Not your father’s Huxtables.
TPA’s Kathy Panoff
TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS SERVING UP DIVERSE CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Volume VI / August 2014 www.todoaustin.com
Good Times at Güero’s For great tunes and great rita’s! Please join us for live music on our outside jardin stage, every Thursday through Sunday. THANKS TO THE FANS & BANDS WHO SUPPORT US!!! AUGUST Line-up OUTDOOR SHOWS ARE “WEATHER PERMITTING”
TACO BAR
1412 S. Congress Avenue • Austin, Texas 78704 Open Weekdays 11am-11pm; Weekends 8am-11pm
-----------------------------------------------------------------------FRI 8/1 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 8/2 THE BREW (2:30) EL TULE’ (6:30) SUN 8/3 THE RECUPERATORS (3:00) -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 8/6 KDRP RADIO SHOW (6:00) THU 8/7 LOS FLAMES (6:30) FRI 8/8 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 8/9 PAUL ORTA (2:30) MC & THE MYSTIXS (6:30) SUN 8/10 BLUE MIST (3:00) -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 8/13 KDRP RADIO SHOW (6:00) THU 8/14 THE FABS (6:30) FRI 8/15 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 8/16 JIM STRINGER (2:30) LOS TIPICOS DE CUBA (6:30) SUN 8/17 MITCH WEBB & THE SWINDLES (3:00) -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 8/20 KDRP RADIO SHOW (6:00) THU 8/21 AL DRESSEN (6:30) FRI 8/22 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 8/23 TED RODDY (6:30) SUN 8/24 JEAN-PIERRE & THE ZYDECO ANGELS (3:00) -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 8/27 KDRP RADIO SHOW (6:00) THU 8/28 TRENT TURNER & THE MOON TOWERS (6:30) FRI 8/29 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 8/30 THE TEXAS TYCOONS (2:30) JONAS ALVAREZ (6:30)
www.GuerosTacoBar.com
C E N T R O U R B A N A HABLA Austin
City archivist Espitia leaving position Austin History Center’s Mexican American Community Archivist, Gloria Espitia, announced on July 21that she would be leaving the position, effective August 1. In her six year tenure, she conducted numerous programs and projects that might not have otherwise been carried out and was a true asset to the community. “I do not plan on leaving Austin but rather to continue to advocate the need to preserve the history of our Latino community which has gone undocumented for so long,” she said. Council candidate Almanza makes history On July 21, Austin City Council District 3 candidate Susana Almanza became the first native East Austinite, Mexican American woman to place her name on a council ballot when she registered under the newly established single member district process.
“History/Herstory was made today,” she said in a written statement. “I have helped to activate the power of communities of color, to both protect the earth and safeguard community health and development. By maintaining a reasonable but tenacious approach, I helped keep polluting industrial facilities out of East Austin’s residential neighborhoods; worked to establish affordable housing projects; brought hundreds of thousands of dollars of transportation improvements; created summer jobs for youth and college interns, and other positive efforts. I want to thank everyone for their continued support.”
Delivering diversity in media to Austin for more than five years, TODO Austin printed journal, and
TODOAustin.com
offer
news, opinion, cultural arts and lifestyle stories written by, about, and for all ethnic communities in
multicultural
Austin.
Back to School Parade The Austin Back to School Parade will take place Sunday, August 17, at Bartholomew Park from 1-7 p.m., with the actual parade from 3-6 p.m. The City welcomes all to come celebrate education and the return to school with proceeds from the event being used to purchase school supplies for those in need. Free backpacks with school supplies will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Art After Six – August This month’s Art After Six show at the People’s Gallery at City Hall features artists Katya Belinsky, Nicole Creek and Sally Hengst. Extended gallery hours (6-8 p.m.) on Thursday, August 14 include artist talks at 6:15 pm in the Boards and Commissions room. Seniors Got Talent Got talent? Show it off says the City at Austin’s very own “Seniors Got Talent.” The event is Friday, August 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Doris Miller Auditorium. Advance registration is required if either interested in participating or viewing, and it’s all free. For more information visit the website AustinTexas.gov/Community or call Austin 311. Equity Symposium Austin ISD Cultural Proficiency and Inclusiveness is partnering with UT Division of Diversity and Community Engagement to host an Equity Symposium on Saturday, September 27, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on the UT campus in Garrison Hall. The symposium was developed to address national equity concerns with regard to how school staff view, educate and discipline children of color. Panelists from UT and Travis County will discuss the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and U.S. Department of Education Guiding Principles: A Resource Guide for Improving School Climate and Discipline. Panelists will also facilitate breakout sessions where participants engage in in-depth discussions focused on the three guiding principles. Each participant will choose one area to engage in deeper conversation and to develop action plans within their personal sphere of influence.
Volume VI, Number 4 PUBLISHER/EDITOR // Gavin Lance Garcia info@todoaustin.com ART DIRECTOR // Dave McClinton // dmdesigninc.com ASSOCIATE EDITORS // Evelyn C. Castillo, Paul Saldaña, Katie Walsh, Erica Stall Wiggins SENIOR EDITORS // Lobo Corona, Sonia Kotecha, Diana Sanchez, Lesley Varghese, Yvonne Lim Wilson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS // Anthony Garcia, Mia Garcia, Harish Kotecha, Alexandra M. Landeros, Callie Langford, Genoveva Rodriguez, Monica Peña, Blake Shanley
Child refugees bring out the worst in U.S.
As more than 57,000 unaccompanied Central America children have arrived at the U.S.-Mexico border since October in an attempt to escape poverty and violence in their homelands, many turning themselves in to authorities in an attempt to seek asylum, reaction in the country has brought out “the worst in people,” as National Council of La Raza president Janet Murguía said recently. Speaking to members at the annual NCLR convention on July 21, Murguía said she was sickened by the hostile reaction of many Americans to the child refugees. Citing Gov. Rick Perry’s recent decision to send 1,000 National Guard troops to the border, she remarked, “Soldiers with guns confronting children seeking refuge. What is wrong with these people? How can they talk about children like this? Who treats children this way? It is disgraceful.”
Fernando Garcia, Executive Director of the Border Network for Human Rights, called Perry’s decision to send the Guard to the border “deplorable.” “Gov. Perry is playing politics and using a humanitarian crisis to advance his anti-immigrant political agenda; an agenda that distorts the situation of the U.S./Mexico border, negates the massive border enforcement build-up done in the last few years, and intentionally ignores the violent reasons that force children to leave their countries and look for protection in the U.S. “Sending the Texas National Guard to confront children is neither humanitarian nor provides any kind of solutions. It only fosters the right wing anti-immigrant and anti-children rhetoric, and irresponsibly funnels more that 12 million dollars a month to state-oriented operations at the border.” The Austin American-Statesman reported on July 21 that the Marble Falls City Council unanimously passed a resolution telling the feds they didn’t want any facility established in their town to process, house or detain any of the immigrants crossing into Texas. Council Member Reed Norman said Marble Falls also didn’t want the refugees because it didn’t want “the diseases they are bringing.” Austin Interfaith has begun lobbying the City of Austin, AISD and Travis County to support and coordinate the use of public buildings to temporarily house migrant children before they are sent to relatives or a foster family and wait for their day in immigration court. “This is the most hospitable place in the country for them,” Jacob Cortés told the Travis County Commissioners Court on July 22. What the county can do, County Judge Sam Biscoe told speakers, is aid the migrant children who end up in Travis County. They would be classified as indigent residents which would allow them to qualify for social services. WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS/ARTISTS // Güner Arslan, Skylar Bonilla, Maria Cristina Gutierrez-Boswell, Veronica Briseño Lara, Adriana Cadena, Gabriela Candanoza, Roy Casagranda, Alejandro Caceres, Cindy Casares, Priscilla Cortez, Anais Cruz, Nora De LaRosa, Rose Di Grazia, Christian Gonzalez, Laura Donnelly Gonzalez, Harmony Eichsteadt, Layla Fry, Jessica Garza Cherry, Mark Guerra, Mari Hernandez, Ora Houston, Yadira Izquierdo, Korina Jaimes, Chaille Jolink, Ryan Jordan, Ann Kitchen, Ramey Ko, Heather Lee, Julia Lee, Esteban Lopez, Liz Lopez, Otis Lopez, David Marks, JoJo Marion, Caitlin Moore, Alberto Nuche, Cristina Parker, Esther Reyes, Marion Sanchez, Shubhada Saxena, Dani Slabaugh, Corey Tabor, Rama Tiru, Blanca Valencia, Kristina Vallejo, Tara Veneruso, Xavier Wan, Bowen Wilder WEB DESIGN // Mike Hernandez
COVER // Kathy Panoff. Photos - Texas Performing Arts. 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. © 2014 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 // AUG 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 03
Committed to listening and leading By Ora Houston
As a candidate for City Council District #1, I have engaged in and will continue to engage people throughout the district to hear their hopes, dreams and concerns for the city we all love. I want to encourage and uplift people in the district so that they are willing to participate in creative problem solving.
open, honest and civil conversations rather than debate. It is important to listen to others, respect all sides of an issue, to use civil tones and achieve positive outcomes for our city.
