www.todoaustin.com
We should all be sleeping.
VOLUME VII / APR 2016
Revathi Balakrishnan Indie Meme Film Fest Calliope Musicals Invisible Intersections
Fusebox Festival ATX Arts in a global context
SOR JUANA INÉS DE LA CRUZ A Tribute to Mexican Women
#AsianLifeATX What does quality of life mean to you? We want to hear from Austin’s Asian community.
. . . .
S ATU RDAY, AP R I L 1 6 T H Interactive Theater Workshop
Mery
Godigna
6PM COMMUNITY GALLERY
Explore Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz through interactive theatre in a one time workshop facilitated by experienced Latino performance instructors. Register online or call for more info: 512-9743785. Free workshop for ages 13 & older.
As part of the program for our annual event celebrating Sor Juana Ines de La Cruz, the ESB-MACC will be opening the exhibition “Petro-Poems” by Venezuelan artist Mery Godigna Collet. For the last 20 years, Collet has been working with Crude Oil. She uses crude oil and its byproducts as her creative medium Continue at www.austintexas.gov/esbmacc
8PM AUDITORIUM
Take the online survey
Host a small-group Conversation Over Tea (we provide the tea!) Photo Contest: How do you celebrate Lunar New Year?
austintexas.gov/AsianLifeAustin
Collet
4PM BLACK BOX THEATER
S up er X i ca n a Power H o u r
Join a Community Conversation
FEATURED APRIL 2016 EVENTS:
FREE
Short Shorts Fest
Sunday April 24th, 1pm -4pm, Elisabet Ney Museum Come celebrate our city’s buzz-worthy short fiction scene! 304 E. 44th Street - www.elisabetney.org
Celebrating Sor Juana Ines de La Cruz
Saturday, April 16th, 4pm-9pm, ESB-Mexican American Cultural Center A tribute to Mexican Women with theater, art, and performances. 600 River Street- www.austintexas.gov/esbmacc A live performance conceptualized and performed by artists Marisela Barrera and Jane Madrigal with a focus on cultura, la mujer y la nueva onda for the growing brown demographic. Free and open to the public.
I n t h e S a m Z . C o r o n a d o G a l l e r y , Pa l o m a M a y o r g a
World T’ai Chi and Qigong Day
Saturday, April 30th, 9am-12pm, Asian American Resource Center
A worldwide event sending a wave of peaceful, healing Qi around the world
8401 Cameron Road - www.austintexas.gov/aarc
100% - Community Exhibition and Fundraiser Exhibit Opening - Thursday, April 28th, 6pm -8pm
An exhibit bringing professional artists and people exploring creativity together!
1165 Angelina Street- www.carvermuseum.org ESB-MACC | 600 River St , Austin TX, 78701 | 512-974-3772
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.
C E N T R O U R B A N O HABLA Austin
Women’s Empowerment Con WE Con is the signature event of the Women’s Community Center of Central Texas. The Apr. 1-2 event at ACC Eastview campus will include an opening ceremony with local performers speaking to the state of women and children in Austin, a Women of Color Maker Fair, a Resource Fair, and a full day of 24 workshops and panels in Spanish and English for adults and teens. Admission $15; students $10. Austin Youth Council Career Fest The City of Austin’s Youth Council hosts their third annual student Career Fest on Apr. 12 where area business and organization representatives will talk to students about career opportunities, internships and what steps can be taken to prepare. The event is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Palmer Events Center. The event is free and open to all area students as well as others in the community. Code Chica Conference Saturday, Apr. 16, girls ages 9-18 will have the opportunity to use their artistic talent and design skills hand in hand with some coding and app development in order to create their own smartphone apps. The event at ACC Eastview campus runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with lunch included. There is a $10 registration fee but it is free for members of Club Latinitas. Girls will learn about coding, app design, marketing and entrepreneurship through interactive activities, and will meet app designers and professionals during lunchtime to learn more about tech careers. Register at https://latinitas.ticketbud.com/codechica2016
in Austin, will explore questions like these. Themes include “Intersections & Opportunities” with content about Historical and Contemporary Slavery, Survivor Leadership, and the Future of the Movement/ Innovation. Keynote speakers are Kenneth B Morris Jr, Bradley Myles, Tina Frundt and Brooke Axtell. Details at www.sfcsummit.org.
AAQOL Tea Kit The next step in the Asian American Quality of Life initiative is “Conversation Over Tea kits.” Those interested in hosting a conversation with a small group of friends, family or colleagues should call 512974-1883 and will be provided a free Conversation Over Tea kit. That includes all the essentials to discuss Austin’s Asian American quality of life including a conversation poster, surveys, fliers, keychains, tea and an AAQOL teacup. Each group’s ideas will be shared with city officials.
Casar, Austin City Council making a real difference By Gavin Lance Garcia
In the words of Austin City Council member Greg Casar, March 24 was “a really big day.” Council voted that evening on a policy championed by Casar to address fair chance hiring and help make it easier for people to have a second chance and break a cycle of poverty. The vote passed 8-2. Now, private companies in Austin will be required to delay checking job applicants’ criminal histories until after they have extended a conditional offer of employment.
Historic Homes Tour The 2016 Historic Homes Tour on Saturday, Apr. 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., will showcase Austin’s Post-War Boom with the organization’s first tour of North Central Austin’s mid-century Allandale, Brentwood and Crestview neighborhoods. Tickets $25 for Preservation Austin Members, $35 for non-members at www.preservationaustin.org.
Fair Housing Conference The City’s Equal Employment/Fair Housing Office and Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division host a Fair Housing Conference from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Apr. 20, highlighting the latest developments and trends in fair housing discrimination by leading speakers in the field. The conference will be held at the Palmer Events Center. Registration is from 7:45 a.m.–8:30 a.m. Registration fee is $95. For more info call 512-974-2494.
Casar explained the merits of the policy on the eve of the vote: “Almost one year ago, we kicked off two pieces of economic opportunity and civil rights legislation: raising the minimum wage for thousands of our workers that labor on City projects, and Fair Chance hiring rules for Austin’s private sector.
Slave-Free City Summit What would happen if the cities of the future were deeply and comprehensively committed to freedom? The third annual Slave-Free City Summit, Apr. 22-23
“We live in the richest nation in human history. And for those of us in Austin, we live within one of its most prosperous cities. But we all know that too many people still face daily economic
Delivering diversity in media to Austin
Council member Greg Casar
Latinitas Code Chica Conference
Volume VII, Number 12
for more than five years, TODO Austin
PUBLISHER/EDITOR // Gavin Lance Garcia gavin@todoaustin.com
printed journal, and TODOAustin.
ART DIRECTOR // Dave McClinton dmdesigninc.com
com offer news, opinion, cultural
MANAGING EDITORS // Meredith C. Cox, Alejandra Cueva, Katie Walsh, Erica Stall Wiggins
arts and lifestyle stories written
ASSOCIATE EDITORS // Sonia Kotecha, Liz Lopez, Monica Peña, Genoveva Rodriguez, Yvonne Lim Wilson
by, about, and for all ethnic communities in multicultural Austin.
CONTRIBUTING STAFF // Cat Cardenas, Evelyn C. Castillo, Alexandra M. Landeros, Callie Langford, Vanessa Maldonado, Diana Sanchez, Blake Shanley, Lesley Varghese
PRODUCTION SERVICES // Anthony Garcia CONTRIBUTORS // Alka Bhanot, Roy Casagranda, Cindy Casares, Lobo Corona, Nora De LaRosa, Seema Govil, Rose Di Grazia, Laura Donnelly Gonzalez, Jillian Grekulak, Mark Guerra, Mari Hernandez, Yadira Izquierdo, Karen Moran Jackson, Chaille Jolink, Ryan Jordan, Ali Khataw, Ramey Ko, Harish Kotecha, Liam Kozma, Julia Lee, Esteban Lopez, Otis Lopez, David Marks, Gabriela Mohamed, Cristina Parker, Raul Rangel Uribe, Anna Reardon, Naomi Reed, Paul Saldaña, Marion Sanchez, Charles Silver, Dani Slabaugh, Jeremi Suri, Corey Tabor, Sergio Tristan, Blanca Valencia, Debora Kuetzpal Vasquez WEB DESIGN // TODOAustin.com COVER // Narcissister at Fusebox Fest
struggles. I believe—and I know that many of you believe—that economic opportunity for our communities comes with putting power back in the hands of ordinary people.
