don’t change for me.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month page 6
Top Row
Haydn Vitera, Nelson Valente, Bobby Garza, Jennifer Acosta, Gian Ortiz Bottom Row
Enrique Rumiche, Liza McCown, Scarlett Olson, Martin Perna Mark Guerra photography
by Mindy Heredia
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contributors Sonia Kotecha Sonia Kotecha, Child Advocacy Specialist at CASA of Travis County, is a dynamic, highly experienced social worker and frequent TODO contributor. Learn more about CASA on page 5. Jennie Chen As the principal of Chenergy Consulting, MisoHungry, Keep Austin Dog Friendly, and Austin Drive Clean, Jennie Chen wears many hats. Check out her “food writer” hat on page 15! Mindy Heredia Contributor Mindy Heredia selects the best events from the 360 to Montopolis Bridge on page 2 and dishes out the biggest local news scoops on page 4. Callie Langford Events and Communication Manager at CASA of Travis County, Callie Langford shares one example of how CASA impacts the lives of abused and neglected children on page 5. Mark Guerra Austin pioneer and professional photographer specializing in fashion, glamour, editorial and fine art for over 20 years. www.markguerra.com
Fiestas Patrias of Austin will host their 5th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival at Fiesta Gardens, April 30 to May 2. The event features a BBQ contest, kid’s games and notable musical acts including Grammy winning artist Jay Perez and rising Tejano star A.J. Castillo. Festivities kick off Friday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at noon on Saturday/Sunday. Visit www.cincodemayoaustin.com for info. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sample some of the tastiest southern food around at A Taste of Tradition, held at the Austin Museum of Art, Thursday, May 6. A discussion will be led by food scholar and UT Associate Professor of American Studies, Elizabeth Engelhardt. Tickets are $15, $10 for museum members. Visit www. amoa.org for info. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If Kendo swords and Taiko drums get your blood pumping, join the Japan-America Society of Greater Austin as they present the 5th Annual Satsuki Matsuri - Japan May Festival. Enjoy food, games and carnival style entertainment on May 8 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. at O.Henry Middle School. Free admission for members and children under 15. $5 for nonmembers. Visit www.jasga.org or page 12 for more. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Live music, beer and German food—sound good to you? Sicher ist es nicht! Enjoy German culture at its finest at Maifest 2010 on May 8 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the German Free School (507 E. 10th St). Admission is free. Contact 512.482.0927 for more info. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Director Atul Kumar brings the best of Bollywood to the Texas School for the Deaf in the hit Hindi/ English traveling play The Blue Mug. The play concerns “memories and what we make of them” and curtains rise Saturday May 15 at 5:30 p.m. Call 281.686.6636 or contact bluemug.austin@gmail. com for more info. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Health Alliance for Austin Musicians is turning five. Help HAMM celebrate at the RockStar Brunch on May 23 from noon-2 p.m. at Zilker Clubhouse. Live music from Ocote Soul Sounds. Chicken and waffles, bagels, cupcakes, and adult beverages included. For info and tickets go to www.myhamm.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Ten years in the making, For Love of Liberty: The Story of American’s Black Patriots explores black men and women’s motives for serving despite historical injustice and lack of freedoms. In honor of Memorial Day, the LBJ Library and Museum will host a screening of the PBS documentary on May 26 from 6-7:30 p.m. Free admission. For more information call 512. 721.0200.
Yoga made ESY for You. 1050 East 11th St. #150 ~ 512.779.8543 www.eastsideyoga-austin.com
TODO Austin
Volume Ii, Number 001
Austin Reacts to Racist Arizona Immigration Law By Mindy Heredia
There has been considerable uproar in Austin and throughout the country over the controversial Arizona Senate Bill (1070) which will allow state officials to stop individuals “where reasonable suspicion exists that the person is an illegal alien unlawfully present in the United States.” The law says; “a reasonable attempt shall be made to determine the immigration status of the person” and it will be verified with the federal government. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed the bill in late April, allowing it to take effect 90 days after the State Legislature adjourns in May.
Critics of the bill suspect the law simply permits racial profiling primarily geared at those individuals coming from south of the border. Texas residents and officials have voiced their own opinions on the arguable matter, such as Police Chief Art Acevedo. In an interview with Ken Herman of the Austin American Statesman, Acevedo said “This is a bad idea. The problem with the bill is that it not only authorizes profiling based on the color of one’s skin, but in essence it mandates it.” Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez and Council Member Bill Spelman will introduce a resolution at the May 13 Austin City Council to end business ties with Arizona and limiting official city travel to the state. “The law is overreaching and does not represent values that we care about or possess,” Martinez said. Ayda Rodriguez, a local Hispanic resident and Texas native, likewise has issues with the bill. “I’m totally against it,” she said. “If they pulled me over for no apparent reason, when I am truly a citizen, it would obviously be based on the color of my skin. It seems the bill is targeting Mexican people, and I highly doubt an illegal Canadian or German would be questioned. There are certain constitutional and civil rights we have been given here in the United States, but I fear if I ever visited Arizona, I would be looked at as a criminal.”
Protesters have scrutinized the bill, as it does not define what an “illegal alien” truly embodies.
Police Chief Art Acevedo Staying By Mindy Heredia
After being selected as one of six finalists for leading the Dallas Police force, Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo announced on Tuesday, April 27 that he would remain in Austin and keep his current position. Acevedo submitted an application to Dallas in March with hopes of replacing retiring Police Chief David Kunkle. Although the interview process is still in progress, Chief Acevedo made the decision to take himself out of the running.
Despite rumors circulating that Texas might face a similar bill, Governor Rick Perry has stated that although he supports a state trying to protect its citizens, he does not believe it would be the right direction for Texas. Acevedo entered the Austin Police Department in 2007 during a tense period, as they faced an investigation concerning excessive use of force. He became the first Hispanic male to lead the force, and has been praised for his struggles in changing APD’s policies. “It’s an outstanding organization, but we have some projects that aren’t done and I want to finish it through.”
He says his key reason for staying is for the people he serves. “Without exception, I’ve heard a resounding ‘Chief, we hope that you do what’s best for you and your family, but we hate to see you go.’ And that’s been really touching,” Acevedo said. The continual support of the community, fellow officers and the splendor of the city were all influential factors in his decision. In a conversation held with Austin City Manager Marc Ott, Acevedo said he “always had faith he knew where he belonged.” Ott was among several city leaders to share their joy about the Chief’s decision. “He is a strong police chief for our city,” Ott said. “His commitment to transparency and accountability has made the APD one of the best managed forces in the nation. Our police department is better for his having served at the helm, and I am confident he will continue to move the department in a positive direction.”
Despite speculation that Chief Acevedo was using his offer from Dallas to spark a possible salary increase here in Austin, he rejected a pay raise four days after being named a finalist in Dallas where he sought the challenge of running a larger department. Since then, the response has been overwhelming, and Chief Acevedo states the support has really “tugged at his heart strings.” “It’s given me some validity that people do notice that as a department we are doing the right things,” he said.
04 TODO Austin // may 2010 // TOdoaustinonline.com
From the Plaza -----------------------------------------------Julian Soliz Remembered Family and friends gathered Saturday April 24 to remember 5-year-old Julian Soliz, just 3 weeks after he was found dead. A teacher at Wells Branch Elementary, the school Julian attended, organized a fundraiser to raise money for the young boy’s family. All proceeds made from food and drink sales will help pay for Julian’s funeral expenses. They hoped to raise $4,000 at the event and plan to give any extra money to the Make a Wish Foundation. Soliz disappeared from his home on April 10 and was reported missing by his caretaker. Travis County deputies discovered his body five hours later less than a mile from his home. Investigators are reviewing the case as a homicide but no one has been charged. -----------------------------------------------May Day Immigrant Rights March On Saturday, May 1, advocates and supporters of immigrants will participate in a march to promote immigrant rights and immigration reform at the state capitol. Organizers state that the 4 p.m. gathering will be a peaceful rally with participants from around Austin, using the event as an opportunity to remind President Barack Obama of his promise for amnesty to the undocumented immigrants living in the United States. The May Day March for immigrant rights will commence at the capitol and end at Austin City Hall. For more information visit www.austinpeacecenter.org. -----------------------------------------------Youth Voices to Benefit Southwest Key Southwest Key Programs is hosting “Youth Voices,” a spoken word hip hop performance featuring original lyrical work with a socially conscious flair. The event on Tuesday, May 4, beginning at 6 p.m. at the campus at 6002 Jain Lane will showcase a variety of eager to be heard young poets and artists from throughout Travis County, including members of The Cipher, slam finalists from the Texas Youth Word Collective, and a new group called the Rhythm Writerz. Southwest Key, headquartered in East Austin, is a national non-profit organization providing transformative education, innovative safe shelters and alternatives to incarceration for over 6,000 youth each day. There’s no charge, free refreshments and an opportunity to show support for some of Austin’s most creative youth. -----------------------------------------------MASBA Opposes Recent Curriculum Changes The Mexican American School Board Members Association (MASBA) recently drafted a declaration requesting that the State Board of Education overturn their acceptance of new social studies curriculum in Texas. MASBA argues that several key topics are being excluded from the state curriculum, including the role of Mexican-Americans in the civil rights movement. Officers of MASBA met at the Capitol on Saturday, April 24 to protest against the preliminary acceptance. Once the board members finalize their decision, the changes will be reflected in students’ textbooks for the next decade. MASBA would like the curriculum to contain more information regarding the impact Mexican-Americans had on the state.
