www.todoaustin.com VOLUME XI / MAY 2019 Arts and Music Commissions HAAM’s Battle of the Bands Music Venue Alliance update
NomadX brings new creative experience May 25-26
Improvements…developed in consultation with the Arts and Music Commissions and in compliance with the use of bond funds.” The Arts and Music Commissions then convened a Joint Arts & Music Commissions Working Group to discuss options to most efficiently and effectively program funding. Staff from the Bond Team and Economic Development Department (EDD) have been in conversation with the Joint Working Group about parameters for allowable use of the funds and the process by which Council will consider recommendations for Bond fund utilization. In conjunction with the Budget Office, EDD made a request for Council to authorize an initial $500,000 for such exploration phase expenses as brokerage services, surveying, property analysis, assistance from Office of Real Estate, and preparation of a competitive solicitation. EDD put forward this request to receive Council authorization for funding in case these expenses were immediately needed. EDD does not, however, have a spending plan for these funds at the present moment, as further research and the Joint Music and Arts Commission public engagement process will help to inform potential solutions that best match community needs. Staff has the ability to present a budget amendment for use of additional funding (for all or part of) the $12 million at a future date: ENGAGEMENT PROCESS Austin’s Arts & Music Commissions will hold a joint public meeting on Saturday, June 8, at a venue TBD, where staff will share legal parameters for Bond fund utilization and Commissioners will hear public comment and lead discussion on the latest developments.
Proposition B of the 2018 Bond package included $12M in funding for Creative Space. Upon successful passage of this proposition, and per direction from City Council Resolution No. 20180809-061, the City Manager was directed to recommend “a proposed process, description, and criteria for Creative Space Acquisition and
• The Arts and Music Commissions will hold a special called Quarter 2 Joint Arts and Music Commissions Meeting on June 8. • The Joint Working Group will then reconvene as needed to formulate draft recommendations for staff and legal review by the City of Austin Law
Department and the Bond Counsel. • The Joint Working Group will present draft recommendations during another special called Quarter 3 Joint Arts and Music Commissions Meeting during the time period of August-September 2019. The Commissions will consider additional public feedback and discussion before taking action on the recommendations. • Upon approval, staff will forward the final recommendations to City Council. It’s anticipated that the recommendations will be included in City Council discussion in coordination with other associated Bond implementation items. Staff will assist in promoting opportunities for public input by publicizing the meetings ahead of time and by directing or relaying any
related
communication
The City of Austin has created a $12M Bond for Creative Space Community Survey and is collecting public feedback as a springboard for discussion while a plan is formulated on how best to move forward with utilizing the $12 million. The City will also consider the latest results from the Cultural Arts Division’s ongoing Creative Space Survey to help inform the discussion. A process for using these funds must be established before any specific projects or uses can be identified and knowing what the community sees as priority needs will help guide this process. The survey is available at www. speakupaustin.org/bond-for-creative-space
PUBLISHER // Gavin Lance Garcia // info@todoaustin.com • ART DIRECTOR // Dave McClinton // www.dmdesigninc.com EDITOR // Lesly Reynaga lesly@todoaustin.com • MANAGING/WEB EDITOR // Meredith C. Cox // meredith@todoaustin.com ASSOCIATE EDITORS // Liz Lopez, Monica Peña, Katie Walsh, Erica Stall Wiggins, Yvonne Lim Wilson
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the
Commissioners.
Volume XI, Number 1
ONLINE EDITION // TODOAustin.com
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MVA-Austin backs HB 2806 Austin and other Texas music could receive tax relief after a bill in the Texas House passed on April 24. Music Venue Alliance – Austin joined other music advocates, including Tomar Williams of Tomar and the FCs, in presenting HB 2806 to the Texas legislative committee on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism on March 26. HB 2806 will reserve a portion of the State’s collection of taxes on mixed beverages, to be rebated to independent music venues across Texas.
