TODO Austin February 2016

www.todoaustin.com

Black Lives Matter ALSO

VOLUME VII / FEB 2016

JettĂŠ Momant

Shaka Smart

Roxanne Wilson

James Nortey

Joi Harden

2 0 1 5 / 2 0 1 6 Sea Son

Texas Performing arTs Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan RICE

Los Lobos with Ballet Folklorico Mexicano Fiesta Mexico-Americana: A Celebration of Mexican-American Heritage

Feb 8 / baSS concerT hall

Feb 11 / baSS concerT hall

Taiwan’s renowned dance company presents RICE—inspired by the East Rift Valley of Taiwan and set to a video backdrop, Hakka folk songs, and operatic arias.

A celebration highlighting the many achievements of Mexican-Americans featuring two California originals.

This performance supported in part by Applied Materials Foundation.

This performance supported in part by Applied Materials Foundation and the Topfer Endowment for Performing Arts Production.

texasperformingarts.org $10 Student / $12 Military Tickets

eighth blackbird Hand Eye

Mar 10

Patty Griffin, Sara Watkins and Anaïs Mitchell

Ma r 2 2

Circa

a pr 8

UT Jazz Orchestra with Terell Stafford

a pr 9

Join the conversation!

F /texasperformingarts L@tpapresents I @tpapresents

Classical music programming is made possible by a generous grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

photo: Liu Chen-hsiang

Upcoming performances

#seeitlivehere

C E N T R O U R B A N O HABLA Austin

Cap Metro rider evaluation Capital Metro’s ridership has declined over five percent during the past two years and the agency is reviewing transit service to understand how to better meet the needs of customers. Connections 2025 is a project to evaluate CapMetro’s current transit system, identify strengths and weaknesses, and develop a network for today and tomorrow. An online survey is available regarding current transit use and wishes for the future, and a series of kick-off meetings for Connections 2025 are scheduled during February. For more info visit connections2025.org Guerrero/Highland park meetings Austin Parks and Recreation Department will host a final public meeting for Ricky Guerrero Pocket Park – General Improvements Project on Saturday, Feb 13, 9 a.m. at Mainspring School. PARD is also asking residents of Highland Neighborhood for their help in developing a master plan that will help guide the future development of its park and Reznicek Fields. The public is invited to attend the second public workshop and provide input on how they envision the future of this park on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 6:.30-8 p.m. at Reilly Elementary School.

Ricky Guerrero Park

Austin Resource Recovery expansion Austin Resource Recovery is asking for input

Delivering diversity in media to Austin

about potential expansion of its residential curbside services. Residents will be asked to weigh in on service expansions, including weekly recycling collection and expanding the Curbside Organics Collection from the 14,000-household pilot to citywide. Input from customers will be considered when preparing the proposed fiscal year 2017 budget, which will be presented to the Austin City Council later this year. Meetings are Wednesday, Feb. 3, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center and Tuesday, Feb. 9, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at One Texas Center, Room 325.

College scholarships for Latinos Students entering college for the first time in fall 2016 are eligible to apply for a scholarship from the Consulate General of Mexico in Austin, in collaboration with Foundation Communities.

In order to qualify, students must have at least a 2.5 high school GPA, be first- or secondgeneration Mexican or other Latino immigrants and live within the Consulate’s jurisdiction. The program plans to award $1,000 scholarships to 140 students. Application deadline is April 30 at MexAustin.com.

Zilker Gardens virtual tour Zilker Botanical Gardens has a new website link where people can take a virtual tour of 11 garden areas within the venue available in English and Spanish. People can use it when they are at the gardens to get information use it off-site. To visit the virtual tour, go to www. austintexas.gov/zilkerbotanicalgarden and click on the virtual tour link.

Austin Animal Center news The City of Austin will host an Open House about the Betty Dunkerley Campus Infrastructure Improvement Project, which includes an expansion of the Austin Animal Center, Feb. 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at the Center. With 18,000 animals coming through its doors each year, the Center needs help. Volunteers are critical to ensuring the shelter’s pets receive exercise, attention and enrichment and provide support in other key areas, including matching pets with adopters, providing toys and treats, greeting visitors and answering questions. Upcoming orientations will be Feb. 6, 7, 9, 17, 20, and 23.

Volume VII, Number 10

for more than five years, TODO Austin

PUBLISHER/EDITOR // Gavin Lance Garcia gavin@ todoaustin.com

printed journal, and TODOAustin.

ART DIRECTOR // Dave McClinton dmdesigninc.com

com offer news, opinion, cultural

MANAGING EDITORS // Meredith C. Cox, Alejandra Cueva, Katie Walsh, Erica Stall Wiggins

arts and lifestyle stories written

ASSOCIATE EDITORS // Sonia Kotecha, Liz Lopez, Monica Peña, Genoveva Rodriguez, Yvonne Lim Wilson

by, about, and for all ethnic communities in multicultural Austin.

CONTRIBUTING STAFF // Cat Cardenas, Evelyn C. Castillo, Alexandra M. Landeros, Callie Langford, Vanessa Maldonado, Diana Sanchez, Blake Shanley, Lesley Varghese

Celebrate Black History Month

By Gavin Lance Garcia

This month, during Black History Month, Austin continues the tradition of celebrating the city’s rich cultural history and diversity.

It’s been well documented that our local AfricanAmerican population is hard-pressed to fit into mainstream Austin culture. The City of Austin’s African American Quality of Life Initiative revealed in 2005 that black citizens lacked opportunities enjoyed by other ethnic groups and not much has changed. The irony is that Austinites prefer to see themselves as free from prejudice and yet, here we are, still struggling to create an inclusive climate for all cultures.

One positive development is the City Historic Preservation Office’s year-long survey of East Austin, which recently commenced. The survey will involve public meetings, researching, photographing and documenting residential and commercial structures and other historic resources in the area to determine the potential for historic landmarks worthy of preservation as well as potential boundaries for historic districts.

Preserving history is one way Austin can build a true identity mirroring its ethnic make-up.

Another is to continue the tradition of celebrating the city’s cultural history and diversity during Black History Month.

The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center has a full schedule of programming, and the festivities begin Feb. 1 with a community sing-along. A panel discussion, “Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memory in Austin” will be held Feb. 4, and on the same day, the exhibit “From the Grounds Up and Growing Carver,” opens.

The schedule also includes an Evening with Toni Tipton Martin on Feb, 5. Mommy, Daddy and Me Book Club is slated for Feb. 6, followed by Black History Month for Kids with crafts and storytime on Feb. 13. Folktales Literary Society discusses PRODUCTION SERVICES // Anthony Garcia CONTRIBUTORS // Alka Bhanot, Roy Casagranda, Cindy Casares, Lobo Corona, Nora De LaRosa, Rebecca Gomez, Rose Di Grazia, Laura Donnelly Gonzalez, Mark Guerra, Mari Hernandez, Yadira Izquierdo, Chaille Jolink, Ryan Jordan, Ali Khataw, Ramey Ko, Harish Kotecha, Liam Kozma, Julia Lee, Esteban Lopez, Otis Lopez, David Marks, Gabriela Mohamed, James Nortey, Cristina Parker, Raul Rangel Uribe, Jim Rigby, Don X. Rios, Paul Saldaña, Marion Sanchez, Sameer Shah, Dani Slabaugh, Jeremi Suri, Corey Tabor, Sergio Tristan, Blanca Valencia, Debora Kuetzpal Vasquez, Tara Veneruso WEB DESIGN // TODOAustin.com COVER // Black History Month

“Grant Park” on Feb. 19. Also on that date is “This Little Light of Mine: The Legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer” film screening and discussion. A lecture and discussion on black mural art in Austin is Feb. 25. Legacies of School Desegregation: A Community Educational Event is Feb. 27, and Feb. 28 a black history concert celebrating black composers is scheduled.

The largest observation of Black History Month is the annual African-American Community Heritage Festival on Saturday, Feb. 27, 1-5 p.m. at Huston-Tillotson University. The free event will feature former lead singer of Shalamar and R&B chart soloist, Howard Hewett. Indigo Soul artist Chris Hayzel, and local artists will also perform.