“Giving people the right and responsibility to vote, creates a stronger democracy. Giving people the right and responsibility to be educated makes for a thoughtful, creative city. Rights to due process, free speech, and privacy make us more fair and just. I believe that the right to compete for a job—without the boot of discrimination on your neck—and the right to demand a fair wage can make our economy truly strong. Not just for some, but for all. “By voting ‘Yes’ on Fair Chance Hiring and Living Wages tomorrow, I hope our Council shows a commitment to an economy that isn’t just measured by capital investment or the stock market, but also measured by the opportunities that everyday working families have in our city. Tomorrow, Austin can become the first Fair Chance Hiring city in the South. We can show that we’re a city truly committed to fighting discrimination against those communities that are over over-represented in our criminal justice system. We can show that we’re a city that believes in second chances, and that believes that inclusion, not exclusion, will make us stronger. “Tomorrow we can become the first city in Texas that guarantees a $13/hour minimum wage to all those contract workers who labor daily for our taxpayers, but who are often left behind in our protections for workers. This is about the food service workers at the airport. The construction laborers who construct our buildings. We can show that we’re committed to doing business with employers that do high quality work by creating high quality jobs, and thereby make our whole city better for it.” After the vote passed, Casar stated, “All the high rankings Austin gets for food and business growth and festivals are good—but they aren’t what makes us great. We’re a great city when we give people hope, give people opportunity, and when we speak as one family and say ‘welcome home.’ We know we’re all better off for it.” TODO Austin // Multicultural Media for All of Austin. TODO Austin is a free print and online journal for all of Austin highlighting our multicultural heritage and promoting the concept of community in an ethnically diverse city. Circulation throughout Austin, from the Westside’s Pennybacker Bridge to the Eastside’s Montopolis Bridge. TODO Austin is published by Spark Awakened Publishing. © 2016 Spark Awakened Publishing. All rights reserved. The views expressed here are the authors and should not be taken to represent those of Spark Awakened Publishing or of any of its associates or partners. ADVERTISING/SUBMISSIONS/EDITORIAL: info@todoaustin.com, 512.538.4115 TODO AUSTIN // APR 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 03
How we learn about black lives in schools needs to change in Texas By Naomi Reed and Karen Moran Jackson
Students across Texas are preparing for state assessment tests that require them to demonstrate their knowledge of various school subjects including American history. But one part of American history that few students will be able to display more than cursory knowledge about is black history. Why? Because our textbooks look as if they were written generations ago.
Americans. It is not the story of a courageous black man or a social movement of politically conscious workers. Also consider this quote: The Pious Christian moderation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. came under heavy fire from this second wave of younger Black leaders who privately mocked the dignified Dr. King ... Malcolm X trumpeted Black separatism and inveighed against the “blue-eyed White devils” ... With frightening frequency, violence or the threat of violence raised its head in the Black community. The Black Panther Party openly brandished weapons in the street. These glimpses present limited notions of black identity. Martin Luther King Jr. is an integrationist and peace keeping activist, while Malcolm X is a militant and a violent figure. Neither of these descriptions fully captures either individual. Now consider the policy language around recognition of black people in American history from the Texas Education Agency: students should be able to:
• compare the effects of political, economic Students only get a glimpse of black people and social factors on slaves and free blacks in history, other than when the textbooks talk about slavery or the Civil Rights Movement. • identify the causes of the Civil War, states’ But even these glimpses offer poor context. rights and slavery It’s time for a change. Consider the following passages from two sections of an American history textbook that is used across Texas: The state’s response to abolition was to strengthen the slave codes and moments like “Nat Turner’s rebellion in 1831 sent a wave of hysteria sweeping over the snowy cotton fields and planters in growing numbers slept with pistols by their pillows.” The discussion of Nat Turner’s rebellion focuses primarily on the impact on white
between what students should learn about black lives and what they actually are learning? The adoption of Texas curriculum standards is a complicated and recursive process that involves the Texas Education Agency, the State Board of Education, an expert review committee and other committees made up of educators, parents, business leaders and employers.
being first approved by experts, including ethnic studies scholars. Students, teachers and ethnic studies scholars should have a representative present when the State Board votes to reform or maintain a particular adopted textbook. Finally, standards need to be written by education and subject area experts, not elected officials with political biases.
This is only a start. But it’s a start that needs to happen. The stories of black lives in Texas • identify the effects of slavery and textbooks do not demonstrate historical Reconstruction understanding nor do they serve our students. More in depth knowledge of Black History will • identify selected racial, ethnic and religious not only speak truth to the historical struggles groups that settled in the United States and of Black people, but will also enable all students explain their reasons for immigration to think critically about equality and race in the • identify ways conflicts between people from There are policies that would combat the future. problem. Ethnic studies scholars should review various racial, ethnic and religious groups all materials prior to adoption. This was proposed Naomi Reed is a postdoctoral fellow and Karen were solved but struck down recently by the State Board of Moran Jackson is a research associate at the Texas textbooks do not even live up to these basic Education. Major publishing houses should not Institute for Urban Policy Research and Analysis requirements. So why is there such a disconnect be granted adoption deals without their materials at The University of Texas at Austin.
Council takes steps to improve Fire response times
depending on where you live in the City of Austin,” said Garza. “A lot of this variation has to do with population growth and increased development. I’m glad we took the initial step today to ensure that all Austinites can depend on the same high level of services no matter where they live.”
During the Austin City Council meeting on March 24, the City Council approved a resolution to begin the process of exploring methods to improve fire response times in the highest needs areas in the City. The resolution was sponsored by Council Member Delia Garza and cosponsored by Council Members Ann Kitchen, Sabino “Pio” Renteria, Leslie Pool, and Sheri Gallo.
After extensive research resulting from collaboration between the Austin Fire Department and the Austin Firefighters Association, five areas of immediate need for new fire stations were identified which include the Travis Country area, the Loop 360 area, the Goodnight Ranch area, the Moore’s Crossing area, and the Canyon Creek area. This resolution asks the City Manager to develop a strategic plan with proposed funding mechanisms and a timeline to meet this need.
“As we looked at the data from previous years, “Many neighborhoods within the City of we realized that response times to fire calls vary Austin suffer from emergency response time 04 TODO AUSTIN // APR 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
Nat Turner
At no point are the recommendations of the experts or the other review committees binding or prioritized over the desires of the State Board of Education. Textbooks are written based on these skewed standards, and the adoption of these textbooks is another complicated process run through the politicized State Board of Education.
Delia Garza
deficiencies. This proposed Council resolution contemplates a plan or methodology for reducing emergency response time deficiencies,” said Bob Nicks, President of the Austin Firefighters Association. The resolution also calls for exploration of new technology that could potentially be used to improve traffic signal control for emergency response vehicles. The City of Austin currently uses a light-based system that was installed in the mid-1990s, and updating the system to utilize a GPS-based system could be an affordable and viable option for reducing emergency response times. “This item is an important step forward to ensure that we are providing reliable public safety services equitably across the city,” said Garza.
This month, the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center presents:
The ESB-MACC celebrates Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz-A Tribute to Mexican on Saturday, April 16.
The April featured book for the Mommy, Daddy & Me Bookclub is “Ruby and the Booker Boys #1: Brand New School, Brave New Ruby,” by Derrick Barnes. The children and parents book club is led by Yolanda King, mother and notable local children’s book author. This offering will encourage children in the 1st-3rd grades to read with their parents/guardians and discuss works with others. Saturday, April 2 at 3 p.m.
Interactive Theater Workshop is at 4 p.m. in the Black Box Theater. Explore Sor Juana through interactive theatre in a one time workshop facilitated by experienced Latino performance instructors. Register online or call for more info: 512-974-3785. Free workshop for ages 13 & older.
Join us for a special screening of “Sweet Dreams,” directed by Lisa and Rob Fruchtman. The film follows a remarkable group of Rwandan women as they emerge from the devastation of genocide to create a new future for themselves, Sunday, April 3 at 2:30 p.m. In collaboration with DRUMZ with Special Live Performance. Celebrate Me! is a global, cultural, educational experience series exploring different cultures from around the world. This bi-annual event opens the door to language, dance, dress, food, costumes, history, music and more. The museum hosts Celebrate Me! Thailand on Saturday, April 9, from noon-4 p.m. *All Carver events are free and open to the public.
IMMIGRATION
Texas faith leaders urging compassion for immigrants Texas faith leaders sent a message to presidential candidates on the need for a better conversation around immigration on Feb. 25 ahead of the GOP debate in Houston. In a letter addressed to presidential candidates, 24 signatories from across Texas are urging compassion for immigrants and a biblical approach to immigrants and immigration. The letter read: “Dear Presidential Candidates, Christian leaders call on all candidates for president to craft a new, solutions-based message on immigration that addresses not only border security but also our economy and the well-being of our state’s immigrant communities. We expect respectful, informed dialogue with a biblical view for justice and mercy as we work together to solve our challenges. Scripture teaches us that every human being is made in God’s image and is endowed with inherent dignity and potential to flourish.