By Ann Kitchen
»» I am committed to community participation in decisions which will impact the quality of the lives of people in the district. We will invite, welcome and engage a wide variety of people who choose to call District #1 their home in conversations about the vision of the city. We promise to include all ages; all economic and education levels; families with children and singles; homeowners and renters; people from different cultures, languages, beliefs and backgrounds; and recent Austin arrivals and people who have lived here for generations. »» I will be mindful and respectful of the viewpoints and truths of others as well as the experiences which formed them. It is important to be aware of the history of our city, discrete neighborhoods and the events which shaped communities of interest in order that the same mistakes are not repeated. »» I am excited that District #1 is the most diverse of the newly established 10 districts and serves as an example of a very large blended family unit. We must listen to all voices to get different perspectives, new information, creative solutions and ways to expand the conversations between the City Council members and the shareholders. »» I will acknowledge that each of us carries seeds of bias and prejudice in our DNA. We have preconceived ideas and perceptions about the “other” or members of cultural groups who are different from us. It is important that we all do our part to be aware of how ingrained our automatic responses can be so we avoid division and begin to heal as a community.
There is an issue that is usually avoided and/ or not acknowledged. It is the issue that Austin continues to have striations and place markers based on income and ethnic background. For Austin to be worthy of the title, “prosperous,” it is important that we acknowledge that prejudiced opinions and racist systems still exist in our city. Austin has been, for a long time, viewed as a progressive, weird, diverse and creative city, but rarely are the disparities relating to health, education, housing, incarceration data about ethnic groups, cultures, ages, LGBT communities, or socio-economic levels mentioned in public. I am committed to using the following core values in the campaign and thereafter. »» I am passionate about District #1, the people who live in and the places that contribute to the district’s uniqueness and diversity. We seek to participate in true dialogue through 04 TODO AUSTIN // AUG 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
Creating a better Austin for all
»» I will focus on ensuring that people live, work and play in safe environments and neighborhoods where they are respected, heard, accepted and safe from harm or crime. It is important to show mutual respect between members of the community and the employees of the city. »» We must begin to have difficult conversations in the city to dismantle silos and allow access to everyone. Create environments where people have an opportunity to contribute to the solutions, including people with limited resources, education levels, cultures, ethnicities, religious beliefs or not, lifestyles, all age groups and differing abilities. My vision for District #1 and the city of Austin is one of civility, equity, unity, cooperation and inclusiveness. So, as I like to say, “let’s make history together!”
In the 20-plus years I have lived in South Austin, I have dedicated my life to taking an active role in improving our community. As a former State Legislator and an involved citizen, I have represented much of District 5 and know how to effectively listen to and advocate for Austinites.
Top on the list is the need for a new approach to tackle traffic. We need to focus on lower cost, more immediate congestion relief now while we tackle longer-term solutions. And because no single approach will address our problem, we need to shift to providing more options to create a better-connected system of roads, buses, transit, and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
Austin has been my home since I moved here in 1973 to attend the University of Texas. After graduating, I worked with special needs children and their parents – which taught me a very important lesson. To make real progress – sometimes you have to change the system. That’s one reason I went back to school to study law at UT. I wanted to use my energy to help reform government and find real solutions for tough issues. After graduation, one of my first projects was as an Assistant Attorney General where I worked with state leaders to hold hospitals accountable for their tax-exempt status and help uninsured families who were denied healthcare services. Since leaving the Attorney General’s Office, I worked at the Health and Human Services Commission, State Medicaid Office, and then went on from there to my present field of health care consultant and advocate. I have continued my work in our community to solve tough problems and change the system when necessary. To name just a few I’ve helped create an affordable health care program for employees of small businesses at TexHealth, co-founded Annie’s List to protect women’s health, chaired the City’s Commission on Seniors, and was a founding member of the SOS Coalition Board. Now I am running for the City Council to offer my experience to help us face our challenges - protecting what we love about Austin, and making a better city for the people of Austin. What does a better Austin mean to me? It means a city that is affordable for all, not just a few; where we invest in our people and neighborhoods; where you can get around without spending your whole day in your car; where we protect our water, parks, and treasures like Barton Springs and Lady Bird Lake; and we offer people the chance to be healthy, safe, and prosperous. Together we have an opportunity with a new government and a climate of change, to bring everybody together to take on our tough issues.
Everywhere I am going in District 5 I’m hearing about the impact of our rising cost of living. Some families are being taxed out of their homes and rents are becoming unaffordable. We need fair tax appraisals, tax relief for homeowners and renters, and fair payment from large commercial properties. I posted a full program on my website. Another important issue for South Austin and our entire community is the drought. Water is a basic human need and we must double down on conservation and make our water utility’s business model align with our goals. Paying more while conserving doesn’t make sense to our ratepayers. I promise to be a voice for the people of South Austin and work with everyone in Austin to make a better future for all of us. I would be honored to have your support!
Austin Summer Musical for Children presents “The Wizard of Oz” on three consecutive weekends, Saturday-Sunday, August 9-10, 15-17 and 23-24, at Boyd Vance Theatre. The free show runs 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sundays. ASMC has been providing free theatrical performances for Central Texas children since 1987. ASMC production crew for the musical includes music director Melody Long, stage manager Jennifer Dormer, tech manager John Dormer, sound technician Domingo Bracamontez and props manager Terry Bracamontez. Also, a gala fundraiser for ASMC includes a showing ($20) on Friday, August 15, at 8 p.m. For more information, go to www. summermusical.com The next Folktales Book Club at Carver’s classroom is Friday, August 15, at 6 p.m. Saturday, August 2, the Genealogy Workshop takes place at 1 p.m.in the classroom. Next door at Carver Library, the Bad Film Festival continues, part of “Book Your Summer: Reading Through Time and Space,” the adult summer reading program’s event series. The Bad Film Festival is free and open to the public. All screenings start at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 512-974-1010 or visit library. austintexas.gov.
Civic Day connects Central Texas to Indian-American culture By Rama Tiru and Shubhada Saxena
Indian-Americans are among the fastest-growing ethnic groups in Texas. They have a tremendous capacity to come together as a constituency and to make a large difference in the communities that they are a part of. Within the Austin area, more than 75 Indian-American organizations are active and showcase a vast diversity in culture. A group of individuals has come together from this community to create a Coalition of Organizations that will be celebrating the unique culture of IndianAmerican citizens this month.
The Flor de Nopal Literary Festival begins Saturday, August 9,
The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) is proud to announce
1-5 p.m., and runs through December. The writing workshop
the launch of RICE – Recreational and Intergenerational
and reading will be held in the Raul Salinas room. The Flor
Community Education, a new program designed to address
de Nopal welcome gathering, ¡Potluck y Platica!, runs 1-3
the intergenerational wellness and education needs of Austin
p.m. Then, from 3-5 p.m., the writing workshop will be led by
residents, with particular focus on the underserved Asian
Ire’ne Lara Silva on “Spirited Away: Writing Yourself Back.” All
American community. The program includes free Asian-inspired
workshops and readings are free though the festival welcome
meals for Austin residents’ ages 60+ every Tuesday, Wednesday
donations. Please email flordenopal@gmail.com to reserve a
and Thursday from 12-1 p.m. Vegetarian options are available
spot in the workshops.
each day. Limited transportation is provided for eligible seniors.
