TODO Austin October 2011

The high road.

Volume III, 6 | October 2011

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CASA

(Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County

V ol u nteer S potlight Bradley Pounds grew up in the tight-knit community of Wells, Texas, where he graduated as one of 12 in his class. Moving to Austin to attend UT at 19 was a huge culture shock, but he now says, “You couldn’t get me out of here with a crow bar!” Bradley lives with his partner and two dogs, Aida and Mouse, who

“make [him] laugh more than anything else can.” He hosts a radio show on KOOP about LGBT news and events, and also serves on the board for the Wright House Wellness Center.

Bradley works as a realtor, a role that he says made volunteering with CASA of Travis County a natural fit for him. “As a realtor, we basically advocate for our clients, representing their best interests. That’s exactly what I’m doing for my CASA youth,” says Bradley. As a volunteer Bradley says he works on cases “with no dog in the fight. I’m just there to build everyone up and bring everyone to the best possible solution for a child.” He feels that anyone looking for a volunteer role where they will truly be able to affect change in people’s lives should look no further than CASA. Bradley is working to bring other realtors into the CASA world as he feels that the flexible scheduling and adaptability of the career is perfect for volunteering. He and other realtors who volunteer with CASA will be hosting a booth at the upcoming Realty Round Up trade show on October 26 to recruit.

Bridge2Bridge

TODO Arts

OCTOBER --------------------------------------------------AnDa Union – Bass Concert Hall

From Montopolis Bridge to 360 Bridge, Everything Austin

Austin India Fine Arts presents a Blockbuster Jugalbandi on Sunday, October 2, 4:30 pm. at Westlake H.S. Auditorium. India’s ace flutist, Pandit Ronu Majumdar, and one of the world’s foremost carnatic vocalists, Dr. Padmavibhushan Balamuralikrishna, are synonymous with Indian classical music. The duet is joined by Abhijit Banerjee (tabla), B.U.Ganeshprasad (violin), and T. Murugabhoopathy (mridangam). austinifa.org ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------City Theatre kicks off its sixth season with Neil Simon’s “Rumors,” Sept. 29-Oct. 23 at 3823 Airport Blvd.

A crazy cast of characters joins a New York City deputy mayor and his wife to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary but find that the host has shot himself in the head (only a flesh wound) and his wife is missing! A cover-up gets harder to sustain as audiences are delighted by the ensuing hilarity.

Thurs.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Sunday 5:30 p.m. citytheatreaustin.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The 79th annual St. Elias Mediterranean Festival, one of Austin’s most beloved, delicious and fun-filled festivals comes around Fri.-Sat., October 7-8, 6 p.m. to midnight at 408 E. 11th St. With dancing and live music by Stavros and Maria, renowned delicacies from the Orthodox world of Lebanon, Palestine, Greece, Eritrea and Romania, dance demonstrations, a marketplace including a diverse Orthodox Bazaar, and a Festival’s Kids’ Oasis. mediterraneanfestival.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In celebration of last summer’s Global Youth Peace Summit, Ecstatic Cuisine and the Amala Foundation are hosting a supper club from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, October 13 (1006 South 8th Street). Celebrating global freedom with an Ecstatic take on Middle Eastern and North African Cuisine, the event and menu is inspired by the freedom movement sweeping across those regions. amalafoundation.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In Hyde Park Theatre’s “Ghosts,” yesterday’s secrets return to haunt. Penfold Theatre Co. and Breaking String Theatre present the Henrik Ibsen adaption, directed by Graham Schmidt, Thurs.-Sat., Oct. 13-Nov. 6, 8 p.m. (511 W. 43rd St.). In the tale, a new orphanage is dedicated in honor of the late Captain Alving, but his widow is tormented by the ghosts of family secrets. Keeping these secrets may prove an impossible burden, but exposing them could spell ruin for the entire family. hydeparktheatre.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------To complement fall’s darkening skies, Austin Symphony Orchestra presents Debussy’s “Nocturnes” and Holst’s “The Planets,” Fri-Sat., 8 p.m., October 14-15 at the Long Center. A symphonic triptych for orchestra, “Nocturnes” aims towards impressions of twilight and sounds of nighttime. The showpiece, “The Planets,” includes the Conspirare Women’s Chorus with narration and images provided by NASA. austinsymphony.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Texas Performing Arts presents Hollywood legend John Malkovich starring in the state premiere of a stirring play based on the real-life story of celebrated Austrian author and notorious serial killer Jack Unterweger.