As part of the program for our annual event, the ESB-MACC will be opening the exhibition “Petro-Poems” by Venezuelan artist Mery Godigna Collet. For the last 20 years, Collet has been working with Crude Oil. She uses crude oil and its byproducts as her creative medium. 6 p.m. in the Community Gallery. Super Xicana Power Hour is at 8 p.m. in the Auditorium. A live performance conceptualized and performed by artists Marisela Barrera and Jane Madrigal with a focus on cultura, la mujer y la nueva onda for the growing brown demographic. Free and open to the public. Cine de Oro continues on the last Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. The special screening from the Golden Era of Mexico’s cinema. Seniors will enjoy a healthy lunch immediately following the film.
All people, including immigrants, deserve respect. Jesus demonstrated high regard for foreigners in his teaching and actions, and he identified himself with the stranger in Matthew 25. We recognize that immigrants can be agents of blessings to their receiving communities as well. This has been true throughout our history. Immigrants continue to contribute to our economy. Texas is home to almost 4.4 million immigrants. More than 40 percent of Texans are Latino or Asian. As of 2010, more than 20 percent of all business owners in Texas were foreign-born, and from 2006 to 2010, immigrant businesses in Texas generated a total net business income of $10 billion. Immigrants are not only our co-workers but also our neighbors, friends and members of our church family. Having lived and worshiped together, we know them to be vital members of our community. When our immigrant neighbors are attacked with harsh rhetoric, their pain is also our pain. Millions of immigrants in the U.S. continue to live in the shadows. As Christians, we are commanded in Scripture to uphold the law. But our current outdated policies mock the rule of law rather than strengthen it. We believe in a sensible solution between the extremes of mass deportation and blanket amnesty. A 2015 LifeWay Research survey found that 7 in 10 evangelical Christians support immigration reforms that include border security and the opportunity for undocumented
This month at AARC: Friday, Apr. 8, 1:30-3:30 p.m. | Asian American Quality of Life Initiative meeting. A debriefing meeting for volunteers. Free. Conference Room Saturday, Apr. 9 and 23, 1-5 p.m. | Austin Go Club. Play Go, the classic board game that originated in China. Free. Apr. 9: Community Room 8; Apr. 23: Room 1 Wednesday, Apr. 13, 1:30-5 p.m. | GAACC Connect Forum for Minority Business. Learn more about government contracting and meet with contracting representatives. 1:30-3 p.m.: SBA (8) and Small Business Certification workshop and 3-5 p.m.: Roundtable Networking. Free. Ballroom Friday, Apr. 15, 6-8 pm. | AARC Community Art Exhibit Opening Reception. Featuring the art of Vivian Burns, “Reticent Beauty,” Jieun Beth Kim, “I Am” and traditional handmade Indian dolls by Pramila Viswanath. Refreshments served. Free. Ballroom, Hallways, Foyer Wednesday, Apr. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Vietnamese American Community of Austin presents an education seminar to inform parents about the college application process, resources to help their children succeed in school and more. Free. Community Room 8 Wednesday, Apr. 27, 6-8 p.m. | Monthly meeting of the Network of Asian American Organizations. Free. Community Room 8
immigrants to earn legal status and/or citizenship. Scripture guides us toward a just and compassionate response to immigrants in our country. We encourage you to heed its words and get to know our communities. Come meet us and our immigrant neighbors, friends and fellow church members. We are confident that you will discover, as we have, that we are stronger when all members of our community have the status and opportunities to flourish. Sincerely, Dr. Steve Bezner, Senior Pastor, Houston Northwest Church; Rev. Dr. James T. Birchfield, Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Houston; Rev. Emily L. Chapman, Senior Pastor, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, Houston; Rev. Dan Conway, Christ Church Sugar Land; Jimmy Dorrell, Senior Pastor, Church Under the Bridge; President of TxCCDN; Executive, Director of Mission Waco, Waco; Reverend Butch Green, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship; Reverend Nell Green, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship; Wes Helm, Associate Pastor, Springcreek Church, Garland; Chad Karger, Lead Pastor, Cy-Fair Christian Church, Founder Better Days, Cypress; Brenda Kirk, South Central Regional Mobilizer, Bibles Badges and Business; Tim Moore, Senior Pastor, Walk Worthy Baptist Church, Austin; Rev. Ray Perales, Pastor, Christ United Methodist Church, Stockdale; Dr. Willie O. Peterson, Assistant to the Superintendent, Midsouth Conference Evangelical Covenant Church, Coppell; Rev. Ray
Pinard, Moody Methodist Church, Galveston; Paul Randall, Associate Pastor, Ecclesia Houston; Bishop Michael Rinehart Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, ELCA; Aaron Sanders, Lead Pastor, Coastal Community Church, Galveston; Ademir Simoes, Past President, North American Brazilian Baptist Association, Austin; Keith Stewart, Senior Pastor, Springcreek Church, Garland; Rev. Dr. C. Chappell Temple, Christ Church Sugar Land; Rev. Leslie S. Tomlinson, Pastor, Lutie Watkins Memorial United Methodist Church, Llano; Marty Troyer, Pastor, Houston Mennonite Church, Houston; Rev. Dr. Steve Wells, Senior Pastor, South Main Baptist Church, Houston; Rev. Dr. Stephen P. Wende, Senior Pastor, First Methodist Houston John Burnett NPR photo
TODO AUSTIN // APR 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 05
ASIAN AUSTIN A-LIST
Revathi Balakrishnan
it full-time as a profession. TA: Did you know what you wanted to do with your life or did it just happen?
RB: Growing up, I had always had a love for math. I was very curious about history and geography. So, I knew that it would be a combination of these three, but I did not specifically target any type of job. Sometimes, it is easier to go with the flow and see By Sonia Kotecha where life takes you (within certain parameters). I think this gives you more freedom to try new things 2016 Texas Teacher of the Year and Texas rather than be pigeon-holed into preparing for a Elementary Teacher of the Year, Revathi specific job. Balakrishnan, has been an educator for 10 years, seven of which have been at Round Rock ISD’s TA: What does the American Dream mean to you? Sommer Elementary School, where she is a founding staff member. Teaching talented and RB: The American Dream resonates more with me gifted students, Balakrishnan, also 2016 Round in terms of opportunity and equality. My parents Rock ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year, gave me the best education they could afford. advanced to the state Teacher of the Year program India, being a patriarchal society, also limited my after being named 2016 Region 13 Teacher of the learning opportunities. Coming to the U.S. meant Year. Balakrishnan was selected as one of three total freedom to pursue any career I chose. But state finalists last August. “We are so excited to with freedom comes responsibility to give back to celebrate Ms. Balakrishnan and her outstanding the country that allowed me so much educational efforts and passion,” said Dr. Steve Flores, freedom. I choose to do it in the form of providing Superintendent of Schools. “World class schools a rigorous and relevant education for its children. start with caring educators working tirelessly for students, and she exemplifies that mission.” TA: Asian Americans are becoming a powerful On Wednesday, Apr. 6, 6:30-8 p.m., the Indian American Coalition of Texas Education Group is holding their first community meeting at the Asian American Resource Center with special guests Balakrishnan and Dr. Jesus Chavez, former superintendent of Round Rock ISD. A meet and greet begins 6:30 p.m., followed by open discussion at 7 p.m. The free event is in Community Room 8. TODO Austin (TA): How did you first get involved in teaching? Revathi Balakrishnan (RB): I have known for a long time that I enjoyed teaching. Small signs along the way included me offering to teach the basics of Economics to college friends, getting a graduate teaching assistantship, setting up an Indian Culture school in Pennsylvania, etc. But it was not until 10 years ago that I decided to go into
06 TODO AUSTIN // APR 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
force in Austin economically, culturally, politically and otherwise. How do you see them fitting into the larger Austin culture and community? RB: Asian Americans are, for the most part, successful in Austin. You see them participating in civic issues such as raising funds for causes in India and contributing positively to society. They place emphasis on their children getting a good education. Now, I think we are poised for the next exciting big step. How do we use our collective educational and economic powers to do good to society? Going back to my previous statement that with freedom comes responsibility, Asian Americans should now work towards affecting policy for the greater good. Let’s not forget that we are part of the fabric of a larger society. Anything that we do should uplift all sections of society, not only Asian Americans. Why? Because we can, and we must.
