Dustin Wong & Gregory Uhlmann on the LA River
Stay cool with us on the banks of the LA River for a twilight-into-nightfall concert from our dear friends, Dustin Wong & Julius Smack, as we gather in support of sending these angels out tour together!
Back in June we hosted the absolutely breathtaking album release for Julius Smack’s latest offering, Starlight, which envisions a dark future where AI has decimated civilization and artists are among the last to survive. The songs contained in this vessel are transmissions, moments in dialogue with a fictional AI assistant named Starlight, to share a story of his origins. This past month Julius Smack performed Starlight live on KCRW and we’re ecstatic to bring this incredible performance to the unique urban-wildlife interface that is our LA River.
It’s not even hyperbole to say that Dustin Wong is one of the most unique and imaginative guitarists that we’re blessed to share this existence with. From his work in Ecstatic Sunshine & Ponytail, his albums with Takako Minekawa, recording with Dan Deacon, cutting a record with Greg Uhlmann, and collaborating with so many of our friends and favorite musicians, Dustin’s voice has been a gentle constant through the past 20 years of our lives. He’s not only been one of the biggest inspirations for thousands of DIY lifers but also one of the most present and affirming supporters of scenes nationwide.
Donation-based! Bring a friend, a blanket + snacks, share the sunset, and we’re so excited to share this with you. Pin drop with rsvp.
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Access info: The LA River bike path is accessible by wheelchair and other mobility devices from Ripple St. (the ground is a bit uneven when approaching from the Gilroy St. side). Performances will be visible from the bike path, but optimal seating is lower down the concrete embankment, which has a steep slope (not wheelchair accessible).
Julius Smack is the musical alias of Peter Hernandez, a Los Angeles-based musician, performer, and director of Practical Records. His work explores intuitive and imaginative landscapes, envisioning new modes of perception and existence. Drawing inspiration from vogue, postmodern dance, Japanese environmental music, and contemporary dance music, he synthesizes these influences into a singular artistic vision rooted in queer and indigenous heritage.
With releases on labels such as Leaving Records, Noumenal Loom, Practical Records, and Constellation Tatsu, Julius Smack’s music resonates across diverse audiences. He has performed at prestigious venues including MOCA Geffen, The Getty Museum, and KCRW in Los Angeles, Stavanger Kunsthall in Norway, and Aunt Charlie’s Lounge in San Francisco.
Photo by Rommel Alcantara
Dustin Wong was born in Hawaii (1982) and grew up in Tokyo. He studied Film at the California College of Arts in Oakland (2001-2003) and sculpture and performance at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore (2003-2005).
After graduating from MICA, his creative focus shifted to music. Forming bands (Ecstatic Sunshine, Ponytail) and cultivating solo music projects opened opportunities for him to travel throughout the US and Europe.
​For over ten years, the themes of Dustin’s work have been interested in the mystical, esoteric, and spiritual and, in recent years, have moved towards the idea of creating a space for healing through sight and sound.