STRICTLY: A Year In BLOOM ('21 - '22)

Magazine

Looking back on STRICTLY's first full year of publicaiton!

Magazine

Table of Contents

ARTWORK BY STEVE WANNA

Dear Readers, STRICTLY Magazine is a platform made for artists, by artists.

A place to talk about your art the way you see fit!

Thanks for joining us through our REVIEW issue. Once again, we have been gifted so many amazing pieces of work from artists around the world.

With that being said...

Welcome to:

We can't believe it has been one full year with you all! Let's take a look back, shall we?

I hope you enjoy your new opportunities and invitations to grow, and are inspired to create some art after reading.

Happy Blooming!

Much Love, Alecia Winter Scott

Magazine

Editor-in-Chief

PHOTO BY LISA FLORY

Magazine

Blossoms! presents...

ials from our Com r o t i d E e muni tim g n i r ty Sp Part I

PHOTO BY ZACHARY SERBAN

"A poem for you, Persimmon Tree"

"Flower Digital Collage"

Pieces by Jennifer Willoughby "This is a little poem I wrote after mulching and feeding the soil around the persimmon tree in my backyard, who has exploded with new foliage in just a few weeks."

- Polimana

Curled round the persimmon tree green has come upon her quick all soft all new all velvet leaf unfolding out from yawning branch unfurling into springtime rays persimmon tree, so quick to wake.

Socials: @polimanamusic | @summerhazemusic

Contact: https://willoucreative.com/

our hands create space play the bass wrap each other in healing embrace our feet stomp to the beat on hot concrete take us to our favorite places to eat our eyes watch art unfold connect our souls remind us that there’s beauty to behold our ears hear the gentle breeze that flows from the seas and music that puts our hearts at ease our voices sing songs of praise that get us through the days when we wish the pain would just go away

"The high priestess is a card that symbolizes spiritual enlightenment. This piece was created with alcohol markers." - Abbie Steele

@scrapeyards

the older i get, it’s easier to see the body is so much more than me the body is us, and through it we connect to each other, to our earth, it’s not something to perfect but something to accept something to protect and for all it does for us, to respect

Chloe J. Martinez "Lately I have been blossoming as I recover from an eating disorder and seriously negative body image.

This poem inspires me to be grateful for [my] body and respect her for all she does, and I hope it can do the same for anyone who reads it." xo - Chloe Social: @chloejmartinez

"This piece is titled "Blossom Away" and it plays around with the idea of being reborn as your true self, and letting your ideas and passions blossom like flowers in spring. These ideas not only are beautiful in their own ways bit also will spread throughout and inspire others."

- Anabeh Shahbazian

@anabeh.sh

"Nature&Shapes"

"Nature&Shapes is an ongoing series that brings together the audience with the art. People are asked to submit their favorite color, shape, and plant to be created into a digital painting. Not only do the paintings represent flowers and plants of all colors, but it starts a passion of art for those who might not have had it before." - Sydney Kit Contact: @sydney.kit.anim | https://SydneyKit.com

Jazz Marie Kaur "This sketch piece is called the Matrix Sunflower.

Sunflower. It was drawn in Nevada with Faber Castell marker on card stock paper then cut out. Sunflowers are like blossoming human beings in petaling time as they grow and learn over time."

"There are a variety of colorful and whimsical blossoms throughout this piece entitled Little Garden Witch.

Witch. Look carefully and you will find even more garden delights such as butterflies, spiders, and earthworms sprinkled here and there." - ShayJayReed

@shayjayreed

Contact: www.thetinykoala.com | www.vevnaforrow.com

"Flowers in my hometown of Cherry Hill, and across the United States!"

- Tom Bright

VICTORY IAMLOVEHUG

"My submission relates [to Blossoms!] because as an artist you're always learning to grow as an individual and creative. There's a lot that goes into ones work; the thought process, techniques, mediums, and so much energy - which is what builds up the artwork.

Being an artist is a lot about growing and reworking oneself, too."

Contact: https://wokeupforfun.com

Steve Wanna

Contact: www.tjbgraphy.com

"The Spring Blooming of The Cherry Blossom"

"This piece always makes me happy. It’s like seeing a perfect sunflower on a bright spring day. The colours always manage to put a smile on my face."

Social: @steve_wanna

There are fresh lavender flowers Rubbed in the ends of my hair So the scent is carried in the wind Traveling up your turned nose Causing you to investigate Find the root of the scent Find yourself amongst me Lying on the long grass With your head in my lap You'll exhale long and hard As you talk about your travels The trials and tribulations All the time it took you To find me right here And now For the very first time In your whole life You can talk And someone will listen Digesting each syllable Basking in the breeze Florals meandering Falling on your skin Relaxing your frown lines I cradle you and listen While the sun descends

@johnnyqu33r "It's about a blossoming relationship. It also mentions lavender and fresh flowers."