Festivities include a kid’s zone, arts and crafts, a health and education fair, food vendors and more.

The family-friendly community celebration began in 2000 to note the contributions and achievements of African-Americans. Founded by State Representative Dawnna Dukes, it dovetails with HT-U homecoming.

African-American Community Heritage Festival

There’s a nationally-known African-American trailblazer who now calls Austin home that deserves special recognition. University of Texas men’s head basketball coach Shaka Smart has his first Longhorns team playing a dynamic brand of ball. His success on the court and involvement in the community make him a most welcome addition to Austin. The Longhorns have five home dates in February and tickets are available.

Don’t forget, early voting for the upcoming election begins Tuesday, Feb. 16 and runs through Friday, Feb. 26.

TODO Austin // Multicultural Media for All of Austin. TODO Austin is a free print and online journal for all of Austin highlighting our multicultural heritage and promoting the concept of community in an ethnically diverse city.

Circulation throughout Austin, from the Westside’s Pennybacker Bridge to the Eastside’s Montopolis Bridge.

TODO Austin is published by Spark Awakened Publishing. © 2016 Spark Awakened Publishing. All rights reserved.

The views expressed here are the authors and should not be taken to represent those of Spark Awakened Publishing or of any of its associates or partners.

ADVERTISING/SUBMISSIONS/EDITORIAL: info@todoaustin.com, 512.538.4115 TODO AUSTIN // FEB 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 03

A multi-faceted approach to fairer criminal justice policies

By Don X. Rios

percent of those arrested for drug offenses, felony disenfranchisement precludes 13 percent of all black men from voting, African Americans have higher rates of juvenile incarceration, and people of color account for 60 percent of those incarcerated.

These figures are a consequence of centuries of systemic oppression, but law enforcement can and must be a part of the conversation on how we bring our nation’s criminal justice system into the 21st century.

Tragedy after tragedy, from the fatal shooting of a 12-year boy in Cleveland to the easily avoidable death of a young woman in Prairie View, have torn the bonds of trust between law enforcement and the people we serve. Sadly, historically marginalized communities all too often bear the scars of unaccountable police while victims’ families are left grieving without justice.

Activists online and peacefully protesting across the United States have already taken up the civil rights cause of our time—we should join them. Let’s not be intimidated by the magnitude of the challenge or pretend that this perpetration of inequality does not affect us. We have an obligation to lead the way here in Travis County in doing our part to advocate for criminal justice reform and embracing policies that build positive relationships, which are required for law enforcement to do its job of protecting the community. Obviously, Travis County alone cannot rectify centuries of oppression, but we can play a role in shifting the dialogue towards progressive reform and working within local law enforcement agencies to actively find and implement policies that restore trust and diminish the effect of the federal government’s misguided War on Drugs.

Across the board, people of color continue to be harmed by a failing criminal justice system that is in sore need of reform. The numbers speak for themselves—African Americans comprise 14 percent of regular drug users but are 37

Taking three common sense steps here in Travis County would go a long way in bringing reform, increasing accountability, and restoring trust.

Implementing body cameras, prioritizing violent crime over minor drug offenses, and searching for

Let’s close our economic and equity divide

I am the son of immigrants from Ghana in West Africa who came to this county in search of the American Dream. I went to Baylor and Harvard Law School on scholarships. After moving back to the Austin area, I earned a graduate degree in business at UT.

Law enforcement must lead the way on criminal justice reform. It’s time. We have the technology available to increase accountability and nothing less than the public’s trust is on the line. We should open up a real conversation, and make sure we’re living up to our oath to protect justice.

Now I am an attorney, advocate, and activist in Austin. I’ve received extraordinary opportunities thanks to my parents, ministers, neighbors, We all know that Travis County is blessed with teachers, and community leaders. I know that I beautiful, natural resources and many business have an extraordinary obligation to give back. industries, but we also know that part of our community suffers from a diminished quality And I’ve done that. of life. There is an economic and equity divide in our community where a privileged few are I served on the City of Austin Planning able to get ahead, but most of us struggle with Commission and forged compromise solutions the lack of affordable housing, choking traffic to difficult land use cases. I also supported congestion, a lack of grocery stores and health programs that reduced the amount of garbage centers, and income inequality. sent to landfills as a member of the City of Austin Zero Waste Advisory Commission.

I am running for County Commissioner Precinct 1 to help close the divide in Travis County I did my part to contribute to our public schools by promoting job growth, containing traffic as a reading coach at Blanton and Pecan Springs congestion, and taking meaningful steps to Elementary and participated in A.I.S.D.’s Upclose improve affordability options. I am running Program. because Precinct 1, which includes East Austin, Pflugerville, and Manor, is where my family and I helped protect landmarks with historic and neighbors live and we deserve a better future. cultural significance to the African American I am running to provide new energy to the community as Treasurer of the Austin African Commissioner’s Court and new hope for our American Cultural Heritage District. I’ve served as President of Black Austin Democrats neighborhoods. and helped organize forums to educate the I want to tell you a little bit about me. community on public housing, the Homestead

By James Nortey

04 TODO AUSTIN // FEB 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM

new solutions to bring accountability are just a few Another step we can take is allocating our limited necessary steps. resources to tackling violent crime, instead of wasting taxpayer money on arrests for minor A body camera program for all officers out on the offenses. An entire generation of people of color streets is one step that can be taken here at home. has been disproportionally targeted as a result We need to be working with policymakers to secure funding and ensure that programs are in place to of failed drug policies. The War on Drugs has collect and safely store the captured footage. Body decimated minority communities contradicting cameras incentivize professionalism from our law inherent American values and leaving far too many enforcement and nix any opportunities to lie and unable to exercise their most basic democratic deceive following an incident. This new technology right—voting. Small mistakes made during youth will give supervisors the ability to better train officers should not preclude someone from providing and give tips on ways to handle situations while for their family or participating in our political demonstrating exactly what the officer did correctly process. Unfortunately, that is the reality for many or incorrectly.

Americans, particularly people of color.

The fight for fairer criminal justice policies must take a multi-faceted approach and will require an effort by local leaders, law enforcement, and the entire community. Although we need to be an ally and play a major role, police cannot do it by themselves. We need a collaborative effort to build trust through sincere reform, meaningful policies that lower recidivism rates, ending unnecessary deportations, and focusing on mental healthcare.

Don X. Rios

Preservation District, and the current 10-1 system of government for the City of Austin. I’ve also served as Vice Chair for Capital Area Progressive Democrats and helped build coalitions among varied and diverse communities.

James Nortey

Don X. Rios is a second generation Austinite and 23 year veteran of the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. He is a Democratic candidate running for Travis County Sheriff. she still doesn’t know how she is going to be able to afford her property taxes this year.

I’ve met a senior who has lived in East Austin all of his life. He can’t believe that the number of African Americans in his neighborhood is dwindling down while his property taxes keep skyrocketing up.

I’ve met a woman who moved here to find a job. She’s wondering how it can be that all the papers say the local unemployment rate is low, but she can’t find a job within a 20-minutes of her home that pays a good wage.

Enough is enough.

We deserve a hard-working and effective County Commissioner who can do more than just deliver rhetoric—we need someone who can deliver results. I have the energy needed to get things done.

But I cannot do this alone. I need you.

Our community works best when everyone But through my volunteer experiences I’ve heard has a seat at the table. It’s about coming story after story about the hard struggles ordinary together to raise our quality of life, close the folks like us face every day. economic divide, and not just moving forward I’ve met a single-mother who works two jobs and -- but lifting our entire community upward.

On Friday, Feb. 5, 6-9 p.m., join the George Washington Carver Museum for a discussion with New York Times bestselling author Toni Tipton Martin as she discusses the contributions of black women in the creation of American cuisine. Meet and greet reception immediately following Q&A. Hallowed Grounds panel discussion “Reclaiming Our Kitchens as Sacred Space” features panelists Angela Shelf Medearis, Hoover Alexander, Andrea Roberts and Chef Coi begins at 6 p.m. Free and open to public.