Silva,
who
lives
in
Austin, is
the
author
of
two
chapbooks: “ani’mal” and “INDíGENA.” Her first collection of poetry, “furia,” was published by Mouthfeel Press in 2010 and received an Honorable Mention for the 2011 International Latino Book Award in Poetry. Her first collection of short
The RICE Program also offers free wellness classes for seniors. Tai Chi classes meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month and Hula for Health on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Please call 512-974-1700 or visit www.austintexas.gov/ aarc for more information.
stories, “flesh to bone,” will be published by Aunt Lute Press
AARC will host free ACC English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
in 2013. She is the Fiction Finalist for AROHO’s 2013 Gift of
starting in early September. To register, prospective students must
Freedom Award, the 2008 recipient of the Gloria Anzaldua
attend the mandatory three-hour orientation session and testing
Milagro Award, a Macondo Workshop member, and a
on Thursday, August 7, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Classes can accommodate
CantoMundo Inaugural Fellow. She and Moises S. L. Lara
up to 40 students. Please bring a government issued photo ID, not
are currently co-coordinators for the Flor De Nopal Literary
B or F Visas. Please call 512-223-5123 or visit www.austincc.edu/
Festival.
abe for more information.
to engage with the Texas legislative process. This will enable the group to provide valuable input for keeping Texas a place where we all want to live and thrive. Civic participation is an earned right and a duty for those who believe in democracy. In the past century, leaders and freedom fighters all over the world worked hard, and some even sacrificed their lives, to earn the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. In the 2014 Indian election, Indians have shown their commitment to this process through a phenomenal voter turnout that exceeded 66 percent.
On August 15, from noon- 1 p.m. in the State Capitol Rotunda, “Indian American Civic Day” in Texas will commemorate India’s Independence Day—the day the world’s largest democracy was created and procured a seat at political tables around the world.
As new immigrants in Texas, many Indian-Americans want to understand the civic engagement process and to create an environment where their voices, as a minority, can be heard. This is one of the goals of the Indian American Civic Day. We also want all Texans to join and celebrate with Indian-Americans at this free event.
Sen. Kirk Watson has recognized the collective capacity of the Indian-American community and has invited the members of this constituency to the Capitol for the August event to share their values, aspirations, and showcase Indian-American contributions to Texas. The Coalition is inviting Senators, House Representatives and their office staff to an educational session featuring a first of its kind cultural program to showcase the colorful Indian heritage. Watson’s staff will provide resources for the growing immigrant community to learn how
Indian-American Regional Associations and other organizations are invited to participate in the event to create a shared process that will empower the community. Please join us, as we come together to celebrate our proud heritage. Come and start a collective conversation for greater economic growth, education, and innovation. Help build diversity solutions through adaptability and tolerance and to suggest ways to increase our giving back in tax dollars, volunteer hours, and charitable donations, locally as well as statewide.
Hindu Charities’ School Supplies By Harish Kotecha
After a successful fundraising event in June, the Hindu and Jewish communities of Austin have purchased enough school supplies for hundreds of homeless children in Manor, Austin and Del Valle for the upcoming school year. The community is invited to volunteer an hour helping pack up the supplies on Sunday, August 17, 1 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center Austin (7300 Hart Ln.). Do a good deed and get to know your neighbors
while helping the children start off the 2014-2015 school year right. There will be music, dancing, snacks and an opportunity to make cards for the kids. Our goal is to aid in the overall education of homeless children in America. Since inception, Hindu Charities of America has donated school supplies to various ISDs in the Austin area. Please note that the packing tends to go quickly so show up right at 1 p.m. if you would like to help. For more information, see www. hinducharitiesforamerica.org.
TODO AUSTIN // AUG 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 05
ASIAN AUSTIN
Asian Austin’s A-List
and counting, I constantly receive feedback from audience and performers that they are thankful for the opportunity to be part of this process.
Leng Wong
And this year, I’m also honored to be the Festival Director for the return of the 7th Austin Asian American Film Festival, which will showcase stories from Asian and Asian American filmmakers.
By Asian Austin staff
Leng Wong is an Austin-based stage and film actress and has appeared in independent films, TV, commercials, and live theater. She is a multiple past nominee for the B. Iden Payne Theater Awards for her work in “Stop Kiss” and for her portrayal of Yoshiko in the award-winning play, “This Feather House.” Leng also performed with numerous improv troupes and primetime improv shows at the Hideout Theater and Gnap Theater Projects. Leng is also the founder and producing director of LuckyChaos Theater and produces monthly shows showcasing the diversity of artists and communities in Austin. In 2012, she produced “Cheese and Other Oddities,” the mini-festival of original works by Asian Americans in theater and film, the first festival of its kind in Austin. In 2014, Leng is serving as the Festival Director of the 7th Austin Asian American Film Festival (see www. aaafilmfest.com). Asian Austin (AA): How did you first get involved with theatre? Leng Wong (LW): I wrote, produced and performed some in high school and then took a break when I moved to the U.S. for a number of years before starting again about 2008, and haven’t stopped since. AA: Did you know what you wanted to do with your life or did it just happen? LW: It’s a combination of both. Since I was young, I’ve always been interested in as well as experimented in different art mediums. I took classes if they were free or relatively free because of my family’s finances. Growing up, my parents didn’t actively encourage or discourage my interest, as long as I did well in the science and math classes, but I know secretly, they were also passionate about the arts (my father was a journalist and my mother currently performs Chinese operatic folksongs). It was just a given that people were supposed to get a “proper” job. So, I quietly fed my passion for many years but never, ever entertained the idea that I would actually do it as an adult as a vocation.
06 TODO AUSTIN // AUG 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
AA: What does the American Dream mean to you? LW: This IS my American Dream. The American Dream is the freedom to pursue what makes your life meaningful. The ultimate freedom is the freedom to make mistakes (which do not affect anyone else) and not be punished by restrictive legal and society laws. Art is all about making mistakes and going for it, and that’s what the American Dream is to me.