- Johnny Queer

Marc Rifkin

Contact: https://www.facebook.com/marcrifkinarts

PHOTOS BY HAUS OF LANIER

DANCE TEAM

TEAM 3XT WHO THEY ARE , WHAT THEY DO, HOW YOU CAN JOIN: MISSION: The 3XT mission is to help every woman realize her full potential through the accessibility of this powerful force we call dance.

The dance company is an invitation for every woman to experience her whole self by challenging the good and the bad, the beautiful and the ugly within.

“Taking our experience from the big stages and TV sets and packaging it into an experience for the woman who gave up on her childhood dream erases the myth that dance has an expiration date in her life. We train our dancers to be able to go behind a camera or up on stage with confidence and purpose..."

"We love watching our company members grow as humans, as artists, and as thinkers; witnessing them recognize their power and shattering their negative beliefs. Dance is for everyone. Dreaming is for everyone. And success is for everyone. So we create opportunities that involve all three.”

– Alex Kaye & Ferly Prado (creators and cofounders of Team 3XT)

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Top left photo and right photo: Jordan Knight Bottom left photo: BTS from a company member

DANCE TEAM

The 3XT Dance Company offers professional dance training and opportunities for non-professional movers in Los Angeles and San Diego.

In 2022, we are offering 2 different experiences:

They both share commonalities and yet offer two completely different experiences. No matter which you choose, you will be immersed in the joy of dancing in the community!

1. Training Dance Company 2.

Performing Dance Company

Sign up for their new season, starting, July 13th at www.team3xT.com Top left photo and right photo: Morgan Foitle Bottom right photo: BTS from Alecia Winter Scott

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' r s e P h c ets a Te

AV CLUB

FREEDOM

A BEHIND THE SCENES SNEAK PEAK AT ORIEL'S MUSIC VIDEO COLLABORATION WITH TEAM 3XT: FILM CREW 🎥 Director: @aliroberto Director of Photography: @shahflix_dop Producers: @geniusinsaneproductions | @muita_muthee First AD: @pattie_melt B.T.S. Videographer: @johntieng Location: @inkdifferent_

ORIEL POOLE

TALENT 💃🏻 Dancers: @team3xt Choreography: @missalexkaye and @ferlyprado Styling & Jewelry: @thisisostara_ Assistant Styling: @disco.haddy Hair & Makeup: @pavyartist

Top left photo and bottom two photos: Screen grabs from the Freedom MV Middle left and top right photos: BTS from company members

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PHOTO BY ANAIAH SIMONS

AV CLUB

BEHIND THE SCENES SNEAK PEAK AT RASHÉ'S MIND TALK AMUSIC VIDEO COLLABORATION WITH TEAM 3XT: CREDITS: Producer/Director: Pablo Aguilar (@pabloaguilar) Choreography: Alex Kaye | Ferly Prado (@ferlyprado) | @team3XT Creative Direction: Alex Kaye (@missalexkaye) | Rashé Robertson (@heyrashe) | @carlosloslito Artist's Team Hair: Crystal Clark (@crystalclarkhair) | @hairqueenla Makeup: Qiana Chase (@q_paints) Team 3XT Make Up: Porctia Symone (@porctiasymone) Styling: Vapor 95 (@vapor95) | Vintage Dirty Laundry (@vintagedirtylaundry) | RTA Brand (@rtabrand)

CAST (in order of appearance): Game Show Host: Tony More (@lounginwithtony) Game Show Bachelors: @la.curtis | @dzplanet | @leothegr8t

Featured Dancers of Team3XT: @hannahmariethemuse | @alecia.winter.scott | @ericalynnbow | @ellyewell | @tori.soo | @gabymlopez | @duhleena | @thekerryp | @orielpoole | @katsanchez6 | @amyruth | @sthoma23 | @bia_apsgomes | @dr_schaweetness | @rooneylove | @laurenhouseworth | @ima.gin.airy | @daniellemgrossman | @this_is_lindsanityy | @adrianarami | @Tata_khani | @laravision | @monigirl24

A @smallfontcollective production powered by @labelsquadz

HEY RASHÉ Top photo: Screen grab from the Mind Talk MV Bottom photos: BTS from company members

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AV CLUB

SOLTA A BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK AT SEAN AND FERLY'S MUSIC VIDEO COLLABORATION WITH TEAM 3XT:

