TODO Austin December 2014

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Six on one hand...

Volume VI / Dec. 2014

INSIDE Runoff Election Holiday Activities Film Austin: Stuck On On Las Posadas ATX

available now

texas Performing Arts

3-SHow Mini SuBSCriPtionS The Perfect Gift!

Photos: Todd Rosenberg, Daniel Cavazos, Gregor Hohenberg, Jeremy Daniel

Something for everyone from Music to Dance to Broadway & much more

Purchase a 3-Show Mini Subscription and experience a variety of performances or choose a gift certificate which can be used for any performance including touring concerts.

Plus this year

Make a $2,500 or $5,000 donation to receive an engraved plate on one of the new seats and become a part of Bass Concert Hall history.

Buy now at texasperformingarts.org/holiday

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

NAACP Austin to honor Pam Wade The NAACP Austin branch’s 49th Annual Dewitty/ Overton Freedom Fund Banquet on Saturday, Dec. 6, will focus on the theme, “African American Quality of Life 10 Year Assessment and Review.”

Community leader and activist, Pam Wade, will receive the Dewitty/Overton Award, the branch’s highest honor. The Captain Louie White Award will be conferred to Captain Cyril Friday of the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. Additional community service awards will be presented throughout the evening. The event, with keynote speaker Beverly Kearney, former UT track and field coach, begins at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency.

Pride rainbow crosswalk meets resistance This past September, Austin City Council unanimously passed a resolution to move forward with a plan proposed by the Austin Gay and Lesbian Pride Foundation to paint rainbow crosswalks across the Bettie Naylor St. portion of W. 4th Street, often referred to as the “gayborhood” of downtown Austin. According to AGLPF, the resolution states that funding for the project will initially come from an Artwork Donation and Loan Policy for temporary and permanent art installations. AGLPF has also offered to pay part or all of the expenses of repainting the crosswalks after the initial installation, on an annual basis, prior to Austin PRIDE Week as part of the organization’s Austin PRIDE Cares Program. In November, however, a few area businesses pushed back with opposition. Now, it’s time to proceed with this unique project.

Congress to welcome largest Latino class In 2015, Latinos in congressional and statewide

executive level office will be at their highest number in history, according to election analysis by the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund. “Latino candidates made history on election night, securing groundbreaking victories in contests across the country and in both political parties,” said Arturo Vargas, Executive Director. “Latinos will continue to shape the nation’s political landscape as candidates, demonstrating their ability to lead and win at all levels of office.” Although Latino demographics are greatly increasing, Latino representation in the U.S. Congress remains inconsistent with the Hispanic share of the population. Latinos represent 17 percent of the U.S. population but only eight percent of U.S. Congress members, with Latino representation in the U.S. House of Representatives numbering 29 and three in the U.S. Senate.

Support ‘Leslie’ doc Kickstarter campaign “Leslie” is an independent documentary by Tracy Frazier and Ruby C. Martin that tells the untold story of Albert Leslie Cochran, Austin’s hell-raising, thong-clad, homeless man whose bizarre approach to activism catapulted him into becoming an unlikely civic symbol of the city. Told with heartbreaking humor, the film is an intimate portrait of a rebellious drifter turned nationallyknown icon, who reinvented himself to find love and redemption. Filming started in 2005, and in 2010, cinematographer Lee Daniel came on board with music support by Patty Griffin. Please help support this endeavor by contributing to the film’s kickstarter campaign through Dec. 21 at www.kickstarter.com/projects/1501747461/ leslie. $36,400 is needed to take the co-directors through six months of post-production.

community leaders abound in Austin Austin has traveled far on the road toward social justice in 2014. We end the year with a salute to a few individuals whose activism and volunteering has had a profound affect on the community.

First, we are proud to note one of our regular contributors, Harish Kotecha. His Hindu Charities for America was recognized by the Board of Trustees of Manor Independent School District on October 20 for his organization’s dedicated support in educating economically disadvantaged students. Harish and company, who received an Excellence Award, have worked with the Jewish Federation of Greater Austin to jointly support Manor ISD with annual donations of school supplies.

Another of our staff, Monica Peña, earned a Volunteer of the Year Award in November from Economic Growth Business Incubator.

Her MUNDU Media helps businesses grow their online presence and she also leads North Austin Influencers, which holds insightful monthly workshops.

On November 17, the University of Texas at Austin honored three outstanding individuals and two organizations for their commitment and service to the Hispanic community at an awards ceremony at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center.

The event was co-sponsored by UT’s Office of the President and the Division for Diversity and Community Engagement. Now in its

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.

Volume VI, Number 8 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

WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS/ARTISTS // Susana Almanza, Güner Arslan, Maria Cristina GutierrezBoswell, Alejandro Caceres, Adriana Cadena, Gabriela Candanoza, Roy Casagranda, Gregorio Casar, Cindy Casares, Gabriela Castaneda, Priscilla Cortez, Nora De La Rosa, Rose Di Grazia, Christian Gonzalez, Laura Donnelly Gonzalez, Jessica Ellison, Layla Fry, Mark Guerra, Mari Hernandez, Yadira Izquierdo, Korina Jaimes, Chaille Jolink, Ryan Jordan, Ramey Ko, María Teresa Kumar, Callie Langford, Heather Lee, Julia Lee, Esteban Lopez, Liz Lopez, Otis Lopez, David Marks, JoJo Marion, Ben Monterroso, Caitlin Moore, Cristina Parker, Leslie Pool, Esther Reyes, Marion Sanchez, Shubhada Saxena, Mark Silverman, Dani Slabaugh, Corey Tabor, Rama Tiru, Blanca Valencia, Kristina Vallejo, Tara Veneruso.

WEB DESIGN // Mike Hernandez COVER // Obama and immigration reform.

seventh year, the awards ceremony is a community tradition that recognizes leaders instrumental in making Austin the city it is today.

“This year’s honorees have worked to improve the health and wellness of the Austin community as well as education for our children,” said Dr. Gregory J. Vincent, vice president for diversity and community engagement. “The Community Leadership Awards provide a way for the university to recognize the honorees’ outstanding efforts to make Austin a better place as well as acknowledge their partnerships with UT Austin.”

To thank UT Austin President Bill Powers for his many years of co-sponsoring the Community Leadership Awards, former Austin Mayor Gus Garcia presented him with a Serie Project print from Coronado Studio that commemorated the 2007 opening of the Mexican American Cultural Center in Austin.

We join UT in applauding Vincent Torres, who received a Special Recognition honor for his work at Austin Independent School District and Center for Energy and Environmental Resources-UT Austin. The Community Partnership Award award went to Community Advancement Network (CAN) Executive Director Vanessa Sarria, another dynamo making a significant impact.

One of Austin’s most influential leaders, Monica Peraza, was spotlighted for her efforts at the Hispanic Alliance, where she is President and founder. Likewise, Rosie Mendoza’s work as Central Health Board of Managers chairperson and managing shareholder for R. Mendoza & Company, P.C. has been singular.

Finally, we recognize Dr. Jesús Garza, Chief Executive Officer of Seton Healthcare Family, who received UT’s Joe R. Long and Teresa Lozano Long Legacy Award.

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 // DEC 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 03

Serve community’s interests, not special interests

By Susana Almanza

In 1993, I served on the Charter Review Committee, working to bring single member district representation to the residents of the City of Austin. At that time, community members asked me to run for the City Council and to be their representative to address the neglect and the injustices taking place in East Austin. I agreed, not knowing that it would take 19 years to pass single member districts (geographic representation).

city and not just District 3. So now that we have the opportunity to focus on district issues, the push is now that one must represent the “entire city,” not just your district.

Part of the problem is that there hasn’t been any focus on district issues.