leave the profession within five years? We need to grow good teachers, just like you would groom promising employees in a company. I would like to work with school districts and policymakers in putting together a comprehensive mentoring program (that is currently non-existent) that will aim to keep passionate, innovative and technologysavvy teachers in the classroom. I wonder how many teachers are great at teaching but leave the profession because of lack of support. We have to reverse this trend. Another area I hope to work in is partnerships between school and businesses. I would like to see work study programs and internships in high school and more outreach by area universities. We have to make education relevant for our children. They need to see how their learning helps them make sense of the world outside their classrooms. A third area is to encourage people of different ethnicities to enter the teaching profession. Our teaching faculty has to mirror the student population. TA: Is there anything particular about Austin that inspires you? RB: Austin has always been at the cutting-edge of technology and creativity. The proximity of good universities and businesses allow for free exchange of ideas which is very important if we are to remain at the forefront. As Texas Teacher of the Year, I am excited at the possibility of bringing community and schools together so that we can create a relevant learning environment for our children. TA: What do you consider the most important cultural value for you and for those close to you? RB: Education. We should make sure that this TA: Are there generational issues, or cultural issues, opportunity is available for all, especially women or both, between young and old Asian American and girls. Education lifts people out of poverty. It teaches people to think rationally and make Austinites? informed decisions. Education = Change. RB: All immigrants reflect the India they leave behind. As such, I think the newer immigrants have TA: Anything you’d like to add? more knowledge of life in the U.S. even before they arrive here. They know exactly what they want to RB: Teaching is a passion and a calling and should be treated with the same respect as other professions, achieve in life and they assimilate faster into society. if not more. But, unfortunately, in a society where Their children also adopt the American way of life salaries define the status of the profession, teaching more quickly. But I have many students who tell me is seen as the profession that everyone gravitates that their parents don’t have time for them. Quality to, when they cannot make it anywhere else. It is time is defined as how much time you spend interesting to see people’s reactions when I tell giving your undivided attention to your children. them that I quit an IT job and a substantial pay cut Parents think they are spending time but, due to to get into teaching! technology, the drive to rise up the corporate ladder and dual-income families, this is not happening. Educators work with many students of all levels, We see the decline of quality time reflected in skills and behaviors for about eight hours a day, school performance in terms of attention-seeking managing parent conferences and irate parents, behavior, social awkwardness, lack of awareness of endless grading, complying with all the state surroundings and the inability to do simple tasks on and school district mandates, not getting quality their own. This is a big change in parenting from the support when needed and being evaluated not for their own effort but on student performance style of a few decades ago. on state-mandated tests that they have absolutely TA: With your recent honor of Texas Teacher of no control over. Most of them take work home the Year, what are you hoping to achieve with your and spend evenings preparing so that they can be a better teacher the next day. If you can do title? a better job than this, then you should consider RB: Did you know that 50 percent of teachers becoming a teacher.
Indie Meme Film Festival launches at Marchesa
Indie Meme Film Festival will feature films from Pakistan, Afghanistan and India with its many different languages. The sub-continent is a region of inconsistency and paradoxical growth, yet it exhudes a strange incongruous harmony.
By Seema Govil
In Texas, Indie Meme is a South Asian Independent film promotion company that has established itself as a credible platform to engage in social dialogue using films as the media. Since its inception in February 2013, Indie Meme has had a challenging yet very exciting journey in promoting indie films of South Asian origin, here in the U.S. It has evolved from film screenings to Q&As, set up a community of film enthusiasts, and now the first Indie Meme Film Festival.
Austin’s first South Asian Film Fest launches this month with the inaugural Indie Meme Film Festival April 15-17 at the Marchesa Hall and Theater.
By Harish Kotecha
Every Sunday morning, a group of people softly stream into the meditation hall at the Heartfulness Institute and get ready for meditation. As they gently close their eyes, the trainer provides simple instructions to begin the meditation session. Practitioners attest to how this simple meditation practice has brought a feeling of peace, harmony and joy in their lives. The Heartfulness Institute is nestled in the scenic hill country of Travis County in central Texas where one can remove themselves from their routine worldly lives and, for a brief period, immerse themselves in meditation and reflection in a beautiful atmosphere. According to recent estimates, there are over 20 million adults in the U.S. practicing yoga. While yoga’s popularity has soared with greater focus on flexibility, physical fitness and stress relief, people are increasingly seeking themes for personal enrichment, and many are beginning to integrate ancient meditation practices into their lives. There is also an intuitive recognition that meditation is a potent force that can bring diverse communities together, and create a more peaceful, harmonious and equitable society.
Heartfulness comes from a rich tradition of Raja Yoga modified to suit modern life. The Heartfulness Institute is a non-profit organization and offers training in meditation free of charge that participants can practice alongside their current faith, or practice. In a few months, seekers can learn how to relax and feel the lightness and joy of their true nature. In Austin, Heartfulness meditation workshops are offered at several companies, schools, community centers and places of worship. Interested seekers are welcome to join the group meditation or regular workshops at the Heartfulness Institute, the Relaxation Center or at the University of Texas at Austin. Experienced meditation trainers are available to provide individual training, or conduct workshops for your organization free of charge. For more information on the Heartfulness centers and workshops in Austin please visit us at facebook.com/heartfulnessAustin.
opportunity for possible favorable social impact on local and global communities, thus engaging, educating, enlightening, entertaining and building communities through South Asian Cinema. The upcoming Film Festival promises to stir an even deeper discussion with visiting filmmakers, some skype-enabled Q&As, and an immersive environment with panel discussions, parties, and short films and features, both fictional and documentary.
On the big screen, audiences will see a mirror of the many faces of the region. There are films for the family and those recommended for mature audiences only with action, drama, mystery, reality and the place where they intertwine
The festival represents the “independent dream,” movies that dodge the conventional formula of song, dance and fanfare, instead concentrating on the filmmaker’s personal and artistic vision. The latter can often be the very distinguishable traits of an independent movie, their content The films Indie Meme have promoted in the and style and the way in which the filmmakers’ last three years range from topics on human personal artistic vision is realized. trafficking to female literacy, issues of identity, power and empowerment, intellectual discussions South Asian Indie films have recently set the stage of philosophy, LGBT rights, teenage rebellion, for reflection with intense portrayals of real life challenges at different life stages, evolving events and fictional stories that challenge cultural relationships and classic Oscar nominations norms and conservative sensibilities. In the past and winners. The idea has been to educate and decade, the popularity of film festivals has offered spark thought provoking discussions, through stage space, making possible the abundance carefully-curated events centered on meaningful of provocative documentaries and deep indie cinema. Indie Meme’s non-theatrical, educational films, as newer platforms for “alternative” cinema and event-based platforms facilitate relevant emerge in various parts of the world. discussions and connections, creating an
Heartfulness Meditation: a simple way to find inner peace
Lyari Notes
More information and ticket details about the event are at www.indiememe.com. Dhanak
Kothanodi
Asian Austin April events The Asian American Resource Center hosts Chinese Music and Dance on Saturday, Apr. 2 and Apr.16, 1-5 p.m. The Austin Chinese Alliance Dance Group practices social dancing, including Latin dance. The event is free in AARC Community Room 8. Austin Dance India Dance-a-Thon and Community Fair is Saturday, Apr. 23, 1-4 p.m. at Asian American Resource Center. Austin Dance India celebrates its 25th anniversary as students show their skills and stamina in ADI’s first-ever dance-a-thon. Food Interactive crafts, Indian food and more. Free. Ballroom. ADI offers all levels of classes in traditional Bharata Natyam technique. Lessons begin with extensive time spent on practice of adavus, which are the building blocks of the dance. Along with this practical aspect, students learn theoretical terms in the form of Sanskrit verses from the text, Abhinaya Darpana. These contain explanation and detailed definitions of hand symbols, head and eye movements, positioning of the arms, stances, and more. On Thursday, Apr. 21, North Austin Creatives hosts its monthly meeting at Asian American Resource Center. Connect with others in the North Austin working in creative and arts field. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. in Community Room 8.
World T’ai Chi and Qigong Day is celebrated on Saturday, Apr. 30, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Asian American Resource Center. The annual worldwide event was created to send a wave of peaceful, healing Qi around the world with goals to educate the world about emerging medical research revealing health benefits that t’ai chi ch’uan and qigong offer.; educate about the increasing use of these ancient traditional Chinese medicine modalities.; provide a global vision of cooperation for health & healing purposes across geopolitical boundaries, and also an appeal to people worldwide to embrace wisdom from all the cultures of the world.; and thank Chinese culture for the gifts of tai chi and qigong to the world. All levels and ages welcome. Free on the Great Lawn (or Ballroom in case of rain). TODO AUSTIN // APR 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 07
FUSEBOX RETURNS AS MUCH MORE THAN A FESTIVAL
Hybrid art fest positions city in a global cultural context By Jillian Grekulak and Anna Reardon
The Fusebox Festival returns to Austin for its 12th year April 6-10. This year, the self-described hybrid art festival will feature over 60 performances, installations, talks and events from local, national, and international artists in 24 venues across Austin.
places and create opportunities for local artists’ work to be seen by the world. About 20 percent of festival audiences are visitors from outside of Austin, many from out of state.