Then around 2007, I decided to pursue acting which led to acting opportunities in film and theater. Within the next few years, I quit my full-time day job (I have a master’s from the UT School of Business). Along the way, my sense of social justice and curiosity of what motivates, separate and bring people together became much stronger. After a few years of performing for other theater companies, the urge to tell stories from my point of view and to tell stories which resonate with someone with life experiences similar to mine, became so strong that it made me angry; the anger coming from the feeling of helplessness and sense of invisibility. In 2011, I decided to start my theater company, Lucky Chaos, to do something about it. Since then, we’ve produced over 18 productions, mostly original works written and/or performed by performers from Asian and other under-represented communities. So, in a way, yes, it just happened, and no, it was always in me and just needed to come out at the right time. AA: What was your attraction to your vocation? What drew you to do the work you do? LW: We from under-represented communities sometimes feel invisible because our stories, with the nuances that can only come from living the experience, are not told or publicized in mainstream pop culture. I wanted to bring these stories to the stage because of the shared experience that only a live stage show can provide. Audience members can’t hide behind the safety of mediums such as movies or TV shows when they experience something that is “different.” The intimacy of a live performance forces the audience to be more engaged with the story, and vice versa, the performers can engage with the “outside,” “the public,” with stories they don’t usually tell or talk about unless they are in their immediate community. This unique sharing of experience brings everyone closer together (or at least starts the process of deeper understanding) without empty and often patronizing speeches at a podium. In the four years and 18 productions
AA: Is there anything particular about Austin that inspires you? LW: The creative community in Austin should be the Wikipedia definition of “paying it forward.” We have many theater companies, performers, directors, writers, producers, special effect makeup artists, and other artists and rarely do I come across a situation where someone refuses to help another artist out, either with small donations when a sudden large medical bill arises, or just costume pieces that might otherwise be too expensive, or just giving each other moral support as well as helping spread the word about your work. AA: Are there generational issues, or cultural issues, or both, between young and old Asian American Austinites? LW: One of my proudest moments in doing what I do is when I see older Asian Americans in the audience at one of my shows. It is next to impossible to have this older demographic attend an event outside of their immediate community, especially one as “mainstream” (and not foodrelated) as live theater. It is also encouraging on the other end of the spectrum because the younger Asian American performers can see that their passion (which is usually hidden from their older relatives) is finally appreciated by those they care about most. Younger Asian Americans experience
much more of the dual-identity; they are as natural being “more westernized” or “American” outside of their interaction with their family as they are being whatever it is (per their sub-culture) when they are with their family. For them, seeing more Asian Americans in the audience help to bridge that dualidentity, I believe. AA: Asian Americans are becoming a powerful force in Austin economically, culturally, politically and otherwise. How do you see Asian Americans fitting into the larger Austin culture and community? LW: We have always been big contributors in the larger Austin culture and community. Asian Americans tend to be very supportive of healthy living lifestyles from food choices to physical activity (which I believe stems from the older generation, who might have grown up in a country where overindulgence of food is not common and moderate exercise such as walking to work/market is a daily routine). This healthy lifestyle definitely fits in with the Austin being well-known for being a fit city, and we contribute to the innovative businesses that cater to this lifestyle. With Austin being a city of start-ups, engineers of Asian-descent are definitely contributors in areas ranging from finance to engineers to investors. And with LuckyChaos adding to the theater landscape and the Austin Asian American Film Festival AAAFF adding to the Austin world of film festivals, we will continue to make the Austin community more diverse. AA: What do you consider the most important cultural value for you and for those close to you? LW: Loyalty
_______________________________ Asian Austin at www.AsianAustin.com is an online news source featuring news about Asian American people, organizations and events in Austin. Visit the Asian Austin website and “Like” us on Facebook for calendar and event details! Contact publisher Yvonne Lim Wilson at yvonne@asianaustin.com.
TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS 2014-2015 SEASON CREATIVE PEOPLE CAN’T BE STOPPED.
Tickets at texasperformingarts.org BECOME A TEXAS INNER CIRCLE MEMBER and enjoy VIP benefits Texas Performing Arts season artists featured here (Clockwise from top): Max Raabe & Palast Orchester, An Evening with Chris Thile & Edgar Meyer, Bill Cosby, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio
PHOTOS : M AR K SHELDON, GR EGOR HOHENBERG, IGOR L AR IN
KLRU-TV, Austin PBS broadcast 18.1 cable 9
klru.org 2 0 1 0 Texa s G u b e r n a to r i a l D e b a te
Cafeteria Man
Mayoral Candidate Forum
Monday, August 4, at 10 pm
Thursday, August 28, at 8 pm
All across America, school food is undergoing a major transformation to help reverse the childhood obesity epidemic. Cafeteria Man provides a unique, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring fresher, healthier food to the millions of kids in our nation’s schools, with the ultimate goal of enhancing their well-being.
A discussion with Austin mayoral candidates around the topics of transportation and governance. KLRU and the Austin Urban Land Institute host one of the first mayoral debates of the election cycle. Funding for this Civic Summit is provided by The Kresge Foundation and Texas Mutual.
Also This Month on KLRU
POV: 15 to Life: Kenneth’s Story
Time Team America: Lost Pueblo Village
Arts In Context: Tiny Puppet
The United States is the only country in the world that routinely condemns children to die in prison. This is the story of one of those children, now a young man, seeking a second chance in Florida.
Uses airborne 3D mapping and ground-penetrating radar to explore the extent of a Basket Maker III community that thrived 1400-1500 years ago.
Visible puppeteers move figures through a changing environmental landscape. Emphasis is placed on the shifting landscapes around the puppets, and on the puppeteers’ role as the “cause” of those changes.
Monday, August 4, at 9 pm
Tuesday, August 26, at 8 pm
Thursday, August 28, 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.
TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS SERVES UP DIVERSE CULTURAL EXPERIENCES By Mia Garcia
one of creating superb and diverse experience programming.
Texas Performing Arts is well known as one of the most important contributors of entertainment and experience programming for the University of Texas and the entire Central Texas community. With the combined facilities of Bass Concert Hall, Bates Recital Hall, and the McCullough, Payne and Brockett Theatres as its banquet table, TPA serves up diverse cultural experiences in music, theatre, dance and conversation year-round.
“We work hard to present a diverse season that means any number of things to any number of patrons,” Panoff said. “When faculty becomes interested, it changes the dynamic of what a performance becomes. I’m a teacher, and I take the teaching and student component really seriously.”
Leading the team that creates each season’s recipe is TPA Director and Associate Dean, Kathy Panoff. A native of Virginia, with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Music Education and Conducting from the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, Panoff never yearned to become a professional musician, but used her musical talent (she plays the flute and sings) and her think-on-your-feet business savvy to lead her onto a path of performing arts management. That path has led to TPA offering, arguably, Austin’s broadest multicultural performing arts product. This successful strategy helps to reinforce the impression that TPA’s patrons have a genuine willingness to support diverse, ethno-specific performances.
Yamato appeared in 2013-’14 season.
Panoff began her career as a music teacher in schools in Texas, Ohio and Virginia. Time spent as a band director in Richardson, Texas during her late twenties helped “ground” Panoff and instilled within her the mission of passing on her own rich experiences, both in management and in offering audiences progressive programming. Panoff then served as Managing Director of the Cincinnati Playhouse and founded the University of Richmond’s Modlin Center, which she directed for 13 years. TPA director Kathy Panoff (R).
Panoff stated that it’s not just her personal artistic tastes that are presented on TPA stages. She explained, “Everybody has their own thing. It’s a great place to come and try things. I go to New York and see five things and only one blows my skirt up.”
Panoff explained that her hope is that it satisfies mainstream audiences and a specific culture audience at the same time. “I don’t attempt to be multicultural; I attempt to be diverse and broad,” she stated. “Mainstream Austin patrons of Texas Performing Arts might think, ‘OK, if they’re presenting it at TPA and putting it on their stage, then it’s worth it to go.’”
Douglas Dempster, Dean of the UT College of Fine Arts has said, “The ‘Live Music Capital’ can be and should be a force for reviving live audiences for concerts and ‘art music,’ as much as it is for popular and folk traditions.” To this, Panoff expands the thought that the idea of a “Live Music Capital” is very broad, and live music itself brings about an experience.
Instead of performing, Panoff has made it her vocational passion to nurture and develop the students who will one day lead performing arts organizations and manage their own staffs and facilities toward a higher goal – as with TPA – Joffrey Ballet’s “Rite of Spring.”
Her experiences in both managing arts organizations and as a devoted patron of the arts have given Panoff quite a wide view of today’s Austin arts scene. “The market is sort of oversaturated with product,” explained Panoff. “We all have some degree of success, and it depends on the artist and it depends on your risk. ACL, for example, is about selling the events and the experience – and the alcohol and all that goes with it. “People want to see something better. The culture is just churning all the time with new information. We’re very ‘at-the-moment,’ and it’s very competitive to get those artists on our season roster. We try to build in some things that build a loyal customer, and we work hard to develop relationships with as many people as who come here.”