Folktales Bookclub will discuss “Grant Park” by Leonard Pitts, Friday, Feb. 19, 6-8p.m. Folktales meets the third Friday of the month at the Carver.

The Carver will host an Art in Public Places’ presentation on the Black Mural Art scene in Austin Thursday, Feb. 25, 6:308 p.m. Will feature pieces in AIPP’s collection by AfricanAmerican muralists such as Reginald Adams, Freddie McCoo, John Yancey, John Fisher, and Werllayne Nunes. Seating is limited.

Join us for a discussion with the Austin Psychological Association as they examine the impact and value of formal desegregation in America 52 years after the signing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Saturday, Feb. 27, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Tickets $5 per person IMMIGRATION

Austin immigrant community addresses deportations with City The #ICEoutofAustin campaign sent a letter on Jan. 22 to Mayor Steve Adler asking him to author a resolution in support of a city ordinance that would end the collaboration with the Austin Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “It’s time for our allies to show up in action it is not enough to be our allies in words.

We want Mayor Adler to show his support by taking steps to help separate ICE and APD,” said Carmen Zuvieta, lead organizer in the #ICEoutofAustin campaign.

On Jan. 25, the Public Safety Committee of the City of Austin held a hearing on so-called “sanctuary cities,” as immigrant rights organizers held their own hearing at the same time in the Austin City Hall Atrium to address the crisis of deportation in the city.

The ESB-MACC is currently soliciting photographs and other memorabilia for an exhibit that will be on display in the Community Gallery from June 30 to September 3, 2016.

For info, contact: gloria.espitia@austintexas.gov; 512-9743793. The photographs will depict the lives and stories of local Mexican- Americans as migrant farmworkers during the 1940s to 1960s. Photographs will be scanned for exhibit use and originals will be returned to the owner. All other material relevant to the exhibit will be on loan to the ESB-MACC and returned at the end of exhibition.

In the Community Gallery. Mexican Restaurants and the American Dream - Photographs by Imanol Miranda. January 29 - April 2, 2016. A photography exhibit about Mexican restaurants, food trucks, stands, and taquerias in the U.S. and the people who run them, finding their version of the American dream.

Join us on the last Tuesday of each month for a special screening from the Golden Era of Mexico’s cinema at Cine de oro. Seniors will enjoy a healthy lunch following the film. Arrive by 9:15 a.m. as screenings begins at 9:30 a.m.

Free. Please call to RSVP, as space is limited! 512-974-3789.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducting home raids broke over the Christmas holiday. Starting early this year, ICE agents have been forcing themselves into immigrant families’ homes using lies and scare tactics. Reports have emerged of mothers being pulled away from their children to be sent back to immigrant family detention camps. All the while, our community is being told that this violent separation is consistent with the priorities of the Obama Administration. This deportation crisis is one that the immigrant community knows all too well because it is a crisis that most immigrants have lived in their entire lives. It is also a crisis that is very familiar to Austin and Travis County, which has had a high deportation rate for years.

Thursday, Feb. 11, 7-8:30 p.m. | Memories of Heart Mountain: A story of the imprisonment of Japanese Americans during WWII and its relation to today’s immigrant family residential centers in Texas. Japanese internment survivor Sam Mihara talks about his years in internment camps, providing a moving first-hand account of this great civil rights injustice experienced by more than 120,000 Japanese Americans.

Free. Ballroom Saturday, Feb. 13 and 20, 1-5 p.m. | Chinese Music & Dance.

Austin Chinese Alliance Dance Group practices social dancing, including Latin dance. Free. Community Room 8 Saturday, Feb. 13, 8 to 11 p.m. | Baile: The Dance. Meet, mingle and dance at this celebration of love and life. Music by Chris Brock, cash bar. Presented by allgo, a statewide queer people of color organization. Tickets $15 at Bookwoman; $25 door.

Ballroom Wednesday, Feb. 24, 6-8 p.m. Monthly meeting of NAAO Board. Free. Community Room 8 Saturday, Feb. 27, 8-9:30 p.m. | 10 x X Showcase. Celebrate Austin Dance India’s 25th anniversary with this student showcase of selected dances. Family friendly and open to all.

Tickets $10 students, $15 adults online or at door. Ballroom

the City of Austin being welcoming to immigrants, you have urged state leaders to stop attacking the immigrant community and you have joined efforts to support immigration reform. But inaction locally has done damage, too, as Austin families are disappeared into a system of detention and deportation every day.

Our campaign has asked you to present a resolution for vote that would end collaboration with the Austin Police Department and ICE. You have met with and talked to our organizers and supporters

several times, but to date you haven’t presented a resolution. We cannot accept any more delays because inaction on deportations locally means Austin families will continue to be separated.

We are asking you again, this time publicly, to do everything in your power as the progressive mayor of a city whose residents have repeatedly called for an end to deportations, to put forth a resolution that finally draws a bright line between the Austin Police Department and federal immigration agents.

But there is another crisis we want to bring to your attention. This crisis comes from a lack of action from the city to stop these deportations. While the city has passed resolutions and you have spoken for the need to end deportations, you have yet to take the action and live up to those words.

We write to you knowing that you have never had to hide in your own home holding your children as federal immigration agents scream at you through the window demanding you open the door so they can separate you from your family. We know you have never had to wonder if your family members Dear Mayor Adler, have been picked up by an unmarked van and taken to a detention facility across the country.

We write to your office in a time of crisis. Many But these are the some of the experiences that in Austin have only recently learned about the some of your constituents have had while living in nationwide deportation crisis as news of federal Austin. You have spoken about the importance of The letter urges the Mayor’s office to take action to separate local law enforcement and immigration officials and to show that his support for the immigrant community goes beyond words. It reads:

Alejandro Caceres, immigration organizer at Grassroots Leadership and coordinator of the #ICEoutofAustin campaign meets with Mayor Adler last month TODO AUSTIN // FEB 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 05

Activist/author Deepa Iyer to visit

Murfreesboro, Iyer traces the impact of post 9/11 national insecurities, anti-immigrant sentiment and racial anxiety on South Asian, Muslim, Arab and Sikh communities.

Deepa Iyer

Her Austin visit includes a book talk and signing for her latest tome, “We Too Sing America: South Asian, Arab, Muslim and Sikh Immigrants Shape Our Multiracial Future.”

The book could not be timelier. In light of anti-Muslim and fear based rhetoric in our national dialogue, Iyer explores how emerging communities of color and immigrants can transform America’s changing racial landscape.

Through storytelling and policy analysis around racial flashpoints such as the 2012 massacre at a Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek and the opposition to the construction of the Islamic Center of

06 TODO AUSTIN // FEB 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM

Austin welcomes the Year of the Monkey Austin goes ape over its signature events and Chinese New Year is no exception. In 2016, its time to welcome in the Year of the Monkey.

Leading racial equity activist, Deepa Iyer, will be in Austin to explore issues with local community leaders and activists on Saturday, Feb. 20, 1-3 p.m. at the Asian American Resource Center.

Iyer is currently a Senior Fellow at the Center for Social Inclusion, and is the former executive director of South Asian Americans Leading Together and Activist-in-Residence at the Asian American Studies Program at the University of Maryland.

CHINESE NEW YEAR 2016

The book weaves stories of young activists who work across intersections of race, national origin, immigration status, sexual orientation, and faith in order to create change around the issues that are making news headlines today. The book also places post 9/11 America in a larger context - that of America’s changing racial demographics. As communities of color grow in population size, how will they gain economic, political and cultural power and equity? What are the roles of South Asian, Arab and Muslim immigrants in fostering multiracial unity by centralizing Black liberation?

BookPeople will have books for purchase at the free public event, presented by AARC, Indian American Coalition of Texas, YWCA of Greater Austin, Interfaith Action of Central Texas, Grassroots Leadership, Equality Justice Center, Asian Behavioral Health Network, and Diaspora Vote.

Traditional offerings begin the first weekend with the Chinese Society of Austin on Saturday, Feb. 6, 6:30-10 p.m. at the Asian American Resource Center. The event includes a six-course dinner, lion dance, karaoke, McCallum High School Steel Drum Band and cultural dancing. Contact Millie for tickets, 512-431-8296: $23 non-member, $20 CSA members, $10 children (under 10).