“The Infernal Comedy starring John Malkovich” is propelled by a series of monologues paired with arias by Gluck, Boccherini, Mozart and an on-stage Baroque orchestra. Bass Concert Hall, Mon.-Tues., October 24-25, 8 p.m. texasperformingarts.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dream Theater, who were recently voted one of the top 10 Prog Rock bands of all time by RollingStone. com readers, are touring in support of their LP, “A Dramatic Turn of Events.” The band, formed in 1985, is joined by special guests, Trivium, at Bass Concert Hall, Wednesday, October 26, 8 p.m. texasperformingarts.org

Hailing from the Xilingol Grassland area of Inner Mongolia, AnDa Union makes their Texas debut at Bass Concert Hall Thursday, Oct. 13. Part of a musical movement that is finding inspiration in old and forgotten songs, this vibrant young group of musicians and singers draw from a repertoire of enchanting music that had all but disappeared during China’s tumultuous recent past. Holding on to the essence of Mongolian music while creating a form of new music, they perform with indigenous instruments combining different traditions and styles from all over Inner and Outer Mongolia. texasperformingarts.org --------------------------------------------------Fall Family Fun Fest – Nutty Brown Café

Groundwork Music Project hosts an afternoon of music and fun at Nutty Brown Café on Sunday, October 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. Musical guests include the Groundwork Music Orchestra with special guests Guy Forsyth, Suzanna Choffel, John Pointer, Sarah Sharp, Family Time Rocks, and others performing children’s songs written by GMO and guests. The family-friendly event will include a silent auction (Lake Austin Retreat, Fun Fun Fun Fest, UT Performing Arts Center tickets, etc.), children’s games, a bouncy castle, face painting, and balloon animals. GMO enhances the lives of children by providing free and low cost music classes to preschools with limited means. groundworkmusic.org --------------------------------------------------Ballet Austin II “Peter and the Wolf” – AustinVentures StudioTheater

Experience an interactive balletic version of this famous Russian children’s tale. Join Ballet Austin as the youngest members of the audience help Peter and his animal friends triumph over the danger in his own backyard.

Recommended for ages 2-8. Choreography by Stephen Mills and with the music of Sergei Prokofiev. Established in 1999, Ballet Austin II is Ballet Austin’s apprentice program and second company, featuring nine dancers ranging in age from 18-23. At the AustinVentures StudioTheater, October 29-30 and November 5-6, 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. balletaustin.org

AN DA UNION

OctOber 13, 2011

bass concert hall

bringing together the past, present and future sounds of mongolia tickets at texasperformingarts.org $10 STUDENT TICKETS Presented in partnership with the asian american cultural center Photo by sophie lascelles

2011-2012 PRESENTING SPONSOR

Volume III, Number 006 Publisher/Editor – Gavin Lance Garcia contact@todoaustinonline.com

HABLA Austin

News and notes on current affairs and issues impacting our community from Hispanic advocates and business leaders of Austin.

Paul Saldaña – Hispanic Education in Crisis // It’s interesting that other countries outside the U.S. are now writing about the Hispanic educational crisis in America. To fix the crisis on the national level, we must first address the crisis in our local communities. We have much work to do, but when will we all step up to the challenge? I could not agree more with President Obama: “If we allow these trends to continue, it won’t just be one community that falls behind - we will all fall behind together.” – Paul Saldaña, referring to the BBCNews story by Steve Kingstone and Zoe Conway: “Hispanics make up the fastest growing segment of the American population, but are lagging when it comes to education. The consequences are huge not just for individual families, but the entire American economy. President Barack Obama said last year that Hispanic school children faced “challenges of monumental proportions”. He was articulating what many in the United States have been worrying about for years - that Latinos - from kindergarten to university - are falling far behind.”

Perla Cavazos – Council Keeps Next City Election in May // On September 22, Austin City Council voted to have council elections in May rather than November of next year. This was the first vote.

There must be two more votes before final passage. I believe we need to pay attention and weigh in on this vote. Personally, I believe the vote should be in November because there will be a greater voter turnout, especially among minority communities. Kudos to Mike Martinez for speaking up. “We know what will happen” in a May election, Martinez said in Marty Toohey’s story in the Austin American-Statesman. “There will be fewer women who vote. There will fewer African Americans who vote. There will be fewer Hispanics who vote, and there will be fewer people of lower socioeconomic status.” Additionally, having the election in May will cost the city $1 million dollars to buy new machines because the county will not have time to turn around and re-program the machines so soon after the primary elections. A November election will cost $200,000, according to the Statesman.

Nina Perales – Voter Registration! // For those working with voter registration, particularly Spanish speaking voters, this site is quite useful. Also available in English! See: gottaregister.com Amaury Nora – Rep. Rodriguez Joins SomosTejanos.org // I am happy to announce State Representative Eddie Rodriguez has joined

Despite their significant presence in Austin, the achievements, contributions, and legacies of local Latinas remain largely invisible in the chronicles of Austin history. From activists to artists, entertainers to politicians, teachers to writers and the ordinary to the extraordinary, Latinas have played a major role in the triumphs that have shaped Austin’s past.

the Somos Tejanos familia as a guest blogger. He will be providing us an update on the recent developments on the redistricting battle and his redistricting lawsuit.