Among the highlights of Fusebox is a spotlight on dozens of local and Latin American artists. Austin Revolutions Per Minute will feature a series of listening rooms in sites related to Austin’s rich musical history. There will be a Tejano music listening room at the Texas Music Museum on East 11th St., curated by Elizabeth Lopez. Other venues include East Austin’s Victory Grill and South Austin Popular Culture Center with each space themed around a certain genre—country and Tejano, blues The line-up for this year’s festival includes artists’ and jazz, psychedelic and punk. work in all disciplines: theater, dance, music, film, visual art, culinary art, technology, and everything Austin artist, Leticia Rodriguez, celebrates old and in-between. “It’s among our most diverse to new Pan American traditions through precise and date,” said Ron Berry, Fusebox Festival founder passionate vocal performances. Rodriguez will be and Artistic Director. “We have worked hard over accompanied by Nick Litterski and Janie Cowan in the past few years to identify exciting artists of a special Fusebox performance for “Every Song I’ve color working throughout Austin and all over the Ever Written: Band Night.” globe. We want to build a festival that reflects our city while positioning our city in a global cultural Living and practicing in Mexico City, Daniela Libertad uses a variety of media to explore the relationship context.” between objects and her body. Libertad’s Estudio Fusebox aims to connect Austin with the world Sobre Triángulo questions the definition of a triangle by bringing emerging and established artists from by exploring how it creates relationships with space and internationally – which is an important element Hong Kong, Japan, Angola, Canada, Mexico, and the human body in the most subtle and poetic to keep Austin economically viable for working artists. This is a cause the leaders of Fusebox have a Argentina, the UK, Belgium and other far flung ways. passion for and take very seriously. Los Outsiders are an Austin based collective that Luis Garay develop projects such as video podcasts and group “Austin’s growth is exciting,” said Brad Carlin, Fusebox exhibitions to express artistic dialog. “Sew Wasted” Managing Director, “but it is putting tremendous stitches together the artistic population of Austin strain on many in our city including artists and those to reflect the absurd, and complex, issues of the working in the creative sector.” Carlin continued, “In a city full of festivals, we think that liberates Fusebox modern world at the ESB MACC. to approach the notion of a ‘festival’ in a different Colombian-born and Argentinian-based artist, Luis way.” Fusebox’s different approach to being a Garay, is considered one of the most promising festival has allowed the organization to experiment choreographers of his generation. Garay’s and tackle some large ideas and issues. “Maneries” is an intense performance featuring a dancer and an electronic musician exploring the In 2014, Fusebox wanted to increase access and body as linguistic material at Salvage Vanguard encourage audiences to discover the artists and ideas in the festival, so they made the entire event Theater. free to attend. The results have been impressive. Students from Austin Soundwaves and East Austin Fusebox is generating more revenue in a free festival College prep team will have the opportunity to that has seen 60 percent increases in first-time learn about the Mexican free-tailed bat, explore live festival-goers in each of the past two years. Fusebox audio manipulation and the musical potential of audiences are attending twice as many events in the circuit manipulation through a series of workshops free format compared to the traditional model. leading up to Steve Parker’s BAT/MAN. BAT/MAN is an experimental musical work for an ensemble of Carlin and Berry are quick to note that art is not free. bats and humans that will be performed near the Carlin explained, “It’s also not paid for by the $20 Mexican free-tailed bat colony at Congress Bridge. or $25 we would charge for tickets in the past. So lets set ticket prices aside for a moment and have a This year, more than 30 national and international frank conversation about how we as a community presenters and curators from festivals, and arts want to support art and culture in our community.” organizations around the world will come to Austin to experience some of the city’s most Fusebox went even further to reimagine festivals. innovative artists. Platforms like Fusebox create Berry was inspired by centers in Sao Paulo, Brazil opportunities for local artists work to tour national dedicated to providing communities access to the Fusebox has grown over the past decade from a largely underground phenomenon into an internationally significant arts event. For the first time in its history, the event will be held over five days. It will also be entirely free to attend for the third year in a row under an initiative called Free Range Art. The total attendance is expected to reach 25,000 this year.
08 TODO AUSTIN // APR 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
Austin Soundwaves
arts, athletics and dentistry. The SESK centers are one part arts center, one part YMCA, and one part dental clinic all open and accessible to anyone in the community. “I found the proximity of these things to be very profound,” Berry said, “the statement that sends, that the arts are just as important to a healthy community as exercising or brushing your teeth.” Berry began to imagine what such a place might look like in Austin. Fusebox then decided to take a leading role in the planning and visioning of the 24-acre former East Austin Tank Farm site now called thinkEAST. Fusebox spent two years, and dedicated a large portion of its 2015 festival to a real estate development process that placed the immediate surrounding neighborhood and the arts community at the center. After 300 meetings with more than 2,700 people, 66 events in their Living Charrette, gigabytes of data, stories, and community feedback, they are putting the finishing touches on a Community Vision and Masterplan for the East Austin development located near the intersections of Bolm Rd. and Shady Ln. What started in a small garage on Springdale Rd. more than a decade ago has grown beyond just a “hybrid art festival” to become an influential hybrid organization at the intersection of art, culture, and community development. For free reservations and more information about thinkEAST and the full Fusebox Festival line-up visit www.fuseboxfestival.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 Wednesday through Sunday. THANKS TO THE FANS & BANDS WHO SUPPORT US!!!
APRIL Line-up
TACO BAR
1412 S. Congress Avenue • Austin, Texas 78704 Open Weekdays 11am-11pm; Weekends 8am-11pm
OUTDOOR SHOWS ARE “WEATHER PERMITTING” -----------------------------------------------------------------------FRI 4/1 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW @ 6:30 SAT 4/2 THE BREW @ 2:30 & EL TULE’ @ 6:30 SUN 4/3 MATT HUBBARD TRIO @ 12:00 & THE RECUPERATORS @ 3:00 -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 4/6 KDRP RADIO SHOW @ 6:00 THU 4/7 LOS FLAMES @ 6:30 FRI 4/8 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW @ 6:30 SAT 4/9 THE TEXAS TYCOONS @ 2:30 & DR. ZOG @ 6:30 SUN 4/10 MCLEMORE @ 12:00 & BLUE MIST @ 3:00 -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 4/13 KDRP RADIO SHOW @ 6:00 THU 4/14 BEYOND THERAPY @ 6:30 FRI 4/15 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW @ 6:30 SAT 4/16 JIM STRINGER @ 2:30 & AUSTIN HEAT @ 6:30 SUN 4/17 TED RODDY @ 12:00 & MITCH WEBB Y LOS SWINDLES @ 3:00 -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 4/20 KDRP RADIO SHOW @ 6:00 THU 4/21 GLENN COLLINS & THE ALIBIES @ 6:30 FRI 4/22 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW @ 6:30 SAT 4/23 GREEZY WHEELS @ 2:30 & WINK KEZIAH @ 6:30 SUN 4/24 JESSE HARRIS @ 12:00 &CHICKEN STRUT @ 3:00 -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 4/27 KDRP RADIO SHOW @ 6:00 THU 4/28 TEX THOMAS @ 6:30 FRI 4/29 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW @ 6:30 SAT 4/30 THE PISSANT FARMERS @ 2:30 & THE PETERSON BROTHERS @ 6:30
www.GuerosTacoBar.com
May 7-8
To Do Música By Liz Lopez
BROWN SOUND NEWS
grew. This project is dedicated to these stories, and Austinites and Fusebox fans are invited to gather together to explore music’s sense of time—the length of a 45, the span of a generation, the history of a community—and space—the acoustics of a room, the legendary aura of a club, and the rapidly shifting geography of a city.
Tiarra Girls
The Austin Music Awards were held on March 16 to recognize the great talent of Austin musicians, including several artists from the Latin community. Patricia Vonne (Best Female Vocals and Best Misc. Instrument - Castanets), Gina Chavez (Best Performing Band – Latin), and the Tiarra Girls (Best Performing Band – Under 18) all took home awards. The Fridah Band and Bidi Bidi Banda finished in the Top 10 in the Cover Band category, among other bands and individual artists in various categories.