The schedule includes Summit Taiko; Summit Lion Dragon Dance Team, Ronald McDonald Show; Draiku Aerial Spectacle; The Love of China School of Dance; Texas Wushu; Austin Dance India; Master Gohring’s Tai Chi & Kung Fu; Hawaiian Kona Isle; April Rain School of Chinese Dance; Fountain of Praise Worship Band; Concert.

On Sunday, Feb. 21, welcoming ceremonies are at 11 a.m. followed by Thein Hau Linh Son Lion Dance Team & Firecrackers until 2 p.m. From 2-5 p.m., enjoy Summit Lion Dance Team and Firecrackers.

Ground zero of Austin Far East is Northside’s Chinatown Center (10901 N. Lamar Blvd.), which holds a weekend-long celebration on SaturdaySunday, Feb. 20-21.

Festivities begin Saturday morning at 11 a.m. with Austin Taiko and welcoming ceremonies typically highlighted by mounted horses, performances, a fireworks display and a martial arts exhibition. Throughout the day, there’s yoga, drums, costumed dragon and lion dancers and family friendly fun, from free face-painting to a bungee trampoline, a mechanical bull and a spider climbing wall.

The schedule of events are also meant to bring good fortune to individual stores in the center.

A community resource fair is another popular feature, with some free activities and some requiring a small fee, so cash is recommended.

Free parking is available on a first-come, firstserve basis; carpooling is encouraged. To see the latest schedule, go to chinatownaustin.com

Mon 3/14 - Fri 3/18 | 9am - 5pm Early drop-off available, starting at 7:30am Registration opens February 12th For kids ages 5-12 years

Scholarships Available!

3-D Design

Performance

Literary & Culture

Movement

Mixed Media

For more information, visit www.austintexas.gov/esbmacc ESB-MACC | 600 River St, Austin TX, 78701 | 512-974-3772

MUSEUMS & CULTURAL PROGRAMS

FEBRUARY 2016 FREE EVENTS

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENT: Reclaiming Our Kitchens as Sacred Places A Panel Discussion led by NY Times best selling author, Tony Tipton Martin

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5TH, 2016 : 6PM - 8PM

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER More Black History Month Events at CARVERMUSEUM.ORG

- 1165 ANGELINA ST, AUSTIN, TX 78702

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENT: VIBES & VERSES

A NEW bi-monthly poetry and Black art series in collaboration with TORCH

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25TH, 2016 : 7PM - 10PM

GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER MUSEUM & CULTURAL CENTER - 1165 ANGELINA ST More Black History Month Events at CARVERMUSEUM.ORG

NANCY MIMS: The Passed Looms Present

Looms suspended in the trees for audience weaving as a part of Print Austin

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH & 14TH, 2016 : 12PM - 5PM ELISABET NEY MUSEUM - 304 E 44TH ST, AUSTIN, TX 78751 Visit www.austintexas.gov/ElisabetNey for more information

MEXICAN RESTAURANTS and the AMERICAN DREAM Photography Exhibition by Imanol Miranda

Open through APRIL 2 in the Community Gallery

ESB MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER - 600 RIVER ST, AUSTIN, TX 78701 Visit www.austintexas.gov/ESBMACC for more information

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 512.974.4021

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Joi Harden

Austin teeming with rising African-American leaders According to demographic projections, Austin will continue to see a critical, decreasing number of African-Americans. It is likely that many of the thorny social issues facing the community will go unresolved. This line of reasoning might suggest that there is a lack of African-American leadership, but that notion is far from the truth. Here are three rising notables who are shaping the city and back, and because of their values and guidance, I always knew I wanted to work in public service. embracing challenges.

My family also placed a high premium on the Joi Harden is a Policy Aide for Mayor Pro importance of pursuing higher education. In Tem Kathie Tovo, where she advises on issues regard to community service and education, such as zoning, housing and transportation. my family led by example. Both of my parents She most recently served as a senior planner earned master’s degrees and were very active for the City of Austin in the Planning and in supporting the community. In addition, my aunt was one of the first African-Americans Development Review Department. to get accepted into a Ph.D. program at The Jetté Momant has been featured as one of University of Texas, and she later went on to Austin’s “in the know” females in Cosmopolitan run for the Austin Independent School Board. magazine. A Texas A&M-Corpus Christi grad After earning my bachelor’s degree from Texas (B.A. in Psychology), she is the owner of Jetté A&M University, I began working for State Momant PR and Event Productions.

Representative Dawnna Dukes with a primary focus on the environment and housing policy.

Roxanne Wilson is a television host, popular Working for a progressive African-American radio personality, fitness professional, appellate leader at the state level was one of the most attorney, author, well-traveled speaker and a rewarding experiences of my career, and further former contestant of NBC’s “The Apprentice.” solidified my commitment to serve the public.

She clerked for two justices on the Supreme Court of Texas after studying at Baylor University Following my years working at the State and University of Michigan Law School.

Capitol, I earned my master’s degree from U.T. in Community and Regional Planning. I had a TODO Austin: What path did you take in life to mentor at Texas A&M who introduced me to arrive at your profession? urban planning. I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to shift my focus from Harden: My family instilled in me the state government to municipal government importance of community service and giving so I could directly serve the city in which I was born and raised. While I always knew I wanted to work in public service, I was open to different opportunities. With a strong desire to give back to Austin and multifaceted interest, I’ve been able to work in a wide variety of areas that all allowed me to provide a meaningful contribution to my community.

Jetté Momant 08 TODO AUSTIN // FEB 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM

Momant: My career definitely didn’t “just happen,” rather, it was born out of necessity. I could not afford to complete my last semester of college and not graduating was NOT an option.

Therefore, I took an inventory of my skills and realized that my favorite thing to do was plan, promote and decorate events in college. I started an event planning and decorating business called Décor Jette and my first client was the Hideout Café in downtown Austin. The owner paid me to decorate his café space and window for the holidays. I also reached out to different

event and wedding planners in town and was able to find gigs assisting them with their décor set up and “day of” event run of show. After a season of doing this, I earned enough to pay for my last semester.

Commission. I have also served in various leadership roles in Black Austin Democrats, and I am a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. These efforts have connected me with lifelong friends who are equally committed to serving our community. I hope to continue my efforts to Soon after graduation, I was referred to a few recruit and inspire others to join us in fostering a Austin area restaurant owners that needed help culture of service in the city of Austin. planning and promoting events to market their new restaurant grand openings or their new chef Momant: My values are rooted in my Christian launches or seasonal menus. I found that I had upbringing. I strive to serve clients with honesty a knack for not just planning events, but also promoting them and getting “booties in seats” and excellence, treat my team and vendors for my clients. My event planning/decorating members with care and respect and also have business quickly evolved into a lifestyle PR firm a desire to add value to my community. As I get older and loved ones pass away, I’ve finally that focused on Austin’s hospitality industry. come to realize that life is very short. It is wise to Wilson: Since I was four years old, I wanted to consider your legacy and also who you surround be a Supreme Court Justice and follow Sandra yourself with. I’d prefer to spend the bulk of the Day O’Connor’s footsteps. It wasn’t until I time I have on this earth with people that respect actually was a few years into practicing law that others, have joy, are positive, and add to my I realized it wasn’t for me. Everything after that life rather than taking away from it. I do take just happened or rather was written in the stars. inventory of my actions and evaluate often if I’m I grew in faith and shrunk my desire for control. doing the same for them and for their lives.

The ride has been amazing. I don’t believe in coincidences. Everything you do in life prepares Wilson: Love. Love your God, family, friends and you for something you will do in the future. community.

TODO Austin: What do you consider the most TODO Austin: Little has changed since the important cultural value for you?