Dan Arellano – Tejano Battle of Medina // Dr. Juan Jasso, Superintendent, and the Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin invite you to the annual Cardinal Fest on November 5 at the South Side Independent School District 1460 in Losoya. Battle of Medina Film Productions is seeking volunteers for the reenactment of the biggest and bloodiest battle ever fought on Texas soil, the Battle of Medina.

The parade starts at noon and ends at the school stadium with the Battle of Medina Memorial Service at 1:15 p.m. in the stadium. If you wish to be in the parade, arrive at 11 a.m. Actors and reenactors should wear appropriate attire, 1800s-era Tejano attire (non-Texan); Anglo colonial or frontier dress; Native Americans, buckskin, etc.; and Spanish and Mexican soldiers in military attire (muskets if possible).

The event will be filmed, edited and produced by San Antonio TV personality Maclovio Perez and directed and produced by author and historian Dan Arellano. Info at 512-826-7569.

Kathleen Vale – Recommended Book: ‘Becoming Dr. Q’ // Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa’s story, “Becoming Dr. Q: My Journey from Migrant Farm Worker to Brain Surgeon” is a testament to the power of perseverance, love of family, intellectual ferocity and guiding mentorship. From amazon.com: “Today he is known as Dr. Q, an internationally renowned neurosurgeon and neuroscientist who leads cutting-edge research to cure brain cancer. But not too long ago, he was Freddy, a nineteen-year-old undocumented migrant worker toiling in the tomato fields of central California.”

Celia Israel/Alicia Perez – Latino Baseball Legend, Ted Williams? // I didn’t know Ted Williams was Hispanic and apparently, he wasn’t too eager to discuss it. – Celia Israel, on Richard Sandomir’s, New York Times piece: “When Major League Baseball unveiled its ballot for the Latino Legends team Tuesday, the 60 nominees excluded two of the greatest Hispanic players ever: Ted Williams and Reggie Jackson … It is indisputable that Williams said little about being Mexican … ‘He never made a point of letting it be known,’ said Williams’s nephew.” From Alicia Perez: Ted Williams is a product of his times. The tremendous prejudice that perceived Mexicans as children of a lesser God contributed to the shame felt by many over their Latino Heritage. I for one have second cousins that are Anglo for all practical purposes. The assimilation has been complete. From my perspective, the colorful Mexican culture adds diversity and richness to my life, but I also appreciate that if you are not exposed to it, it is difficult to appreciate.

As with all Austin History Center projects, the hope is that this exhibit will encourage preservation and documentation for future generations and of the countless others whose legacies deserve to be noted in the chronicles of Austin history.

The Austin History Center is honoring and recognizing 101 Latinas who have called Austin their home and have made their mark within the community in “Voces de Latinas: A photo exhibit in five parts.” With the assistance of its partners, the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, Mexic-Arte Museum, the Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection at the University of Texas at Austin and the Terrazas Branch Library, the History Center exhibit offers a mosaic of images and biographical narratives of Latinas from the late 1800s to the present and who represent all walks of life.

Those portrayed in the exhibit—which runs through October 23—were nominated by the community at large, and the images and biographical information were donated to the Austin History Center by family members, friends, and other community individuals for use in the exhibit.

04 TODO Austin // October 2011 // TODOaustin.com

Mayor Gus Garcia, Teresa Alvarez, Voces de Latina honoree Linda Irizarry Crockett and Raul Alvarez at Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center’s Diez y Seis.

Art Director – Dave McClinton www.dmdesigninc.com Executive Editor – Erica Stall Wiggins Senior Editors – Harmony Eichsteadt, Katie Walsh Associate Editors – Sonia Kotecha, Alexandra M. Landeros, Julia Lee, Esther Reyes, Matt Rife, Lorenzo Salinas, Blake Shanley, Yvonne Lim Wilson Contributing Writers/Artists – Pratima Agrawal, Güner Arslan, Mohammad Al-Bedaiwi, Joseph Banks, Stefanie Behe, Adriana Cadena, Sirsha Chatterjee, Jennie Chen, Mita Haldar, Jillian Hall, Maria P. Hernandez, Paul Hernandez, Gabino Iglesias, Yadira Izquierdo, Nandini Jairam, Chaille Jolink, Jamie Jones, Ryan Jordan, Ramey Ko, Vandana Kumar, Callie Langford, Heather Lee, Liz Lopez, David Marks, Jessica Meyer, Lata Narumanchi, Cristina Parker, Kathy Pham, Rebecca Robinson, Paul Saldaña, Marion Sanchez, Hani Saleh, Jaya Shukla, Rupal Shah, Sachin Shah, Vanessa Valdovinos, Kristina Vallejo, Kuetzpalin Vasquez, Joseph P.A. Villescas, Bowen Wilder, Sait Yavuz Photographers – Raul Angon, Heather Banks, Jenny Fu, Mark Guerra, Mari Hernandez, John M. P. Knox, JoJo Marion, Anna Moreno, Aimee Wenske, Matt Ziehr Cover: Austin Days of the Dead TODO Austin: Multicultural Media for All of Austin (TODOAustin.com) TODO Austin is published by Spark Awakened Publishing. © 2011 Spark Awakened Publishing. All rights reserved.

