LA Letters
Mike Sonksen aka Mike the Poet celebrates bright moments from literary Los Angeles with spoken and written word.
LA Letters Top Eleven Book Picks for 2012
December 21, 2012 2:00 PM
by Mike Sonksen
LA Letters:
The burgeoning tide of Los Angeles literature grows bigger every year.
December to Remember: L.A.'s New Poet Laureate and 'Visions & Affiliations'
December 14, 2012 4:27 PM
by Mike Sonksen
LA Letters:
If I've said it once, I've said it a million times -- there's a golden age of arts flourishing these days in L.A.
LA Letters:
Poets have always played the role of the voice of people since the dawn of man
LA Letters:
Myth making has always been a big part of the California dream.
LA Letters:
I know I am not alone when I say I am very thankful for the Los Angeles art community.
West L.A.'s Little Osaka, Rollin' With Dre and Margaret Hermes
November 16, 2012 4:00 PM
by Mike Sonksen
LA Letters:
Observing the changing Westside, the latest ebook technology, and preserved history in Boyle Heights.
LA Letters:
"I Am Alive in Los Angeles!" Words by Mike the PoeT Beats by DJ Dave Starring Mear One Shot by Motion Over the years I have collaborated with numerous artists like PhiLLHarmonic, DJ Dave, Blackbird and the Los Angeles...
LA Letters:
Here's a run-down of a few events and books that really helped me close out October with a strong dose of art and culture.
Beats and Rhymes: Nobody Knows What's True Anymore
October 26, 2012 3:00 PM
by Mike Sonksen
LA Letters:
Between fibbing politicians, fake memoirs, reality TV, cosmetic surgery, photoshop and botox, the truth can be elusive.
A People's Guide to Los Angeles and Gary Phillips
October 19, 2012 4:00 PM
by Mike Sonksen
LA Letters:
The masterfully executed book is an invaluable source of little known or forgotten but very necessary L.A. history.
Beats and Rhymes: The Emperor Wears No Clothes
October 12, 2012 4:00 PM
by Mike Sonksen
LA Letters:
Though the poem parodies the fashion world, many of the fashionistas are very progressive people. They are a big part of the city of Angels.
LA Letters:
October was recently declared Architecture month by the city of Los Angeles. In honor, this edition of LA Letters pays tribute to some of my favorite structures in our fair city. There are far too many to list them all, but here's a few to begin with.
LA Letters:
Whether it be in Wall Street, our presidential election or international politics, corruption is everywhere on both the micro and macro level.
From L.A. to Brooklyn and the Majesty of New York
September 21, 2012 3:30 PM
by Mike Sonksen
LA Letters:
Times change, streets change, buildings change, some stay the same and the ever-changing landscape of the city presses forward.
Beats and Rhymes: The Best Minds of My Generation
September 14, 2012 2:30 PM
by Mike Sonksen
LA Letters:
Our friends of poets, painters, DJs and musicians are the emerging superstars of the new American Avant-garde serenaded in this poem.
'Ban This!' and AK Toney's Elegy for Dee Black
September 7, 2012 2:00 PM
by Mike Sonksen
LA Letters:
Arizona's attempt to ban books on Chicano/a Studies has inspired legions of young activist writers and thinkers to take action, empowered and bent on social justice.
LA Letters:
L.A. based lyricist and musician Blackbird considers each track he produces a film score.
LA Letters:
For all the talk of rivalry and disdain between San Francisco and Los Angeles the two cities have far more in common than they do differences.
Beats and Rhymes: Central Cali's Coast Crescendo
August 17, 2012 11:00 AM
by Mike Sonksen
LA Letters:
The mix of rocky coast, dense forest and steep cliffs make the landscape around Big Sur especially picturesque and sometimes dangerous.
LA Letters:
The "dog days of summer" may be here, but Los Angeles is exploding with literary events, live concerts, art shows and city tours. Mike the Poet examines the writers, artists, musicians and venues keeping summer spirit alive in Los Angeles.

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