City of Austin’s African American Quality of Life Harden: Community service was instilled in me Initiative revealed in 2005 that black Austinites through my family and has been a passion of mine lack several opportunities enjoyed by others. demonstrated through my work and volunteer Can you see Austin actively creating an inclusive efforts. I grew up participating in community climate? organizations that focused on service projects including Jack and Jill of America, Top Teens, and Harden: African-Americans have a long history Del Teens. As an African-American, I believe it’s of significant achievements in every important critical for our community to work on initiatives professional, educational, and cultural arena in that bind us together and honor our rich history. Austin. We have many successes in leadership positions with our African-American City During my service with Representative Dukes, I Manager, former City of Austin Attorney, former initiated the first annual Martin Luther King, Jr. AISD Superintendent and many elected officials Boulevard Clean-Up more than 15 years ago. I who have made meaningful contributions to also established the African American Heritage our city. We have a responsibility to support our Festival at Huston-Tillotson University, which strong leaders and also pave the way for our has grown into a huge community celebration youth to grow personally and professionally. By during Black History Month. As part of my volunteer work, I have served as an appointee encouraging young people and showing them to the African American Resource Advisory open doors to leadership positions, we benefit our community as a whole.

Roxanne Wilson

Momant: Every person wants the same thing, no matter what their race and/or culture: a steady source of income, a safe environment for their family, and a good quality of life. That being said, if Austin can continue to work to provide that for all of their residents, than all cultures can better fit into the larger Austin culture.

Wilson: At the end of the day if we remember that a) intrinsically, we like people like ourselves and b) everyone has a story, we can use it to our advantage as Austinites as a whole. It really is about getting to know your neighbor … listening, not prejudging. It’s amazing to me how simple it can be if we just try. Because Austin has hippies, politicians and entrepreneurs in it’s DNA, I believe we can a trailblazer in making our city inclusive to all.

SAVE THE DATE for

Vestido Rojo APRIL 16, 2016 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM PALMER EVENTS CENTER

LOCALLY PRESENTED BY:

R.S.V.P. 512.338.2667 | ATXVESTIDOROJO@HEART.ORG

Good Times at Güero’s For great tunes and great rita’s!

Please join us for live music on our outside jardin stage, every Wednesday through Sunday. THANKS TO THE FANS & BANDS WHO SUPPORT US!!!

FEBRUARY Line-up

TACO BAR

1412 S. Congress Avenue • Austin, Texas 78704 Open Weekdays 11am-11pm; Weekends 8am-11pm

OUTDOOR SHOWS ARE “WEATHER PERMITTING” -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 2/3 KDRP RADIO SHOW @ 6:00 THU 2/4 LOS FLAMES @ 6:30 FRI 2/5 BOB FUENTES SHOW@ 6:30 SAT 2/6 THE BREW @ 2:30 & EL TULE’ @ 6:30 SUN 2/7 THE MEAGLES @ 12PM & THE RECUPERATORS @ 3:00 -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 2/10 KDRP RADIO SHOW @ 6:00 THU 2/11 BEYOND THERAPY @ 6:30 FRI 2/12 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW @ 6:30 SAT 2/13 TEXAS TYCOONS @ 2:30 & LOS AZTEX @ 6:30 SUN 2/14 AMANDA CEVALLOS @ 12PM & BLUE MIST @ 3:00 -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 2/17 KDRP RADIO SHOW @ 6:00 THU 2/18 GLENN COLLINS & THE ALIBIES @ 6:30 FRI 2/19 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW @ 6:30 SAT 2/20 JIM STRINGER @ 2:30 & AUSTIN HEAT @ 6:30 SUN 2/21 BANZAI @ 12PM & MITCH WEBB Y LOS SWINDLES @ 3:00 -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 2/24 KDRP RADIO SHOW @ 6:00 THU 2/25 RICH HOPKINS Y LOS LUMINARIOS @ 6:30 FRI 2/26 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW @ 6:30 SAT 2/27 THE PISSANT FARMERS @ 2:30 & THE PETERSON BROTHERS @ 6:30 SUN 2/28 TRENT TURNER & THE MOONTOWERS @ 12PM & CHICKEN STRUT @ 3:00

www.GuerosTacoBar.com

BROWN SOUND NEWS

To Do Música

By Liz Lopez

Los A-T Boyz lost an integral band member, Francisco “Paquito” Fuentes Rodriguez, age 42, on Jan. 21 after a lengthy illness. Born on April 12, 1973 in Austin, Paquito (as he was known by most) developed a passion for music at a young age. He was the driving force behind the family band that included his father, Francisco “Paco” Rodriguez, brothers Raphael F. Rodriguez and Fernando F. Rodriguez, and his mother, Martha, who manages the band.

contributors. Their latest music is showcased on the album, “Austin Sonidos from the Live Music Capital.” Among other shows this month, Son de Rey will be performing with El Gran Silencio on Feb. 13 at Flamingo Cantina.

----Formed in 2007, the country music band, Crooks, expanded by adding bandmates and instruments, plus released their debut LP titled “The Rain Will Come” last year. Crooks announced in November that they are wrapping up their time together and will pursue individual projects. Over three years ago, accordionist/trumpet player Anthony Ortiz Jr. joined the Crooks band, adding elements of conjunto and mariachi music into Crooks’ constantly evolving sound. They have finished up their tour schedule and will play their final show on Feb. 13 at Antone’s with plans to include all Crooks members, past and present.

----Savannah Votion has signed with Michael Salgado’s record label, Zurdo Records and new music will be coming soon.

----The Tejano/ Conjunto group, Kortecia, recently debuted at the Sunday tardeada (afternoon dance) held at the Club Tropicana. The group is composed of veteran and emerging talented musicians and is one to keep an eye on.

----Dawn & Hawkes

RECOMMENDED SHOWS

Inn, at 9:19 p.m., followed by an Open Jam. Feauring Matthew Robinson, Jose “Sweet Tone” Ruiz, Leland Isley, Lealon Martin, Harold McMillan, Alex Salinas.

Austin-based Angel Gonzalez y Vimana next Austin show, “The Biggest Freestyle, Latin Hip Hop & Old School Night Event of The Year” with Brown Boy James Heart Beat is on Feb. 13 at Texas Mist, 8 p.m.

If it’s Friday, it gotta be Funky! FUNKtastic Fridays February is Carnaval season in Brazil and Mardi with Macaxeira Funk & Flyjack on Feb. 5 at the Gras in New Orleans. Austin Brazil Mardi Gras Sahara Lounge.

2016 will host a New Orleans Zydeco style musical group, The Gritones, Brazilian Forró by Latin at Heart and Patricia Vonne will play a show Seu Jacinto and Brazilian Carnaval vibes with from 7-10:30 p.m. at One2One Bar on Feb. 5 Os Alquimistas playing a special Jorge Ben with a $10 cover for both performances. tribute set. Samba Enredo DJ set during breaks.

The Eastside Blues Syndicate’s Blue Monday Costumes are encouraged on Saturday, Feb. Blues Jam is held weekly at the Longbranch 20, 9 p.m. at F; Flamingo Cantina.

Los Lobos, Ballet Folklorico Mexicano celebrate heritage in ‘Fiesta Mexicano-Americana’

because members of the band are humble and easygoing, “they were able to accomplish their musical dream from the start. They are that very inspiration for people to keep fighting and moving towards their own goals.”

By Alejandra Cueva

In 1987, a local band from East Los Angeles, California, gained international stardom and raised the profile of rock musicians of Mexican American ancestry for their cover version of Ritchie Valens “La Bamba.”

Paquito Rodriguez

Paquito was a multi-talented musician, as an accordionist, vocalist, trumpet, keyboard and guitar player. The biography of his legacy stated, “At age 14, he was recognized as one of the youngest documented accordion players in Texas.” He was nominated various times for a Tejano Music Award in the following categories: vocal duo of the year, accordion player of the year, entertainer of the year and album of the year. The band has performed generously for varied organizations and community events and received numerous awards from church jamaicas and charity groups.

He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Lacinda Kasparek and his son Jesse Rodriguez. Memorials may be made to the Texas Music Museum in Austin, Cook Children’s Hospital in Ft. Worth, Giving, Scott & White ICU Unit in Round Rock, and donations can also be made at www.gofundme. com/paquito ----Mariachi Relámpago celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. They announced on their Facebook page they’ll soon be performing nearby soon. The original Mariachi Relámpago in 1991 featured on violin - Bob Guajardo and, Chris Perez; on trumpet Enrique Benavidez and David Hernandez; rhythm Chris Castro, Hector Santos and Adolph Ortiz.

