“As a queer, plus-size, light-skinned Latina, I worked an endless amount of hours to be seen in my own communities for 15 years - usually alone, usually exhausted. ‘Not queer enough because you’re femme, not fat enough nor skinny enough, and you don’t LOOK Latina.’ So when Arciniega Street reached out to me to headline a queer Latin show, I was beyond honored! I was no nervous, but as soon as I stepped off the plane, I was embraced and welcomed with warmth. I instantly felt at home, and this continued through the entire weekend. The shows were packed full of generous patrons, the producers having cultivated a culture to make the talent feel seen and appreciated. And the TALENT! Sheer genius! These performers were all on their best game. Backstage was also a dream; the camaraderie was palpable with dancing and singing together while others were onstage, cheers from the wings, and boosting each other up throughout. We laughed and then we cried, having realized that this was what we were all missing. A collective of performers fighting our way through a world where our people are silenced, looked down on, dismissed. We found our family and I will forever remember this beautiful experience with Arciniega Street Productions.”
— Chola Magnolia, touring burlesque artist; voted one of the Top 50 Burlesque Artists in the World
“Arciniega Street is a stellar representation of the pleasure of professionalism. It can be rare to find genuine enjoyment in certain spaces of this industry but Arciniega Street established a safe, open space for me to create and express myself, without the pressures of limitation. They are genuinely good at what they do and they made this [gig] process enjoyable rather than stressful!”
— Chris Hawk, award-winning R&B artist
“As a Latine performer in town, I couldn’t be more appreciative of the work that Arciniega Street Productions does for providing opportunities for Latine and Queer art. I always feel great working with them; I’m always well taken care of, and the level of professionalism they display at every event is a breath of fresh air.”
— Dela Rosa, drag artist, Emprex L of All Alaska
“Working with Arciniega Street Productions was one of the easiest and most enjoyable event planning experiences I’ve had! Their commitment to community-building is inspiring and I look forward to working with them again.”
— Jasmine Carter, South Central Civic Engagement Organizer, AKCEF
“Kendra and Mercedes are musicians and performers themselves and they understand what it takes to craft experiences that connect performer and audience in an authentic way. They are organized, prompt, and willing to go the extra mile to put on events that keep artists and patrons coming back. I’m proud to work with Arciniega Street and be a part of this community effort to bring new life to music in Anchorage.”
— Kengo Nagaoka, musician
“Working with Kendra and Mercedes is always something I can look forward to. They’re professional, compassionate, and REAL. Besides them being incredible human beings, the work that they do through Arciniega Street to promote community, inclusivity, and artists of all colors and backgrounds is something I wish I had while I was growing up in Anchorage. They’re changing our little town for the better.”
— DENALI, singer/songwriter
“Arciniega Street Productions was attentive, flexible, and an overall pleasure to work with. We greatly appreciated their willingness to collaborate with us on a short timeline. We highly recommend working with them for any community event!”