Publisher/Editor - Gavin Lance Garcia contact@todoaustinonline.com Art Director - Dave McClinton www.dmdesigninc.com Executive Editor - Erica Stall Wiggins Senior Editor - Katie Walsh Associate Editors: Brandon Ramiro Badillo, Alexandra M. Landeros, Blake Shanley Contributing Writers/Artists: Heather Banks, Stefanie Behe, Deborah Alys Carter, Jennie Chen, Isabel Corona, Brandi Cowley, Kathleen Fitzgerald, Mia Garcia, Mark Guerra, Mindy Heredia, Anoop Iyer, John M.P. Knox, Harish Kotecha, Sonia Kotecha, Callie Langford, Julia Lee, JoJo Marion, Brooke Maudlin, Oliver Nicolas, Tom Palaima, Mary Parsamyan, Marion Sanchez, Maverick Shaw, Kristina Vallejo, Kuetzpalin Vasquez, Julia Walsh, Yvonne Lim Wilson Advertising: Kathleen Ginest, 512.284.5492; or sales@todoaustinonline.com TODO Austin is published by Spark Awakened Publishing. © 2010 Spark Awakened Publishing. All rights reserved. Unsolicited submissions (including, but not limited to articles, artwork, photographs) are not returned. On the Cover Photographer: Mark Guerra, www.markguerra.com Coordinated by: Brandon Ramiro Badillo Visit Us at
TODOAustinOnline.com Join us at TODO Austin Multicultural Media for All of Austin TODO Austin is a free, colorful print and online journal for all of Austin highlighting our multicultural heritage. Our mission is to promote the concept of community in an ethnically diverse city. TODO Austin’s content closely mirrors the changing demographics of Austin. TODO Austin is circulated throughout Austin at 300 locations, spanning the city from the West Side’s Pennybacker Bridge on Loop 360 to the Montopolis Bridge in East Austin. TODO Austin provides a platform that profiles Hispanic, Anglo, Asian, African American and other individuals, groups and organizations that are representing a positive vision in the community.
WRITE TO US with stories, submissions, etc.: Contact@todoaustinonline.com Editorial – 512.538.4115
Let’s Talk About It
By Sonia Kotecha and Callie Langford
Miranda was removed from her home by Child Protective Services (CPS) at age 11, after allegations of abuse by her brothers. Her mother’s mental health issues prevented her from protecting Miranda and properly caring for her. Her parents were divorced and her father had remarried and distanced himself from Miranda and her mother. Miranda herself suffers from severe behavioral problems, and finding her steady placement in a safe and happy home has been a constant challenge. She was moved from one group home to the next, requiring intensive mental health services at each one. Luckily, Miranda had the help of Leticia Neal, a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer appointed to her by a judge. As Miranda’s CASA volunteer, Leticia saw that with Miranda’s behavioral issues and age, reuniting with her family or finding a home with a relative would be the most positive outcome for her. Both Miranda’s father and his new wife spoke only Spanish, so Leticia’s ability to speak Spanish was a key reason that she was matched with this case. Miranda’s father had been attending court hearings in the case more regularly, and Leticia spoke with him about the reasons for his distancing himself. She soon learned that his new wife, Laura, had concerns about their involvement in the situation. Eventually, Leticia was able to contact Laura. Laura quickly took to Leticia’s compassionate personality, and opened up to her after only a
Photo by Julia Walsh Leticia Neal broke through language and social barriers to reunite a young girl with her family.
few conversations. Laura talked about her fears of dealing with Miranda’s mental health issues. Because of Laura’s traditional upbringing within the Hispanic community, Miranda’s mental health issues were a particularly difficult topic due to her worry about the shame and stigma often associated with these problems. As a Hispanic woman herself, Leticia was able to speak with her openly on this subject. Leticia greatly helped to allay Laura’s fears about bringing Miranda into her home and constantly reassured her that the family would have the utmost support from CASA to make this work for Miranda and her family. Leticia’s work as a CASA volunteer offered Miranda the chance to grow up healthily and happily with her own father instead of spending her youth in the foster care system. Assigned to only one child, it is often only a CASA volunteer who has the resources and means to gain the level of insight into family dynamics, as Leticia was able to do with Miranda’s family. Sharing a common language and background with Miranda’s family allowed Leticia to break down barriers that might have prevented Miranda from developing a close relationship with her father and stepmother. Since about 39% of CASA of Travis County’s children are Hispanic and 29% are African-
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American, CASA aims to recruit volunteers who can identify with the diversity of the children and families they serve. CASA of Travis County is always looking for more volunteers like Leticia who want to take on an impactful role helping abused and neglected children. Anyone can be a volunteer—no special education or experience is necessary. For these children, a CASA volunteer can mean the difference between instability and permanence, insecurity and learning to trust, invisibility and being made a priority. CASA worked with 1,106 children in 2009, 78% of the total number in the care of CPS. With more volunteers, CASA could someday serve every child who has been removed from their home due to abuse or neglect. To learn more about CASA of Travis County, visit www.casatravis.org or call 512.459.2272. You must be at least 21 years of age and be able to pass extensive reference, Child Protective Services and criminal background checks before becoming a CASA volunteer. You cannot be a current foster parent or be in the process of adopting a child from Child Protective Services.
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Ballet’s Greatest Comedy
UT Global Ethics and Conflict Resolution Summer Symposium for High School Students Experience life at UT this summer and enjoy lectures with distinguished faculty Stay overnight in a dorm for a week’s session or just come for the day Learn how international mediators, successful business people, effective diverse groups, & happy families handle differences
Participate in panels with community leaders and UT student leaders
Choreography: Arthur Saint-Léon | Music: Léo Delibes Musical Accompaniment by The Austin Symphony
Mentors are specially trained UT students Rates $495-$1040 • Scholarships available www.utpcr.org • 471-1950
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May 7, 8 ~ 8pm May 9 ~ 3pm THE LONG CENTER
Attention all high school students
Make videos and create Internet magazines
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Tickets starting at $27. Visit www.balletaustin.org or call 512.476.2163
Education Underwriter
Celebrate Asian American Contributions to American History By Yvonne Lim Wilson
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month was created in 1978 by Congress to commemorate the contributions of people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the United States. May is an excellent month to get to know the diverse Asian American cultures and organizations in Austin.
to assimilate. They felt they were American first and then had their Chinese heritage. It shows how people adapted to being Asian in Austin and integrated into our city. I know there are more stories that are hidden and yet to be discovered. YLW: What are some interesting facts you discovered in researching Asian Americans in Austin? EC: Because of the Chinese Exclusion Act, they couldn’t readily borrow money from banks. They faced a lot of difficulties getting loans. They built these networks—we have the ledgers of these loans—and they lent money to other Chinese, even African Americans and Mexican Americans. It was a sort of first Chamber of Commerce, an informal way of advancing the growth of minority businesses in Austin.