HAAM hosts Battle of the Bands Each year, HAAM hosts Corporate Battle of the Bands and gives professionals a once in a lifetime chance to unleash their inner rock star for a good cause. Austin-based businesses pull their talented employees together and showcase their unsung talents as they compete at the acclaimed ACL Live at the Moody Theater on Friday, May 31. Tickets are general admission and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Bands aim to impress a panel of celebrity and music industry judges who ultimately decide which band will leave with the title of Austin’s Best Corporate Band. Who will win the coveted title of “Fan Favorite” at Corporate Battle of the Bands 2019? You decide by donating to HAAM. Fan Favorite is awarded to the band who raises the most money. Cast your vote by visiting www.myhaam.org/donate and selecting your fave band from the list or through http://bit.ly/CBOBFanFave!
As the Texas Monitor’s Mark Lisheron reported, “The vote drew almost no media attention. Support for the bill was exceptionally bipartisan, by recent legislative standards. And because of that, chances of it becoming law before the end of this 86th session of the legislature look good.” Musicians need places to play. Protection of and investment in grassroots music venues safeguards these valuable parts of the music ecosystem which have been struggling in recent years due to rising costs, lack of money to improve facilities and threats from development.
SIMS partners with ABGB Project
AMF lights up May
For Mental Health Month, the SIMS Foundation is partnering with The ABGB and their Hell Yes Project on Tuesday, May 21, 6 p.m. for an evening of volunteership and art.
Brownout performs with Lesly Reynaga as part of the Rhythm & Vine Concert Series presented by Charles Smith Wines at 3TEN ACL Live on Friday, May 17, 8:30 p.m. A portion of each ticket sold goes to benefit the Austin Music Foundation. The concert is supported by KUTX 98.9.
This project aims to continue SIMS effort to fight mental health stigma. SIMS clients and supporters are encouraged to use the hashtag #HellYesSIMS this month and tell their mental health story on social media. Share why mental health matters to you and show people in Austin music and beyond that they’re not alone. Like to draw? Enjoy coloring? Like making people happy? Just want to help Austin musicians and the industry that supports them? This 90-minute volunteer session The ABGB will have you putting your artistic skills at play on a “secret” project. There will be pizza and beer, too. For more information contact yall@theabgb.com to reserve your spot. Also, on Sunday, May 26, 6 p.m., the Sunset Sessions benefitting SIMS features White Denim is at Eberly.
Brownout’s psychedelic funk and light show with visuals by The Mustachio Light Show will showcase the video wall as never used before as the band explores the trippy side of its deep funk catalog. Reynaga has made a striking first impression in ATX, where the Austin AmericanStatesman states she “has the potential to be an Austin breakout star.” Also this month, Locally Grown Music is a free monthly residency featuring artists hand-picked by Austin Music Foundation in partnership with Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt. This month we’re bringing our Artist of the Month, The Bishops, with Eimaral Sol on Friday, May 31, 10 p.m. at Geraldine’s Austin. TODO AUSTIN // MAY 2019 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 03
Children, Teen and Adult Swim Lessons available now!
Hiring Lifeguards, Cashiers, and Swim Instructors!
It’s never too early or late to learn how to swim. Financial aid available.
Starting pay $15/hr, work outdoors, and advancement opportunities.
More information at austintexas.gov/swimming
More info at lifeguardaustin.com
¡Clases de natación para niños, adolescentes y adultos!
¡Se buscan salvavidas, cajeros e instructores de natación!
Nunca es demasiado temprano o tarde para aprender a nadar. Ayuda financiera disponible.
Salario inicial de $15 hora, trabajo al aire libre y oportunidades de ascenso.
Más información en austintexas.gov/swimming
Más información en lifeguardaustin.com
NomadX! brings a new creative experience to Austin
NomadX Foundation, whose mission is to define, inspire, formalize, and unite the creative economy, is lighting the fire with an annual event composed of conferences, live workshops, concerts, and tournaments.
On Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26, NomadX! Austin will mark the foundation’s 14th global event. NomadX! is built with a local-centric approach where themes, genres, and talent revolve around the local creative communities’ organic development. The local scene is enhanced with renowned leaders and inspirational individuals in the NomadX Talent Network. With two locations at Empire Control Room & Garage and Capital Factory, NomadX! Austin will feature conference guest such as Rodney Mullen (Skateboarding Legend); Danny Zuker (5-time Emmy Winner, Writer/ Producer “Modern Family”); Jay de La Cueva (Musician/Producer, creator of Molotov, Fobia, Moderatto, Titan, Mexrrissey); and Joe Trouble (Youtuber/Influencer, Musician). The live music component will feature The
The Octopus Project
Octopus Project, Moving Panoramas, Mobley, Hikes, The O’ My’s, Megafauna, Atash, Kalu and Electric Joint, TEEN, Mamahawk, Marfa Crush, The Human Circuit, Tropical Panama, All The Elements, Dromedarios Magicos w/ Joe Trouble, Lesly Reynaga, Kissy, Curse Mackey, Kev Bev, Marmalakes, Anthony Garcia, Jonny Burke, Como las Movies, Dustin Welch, Chill Russel, Stalights, Transit Method, and Play By Numbers.
Moving Panoramos by Leslie Sisson
City of Austin Economic Development Department announces opening of a new office The City of Austin Economic Development Department today announced the opening of a new office in southeast Austin. The new location, at 5202 E. Ben White - Suite 400, will consolidate Cultural Arts, Small Business, Music & Entertainment, and the newly formed Heritage Tourism Divisions. The new location will provide consolidated access to programs for capacity building and business development. The facility aims to increase convenience and improve our ability to serve the members of Austin’s creative, historic, and entrepreneurial communities. For more information visit austintexas.gov/edd.
The NomadX Foundation believes that the future lies in creative and intellectual products, that the people who develop these do it out of passion, and that such passions should
Dougherty Arts Center presents Art Happens Here Spring Fling Festival The Dougherty Arts Center is proud to present the first annual Art Happens Here Spring Fling Festival, a one-day, juried art show that connects fine artists with the community on Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 12 - 5 p.m. Think of it as a show-and-tell exhibit, sale, and all day art workshop party! Meet artists and sample art techniques both new and known through artist demonstrations and hand-on art activities for all ages. For more information on participating artists, activity schedule, as well as parking and transportation options, visit austintexas.gov/dacevent. The City of Austin is proud to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance for participation in our programs or use of our facilities, please call (512) 974-3914.
be sustainable. Art, architecture, content, design, gastronomy, literature, music, marketing, and programming come together at the NomadX! experience. With a defined and formal creative economy, future creative entrepreneurs will be able to develop economic products in an easier and more respected environment. In other words, they will be able to run small companies that collaborate and grow together as part of the formal economic community. Tickets at empireatx.com and more information at nomadx.foundation.