----New Son De Rey merchandise is on the way and a “thank you” shout-out to all their Indiegogo

is Sunday, Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. at Cactus Café, 2247 Guadalupe St, Austin.

----The Nightowls had a recent album release, “Fame Sessions,” and is recording a five-track EP. They tour nationally, but locally, they were at ACL-Live at The Moody Theater with Kool & the Gang last month. Their 2nd annual Valentine’s Day Al Green Tribute show will be at The Highball (8-10 p.m.) on Sunday, Feb. 14.

Today, Los Lobos, a multiple Grammy Awardwinning, iconic American band, is on the threshold of entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Already nominated in 2015, the band is a favorite for the honor next go-round, which will add their name to a short list of Latinos on the Hall’s roster.

Formed in 1973 by David Hidalgo, Louie Pérez, Cesar Rosas and Conrad Lozano, the band includes longtime member Steve Berlin and percussionist Enrique “Bugs” González. Los Lobos have played around the world with their singular blend of rock and roll, Tex-Mex and Mexican traditional music influences, a perfect concoction mirroring their culture.

Dawn & Hawkes (Miranda Dawn and Chris Hawkes) new album, “Yours and Mine,” was #3 on The Roots Music Report (Folk music chart) in January. Dawn was a finalist for the New Folk Songwriting Competition at the 2012 Kerrville Folk Festival, and performed with Hawkes on The Voice television program. Link to check out the album: http://apple.co/1KYp8Mw. Their next Austin show

On Thursday, Feb. 11, the many notable achievements and contributions of Mexican Americans throughout U.S. history will be celebrated through song, dance, music and film as Los Lobos and dancers from Ballet Folklorico Mexicano perform at Bass Concert Hall. The concert is a visual representation of modern Mexican culture and will portray traditional Mexican dance with upbeat cultural music with a rock and roll twist.

Bugs González of Los Lobos states that the tour and “representing the Latin culture has a very positive connotation with it.” González, who joined the band four years ago, adds that

Los Lobos

With 40 shows on the schedule over three month, González promises that this tour with Ballet Folklorico Mexicano will represent the “fundamental roots of the band’s DNA.” Founded in 1967 by Carlos Moreno Samaniego, the Ballet Folklorico Mexicano has achieved recognition both in the U.S. and in Mexico.

Drawing on the artistic variety of Mexico’s different regions, the troupe has a dance repertory of 120 pieces. Many of these are presented in their traditional form while others have been restaged to include artistic elements from more contemporary choreography.

The combination of Los Lobos, who early in their journey were practically a folkloric group inspired by their parent’s music, and Ballet Folklorico Mexicano, will provide a fusion of dance and music that celebrates the incredible diversity of Mexican culture.

Tickets for Los Lobos with Ballet Folklorico Mexicano are on sale online and at Bass Concert Hall box offices. Tickets range from $10-$48.

TODO AUSTIN // FEB 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM

11

Moving Panoramas paint with sounds ROCK TRIO EARNING RAVES ON AUSTIN’S MUSICAL LANDSCAPE

By Cat Cardenas

Though Austin-based band Moving Panoramas is a trio, for a while it was frontwoman Leslie Sisson who commanded the attention. The title of their debut album “One,” released last September, was a nod to Sisson’s traumas. She writes the songs’ lyrics and having written most of them before the band formed, it’s her voice that rings through them.

mean, he was also worried about me surviving and eating, but I make it work.”

Since then, Sisson hasn’t stopped playing. She never intended to make a full-time job out of it, but it’s something she said she’ll always be doing.

“It’s the one thing I feel like I can do right,” Sisson said. “It’s my own thing. It’s hard to explain. I don’t know what I would do without it. It’s just an appendage for me. It’s part of my brain and I’ll be doing it ‘til after I die.”

Though it’s always played a major role in her life, in the years preceding Moving Panoramas, Sisson heavily relied on her music after a series of traumatic events left her shaken.

Her mother had recently died, prompting her to make the move back to Austin from New York, and

what happened was music.

“I tried to heal through music,” Sisson said. “When I start to have a rough time, I have my music. When I play, it really takes me back to a grounded place.

Creating something helps me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile instead of going into the spiral I saw my mom go into.”

She began writing, creating the songs that would go on to form Moving Panorama’s debut album.

Her numbness comes through in many of the songs, reflected in the distant emotion of her atmospheric vocals.

At the time, Sisson rarely left her home, finding it difficult to venture out into the world again. Her only escape was her teaching job at Austin’s School of Rock, where she met Moving Panoramas’ bassist Rozie Castoe — one of her students.

been unlike any band I’ve ever been in. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

In the studio, what was originally Sisson’s vision quickly became the bands. While they were recording, the combination of Sisson’s dreamy lyrics, Skloss’ echoed drums and Castoe’s pulsing bass lines allowed Moving Panoramas to transition from separate musicians to “one.”

With a new sound in mind, Sisson began tweaking her songs little by little to showcase the band’s skill and strengths.

“Before, I had no idea what kind of band I was writing for,” Sisson said. “Now, I’m writing songs that will highlight our sound as a band.”

Shortly after naming their band, they were contacted by a French band with the same name.

The Panoramas became Moving Panoramas — a 19th century design concept used in popular plays. Sisson said she appreciated the way the term fit with the band’s sound.

“I’d been working as an audio editor and we kind of paint with sounds,” Sisson said. “That kind of resonated with me. It was kind of a blessing we had to change our name. It fits what I’m trying to do visually and sonically with the band.”

The band has received a warm reception in Austin and Sisson said they’re planning to test the waters in other cities with a tour this year. Though they’ve been referred to as a “girl band,” Sisson shies away from the label.

“It wasn’t originally supposed to be an all-girl band, it just turned out that way,” Sisson said. “I never think about (us being a ‘girl band’). It can be risky because we get labeled as a girl band, but we’re just musicians. I do like the vibe of playing with girls, though.”

Rozie Castoe, Leslie Sisson and Karen Skloss. Shelley Hiam photo

Music is what she uses to heal and what she uses to cope. It’s a necessary part of her life, and has been from the beginning.

“It’s just a part of me,” Sisson said. “It’s something that’s always been an outlet for me as a kid. I don’t think that I decided (to be a musician) one day, it’s just something I’ve always done.”

When she first started taking piano lessons in preschool, she quickly moved on to the guitar and cello before joining her first band at 15. In the small Dallas suburb of Duncanville, Sisson said there weren’t many bands around and even less with female members. Though her father was a musician, as well, he worried about her turning it into a career.

“As a teenage girl, he thought it would be an excuse for guys to get in my pants,” Sisson said. “I 12 TODO AUSTIN // FEB 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM

just a few months later, Sisson became the target of a home invasion-turned kidnapping.

Sisson escaped, but was left with the memories of what happened. She was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder but refused to take any medication after watching her mother struggle with addiction. Throughout her battle with the disorder, Sisson said it did bring her closer to understanding her mother, who also suffered from PTSD.

“She’s insanely talented and I was just drawn to her,” Sisson said. “I thought about taking her under my wing. I wanted to mentor her.”

Around that time, Sisson had also been invited to perform with local band Black Forest Fire by her friend and drummer, Karen Skloss. The pieces started coming together when Sisson decided to head to the studio and record some of the material she had written.

“A lot of people don’t understand what PTSD is like,” Sisson said. “I never understood it until it happened to me. I thought (my mom) could just get over it or fix it and I know that’s not the case now.”

She brought Skloss and Castoe along, and after they began recording, the trio decided to perform a show and were quickly offered to play another one. It was then that Moving Panoramas — known as the Panoramas at the time — was born.

While she went through therapy, in the end, Sisson said the only thing that motivated her to move past

“I didn’t know a whole band was going to come out of it,” Sisson said. “It turned into one and it’s

Last year, the Austin Music Census revealed that Moving Panoramas and other female-led bands were in the minority, with males comprising most of the performers in the city. Sisson, however, said Austin is where she’s found a close-knit community of female musicians.