Unsolicited submissions (including, but not limited to articles, artwork, photographs) are not returned. — 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. Advertising/Submissions/Editorial: Contact@ TODOaustin.com, 512.538.4115 — TODO Austin - P.O. Box 4142 - Austin, TX 78765-4142

Anna Moreno (p.

14) is a freelance photographer, designer and fine artist who puts the needle to the groove and sings.

Associate Editor Lorenzo Salinas is an aspiring author and comic book writer who specializes in fantasy and sci-fi genres.

TODO Austin Executive Editor Erica Stall Wiggins shares a few moments from the ACL Music Festival (p. 14) and a preview of the upcoming Austin Film Festival (p. 12)

/ / / / / / / N ews T aco presents

Not Latinas, Hold the Future in Their Hands As we are already aware, the first wave of U.S. Latino baby boomers are now exiting exceptional positions of power and influence.

During the era when the eldest members of this generation were born, there were less than three million Latinos living in the United States. Now nearing their mid60s, this generation has witnessed a major demographic shift from one in fifty Americans being Latino to now one in six.

Latino baby boomers have contributed through their tremendous service, volunteerism, philanthropy and community stewardship across each step in the struggle for equal rights and equal opportunities.

In every domain of civic service, the elder members of this generation evolved the nascent organizational infrastructure that has endured beyond the 20th century. However, this powerful leadership base is now on the verge of mass retirement.

So who will emerge as the next wave of community leaders within the organized sectors of the U.S. Latino community?

I believe the heirs to this empire will be their highly educated daughters and granddaughters, followed by the waves of young women that their new Latina organizations and initiatives will catalyze.

The progeny of the baby boomers have a generational trajectory that present distinct social and economic advantages compared to other Latino subpopulations. Each subsequent generation has a greater propensity to achieve higher educational and economic success.

However, the extreme gender gap that has persisted between Latino and Latina students has become inverted. By the time I am 65 and the Latino community has doubled to over one hundred million, Latina degree completion rates and average annual income levels will have eclipsed their male counterparts for nearly three decades straight.

They will become not only the new leadership base of the U.S. Latino population, but will also represent the bulk of our community’s future academics, the majority of our high skill/high wage professionals, the vanguard of our entrepreneurs, the core of our elected officials, a critical mass of veterans and among the most visible community advocates within the nonprofit sector.

For twentieth century Latinos like myself, on the other hand, our zenith of leadership and organizational development has already occurred. The burden of being the “ultimate twentieth century Latino male,” in stark contrast to the rest of the western hemisphere, is that gender-based advantages are in decay within our community while our performance in every system of education continues to decline simultaneously. Although once mighty and numerous, late century “American Latino supermen,” it pains me to say, are becoming both an antiquated and endangered species.

// By Joseph P. A. Villescas

precursors. Within the next couple of decades, a viable Latino candidate for the presidency will undoubtedly emerge, and there is an increasing probability that it will be an extraordinary Latina leader — not a Latino — who launches that new era in American history.

Our community’s future leaders will be comprised primarily by today’s young Latinas.

Not only will they have to resolve the power vacuum that will exist after the mass departure of Latino baby boomers, but additionally they will have an exponentially increasing scale of community challenges to address in the decades ahead. This crucial sector of women can either repeat the singular models of leadership that their male predecessors promoted across the twentieth century, or they can espouse more dynamic systems of power that draw upon all of the resources available within the rapidly growing U.S. Latino community.

When I examine today’s social landscape, I feel that the growing pool of talent in the Latino population is becoming increasingly comprised of multidimensional Latinas who (re)construct organizations, businesses and campaigns more efficiently than their

“Rick Perry and the Stimulus: Do As I Say, Not As I Do” / / / / / / / / / / By Chaille Jolink

So as the campaign for the Republican nomination for president rolls on (are you tired of hearing about Rick Perry yet?), I think the nation has noticed a few things that we Texans have known all along.

Rick Perry sucks at talking. This is probably due to the fact that he doesn’t have a lot to say that makes much sense.

According to Rick Perry’s book, Fed Up! Our Fight to Save America from Washington, “We are fed up with bailout after bailout and stimulus plan after stimulus plan, each one of which tosses principle out the window along with taxpayer money.”

Act. Granted the letter is not kind to the Reinvestment Act, but the Governor still accepts the money anyway.

Meanwhile, throughout 2009 and the 2010 election cycle, Perry touts Texas’s budgeting skills, and states that Texas is responsible with its spending because Texas balanced its budget. The thing is, Texas is constitutionally required to balance its budget.

First of all, I don’t know how stimulus money from Congress, whose direct and stated purpose was to supplement state budgets to help save education and other necessary government programs from being cut, “tosses principle out the window.”