Artists: Sean van der Wilt featuring Ferly Prado Dancers: Minor Enrique, Elio Martinez, Pierce Allison, Luis "L.T." Martinez, Wayne "Juice" Mackins, Mathew McAllister-Brown, Angel Fernandez, Miguel Lievano and the Ladies of Team3XT

All photos: BTS from company members 18

DRAMA CLUB

A VIEW FROM GRANDMA'S SEAT, BY LEILANI MARTINEZ (GMA $WAG): Lizastrata, Lizastrata, a play on words from the Greek philosopher Aristophanes’ comic masterpiece, Lysistrata, Lysistrata, was the title of the Troubadour Theater Company’s theatrical tribute to the battle of the sexes, set to music made famous by the inimitable Liza Minelli – that’s “Liza, with a Z,” as Miss Minelli is often quoted as saying.

Now, mind you, I’m not a “theater critic,” nor am I thoroughly versed in things musically theatrical, but I do love to see my grandson perform – in any stage production; on any stage!

The fact that the setting for this exciting and wholly cheeky production was the Getty Villa in Malibu made it even more thrilling for this Bible-totin’ grandmother and her crew, which included a friend from church, my twin daughters, and my lovely granddaughter.

The evening of the performance couldn’t have been more exhilarating. It was as if God stretched out His hand and sprinkled Malibu with a soft evening breeze,

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a stunning sunset, a shimmering full moon, and, of course, wine and cheese and fruit and all kinds of delicious appetizers! But that was just the beginning of the sweet temptations had for the rest of the evening.

We made our way excitedly and expectantly to our seats, and then it began.

The house lights went down, the stage lights came up, the music began, and the actors sang and danced onto the stage, welcoming us with “Willkommen.”

My eyes searched for one person only. As I searched, my gaze was drawn to the costumes on some of the actors. I stopped my visual search, sat up a bit straighter in my seat, glanced askance at one of my daughters to the right of me, and without asking a question, Laura said, “Yep. They’re phalluses, Mom.” As I was picking my jaw up off the floor, she screamed, “There’s L.T.!”

DRAMA CLUB

I followed her gaze, and I saw my beautiful boy – who was now dressed as the very stunning and fiery young woman we later learned was called Calonice – as he danced, sang, and joyously frolicked all over that solid marble stage with his fellow actors (in 3 inch heeled boots, no less).

The ensemble was absolutely mesmerizing!

It came as no surprise to learn they’ve received a sweeping number of nominations by the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle. They told the valiant story of a band of women who took it upon themselves to bravely assert what little power afforded them by their society; to end the inane conflict their menfolk were hellbent on inflicting upon their homeland.

The company of players that we were privileged to witness that evening, told this story with class, confidant flamboyance, and great humour.

what may be an irreverent fashion, but were still able to bring the important message across with great class and humour - and the music reminiscent of Miss Minelli’s past performances surely did not disappoint! It was a beautiful evening shared with beloved people that I will remember always.

At the end of it all, I was so very proud of my boy and his fellow performers.

They managed to give the audience great entertainment, presenting a classic tale in

Photos by Leilani Martinez

And that is the view from this grandmother’s seat!

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DRAMA CLUB

3XTEASE: SAN DIEGO 3XTEASE: THE CABARET SHOW IS THE NEWEST SHOW AND ENTERTAINMENT SPECTACULAR PRESENTED BY TEAM 3XT IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. Narrated and created by celebrity dancers, Ferly Prado and Alex Kaye, 3XTEASE is a night of live dancing, singing, acting, comedy, and more! A night that celebrates Broadway’s best musical numbers and today’s hottest tracks. You will sing, you will dance, and you will be inspired! And the best of all, the cast is made up of 9-5 working women who believed in themselves enough to go outside of their comfort zone, bring out their hidden talents, and serve in a night of magical entertainment.