“There are lots of awesome girls rocking out here,” Sisson said. “Being in a town where I’m surrounded by so many great female musicians, it was kind of like a dream.”

Moving Panoramas’ has become Sisson’s family.

She said she isn’t expecting anything when they go on tour, but is eager to see where it takes them as musicians.

“I never had any sisters, so I feel like (Skloss and Castoe) have become my sisters in rock and roll,” Sisson said. “We never went into this to try and make money. I just want us to get out as a band, get on the road and maybe make another record.”

KLRU-TV, Austin PBS broadcast 18.1 cable 9 klru.org

KLRU celebrates BLACK HISTORY MONTH! INDEPENDENT LENS

FINDING YOUR ROOTS Tuesdays at 7 pm Host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. combines history and science in a fascinating exploration of race, family, and identity in today’s America. Gates traces the ancestral trails of Maya Rudolph, Bill Hader, Julianne Moore and more.

Also This Month

BLACK PANTHERS VANGUARD OF THE REVOLUTION February 16th at 8 pm

Revisit the turbulent 1960s, when a new revolutionary culture emerged with the Black Panther Party at the vanguard. Director Stanley Nelson tells the vibrant story of a pivotal movement that feels timely all over again.

Get the complete list at klru.org

Nova Memory Hackers

Admissions On Trial

The Texas Promise

Discover how researchers on the cutting edge of mind-control can implant, change and even erase memories. On this thought-provoking journey into the mind, Nova investigates the mysterious nature of how we remember.

An in-depth look at the debate over how universities choose their students. This documentary provides a framework to understand the complexities of Affirmative Action, diversity and equality, and the effects of Fisher v. Texas on higher education in the future.

A gripping story of equity, politics, money and our children as Texas and the nation make historic decisions about education, opportunity and our democracy.

Wednesday, February 10, at 8 pm

Thursday, February 18, at 7:30 pm

Thursday, February 25, at 7:30 pm

KLRU-TV, Austin PBS is community supported. More than 85% of our funding comes from the public. Please consider investing in KLRU.

Second Bar + Kitchen’s pizza menu: A delectable melting pot

not only hungry for food but hungry for variety and innovation. Distinguished Chef Jason Stude Second Bar + Kitchen, located in downtown Austin, has successfully crafted a superbly delicious depiction of multiple cultures through a worldwide favorite food-pizza.

In an interview with Chef Stude, the menu’s genius was revealed. “When we opened Second Bar + Kitchen we set out to make the best pizza

By Gabriela Mohamed we could make. We want to honor tradition In a place like America, it is hard be original with our Pomodoro and Bianco pizzas, but we when it comes to creating recipes for a public also wanted to reflect the playful spirit of the

rest of our menu. We want to offer numerous, yet specific flavor combinations. We allow our pizzas to be a vehicle to introduce nontraditional toppings like our Chicken Mole or Yellow Curry Short Rib. Even when the toppings may be non-traditional, we always work to make sure it isn’t a fusion, rather a respectful reinterpretation. Our most popular pizza is the Black and Bleu; a collaboration that was the result of trying to make the most delicious pizza we could make. It’s a riff on the classic Devils on Horseback. Our pizza combines pork belly, medjool dates, blue cheese, black truffle purée and red onions. Fortunately, our guests have responded very well to our efforts.”

At Second Bar + Kitchen, the food is all about the taste and gives every culture a spotlight with a hint of the chef’s personality in every plate. The restaurant’s reputation has grown and comes highly recommended. Although culture diversity is emphasized throughout the menu, it is all the more clear when it comes to their pizzas.

The pizzas are made with a concoction of copious fresh ingredients perfectly capturing popular tastes of familiar cultures on a thin crispy crust. There is a pizza for everyone to indulge in. The Pomodoro and Pizza Bianco are properly crafted in true Italian form. The Pomodoro pizza consists of fresh mozzarella cheese, basil, perfectly balanced tomato sauce, and a touch of olive oil with a twist of the chef’s

originality to enrapture the consumer. Their pizza Bianco, meaning “white pizza,” consists of an irresistible combination of ricotta, goat and grana padano cheeses alongside wild arugula.

The chicken mole pizza uses an authentic recipe of mole and mouthwatering complements like asadero cheese, used widely in Mexican cuisine, poblano chiles, pickled onions and of course, cilantro. A perfect Indian essence comes with just one bite of the yellow curry short rib pizza. The pizza has a classic combination of curry, potatoes that melt in your mouth, and roasted onions complemented with mozzarella and basil.

Last, but not least, there is the black and bleu pizza that will doubtlessly make your taste buds burst with the richness of flavor. Hold on to your seat and take caution because if you order this pizza, you might fall into a pleasure coma. As you take a bite into the creamy bleu cheese and black truffles, feel your thoughts dissipate and find yourself humming to the song of your soul’s happiness when the flavor of pork belly, red onion and perfectly sweet dates flood in.

Welcome the blissfully overwhelming parade of flavors at Second Bar + Kitchen. They will force you to be in a few seconds of speechless solace as you savor and take it all in. True joie de vivre. My only complaint? Post pizza depression.

Fork & Vine: A feast fit for a king

By Rose Di Grazia

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about Sunday Brunch at Fork & Vine is that you may not need a fork and knife—or even teeth—to indulge in their outstanding brisket.

My feast began on a recent Sunday morning at 11 a.m. Actually, here’s a note to newcomers: you can arrive at 10 a.m. But being an early bird is not important because this wonderful find keeps small batches of fresh, hot, food coming and coming. Most of the time, buffets are not my cup of tea. Needless to say, I am a chefs kept bringing out small freshly prepared die-hard coffee drinker and might I add that batches of food. How wonderful!

Fork & Vine’s coffee drinks are exceptional My first indulgence was the brisket. For all you (and this is coming from a java snob). vegetarians, be careful because this melt-inMy meal began with a Mimosa and java. My your-mouth brisket that doesn’t require a knife eyes were fixated on the sparkling, clean may make you want to convert. The brisket is looking silver pans spread before me. The cooked for 14 hours. It was succulent and juicy food was simmering in hot silver tins just like and just fell off the bone as the server carved at a high end hotel. Each dish had a plate and it. Move over Franklin’s, I must say. There is no serving spoon next to the serving tin. Being a waiting out in the cold either. clean freak, that was another plus because the serving utensil was not resting in the food for Sunday Brunch can get pretty crowded so call all to get sick. Many times at buffets this is a and reserve your seat. Who wants to wait out in red flag and alarms go off anticipating an upset the cold when you can be inside at Fork & Vine tummy. Also, throughout my two hour visit, licking your fingers and listening to the cool, 14 TODO AUSTIN // FEB 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM

sultry sounds of DJ Jeff Strange. The music we was entertaining and had a sexy, sensual Sade sounding vibe. My only wish was that they had a dance floor to slow dance to this music. In my fantasy, I am in my silky lingerie with my lover and Fork & Vine has laid this feast out for the eyes and stomach before me. We feast on the delectable dishes and then . . . Soon, the waiter brings me back to the reality of sitting in this posh, upscale joint by bringing me more food and drink. I feel like Cleopatra and Julius Cesar for the morning. The feast continues with a delicious apple pastry and fresh assorted fruit.

and various sauces of all kinds. The brunch price is $24.95 excluding drinks. Fork & Vine offers a clean, sleek, elegant, classy ambiance.