It is because of this constitutional requirement that every single lawmaker in Texas can say, “we balanced the budget,” but what they don’t tell you is that they had to. Every two years the Legislature meets, and the only thing that has to happen during the 140 days they are in Austin is that they have to pass a budget for the next two years, and the budget has to be balanced.

If they don’t, the Governor is compelled to call a special session to keep the budget talks going in lieu of several government agencies having to shut down.

I don’t know where Rick Perry was in 2009 either, but on February 18, 2009 Perry sent Obama a letter saying that he would accept stimulus money entitled to Texas through the American Recovery and Reinvestment

Another interesting fact: On the same day Perry wrote the letter to Obama, he also wrote on his campaign blog, “Join our fight and add your voice to a growing list of several thousand Americans who are fed up with this

irresponsible spending that threatens our future.”

Texas at the time had close to a 6.6 billion dollar budget shortfall, and the stimulus money that Perry accepted covered 97% percent of that dollar amount, more than any other state in the union. So apparently under Rick Perry’s Texas, we are the most dependent state on the stimulus money. It should be noted that Perry did deny some federal stimulus money, because there were “strings attached.” What does that mean? It means that the money was supposed to go directly to education programs. Apparently keeping education programs sustained is too much of a mandate from the feds.

So this gave Rick Perry just enough room for another successful re-election campaign as Governor, touting things like Texas being responsible with its government spending, but then 2011 hits and Texas now “suddenly” faces a 14 billion dollar budget deficit, the largest one in its history. Texas and Rick Perry are simply kicking the can down the road, and not responsibly budgeting or governing anything.

B randi C owley 1611 W. 5th Street 512.473.0700 | brandicowley.com

TODO Austin // october 2011 // TodoAustin.com 05

Welcome to the Inaugural Austin Days of the Dead/Días de los Muertos Festival The Austin Days of the Dead/ Días de los Muertos Festival, October 15-November 2, is a celebration of the city’s multicultural heritage, fusing National Hispanic Heritage Month with Halloween, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. The two-week festival highlights Hispanic culture with many of Austin’s most distinguished artists performing at more than three dozen events in the city’s finest performance halls and clubs, combined with lectures, symposia and traditional observances. Austin Days of the Dead is a combination feast, party, procession and vigil built to transcend old boundaries with an all-inclusive blending of Austin’s popular Halloween merriment with the cultural significance, pageantry and gravity of Día de los Muertos rites and traditions.

With Latin American roots that reach back to ancient Aztec civilization, family and friends have gathered for centuries in the territory now

called Austin to observe the Catholic commemoration of All Saints’ Day on November 1, and All Souls’ Day on November 2. Día de los Muertos is one of our longest-running holiday traditions, with families from the earliest settlements to the present day honoring departed loved ones through both solemn and festive events.

In 2005, Austin became a majority-minority city with half a million Hispanics living in the greater Austin area, representing the largest minority group with a purchasing power of $9.4 billion annually. To help solidify the City’s recognition of the Hispanic cultural influence, the Austin City Council approved a resolution in 2011 supporting the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor. The Corridor, which has identified historically significant Mexican American sites along 5th Street, runs from Plaza Saltillo on the east side of I-35, to Republic Square, west of Guadalupe Street. The Corridor acknowledges the long history of the Mexican American community in the City of Austin, in particular to the Downtown area.

These developments mark a new synergy in a community where East Austin meets West. Bronze Age Group is proud to collaborate with dozens of our most noted performance art groups, museums, educational entities and corporations from all corners of the city to take the ideal of multi-cultural Austin to a new level and propel cultural diversity. By combining distinct Latin traditions and American culture during the two-week period linking National Hispanic Heritage Month to Día de los Muertos, Austin’s Days of the Dead Festival will welcome people from every neighborhood to celebrate the multi-ethnic beauty of the “new Austin.”

Sunday, October 16

Friday, October 7 fff Sunday, October 16

Austin Tejano Music Coalition’s Proyecto Teatro’s “Canela Blanca” 1st Annual “Canta” Tejano Idol Competition The Austin Tejano Music Coalition (ATMC) is one of the city’s most important vehicles for preserving our cultural heritage. At the core of its mission is “to support and expand the presence of a native Texas genre of music known as Tejano and its artistic contribution throughout the community of Austin and Central Texas.”

The coalition isn’t turning a blind eye to the fact that there is no longer the quantity of Tejano acts in the city as there once existed.

But the quality of performers is in no short supply.

Over the past year, the coalition has taken the proactive step to find that talent and put its indefatigable support behind its discoveries.

“CANTA,” the 1st Annual “Tejano Idol Competition” is a fundraiser for ATMC to support the organization’s goal to provide music scholarships. The singing contest has been open to participants of any age across Texas since last spring, beginning with monthly auditions in April.

After seven “Canta” roaming location stops and

a number of entries whose performances were sent via CD and DVD, the contest will culminate at the finals on Sunday, October 16, from 2 p.m.6 p.m. at the H&H Ballroom in Austin (4404 Brandt Rd).