This month, the Austin History Center presents the photo exhibit “Pioneers from the East: First Chinese Families in Austin,” highlighting the contributions of such families in Austin. The exhibit runs through October 17 at the Austin History Center, 810 Guadalupe Street. Curated by Esther Chung, the Asian American Neighborhood Liaison for the City of Austin, the exhibit displays select photos from as early as 1910 and documents dating back as far as 1892. Since 2007, Chung has been collecting oral histories, photographs, letters and other documents related to Asian Americans and their history in Austin. Chung shares her thoughts about Asian Pacific American Heritage Month as well as information about the photo exhibit in this interview for TODO Austin. YLW: What was your inspiration for the exhibit? EC: It’s the first presence of Asians in Austin. It shows the kind of work they did. Because there were so few Chinese back then, they really had
YLW: What are your thoughts about Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in general? EC: The most important thing is it’s still being uncovered. It’s not been talked about for so long because it wasn’t valued. Before for APA Heritage Month I might have seen a show on TV, but I never attended the festivals because I didn’t care. But now I see that we have to know how we got here and look back through history to know what to do to change things. YLW: What is your goal with the exhibit? EC: What I love is when families come
and see themselves and realize their lives mean something. When you elevate their significance in society, that pride will come out. When their names and contributions end up in textbooks, generations will learn about what Asian Americans did, that way it won’t just be a month. It will be every day. “Pioneers from the East” represents a face of Austin integrated into our greater history, not segmented. These are everyday business people doing hard work. They were the first ones in the city to do many things and despite disproportionate obstacles, they succeeded. Whether enjoying this exhibit or other upcoming events during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we encourage you to celebrate Austin citizens of all different cultures and backgrounds as a collective part of American history. Yvonne Lim Wilson is founder and publisher of Asian Austin at www. AsianAustin.com, an online news magazine featuring news about Asian American people, organizations and events in Austin. Contact Yvonne at yvonne@asianaustin.com.
A historical photo of Lee and William Ng on display at the Austin History Center AR.2009.063(034), Ng Family Papers, Austin History Center
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!!! All outdoor shows are “weather permitting”
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1412 S. Congress Avenue • Austin, Texas 78704 Open Weekdays 11am-11pm; Weekends 8am-11pm
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Jenn Acosta fronts the funk-punk rock band Baby Got Bacteria. A skilled mariachi violinist/vocalist who occasionally plays fiddle with Pure Luck, she’s recorded with Grupo Fantasma and Brownout. Brandon Ramiro Badillo
To celebrate Latino Music Month, TODO Austin gathered some of the brightest and best artists on the widely diverse Latin music forefront in Austin. Collectively, they represent a number of different genres being covered by local Latino musicians; from traditional cumbia to indie en Español, from funk and folkloric to AlternaLatin. Emerging from the shadows cast by such established Austin Latino luminaries as Alejandro Escovedo and David Garza, there’s a generation on the rise with their own following and style, as varied and colorful as the city itself. Members of each of these groups, including Bobby Garza and Nelson Valente of Maneja Beto, Gian Ortiz of Amplified Heat, Enrique Rumiche and Liza McCown of La Guerilla, Martin Perna of Ocote Soul Sounds, Jenn Acosta, Haydn Vitera and Scarlett Olson gathered to have their photo taken by Mark Guerra (cover), and many of them shared their thoughts on the evolving Latin music scene with TODO Austin’s Brandon Ramiro Badillo. What is the most exciting thing to happen to Latinos in music in Austin lately? Gian Ortiz | Amplified Heat: There’s more attention now toward Latinos playing rock and roll. We’ve always been playing rock and roll, and not crossover stuff, or pop rock like Maná. More like 60s rock and roll, garage and blues—heavy, tough, moving music. There are more grenudos out there. Bobby Garza | Maneja Beto: The continued perseverance of Maneja Beto has always been a source of inspiration to us. As one blogger put it, “they’re the best band you’ve never heard.” (Ouch!) Honestly, it’s just good to see other bands being recognized as Latino artists—regardless of what type of music they play. We see a ton of good artists in this town, but the “scene,” for lack of a better word, is a lot bigger and better than it was when we first started playing live almost eight years ago. Enrique Rumiche | La Guerilla: I think that the hype on Austin as a music city galore is helping everyone around. The festivals, the venues, the bands, the TV shows. That buzz definitely has grown immensely throughout the last few years in big part thanks to the media and the Internet. Now we have Latin festivals, Hispanic magazines, and people are noticing the growth of an artistic and musical city. Martin Perna | Ocote Soul Sounds: In general there is a lot more attention paid to Austin from the rest of the world because of South by Southwest and the Austin City Limits Music Festival, and this helps Latin music, even though it is still marginalized quite a bit at these events. It is important to give a lot of credit to the Grupo Fantasma family and all the musical contributions that their active and ex-members have given to the city. There are some good groups, such as Mitote and Buscando el Monte who are bringing more roots rhythms such as Son Jarocho and conga habanera to a much larger audience, updating and keeping those rhythms fresh while maintaining the essential flavor. Scarlett Olson: There is a large community of Latinos from every Spanish speaking country in the world that regularly come together for music and dance in Austin. One of my favorite places is Esquina Tango; a venue located in East Austin. There are many great groups; two of my long time favorites are Charanga
Cakewalk and The Brew, but I’ll be going to Pachanga Festival to discover more. Haydn Vitera: There have definitely been some great things happening for the Latino artist here recently. A few examples: Univision’s “Premios Texas” including a local artist award in its nationwide broadcast, the Pachanga Festival, World Music Night at Momo’s and the emergence of companies/organizations like Go Hispano and Vaca Roja Productions that are really getting behind the local artist and producing/ promoting great shows. The wheels are turning, baby! What are the challenges specific to new music performed by Latinos being heard in Austin? Jenn Acosta: The Latin genre is so broad, and fans of the music have broad musical tastes. Saying you like Latin music is like saying, “I like Mexican food.” Okay, but there are lots of different kinds of Mexican food- Tex-Mex, Southwest, Interior. Latin music is the same. It can be folk, rock, cumbia/salsa, even funk. Categorizing all these forms into just “Latin music” limits exposure—festivals and clubs book a minimal number of Latin acts to satisfy that niche. There are a lot of niches in that niche. We need more flavor! Also, I don’t feel like there are enough Latin music festivals, here and internationally. I don’t really feel like Latin music has a home in Austin. I’ve heard so many stories about the Empanada Parlour and the days of a young Grupo Fantasma, and the sweaty throw-down intimacy of that place. I missed out. And now I crave that. But we are fortunate to have some Latin festivals here in Austin. Pachanga has some really great acts lined up for this year, as well as Bemba Entertainment’s Xemumba. I played the first one, and it was magical. It was intimate, it was local. There was a great group of musicians, their friends, fans and lovers of Latin music gettin’ down at the Compound on East 4th Street under strung up lights. There was a taco truck up in there serving up food. It was a backyard party. Bobby Garza: For a lot of us, the challenge is that we’re Latinos in the States. That’s a strange place to be, but a common arc—we’re not Latino enough to get the attention of the Latin music industry because we’re from here, but too Latin to be called anything else. It was once written about us, we sing only in Spanish so it’s not for everyone—which is an amazing thing to say given the type of town in which we play music. Austin prides itself on being diverse and accepting of so many things, but for some reason the fact that we sing in Spanish, speak both English and Spanish, and are from here trips people up. Enrique Rumiche: The biggest challenge for Latino musicians in Austin is the stereotype of Latin music being “brown”. I’m originally from Peru, and I grew up listening to Nirvana, European techno, Sinatra, AfroPeruvian music, Merengue and more. So just because I don’t write a “cumbia” or “salsa” song means that I’m not Latino? I think that if Latin blogs, mags and media in general emphasized the quality of the artists, asking questions like “what is this person (of Latin descent, or born there) bringing to the table?” instead of emphasizing the “pride” factor it would help more. Martin Perna: I don’t think there are enough steady venues for the music. One of the hardest things is the need to constantly carve out a space for ourselves in places that are more rock-oriented. Sometimes
it’s harder get people to come out. There is also a large chasm between the music scene and newer immigrant populations, as well as connecting with all the students at UT. Haydn Vitera: With the non-Latino, non-Spanishspeaking market, the main challenge is ignorance. Too many people still think of Latin music as just mariachi, regional Mexican, or salsa. I can’t tell you how many times I’m asked by people (especially those that have known me since my days playing in country bands) if I’m doing that “Tejano rock thing” now. I think once people open up their minds and ears to everything that is Latin music and particularly Rock AlterLatino they will find a whole new experience they can relate to, even if they don’t speak Spanish...not that it’s all in Spanish of course! On a positive note, at least the Austin Music Awards divides things up into Latin Traditional and Latin Rock, but that still leaves so many diverse genres lumped together in one little box. Another challenge lies with the Spanishspeaking público here in Austin. It seems that when a big name like Jaguares or Cafe Tacuba comes to Austin, all our gente come out of the woodwork and pack out the venues. But for the local, original, independent artist the crowds are hard to come by. What would you most like to see happen in Austin regarding world (or) Latin music? Jenn Acosta: There is a lot of great Latin music coming out of Austin, and people need to hear it. All I could hope for is some hometown national success for my friends, a home for Latin music in Austin and for us to be able to make a living making music, and do it better. The world needs the vibrations musicians create, and for people to keep creating and contributing to the scene. It’s growing; we gotta keep on supporting each other and collaborating.
