dazed & confused

Hey check this out:
Writer niki roberton did a little story on the Show Pony for DAZED DIGITAL. Too bad it was before our big super duper remodel.

(photo DS)

Show Pony in Echo Park, Los Angeles was started in 2000 as an art and fashion space. Eight years on, the once-run-down strip of Echo Park Avenue has become a flourishing centre for cool vintage stores, hair/art salons, coffee shops and the successful Family. Show Pony's creator Kime Buzzelli (a Los Angeles artist) is at the centre of this hurricane.

Dazed Digital: How has Echo Park changed?
Kime Buzzelli: When we first opened the area was like a little ghost town. Now the block is mostly retail. We are excited about Family coming to open a gallery on the block next month. They sell exciting books and records and host rad performances by the Sads, No Age, and Abe Vigoda.

DD: What do you think of the independent music and art culture that's expanding in Los Angeles now?
KB: I love it. I feel like LA has a real revolution going on right now. It seems that so many interesting artists and musicians are collaborating and creating things. I also think that there are small collectives of designers and musicians who perform together and this system seems to feed off of each other. The Smell seems to be making real good vibes, lots of all ages shows and excitement in the air as bands play, there's also Little Radio, The Echo and their new EchoPlex. The boys over at Dublab take their show online and around town to places like the art museums and the Natural History Museum. My favorite place to see art shows with bands is New Image Art Gallery. On this side of town, Show Cave and Tiny Creatures.

DD: What impact has Show Pony made?
KB: Well, I think we were definitely in the group of pioneers of the initial scene, and participated in the early years of DIY everything. You want to do a one-woman show in the loft, it's yours. Want to show your indie movie on the wall, it's yours. Want to build a cake sculpture in the shop and wear plushy outfits while performing? Go for it. We had Becky Stark, Ariel Pink, Sonny Von Bulow, Civil WAR, JD from the Hairy Patt Band, Dame Darcy all perform in the early years.

DD: What are your plans for the future?
KB: We are currently doing a major overhaul and remodel. The plans are to bring it back full circle to its original art roots. Less clutter, more amazing stuff. And more wall space for art installations. I would like to start hosting classes out of there or letting artists take over the space with new ideas. Like, every month changing the name and hosting a shop within a shop, like Grow Pony (sell plants), Dough Pony (we can sell pastries), you get the picture. That could be fun