The filmed auditions are posted on the ATMC website, austintejanomusic.org, where the public may comment and vote for their favorite contestant. The ATMC CANTA committee will select the finalists, who will perform at the four-hour finale where three winners will receive a cash prize.

The production will feature three celebrity judges and several special guests.

ATMC hopes that the annual affair will initiate an appreciation for the genre and highlight Tejano music in the “Live Music Capitol of the World” and other cities across the state. Such endeavors are sure to foster an environment of respect and understanding while further relating the historical and cultural significance of Tejano music.

ProyectoTeatro, in collaboration with Collective Essence Dance Company, proudly presents “Canela Blanca”; an original production directed and written

by Luis Armando Ordaz Gutiérrez. Inspired by theatrical performances and the artistic and sociopolitical revolution of the 20th century, the play combines theatre, dance, music and singing in its artistic approach to address an interesting array of sociological and cultural themes labeled as controversial.

Set in a small town in Latin America, the play takes place in the salon, “Canela Blanca,” where ladies of questionable and promiscuous behavior present musical numbers and satirical sketches in order to survive the sinister regime of General Diaz and his religious dictatorship. The story revolves around Manuela, the Madam and owner of the famous salon, “Casa Blanca,” struggling to keep her business afloat while trying to establish order in her own family. Plots intertwine amidst relationship games, sexuality and

power struggles to offer a glimpse into the life of a couple of courtesans living in a brothel that faces its downfall.

Making up the cast are Guicha Gutiérrez, Luis Armando Ordaz Gutiérrez, Erika Santana, Samantha Ledezma, Mario Zamora, Noé García Robles, Alexandra Garza, Benjamín Pérez, Natalia Ponce and Roberto Vargas. Canela Blanca marks the ProyectoTeatro acting debut of Patrick Rangel and the Latin ballroom-focused group, Collective Essence Dance Co., dancers: Amanda Cardona, Jessica Szota, Crystal Verver and Diane Marques.

The program includes an original score by local troubadour Juan Antonio de los Angles and songs from contemporary bands such as Café Tacuba and Mecano.

Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. at Santa Cruz Center for Culture (1805 E. 7th St.). $12 General Admission; Students and Seniors $10. For info, see www.proyectoteatro.com

Teresa Lozano Long Institute of UT Multicultural Symposium Latin American Studies at the University of Texas at Austin in Celebration of Día de los Muertos and Halloween Traditions Friday, October 28

The Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies (LLILAS) at the University of Texas at Austin is an interdisciplinary organization founded in 1940, within the College of Liberal Arts, which integrates more than 30 academic departments across the university. During Austin Days of the Dead, LLILAS has three public events scheduled, all free of charge.

Graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Texas at Austin will present abstracts that reflect cultural contributions, arts, papers, and research that draw on the traditions of Día de los Muertos and/or Halloween at a UT Multicultural Symposium in celebration of the Day of the Dead on Friday, October 28. The symposium runs from 1 p.m.-5 p.m., hosted by the UT Project on Conflict Resolution.

Abstracts of contributions and papers include paper/research panel sessions, poster presentations, visual and audio displays, as well as musical performances. The conference organizing committee is led by Dr. Madeline Maxwell, Dr. Luis Urrieta Jr., and Ph. D. Candidate Emily Richardson.

“Both Halloween and Dia de los Muertos come to us from ancient people’s celebrations of the dead and the amalgamation of cultural and religious traditions when people of different traditions come in contact,” said Dr. Maxwell. “In the case of Día de los Muertos, Mesoamerican people came in contact with the Spaniards and merged beliefs and traditions in syncretic ways. In the case of Halloween, the invaders were Romans

in contact with Celtic peoples. The conquerors in both cases brought the concerns of the Roman Catholic Church to bear against the local traditions. In recent years in the United States, El Día de los Muertos has become more of a public holiday, a way of celebrating Hispanic heritage with processions in the streets and public art displays. Halloween, too, is changing. The two traditions—Halloween from Europe and El Día de los Muertos from Latin America—continue to transform in our rich cultural life. Bring your scholarly, cultural, or artistic endeavors to the symposium to share some of the rich culture of these American holidays.”

The University of Texas Project on Conflict Resolution is leading the conflict resolution field in the realm of contemporary culture to foster successful communication and collaboration among people and organizations faced with today’s extreme challenges. By achieving this vision, the Project will change the way people think about and handle conflict at every level to positively affect our communities, our nation and our world. For information about the symposium, contact emilyrichardson09@gmail.com.

Tuesday, October 18 - Lecture: “Experiencias Urbanas: Representaciones en las Publicaciones Periódicas de Chile, 1930-1960 LLILAS is hosting a lecture on Tuesday, October 18, noon, in Hackett Room, SRH 1.313, entitled “Experiencias Urbanas: Representaciones en las Publicaciones Periódicas de Chile, 1930-1960,” with Hugo Mondragon of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Mondragon has a unique trajectory as a native Colombian who works in Chile, with deep knowledge of the architectures of both countries. His research looks at the articulation of a national discourse around modernism on architectural magazines of the 20th century. He will examine the public construction of a Chilean experience with a focus on the urban history of Santiago.