Amplified Heat is three Colombian brothers now based in Austin. Their loud, raucous, Texas boogie, blues and rock n roll sound is distinctive and relentless. La Guerrilla is an international, experimental, rowdy pop rock tour de force of world music out of Austin who blend sounds from different backgrounds and hemispheres, from reggae to gypsy, Latin, shuffle and folk punk. Maneja Beto are five vatos who call their music “indie en Español.” It’s an accurate description. From long walks on the beach, piña coladas and getting caught in the rain they dive into intense discussions of Chicanos’ search for ontological meaning. Ocote Soul Sounds is a funk ensemble with deep folkloric influences ranging from Mexico to Cuba to Peru. Founded by Martin Perna and Adrian Quesada, the group is recording its fourth studio album, to be released fall 2010 on ESL Music.
Gian Ortiz: TO GET PAID! That goes for all the bands that are working hard out there trying to get heard! Martin Perna: 1. An all-Spanish new music radio station 2. Better representation at ACL 3. A multi-day festival that showcases a wide variety of Latin music from both local and international acts, new groups and legends. Scarlett Olson: I would love to see more Austinbased Latin music talent reach the global stage. We have extraordinary talent that is appreciated here, but needs more exposure around the country. It will happen. Austin tends to keep its talent here, which is understandable (it’s a hard place to leave) but we need to get out there more. Haydn Vitera: I would love to see the Latin scene firmly established here in Austin. As artists, we need to come together and support each other...putting together shows of the same genre and shows of mixed genres. Cross-promotion is vital. I would like to see the Austin audience come together as a community on a larger scale and come to these shows. Finally I want to see the “big” venues in town give the new local original Latin bands and their fans the opportunity to come in and show them that there is incredible music here with an incredible fan base behind it!
Scarlett Olson’s soft bilingual vocals are the perfect match for collaboration with Michael Ramos on their unique sound, which combines traditional Latin music, cha-cha-cha and cumbia with dance beats and reggae undertones. Haydn Vitera blends old school American rock with Latin sounds and grooves. Big guitars, powerful vocals and pop rock lyrics in Spanish, English and Spanglish are topped off with his signature Viper Violin.
TODO Austin // may 2010 // TOdoaustinonline.com 07
Pachanga2010 By Katie Walsh
The third annual Pachanga Latino Music Festival will showcase Austin’s ascending Latin music community, Tejano music legends and rising artists from throughout Pan America. Framed in the heart of East Austin, Texas’ first Latin-themed music, cultural arts and food festival will be a colorful scene of activity at Fiesta Gardens on Friday evening, May 21, and all day Saturday, May 22.
Literally translating to “lively party,” Pachanga was founded in 2007 by Rich and Elaine Garza to showcase a “vibrant blend of Latinocreated music and art” and to create a platform for upcoming and aspiring artists to learn and succeed in the business. “Our vision is to bring the Latino community together for a day of celebration and to create opportunities that typically don’t exist for Latino artists,” Rich Garza said. After its first year at Waterloo Park, the festival found a fitting new home at Fiesta Gardens in the majority-Latino Holly
Pachanga Info
Neighborhood. The move qualified the festival for City funds from the Holly Good Neighbor Cultural Arts Program, passed in 1995 to amend the many years of neighborhood hazard and health risk posed by the late Holly Street Power Plant.
It was the uniqueness of Pachanga’s approach to festivals, which was unprecedented in its inclusion of a youth education component, that helped it secure the funds via a Council-wide vote. “What really sold me was the organizers’ idea to bring festival artists into neighborhood schools,” Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez said. On Saturday, Pachanga features a Niño’s Rock stage, where artists and children interact in performances and cultural activities. The informally-dubbed “Holly School Tour” will then bring several of the festival’s performing artists to East Austin schools later in the year, providing two-day music workshops.
Friday May, 21
Tickets - Available from Front Gate Tickets (www.frontgatetickets. com) and at the door. Daily general admission:$20 • Four pack (four general admission tickets):$60 • VIP package for Friday:$30 VIP package for Saturday:$50 • 2-day VIP package:$75 Where - Fiesta Gardens, 2101 Jesse Segovia, Austin, TX 78702. Directions - Take IH35, EXIT Cesar Chavez St./Go EAST on Cesar Chavez St./Turn RIGHT onto Chicon St. Festival entry is at corner of Chicon and Jesse E. Segovia St. For public transportation see www.capmetro.org Time - Doors open at 6:30pm on Friday; 12pm on Saturday Parking - Street parking around the site (inc. Waller, Nash Hernandez, and Comal Streets). Handicap parking available adjacent to VIP area. Please respect the neighborhood and “no parking” signs, as violators will be towed. Secure bike racks will be available.
Students will participate in various workshops and then join the artists on stage for an interactive concert, a first-time experience with live music for many students. This year, the tour hits Metz Elementary, Sanchez Elementary and Martin Middle Schools. “One of the best things I saw walking around the festival last year was families from the neighborhood walking from their homes to Fiesta Gardens. I can’t imagine they felt the festival was not for them,” Martinez said. In its short lifespan, Pachanga has donated nearly $20,000 in cash and tickets to various community organizations, including the Austin Latino Music Association (ALMA), The Austin Children’s Museum and Anthropos Arts. This year, the festival benefits FuturoFund, which empowers members of the community to collectively make and award grants to deserving organizations. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and noon on Saturday.
Saturday May, 22
PATIO STAGE
PAVILLION STAGE
PATIO STAGE
HIERBA STAGE
Mariachi Las Altenas (7:30)
24-7 (12:30)
Brian Lopez (12:45)
Vitera (1:30)
(San Antonio, TX)
(Victoria, TX)
(Tucson, AZ)
(Austin, TX)
Pacha Massive (8:50)
Willie Alvarado (1:30)
Making Movies (2:15)
Pinata Protest (3:00)
(New York, NY)
(San Angelo, TX)
(Kansas City, MO)
(San Antonio, TX)
Brownout (10:20)
Tortilla Factory (3:00)
Carla Morrison (3:45)
Amplified Heat (4:30)
(Austin, TX)
(Austin, TX)
(Tecate, MX)
(Austin, TX)
Y La Orkesta (4:30)
Pilar Diaz (5:15)
Pacha Massive (6:00)
(Tucson, AZ)
Los Angeles, CA)
(New York, NY)
Vallejo (6:00)
David Garza (6:45)
Girl in a Coma (7:30)
(Austin, TX)
(Austin , TX)
(San Antonio, TX)
Grupo Fantasma (7:30) featuring Larry Harlow
Hacienda (8:15)
Bomba Estereo (9:00)
(San Antonio, TX)
(Bogota, Colombia)
Family friendly - All ages event. Children twelve (12) and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. Saturday features Niño’s Rock Pachanga, an interactive kids activity area featuring kid-centric performances by Pachanga artists and cultural activities. Personal items permitted - One sealed bottle of water per person, blankets, cell phones, strollers (for children four years and younger), cameras (still shot only), backpacks, purses (regular size) and binoculars. Personal items prohibited - Food and beverages, pets, guns, knives/weapons, wallet chains, glass, alcohol, illegal substances, pets, video cameras, folding chairs, framed or large backpacks.
(Austin, TX/NYC)
Roberto Pulido y Los Classico (9:00) (Edinberg, TX)
More Info - www.pachangafest.com
DJ DUS (10:15) (Corpus Christi, TX) subject to change
Pachanga festival grounds
Parking Lot B
Berg man Ave
Artist Check-in Parking Lot A
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08 TODO Austin // may 2010 // TOdoaustinonline.com
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Parking Lot C
Mariachi Las Alteñas {San Antonio} Considered Texas’ finest all female mariachi outfit, Las Alteñas has been captivating audiences throughout the United States since 2002. Ten remarkably talented women are brought together by their passion to perform and promote the majesty of mariachi. Known for their exceptional stage presence, musical performances and strong harmonious vocals, Mariachi Las Alteñas appeals to audiences of all generations and heritages.