District 3 has the second highest poverty rate of 33 percent and has the lowest Median Family Income of $35,000 in the city. District 3 has the lowest amount of home ownership in the city. Many residents in District 3 are working at or below minimum wage, and District 3 is host to some of the most low-performing schools in the city. So, forgive me if I focus on District 3 issues because it is apparent that the focus has not really been on the entire city. East Austin is part of the city, but it has received less attention than other parts of the city.

As your future City Council representative, I have an unmatched record of commitment and service to the community in District 3. I will serve the community’s interest, not special interests. I have supported the construction of numerous affordable housing units. I have taken on transnational corporations and other facilities that were causing major harm to the community and the environment, such as; the toxic tank farm, BFI’s min-landfill in the Gardens neighborhood and the Holly Power plant.

The passage of 10-1 was like the opening of heaven’s doors with all the people allowed to enter. The ruling class of the at-large system had angered the people to the point that people with different beliefs, philosophies, incomes and ethnicities united to bring down the walls of control. The at-large system was represented by six city council members plus the mayor. The new 10-1 plan calls for city council representatives to come from 10 single-member geographic districts of Austin and for the mayor to be elected at-large.

I am constantly reminded by residents, elected officials and community leaders outside of District 3, that I will be representing the entire

I have brought transportation improvements, such as bus shelters, benches, sidewalks, and traffic signals and challenged Capital Metro’s bus fare increases. I have created jobs for our youth and college students through PODER’s Young Scholars for Justice Program and supported small business development.

I served on the City’s Planning Commission, Community Development Commission, the Environmental Board and Parks Board. I know how the City works and will work hard for everyone.

I am committed to serving the needs of our community. District 3 is a part of the City of Austin, and with your support, we can help make sure that we can continue to live, work, play and pray in District 3. Vote for Susana Almanza: mother, grandmother, educator and community leader.

VOTE! City of Austin Runoff Election December 1 – First day of early voting by personal appearance December 12 – Last day of early voting by personal appearance December 16 – Runoff Election Day January 6 – Inauguration of elected officials 04 TODO AUSTIN // DEC 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM

An affordable, inclusive, vibrant and compassionate Austin

By Gregorio Casar

I’d never met Pete Akenhead before, but he found my phone number and decided to call me. He asked me to bring him a yard sign for my City Council campaign and I’ll never forget the conversation we shared. Briefly, I want to share Pete’s story with you, because to me, it says a lot about the spirit of Austin’s new District 4 and the true spirit of our city.

new 10-1 system, we hold a rare opportunity to deeply impact the culture at City Hall.

I’ll end with a story about my friend. We’ll call him Jose, because I have several friends named Jose. He’s 20 years old and works downtown. Not in finance or law, but in construction. When Jose was first hired, he wasn’t given any safety equipment or training to do his work, and he was only being paid about $10 an hour. A couple of years ago, while he was remodeling a hotel, a large piece of glass collapsed onto Jose’s arm. At the hospital, doctors said Jose was lucky he did not have to have his hand amputated, and

even luckier he survived. Afterwards, all Jose In 1964, Pete moved back to his home state wanted to do was keep his job, pay his own of Arkansas to be a campaign organizer to medical bills, and keep supporting his family. defeat segregationist politicians statewide. He successfully fought to eliminate the poll tax, and he registered and mobilized thousands of African American voters: “I would’ve done that work for free, as long as they fed me two or three square meals,” he told me.

Arkansas finally got a minimum wage, more integrated schools, and public kindergarten.

Here’s what I think. Our city is full of so many people with deep convictions, incredible talents and powerful values. If we ever want to make Austin more affordable for everyday people, if we ever want to win back equitable funding for our schools and our parks and our safety, then we have to start by harnessing the energy of great people like Pete.

It’s up to us to bring our neighbors together to sit through school board meetings and legislative hearings, and write letters to the editor, and vote in odd elections like City Council run-offs. It’s up to us, and no one else, to take back our education system, guarantee voting rights for all, and even win a decent minimum wage. We owe it to ourselves, and However, I told Jose how important it was we owe it to the brave women and men like that he share his story. I introduced him to Pete who made it possible in the first place. our City Council members and he spoke The area around Austin City Council District 4, where I am one of two candidates in a runoff, has traditionally had the lowest voter participation in Austin. Systems of explicit and implicit exclusion have deterred many adults from voting, and the neglect to many areas in the District has disempowered many more. However, to make lasting change, more everyday Austinites have to both vote and get engaged—in District 4, and across the city.

Traditionally, underserved areas like District 4 don’t just need policy prescriptions. They also need political organizing, constituent outreach and leadership that listens. This is a different way of thinking about political office, but with the upcoming change to a

to them about the struggles he and his community faces every day. Alongside faith, business, and neighborhood leaders, Jose got his message across.

As a result, Austin remodeled their entire economic development strategy so that more of our residents, young and old, receive the workforce development and the wages they need to thrive. I’m optimistic and committed to helping make sure voices like Jose’s can continue to make change in the 10-1 system.

I know that together, we can make the Austin of the future affordable, inclusive, vibrant, and compassionate. I hope you’ll join me.

On Friday-Sunday, Dec. 5-6, Metamorphosis Dance presents “The Nutcracker: Suite of Dreams” at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Boyd Vance Theatre. Tickets/info at www.metamorphosisdance.org

ESB-MACC requests parents, art teachers and other educators to

Blue Lapis Light’s student showcase is an incredible culmination of enthusiasm for aerial dance. Pieces are presented ranging from funny to fierce, witty to whimsical. Students and staff collaborate in creating dances to express the many moods and facets of aerial performance. The final program includes original student works, faculty choreography and collaborative class choreography. In the Boyd Vance Theatre on Friday-Saturday, Dec. 12-13. Tickets $15 and available online at bluelapislight.org.

exhibit. We invite submissions of art in various mediums created in

Join the Carver staff and the Ambassadors for an afternoon of seasonal joy on Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 4:30-7 p.m. We will have crafts and refreshments from 4:30-6 p.m. with a Keys of Life Christmas recital from 6:30-7 p.m. in the Boyd Vance Theatre.

Gallery.

Thursday, Dec. 18, see the Silver Bell Social at 3 p.m. in the Boyd Vance Theatre. For show times, visit www.summermusical.com On Saturday, Dec. 20, you’re invited to take pictures with Santa at noon at Carver, and look for our Kwanzaa event on Friday, Dec. 26 at 2 p.m.

Accomplished leader for Northside

support the artistic talent of Austin area students by encouraging and facilitating participation in the Arte de Corazón annual youth or out of school. Participants must be students in the Austin area between the ages of 4-18. Each individual may enter up to three artwork pieces or 60 works per school site. There is no fee to enter.

An opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2-4 p.m. The Arte de Corazón exhibit runs through January 17, 2015. Bring your family to the free, joyful opening event that will inspire people of all ages to create art. In the Sam Z. Coronado

On Wednesday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m., join us for the Austin Symphony Christmas Concert in the Auditorium. What better way to receive the spirit of Christmas than with an hour of music performed by Austin Symphony musicians! Free.

Various classes for adults and children are being held in Dec., from photography to yoga to guitar and more. To register, go to www. austintexas.gov/page/macc-education-registration

served on the city’s Arts, Telecommunications, and Water/Wastewater Commissions. I’ve worked for state government in employment and transportation program areas, and I currently work at Travis County with a great public servant and role model, Constable Carlos Lopez, a man who has dedicated his career to making a difference.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 11-11:30 a.m. | “The Magical Soup Bowl” puppet show. St. Andrew’s Episcopal School’s second grade class will present their adaptation of the classic tale, “Stone Soup,” a story about community and sharing, with the setting in India. Free in the AARC Ballroom.

Thursday, Dec. 18, 1-2 p.m. | Austin Symphony Community Sing Along.

The Austin Symphony presents a Christmas sing along. Free in the AARC Ballroom.

