, face painting in the spirit of the festival none of us could afford.
On April 21, 2012, from 4pm-2am, nine hundred people congregated in downtown Los Angeles to see 20 up-and-coming bands and DJs at Six01 Studio in the warehouse district. In addition to the music, guests chowed down on deliciousness provided by Starry Kitchen and Mucho Perro, and the unique artists of the Illyrian Players were also on hand to face paint any and all who wanted (which was a lot). The largest event to date produced by cARTel, Brokechella was officially sponsored by Imperial Beer, Jarritos, Activate, Bedrock Rental and many more).
The festivities caught the eye of several media outlets and publications, including The Los Angeles Times, The Huffington Post, NBC, and was hyped by DailyISO as the "cool younger brother" to that other festival out in the desert. But by the end of the night it was clear that, after just two years, Brokechella has blossomed into a cultural touchstone all its own: a unique celebration of music and art by people in LA, for the people of LA, right here in LA. And all for just $5.
And next year will be even bigger and better.*
(*Though we can't necessarily promise the return of the Tupac pinata.)
"Have you ever experienced something so amazing that it flickers in your memory like a waning neon sign that refuses to burn out? That’s Brokechella to me."
-Wifey of a Roadie
"Brokechella is ... a kickass party. Next year? Hell yes I’m going.“
-Gossip Material
"No doubt, Brokechella is the place to be, whether you’re too broke for Coachella or can only survive one desert weekend!“
-Before the Bigs
"Brokechella gives the eccentric and eclectic of Los Angeles a place to go to enjoy great local music for next to nothing.“
-Press Pass LA
"Brokechella is the chella for you. It was crazy fun and chill at the same time.“
-Apocalypstick
"As the sun went down the whole alley became a big dance party, comparable only to the raging-90's raves I never went to."
-Off the Grid