Swami X, a Venice icon, now 83, did a reading event at Beyond Baroque on Sunday, June 21. After 20 years in an ashram, hence the “Swami”, he became the one of the first stand-up comics on the Venice Ocean Front Walk in the 1970s, where he entertained Venetians and tourists for years. He has been a frequent contributor to the Free Venice Beachhead. Antonio Villaraigosa is a big fan of Swami X, who was on campus daily during Villaraigosa ’s years at UCLA, espousing philosophy, political consciousness and activism that was an inspiration to the future mayor. L.A. City councilperson Bill Rosendahl is also a great friend of Swami’s. The Mayor presented Swami with a framed Certificate of Appreciation from the City. The event was a fundraiser for the Free Venice Beachhead. (l-r) Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa , Swami X and L.A. City Councilperson Bill Rosendahl.
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