Through Dec. 31 | “Dream Image of My Asian Home: Taiwan” and “Taiwan: From the Outside Looking In.” This is the last chance to view two AARC Community exhibits. “Dream Image of My Asian Home: Taiwan,” presented by the Austin Chapter of the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, includes works by Peter Chung, Barbara Hsieh, Steven Ng and Thomas You. “Taiwan: From the Outside Looking In” features photographs by Kelly Zhu. Come see these beautifully expressive works including photography, calligraphy, painting and traditional Chinese brush painting. Free in the AARC Ballroom, Foyer, Conference Room and Hallways.

the November 4 general election. They live in neighborhoods from all corners of the district – from neighborhoods north of 183 to 45th Street. Thanks to their support and a growing team of dedicated volunteers and staff, we were able to place first – well ahead of the seven other candidates.

Now, with a short amount of time left before a December 16 runoff election, we’re continuing to talk with voters about issues important to our district and to make sure voters return to the polls in December.

By Leslie Pool

When I moved to Austin 34 years ago, I knew this is where I wanted to stay and raise a family. I appreciate the value of putting down roots. As a child, my father’s job required my family to move around a lot, so when I arrived here, newly married, I knew that I had found my home town.

Once in office, we’ll have our work cut out for us under a new system of government. I will begin work immediately on the wider concerns that District 7 voters share with the rest of the city – affordability, property tax reform, and transit. And I’ll dedicate myself to issues specific to North Austin – everything from ensuring our community receives its fair share of funding for parks, pools, and libraries, to addressing basic infrastructure needs. As well, I intend to continue building on relationships with our neighborhood schools (I’m the proud mom of a daughter who went through AISD schools), and our local businesses that are so vital to the local economy. They fill a niche and make our community diverse, fun, and interesting.

Over the years our community has made Austin one of the most attractive cities in the nation, and that’s a great thing. It is also our challenge: How do we keep Austin affordable without losing all the things we love about it?

I am running for City Council because District 7 deserves a leader with experience serving their community. I have over three decades of civic activism and professional experience working on behalf of the public’s interest, from City Hall to the Texas Capitol. My volunteer history includes hundreds of hours serving on city and county boards and commissions.

I chaired the Town Lake Advisory Group to protect what is now Lady Bird Lake, and I

Come join us at these upcoming events at the Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road, in Dec. Visit www.austintexas.gov/aarc/ and click on “Event Calendar” for more great events!

I want to make a difference in District 7, for the good of the whole city. I’m so grateful to have the support of voters who cast ballots in

Of immediate concern is the Burnet Road Corridor Plan. While it makes sense to plan both sides of high-traffic corridors in a

comprehensive way, we also must make sure that existing neighborhoods are not harmed, and that existing businesses are not driven out by economic change. I will do everything in my power to protect neighborhoods and local establishments.

Another uncertainty is the fate of state-owned property on Bull Creek Road, which the state plans to lease or sell for private development.

One thing that is certain, though, is that area neighborhoods and businesses will have a say in the transformation of these 80 acres. I’m proud of my leadership in getting legislation passed that requires the state to work with neighborhoods whenever state-owned land is turned over for private use. This legislation was passed through the efforts of the Bull Creek Road Coalition, an affiliation of seven neighborhoods, which I helped found and convene in 2012.

I’ve always been a problem solver. I like challenges. I like bringing people together with bright minds and a passion for unraveling the most intense or complicated issues.

It’s a new day for Austin. The new Council will shape our future course. This Council must have deep roots in the neighborhoods; it must be in touch with the city’s pulse, understand what makes Austin special, and be ready to defend and preserve what we love about it.

That’s who I am, and that’s why I am running.

TODO AUSTIN // DEC 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 05

A HISTORIC STEP FORWARD FOR IMMIGRANTS President has stood for Latino and immigrant communities; we will stand with him

Fight for permanent immigration reform continues

By Ben Monterroso Executive Director of Mi Familia Vota

President Obama’s important move forward on immigration reform is legally and morally right but deficient in its scope. It provides an important reprieve from deportation to almost five million immigrants, but leaves even more undocumented immigrants unprotected from the constant threat of needless deportations and family separations.

President Obama has taken a historic step for our immigrant families and American communities. We are moving closer in our fight for commonsense immigration reform.

We shed tears of joy and sorrow. We celebrate for all the millions of families that will benefit from this measure but we are also sad for those left out. We will continue to fight for a long-term solution for all immigrants in this country.

Immigration should not be a political game. The lives of real people are at stake—Americans like my own sister and brother-in-law who have lived in the United States for 27 years, have three grown children, pay taxes and have a small business. The president has stood for Latino and immigrant communities, and we will stand with him against unwarranted attacks he may receive.

Latino voters spoke with a united voice in the recent election on two critical points: Immigration remains the top issue for this fastest-growing segment of the electorate; and, politicians who ignore us will be ignored by us at election time. The Latino community is ready to engage immigration opponents who try to stop administrative relief and block commonsense immigration reforms, as we prepare for the 2016 elections.

By María Teresa Kumar | President and CEO of Voto Latino

We, as a nation, are better than this. We are capable of setting and meeting high standards; of finding solutions instead of prolonging problems. But on immigration, we are not there yet. So we must keep fighting for permanent reforms.

The president took an important step toward resolving our immigration crisis. Now, the House of Representatives must work with the president to find a lasting solution for those caught in the web of an outdated immigration system.

We call on congressional leaders to look beyond partisan perspectives and immediately enact a sound immigration reform bill that includes a pathway to citizenship and is acceptable to the Latino community and voters across the U.S.

Executive immigration reform action doesn’t go far enough

By Mark Silverman | Immigrant Legal Resource Center

Also, it is unfortunate that the President traded off the well-being of border communities by continuing the militarization of the southern border. In the last 10 years, border security resources and personnel has doubled, including 22,000 border patrol agents, 700 miles of fencing, and eight drone systems. All of these without effective and transparent oversight and accountability mechanisms, which has led to agents’ misconduct, civil and human rights violations and killing of immigrants and border residents. Such border strategy has impacted the lives, the rights and the well-being of our communities and crossing immigrants.

President Obama announced an Executive Action providing for protection against deportation and work permits, which may benefit almost five million immigrants and their family members, many of whom are U.S. citizens. While the program will benefit many American families, millions more will not be eligible under the Obama programs, underscoring the need for Congress to act on pragmatic immigration reforms, stated Professor Bill Ong Hing, founder and board member of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC).

“Today’s announcement is a true testament to the power and courage of the immigrant community.

Their work has brought about an important change in policy that will make a tremendous difference in the lives of millions of families. While we thank the President for taking our country one step forward in fixing our broken immigration system, this executive action falls far short of what is needed to even partially address the system,” said Professor Hing.

Millions of immigrants will not benefit from last month’s announcement, including parents of DACA beneficiaries; those who do not have U.S. citizen family members; those who have lived in the U.S. less than five years; those who made mistakes in the past (and have since turned their lives around); lawful permanent residents facing deportation; and many more.

“Unfortunately, these members of our community will continue to live in the shadows with the constant fear of deportation,” added Professor Hing.

The President’s executive action will provide protection against deportation and work permits to parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have resided in the country for five years, and many more young people who came to the U.S. as children but were not able to qualify for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) when it was first announced in 2012.

Diane Guerrero, actress and ILRC volunteer, recently authored a powerful article detailing her own family’s deportations, praised the immigrants’ rights movement for bravely fighting for fairness in the immigration system.

“I want to thank the millions of immigrants who fought courageously for this change, many of whom will not themselves benefit from the announcement. For those people, we have to continue to work toward a permanent solution. For the millions in our community who will continue to live under the threat of deportation – from the parents of Dreamers to individuals who have made mistakes but have turned their lives around – we will continue to fight,” Guerrero said.

Finally, this temporary and short-term remedy granted by the President does not eliminate or substitute the need for congress to pass immigration reform and develop a long term solution that fully integrates undocumented Americans to our society and give them a pathway towards citizenship and rights.