Summer Stock Austin returns with exceptional theater to the Long Center Get ready for a fun-filled summer of musical theatre! Summer Stock Austin is a multi-award-winning theatre program bringing together professionals and students from around the country to produce three full-scale Broadway-caliber productions in just three weeks. With nearly 60 performers and 35 performances, you can see all three shows in one day or choose your shows one at a time. This summer the company will present its 15th season with the classic musical comedy “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying,” a musical based on the classic hit film “Sister Act,” and a brand-new musical inspired by a Grimm’s Fairy Tale, “Haunted: A Ghost Story.” Performances will take place July 19 - August 10 in the Rollins Studio Theater at the Long Center. Tickets go on sale Thursday, May 23 at thelongcenter.org. TODO AUSTIN // MAY 2019 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 05
To Do Mús i c a
Money Chicha
By Liz Lopez
BROWN SOUND NEWS The next opportunity to participate in the filmed auditions for the ninth annual Tejano Idol competition, hosted by the Austin Tejano Music Coalition, will be held at the Cadillac Bar, 202 Flores in San Antonio, after the first one was held in Austin last month. If you cannot travel to the audition, you can submit your entry otherwise. There will be cash prizes for first, second and third place, as well as recording opportunities with Freddy Records and Hacienda Records. Details at austintejanomusic@yahoo.com. --After their recent tour in Italy, Las Valentinas, featuring Vanessa Del Fierro, Patricia Vonne and Rick Del Castillo will be performing locally on Saturday, May 25 from 7:30 p.m. at The Townsend, 718 Congress Avenue #100. Visit the Facebook page for Las Valentinas, as well as Patricia Vonne’s page for more details. --Superfónicos and KUTX invite you to a night of Cumbia and community to celebrate the
release of the new single “Cumbéalo.” The special musical celebration highlights the roots of Cumbia from Africa to Texas. Special guest musicians from Africa, Colombia, Mexico and Texas will be joining the band during the evening. Seven-inch vinyl copies of the single will be available for purchase as well as t-shirts and CD’s of the band’s EP “Suelta.” Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St. General Admission tickets $15. Sales end May 11 at 5:30 p.m. --Salsa Nights return every Wednesday with the Salero Band playing Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cha Cha and more. Free Cuban Style Salsa Classes by Calle Son from 8:30 p.m. $5 admission after 9 p.m. May has 5 Wednesdays to enjoy! Speakeasy, 412 Congress Ave. Visit Salero Salsa Facebook page for this and more. R E C O M M E N D E D S H O W S CIENFUEGOS upcoming shows:
Friday,
La Moña Loca
May 17 at Central Market N. Lamar, 4001 N. Lamar Blvd. Saturday, May 25 at Central Market WESTGATE, 4477 S. Lamar Blvd. Every Wednesday with La Moña Loca at One2one Bar, 1509 S Lamar Blvd. www.one2onebar. com. --Mark your calendars now for the Soul of South Austin Festival (SOSAFest). The party will start early at 5 p.m. and go all night with eleven bands on two alternating stages - one inside and one outside. Only $15 at the door. Ex Romantika to close the show. Saturday, May 18, 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. C-Boy’s Heart & Soul, 2008 S Congress Ave. More info at sosafest. com. --Money Chicha will be performing with a special guest, musical pioneer Jose Luis Carballo, Austin-based Colombian-American guitarist and composer Kiko Villamizar and his band. Carballo is one of the most influential Chicha guitarists in Peru. He grew up in a poor 06 TODO AUSTIN // MAY 2019 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
neighborhood of Lima, surrounded by new migrants from the Andes and started playing guitar at a young age. He played traditional and tropical music and later studied classical guitar. Starting in 1973, he played lead guitar for Angel Anibal’s group Los Hijos del Sol, whose hit “Cariñito” was one of the earliest successful attempt at fusing Andean music and cumbia. He also led his own band La Mermelada. In the late 70′s, Jose Carballo went on to form La Nueva Crema (named after the band Cream) with back-up singer Chacalon and they became the most beloved and most successful chicha band in Peru. Chacalon died in 1994. Carballo now lives in Los Angeles where he still plays with this band La Mermelada. This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department. Saturday, May 11, from 10 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. at The Continental Club on South Congress.
