JOE GALARZA is a Xica-indio visual artist and musician. Joe grew up in El Sereno, an area of Los Angeles surrounded by gang violence and with much self-hate. Joe is a painter, muralist, sculptor (clay, wood, and paper mache), musician (bass, native instrumentation) instrument maker (native flutes, drums, & rattles) and an arts educator. Through his artwork and music he strives to preserve and shar
e culture of indigenous peoples of the so-called Americas, provoke questions, and address urban social issues. He teaches at community centers and correctional facilities with youth and strives to bring resources through the arts that can serve as an alternative. His goal is to share with them that they can change and endeavor toward self-determination for a better future despite any odds they face. He started playing bass at age 17 and has been a part of internationally known music group AZTLAN UNDERGROUND since 1994. With Aztlan Underground, Galarza has toured throughout the United States, Spain, France, Basque country, Mexico, Australia, Venezuela, Canada, and throughout Indian Country using music an educational tool to empower community. Galarza has had the opportunity to open up for Crass, Manu Chao, Rage Against the Machine, Maldita Vecindad, Fermin Muguruza, Control Machete, and Todos Tus Mu***os. He has also shared the stage with Mos Def, KRS-One, Malo, Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, and Medusa, among countless other incredible and respected musicians. Galarza is currently working on a one-man multi-media exhibit and book showcasing the spectrum of his work called “Tomahawks of Peace.”