Dancers: Adriana Ramirez, Alecia Winter Scott, Alex Kaye, Alizeh Siddiqi, Ashley Erickson, Aurora Moreno-Valdez, Beatriz Gomes, Constance Maples, Dalena Duong, Danielle Grossman, Denise Shea, Erica Juergens Bow, Ferly Prado, Gaby Lopez, Gabby Thomason, Genesis Ruiz, Heather Beiler, Iman Shervington, Kara Rooney, Katharine Sanchez, Kerry Puglisi, Lauren Houseworth, Lenzi Marshall, Lindsey Martin, Monika Khalil, Porctia Symone, Rebecca Lush, Samantha Wasielewski, Sarah Thomason, Schehrezade Khan, SueEllen Conway, Susan Callies, Talia Serene, Tanya Khani, Tawny Martin, Tori Soo Choreographers: Alex Kaye, Amy Ruth, Ashley Erickson, Beatriz Gomes, Ellye O’Brien, Erica Juergens Bow, Ferly Prado, Lenzi Marshall, Monika Khalil, Porctia Symone, Rebecca Lush, Sarah Thomason, Schehrezade Khan, Susan Callies Singers: Alecia Winter Scott, Danielle Grossman, Ferly Prado, Heather Beiler, Kara Rooney, Porctia Symone, Talia Serene, Tanya Khani Host: Paige Philips Show Creators: Alex Kaye & Ferly Prado Directed By: Ferly Prado & Alex Kaye Show Concept & Design: Ferly Prado & Alex Kaye Writer: Ferly Prado Co-Writer: Alecia Winter Scott Event Coordination: SD Event Productions Audio & Lighting: Seas-Pro Video: Angela Pacheco Piano: Hiroshi Upshur

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All photos: Jordan Knight

DRAMA CLUB

3XTEASE: LOS ANGELES BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, 3XTEASE TAKES LOS ANGELES! After Sold out shows in San Diego, 3XTEASE is expanding its horizons!

Cast: Dancers: Alecia Winter Scott, Alex Kaye, Amy Ruth, Aurora Moreno-Valdez, Beatriz Gomes, Constance Maples, Denise Shea, Erin Stover, Erica Juergens Bow, Ferly Prado, Gaby Lopez, Gabby Thomason, Genesis Ruiz, Jen Bergo, Kara Rooney, Katharine Sanchez, Lara Jeremko, Lenzi Marshall, Monika Khalil, Monty, Porctia Symone, Sarah Thomason, Susan Callies, Tanya Khani, Tori Soo

All photos: BTS from an audience member

Choreographers: Alex Kaye, Amy Ruth, Beatriz Gomes, Erica Juergens Bow, Ferly Prado, Lenzi Marshall, Monika Khalil, Porctia Symone, Sarah Thomason, Susan Callies Singers: Alecia Winter Scott, Alex Kaye, Ferly Prado, Heather Beiler, Kara Rooney, Porctia Symone, Tanya Khani Host: Paige Philips Show Creators: Alex Kaye & Ferly Prado Directed By: Ferly Prado & Alex Kaye Show Concept & Design: Ferly Prado & Alex Kaye Writer: Ferly Prado Co-Writer: Alecia Winter Scott Piano: Hiroshi Upshur

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Magazine presents...

Blossoms!

itorials from our Comm d E e m i gt unity n i r p Part II S

Zachary Serban Social: @zach.s_photography

I continued to sink into my lawn chair, letting its skeletal shape brand my thighs with half-inch imprints while I constantly checked the time on my phone. The tiny pixels inched closer and closer to nine -- my own private New Years countdown -- while the drink in my lap sweat out its contents and the sky turned a beautiful indigo.

"Come on," I begged in my head, "Just text me. Even if it’s to let me know you got too drunk and can’t drive, just fucking text me so you can put me out of my misery. I won’t even be mad, I just can’t stand not knowing."

Throughout the night I considered initiating the text, or perhaps even a call, but I was too afraid to come off as desperate or fatuous. Instead, I drank myself silly as a way to circumvent my paranoia. I figured getting wasted would slow the cogs in my brain -- reduce my penchant for overthinking into nothing more than an afterthought -- so I’d at least be able to enjoy the night and the fireworks.

But even as I watched sparks fly from behind my aunt and uncle’s white picket fence, watching them explode into bouquets of white fire and shards of neon, I kept seeing numbers hidden in the sky; cryptic codes for my eyes only, time stamps written in the pseudo stars. Ten o’clock was creeping up on me like the monster under my bed, threatening to grab hold of the last remnant of hope inside my heart and rend it into bloody shreds.

"Please," I tried again, "Please, before it’s too late. Save me from this never-ending hell of checking the clock and praying for your name to be on screen. Save me before I completely lose my mind and I blink into the next morning. Just put me out of my misery."

But nothing ever happened. My phone remained a brick in my pocket, mocking me with its idleness and forcing me to carry its weight that now felt like a thousand tons. Eventually, I wandered into the blue tinted alley to watch the fireworks pop, a mindless distraction from my unnecessary inner turmoil. But by the time I got there all the large ones had gone off, leaving only the duds and the dollar-store sparklers that exhausted all their energy just to produce enough light for a wink amongst the darkness. I found some strange solidarity between them, the little sticks of gunpowder passion and my own shrapnel heart, wound up like a clanging monkey toy and painted a fool to yearn so heavily to be with someone who didn’t want to be with me in return.