Eric Cohen, executive director of the ILRC, stated the organization would continue fighting with the immigrant community and allies for a fair and permanent solution. “We also call on Congress to do what is right and pass legislation that brings as many immigrants as possible out of the shadows and creates an immigration system that reflects our Country’s values of due process and justice.”

Millions left out; border militarization still a concern

By Gabriela Castaneda Border Network for Human Rights

November’s announcement of President Obama to use his executive power to expand DACA to cover more young undocumented students (DREAMERS) and to protect from deportation close to five million immigrants living and working in the U.S. is historic, and represents a temporary victory for American communities fighting for sensible and human immigration reform.

Obama’s Executive Order, in essence, will grant deferred action and provide relief from deportation to those undocumented parents with U.S. citizens and permanent resident children that have been in the U.S. for more than five years. All of them will receive work permits while Obama’s action is in effect, for at least two years.

While we are pleased many families will be included, it is very concerning that more than half of the 12 million undocumented immigrants, more than seven million of them, will not be protected by the President’s action, not even the parents of DACA recipients (DREAMERS). What will happen to all of them? Will they be targeted with more aggressive and punitive enforcement? Will they be supercriminalized? If the President’s action fails to cover the vast majority of those immigrant families in the U.S., it might fail as a remedy as well.

FEATURED DECEMBER 2014 EVENTS:

FREE

20 Years of the Serie Project Serigraph Art Exhibition, Dec. 4 - 27

Reception: Saturday, Dec. 6, 12pm-2pm Dougherty Arts Center 1110 Barton Springs Road www.austintexas.gov/DAC Festival of Trees and Keys of Life Christmas Recital Tuesday, December 16, 4:30pm-7pm George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Museum Christmas Music, Cookie Decorating, Hot Cocoa, & Beautiful Trees 1165 Angelina St. - www.carvermuseum.org To RSVP, email gaila.sims@austintexas.gov

Kwanzaa Celebration of Unity

Friday, December 26, 2pm-4pm George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Museum Join Us in Unity for Music, Storytelling, & Light Refreshments 1165 Angelina St. - www.carvermuseum.org To RSVP, email gaila.sims@austintexas.gov

Events at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Austin Symphony Christmas Concert Wednesday, Dec. 10, 7pm Auditorium

Arte del Corazón – Annual Youth Exhibit Opening Reception Saturday, Dec. 13, 2-4pm Sam Z. Coronado Gallery

600 River Street - www.maccaustin.org Visit our Facebook page for all upcoming events! www.facebook.com/ArtsInParks

600 River Street, Austin, TX 78701 www.austintexas.gov/esbmacc

Austin Symphony Christmas Concert Wednesday, December 10th 7pm in the Auditorium

¡Feliz Navidad!

This event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, December 13th, 2014 Opening Reception 2pm - 4pm on

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.

2014 Art

zón a r e del Co

Annual Youth Exhibit

This event is free and open to the public!

The City of Austin is proud to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require special assistance for participation in our programs or use of our facilities please call 512-974-3772 or 711 Relay Texas. La ciudad de Austin está comprometida al Acta de Americanos Incapacitados. Si requiere asistencia para participar en nuestros programas por favor llame al teléfono número 512-974-3772 o 711 Relay Texas.

Light up the holiday season with diverse activities Chances are you enjoy opportunities to engage multicultural Austin and this holiday season offers many attractions celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa customs, in addition to other traditions from Ballet Austin’s “Nutcracker” to the Trail of Lights in Zilker Park.

Here are a few of our other favorites.

Metmorphosis Dance

The Nutcracker: Suite Dreams Come see what has made this ballet a family favorite, but with a new variation. Clara will travel through a second dream before returning to reality and along the way will meet new characters that will dance their way into your hearts. Featuring Austin Metamorphosis Dance Ensemble, Dec. 5-7, at the Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina St. Latinitas ‘Holiday Chica!’

Join Latinitas for “Holiday Chica!” on Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at 4926 East Cesar Chavez St. Ring in the holiday season with fun activities for the whole family. Participants will make all sorts of holiday creations using digital media and arts and crafts. Activities include creating photography ornaments, papel picado, piňatas, and recording your own short TV Christmas special. latinitas.ticketbud.com Tapestry Dance Company ‘Of Mice and Music: A Jazz Nutcracker’ This unique twist on the holiday classic finds

Clara and the Nutcracker doing a soft-shoe together while the individual solos in the Land of the Sweets showcase the company’s improvisational skills. Oh, and that battle between the Mouse King and the Nutcracker?

It’s a tap challenge performed to Charles Mingus’ classic, “Haitian Fight Song.” “The Mouse King won’t necessarily lose,” says Tapestry Artistic Director Acia Gray. “He’ll just say, ‘You earned your spot.’” Tickets start at $23, Dec. 11-21 at the Long Center.

principal of Umoja focuses on striving daily to engage in practices which build bonds of affection and attachment to our family member, teachers, and neighbors. Join us in a recommitment to unity in our community. Fee and open to the public.

Chanukah in the Hood!

There’s dreidels and chocolate Chanukah gelt for all at Chanukah in the Hood! on Sunday, Dec. 14 at Central Market North Café, celebrating the Festival of Lights. Fun activities, arts and crafts, latkes and more, with live music from Yidish Cowboys noon-2 p.m., and community choirs from 2-3:30 p.m. shalomaustin.org/Chanukah Chanukah in the Hood!

Carver Museum Christmas

Festival of Trees and Keys of Life Christmas Recital Ring in the holiday season with Christmas music, cookie decorating, hot chocolate and beautiful trees, all wrapped up in a package at the Carver Museum and Cultural Center.

The afternoon of seasonal joy is Tuesday, Dec. 16, 4:30-6:30 p.m. There’ll be crafts and refreshments and a Christmas recital by the Keys of Life from 6-6:30 p.m. Free.

Anna is why Anna was born with a hole in her heart. Because her heart was so ineffective most of her first months of life were spent trying to breath. As an infant, she traveled with her family out of town where Anna ended up in the ER due to an ear infection. During the ER visit, she went into end stage heart failure and the hospital performed a successful heart surgery on baby Anna. She may have started out small, but Anna had more energy than most, and she even became a multi-sport athlete and a scholar. She went on to be an ICU nurse with a certain flair for the cardiac patients. Now Anna is a happy, healthy and appreciative survivor of heart disease.

www.heart.org/austin

facebook.com/AHAAustin Twitter & Instagram: @AHAAustin

08 TODO AUSTIN // DEC 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM

A Child’s Christmas in Wales Project Celebrate the solstice with Dylan Thomas and Texas music, Sunday, Dec. 21. A live reading of Thomas’ beloved holiday tale is illuminated by Austin jazz artists Alex Coke, Suzi Stern, Rich Harney, and Evan Arredondo, celebrating the author’s 100th birthday and heralding the season with a splendid performance of story, song, sounds, and instrumental improv in the style of an old time radio hour. 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 8001 Mesa Dr. GA tickets $15 ($10 seniors, $5 children).

Kwanzaa Celebration of Unity Carver Museum and Cultural Center will celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa, Umoja/ Unity on Friday, Dec. 26 from 2-4 p.m. The

Kwanzaa Family Celebration African native and educator Elizabeth Kahura will bring Kwanzaa to life with storytelling, music and art for all ages on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2 p.m., at Carver Branch Library, 1161 Angelina St. Kahura shares the importance of cultural values, how they influence our identities, and the interdependence of the individuals with the community. The Austin Public Library event is free.

Austin Symphony ‘Christmas in the Community’ ASO’s new concert series will feature different ensembles of the orchestra playing familiar holiday music throughout the city. Members of the Austin Youth Orchestra are featured “side-by-side” with the Austin Symphony.