“We are so fascinated as a culture by reality TV, but my performances are the most reality experiences,” stated Panoff. “Why do I need to hear classical music live? Sometimes I struggle with this. It’s all about the experience. Classical music experienced live is the best experience. I want to see one human interacting with their instrument and their conductor and the other musicians. It’s like going to a live football game – it’s all live, and the human connection is evident – you’re not just watching a transaction.” Panoff has her own favorite “Live Music Capital” experiences. One was Mozart’s Requiem, where Panoff was associated in “a tiny way,” as she provided for the drummer from Wilco to be part of the event. Fifteen different composers created different accompaniment to Mozart’s original vocal parts. Panoff was delighted and remembers, “It was the Fuse Box Festival, a free event and I’m sitting there on the lawn. I rarely sit back and be a consumer – but when I was sitting there and thinking that this was the wackiest idea. A thousand people sitting on the lawn and 500 who couldn’t get in listening to 15 composers from all
different genres. I was stunned at how it came off as such a cohesive work. I was proud of how those partnerships came together. I was proud to be sitting there experiencing it. I can remember hearing certain things at different times in my life. To have an experience like that was amazing. Just to be there – I was transformed.” Another bright moment was watching students perform Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” on the one-hundredth anniversary of the masterpiece’s first performance. Panoff said, “One student told me he couldn’t wait to tell his grandchildren that he had played in the orchestra on the one-hundredth anniversary – ‘I played in the wacky, pagan, ritual piece – the original piece.’ The audience knew this was special and I felt it was such a significant thing we had done – where all the stars came together. That’s when I can go to bed feeling we did something good. That was a good day. Where everybody involved in a project gets something positive from it.” As for Texas Performing Arts being on a misson to create and perfect “experience programming,” Panoff explained, “One a month, and I’m a happy camper. I feel very fortunate because you kiss a lot of frogs before you get one of those experiences. You know in your soul when it’s a great experience, when everything you’ve worked for all your life comes together to create an opportunity for the greater audience that is so special for the students who participate and for the audience.” A new work has been commissioned through the first Mellon Foundation Award in Texas Performing Arts’ 30-year history to support interdisciplinary programming, extend artist residencies and form a classical music task force. Texas Performing Arts will present two of Austin’s most prominent arts CONT. ON PG. 10 organizations, Conspirare and TODO AUSTIN // AUG 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 09
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Austin Classical Guitar, in a collaboration of new work by Nico Muhly. Written for voices and guitars, “How Little You Are” uses music and text to capture the sense of hope, fear and loneliness that defined the experience of Texas’ original settlers as they pursued the promise of a better life. Panoff’s hand in the project is like that of a master chef choosing the perfect ingredients for the most savory dish. “I had it written for voices and the guitars,” she explained. “I chose guitars because they are so fundamental to the Austin culture. There is no other piece that uses guitars as orchestra. The voice is out of the body – your talking voice, your screaming voice. The guitar was part of that culture – a settler, a cowboy, alone on the prairie, singing by the campfire. “On a personal level, creating new works is one of the most important thing I do,” said Panoff. “I really believe in it. I want to hear the same old thing sometimes, too; you have to push – and I feel compelled to.”
“West Side Story” UT dance master class.
“I try to lead by example, and I encourage my staff at TPA to do that,” Panoff said. She concluded with a challenge given to TPA interns, “We give every student who leaves our program an engraved business card holder. It’s your job to take your experience with TPA and pay it forward. It’s not rocket science. Take charge and do the right thing. I have the privilege of leading an organization that has the opportunity to leave a big footprint.”
austinrecycles.com 10 TODO AUSTIN // AUG 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
Jeff “Tain” Watts appears in 2014-’15 season.
Howlin’ Lobo By Lobo Corona
LOBO’S BITES
Black Fret names high-level music board: Austin non-profit Black Fret’s newly established Advisory Board, representing a diverse group of high-level Austin music industry leaders and professionals was recently named. Members are: Mark Addison, Roggie Baer, Mike Crowley, CJ Eiriksson, Jenni Finlay, Will Hoffman, Terrany Johnson, Terry Lickona, Weston McGowen, Davis McLarty, Matt Noveskey, Tim Palmer, Peter Schwarz, Carlos Sosa, Joe Stallone, Stuart Sullivan, Mike Swinford, Heather Wagner Reed, Kevin Wommack and Tom Vale.
These advisors will act as mentors to the 2014 Black Fret Grant Nominees for the rest of this year. Black Fret will give out ten $10,000 grants to Austin musicians selected by their members in November at Black Fret’s annual gala, The Black Ball.
¡Aparato!
Austin Vida Latin-Alt beats: Austin Vida (www. austinvida.com) is teaming up with Spider House Ballroom to present one of the best Latin Alternative shows of the summer on Friday, August 22, 8 p.m. LA post-punkeros ¡Aparato! with tour partners The Eh meh ceh Project join Austin’s Como Las Movies and Gus Goose. As they point out, it’s not a typical cumbia jammy- jam, but Latin Alternative the way it’s meant to be played. Charlie Mars on the Green: KGSR 93.3 continues its Blues on the Green series this month, presenting Black Fret board (Philip Rogers)
Charlie Mars on August 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Zilker Park EP, “The Love Balloon,” reflects band leader Nick Diaz’s lighthearted California vibe with a solid soul (2100 Barton Springs Rd). foundation synonymous with his Texas upbringing. Look for dates at buenosdiazmusic.com
LOBO’S BITES
Senior’s sounding off: Got talent? Show it off at Austin’s very own “Seniors got Talent” show, happening Friday, August 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Doris Miller Auditorium. Advance registration is required if you are interested in participating or viewing, and it’s all free! Buenos Diaz star rising: Heavily inspired by Buddy Holly, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Ritchie Valens, Buenos Diaz is an Austin-based rock project steeped in Texas blues. Their debut, self-produced
To Do Música
“Sweetheart of the Americas.” “Sagüita Al Bate” was one of Garza’s biggest hits.
By Liz Lopez
“It’s about a baseball player named Alberto ‘Sagüita’ Hernandez and describes the lamentations of a man being driven crazy by his “lady’s” obsession with baseball,” said Leticia. “It’s filled with double entendres. My aunt performed in Cuba in the late 50s, but, since I didn’t have a recording of it, I was unable to include it in the show.”
Leticia Rodriguez Garza to release new EP “Sagüita Al Bate” this month Austin based singer and bandleader, Leticia Rodriguez Garza, has been a musician for over a decade, starting with bandmates Gerard Villanueva and Eric Callistri. Fast forward to 2014 and she has expanded her group to an eight piece band and now goes by Leticia Rodriguez y La Buena Banda. Rodriguez, also a notable dancer and choreographer is the producer, writer and director of the one-woman show, “Canciones for Generations.” Her work on the production led her to more knowledge about the music of her Aunt Eva Garza, which in turn inspired the San Antonio native to create her first album, “La Americana,” released two years ago. “My mother and aunt told me I needed to record Aunt Eva’s song ‘Sagüita Al Bate,’” Rodriguez recalls. On August 16, the “Sagüita Al Bate” EP will be released, featuring three songs from her first album and a recording of “Sagüita Al Bate,” a mambo created as a cumbia/ salsa fusion by Rodriguez and her band. “While creating this EP, I realized that by claiming my full name, Leticia Rodriguez Garza, I could immediately convey my deep connections to family, music and my Aunt Eva Garza. And, so I did.” Eva Garza was one of the first internationally recorded bilingual artists to crossover in the United States. Her songs, “Sabor de Engano” and “Celosa,” helped establish Columbia Records in the Mexican market. She was the first Latin American artist to have her own radio show on CBS and during World War II, was known as the
Rodriguez Garza will be supporting the EP with live performances in Austin, starting on Saturday, August 8, at the One 2 One Bar, along with Paula Maya and Naga Valli, followed by the EP Release Party on Saturday, August 16 at the Sahara Lounge. For a complete listing of dates visit www.reverbnation.com/leticiarodriguez
Indigogo project launch: Austin Music and Recording Technology Museum launched the Indigogo project recently. This project will help the Museum jump start several initial projects as we work toward the creation of a permanent facility. Created in 2012, the Museum was established to provide a permanent public non-profit museum that preserves the history of sound recording and its impact on music, broadcasting, film, video & science. www.indiegogo.com/projects/833222/ emal/7999595
For A Lover,” written by lead vocalist Luis Miguel Ramirez, arranged by David Moreno, and produced by Grammy Winner Fabian Hernandez. While Son de Rey is commonly known for a more traditional Latin sound, the new single, now available for download on iTunes, represents a new chapter and style in their musical evolution. sonderey.wordpress.com AJ Castillo’s new CD, “Sin Límites,” released last month, is now available on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon, and Google Play. Buy a copy of the CD now at ajcastillo.com Los A-T Boyz are producing a new video, “Mundo De Promesa,” with details not available at press time. For updates, visit www. atboyz.com
Brown Sound News
Recommended August Dates
Austin-based performer Joanna Ramirez will be one of the featured artists of a production with Larry Lange and the SanTonz, along with Rico del Barrio and Louie Escalante, of the original Royal Jesters, on August 16 from 7-10 p.m. at the El Progreso Theater, 1306 Guadalupe St. in San Antonio. Pre-sale tickets will be available at Janie’s Record Shop in San Antonio.
