About this Event
Words on Wax is a curated vinyl-and-literature series that connects music aficionados and book lovers through deep listening and learning sessions rooted in diasporic culture. Each program pairs thoughtful vinyl selections, themed books, and special guests in an intimate exploration of sound, story, culture, and community healing.
Join us April 4, 2026 to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with the music of jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Charles who have helped establish Leimert Park as a cultural epicenter for Black musical innovation in Los Angeles. We will be joined in conversation by jazz luminary of our time, Dwight Trible, director of The World Stage and “Leimert Park Cultural Icon.” We will listen deeply to select songs from seven original vinyl pressings while gaining insight into historical & cultural context through personal stories, biographies and books on Leimert Park.
Art books featuring the work of local artists like Ben Caldwell, Alonzo Davis, Dale Davis and Mark Bradford, founder of Art & Practice, will complement the music, showcasing the rich creativity and cultural expression that defines our vibrant community. Together, we'll explore how this community shaped their narratives through both music and art, inviting personal reflection and open dialogue.
Your host DJ / filmmaker Moni Vargas, will share book excerpts and quotes as well as archival photos and video with her partner, filmmaker / artist Michael Vargas in a multimedia presentation.
Hosted inside LORE’s intimate two-floor bookstore (and former Brockman Gallery), this experiential series transforms the space into a communal “listening library,” where sound and text amplify one another. Guests are invited to slow down, listen deeply, and explore the stories behind the music through related books, author spotlights, guest selectors, and meaningful conversation, all while building community across global diasporas.
Join us for...
- Guided Intro — grounding breath & evening introductions
- Curated Vinyl Journey — needle-drop selections
- Book Connection — quotes, readings, & contextual themes
- Special Guest Dialogue — cultural insights + personal stories
- Community Circle — open conversation & connection
About:
Moni Vargas is an AfroLatina storyteller working in music, film and the healing arts. She has been collecting vinyl since childhood and DJ'ing for the past 25 years. She is a three-time Emmy-nominated and award winning director / producer at Friends We Love.
Michael Vargas is an award-winning filmmaker, visual artist, and writer with over 25 years of experience. As a seasoned director, cinematographer, and editor at Friends We Love, Michael has earned back- to-back Emmy nominations for two feature documentaries.
Socials: @wordsonwax.club / @monimusically / @everydayhigher
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
4334 Degnan Blvd, 4334 Degnan Boulevard, Los Angeles, United States
USD 20.00