Performances are free and open to the public with no tickets required. Dec. 5, 12 p.m. at City Hall, Dec. 6, 12 p.m. at Montopolis Recreation Center; Dec. 6, 1 p.m. at Macy’s at Barton Creek Mall; Dec. 9, 1 p.m. at Macy’s at the Domain; Dec. 10, 7 p.m. at ESB-MACC; Dec. 15, 1 p.m. at Wilhelmina Delco Center; Dec. 17, 6:30 p.m.at George Washington Carver Museum; Dec. 18, 1 p.m.at Asian American Resource Center; Dec. 19, 10:30 a.m. at Gus Garcia Recreation Center; Dec. 19, 1 p.m.at Macy’s at Lakeline Mall; Dec. 22, 12 p.m. at State Capitol. For additional info visit www.austinsymphony.org

The Austin symphony presents

in the community

November 22– December 22

The Austin symphony is excited to announce a brand new program this holiday season that will bring free music to all Austinites.

Christmas in the Community is a series of twelve concerts held throughout the city of Austin featuring different ensembles of the orchestra playing familiar holiday music.

Dates anD locations noveMber 22, 1:00 p.m.

deceMber 15, 1:00 p.m.

deceMber 5, 12:00 p.m.

deceMber 17, 6:30 p.m.

Woodwind Quintet Macy’s at the Domain

String Quartet City Hall

deceMber 6, 1:00 p.m.

Brass Quintet Macy’s at Barton Creek Mall

deceMber 6, 12:00 p.m.

String Quartet Montopolis Recreation Center

This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

deceMber 9, 1:00 p.m.

Brass Quintet Macy’s at the Domain

deceMber 10, 7:00 p.m.

This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

Woodwind Quartet Mexican American Cultural Center

This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

SponSor

This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

Media SponSorS

This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

All artists, programs, and dates subject to change.

This project is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

TickeTs/info (512) 476-6064 or austinsymphony.org

String Quartet Wilhelmina Delco Center Brass Quintet George Washington Carver Museum

deceMber 18, 1:00 p.m.

String Quartet Asian American Resource Center

deceMber 19, 10:30 a.m.

String Quartet Gus Garcia Recreation Center

deceMber 19, 1:00 p.m.

Woodwind Quintet Macy’s at Lakeline Mall

deceMber 22, 12:00 p.m.

String Quartet State Capitol

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!!!

DECEMBER Line-up OUTDOOR SHOWS ARE “WEATHER

TACO BAR

PERMITTING” -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 12/3 KDRP RADIO SHOW (6:00) THU 12/4 LOS FLAMES (6:30) FRI 12/5 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 12/6 THE BREW (2:30) EL TULE’ (6:30) SUN 12/7 THE RECOUPERATORS (3:00) -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 12/10 KDRP RADIO SHOW (6:00) THU 12/11 THE FABS (6:30) FRI 12/12 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 12/13 SON DE REY (2:30) THE TAILGATORS (6:30) SUN 12/14 BLUE MIST (3:00) -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 12/17 KDRP RADIO SHOW (6:00) THU 12/18 AL DRESSEN (6:30) FRI 12/19 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 12/20 THE TEXAS TYCOONS (2:30) LOS TIPICOS DE CUBA (6:30) SUN 12/21 MITCH WEBB & THE SWINDLES (3:00) -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 12/24 CLOSED THU 12/25 CLOSED FRI 12/26 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 12/27 JUKE JOINT PROPHETS (2:30) EVE MONSEES (6:30) SUN 12/28 CHICKEN STRUT (3:00)

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

www.GuerosTacoBar.com

“Our problems – traffic, taxes and unmanaged growth – aren’t new. They’re getting worse. We can vote for the same politicians who let them get worse, or we can choose new leadership and A New Way Forward.”

– STEVE ADLER

A LIFE OF PUBLIC SERVICE – 36 YEARS IN AUSTIN

A STRONG COMMUNITY LEADER

• Respected champion for small businesses and families whose property rights were abused by government and big corporations • Civil rights lawyer who sought justice for female and minority workers • Public policy expert who led a Texas legislative office focused on fair taxes and school funding

Texas Tribune, Founding Board and Chair Anti-Defamation League, Board Chair GENAustin (Girls Empowerment Network), Board Member

Breakthrough Austin, Board Member Austin Hate Crimes Task Force, Founder Ballet Austin, Chair

512-633-2251

AdlerforAustin.com

Vote Early December 1-12

• Election Tuesday, December You may vote at ANY Early Vote or Election Day voting site.

16

You may vote in the runoff even if you didn’t vote November 4.

Pol. Adv. paid Adler for Austin, Eugene Sepulveda, Treasurer. This campaign has not agreed to comply with the contribution and expenditure limits of the Austin Fair Campaign Chapter.

Steve and his wife, Diane, with their daughters.

Steve was a scholarship student at UT School of Law – and the first in his family to go to college.

To Do Música

By Liz Lopez

Courtney Saldana, formerly known to many as Courtney Sanchez in the music and theater scene in Austin, leads as busy an artistic life as anyone.

The energetic, talented Massachusetts-born and Texas-raised vocalist and actor has lived in Austin for over 20 years. “Since ’92, when I came to Austin to go to UT,” she said. After living in Houston through high school, she came to Austin and soon made music a part of her life. During her undergraduate days, interestingly enough, she sang with the UT Singers, where she was the only African American amongst the group.

Miranda Gil

identifying the cycle of abuse for a survivor, with stories from women, including her own experience 14 years ago. “There are different types of abuse.

I am working with therapists to do research. This will also be a resource guide for the 1,513 shelters nationwide. It will include a journal for them to get everything out. It will help people to make plans and write their thoughts. I wanted to put in the cycles of abuse to identify them and for them to be The change from singing with the UT group to less likely to return to it.” performing on 6th St. came about when she performed with the River City Pops, “and someone Austin’s Brown Sound News from there connected me,” she said. “Then from there, I was recommended to audition for the Austin pop artist, Miranda Gil recently released musical, ‘Dream Girls,’ in 1994-95. I was also singing her debut album, “My Turn,” with tracks recorded with The Atlantics from 1996 up to June 2014.” She at Action Figures Music Studio in Austin. Just 20 stopped at that point last summer to focus on her own current projects.

“I got involved with musical theater and live music, which then became a second part of my life,” she explained. “In the 90s, I was performing five to six nights a week at the old 6th St bars. You remember it¸ don’t you? It was an older crowd, without so many college students, with bars like Cedar Street, Toulouse, Catfish Station—all long gone now.”

years old, the fourth generation native of Austin has been working diligently with her team to establish herself in music circles as a commercially viable artist and singer/songwriter. Gil is also working on recording a track with Kris Keyz for his 2014 Christmas Project. For more information, visit www.mirandagil.com and check out the album, available on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/ album/my-turn/id911945889 ------------------------------The Austin Tejano Music Coalition (ATMC) is hosting a Toy Drive and Dance that will benefit families who will be served by the Travis County Brown Santa Program. Live music will be provided by the AT– Boyz, Yayo Castillo y Rumores and singer Robbie ‘G.’ The vocalist was in a run off for first place in this year’s Tejano Idol vocal. He recently performed with the Steve ‘Rat’ Silvas band, Cañonazo. Admission is an unwrapped toy and $5 to the event December 5 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the H&H Ballroom, Brandt Rd. www.austintejano.org ------------------------------Congratulations to Austin-based artist, Leticia Rodriguez, as she is on the ballot for the 57th Grammys for Record of the Year with her song, “Sagüita al Bate.” From the post on her Facebook page, Rodriguez is extremely happy and also extends her thanks to the following musicos for helping the song become a hit: Greg Jones, Scott McIntosh, Daniel Durham, Noah Mosgofian and Isaac Pena. She also sends a thank you to the Austin community for the love and support. She is performing at the One2One Bar on December 4h. For a complete listing of her dates visit www.

The SYNS trio will have two brunch performances on December 7/ 28 from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Manuel’s Downtown, 310 Congress Avenue.