My enclaved embarrassment hung in the air like the petulant scent of smoke from the explosions, a constant reminder of how pathetic I was to invest my holiday eve-dreaming of the chance to be with two seventeen year-olds. "How sad was I?" I asked myself with bereavement, "Something must’ve gone wrong -- somewhere, sometime -- to make me so hopelessly mournful. It’s a high school party, for crying out loud. Why am I treating it like some royal ball?"

A bush caught fire nearby and everyone flung their drinks at the thing to baptize it with their sinful beverages. Eyes and minds distracted, I took this opportunity to skulk off somewhere empty and air my embarrassment alone.

fourth of july "Growing up and recognizing adulthood (blossoming into one, perhaps)!" -Sarah Kovic Social: @alittlepuzzled

"Cycles of time, growth and joy" "This piece consists of reflections about healing. Time is not linear but it moves in cycles. Spires build upon their own momentum and continue to grow.

Healing and the time we spend on healing, growth and joy is not a one time event but a cycle that feeds on itself and continues to spiral as it feeds itself on its own energy.

The artwork depicts healing, symbolized by the medicinal herbs of chamomile and valerian with bright blossoms that allow growth and the heart’s veins to bloom red Cardinal flowers.

The Cardinal flowers feed the hummingbird that also symbolizes the Sun with a golden disk behind it. The Sun not only creates warmth and joy, but also helps the flowers and healing herbs grow." - E. L. Rodríguez Contact: @elrod.art

i am inside the flower as it blooms the sun looming over me whistling for me use it i am drawn to both ground and sky the flower’s roots don’t move i am safe here. but the sky is inviting holds promises of more than these petals i was born into. i was no longer wishing for wilt. for the same thing every spring. for hibernation every winter. i wanted to join the birds the butterflies. they look so nonchalant up there. flying, the ground only there for emotional support, not survival. so i pet the leaves goodbye, not taking a petal with me before i leap out. launching into the clouds, wondering how things below could look as small as i felt from up so high. i made friends with the wind the rain the snow and the heat we all knew each other well and i was no longer bound by soil i no longer sleep with dirt. i am held softly up here know my worth up here love my skin up here i forgive the thorns and forgive the droughts and i don’t look down.

"flight risk" "I used consistent metaphors of nature to depict a time of transition. I graduate high school in a few weeks, and I wanted to write about it without being so direct. I took the word, “bloom,” and used it as a launching point for themes of hesitancy and growth." - Corrie Ferguson Contact: @cf_bookss | @rrriotangel | Book Link

I’ve Told the Stars I’ve said it before And I’ll say it again “I told the stars about you” And I’ll do it again You were an idea so grand I couldn’t keep your existence to myself Trusting only one thing With your delicate being I laid out a blanket Onto the dew-covered grass Its threads scratching my skin As I prepared to begin Staring straight above With my arm supporting my neck I began to ramble off About the wonder that you are And I laid like that all night Confiding in my friends Picking up my blanket Only when my heart came to an end I go back each night To tell them of all that is new In the unfolding I am learning Of the wonder that is you

"The Matilijia Poppy is endemic to Southern California and named after Chief Matilijia of the Chumash Tribe. The Chumash people believe that the petals of the flower were made from the soul of a maiden who died of a broken heart." - Lois Keller

@sbancroft.jpg "As a queer woman, I have recently found peace in my sexuality and being able to put a word to it that I feel comfortable with. With this newfound comfort in a huge part of who I am, much of my poetry and even art, in general, has given me the space to cope and process such complex emotions. As well, still primarily being in the closet with just about everyone in my life, poetry has been a safe space to bloom. Within that, I feel like the overarching theme of my life is just beginning to blossom. Connecting that to this poem, in particular, writing about the ambiguous future girlfriend has been very comforting and has given me the ability to actually picture what my life could look like one day. So, I told the stars about her because I can always trust them with my blossoming love." - Sierra

Contact: www.bancdesigns.com

Description: Oil on board 12” x 9” (2022)

@lois.keller

Beatriz Gomes

"Sometimes it's hard to understand the meaning of life, the reason why we're truly here. It's not easy to understand that we're here to fulfill a purpose and then move on to the next level of our evolution, most of the time leaving dear ones behind. But, we gotta stay strong and have faith that our spirit is eternal and no matter how long it takes. we'll meet again. My family and I are going through a difficult moment right now and we're experiencing this life dilemma in first hand, but we've always been a very faithful people and God, this amazing source of energy who connects us all is giving us the strength to stand and to keep living because I know that it's what our beloved ones would wish for us to be doing right now.