Son Armado performs Fandanguito on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Mi Madres, 2201 Manor Rd. ----------------------------------------------------------Xavier Gonzalez Jr. has released a new EP, “How to Run,” now available on iTunes. Performances are scheduled at Mozart Coffee Roasters on August 8/22 and Cherrywood Coffeehouse August 28 xaviergonzalezjr.com ----------------------------------------------------------The Bandulus, Steady Legend, and Los Kurados are scheduled to perform Saturday, August 9, 8 p.m. at the Empire Control Room. empireatx.com ----------------------------------------------------------Radio La Chusma, Sol Tribe and Young Costello will perform Thursday, August 14, 9 p.m. on 6th St at the Flamingo Cantina. ----------------------------------------------------------The Jonas Alvarez Band will be performing at Güero’s on South Congress from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 30 supporting the new CD, “Mírame,” now available on iTunes and Spotify. Read more about this recommended band at sonicbids.com/jonasalvarez
Vitera is hard at work this month, fusing old-school American rock with Latin grooves and instrumentation. There’s two Austin shows scheduled in early August. Saturday, August 2, the band will be at Strange Brew Lounge Side with Gina Chavez (5326 Manchaca Road). Then they perform with Mariachi Las Coronelas, opening for Metalachi, at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6 at The Belmont (305 West 6th Street). Son de Rey released a video this past month for the song, “Pray
TODO AUSTIN // AUG 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 11
FILM AUSTIN
Lastly, ALFA would provide free workshops/ classes with key note speakers in Southeast Austin to instruct Latino youth about the importance of media production as an outlet to express themselves, while also learning valuable skill sets for future employment.
AUSTIN LATINO FILM ASSOCIATION LOOKS TO FILL LOCAL CINEMA GAP By Esteban Lopez
I started Austin Latino Film Association out of necessity, but there is much more to it than that. Last year, I was in pre-production for an immigration reform film called “Soledad” and I wanted to work with Latino actors, actresses and crew; I felt that like-minded people would help me realize this vision easier and, similarly, they would be more emotionally invested in the subject matter. However, when I started looking for a database of Latino talent, I was hard pressed to find them all in one place. I tried the Texas Film Commission page and the Short Film Texas page, both of which are wonderful resources, but not for what I set out to do. So, I did a search for a Latino film association in Austin and came up with nothing. I was astounded. I thought it ludicrous that no such association existed here. I immediately followed this up with a search in Texas and came to find the same. I thought, that’s interesting that no such association exists!? It’s really something that is needed. I never imagined at that time of starting one myself. After I finished my film, I kept thinking about the reasons why there wasn’t a Latino film association in Austin or Texas. I had interned at the Austin School of Film a year before when I was a film student at Austin Community College and the school director there had a web-series called “Mundos Diferentes.” I worked on the series, which employed Latina actresses and Latino actors, none of whom were from Austin. They all came from Houston or San Antonio, which I thought disappointing, considering that the Austin School of Film is located in East Austin.
Calling on Austin’s proud Irish Americans By Otis Lopez
Momentum is growing behind “The Rising,” a fulllength feature film about the events leading up to and surrounding Ireland’s Easter Rising of 1916. The $6 million film is slated for a 2016 release to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of the rebellion, filmmaker Kevin McCann announced on July 22. 12 TODO AUSTIN // AUG 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
Interning and working on my own films in Austin made me realize something was missing from the film community here. There was no association that was looking out for Latino/a film people, and I wanted to change that. I wanted to help the kids in Austin schools learn more about filmmaking and I wanted to use the pool of Latino/a talent here to teach them. Earlier this year, a Puerto Rican friend who lives in Tokyo (where we met) suggested that start such an organization. I was really scared about doing this; for obvious reasons, I was afraid of failing, of it not going anywhere, and that nobody would care. After, thinking it through, I decided to go for it and pulled in Jackie Villanueva whom I had met in TV PROD1 at ACC three years ago. She is a very bubbly person and also from the Rio Grande Valley – San Benito. I contacted her after I had made a banner for the ALFA Facebook page. I asked her if she would be interested in doing PR for what we’d call the “Austin Latino Film Association” and she was overjoyed and said “yes!” But, she much rather preferred the title PR Director. Done. My actor friend, Joseph JT Campos, suggested we launch on Cinco de Mayo, which was only two weeks away at the time, but Jackie called up Baby A’s near Highland Mall and got us a table for 30 people. We had a turnout of about 25 people and it was great fun. I set up my camera and we interviewed each other on their small stage – actors, directors, camera men – all together talking and joking, it was great fun. And so after McCann is seeking support from the global Irish community, including that of Austin, both in terms of investment and participation in order to bring the story to a new audience. Surprisingly, the incredible events of the Easter Rising have never been the subject of a dramatic movie until now. Much like the American Revolution to the U.S., the Easter Rising is viewed as the most pivotal event in modern Irish history, leading directly to the creation of the Irish Free State. McCann’s Irish production company, Maccana Teoranta, will tell the story through the eyes of one of the leaders of the movement, Sean MacDermott, who was among the first to sign his name to the Irish Proclamation of 1916. The question of what made MacDermott give up his love and his life for
that, word got out about who we were and what we were trying to accomplish. Within the first week, we had an organic reach of 2,000 people on Facebook and everyone wanted to know when our next event was going to be?
Austin Latino Film Association’s mission It is the mission of the Austin Latino Film Association to provide a database of all Latino/a filmmakers including actors, producers, and crew in Austin and the surrounding areas of Texas in an effort to network and have each other as talent and production crews on set. Additionally, ALFA aims to screen, showcase, and produce Latino-themed films by Latino filmmakers.
As with any start-up, we have had the problem of finding more time to fulfill tasks since there are only a few of us working on this and we have fulltime jobs. It’s difficult to focus our sole energies on ALFA and we need more manpower with expertise in working with an NPO. Another challenge is not having enough financial backing to implement the ideals expressed in the mission statement – without money we cannot afford to pay for venues, nor can we afford to buy equipment to instruct Latino youth, and so on and so on ... ad infinitum. To date, our main supporters have been the film communities of Austin and San Antonio and that is encouraging. I am happy to say that we have been repeatedly congratulated for the work we have set out to do and have been told countless times that this is something that the Latino film community has needed for a very long time.
ALFA’s Jackie Villanueva, Anita Garza and Esteban Lopez
Ireland will be at the fore of McCann’s film. McCann has secured a six-figure budget for development in the process, and the backing of the film board in Belfast. Additional support has come from organizations and individuals within Ireland and the U.S. “The development of this film will provide the people with a chance to help bring this moment of ‘terrible beauty’ to the big screen,” said McCann. “The compelling tale of how men and women fought for independence from oppression deserves to be told, and there is an opportunity for everyone to put their shoulder to the wheel.” For more information about “The Rising,” visit www.therising.ie.
Journey to America begins in la corazón for many immigrants By Gabriela Candanoza
Twelve hours. That is how long it took to drive from Dallas to Monterrey, Mexico the very first time I visited. I was 10 years old and did not really comprehend at the time just how much I would love visiting Mexico, every year, sometimes a few times a year from that point on. I also wouldn’t understand at the time, just what a privilege it was to have the freedom to do so. People are often surprised when I tell them that I was five years old when my mother and I crossed the Rio Grande River with a man my
CASA
(Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT After graduating high school, Veronica Chambers left Killeen to move to Austin where she studied to be a paralegal. She worked in the legal field for a few years before becoming a full-time mom to two boys, now ages nine and 11. Her sons are involved in boy scouts and baseball so she spends much of her time on their activities and helping her husband with his business. When the two of them find free time, they love to travel and are spending part of this summer in Europe. Veronica became a CASA volunteer two years ago and has advocated for six children who’ve been through abuse or neglect. “My mother in law is a CASA in another county and I’ve gotten to listen to stories of kids she’s helped,” says Veronica. She’s been dealing with complicated dynamics in
father had paid to help us cross the border, illegally. My parents were married in Mexico when they were 22 years old and then I came along one year later. My father, a U.S. citizen, decided it would be best if he moved to Texas to work so he could take great care of my mother and me.