“I have recorded on 11 other records, but this is my first solo.” She is also back now performing four to five times per week at private and public events.

By April 2015, she will showcase her music at the Stateside Theater with “Muse Austin.”

Saldana is currently attending UT, working on her Masters, and remains highly invested in her Survive2Thrive foundation, launched in 2012, focused on domestic violence. “I want to provide support for them (survivors). If they can’t get to a shelter or if they are leaving a shelter, then we try to provide legal, life skills and other resources.”

She is also finishing a book that is basically about

Recommended December Dates The Ethno-musicology classes from UT (Conjunto, Mariachi, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern) will have their end of semester World Music Ensembles Concert on Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. at Pedro’s Place, 2nd floor of the Clay Pit, 1601 Guadalupe.

Her work at Zach Scott led her to the fellows with whom she would start up her band. Presently, she is finishing up her debut solo CD with plans to launch it in early 2015.

Speaking with Courtney recently, I became aware of the dedication she has for her charitable work in the community. Currently, she is working on the 4th annual Pajama Drive through her foundation, Survive2Thrive (S2T), a project that supplies pajamas of all sizes, infant to adult (male and female), for the shelter residents for both SafePlace Austin and Hope Alliance Crisis Center. The drive is in full swing with the goal to collect 1,000 pajamas through Dec. 15, to be followed by a musical celebration, “Pajama Jam,” on Dec. 20 at the Brass House downtown, 115 San Jacinto.

reverbnation.com/leticiarodriguez ------------------------------Austin Travis County Integral Care (ATCIC) seeks individual musicians or small groups of musicians to volunteer and provide much needed holiday cheer before or on Christmas Day. The performers can be a guitarist, violinist, and/or group sing-along who can volunteer for one hour performances at several of ATCIC’s residential programs. Volunteers must be at least 18-year’s old and complete a volunteer application. For more information on Holiday Musicians - Austin Travis County Integral Care (MHMR), visit www. volunteermatch.org/ ------------------------------Community radio station KOOP 91.7 has added new programming within the last couple of months and one new radio show is “Rancho Alegre,” spinning Tejano and Conjunto music every Monday from 9-10 a.m. To hear the program, set your dial to 91.7 FM in Austin or you can listen to it online, too.

------------------------------Michael Crockett, host of KUTX 98.9 Austin’s Horizontes, released his Top 10 Albums / Top 30 Songs of 2014. Albums receiving the most airplay on Horizontes in 2014 were: Jorge Drexler “Bailar En La Cueva,” Ana Tijoux “Vengo,” Various Artists “Rolê: New Sounds from Brazil,” Bossacucanova “Our Kind of Bossa,” Jarabe De Palo “Somos,” Lila Downs, Niña Pastori, Soledad “Raiz,” Calle 13 “Multiviral,” Los Angeles Azules “Como Te Voy A Olvidar,” Juan Pablo Diaz “Diaz,” and Various Artists “Brazil Sambossica Vol. 4.”

Look for the Tail Gators show on Dec. 13 from 6:309:30 p.m. at Güero’s Taco Bar, 1412 S. Congress Avenue.

Courtney Saldana

Money Chicha Mondays

Enjoy some very danceable music by Rey Arteaga’s Son y No Son performance on Dec. 26 from 7:30-9 p.m. at Sahara Lounge, 1413 Webberville Road.

Copies of Money Chicha’s first single/45 on Alphabet Records will be available to purchase at the shows.

Money Chicha will be performing a weekly residency every Monday at The Continental Club Gallery on South Congress from Dec. 15 through Jan. 19, 2015. Doors open at 8 p.m. and there’s no cover.

Showtime is 10:30 p.m., after the Church on Monday with Elias Haslinger perform.

Money Chicha, Austin’s first chicha group, features members of Grupo Fantasma, Brownout, Ocote Soul Sounds, Spanish Gold and others. They deliver a unique blend influenced by the music of Peru, Colombia and other Latin America countries, infused with psychedelic effects, fuzz and heavy percussion.

Expect lots of jamming, special guests, special songs and the band stretching out on chicha, cumbia, psychedelic and other jams.

TODO AUSTIN // DEC 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 11

FILM AUSTIN

Stuck On On

By Tara Veneruso In the early 90s, the entire Austin film community could fit into one of Richard Linklater’s well-curated screenings for the Austin Film Society. Back then, I could count the number of Austin directors on one hand. We were running around Austin making 16mm and Super 8 films and attending geek-out Super 8 film club screenings held at the Carousel Lounge. Ah, those were the days, when Austin was too small and there wasn’t enough film work to go around while an occasional big-budget flick would breeze through town dragging what seemed like every crew member from L.A. In the mid-90s, many of us filmmakers wanting full-time film work had to head to L.A. and New York. It didn’t feel like a choice. It simply seemed the only way to get full-time work in the film biz. Flash forward, now, with social media,

texting, FaceTime, and Austin’s cool-factor, local filmmakers skip the move to Hollywood and still have sustainable film careers.

Lyman Hardy, Allison Turrell and Parke Gregg

The world at large has come to know Austin’s filmmakers for their gender-diverse, multicultural and collaborative film crews. After returning from 15 years in L.A., I went bowling at Dart Bowl one day to meet an old college pal, photographer Greg Giles, and by an amazing twist of good luck, my lane mates included Ed Hall’s drummer Lyman Hardy (also of the bands Pong and Total Unicorn) and Allison Turrell, co-owners of the award-winning film company Stuck On On, which specializes in film finishing audio/visual post-production for high-profile clients including Richard Linklater’s acclaimed “Boyhood”.

Eager to learn more about the current landscape of Austin’s film industry, I sat down with Allison to glean any information she might have on the state of the industry. The question I had was simple: Could filmmakers shoot and complete a professional film entirely in Austin without ever getting on a plane? In the past, filmmakers would

have to fly to L.A., get lab work done in Dallas or do the audio mix in New York, for example.

Seven years ago, Turrell and her colleagues opened Stuck On On after seeing the need in the marketplace for a film finishing house. Think of film finishing as the final polish required for a movie to be ready for “prime time.” As Allison spoke, it became clear that Stuck On On has helped usher in a significant change in Austin’s film industry.

Her company essentially made Austin a one-stop shop. Turrell explains, “It’s an unique, collaborative situation making it possible for filmmakers to critique the color in one suite and then move into our audio suite to tweak the mix—all without going anywhere.”

Prior to opening Stuck On On, Lyman Hardy was a freelance music composer for commercial and dot.com clients around Austin. Turrell began her career fixing tech & video gear while a teacher’s assistant at the Maryland Institute College of Arts.

Hardy does all of Stuck On On’s sound design, sound mixing, voice over recordings, ADR and music composition. Their teammate and coowner, Parke Gregg, does the color correction, VFX compositing, online editing, DI (Digital Intermediate) and other deliverables (items required to release a film).

Turrell offers sage advice to content creators wanting to compete in the world market, “With the democratization of (film) tools, a lot of companies began making their own content for

digital distribution, TV and the web. You can run and gun a project to a point, but you really need to mix your audio and fix any production issues in order to make it compete with other content out there.”

Turrell says one of the most exciting aspects of her work is collaborating with others. She explains, “Collaboration challenges you creatively and technically. Each person brings something different to the table.”

I’ve noticed a key word from everyone I’ve interviewed for TODO Austin over the year: collaboration. Stuck On On has collaborated with many Austin filmmakers including writer/director Jeff Nichols’ on his thriller “Take Shelter” with Sony Pictures, Hollywood VFX company Hydraulx and George Lucas’ Skywalker Sound. Turrell says, “There are amazing filmmakers that are keeping work here in Austin.”

Check out Stuck On On’s projects at stuckonon. com, including their sound mix on Ty Robert’s “Sobre La Estepa,” shot in Argentina.