Remember, we're never alone and the ones who already crossed the bridge of evolution are looking out for us!

Everything happens when and how its suppossed to be happening and God's plan is perfect even though sometimes it;s hard for us to see it. Sending you love, light, and strength."

"These were all taken by me! I love the one with the bee! I used to be terrified of them until they proved to me that they're actually in my life to guide me as one of my spiritual animals!

The one with the lizards, I saw in a very tough moment.

I was at Descanso Gardens.

It was around the time my uncle left and I wrote this..."

Social: @bia_apsgomes

REFLECTION It seems as though we’ve had to say, “Goodbye,” far too many times lately.

We’ve experienced devastating loss on a personal and collective scale.

The grief over lost jobs, relationships, loved ones, and hope feels unbearable.

But as I read the pages of this issue, I can’t help but think…

Perhaps this is not, "Goodbye..." Maybe this is simply, "See you later."

Because meditating on the depth and beauty of art reminds me that, while we are surrounded by death, we are similarly surrounded by life. We are alive.

We may never get back all that we’ve lost in the past few years. Nothing, no one, can replace them. And we must feel, we must honor, our grief.

But as long as we are alive, there is hope.

For art that changes our communities and our world.

For relationships that heal our broken hearts.

And for connection to our dear loved ones who now only reside in our spirits.

So, as we say, "See you later," to all we have loved and lost, we say the same to you. Thank you.

Love, Chloe J. Martinez

LIVE EVENTS + MUSIC

SOFAR SOUNDS: SAN DIEGO POLIMANA GIVES US A RUNDOWN OF SUMMERHAZE'S FIRST SHOW AT GARDEN COFFEE IN SAN DIEGO, CA: Dear STRICTLY Readers, The day I met Jadon, SUMMERHAZE’s brilliant bassist and singer, I received an email reply to a SoFar Sounds gig I had applied for on a whim. It was in San Diego; $100 flat at a cute little Old Town cafe. I asked Jadon if he’d be up for it, and the man did not hesitate. The day the band was founded was the day we set up our first gig.

Right away we got to writing and rehearsing. We didn’t know much – what genre we would play, what our name would be, what we wanted out of life, just to name a few things – but one thing we both knew for sure was that we were not going to be a cover band. We would have to write all the songs we would perform ourselves, or have already written them. At least for this gig, our first, we needed to make that statement of identity – and we had a few weeks to do it! Our first song was nearly finished by the end of the afternoon, and, on the way home, my brain was electrified with the possibilities.

Zion Supreme, our genius drummer and my best friend for the better half of the last decade, joined forces with us after the first week (when he had the chance to come around). He was busy with school but wanted to be a part of the project from the beginning. The three of us became a band, and our name is SUMMERHAZE! SUMMERHAZE! Named for a lyric from Fat Freddy’s Drop: “Longing makes the day seem twice as long, like an endless summer haze.” haze.”

At first, our set was soaring around genres like a bird of prey around an animal they’re not yet sure has dinner potential. We went from brazen indie rock numbers to experimental punk rap to groovy reggae instrumentals to acoustic blues power ballads with not a theme in sight. We definitely thought ourselves eclectic, but were informed by unbiased ears upon hearing our completed setlist that, in fact, we sounded confused :-) These unbiased ears belonged to Erick Morales, a staff member at the rehearsal space who would soon step up to be our lead guitarist.

Big changes were necessary, so sacrifices were made and what came out of that ironing of wills was one cohesive unit of setlist porn. So perfectly did our setlist meld together, such that the sharp angles were softened into smooth curves, and the vibe flowed forth like an ancient stream.

So we rehearsed and rehearsed and rehearsed and then rehearsed some more!

Finally the day of the gig came and we were each responding to the pressure in different ways: Erick was having a couple beers to take the edge off, as he hadn’t performed in several years. I was gaslighting myself vigorously, yelling at myself for my every anxious thought and anxiety-socializing – a tactic where I socialize so much that I can’t hear the paranoid voices inside my head. And Zion Supreme was cool as a cucumber, as he always is.

The moment we started our performance, however, all of these coping mechanisms melted away as we each connected to one another through our most powerful common coping mechanism: playing music!

It was a tearful afternoon of groove and an exhausting drive home, but most of all it was the historic first show of the San Gabriel Valley’s newest indie funk band, SUMMERHAZE! All my love,

Polimana, Butterfly Maiden

Watch a snippet of SUMMERHAZE's live performance at Garden Coffee (San Diego) on Casa Alta's YouTube Channel!