We made it across and saw the taxi and my father standing next to it. We drove to Harlingen to try and make a flight to Dallas, where my dad lived, but we missed that flight. We were late, but another flight would
be departing in a few hours so my parents decided to wait for that next flight out. As we were waiting, a long line of men and women were being removed by immigration
For the next few years, I would only see my father a few times a year. The day finally came when my mother felt it was time for us to be together and the decision was made. We would go to live with my father in America! My mother, to this day, says it was the hardest decision she has ever had to make. She doubted the decision many times because she didn’t know if that would truly be what was best for me, for our family. Having absolutely no support system in Texas, no family other than my father, and very little money, my grandmother told my mother she was absolutely crazy, but the day was set and a man was paid ahead of time to meet us and help us on our journey to America. I was young, but I remember that day vividly in my mind. It was bright, not a cloud in the sky. The water we crossed at the border was brown and the current was strong, like my parents will to have a better future. I can still see my mom swimming in front of me while I sat on the shoulders of the strange man I would never see again after that day. My father would be waiting in a taxi on the “other side” for us.
her own family and decided that instead of being angry about a situation she couldn’t control, she would put her energy into CASA. For the children she works with, she says the difference CASA makes is that “they realize they’re not alone, they have someone.” For anyone considering becoming a CASA volunteer, she simply asks, “What if it was your kid?”
Global Youth Peace Summit is a place for healing, connection and empowerment
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that in order to create peace in the world, they must first find peace within their own hearts.
The 8th Annual Austin Global Youth Peace Summit will unite American, refugee, immigrant and international youth for a week-long youth summit in Central Texas from August 9–15. Devoted to healing, personal growth, cultural exchange, community building and leadership development, 70 youth, ages 14-18, from over 25 different countries, will attend the Summit. Organizers have created an environment where cultural, religious and personal differences are respected and celebrated and humanity is acknowledged as the thread that unites. The Summit offers young people, sometimes for the first time in their lives, a direct experience of what it means to live in unity and peace, free from fear and violence. The Summit, taking place in Wimberley at John Knox Ranch (1661 John Knox Rd., Fischer), was created as a place for healing as many of the youth who attend have experienced extreme poverty, religious persecution, child labor, gang violence, abuse and neglect; some have witnessed the atrocities of war and have literally run for their lives; and many have been uprooted from their native cultures and struggle to integrate into an entirely foreign world. Through the Summit, the youth come to realize that sustainable peace begins within. They learn to recognize
Activities and discussions provide the youth with tools for conflict-resolution, heart-centered communication, compassionate response and peace-focused leadership. It is through this sharing that the youth create friendships that broaden their global awareness and ignite their innate capacity for compassion. The youth are encouraged to put their compassion into action and rise up in service to those who need it most. The Summit’s goal is to empower youth so they may return to their homes, schools and communities as leaders for peace, planting the seeds for global healing and sustainable peace. TODO AUSTIN // AUG 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 13
HispanosNet Austin
Mario Tapia, Eugenio del Bosque
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By Diana Sanchez
officials from the flight we didn’t make in time to board. My father tells me that this line of people walked right in front of us. We boarded the next flight and made it to Dallas.
Taylor Solis , Marissa Miyazaki Alberto Presenda (DJ Otto), Luis Ramirez
Daniela Ruiz, Carolina Peredo, Veronica Pomata
What a day for a daytrip to Fredericksburg By Rose Di Grazia
Don’t get me wrong: I love daytrips, but I also love spending the night at some posh hotel or bed and breakfast. For those of you that haven’t had the time to go on vacation this summer, why not take a daytrip and or spend the night in some other town? Daytrips are fantastic but it’s even more fun when you get to spend the night. Fredericksburg is one such wonderful town to visit on a daytrip or overnight stay. This old German town offers a plethora of cozy and antique-filled bed and breakfast abodes. The main street is filled with all kinds of shops, such as an old-fashioned five-and-dime store. At this shop, Dooley’s 5-10 &25, you will find candy bars from your childhood such as Clark bars, Good and Plenty, Black Cow, Zero bars, and candy cigarettes, etc. Remember Grandma’s old enormous white panties? You can find those too and hairnets, old games from your past, heavy pots and pans made out of iron or steel, bottles of Brut, English Leather and Aqua Velva. It really is a blast from your past. As you meander down the street stop in for lunch at one of the greasy spoons or authentic German restaurants. Vaudeville is like three out-of-this-world restaurants in one. Walk down the street and notice the white door frames and glass windows with the waiter standing out front. The windows read “gourmet and wine.” It was calling my name. Here was a café and bistro like those found in New York City or New Orleans. The kid in me wanted to jump up and down and scream with delight. The adorable waiter offered to seat me and my party. Suddenly, something compelled me to ask to take a look inside. Inside was a shop filled with expensive jewelry, almost like 14 TODO AUSTIN // AUG 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
Five years later, I would make my first trip back to Mexico after my mother and I became “U.S. Resident Aliens.” I remember stepping outside the car onto the hot sidewalk steps and looking at my grandparent’s front door. I put my face up to the glass of the front door to try and see inside the house when I saw my grandmother and she saw me. I can still hear her scream from excitement and I can still see the tears running down her face as we walked in the door. Before I walked in the house, I turned around to look at the drive way one more time when I noticed a little baby sandal hanging from my grandpa’s rear view mirror. My mom realized what I was looking at and she said, “Gaby, that sandal is one half of the first pair of sandals you wore as a baby, I have the other one.” I jumped into my grandpa’s arms and never wanted to let go. I hadn’t seen him in five years but our bond was strong. Thinking about this now, makes me think about all the people that haven’t seen their family in 10 or 20 years because of one
that you’ll find in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Adorning the walls were interesting coffee and teacups unlike anything you may have seen before. Beautiful exotic furnishings invited customers to come sit a spell in Africa. Gorgeous candles and perfumes aligned one wall. Across the room, hidden behind white curtains, was a 1920’s Supper Club. Unfortunately on this particular trip, I would not have the pleasure of delighting my taste buds there. The Supper Club would not open until dinner. But not too bad, for me, for the chance to dine at one of the darling tables outside or just downstairs was still a possibility. Venture down the stairs into what appears to be a dark, cool,
decision they made that would change the rest of their lives. During one of my many visits, I found a telegram, (yes, a telegram!) in one of my grandmother’s photo albums that my father had sent my mother from Dallas to let her know he would be visiting soon during the time we lived apart. It reads “Rosario, te extrano mucho llego Domingo cuatro PM Besos.” That translates, “Rosario, I miss you very much I will arrive Sunday four PM kisses.” I asked my grandmother if I could keep that telegram, which brought tears to my eyes because it reminded me of the unconditional love my parents have for me and the sacrifices they have made their whole life for me. The telegram, to me, is a symbol of what many families in this country have experienced. Being separated, some on this side of the border and some on the “other side.” This is why I want to talk to people who have lived through the same experience and tell their stories. No matter the legal or financial status of an immigrant, the one thing we all have in common is a story. A story that no one can take away from us.
dimly lit basement café. Oh, what a surprise this was. It was like going into a downstairs bar in Europe. Dark brown wood, pastries, and a sparkling espresso machine were before my eyes. After wandering about, lunch was served on the patio café, looking delectable on arrival. The noonday meal consisted of a tomato creamy soup, a Club sandwich, chips, and the most delicious caramel cookie and cup of coffee. Everything was so good. This is the best café on the strip. The service was stupendous and the food was so wonderful. If you like Fredericksburg, you will find yourself driving there just to dine at this heavenly restaurant. My philosophy is: what a day for a daytrip or overnight stay anytime! For more information, go to www.vaudeville-living.com.