Saturday, May 18, 25, 10-11 a.m. Austin Japanese Minyo: Beginners Japanese Folk Dance Class. Learn traditional Japanese folk dances led by Suzuko “Suzie” Claywell. Visit facebook.com/austinminyo for more information. FREE. Thursday, May 23, 7:30-9 p.m. Y’all, We Asian Presents: A Night of Comedy! A one-night-only comedy show that showcases Austin’s best Asian American comedians in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. With special out-of-town guests, featuring Will Choi (creator of the hit LA and NY show, Asian AF), we got standup, improv, sketch, storytelling and last but not least - Asian snacks baby! RSVP at aarcatx.eventbrite. com. Saturday, May 25, 12-4 p.m. Pista Sa Nayon. Join Austin Filipino American Association for a day of cultural performances, food, fun and games! We will be having Santacruzan/Sagala, band and exhibit. FREE. Wednesday, May 29, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Senior Talent Show and Luncheon. AARC brings in a diverse group of seniors to participate in the Senior Talent Show, as part of our ongoing celebration of APA heritage month. Seniors can sign up to perform by May 11. We have limited lunch and transportation available. Free Health Screening will be provided. FREE w/ RSVP.
Thursday, May 23, 4:30 p.m. A Tribute to Aida Barrera and Carrascolendas. Join us to celebrate filmmaker Aida Barrera’s many contributions to bilingual education and cultural heritage, such as the first national bilingual TV program for children, “Carrascolendas.” Doors open at 4:30 p.m. People who RSVP will have priority seating. RSVP does not guarantee admittance. For more information, write an email to voces@utexas.edu or call 512-471-1924. Saturday, May 25, 2-4 p.m. Music on the Plaza with Daniel Llanes and Aztlan Dancers. Daniel Llanes will perform ChicAztlan Jazz / World Beat music on the plaza at the ESB-MACC. Dancers from Aztlan will join. Come enjoy good tunes and good vibes. Sunday, May 26, 2-4 p.m. Andrea Ariel Dance Theater Presents: Free Creative Community Workshop. Artists of all disciplines are welcome to this free workshop. Activities are designed for participation and adaptation for all physical abilities, experience or age. Andrea Ariel Dance Theatre invites your participation in the creation of our new work “Rally” that will be performed June 1316 at the MACC Auditorium. We want to collaborate with community members to bring a diversity of perspectives into the development of this work. The workshop will include creative games and other structured communitybuilding activities.
The Culture & Arts Education Manager Bamidele Demerson recently accepted an offer with the African American Museum & Library in Oakland, CA. We thank him for his service to the Carver Museum, Cultural, and Genealogy Center. The position has now been posted and will close on May 29. The George Washington Carver Ambassadors, Inc. (GWCA), the support group of the Carver, is offering two $1000 scholarships. The Arthur M. Sauls and the Bernadette Phifer Scholarships will be offered annually to Austin, Metropolitan area, African American high school graduates who are interested in the Arts (or Arts-related subjects) and plan to attend a two or four-year accredited college or university. Deadline to submit applications is May 20. May is National Foster Care Month! The Carver wants to help bring awareness about foster care to the community by offering a resource table the week of May 27 -30. There will be storytime, arts and crafts Friday, May 31 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 10-11 a.m. Genealogy Basics Class at the Genealogy Center. Learn the basics of genealogy research. Topics covered include genealogy charts, where to find genealogy information, and databases offered by the center. RSVP at 512.974.4380.
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Art and language have always been inextricably linked; the artistic fascination with
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t he w r itten w or d s pa n s c on tin e n ts an d c u ltu re s. W ord s/ M a tte r
E S M
offers an innovative perspective on how Latin American artists have
AY
explored the connections between visual art and written language
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since the early decades of the twentieth century. Drawn primarily from the Blanton’s extensive Latin American art collection, the exhibition highlights key moments in the synthesis of words and art and examines its use to communicate personal, poetic, or political messages. Words/Matter features artists from Mexico to Uruguay working in a broad range of media, celebrating the subversive aesthetics of artists’ books, painted poems, political posters, and conceptual art. Make your plans to see it soon. The University of Texas at Austin / blantonmuseum.org / @blantonmuseum / #WordsMatterATX Image: Carlos Amorales, Typographical Patterns for Mass Reproduction (sample book), 2012 Silkscreen, 11 11/16 x 15 5/8 x 13/16 in., Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, Gift of the Artist, 2017