Vallejo {Austin} For the Vallejo brothers, Latin infused rock and roll is a family affair. The siblings, who make up three-fifths of Vallejo, were raised on rock and roll, preceded by a rich Mexican and Guatemalan upbringing. The band has toured extensively around the U.S. and Mexico, sharing the stage with acts like Fuel, Stone Temple Pilots, 3 Doors Down, The Foo Fighters, Matchbox 20, and Los Lobos. They recently took home the award for “Best Rock Band” at the Texas Latin Music Awards.
Bombasta {San Antonio} These are the new sounds from the street, the underground beats, horn lines out of a passing car, a call to resistance. This post modern collective is the sound of the times, the sound of a generation who grew up on both hip hop and cumbias, Rock Steady and rancheras, soul and salsa. Originating out of the art warehouses in the barrios of San Antonio in 2003, Bombasta have progressed to spreading their vision of positivity, liberation and good music.
Grupo Fantasma featuring Larry Harlow {Austin} The progressive genius of Grupo Fantasma, now in the tenth year of its long and intriguing musical journey, comes to life on “El Existential,” set for a May 11th release on Nat Geo Music. Known as the funkiest, finest and hardest working Latin orchestra to come out of the U.S. in the last decade, the band has garnered critical acclaim worldwide for their adventurous albums, prudent songwriting and unprecedented live shows. Their last effort, the Grammy nominated “Sonidos Gold” (2008), further trademarked the ensemble’s innovative sound.
Brownout {Austin} Before forming the Latin rock/salsa band Grupo Fantasma, guitarists Adrian Quesada and Beto Martinez, bassist Greg Gonzalez, trumpeter Gilbert Elorreaga, sax player Josh Levy, trombonist Leo Gauna, drummer Johnny Lopez, and conguero Matthew “Sweet Lou” Holmes were known as the funk band Blimp. Culling inspiration from groups like Santana and P-Funk, Brownout’s full-length debut, “Homenaje,” was released in 2008, which led to an Austin Music Award for Best Latin Contemporary Band. Los Bandidos {Austin} Best known from their work at Austin’s DJ Dojo record store and through music projects such as Afrofreque and Starlynx, Los Bandidos’ remix work can be found on their remarkable EP, “Viva La Remix, Vol. 1.” The release, the duo’s first run on wax, features four thumpin’ tracks: a dubby downtempo remix of the Beatles’ “Come Together,” a funky breaks remix of DeeeLite’s “Groove is in the Heart,” a bass-heavy Janet Jackson remix, and a mash-up of Hall & Oates and Lyrics Born. 24-7 {Victoria, TX} The slinky bluesy funk of 24-7 comes from this band formed by brothers Nikko and Mateo Vallejo. 24-7 is on a mission to make some noise on the Texas music scene and show the music world that “the rhythm is in the blood.” 24-7 is currently solidifying its line-up with plans to start recording their debut CD (to be produced by award winning Austin band and uncles, Vallejo). Willie Alvarado {San Angelo, TX} Blessed with one of the most enchanting voices you will hear in modern music today, Willie Alvarado’s mesmerizing versions of Mexican classics (beautifully recorded by the Vallejo brothers and Rick Del Castillo) are sure to introduce a whole new generation of listeners to some of the most important songs of our time and in the process, possibly create one of Latin America’s rising new superstars. Tortilla Factory {Austin} Nominated for a 2009 Grammy, the band has proved one of the most unique Texas acts since the 70s. Arguably the top Texas Chicano band going, they blend American music with Mexican folkloric songs (rancheras). Tony “Ham” Guerrero, considered one of the greatest trumpet players to come from Texas/Chicano music, leads the band as singer and musical director. He and Bobby Butler are charter members of the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame. His son, singer/composer Alfredo Antonio, also has a promising future. Y La Orkestra {Tucson, AZ} Indie-Mambo is a great characterization for the twelve plus member band Y La Orkesta. Sergio Mendoza masters the fevered complexities of Mambo to infuse it with the jangly funkiness of modern rock, traditional Cuban rhythms, jazz and Big Band harmonic sophistications. The result is thick, luscious arrangements that are killer on the dance floor because of their fire-cracking crisp beats and unconventional guitar work. Impressive work for a band that was recently formed.
Roberto Pulido y Los Classico {Edinberg, TX} A seminal force in the development of Tex-Mex music, the Tejano star formed his backing band Los Clasicos in 1974, honing a distinctive and innovative sound fusing the traditional Tejano orquesta brass style with accordion-based Conjunto. He’s remained at the forefront of the Tejano industry throughout the years, issuing dozens of LPs and notching countless hit singles. His music is defined as a hybrid of traditional Mexican rancheras, polkas and cumbias, updated with blues and pop country, Pulido is affectionately known as “El Primo.” Brian Lopez {Tucson, AZ} The twenty-something Hispanic/Polish Lopez has toured the country several times with his main project, Mostly Bears. A Nevada gig was picked by Las Vegas Weekly as one of the top 5 concerts of 2008, and the band made it to the final round of Zig Zag Live, and played at CMJ and SXSW, garnering much praise for their unique and captivating brand of ‘Desert Space Rock.’ Making Movies {Kansas City, MO} This rising band’s goal is to create New Wave Salsa: music with Afro-Cuban grooves supporting melodies played with the swagger of rock and roll. Enrique Javier Chi, Brendan Culp, Nic Kolar, and Juan Carlos Chaurand recently toured with Latin Alternative legends and Grammy winners Aterciopelados, and released the “Libertad” single and video, the first in a series of singles leading up to their debut album. Carla Morrison {Tecate, Mexico} Morrison is a one woman band armed with a keyboard, guitar, microphone and an imagination that allows her to weave a magical spell. Utilizing a precise sense of timing, Morrison uses loops to craft songs, one example being the sparse beginnings of “Valentina” which swells to an orchestra combining her voice and delicate instrumentation. Her latest 6-song EP introduces Morrison as an exciting newcomer on the scene. Pilar Diaz {Los Angeles} Chilean-born and California-bred, Díaz is a talented singer-songwriter whose life highlights her many interests. During and after college, she worked with composer Danny Elfman on numerous soundtracks, and her vocals appear in films like “Spiderman” and “Sleepy Hollow.” Her rock band, Los Abandoned, is a bilingual new wave outfit whose debut album has been lauded everywhere from the LA Times to Perez Hilton. David Garza {Austin} Garza was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame this year. From his early days as frontman of the popular trio Twang Twang Shock-a-Boom, he has been one of the most important artists of his generation in Texas music. The American singer-songwriter infuses rock and pop with a Latin feel and his myriad recordings feature a vocal style which has drawn comparisons to Freddie Mercury, Jeff Buckley, Donovan and Robert Plant.