Channel!

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LIVE EVENTS + MUSIC

P.S.(A.) This summer season is already historic. Donate to Planned Parenthood and other valiant organizations where/if/when possible, but also invest in the safety and security of your own community and loved ones. Support your local artists community as well.

We need to come together, dear Readers, because nobody will protect us but us.

Pictured Above - SUMMERHAZE: SUMMERHAZE: Jadon (@itsegomusic (@itsegomusic),), Erick (@more.or.less.erick (@more.or.less.erick),), Zion (@zion_guerrero (@zion_guerrero),), Polimana (@polimanamusic (@polimanamusic))

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LIVE EVENTS + MUSIC

TEAM 3XT @ THE L.A. COUNTY FAIR TEAM3XT AND FELLOW ARTISTS (HEY RASHÉ, PORCTIA SYMONE, FESTIVAL, AND ORIEL POOLE) TOOK TO THE STAGE AT THE LA COUNTY FAIR FOR A FIRE TWO-PART SET! 🔥

Set #1 was the artist set itself, where Team3XT accompanied the artists to routines to their songs including: Mind Talk - Hey Rashé ft. Alex Kaye Say Less - Porctia Symone Lost In The Sauce Festivyl Freedom - Oriel Poole

After a quick reset, Team3XT took the stage for a second time and wowed the audience just as before, with their DJ set, mixed by DJ Kristal Brooke.

Team3XT was bringing the throwbacks to the stage and they also brought the culture with some amazing Samba dancing!

Shoutout to the drummers and Sambistas.

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All photos: BTS from company members

PHOTO BY LISA FLORY

COMMUNITY FILM SUBMISSIONS ('21 - '22)

FEATURE FILMS, SHORTS/SERIES

"LIME" featuring Urian Mitchell

"Thank You x 3" created by L.T. Martinez

"SHIFT" featuring music by Esin Aydingoz

June Jambalaya Presents "Get Right"

"In Color" - Elijah Demetri

COMMUNITY FILM SUBMISSIONS ('21 - '22)

DANCE ON FILM, MUSIC VIDEOS

"Whale" created by Liz Bustle

"In Your Company" - Sharper's Florist

"Tales of The Universe" created by Alecia Scott & Kate Coleman

June Jambalaya Presents "Boo'd Up"

"Promises" - Cilience

MUSIC AND DIGITAL ARTS ('21 - '22) INDIE MUSIC ARTISTS AND CREATIVES: Please open your spotify app and scan these codes to take a listen!

"In Color" - Elijah Demeri

Cilience

Tom Harbour

Polimana, Butterfly Maiden

MUSIC AND DIGITAL ARTS ('21 - '22) INDIE MUSIC ARTISTS AND CREATIVES: Please visit STRICTLYMAGAZINE.com to view and listen to these creators!

Nathan Drube

Livestream by Chris Lewis

REFACE ART

Scooby

"Paradise" - I AM

"Good Days" - Timmy Lewis

VISUAL ARTS ('21 - '22) GRAPHIC DESIGN, ILLUSTRATIONS: Artworks by: Brackett, Irina Novikova, Jennifer Willoughby, Lael Salaets, Jibril Emmanuel, C. M. Yeung, Pandaii Creations, Mister Dennis Schaefer, Anne McCormack, Jordan Merlino, Brandon Beaver. Visit our website for more artist info.

VISUAL ARTS ('21 - '22)

Photography by: Orlando Perez, Lucila Victoria Heinburg, Thomas Bright PHOTOGRAPHERS, MAKE-UP ARTISTS: Make-Up by: Orlando Perez Fashion Designs by Scarlett Dyer

Visit our website for more artist info!

PUBLICATIONS ('21 - '22) DIGITAL READS, PAPERBACKS PODCASTS/AUDIOBOOKS:

Skylar Thomassie

Steven Trahan

Alecia Winter Scott Purchase on AMAZON

Our Immortal Podcast

Chasity Ramsey - Learn more at https://chasityramsey.com/books

I AM

A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

TO OUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, FLOWERS, ACCOMPLICES, AND COHORTS: Thank you for taking the time to check out STRICTLY Magazine. Thank you for supporting our work. Thank you for participating. Thank you for donating. Thank you for contributing. Thank you for allowing art into your lives. Thank you for joining us in this grand experiment. Thank you for your constructive criticisms. Thank you for understanding our humanity.