Record players will be set up in multiple sites related to the city’s rich musical history and each space will be themed around genre—country and Tejano, blues and jazz, psychedelic and punk. Festival attendees are invited to drop by to talk about records, music and the history of the place we call home. Austin Revolutions per Minute will tell some stories that we know, and learn from your stories we haven’t heard before. South Austin Popular Culture Center, 1516-B South Lamar Blvd: Psych and Country; The The Housing Opportunities for Musicians and Historic Victory Grill, 1104 E 11th: Blues and Jazz; Entertainers is looking for donations of furniture, Texas Music Museum, 1009 E 11th: Tejano; and The instruments, vinyl, or any other household goods, Local Pub & Patio, 2610 Guadalupe: Punk. and unique items or treasures to raise money for the nonprofit organization which cares for aging The Fiestas Patrias of Austin celebrates Cinco de musicians in Austin. A yard sale is set for April 9-10 Mayo on Saturday, May 7, at Fiesta Gardens. For at 4805 Buckskin Pass. To donate to the sale, call updates closer to the annual holiday, visit www. 512-891-8686 from Wednesday, April 6 – Friday, cincodemayoaustin.com. April 8, from 1-5 p.m. The 39th annual Spring Pecan Street Festival will Austin Revolutions per Minute is part of the Fusebox also be held on Saturday, May 7 (11 a.m. – 10 p.m.) Festival 2016 Featured Projects series. This one day and Sunday, May 8 (11 a.m. – 8 p.m.), featuring free event on Saturday, April 9, between 2-5 p.m., Zeale, Ume, Night Drive, Calliope Musicals, Vallejo, celebrates Austin’s music history through a series Hikes and others to be announced. The festival is of vinyl listening rooms curated by prominent held on 6th St. between Brazos and IH35. historians, record collectors, authors, artists, and students of Austin’s music history. Vinyl’s resurgence Texas Folklife presents The Big Squeeze 10th owes much to acoustic fidelity, surely, but there is Anniversary Extravaganza on Saturday, May 7, from also something to be said for its tactile nature in a 1-5 p.m. at Bullock Texas State History Museum. digital world. Records tell stories about those who The program will showcase past winners of the have made them, about those who have loved statewide youth Big Squeeze Accordion Contest, them, and about the scenes through which they launched in 2007, with a mission to preserve and
Vallejo
promote Texas’ diverse cultural heritage. The lineup will showcase a variety of Texas-based accordion genres including Los Morales Boyz (Conjunto), featuring Nachito Morales; Keyun Dickson and the Zydeco Masters (Zydeco); Dallas Street Ramblers (Cajun), featuring Elizabeth Kelley; All Around Czechs (Czech Polka), featuring Brandon Hodde and Garrett Neubauer; special guests: former Big Squeeze winner, Conjunto accordionist Juan Longoria and more to be announced. In addition, with the recent rekindling of the Apprenticeship Program, Texas Folklife is helping to nurture young accordion talent by pairing young apprentices with mentors throughout the state. Visit www.NowPlayingAustin.com and http:// texasfolklife.org/event/bigsqueeze2016 RECOMMENDED SHOWS: La Santa Cecilia, Grammy Award Winning Latin Alternative Band, will perform after Selena Tribute band Bidi Bidi Banda, and Vanessa La Bestia on Saturday, April 2, at Flamingo Cantina. La Santa Cecilia released their new CD, “Buenaventura,” late last month. The band exemplifies the modern-day creative hybrid of Latin culture, rock and world music, drawing inspiration from all over the world, utilizing Pan-American rhythms like cumbia, bossa nova, rumba, bolero, tango, jazz, rock and clezmer music. Their music has been featured in the television shows Weeds and The Bridge. Their full-length studio album, Treinta Días, won a Grammy for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album in 2014. -----The first Newsom’s Garden Party will be held on April 9 from 4-6 p.m. with music by Brazilian artist extraordinaire, Paula Maya and her band. This will be a great afternoon of community, music and fun, with a swimming pool, a hot fire pit and dancing. BYOB and $10. ------Scoot Inn presents Brownout, featuring Karl Denson, with special guests Amplified Heat. Friday, April 15 at 8 p.m. ------A three band line up at One2One Bar will be rocking Thursday, April 28 with Sefo: 7 p.m.; Kalua: 8:30 p.m. and Vitera: 10 p.m. $7 cover. ------“San Antonio Rock & Roll en Espanol” will feature Rudy Tee Gonzales y Los Pelicanos Del Rey, with
special guests, plus Go-Go Dancer Coco Lectric & Friends, with 78 & 45 RPM vinyl DJ sets by El Westside Sound System & Sandman spinning Jump Blues, early R&R and Westside Sounds. Antone’s, May 6, doors: 8:30 p.m. $10 cover. Rudy Tee (Rodolpho González) and his brother “Red” (Manuel González) first started performing in 1952 in their group Red y Su Conjunto. A year later they changed the name to Conjunto Los Panchitos with Rudy on guitar and vocals and Red on the drums. Two years later in 1955, they formed Rudy & the Reno Bops after being influenced by rhythm and blues. Their first recording was “Cry, Cry,” released on the Rio label in 1957. In the 1960s The Reno Bops toured Texas and the U.S. including California, Arizona, and Illinois; and in Mexico City where Rudy was a major force in the emerging rock ‘n’ roll scene. Even though they performed R&B, they also kept close to their Tejano roots and performed and recorded many successful Spanish language songs. In the mid-’60s Rudy and his brother got an opportunity to start their own label with partner “El Pato” González. The label was called PaGoGo records. The first group he recorded was a young Chicano group known as ? & the Mysterians. Rudy coached them and helped them with their famous recording of “96 Tears.” ------Piñata Protest headlines a showcase with Hans Gruber and the Die Hards, No Way Jose, and Los Kurados, on Friday, May 20 at Sahara Lounge. $5 cover and the show is 21+. Free parking. “Piñata Protest is an accordion fronted punk rock band from San Antonio whose fusion of Tex-Mex and punk is a fresh sound the LA Weekly hails as “festively energetic,” and NPR alt Latino deems “brilliant” and “mind blowing.” Its Selena meets Slayer. An intoxicating border mash up of The Ramones and Ramon Ayala.” Los Kurados is an Austin ska band with an in your face attitude and a high energy stage presence. No Way Jose is a Tex-Mex, rockabilly, rock n roll, punk, ska, Latin alternative band from San Antonio. Austin’s Hans Gruber and the Die Hards play punk, ska, and hardcore. The band is named after the villain from the “Die Hard” movie. TODO AUSTIN // APR 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 11
Calliope Musicals bring color to Austin music By Cat Cardenas
Showering their audience in confetti, surrounded by smiley faces and kaleidoscopic decorations, the members of Austin psych-folk band Calliope Musicals live their lives colorfully. Founding members Carrie Fussell (lead vocals) and Matt Roth (guitar) met when Roth booked Fussell for her first gig at Pipes Plus on the Drag in 2008. Fast forward to 2016 and Craig Finkelstein (vibraphone), Josh Bickley (drums), Chris Webb (lead guitar) and Andrew Vizzone (bass) have joined the group, together receiving the honor of “Best New Band” at the Austin Music Awards this month. The musical chemistry between Fussell and Roth was immediate, but once the other members joined the band, Roth said they evolved from their formerly folk-oriented sound to include psychedelic rock vibes. “I think [their joining the band] had a lot to do with how our sound changed,” Roth said. “When we all came together, we were borrowing from so many bands and genres that it just kind of combined to give us our own sound.”
Urban Music Fest, Reggae Fest engage community through music By Meredith C. Cox
This year marks the 11th annual Austin Urban Music Festival. From its original inception in 2006, the festival came from an Austin quality of life initiative for African Americans. In fact, it was the city’s first Afro-centric music fest. And like many festivals in Austin, the UMF has changed over the years, redefining its music format and what it hopes to bring to audiences. Today, the festival prides itself on being a family-friendly entertainment option during the Texas Relays Weekend – one of the nation’s top field and track events that brings thousands of visitors to Austin during the same weekend.
On stage, Fussell and her band members are a wild force. Their happiness is contagious, making it nearly impossible for audiences to leave without a smile on their faces. For the band, the happiness of their listeners is a priority -- something they consider with each performance. “A big part of Calliope that I always loved is the way that Carrie is involved the audience with the band,” Bickley said. “She makes it so that every single person feels like they’re a part of the experience — a part of the show.” In their eight-year run, the band has released three EPs and is debuting their first full-length album, “Time Owes You Nothing” on April 15. On the album, Fussell said they didn’t want to try and capture the energy of their performances and instead wanted to let listeners focus solely on the songs themselves. “This wasn’t about our live shows and the sweaty group of maniacs that dance around on stage with us,” Fussell said. “We didn’t necessarily go for [emulating the shows]. I think we really abandoned that notion. We wanted to take the songs we wrote and have them stand alone by themselves.” While the album has been in the works for about five years, the songs are a mix of new and old material, some of them written before the band was fully formed. Originally, Fussell and Roth were the primary songwriters, but Fussell said the band grew to
Calliope Musicals. Kate Blaising photo
include everyone’s distinct styles and sounds. Webb, who first came to the band to temporarily fill in on guitar, said he was surprised by how much they welcomed his creative input. “(The collaboration) was one of the most exciting parts of Calliope Musicals,” Webb said. “At first, I tried to fit into their sound, but then we just started having fun and they let me do my own thing. There’s not an idea this band doesn’t try at least once.” Much of the album’s songs are influenced by the past few years the group spent on tour, with Fussell’s lyrics acting as a sonic yearbook of their time together. Bunny Wailer
“Carrie’s always had a real talent of painting a road map of whatever event she’s talking about,” Roth said. “People who are involved in that story can just hear that song and then immediately be taken right back there.” In shifting the focus of their sound in the studio, Roth said some stylistic choices have bled into their live shows, leading the band to experiment more with six-part harmonies in their songs. “I think we grew a lot in the studio and I’m not sure how our fans will take it, but I think it’s going to be a different experience,” Roth said. “It was an adventurous take, but it took some kind of risk.” Contrabandits; classic reggae artists like Black Slate, and The Skatalites; tribute bands like Hail Marley; roots rock reggae like Pentateuch; and even country/reggae fusion artists like Voodoo Possum, plus many others. The biggest name this year is definitely Bunny Wailer, who is widely regarded as a musical legend. Wailer was a founding member of the seminal reggae band The Wailers, which also included Peter Tosh and Bob Marley. Plus, he’s got more than 30 albums under his belt, including three that earned him Grammys for “Best Reggae Album” in 1991, 1995 and 1997.