Shop in Fredericksburg
CELEBRATING
DIVERSITY
‘A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: THE FARTHEST STEEP OF INDIA’
BRIDGE2BRIDGE From Montopolis Bridge to 360 Bridge, Everything Austin
Lucky Chaos Theater Projects’ “L.A.W. Lewd Asian Women” is a tale weaving Chinese mythology and contemporary Austin. Written and performed by Christine Hoang, Alice Liu Cook, Lilan Ren, and Leng Wong, the play is inspired by an 1875 court case involving Chinese immigrants. August 1, 2, 8, 9; September 5, 6. All shows 8 p.m. at Salvage Vanguard Theater. luckychaos.com
“Lord, what fools these mortals be!” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream: The Farthest Steep of India” is a traditional production of Shakespeare’s “Midsummer” that begins in the ancient Athenian court and moves to a natural world ruled by fairy deities “come from the farthest steep of India.” Shakespeare’s most beloved comedy collides characters from various worlds–nobility, laborers, and even fairies. In the woods near Athens, the mischievous Puck amuses himself by casting spells and exposing the follies of romance at every level of society. Lovers’ triangles, mistaken identity, love potions, and time gone awry are just a few of the ingredients that make the play timeless, magical, and hilarious. Enjoy this classic as never before, directed by Susan Gayle Todd, with an Austin star-studded cast; classical, folk and Bollywood dance, including Devi School of Dance, and live music by the Sacred Cowgirls. Featuring Rujuta Narweker, Sean Gajjar, Audrey Campbell, Jack Fogarty, Anjali Segu, Minnie Beteille, Megan M. Ortiz, Nate Dunaway, Katy Smaczniak, Chris Humphrey, Jay Byrd, Robert Deike, Alyson Curtis, Kim Penna, KT Shorb, Leslie GuerreroCollins, and the extraordinary multi-talent Prakash Mohandas, with choreography by enchanting Austin-based dancer Preya Mangalat Patel. “Central to Shakespeare’s ‘Midsummer’ are references to the fairies having come from India,” said Todd. “The stylistic connection between ‘Midsummer’ and Bollywood is a natural; it’s surprising we don’t see it more often in productions of the play.” Playing August 8-23, 7 p.m., at Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W. 18th St. (Executive Director Rich Vázquez). For more info, go to scottishritetheater.org or fartheststeepofidnia. bpt.me
Maxwell began redefining classic soul music for a new generation with the release of his critically-acclaimed 1996 debut album. To date, he’s achieved 12 gold and platinum certifications for his albums and singles. Live, he’s lauded for impeccable vocals, a connection to his audience and the sheer physicality of his performance. Tuesday, August 12, 8 p.m. The Long Center. thelongcenter.org “Built to Amaze!” is Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s new spectacular coming to the Frank Erwin Center, Wednesday-Sunday, August 20-24. A fantastic design with more than 110 of the world’s best performers representing 17 countries along with 95 exotic and domestic animals, the assembly promises to create never-before-seen, heart pounding performances. $10-$80. uterwincenter.com In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of “Eat Drink Man Woman,” the Asian American Resource Center hosts a free screening of the award winning film by acclaimed Taiwanese Director Ang Lee on Friday, August 22. Doors open at 7 p.m. with screening at 7:30 p.m. Shown in Mandarin with English subtitles. Free popcorn and other refreshments available for purchase. austintexas.gov/aarc Celebrate Austin’s favorite furry flying friends at the 10th annual Bat Fest on Ann Richards Congress Ave. Bridge, Saturday, August 23. With 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats at dusk, three stages of live music, 75-plus arts and crafts vendors, food and drinks, fun children’s activities, a bat costume contest and other bat activities. 4 p.m.midnight. $10 (8 and under free). roadwayevents.com Fusing together lights, lasers, thunderous sounds, bonerattling bass and showers of foam to create the ultimate storm, Foam Wonderland returns to the Austin Music Hall, Friday-Saturday, August 29-30. With the world’s largest foam cannon blaster and hottest EDM acts, including the Chainsmokers, ETC (!) ETC (!), Caked Up, Protohype and Triad Dragons. Bring the swimsuit. foamwonderland.com Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklorico is showcased in “Noche de Folklor” on Saturday, August 30, 7:30 p.m. at Zilker Park’s Hillside Theater. Directed by Jesus “Chuy” Chacon, the free show features performance from the company’s School of Dance and Adult Performing Company. The company, an Austin treasure since 1982, presents the finest in folk dances from Mexico. balletfolkloricodetexas.com
BRIGHT NOW BEYOND SALVAGE VANGUARD THEATER We are at a crossroads in the Land of Oz. Twilight. A boy named Tip receives a mysterious prophecy from a dying Queen. Tip’s resulting adventure into the unknown is the heart of “Bright Now Beyond,” a new music theatre piece by Daniel Alexander Jones and Bobby Halvorson, presented by Salvage Vanguard Theater from July 31-August 23. Set decades after the events of “The Wizard of Oz,” this Oz has lost its luster and faces hardships brought by drought and disillusionment. “Bright Now Beyond” draws loosely upon L. Frank Baum’s “The Marvelous Land of Oz.” A pumpkin-headed man and a wooden sawhorse are brought to life by a magical powder. General Jinjur leads a bodacious girl army to the Emerald City in revolt against the dusty Scarecrow King. The Tin Woodsman sharpens his axe and prepares to join the battle. Throughout it all, Glinda, the legendary witch, searches for a lost bit of knowledge to turn a swelling tide, as Mombi, a malevolent sorceress, races to find Tip before he learns a secret so powerful it could change the Land of Oz forever! By turns hilarious and poignant, “Bright Now Beyond” is one part trunk-show and one part ritual of remembrance. The piece explores what might lie beyond the edges of the self and invites us to let go of what we know in order to move down a new path. As the Scarecrow says, “the journey is the only true thing.” Director Will Davis leads a cast of: Heather Hanna, Robert Faires, Robert Pierson, Florinda Bryant, Carla Nickerson, Cami Alys, Jarrett King, Alexis Leah Scott, Nitra Gutierrez, Jacques Colimon, guest artist Daniel Alexander Jones and Jomama Jones. TODO AUSTIN // AUG 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 15
FEATURED AUGUST 2014 EVENTS:
FREE
Cine de Oro: Films from the Golden Era of Mexican Cinema “El Analfabeto”, Tuesday, August 26, 9:30am. Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St. RSVP: 512-974-3789. More information: www.maccaustin.org
Austin Summer Musical For Children Presents: Wizard of Oz! August 9 - 24, Saturdays 11am, 2pm & 4pm. Sundays 2pm & 4pm. George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina St. www.carvermuseum.org - www.summermusical.com
Gallery Exhibition: Ashley and Machado
August 7 – September 1, 2014. Reception: August 12, 6pm.
Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd. - www.doughertyartscenter.org OPENING NIGHT TICKETS START AT $10 AUG. 20-24 • FRANK ERWIN CENTER WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY AUGUST 21
AUGUST 22
FRIDAY
SATURDAY AUGUST 23
AUGUST 24
7:30PM
7:30PM
7:30PM
11:30AM 3:30PM 7:30PM
2PM 6PM
AUGUST 20 OPENING NIGHT TICKETS START AT $10
SUNDAY
TICKETS: TEXASBOXOFFICE.COM • (512)477-6060 • 1-800-982-BEVO (2386) TEXAS BOX OFFICE OUTLETS INCLUDING SELECT H-E-B STORES UTERWINCENTER.COM
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RE FAustin TODO ly y friend lad i English m a f & August Issue QP: 5.0625” x 4.9375” Featured this month: Color Aunt Ruby’s Sweet Jazz Babies Trade
Global Grooves, Austin Moves www.austintexas.gov/planetmusic
Swing music and dance from the 1910’s to 1940’s featuring a free beginner dance lesson!
Friday, Aug 8, 7pm - 9pm, Free. Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd.
Visit our Facebook page for all upcoming events! www.facebook.com/ArtsInParks 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 512-974-4000.