Thank you for keeping us accountable. Thank you for keeping us fed. Thank you for watering our gardens while we were away. Thank you for keeping the niblings of your extended family safe and secure when parents are off fighting the everyday battle we call Life. Thank you for laughing with us. Thank you for grieving with us.

Thank you for listening. Thank you for speaking your mind.

All these thanks aside, there is no way to put in words the amount of gratitude we feel towards you all for trusting us as we ventured into the unknown realm that is self-publishing a community artists’ journal. We have learned ten thousand times more than we ever thought possible and are so very ready to take this newly gained knowledge into the next chapter for STRICTLY Magazine, CASA ALTA, ALTA, and beyond.

This has been a year of tragedy and triumph both personal and professional; individual and global. The external and internal battles we’ve fought together and on our own have left us with scars both garish to witness and also, at times, invisible. Our ability as People to exist in this complex and often conflicted state is a testament to the power of divine duality that resides in all of us.

We want to acknowledge you – our readers and fellow contributors – for sticking with us through each issue we’ve had the pleasure of challenging ourselves with over the past year. More importantly, we want to reassure you that the work is not over; we have only just begun. Now here’s the tea:

Our plan is to make STRICTLY's content more accessible. As much as we’ve enjoyed creating this Zine for print and digital publication, it seems to us that an audio/visual-focused format for our artist interviews would provide our community of creatives and supporters more readily available opportunities to learn about the projects and people that are contributing to the ever-changing landscape of our current local culture. We believe this could also end up being more immediately beneficial to highlighting the work of our international and out-of-state contributors!

We will continue to be active on social media (IG: @strictlymagazine), @strictlymagazine), to host a condensed version of our website for showcasing purposes, and will most definitely be sharing a larger publication work at least once a year. However, from here on out: to stay in the loop regarding all things STRICTLY Magazine, please head to CASA ALTA’s YouTube channel and give us a follow.

The joy of having come this far is only matched by the excitement we feel for continuing onward.

You are the reason we are here, and you are the reason we want to keep going. If you’ve read this far, thank you for your diligence. Know that you belong here; know that we appreciate you as a reader, and we hope that someday you might be inspired to join us in becoming a fellow contributor as well.

Even after such a demanding year for our team, we are grateful to you all for allowing us to be a part of your journey so far, and are inspired to continue evolving alongside our community.

With the utmost Love and Respect,

Luis “L.T.” Martinez (@eLTigreus) Publisher | STRICTLY Magazine Chief Entertainment Officer | CASA ALTA

Cover Council IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER BY LAST NAME

Alex Kaye

Luis "L.T." Martinez

Polimana Martinez

Ferly Prado

Rashé Robertson

Alecia Winter Scott

MVP's

THE PHOTOGRAPHERS, MAKE-UP ARTISTS, AND STYLISTS WHO'VE HELPED TO MAKE OUR COVER COUNCIL SHINE!

Lisa Flory

Jessica Cogburn

Timmy Lewis

Orlando Perez

Cleo Patrina

Kerry Puglisi

Anaiah Simmons

Class of 2022

THE CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS THAT HAVE MADE OUR FIRST YEAR OF PUBLICATION SPARKLE! (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER BY LAST NAME)

I AM

REFACE ART

Esin Aydingoz

Brandon Beaver

Brackett

Thomas Bright

Jessica's Brother

Liz Bustle

Lucas Celedon

Cilience

Kate Coleman

Elijah Demetri

Nathan Drube

Scarlett Dyer

Jibril Emmanuel

Tom Harbour

Lucila Victoria Heinburg

June Jambalaya

Louis Kruse

Chris Lewis

Timmy Lewis

Char M.

Chloe J. Martinez

Leilani Martinez

Anne McCormack

Jordan Merlino

Irina Novikova

Orlando Perez

Our Immortal Podcast

Tyron'e Porter

The ALEJANDRO Queen

Chasity Ramsey

Urian Ross

Lael Salaets

Mister Dennis Schaefer

Skylar Thomassie

Steven Trahan

CM Yeung

Jennifer Willoughby

Magazine

CREDITS Founder / Editor-In-Chief STRICTLY Magazine

Creative Director / Lead Designer C.E.O. | CASA ALTA LLC

Graphic Designer "A YEAR IN BLOOM"

Photographer STRICTLY Memories Team

MORGAN FOITLE JORDAN KNIGHT TIMMY LEWIS NOAH SCOUT ANAIAH SIMMONS ADRIAN WHITE

Publisher

https://strictlymagazine.com

Published by CASA ALTA © 2022

@strictlymagazine

https://casaalta.online

Magazine