MANSFIELD — La Luna celebrated its final music and art showcase last Saturday, Dec. 11. These shows have been ongoing since La Luna first opened as an art space in 2017.
Aurelio Diaz’s (the owner of the building and city councilman of the fifth ward) main goal was to create a space for anyone to perform. He often found newcomers and outsiders to the music scene that wouldn’t have been invited into already established venues.
“I knew a lot of artists and musicians, like myself, who weren’t given chances to show their music and art. It was kind of cliquish,” Diaz said.
Where doors were shut, he opened windows. Never allowing himself or anyone else who shared his same frustrations to feel left out, he made a stage for everyone to share.
Inclusion is an important theme in Diaz’s life and career; it seems to guide every decision he makes. The space will not be shutting down, but changing the direction of their mission.
“My goal, my dream, would be to actually have this downstairs strictly as a dance studio for adults with disabilities,” Diaz said.
Diaz has worked with adults who have disabilities since 2009, with his dance ensemble called, Troupe Flow. They’ve practiced at La Luna every Saturday for 12 years. His main goal now is to give them a proper space to practice, with mirrors and flooring more suitable for dancing.
The final showcase consisted of five performers: The Foster Kidz, Nick Careless, Ace Grymwood, Chico’s Brother and Giftboi. These performers ranged in styles from indie and country to parody, folk and rap.
The show was electric, funny and bittersweet. Attendees interacted with the singers and got up in between sets, saying how much this space meant to them.
“Thank you for loving the people no one loves,” Nick Careless said.
The atmosphere was bittersweet, the way endings always are. People coming in and out to pick up their art, some staying. Sharing memories about the past, harping on old nostalgia until it hurt a little. However, this wasn’t an ending, just a change in direction for La Luna.
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