Four huge garage type doors open up onto a sunlit patio surrounded by trees. On a sunny day, this is my preferred place to sit. Sparkling wine glasses hang over the bar. Big flat screen televisions hang around the bar area for all your sports fans. This gem of a place also offers wonderful happy hours and delicious cheese plates and heavenly desserts. This is the perfect place for Sunday Brunch. My only gripe is, too bad you can’t come in your nightgown and Brunch consisted of an egg dish, brisket, fried pajamas! For more information go to www. chicken, biscuits, pastries, fruit, slab bacon, ForkVine.com

CELEBRATING

DIVERSITY

BRIDGE2BRIDGE From Montopolis Bridge to 360 Bridge, Everything Austin

On the occasion of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan’s 40th anniversary, internationally renowned choreographer Lin Hwai-min created “RICE.” The company of 24 dancers, trained in meditation, Qi Gong, internal martial arts, modern dance, ballet, and calligraphy, transform ancient aesthetics into a thrilling modern celebration of motion, Monday, Feb. 8, 8 p.m. at Bass Concert Hall. texasperformingarts.org

Carnaval

PALMER EVENTS CENTER Texas, and all its iconic splendor, will be the focus of 2016‘s Carnaval Brasileiro, one of Austin’s longest running and most spectacular annual traditions. Lauded as the largest indoor Brazilian Mardi Gras celebration anywhere on the globe, Carnaval is gearing up for its 39th year, set to leave the chute at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27, at Palmer Events Center.

An epic evening with the infectiously danceable pulse of samba drums, an endless parade of exotic costumes, and the uninhibited euphoria of over 6,000 attendees, have established this Brazilian style festival as one of the most anticipated fêtes on area calendars.

The heart and soul of this festivity are to be found in the authentic, fiery Brazilian carnaval music provided by two high energy bands.

Austin’s Susanna Sharpe and Samba Police will return as will Austin’s traditional Rio-style escola de samba, Austin Samba, a locally based group of 60 drummers and 60 dancers, all bedecked in elaborate unifying costumes. Their dynamic performances in the middle of the dance floor electrifies the celebration with an authentic taste of Rio. For 2016, Austin Samba’s costume theme revolves around the great state of Texas, so expect drummers and dancers decked out in cowboy attire, and some spectacular surprises. Don’t be shocked if a live horse appears on the dance floor.

While not required, guests are encouraged to attend Carnaval in costume. Revelers are typically bedecked in anything from gorgeous, traditional Brazilian costumes, to the bizarre conceptions you might expect from Weird Austin. Many enhance their enjoyment by assembling a group, either from their neighborhood or other affiliation, and costume identically, or thematically, which Brazilians call a bloco. Face and body painting will also be available onsite for a nominal fee.

Tickets are available at www.CarnavalAustin. com and local Austin retailers including Waterloo Records, Nelo’s Cycles and Lucy in Disguise.

Arlo Guthrie LONG CENTER

Heckle Her’s Love Me Tinder is a musical sketch comedy revue focused on dating in the digital age. The high energy show asks, “What is love?” In this modern age, do our devices bring us together or tear us apart? From an elderly couple looking to “Spice It Up”, to “Hey Siri” malfunctions, the comedy features original music and a diverse cast. Salvage Vanguard Theater Studio Theater, Feb. 10-13. heckleher.com Teatro Vivo presents the sixth annual Austin Latino New Play Festival in collaboration with ScriptWorks February 25-27 at the ESB-MACC. The festival includes three evenings and one afternoon of staged readings of new Latino plays by Andrew Valdez, Krysta Gonzales, Roxanne Schroeder-Arce and Emilio Rodriguez. General admission tickets are donation-based or “pay what you wish.” teatrovivo.org

Arlo Guthrie’s signature song, “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree,” is included in his tours only once every 10 years. Celebrating 50 years of the world-famous album, the Long Center welcomes Guthrie back to Austin for Alice’s Restaurant 50th Anniversary Tour on Sunday, Feb. 21, in Dell Hall. Tickets start at $37.

Austin Intercultural Fashion Show returns Friday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m. at Rio. Featuring creative designers whose elegant styles and innovation transport fashion intelligence to lands far away: Amber Holmes Originals, Atelier Benson, ChristineSonia Designs, Csilla Somogyi, Evelyn Christensen, Fashion Solutions, Kimboli St James, Marigold-Gateway to India, Megan Pinto, MoxieFox, Shavante. austincultural.org

Because of its length (a talking blues song lasting approx. 18 minutes), Guthrie has only added the complete “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree” to his touring menu on the 10 year anniversaries. The current tour will feature the full “Massacree,” originally composed to lampoon the Vietnam War draft, although Guthrie has stated in multiple interviews that the song is more an “anti-stupidity” song than an anti-war song.

The 2016 People’s Gallery exhibition features over 100 works from Austin-area artists, galleries, museums and arts organizations displayed throughout the first three floors of City Hall. The exhibition is designed to showcase regional artists and encourage public dialogue, understanding and enjoyment of visual art. Join the community at a free opening reception Friday, Feb. 26, 6-9 p.m. austintexas.gov

Other favorites from Arlo’s catalogue include “The City of New Orleans,” “Coming Into Los Angeles, “The Motorculce Song,” and many more familiar tunes.

Following this two-year tour, it is likely “The Alice’s Restaurant Massacree” will again be removed from the menu.

Peter Bay has put together a concert Feb. 26-27 that has an Austin connection in each piece. Start the evening with Austin favorite, Donald Grantham. Then, Austinite and world-renowned pianist Anton Nel performs Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No. 5. Austin Symphony Orchestra’s own principal oboist, Beth Sanders, performs Steven Serpa’s “An Invocation,” followed by Aaron Copland’s “Rodeo. austinsymphony.org Grammy Award-winning superstar David Russell is a brilliant artist whose virtuosity is outshined only by his generosity. His philanthropic efforts in India and Africa have led to a global perspective matching his transcendent talent, leading him to a place of tremendous insight and leadership. Get ready for a night of inspiration, Saturday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m.at AISD Performing Arts Center. austinclassicalguitar.org

“I’ll do it again for the 60th anniversary, or I’ll be dead.

Whichever comes first,” says Guthrie.

“I didn’t think I was gonna live long enough to have to learn ‘Alice’s Restaurant’ again,” Guthrie said in a statement announcing the tour. “It was a quirky kinda thing to begin with. Nobody writes an 18-minute monologue expecting fame and fortune. The initial success of the song really took me by surprise more than anyone else. The fact that I have contended with it for five decades either by having to learn it again or by not doing it, has been an interesting balancing act.

I’m surely looking forward to adding it to the repertoire though for the 50th anniversary tour.”

Tickets are available at TheLongCenter.org or by calling 512-474-LONG (5664). Also available at the Long Center’s 3M Box Office (701 West Riverside Dr. at South First St.).

TODO AUSTIN // FEB 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM

15

ASO Butler POPS SerieS PreSentS

All ABOut

“lightS, CAmerA… the OSCArS!”

AuStin

PiANiSt ANtON NEl

Saturday, February 20

Friday & Saturday, February 26 & 27

Peter Bay, conductor Long Center’s dell Hall n Concert 8:00 p.m. n doors 7:00 p.m.

Anton Nel, piano n Peter Bay, conductor Long Center’s dell Hall n Concert at 8:00 p.m. pre-concert talk with Bob Buckalew at 7:10 p.m.

Your Austin Symphony Orchestra is rolling out the red carpet just in time for oscar® season! Guest vocalists will feature alongside the aSo, performing music from some of your most beloved academy award-winning films.

Maestro Bay has put together a concert that has an austin connection in each piece. Your austin Symphony orchestra will perform works by austin composers donald Grantham and Steven Serpa (the aSo’s principal oboist, Beth Sanders, will feature in the Serpa work). Then austinite and world-renowned pianist anton nel takes the stage as soloist in Saint-Saëns’ piano Concerto no. 5. The night concludes with aaron Copland’s Rodeo, an annual event in austin.

reminisce to the themes and melodies of Gone with the Wind, Rocky, Titanic, and much more! Be a part of these iconic films that we all love, with the excitement of the oscars®!

Make yourself feel like a star and take pictures in our photo area. #asooscars

Enjoy activities like playing on stringed instruments and texting with musicians and Maestro peter Bay. #asonel

C on C e r T Spo nSo r S

ConCerT SponSor

Tickets/Info (512) 476-6064 or austinsymphony.org S ea So n SponS o r

M e dia SponS orS

All artists, programs, and dates subject to change.

2015 –16 SEASON

2015 –16–16 SEASON PETER BAY, MUSIC DIRECTOR 2015 SEASON PETER BAY, MUSIC DIRECTOR n