Gary “Ganas” Garay (or Triple G) is a multi-disciplinary artist who trades in sculpture, installation, painting, and performance. But his primary role is that of crate-digging vinyl DJ. As a founding member of the DJ collective Mas Exitos, Garay has long been committed to the project of de-gentrifying the bars, clubs, and performance spaces of North East LA, representing the diaspora of Latin sounds — from cumbia to Chicano soul — alongside the rest of his crew: DJs Hoseh (Jose C. Salguero), Lengua (Eamon Ore-Giron), Enorbito (Kevin Ramos), and Chico Sonido (Jose Raul Espinosa Rosas). What has emerged from the presence of Mas Exitos as a recurring, venue-hopping party is a space for all to appreciate rare grooves with a Latin twist.
Now over 15 years into its existence, Garay has translated Mas Exitos into the realm of high art as part of The Hammer Museum’s beloved Made in L.A. series.
“Made in L.A. 2023: Acts of Living is the sixth iteration of the Hammer’s biennial exhibition highlighting the practices of artists working throughout the greater Los Angeles area. These practices embrace the value of craft, materiality, performance, and collectivity. The biennial situates art as an expanded field of culture that is entangled with everyday life; community networks; queer affect; and indigenous and diasporic histories.”
With his free and open to the public Hammer exhibit on display through Dec. 31, 2023, Garay visits MBE to delve into the details and spin a Shazam-proof set of sonic gold. Peep the tracklist below and get to groovin’ via the player above.
Tracklist
- Gustavo Y Su Banda Electronic – “La Modelo”
- Sola – “Tabu, Tabu”
- Cuando Vuelves – “The Tribu”
- Turbo Sonriendo – “Sonríe / Llora”
- Grupo Sońador – “El Paso del Gigante”
- Grupo Kual? – “Amor Regresa Ya”
recorded at Marie's Pizza and Liquors in Chicago