Are you interested in working on a feature film?

Are you technically minded and want to become an editor or producer? Apprentices needed for a documentary feature film working with atrisk teens. Contact Sasha: lifeofsasha@gmail. com. Tara Veneruso is an award-winning film producer and director making films in Austin and Hollywood for many years. For film news: filmtodoaustin@gmail.com.

Filipino Films at Marchesa Essential Cinema continues its series, “From the Islands: Contemporary Filipino Films,” this month at the Marchesa (6226 Middle Fiskville Rd.).

In “Norte, The End of History,” an epic family drama by the Filipino Dostoevsky of film, a young man commits a double murder, whose repercussions lead an innocent man to prison and his wife and children to a rootless life.

Thursday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.

“Magkakabaung” (The Coffin Maker) is about a hard-working father who tries his best to raise a young daughter alone in a rural area, but he is illprepared for what fate throws their way. Thursday, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.

12 TODO AUSTIN // DEC 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM

The Filipino entry into the Academy Awards (2014), “Transit” explores the reality of Filipino immigrants in Israel at the time new laws threatened families with children under the age of five. Thursday, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.

KLRU Celebrates the Arts this month!

KLRU-TV, Austin PBS broadcast 18.1 cable 9

klru.org

Arts in Context Special

A Tribute to Bruce Springstein

Thursday, December 4, at 7 pm

Friday, December 5th, at 8 pm

Tune in to see highlights from KLRU’s arts series. The show has won numerous Lone Star Emmy Awards as it explores the process of creation through collaboration and the condition of living and working as an artist.

This special features the industry’s biggest names performing The Boss’ biggest hits. Includes Alabama Shakes, Elton John, My Morning Jacket’s Jim James, Patti Smith, Zac Brown Band, Mavis Staples and many more.

Also This Month on KLRU

Dropping Back In

Arts In Context: Here And Beyond

This four-part series focuses on the personal costs of dropping out of high school and the benefits to dropouts gaining a second chance. Part of KLRU’s American Graduate initiative, learn more at klru.org/americangraduate

Blue Lapis Light transforms urban environments into works of art with their large-scale aerial dance productions. By challenging physical limitations, Blue Lapis Light envelops its audiences in a sense of awe and wonder.

Holiday Programming

Sundays at 1 pm

Thursday, December 18, at 7:30 pm

Visit klru.org/holiday for a complete list of programs

#AMGRADTX

KLRU offers a wide selection of holiday specials for both children and adults beginning in late November.

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

Las Posadas flourishes in Austin with faith-based exuberance

By Otis Lopez

The faithfully celebrated tradition of Las Posadas is observed in Austin, as it is throughout Latin America, in December. The novenario, nine days of religious observance, is based on the nine months that Mary carried Jesus in her womb. Las Posadas re-enacts Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem and their search for shelter. A religious event that prepares the faithful for the coming of Jesus in the weeks before Christmas, Austin celebrations—which can be found in most corners of the city— typically include a procession, music and food.

From St. Mary Cathedral and St. David’s Episcopal Church to Southwest Key, youth are usually involved in posada programs. “Today a posada may be celebrated in various ways,” said Deacon Guadalupe Rodriguez in Catholic Spirit. “Typically, families in a neighborhood will schedule a night for the posada to be held at their home, starting on Dec. 16 and finishing on Christmas Eve. Each home has a Nativity scene and the hosts of the posada act as the innkeepers. The neighborhood children

Step outside your comfort zone this holiday season

By Gabriela Candanoza

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. Two weeks before Thanksgiving and there they were, shining brightly on the shopping centers I was driving by on my way home. Getting home, I noticed many of my neighbors had their lights hung up as well. I immediately began to feel the pressure, behind on my “holiday duties” and the “to do” list that I hadn’t even created.

After walking through the door, I immediately grabbed pen and paper. Let’s see, gift list, gift budget, wrapping paper, tape, bows, decorations and lights, ask family about annual Secret Santa drawing, co-worker gifts, bake cookies for neighbors, buy cozy pajamas for cold weather, review calendar to plan shopping days and last 14 TODO AUSTIN // DEC 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM

and adults are the pilgrims (Los Peregrinos), who request lodging by going from house to house singing traditional Christmas songs. All the pilgrims carry small lit candles, and others carry statuettes of Joseph leading a donkey, on which Mary is riding.”

Students from the Cathedral School of St. Mary play the various parts of Mary and Joseph with Mary riding a donkey, with attendants such as angels and shepherds acquired along the journey. St. Mary’s posada, Sunday, Dec. 21, is held in the school’s gym and in the past “only Joseph and Mary move since we have 500 children and parents from our religious education program in attendance,” said Rodriguez. The posada culminates as “Mary places Jesus in the manger while the members of the Cathedral’s three choirs lead participants in singing Christmas carols. The celebration ends with a blessing from the rector.”

St. David’s Episcopal Church’s fourth annual downtown Posada is Saturday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m. The posada will include a procession led by children, followed by adults and a mariachi band. The procession will make its way through St. David’s, ending at Bethell Hall where attendees are welcome to feast on food and refreshment, sing Christmas carols and join in traditional activities such as the breaking of the piñata for treats. Free admission. See the church’s website for more, stdave.org Southwest Key’s Holiday Posada in East Austin is on Thursday, Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m. Over 200 community members will gather at Southwest Key’s el Centro de Familia for the sixth annual posada, which will include ballet folklorico but not least sign up to volunteer somewhere to make peace with myself for not volunteering enough throughout the year.

Sound familiar? As the holidays get closer and closer more is added to the list. It could be while you are sitting in traffic thinking about the day ahead of you or while you are trying to fall asleep at night but can’t seem to get that to do list out of your head. The pressure builds a little more every day and because most of us have grown accustomed to the stress in our daily lives, we don’t realize what is happening. The selfawareness starts to slip through the routine.

Recently, during my normal morning routine, standing in line to pay for a cup of coffee, a gentleman standing in line ahead of me left without his coffee because his credit card was declined. I felt terrible after the fact and questioned myself for my lack of willingness to perform a good deed. I understand it was “just” a cup of coffee and not a prescription he needed urgently (although some of us may argue that coffee is our daily prescription), but what kept me

performances, bilingual theater, mariachis, a piñata, Santa Claus and more. Staff will hand out treats for the kids.

swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn’ (Lk 2:7).

“In these days before Christmas, as we lay out our Nativity scenes and participate in our neighborhood posadas, may our hearts be open to Jesus just as the doors of the stable were more than 2,000 years ago.”

“We are providing a space for families to create new memories,” says Cultural Arts/Community Coordinator, Melissa Villarreal, who heads up Southwest Key’s Latino Arts Preservation Program. In the posada, LAPP performers and mariachis lead community members through the Govalle/Johnston Terrace neighborhood, as the children sing at neighborhood homes to commemorate Joseph and the expectant Virgin Mary’s search for lodging in Bethlehem.

“It must have been a long and arduous journey, especially for a teenage girl who was nine months pregnant,” Rodriguez believes. “After the journey, Joseph asked for ‘posada or ‘lodging’ because Mary was about to give birth, but he found no room. After searching all the inns, they were finally given lodging in a stable where Jesus was born. ‘She wrapped him in from simply saying, “It’s cool, I got this one” and swiping my card?

Why do I allow myself to become so pre-occupied with things that won’t even matter come January 1 to the point where I sometimes don’t experience the world around me or live in the moment?

The following week on a very cold morning, my tire pressure warning light came on in my car and I drove to an oil change store for assistance.

While I was waiting for my car, someone walked in holding a tray with cups of hot chocolate for everyone working there. This woman took the time to perform an act of kindness to the crew that had attended to her car and greeted her with a smile and said good morning even though their noses were about to fall off from the cold.

The “are you serious” response from the man that accepted the tray from her made me think this is something that does not happen often.

