to the editor: Reading the article about the new jazz album by Michael Peter Balzary, aka Flea, was very inspiring (“At 63, Flea is finally becoming the jazz musician he always dreamed of being.” March 25). He recalled the tough journey Angelenos face in surviving in the city to achieve our goals. It also confirmed that we are never too old to broaden our horizons, a nice reminder that we are still moving later in life.
Both the article and the documentary released on Netflix bring back many memories of growing up in Los Angeles. I didn't attend Fairfax High School like Flea did, but I was at Los Angeles High School. Still, the lure of good music and proximity to Hollywood made Fairfax High our playground.
The development of the local music scene in the early 80s seems like a fairy tale to my family and the younger generation, but being able to see it happen at the time was indescribable.
Flea and his musical gifts and love for the city place the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the long list of local bands influencing music everywhere. Shout out to the Doors, Chili Peppers, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Ice-T, etc.
Arturo Alvarez, Ontario