The festival also includes Charlie’s Dub Corner, an annual rub-a-dub session and party that The festival features different stages that focus This year’s Urban Music Festival is at Auditorium features some of the best reggae, dub, and Jamaican music specialists and DJs playing specifically on hip-hop, R&B, indie soul, gospel, Shores on Friday-Saturday, April 1-2. More info and today. See austinreggaefest.com for ticket info. and neo soul. It also highlights local and unsigned tickets is at urbanmusicfest.com. African-American artists that have yet to be heard Doug E. Fresh Very rarely do fans actually get to decide what nationally. In addition, Soul Tree Collective – a local bands are booked for a festival. In that respect, the non-profit organization that supports the musical Austin Reggae Festival, taking place Friday-Sunday, endeavors of students – features a showcase for Last year, in an interview with the Austin young musicians during the festival, giving them a April 15-17 at Auditorium Shores, was pretty unique this year. American-Statesmen, UMF founder Homer Hill place to perform, sometimes for the first time. said of the festival, “(Before UMF), there was no prolific music festival programmed from an afro- This year’s festival features a mix of established and For the first time, festival fans were able to vote for which bands and performers they wanted to see centric viewpoint, so that’s what we were trying to upcoming artists. The headliner for the opening in the lineup. Voting took place online earlier this do to enhance the quality of life, and that’s what we are still attempting to do. It’s an opportunity to night is legendary R&B group Dru Hill, featuring year and is now closed, and the official lineup has engage in a whole way in the community. It’s all Doug E. Fresh. The following night sees soul band been announced. Fan voting has led to a varied about building a new message and letting it filter Maze featuring Frankie Beverly as the big draw. A lineup – you can expect to see local favorites like through the population.” variety of other artists perform during the day. Mau Mau Chaplains, Don Chani, Atash, and The 12 TODO AUSTIN // APR 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
CELEBRATES
EARTH DAY WITH SPECIAL PROGRAMS
KLRU-TV, Austin PBS broadcast 18.1 / cable 9 klru.org
Get the complete list at klru.org
NATIONAL PARKS
NATIONAL PARKS OF TEXAS
Monday to Saturday, April 25– 30 at 8 pm
Tuesday, April 26, at 7 pm
Ken Burns’ documentary explores how the national park system came to be and examines some of how these majestic places came to be national parks.
Take a trip around the state and across time to experience the past, present and future of the national parks of Texas.
Also This Month
Jackie Robinson
Point Taken
10 That Changed America
Learn how baseball legend Jack Roosevelt Robinson’s lifelong battle for first class citizenship for all African Americans transcends his remarkable athletic achievements.
Hosted by Carlos Watson, this weekly debate series will champion spirited and civil conversation by focusing on a single topic to explore all sides of a key issue.
Examine America’s most influential homes, parks, and towns in a documentary series that captures the inner-workings of these great works of art and engineering.
April 11 & 12 at 8 pm; encore April 15 & April 22 at 8 pm
Tuesdays at 10 pm
Tuesdays at 7 pm; Thursdays at 9 pm
KLRU-TV, Austin PBS is community supported. More than 85% of our funding comes from the public. PLEASE CONSIDER INVESTING IN KLRU.
Cutting Edge arts exhibit explores the invisible people and culture of East Austin “Invisible Intersections” exhibits works of 20 artists through April 22 Can you remember the last person you saw when you walked down the street today? Or was it an “Invisible Intersections” encounter? A new multi-media arts show launches March 31st that answers the question of who or what we don’t see when we walk down the streets of the rapidly changing East Austin. Through art, “Invisible Intersections” illuminates the “everyday people” of Six Square — Austin’s Black Cultural District, a unique and vibrant epicenter of Austin located just east of downtown. The show runs March 31– April 22 at three locations in East Austin and is sponsored by Six Square – Austin’s Black Cultural District, in cooperation with the Austin History Center, The Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce, local artists, and businesses.
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT It took Luigi Gallicchio 10 years to sign up for CASA. Luigi, who works at Apple, felt his busy schedule was not conducive to the role when a former roommate told him about it, but the idea always resonated with him. “I was looking for something I could have a real, personal impact on, with a direct, tangible result.” Even though he’d had a close knit extended family, growing up with a single mother in San Angelo had been difficult and inspired him to make a difference for other kids. Eventually, though he still was busy travelling, he said, “It doesn’t matter. I’m going to make it work.” That same day, he attended a CASA Volunteer Info Session and immediately submitted his application. “I haven’t felt like I had to sacrifice much,” Luigi found. The unstructured
“The artists are capturing the transition occurring in East Austin,” says Lisa Byrd, Six Square’s Executive Director. “These multi-media portraits will profoundly expand the public’s understanding of the importance of Black culture in Austin and solidify the history embedded in the stories of the people who live in this district,” adds Byrd. Twenty artists were assigned to six intersections in East Austin. Each artist chose subjects that represent the culture of a specific intersection. Their works will be shown in various media including photography, painting, film, video, and live performance.
Cindy Elizabeth photo by Hakeem Adewumi
Invisible Intersections Schedule March 31, 6:30 – 10 p.m. Walking Tour & Block Party Starts at the Carver Museum (1165 Angelina St, Austin, TX 78702) then moves to the Six Square Offices (1152 San Bernard St). The African American Cultural Facility/Dedrick-Hamilton House (912 E. 11th Street) is the final stop on the walking tour
April 8, 7-10 p.m. Reception The Six Square Office (1152 San Bernard St.) April 15, 7-10 p.m. Reception Dedrick-Hamilton House (912 E. 11th St.) Project curator Miriam Conner explains, “Each artist April 22, 6:30-10 p.m. has chosen their own unique medium in approaching VIP Closing party Six Square’s “Invisible Intersections” project.” Carver Museum (1165 Angelina St.) For example, Jasmine Johnson and Betlhem Makonnen have chosen to share their view of one Participating artists are: Ashé Arts, East Austin corner as a kaleidoscope created from Arielle Austin, Chucky Black, Cindy Elizabeth, wood, metal, and acrylic. “In this work the viewer Fum Fum KO, Ashton Guy, Montsho Hughes, sees a whole that is broken down and segmented Jasmine Johnson, Betelhem Makonnen, Zell continually transforming, not only outside of, but Miller, DaShade Moonbeam, Chaka Mpeanaji, also within itself,” adds Conner. “Ashton Guy is Jonathan Maurel, Jason Phelps, Chris Rogers, another “Invisible Intersections” artist. Her work on Roy Rutngamlug, Zai Sadler, Ty West, and oil and canvas will feature her muse, Symone Bailey, Lakeem Wilson. The soundscape was produced by who recently moved to Austin from across the Miriam Conner and Lisa Byrd. “We will view the soul of East Austin thru the eyes of these artists,” said Byrd. “Invisible Intersections” is where new meets old, black meets white, in the here and now. The “portraits” reflect a neighborhood in transition; those who were once familiar are now invisible.
nature of volunteering for CASA fit his style, especially since so much was done over phone and email, and his ability to work independently and to find solutions and seek out new resources meant he thrived in the role. “I don’t regret that I waited so long,” he says. “But I highly encourage anyone to move forward as soon as possible. There are plenty of kids that are waiting who need a volunteer.”
14 TODO AUSTIN // APR 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
country to focus on getting in touch with herself in a new environment.