Hacienda {San Antonio} The buzz surrounding Hacienda may signal a rebirth of young rock and roll, with emphasis on the “roll.” Formed by cousins Abraham Villanueva and Dante Schwebel together with Abraham’s brothers Jaime and Rene Villanueva, this Mexican-American quartet blends a raw yet sophisticated style of pop music with harmonies reminiscent of the Beatles and Beach Boys. Under Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys watch, the band has written and arranged more than twenty songs in preparation for their debut album. DJ Dus {Corpus Christi} DJ Dus is one of Texas’ most in-demand deejays, performing from Corpus Christi to Houston to Austin. His work at Iron Gate and Speakeasy during South by Southwest this year was stellar, and he continues to gain followers at events such as Pachanga 2010. Vitera {Austin} Fronted by Haydn Vitera, this hot new group was born in the land of “crossover.” The band’s unique fusion of styles simultaneously brings a sexy Latin edge to American Rock and a decidedly American edge to Latin Alternative. Big guitars, passionate lyrics, powerful vocals and screaming rock violin make Vitera’s sound instantly addictive and sure to win fans on both sides of the fence. Piñata Protest {San Antonio} Piñata Protest is an accordion powered punk rock-y-roll band. The band played their first show in January of 2006 and have since released a self-titled 10 track EP and a unique music video while performing everywhere from Chicago’s Latino Fest to live performances on San Antonio’s KYSM radio station. Amplified Heat {Austin} The trio consists of brothers Jim, Chris and Gian Ortiz, who have been playing music together since they were kids. Amplified Heat have been catching the attention of fans running the gamut from rock and roll to blues, from punk to jazz, and country enthusiasts too across the country. Their electrifying sound and relentless stage act emits a truly menacing blues rock sound from two massive walls of fender cabinets and a vintage Ludwig drum kit. Pacha Massive {New York City} Nacional Records artist Pacha Massive’s sophomore album, “If You Want It,” was a brilliant follow-up to the group’s critically-acclaimed 2007 debut “All Good Things.” Their signature funky bilingual fusion of dub and electronica blends with Latin rhythms like cumbia and palo. The collaboration between Dominicanborn Nova (keys/guitar /writer/producer) and Colombian-born Maya (writer/bass) creates an overall universal message and vibe that’s a common theme throughout their music. Girl in a Coma {San Antonio} Jenn Alva, Phanie Diaz and Nina Diaz gigged for three years at punk rock clubs, building up a solid and loyal fan base across the country. Championed by Joan Jett and songwriting partner and producer Kenny Laguna, the band was signed to Jett’s Blackheart Records. GIAC’s 2007 debut album, “Both Before I’m Gone,” was a critical hit reaching No. 23 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart and No. 21 on iTunes. They’ve been headlining shows in venues coast-to-coast since. Bomba Estereo {Bogotoa, Colombia} Psychedelic cumbia is the style of this group, a musical project formed by Simón Mejía with singer Liliana Saumet in 2005, whose work represents a new sound coming from Colombia. Their music merges folk sounds from the Colombian Caribbean coast like cumbia, bullerengue and champeta mixed with electronica, reggae and hip-hop, producing an explosive dance sound. Live shows feature four musicians combined with live video projections. 09 TODO Austin // may 2010 // TOdoaustinonline.com
Bemba Beat
Grupo Fantasma
get Existential with Fifth Release By Brandon Ramiro Badillo
photo by Daniel Perlaky
With musical influences from cumbia and salsa to funk and reggae, Grupo Fantasma is an independent grassroots success story and has been a principal force on the Austin Latin music scene for over a decade. The funky, hard working orchestra has achieved critical acclaim worldwide for their live shows, adventurous albums and songwriting talent. On the home front, their performances at venues such as the Empanada Parlour in the early 2000s are legendary; it was the place to be, the patio packed shoulder-to-shoulder with dancers moving and grooving to the “salsa” band’s funky repertoire. Their most recent release, “Sonidos Gold,” earned them a Grammy nomination; they have been featured on NPR’s “Day to Day” and PRI’s “The World,” and held top ten status for several months on the CMJ radio charts. Grupo’s fifth full length release, “El Existential,” will be released on May 11 after a two night stand at Antone’s on May 7-9. “El Existential” was recorded from start to finish in a rented house by the group, the decision inspired partly for financial considerations but mostly due to creative reasons; they’d never had the opportunity to write and develop songs in the studio, and it was crucial to the band to start as fresh as possible for the project. Group founder Adrian Quesada explains that the band set out to create at least half of the album material in the studio (from sketches and demos) to accomplish three things: take them out of their comfort zone, challenge them and bring them together. “I also felt it was necessary to have as many different songwriters in the band as possible,” Quesada said of the recording process. “Half the members ended up writing tunes on the record, with some even making their songwriting debut. Lyrically and conceptually, the theme wound up presenting itself as the record came together.” Externally, fans will find that “El Existential” is more adventurous and has a sense of immediacy and urgency that previous records don’t. “I love the idea of the record having a completely unique sound, as it has the sound and character of the little house we rented and the instruments and effects we built, which no other record will ever have,” said Quesada, who loved the “huge, roomy sound” of “Sonidos Gold,” and wanted to stay with that aesthetic, while also incorporating a musical frame of mind that included the instrumental abrasiveness of The Beatles’ “Revolver.” “Lyrically, I feel like the band is getting stronger and stronger as time passes,” said Quesada. “The themes on the record reflect the state of mind of many of the members and of the band itself at this point in time, hence the title.” This year marks a decade together for the group, and many of the members are now raising families while making continued sacrifices to keep the band going. A rough year for the band both personally 10 TODO Austin // may 2010 // TOdoaustinonline.com
and professionally, they came to a crossroads in 2009 and used the record to express recent struggles and emotional turmoil. Without intending to arrive at this state of mind, Grupo realized they had written a record with an underlying existential theme, one which questioned internally and externally. “Fans with a lyrical interest will find it to be a “deeper” record than we’ve ever released, and those into the songwriting itself will notice the majority of the record steps out of the box,” Quesada said. As their success grows, the group’s tremendous friendship shines through in both live performances and recordings. Knowing how to laugh and not take themselves too seriously is the secret, according to Quesada. “That’s obviously part of Los Amgios’ approach, and why they’re still around too,” he said of the family-like energy that the group shares with their colleagues Los Amigos Invisibles. If the secret to their friendship is humor, the secret to their modesty is the continual struggle to stay ahead financially. Bouncing checks and using lines of credit, playing weddings, private parties and bowling alleys all serve to keep the group humble. Side projects are “a huge part of Grupo’s evolution. It keeps us from being stuck in our little bubble and challenges us musically and creatively,” said Quesada. They also do a good deal of work as hired players, or “side work,” including horn sessions for Spoon’s Jim Eno, work with Daniel Johnston and commercials and studio sessions for the band Chicago. Project ideas within the group run the gamut, from metal aspirations to trombone salsa dura (hard salsa) to Turkish funk, but if Grupo’s success continues, it might be a few years before any of these ideas see the light of day. As Austin has changed over the past decade, so has Grupo. The culture, energy and fun of their live show has allowed them to prosper through the years, even as venues closed, DJ culture grasped 6th Street, and their fan base scattered east and west. When the band played those early Empanada Parlour shows, they were in their early twenties. Years of Friday nights on the road have
tempered them, and they’ve all grown and had to make lifestyle adjustments to prevent burnout. “We’re getting older, wiser, more patient, a little more refined, maybe even crankier, but we’re trying to do it as gracefully as we can,” Quesada said. Quesada feels that Austin’s current music scene is a good reflection of what is happening in the city itself, growing in diverse and different directions. “As much respect as I have for the music Austin has really been known for the last few decades, from the major icons like Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughan to the Butthole Surfers and Roky Erickson, it seems the majority of the music world still associates Austin with one of two things; SRV or SXSW,” he said. At the same time, Quesada sees that things are shifting, and people are recognizing Austin as the home of a great variety of international acts; Spoon, The Sword, White Denim, DJ Chicken George and David Garza to name a few. “Altogether, it’s a much more accurate representation of the city itself,” Quesada continued.
Accent Art
By Mia Garcia
Shakespeare in Zilker Park Returns
Ballet Austin’s Dolled Up for Coppélia
Miró Quartet Hooks ATX Tones
Austin Symphony Orchestra’s May Sway
Will’s classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream takes on a 1960s rock ‘n roll edge as Austin Shakespeare presents the 25th year of free Shakespeare in Zilker Park. The show, featuring a four piece rock band live on stage, will run in Zilker Hillside Theatre through the end of May. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a magical story of young lovers who flee the conservative world to the forest, where they are enchanted by Fairies. Simultaneously, a group of comic workmen, including a mailman, a plumber and a waitress on roller skates, are also beset by the Fairies in the forest. Michael McKelvey and Cesar Osorio composed original music inspired by 1960s groups like The Animals and a pop singers like Petula Clark. Audience members are encouraged to dress in 60s-era clothes. Thursdays-Sundays 8 p.m. (except for Mother’s Day, May 9, when there will be a 2 p.m. matinee instead). For info, go to www.austinshakespeare.org.
Leave it to Ballet Austin to create a special treat for Mother’s Day weekend. The great comedic ballet masterpiece, Coppélia, will be performed at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, featuring the score of Léo Delibes, performed live by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. The ballet centers around Coppélia, a lovely girl that is actually a life-sized, dancing doll. Franz, a young man about to be wed, falls for Coppélia and chaos ensues when his intended dresses as the doll to dance for Franz. Even the doll maker gets into the act when he believes his Coppélia is alive. A classic boy meets doll story, Coppélia was choreographed by Arthur Saint-Léon and premiered in Paris and Russia where it was an immediate success. Coppélia will dance into the Long Center, May 7-8 at 8 p.m., May 9 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $27-$77. Call 512.476.2163 or visit www.balletaustin.org for tickets and information.
The Miró Quartet will play with Lynn Harrel on cello, Sunday, May 9, 4 p.m. at Bates Recital Hall on the UT campus. Founded in 1995 at the Oberlin Conservatory, the Miró Quartet performs regularly in many of the world’s greatest concert halls. Currently Quartet-in-Residence at the Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music at UT Austin, the ensemble members teach private students as well as coach chamber music groups. Considered one of the highest-profile chamber groups, Miró has risen to the top of the international music scene in only a decade, captivating audiences around the world with its youthful intensity and mature interpretations. The San Francisco Chronicle says of the Miró Quartet, “Violinists Daniel Ching and Sandy Yamamoto, violist John Largess and cellist Joshua Gindele play with remarkable cohesiveness; the group’s joint efforts outstrip any individual contributions and together produce an ensemble tone that is smooth and alluring.” Tickets are $38. For info: texasperformingarts.org/event/Miró.
