The Village Comes Together In Amazing Way for Community, Culture, & Healing
- MADE IN DENA
- May 27
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 6
On Saturday, May 24th, something powerful happened on the newly remodeled courtyard campus of John Muir High School — a space where over 1,500 community members came together for a purpose much bigger than just music and merch.
The Village Spring Festival, put on by Rhythms of the Village and LA Commons, was more than just a pop-up market — it was a full-on healing space. And in the wake of one of Altadena’s most devastating moments—the Eaton Fire—this gathering became a symbol of strength, unity, and revival.
Organized by Giza Tulivu of Shady Business (Sunglasses) and led by Emeka of Rhythms of the Village, the event brought together 50+ vendors, including MADE IN DENA, Nia’s Crafthouse, and so many more. There was live music, mask making, workshops, free family portraits, self-care spaces, and kids’ activities — all surrounded by love, joy, and resilience.
Notable leaders like Baba Onochie, Brandon Lamar, Allen Shay, Betty Ford, Patrice McKenzie, and Victor & Heavenly Hughes of My Tribe Rise were in attendance. But the real stars were the people — DENA came through heavy.
🛑 THE EATON FIRE: A COMMUNITY LOST
On January 8, 2025, the Eaton Canyon Fire ripped through Altadena, destroying homes, businesses, and landmarks — including the shared lot of Rhythms of the Village, Altadena Pizza Company, and Oh Happy Days. It’s estimated that up to 80% of Altadena was impacted, along with areas in Pasadena and Sierra Madre. Rhythms of the Village, a cultural center and Black-owned business that’s served Altadena since 2013, was completely burned to the ground. It wasn’t just a business—it was a hub for culture, education, music, and healing.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of instruments, art, merchandise, and equipment were lost.
💚 HOW YOU CAN HELP:
Rhythms of the Village needs all of us to rebuild. You can contribute directly via their GoFundMe:
As Emeka Chukwurah, organizer of the fundraiser, said:
“This space was never just a business—it was a home for culture, music, art, and community.”

📍 WHAT’S NEXT:
If everything lines up like it should, Rhythms of the Village may return to Muir to host their annual Village Fall Festival—a beautiful full-circle moment of resilience and rebirth.
But for now, we celebrate this weekend’s Village Spring Festival as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when DENA shows up.
Let’s keep showing up.
– Jason Hardin
Founder – MADE IN DENA / Life of a Boss
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