Wednesday, October 26 - LLILAS Faculty Book Series: “Meanings of Violence in Contemporary Latin America” Gabriela Polit of UT’s Department of Spanish and Portuguese will join discussant Gloria GonzalezLopez, UT Department of Sociology, in the faculty book series on Wednesday, October 26 at 12:30 p.m., Hackett Room, SRH 1.313. Polit’s interests include contemporary Latin American narrative, gender and the politics of literary writing, the representation of the traffic of Illegal drugs, and violence in the region. Gonzalez-Lopez’s research focuses are in the areas of sexuality, gender, Mexican American and Mexican studies, and social inequality.

Tuesday, November 1 “ALL SAINTS’ DAY” Symposium: Peace Education and Sustainability in

Mexico: From Classroom to Community The Mexico Center at the Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies, Graduate Program of Community and Regional Planning, UT Project on Conflict Resolution and UT Center for Sustainable Development invite the public to participate in this pecha kucha symposium on “Peace Education and Sustainability in Mexico: From Classroom to Community.”

The symposium is part of a collaboration between the University of Texas and the Universidad Albert Einstein, a 25-year-old university atop a 10,000 foot mountain outside of Mexico City. UAE specializes in Peace Education and outreach to at-risk youth, and is developing a new Master’s degree in Environmental Education.

The Tuesday, November 1 symposium in Sid Richardson Hall 3.112 from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. includes faculty from UAE and the Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey (ITESM) speaking about their approach to peace education, environmental education, and youth involvement; presentations on UT peace education and UT environmental education and UT’s youth outreach project on peace education; Austin non-profits on their youth outreach programs; and three working groups plus a final plenary to close the session. For more information on all LLILAS events, contact Paloma Diaz at 512.232.2415.

TODO Austin // october 2011 // TODOaustin.com 07

Museum in 1984 and remains its Executive Director, first marked Día de los Muertos with a festive party.

Mexic-Arte Museum’s Viva la Vida Fest

C e l e b r at e s twenty-eighth Annual Día de los Muertos Though Austin residents have marked the Day of the Dead for centuries, it wasn’t until the mid 1980s that the city became enamored with the celebration. That was when Sylvia Orozco, an artist who co-founded Mexic-Arte

Today, Mexic-Arte Museum’s Viva la Vida Fest is an annual cultural institution in the city. On Saturday, October 22, the Official Mexican and Mexican American Fine Art Museum of Texas holds Austin’s largest and longest-running Day of the Dead festival for the 28th time.

The fest will feature Latino artists and entertainment, educational art activities, and a grand procession in the heart of downtown. An important Latin American tradition, family and friends have gathered on Día de los Muertos (November 2) to celebrate and honor loved ones since the Pre-Columbian era. Through ancient celebration of the continuous cycle of life, the holiday evolved into modern traditions of altar creation and decoration, photographs and favorite foods of the deceased. Stories are shared and music is played during this tradition-steeped day. All of these customs are explored at Viva la Vida Fest.

Tiempo Libre Sarah & Ernest Butler Pops Series

Hot off its third Grammy nomination and the release of its newest album, “My Secret Radio,” the Cuban music group Tiempo Libre and the Austin Symphony Orchestra will celebrate Cuba’s musical heritage with a joyous danceinducing symphonic concert in Dell Hall on Friday, October 21 at 8 p.m. Tiempo Libre and the Austin Symphony will perform a medley of traditional cha-cha-chás, sones (including “El Manicero”, “Son de la Loma” and “Guantanamera”) arranged by Tiempo Libre’s Jorge Gomez in collaboration with Raul Murciano (a professor at University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and one of the founders/ music director of Miami Sound Machine) as well as selections from Tiempo Libre’s Grammy nominated album “Bach in Havana,” which uniquely fuses Cuban music and Bach and was featured on Dancing with the Stars. Tiempo Libre will also perform some high energy, dance-inducing Grammy-nominated timba music on its own featuring songs from “My

Music acts at the Museum’s evening celebration include, beginning at 5 p.m. include Dextrophobia, El Tule, Master Blaster and Peligrosa DJs. Handson activities are special opportunities for children and adults alike to learn the traditions of Dia de los Muertos. Vegetable print collages, migajon sculptures, foods for the dead for the children’s area altar, calavera masks, paper flowers, a smallscale model of the Angel of Independence (a national monument in Mexico City), papel picado, and potato relief stamp art will all be part of the experience. Part of the proceeds from the festival will benefit the Museum’s education outreach programs. Admission is free. For more information, please visit www.mexic-artemuseum.org.