Grab a blanket and enjoy the music of the Austin Symphony Orchestra during the Hartman Concert Series. In its eighth season, these free ensemble concerts take place in the Hartman Concert Park in front of the Long Center City Terrace and run Sunday evenings from June 6-August 29 at 7:30 p.m. Each Sunday a different ensemble of the Austin Symphony will be featured, performing music from jazz and light classical to pops selections and film scores. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and blanket and make it a group outing. For an indoor setting, enjoy the music of artist, pianist and national media personality Christopher O’Riley, performing with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, May 14-15, 8 p.m. at the Long Center. The Washington Post says, “O’Riley played so delicately that he seemingly left no fingerprints on the keys, yet his melodies sung out with sweet clarity…” For tickets and information, go to www. austinsymphonyorchestra.org.
Japanese Culture Featured at Satsuki Matsuri Fest By Kathleen Fitzgerald
Taiko drums, traditional and festival Japanese dances and musical instruments, the beauty of the tea ceremony, Kendo swords -- all this will bring the artistry of Japanese culture to Central Texas during the fifth annual Satsuki Matsuri Japan May Festival. Organized by the Japan-America Society of Greater Austin (JASGA), the festival will run from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at O. Henry Middle School, 2610 W. 10th St.
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Entertainment will include demonstrations of Japanese musical instruments, Japanese martial arts, Austin Taiko and performances by the Hanayagi Japanese Dance Academy. Festival goers will experience Japanese Ennichistyle games and toys, calligraphy and origami workshops. The festival will also include a workshop for anyone interested in learning to make Sushi. One highlight of the festival will be the Japanese Tea Ceremony. JASGA President and Chairperson Kako Ito explained that the ceremony is “a quiet, reverent event, so to get the festival attendees in the proper, more relaxed mood, a classical music performance will precede the ancient rite of the Japanese Tea Ceremony.” Ito also stated that the festival attracts a wide audience from all ethnicities and cultures. “A group of students from the Liberal Arts and Science Academy of Austin that study Japanese along with their teacher will be attending as a class experience. Many young
families attend as a way to introduce Japanese culture, art and food to young children.” A silent auction and items for sale include massage therapy, spa visits, airline tickets, art collections, Anime Conference tickets, facials, dinner and lunch gift certificates to Japanese restaurants, kimonos, games, and Japanese goods and products. Japanese food and beverages will available for purchase from Tokyo Steak House & Sushi Bar and Coco’s Café. Exhibitors and vendors will include origami card & wall decoration, pottery, massage, Yakult samplers and more. Admission is free for members and children under 15. There will be a $5 charge for nonmembers; Japanese food and beverages will be available for purchase. The Japan-America Society of Greater Austin sponsors and produces the annual event and this year’s festival will benefit the JASGA and the Taniguchi Garden Revitalization Project. The JASGA provides volunteer support each year to help clean and maintain the Taniguchi Garden in Zilker Park. The Japan-America Society of Greater Austin Inc. is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization established to bridge the cultures of Japan and Central Texas through educational and cultural programs for its members and the Greater Austin community. For more information, visit www.jasga.org.
Corn as Culture:
MACC and MAMAZ Present the Art of Maize by Julia Lee
“El Maiz es Nuestra Vida/Maize Is Our Life” is a unique art exhibit at the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) in collaboration with the MAMAZ Collective: Mujeres Artistas y el Maiz/Women Artists and the Maize. The MAMAZ Collective is a group of women artists who initially came together out of concern for their traditional nutritional base, maize (corn). Maize from native seeds is threatened by genetic modification, climate changes, immigration and other cultural and political factors. MAMAZ Director Marietta Bernstorff launched the collective in 2007 when the price of corn tortillas nearly doubled in Mexico. Still a staple in the Mexican diet, this affected (especially poor) families all over the country. To address the importance of maize in everyday life and the disappearance of traditional seeds, Bernstorff invited 28 women artists to show their work in Oaxaca and coordinated an outreach program centered on maize as a nutritional and cultural part of Mexican life. Since that beginning, the “El Maiz es Nuestra Vida/Maize Is Our Life” exhibit has traveled and expanded to Cuba, the United States and Canada. Bernstorff reaches out to all women, regardless of background or culture, who are concerned about the origins of the food they need to feed their families. “It doesn’t matter where you come from. It matters that you’re being affected,” Bernstorff said.
In workshops accompanying the exhibit, Bernstorff encourages participants to tell a story about a food memory through art. Claudia Zapata, the curator for the installation at MACC, wants this exhibit to reflect a wide range of interpretation. Her statement reads, “These artists interweave motifs such as sustenance, renewal and rebirth juxtaposing the natural with the digital. Each piece identifies maize’s cyclical nature and addresses the characteristics of process and sequence in a declaration of environmental awareness.”
The “El Maiz es Nuestra Vida/Maize Is Our Life” exhibit runs through June 5th in the Main Gallery at the Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River Street, 512-478-6222. For more information, visit http://www.ci.austin. tx.us/macc.
Ash Cloud in Europe, Out on the Town in Austin By Alexandra M. Landeros
Because we didn’t exactly know when their last night in town would be, we treated every night as if it were their last. They are the kind of friends who carry a unique sprit and liveliness with them, and when they’re around, briefly you want to get as much of them as you can. I revisited one of my usual spots, Lovejoy’s, which I hadn’t been to in nearly six months, and a few new ones I hope to visit again soon. Our friend Randy Weeks, a roots rock songwriter who grew up in Minnesota, played music at the Irie Bean Coffeehouse at 2310 South Lamar. You can see him and various musical friends every Sunday from 5 - 8 p.m. for the rest of May. There’s no cover and the happy hour beer prices are some of the cheapest in town.
Grows Latinitas Programming for Young Latinas by Katie Walsh
Local non-profit Latinitas hosted the 3rd Annual “Fotos de mi Alma” (Photos of my Soul) exhibit on Thursday, April 15, raising over $15,000 in in-kind donations and cash. This will allow the organization, which offers after-school empowerment clubs and publishes a bilingual webzine written and read by young Latinas, to reach more than 200 new Latinitas per year. They currently serve over 3,500 young women.
We also went to an old favorite, Lovejoy’s, at 604 Neches Street for happy hour. We were disappointed that Ferret wasn’t there to make his infamous Mexican Martini with Old Bay Spice and other secret mixings, but I wound up ordering an equally delicious Bloody Mary for only $3.50. My final discovery was Annie’s Café and Bar on 319 Congress Avenue. Normally it’s above my budget, but we were lucky to have a $150 gift certificate. We splurged on shrimp Orleans, fried calamari with spicy sriracha sauce, steak frites, duck confit and salmon salad with a special slaw made of greens, apples, green beans and asparagus. That night, all bottles of wine were half off—we settled on a frugal $36 screw-top bottle of Pinot Noir, which turned out to be a heavenly choice. So next time there’s a major natural catastrophe, and you’re lucky enough to be far from it, you just might be compelled to experience something new. And as it turned out, instead of catching their original intended flight to Ireland on coach, they wound up on first class on a plane to Amsterdam. Cheers!
The event’s first live auction featured photographer Maria Madrigal, founder and editor of La Banda Elástica and included donations from Uchi Restaurant, Omni Hotel, portrait photographer Mariza Brussolo and photo artist Skip Hunt.
In 2007, the first “Fotos” exhibit and fundraiser consisted only of donations from volunteers. Since that time, the event has grown to attract internationally recognized photographers like University of Texas Photo Chair Donna DeCesare and the BBC’s Roberto (Bear) Guerra. “We’re selling less art, but making more money because the caliber of contributions has grown,” Latinitas co-founder and CEO Laura Donnelly Gonzales said, “and so has the attention from important Latinos in the Austin community.”
Chronicles of Undercover Mexican Girl:
After twelve years in Austin, I’ve become somewhat of a homebody. But ironically, when the recent Icelandic volcano’s massive ash cloud monstrously devoured Europe, I finally got out of the house. Two of my closest friends were going to be passing through town on their way to Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands for the next three months. Their flight was to leave the morning of Monday, April 19. Even though some flights had resumed, they were flying stand-by, so they got pushed to the bottom of the waiting list. They were indefinitely stuck in Austin until a flight turned up.