We will all be busy this season regardless of how you celebrate or don’t celebrate, it comes with the nature of the season. This holiday season

SW Key photos

I hope that I am able to look past my to do list this season and truly enjoy the company of my loved ones, to have a real conversation with them instead of having my nose buried in my phone or eyes glued to the TV. I hope that I do volunteer for the reason of wanting to make a difference. I hope that I am able to step outside my comfort zone and ask those folks in line with me at the store or in a waiting room how their day is going, to offer everyone around me a warm smile, to take a good look around and appreciate the gift that is today.

CELEBRATING

DIVERSITY

THE NUTCRACKER THE LONG CENTER

BRIDGE2BRIDGE From Montopolis Bridge to 360 Bridge, Everything Austin

Mexic-Arte Museum is holding its annual Mix ‘n’ Mash group exhibition and art sale beginning Friday, Dec. 5, with original works of art created by local, national, and international artists. The theme this year is the Lotería (a card game of chance similar to Bingo). Over 100 artists are invited to create and donate a work of art on a 12” x 12” eco-friendly, archival quality Gessobord. mexicartemuseum.org Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural Center’s 12th original musical, Expreso Pony de Boriken, brings to light forgotten history about the Vaqueros of Boriken and the importance of following dreams. The fun, action-adventure-comedy traces the horse from Puerto Rico to Texas, featuring traditional music, dance and theatre. Sunday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m. Davis Aud. at Texas School for the Deaf. prfdance.org

Last year, children of all ages were thrilled to witness the beauty and athletic grace of Ballet Austin’s “The Nutcracker,” with new sets and costumes and a more fully-realized vision of the beloved holiday ballet. Artistic Director Stephen Mills made changes that focused on back-dating the production to the more historical time period of the ballet’s creation – 1816. The time-appropriate props, backdrops and costumes gave a fresh look to the classic, and both dancers and audience were energized by the experience.

“The Nutcracker” audience includes children dressed in holiday splendor, along with those who are young at heart, if not in years. For many youth, it may be the first time they witness dances from cultures other than their own.

When Ballet Austin asked the community to contribute their favorite memories of “The Nutcracker,” submissions included an engagement proposal made on the plaza of the Long Center following a performance last year. Ballet Austin dancer Aara Krumpe’s added her favorite memory, one unique to a dancer, as she once performed the role of Clara.

“I love everything about dancing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy, the beautiful tutu, the music, the choreography,” said Krumpe. “But, most of all, I love remembering my Sugar Plum Fairy from when I danced the part of Clara in 1991. My dream was to dance like her.

Every time I dance this role, it feels surreal! I still have her pointe shoes.”

Showdates are Dec. 6-23. Tickets start at $15. balletaustin.org.

All aboard for a saucy and splendid production of Anything Goes, winner of three 2011 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and Choreography, running Dec. 9-14 at Bass Concert Hall. Peppering the Cole Porter first-class comedy are some of musical theater’s most memorable standards, including “I Get a Kick out of You,” “You’re the Top,” and “Anything Goes.” texasperformingarts.org ScoreMore Shows presents two hip-hop dates this month. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Empire Control Room, Yung Lean & the Sad Boys are featured, with Kydd Jones and Feathers showcasing. Doors 7 p.m., all ages show.

On Thursday, Dec. 11 at Emo’s, RL Grime, who’s risen up the ranks of electronic music after his debut EP, “Grapes,” makes a tour stop. Doors at 8 p.m., ages 16plus. scoremoreshows.com Many of Texas’ best artists and makers will be at the 13th annual Cherrywood Art Fair Saturday-Sunday, December 13-14, 10-5 p.m. at Maplewood Elementary.

The free event features live entertainment, food from popular local food trucks and family-friendly activities.

This year’s artisans span 3D art to ceramics and pottery, home décor and organic beauty to jewelry and accessories. cherrywoodartfair.org Austin Symphony Orchestra presents Behind the Mask, the greatest shows of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, on Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 29-30, 8 p.m. at Palmer Events Center. Combined with hits by Kander and Ebb, Stephen Schwartz, and more, hear music from “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Cats,” “Evita,” “Sunset Boulevard,” “Wicked,” “The Jersey Boys,” “A Chorus Line,” and others. austinsymphony.org Austin’s New Year (ANY) is the City’s annual free event at Butler Park where Austin families can come together to welcome in the New Year. The alcohol-free celebration showcases Austin’s diverse and talented creative community through art, film and live music.

Kids and adults alike won’t want to miss the exciting fireworks finale. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 5- 10 p.m. See www.austintexas.gov/any for schedule.

BALLET EAST DOUGHERTY ARTS CENTER Many ancient people regarded winter, near the solstice, as the time when the material world and the spirit world drew close. Ballet East Dance Company chose this time to explore the soul in its dimensions and journey in “The Dimensional Soul,” ThursdaySaturday, Dec. 4-6, 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m., at the Dougherty Arts Center.

On the program, Ballet East alumnus and audience favorite, JP Flores, returns with “Enchanting Dream,” the soul in the here and now. Innovative local choreographer, Sharon Marroquin, takes the theme into soul-to-soul communication in “Tus Ojos” (“Your Eyes”), expressing through movement the special moments she experiences with her students.

The relation of two souls and how this changes over time forms the basis of “Mother and Daughter,”

by Julie Nunan Bohn, a dancer, teacher, and choreographer with Ballet East. Amberlee Cantrell sought movement to expresses the quality of JJ Cale’s music. This is the soul in a moment of peace and contentment, like a hiker reaching a high mountain meadow.

Butterflies symbolize the soul in their awe-inspiring transformation from crawling to airborne flight.

Local and national choreographer, Andrea Ariel, takes inspiration from that passage to the air in “Danse des Papillons.”

The evening’s theme comes together in “The Dimensional Soul,” with choreography by the company’s assistant director, Melissa Villarreal.

“The idea I wanted to express,” she explains, “is that we may all be ‘main characters’ made up of reincarnations of the same soul in different bodies.

Our seeking and changing at key moments in our lives are all part of the universality of human nature. We are ever-changing manifestations of the universe, what is, was, and ever shall be.”

General admission $15 adults, $10 students, $8 children and senior citizens. For tickets and info, call 512-385-2838, or visit www.balleteast.org.

TODO AUSTIN // DEC 2014 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 15

This year, MAKE TIME for memories

Magical Music from the Movies

SALUTE TO VIENNA

2 CELLOS | FEBRUARY 28

DISNEY IN CONCERT | JANUARY 11 Magical moments from

| JUNE 14 The animated children’s TV series (seen on Disney Junior) comes to life in a thrilling musical adventure!

BLUE MAN GROUP

| JUNE 21 Broadway hit portrays legendary, impromptu studio jam with Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley.

| JANUARY 4 Featuring members of Austin Symphony Orchestra, along with European singers and ballroom dancers, ring in the New Year in the grand Viennese tradition! classic animated film—such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and more—accompanied by a full orchestra, vocalists, and eye-filling visuals.

| FEBRUARY 19–22 Experience the phenomenon, for the first time or the fifth! “Stunning,” “wildly inventive” and “hysterically funny”!

• SISTER’S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM | DECEMBER 26–27 • CANADIAN BRASS | JANUARY 28

Breaking boundaries between musical genres, 2 Cellos toured with Elton John and became international sensations.

CHUGGINGTON LIVE!

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

• ELVIS LIVES | FEBRUARY 8

• CELTIC WOMAN | MAY 13–14

• FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR

• MIDTOWN MEN | MAY 23

SEASONS | FEBRUARY 17

• BILL BRYSON | JANUARY 30

• VIENNA BOYS CHOIR | MARCH 1

• DATE* | FEBRUARY 3–8

• CONFESSIONS OF A PRAIRIE

• JOHNNY MATHIS | JUNE 13 • rePLAY SYMPHONY OF HEROES | JUNE 20

B#%@! | APRIL 28–MAY 3

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