Austin Fashion Week 2016
By Monica Peña
Fashion X Austin presents Austin Fashion Week 2016, taking place Friday April 15 through Saturday, April 23. On Friday, April 15, AFW kick off festivities take place at Speakeasy with gallery-style viewing of nearly 30 vivid MashUp Team images printed on canvas along with presentations of the models. On Sunday, April 17, a stylish brunch is presented by John Hardy to help celebrate the iconic Driskill Hotel’s 130th birthday. Enjoy 130 years of fashion through a special runway show featuring Big Bertha’s Paradise, John Hardy and Alexandra Dieck of Lexicon of Style with hair and makeup by Red Stella. Brunch will honor Style Setter, Aida G. Dieck, with a portion of all ticket proceeds benefitting the American Heart Association, Capital Area Division. Join AFW at Soirees from Saturday, April 16 through Wednesday, April 20, as Austin boutiques, salons, spas, and gallery spaces open their doors to host designer trunk shows, mini runway events, shopping events and more. Most events are free and open to the public, so party hop across the city and experience all Austin has to offer. A complete calendar of Soirees will be posted in the coming weeks on Do512 website.
All Runways and Gallery events will include an Austin Fashion Week red carpet experience and bars featuring Chloe Wine Collection. Bernina of America will also recognize an emerging designer for excellence in their craft with the Bernina Fashion Designer collections hit the catwalk during “Runways and Fund, which includes a suite of products and services to further Gallery,” Thursday April 21 through Saturday, April 23. Runways their career. feature full collections presented by local designers including For more information on AFW, visit www.afw.fashionxaustin. Linda Asaf Design, Ross Bennett, Daniel Esquivel and many com. For individual tickets to all events go to www.afw. more. fashionxaustin.com/tickets.
CELEBRATING
DIVERSITY
BRIDGE2BRIDGE From Montopolis Bridge to 360 Bridge, Everything Austin
Austin Dance India and Lucky Chaos Theater and Productions present Living on the Hyphen, Mar. 31Apr. 3, in Rollins Studio Theatre. In this multi-disciplinary narrative, a diverse local cast explores themes of AsianAmerican experience, perceptions and stereotypes, universal values, joy and humor through new works in classical dance, movement, spoken word, sketches and music. thelongcenter.org
HavenCon HOLIDAY INN MIDTOWN HavenCon, the first geek and gaming convention in Texas to focus on the LGBTQIA and Ally communities, is back for its second year in Austin. The purpose of the event is for people to come together and enjoy their favorite fandom without the fear of judgment or harassment for simply being themselves. Various artists, vendors, creators, and developers are welcome to show their support for the community and raise awareness for an LGBT-focused project of their own. HavenCon 2016 has a lineup of special guests that include recently transitioned New York Times Best Selling Author Zach Brewer and Queer Comic creators Emily Willis and Ann Uland. The event will also welcome returning sponsor Indie Game Developer FinjiCo, who will be co-sponsoring the newly created HavenCon Indie Arcade. Discussions at the event range from how to be a better ally to the LGBT community, diversity in game development, writing LGBT and more. HavenCon provides a forum for any discussion people feel passionate about in a safe and friendly environment. There are two parts to the event: Normal Hours and After Hours. Normal Hours allows for an all-ages space where panels and presentations are kept PG/PG-13. After Hours allows the event to open up for more adult, risqué or specialized discussions and is available to those 18 and over. Taboo topics are generally encouraged at this time, allowing people to explore, educate and entertain within topics focused toward adult attendees. “HavenCon 2015 exceeded our expectations,” event organizer Shane Brown said. “With an attendance just over 1,200 people, we saw a true need for this type of event in Texas. It wasn’t just about talking about the inequalities in geek culture and associated industries, it was also a celebration of what makes us unique.” HavenCon 2016 will feature a three-day event on April 22-24.
The Graham Reynolds Project LONG CENTER
Austin Symphony Orchestra presents Lior, an IsraeliAustralian singer-songwriter based in Melbourne, Apr. 8-9, 8 p.m., at the Long Center. ASO will perform a program of incredible pieces by Verdi, Schubert, as well as contemporary composers Nigel Westlake and Lior Attar, who has received several ARIA Award nominations since his first independently released album in 2005. thelongcenter.org Celebrating Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz: A Tribute to Mexican Women brings a day full of arte y cultura on Saturday, Apr. 16, to ESB-Mexican American Cultural Center. Experience an interactive theater workshop exploring Sor Juana at 4 p.m., the Petro-Poems exhibition by Venezuelan artist Mery Godigna Collet at 6 p.m. and a live performance by artists Marisela Barrera and Jane Madrigal at 8 p.m. The Moontower Comedy and Oddity Festival showcases some of the funniest, wittiest and oddest world-class comics from around the globe, Apr. 20-23. Presented by the Paramount Theatre, the marathon of side-splitting nights across town is slated to bring over 100 comedians to Austin doing everything from standup and sketch to improv and musical comedy. There’re options for every fan. austintheatre.org. Jazz legends Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter perform together on Thursday, Apr. 21, 8 p.m., at Bass Concert Hall. Hancock has had an illustrious career spanning five decades and 14 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for “River: The Joni Letters.” Shorter is one of the most influential saxophonists and composers in the pantheon of modern music and jazz since the 1950’s. texasperformingarts.org. Tapestry Dance Company takes a diverse, dynamic look at “The American Dream” through Passing it Forward, Apr. 21-May 1, at Rollins Studio Theatre. The world premiere by Artistic Director Acia Gray features the spoken word artistry of Zell Miller III and sets a rhythm of communication, hope and healing through historical traditions and new works of tap dance set to a diverse musical score. thelongcenter.org. What started as a small picnic for UT students in 1963 has swelled to a major annual festival in Austin. Join in the fun at Eeyore’s Birthday Party with live bands, food vendors, drink and local beers on Saturday, Apr. 30 at Pease Park from 11 a.m. till dusk. Activities include a children’s area, family-oriented games and contests, live music and costumed revelers. Children’s area runs 11 a.m.-4 p.m. eeyores.org.
Called “the quintessential modern composer” by the London Independent, Austin-based composer/ bandleader Graham Reynolds creates, performs and records music for film, theater, dance, rock clubs and concert halls. The quirky composer is one of Ballet Austin Artistic Director and Choreographer Stephen Mills’ favorite collaborators for original dance music, having just completed the hauntingly beautiful score for Mill’s Belle Redux: A Tale of Beauty & the Beast, in 2015. This season, Mills and Reynolds join forces again in The Graham Reynolds Project, a perfect marriage of their classically innovative styles. Reynolds’ music is heard throughout the world in films, on TV, on stage and on radio from HBO to Showtime, Cannes Film Festival to the Kennedy Center, and BBC to NPR. He recently scored “Bernie,” featuring Jack Black, as well as the Hulu TV series “Up To Speed.” His score to the Robert Downey, Jr. feature “A Scanner Darkly,” was named Best Soundtrack of the Decade by Cinema Retro magazine. With Golden Arm Trio, Reynolds has repeatedly toured the country and released five critically acclaimed albums including the simultaneous release of “The Difference Engine: A Triple Concerto” and “DUKE! Three Portraits of Ellington.” As Co-Artistic Director of the Golden Hornet Project with Peter Stopschinski, Reynolds has produced more than 50 concerts of world premiere alt-classical music by more than 60 composers, as well as five symphonies, two concertos and countless chamber pieces of his own. With Forklift Danceworks, Reynolds has scored pieces involving 18 trash trucks, 200 two-steppers and a solo piece for traffic cop. Graham is an active company member, sound designer, and composer with the internationally acclaimed Rude Mechanicals and resident composer with Salvage Vanguard Theater. Ballet Austin’s The Graham Reynolds Project will feature three original works—”Bounce,” “Though the Earth Gives Way” and a new world premiere, “Once Belonging” at the Long Center, April 1-3. TODO AUSTIN // APR 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 15
schubert’s unfinished symphony Symphony BATS President Kate Perez and husband Hector enjoy their date nights with the ASO. Using the Blippar app on your mobile device, scan the image above for an interactive video!
THE SOUNDS OF HOPE. FRI & SAT, APRIL 8 & 9 Peter Bay, conductor Long Center’s Dell Hall n Concert at 8:00 p.m. Pre-concert talk with Bob Buckalew at 7:10 p.m. VERDI Overture to Nabucco SCHUBERT Symphony No. 8 in B Minor, D. 759, Unfinished WESTLAKE/ATTAR Compassion (2013)
LOGO DESIGN BRAND DEVELOPMENT WEB DESIGN
Also featured on the program is the U.S. premiere of FRANZ SCHUBERT Westlake/Attar’s Compassion, featuring Australian recording artist, Lior. #asoschubert
CO N CERT S PO N SO RS AN D PART N ERS
M E DI A S P ONS OR S
2015 –16 SEASON PETER BAY, MUSIC DIRECTOR
Tickets/Info
(512) 476-6064 or austinsymphony.org
512.827.2620 // SUNDARAMDESIGN.COM 4201 West Parmer Lane • Building C • Suite 250 • Austin, TX 78727 All artists, programs, and dates subject to change.
2015 –16 SEASON