“Fotos”
This year’s special guest was keynote Kristina Guerrero, the first and only Latina correspondent on E! News. Guerrero described herself as a true Latinita, overcoming the challenges of growing up in poverty with a tenacious love for the camera and unbeatable determination. “Kristina so epitomizes what a Latinita is—she is genuine to the core and smart,” Donnelly Gonzales said. “I think this is what makes Latinitas thrive—that Latinitas who’ve ‘made it’ want to give back to their little sisters.”
Latinitas Board Chair Bibi Lobo with Kristina Guerrero of E! News. Photo by Brooke Maudlin.
In the spirit of Latinitas’ mission to empower Latina youth to express themselves creatively through media and technology, “Fotos” also affords Latinitas volunteers and club members the chance to showcase their talent side-by-side with professional photographers. “We dreamed six years ago of making a magazine and creating a force of junior Latina reporters and it came true,” Donnelly said. “I think if we dream big, we will do it!” For more information on Latinitas, visit www. latinitasmagazine.org.
Photo by Julia Walsh
By Julia Lee
flavor of rice and cinnamon. But horchata comes in all varieties. I’ve also had horchata that tasted like sweet milk, with a little vanilla and a hint of cinnamon. If I hadn’t ordered an “horchata” I would not have known I was tasting a rice drink. Now that it’s getting warmer (finally), it’s time to venture out and find something cool and refreshing to drink. If you’re tired of too-sweet soda and iced tea, or anything else with high fructose corn syrup, you have other options. “Aguas frescas;” the name itself is refreshing. These “fresh waters” blend fruit, water and sugar. You can make them with any fruit: watermelon, mango, strawberry, cantaloupe, honeydew, or pineapple for example. You can also make them with flowers (jamaica) and cereals (horchata). Basically, if you can blend it with water and sugar, you can make an agua fresca. Good ol’ fashioned lemonade is essentially an agua fresca: lemon juice with water and sugar. All of it just sings “summer!” on a hot day in Texas. My favorite agua fresca is horchata. The first time I had horchata, I thought I was drinking liquid rice pudding. This particular horchata had a strong
Recipes for horchata vary widely. The basics are: add water to rice and cinnamon and let them soak, blend it all together, strain it and sweeten to taste. How much water, rice, sugar and soaking time vary by recipe. The simplest recipes are made with rice, water, cinnamon and sugar. Some recipes have dairy in them (milk or evaporated milk). Some have ground almonds in the mix as well. It may be tasty, but pumping up the flavor with dairy and nuts honestly seems like a bit of a cheat. The milkiness is supposed to come from the rice and water. It’s an agua fresca, not a leche fresca (although fresh milk, unpasteurized, is delicious and oddly refreshing even if hard to come by. But that’s another topic).
Speaking of fresh water, Topo Chico Mineral Water is everywhere! You can’t move without running into a value-sized box of the beverage. And for good reason. It’s delicious. There are a lot of bottled mineral waters on the market, so it must be special to make it stand out. The reason: Topo Chico is smooth. There’s no tannic quality that some mineral waters have. It’s almost sweet on the tongue, but there’s not a drop of sugar in it.
If you’re lactose intolerant or just don’t like dairy, try a little horchata in your coffee instead of rice milk. Yum! (By the way, you’ll want to avoid an horchata recipe with dairy. And ignore my above comments about fresh milk.)
You drink it cold, but Topo Chico actually comes from a hot spring at the base of Topo Chico Mountain. Topo Chico has been bottled at the source since 1895. The word “topo” means mole. Not molé but mole. As in funny looking
Fresh made horchata, mango and watermelon aguas frescas at F&F Fruit Cups
furry creature. According to Topo Chico’s website, there’s a legend that the thermal waters of Mole Boy Mountain cured an Aztec princess and gave everyone else who took a dip in it vim and vigor, and it’s getting more popular in the states every day. Where can you get all of these refreshing beverages? Everywhere. Honestly there’s a smorgasbord of refrescas in Austin, from trailers to groceries and restaurants. El Chilito on Manor and F&F Fruit Cups on St. John’s and Cameron have great aguas frescas,. F&F’s horchata is also excellent, thick with cinnamon and very ricey. Pick your favorites. And sip. ¡Salud!
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By Blake Shanley
frame of reference
Healthy Food: Privilege of the Wealthy, or Basic Human Right?
With their freshly painted bright green-andyellow building and sexy sign, you can’t help but turn your head at Rio’s Brazilian Cafe’s new location. Farmer’s market veterans Ben Googins & Elias Martins have been selling their delicious Brazilian bites since 2006, and now serve from their own cafe. Traditional cheese bread, Pão de Queijo (nicknamed “cheesy poofs” by some) is one of Rio’s specialties. Made with yucca flour, these delicious breads have a light and delicate crust over a soft, cheesy center and make great gluten-free options. Traditional cheese bread is made with queijo minas cheese, and Rio’s Pão de Queijo comes in three flavors: original, roasted red pepper and basil.
If you would like to add a little bit of Brazilian to your meal at home, Ben and Elias share the recipe for their cheese breads. You can also pick up the dough frozen at a number of grocery stores in the Austin area. The recipe for this Brazilian treat is readily available, and it is fairly easy to make. In addition to their popular cheese breads, Rio’s also serves traditional Brazilian collard green soup called Caldo Verde and pastries filled with hearts-of-palm, shrimp, chicken, beef and spinach. If you haven’t tried any Brazilian food lately, Rio’s is the place to go for a little taste.
Ingredients: • 2 ½ cups of yucca flour, also known as tapioca or manioc starch • ½ teaspoon salt • 1 cups water • ¼ cup corn oil • 1 cup grated Parmesan
toxic. Our water is poisonous. Clean food is a specialty item. Nutrients are a hot commodity. Health is a privilege.
Running to Whole Foods to buy fresh, organic produce may well be beyond your means. Instead, you can probably afford geneticallymodified, pesticide-covered fruits and vegetables. You may not get to enjoy organic, free-range meats. Instead, you might buy the conventional, cheaper meats filled with steroids, antibiotics, hormones, bacteria and toxins. You probably won’t buy fresh, pure water straight from Fiji. To save money, you might drink tap water, which may contain chlorine, arsenic, heavy metals and parasites.
Does this sound right? Does this sound fair?
Organic shampoo, soap and lotion will be out of your price range. Instead, you will likely cover the largest organ in your body with phthalates, parabens and sulfates, which have been shown in recent studies to cause a plethora of diseases and illnesses, including cancer. If you are interested in alternative medicine, it’s likely you will not be able to go to an acupuncturist, naturopath, homeopath, chiropractor or kinesiologist to help actually heal and cure whatever ails you. Instead, you might go to a doctor who will merely prescribe the newest toxic wonder drug that might cover up your symptoms but not address the real cause for your illness. Our soil is dead. Our air is dirty. Our food is
• 1 cup milk • 2 eggs
Directions: Boil milk, water, oil and salt in a large pot. Turn off the heat. Mix in the tapioca starch with a heavy spoon or spatula. Do not use a whisk. Mix quickly as the mixture will become very thick and sticky quickly. Mixing the batter will become increasingly difficult. Allow this mixture to cool for ten minutes. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees as the mixture is cooling. Add two eggs to the mixture, mixing it in well. Once thoroughly combined, mix in the cheese. Line a pan or cookie sheet with parchment paper. Knead dough on a flat surface and roll small, two-ounce balls of dough with your hands. Place each ball about two inches apart on lined pan and bake for 18-20 minutes. Enjoy while hot. The dough can be frozen for future use. Pão de Queijo in three flavors at Rio’s Brazilian
photo by Jennie Chen
If you are poor, middle class, or a family of three on an average salary, sorry! You will find that being healthy presents a huge challenge.
Out of necessity, we trust that the laws of our country will protect us from harmful products, while we mass-consume, taking little responsibility for what we are doing to ourselves and to each other, asking few questions while we are hand-fed what is often false information. But thankfully, there is a movement brewing in our country and, quite impressively, in Austin; a movement of awareness and action toward a healthier life for everyone, not just for those who can afford it. Plant a garden, educate yourself, research, ask questions, stop taking whatever is handed to you, start talking to each other, recycle, trust your instincts, share information. The movement is occurring all around us, and it’s exciting and overdue. This is one bandwagon worth hopping onto.