speaking engagements

Melissa Dueñas djing at the Larry Heard listening party at JACCC with In Sheep's Clothing.
Melissa Dueñas of East Side Story Project giving a presentation for Good Luck Vinyl Club.
Melissa Dueñas, DJ Sonrisita, giving a vinyl workshop in Mexico City with Nochenegra.

Good Luck Vinyl Club

“East Side Story: Vols. 3 & 4",” Presenter / DJ - Long Beach, 2024

Shared the music and history behind the East Side Story compilations and highlighted the backstories behind volumes 3 & 4.

In Sheep’s Clothing X JACCC

“Sceneries, Not Songs,” Presenter / DJ - Los Angeles, 2024

Showcased Larry Heard’s genre-expansive discography, while giving insight and anecdotes about his musical history.

Nochenegra X Centro de Cultura Digital

Panelist / DJ / Instructor - Mexico City, 2022

Conducted a class on vinyl DJing and participated in a panel about the cultural context of lowrider oldies and Chicano identity.

Wax Poetics X Sonos Radio

Music Made Us: Los Angeles,” Community Historian / DJ - 2022

Explored the historical context and significance of the oldies culture in Southern California

Sundance Collab

Masterclass: Audio Storytelling,” Panelist - 2021

Facilitated a segment of the workshop on best practices for in-the-field and remote recording techniques.

AjA Project

Hyperlocal Visions,” Guest Lecturer - San Diego, 2020

Alongside my longtime collaborator Valerie Bower, we reflected on our travels to Oaxaca, Tijuana, New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona, as well as our work together as photographers and zine-makers.

Los Angeles Public Library

“Line Exhibition,” Moderator - Los Angeles, 2020

Moderated a panel discussion with zine-makers and photographers, including Estevan Oriol, Valerie Bower, Sean Maung, and others at the Hollywood Regional Branch.

Los Angeles County Museum

“Music of East L.A.,” Panelist/DJ - Los Angeles, 2018

Participated in a panel discussion with singer Chris Montez and artist Rubén Guevara, moderated by visual artist Vincent Ramos, focusing on the Los Angeles Chicano music scene of the 1970s and '80s.