Viva la Vida Fest saturday, October 22

5th Street Downtown Congress to Brazos | Vendor Fair & Live Music

by Dextrophobia, El Tule, Master Blaster and Peligrosa DJs | 2-10 p.m.

Plaza Saltillo | 5th & Comal Concurso de Calaveritas & Family Activities 2-5 p.m.

Grand Procession | Plaza Saltillo Down East 6th Street | 6-7 p.m.

Death to Dollars Exhibit Honors Day of the Dead Mexic-Arte presents Death to Dollars in conjunction with the Day of the Dead festivities, as it honors the traditional celebrations while illuminating the commercialization that has come hand in hand with increased awareness and media attention. Is the use of the holiday’s religious and folkloric iconography for commercial purpose acceptable, if it also brings advancements in public art, education and political goals? On display along with 21st century decorative art and design, the exhibition includes traditional Day of the Dead altars in the rear gallery.

In the tradition of the art and culture of the holiday, Viva la Vida Fest brings together a diverse crowd in the purpose of celebrating the lives of loved ones. The grand procession and costume contest (the 2011 theme is Freetailed bats), is only one facet of the activities offered.

Austin Symphony Orchestra Friday, October 21

Other activities include: • Natural and organic Mexican and Tex-Mex foods and beverages • Art activities & artist demos • Local artist and retail booths • Spectacular, larger-than-life props • Costume contest • Live music and dance performances!

Bellas Artes Alliance Wednesday, October 19

Viva Las Americas!

Tiempo Libre Secret Radio,” as well as selections from their three previously Grammy-nominated timba albums “Bach in Havana,” “Lo Que Esperabas” and “Arroz Con Mango.” With Peter Bay conducting the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

Sunday, October 23

Halloween Children’s Concert Chills and Thrills! It’s creepy, crawly and sooooo much fun… it’s spooky! Your little ghost or goblin will help haunt Long Center’s Dell Hall for Austin Symphony’s annual Halloween Children’s Concert on Sunday, October 23 at 2 p.m. This exciting concert features frightfully fun symphonic music that is stimulating for young eyes and ears (ages 2-10). The entire family is invited to dress up in their favorite costume and enjoy “boo-tiful” music with their Austin Symphony Orchestra, featuring Irv Wagner as guest conductor. Wear your costume!

08 TODO Austin // october 2011 // TODOaustin.com

Bellas Artes Alliance proudly announces the official launch of its organization at “Viva Las Americas!” on October 19, from 6:30-10 p.m. at El Sol y La Luna (600 East Sixth St.). In keeping with its mission, “Viva Las Americas!” will showcase the talents of its arts alliance partners, including Latinitas, Cine Las Americas, and BeatLab. It promises to be a stellar night of food, drink, and entertainment with performances by Adrian Villegas of Latino Comedy Project and Latin jazz band, The Brew.

and that support, educate, and expose Hispanic artists and youth residing in the Americas. Last spring BAA held its first production at the Emma S. Barrrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, “Pan Americana Festival,” featuring music acts A.B. Quintanilla III & Kumbia All-Starz and Ozomatli.

Join in the celebration, hosted by Villegas, with multimedia presentations by The Latino Comedy Project, Latinitas & BeatLab, and Cine Las Americas & Teatro Vivo.

BAA’s alliance partner Cine Las Americas promotes cross-cultural understanding and growth through film and media arts. BeatLab brings together professional musicians and record producers with elementary, middle and high school class rooms.

Latinitas is dedicated to empowering young Latinas through media and technology. Latino Comedy Project is an Emmy-nominated multimedia sketch comedy troupe, and Teatro Vivo brings quality bilingual theater to all communities to share in the Latino experience.

Bellas Artes Alliance is a new Texas non-profit dedicated to promoting, preserving, and advancing the music, arts, and culture of the Hispanic community by producing programs and events that strengthen the public’s awareness and appreciation of Hispanic heritage; that encourage social advocacy on behalf of the Hispanic community;

Tickets for the official launch are $40 general admission, which includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and two drink tickets. Students $20 with ID. Tickets can be purchased at door or go to www. bellasartesalliance.com. For more info, contact Star at 512.386.7336.

Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center’s Días de los Muertos Fest Saturday, October 15 // Thursday, October 20 // Saturday, October 29

The idea of establishing a cultural facility for Latino artists and the Austin community emerged in the early 1970s. Hispanic visionaries, community members, and artists approached the City to request support for the development of a Hispanicfocused cultural arts facility. After years of planning, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center was officially opened on September 15, 2007. This year the MACC continues its annual celebration of Día de los Muertos with a day-long schedule of fun family entertainment at the beautiful downtown facility on the northern shore of Lady Bird Lake.

placed on an ofrenda or gravestone to honor the return of a particular spirit. Make your own sugar skull folk art with colorful icing, sparkly tin and glittery adornments as you learn the secrets passed down by friars on Saturday, October 15 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. and Thursday, October 20 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Call 512.974.3785 to sign up.

On Saturday, October 29 arrive at ESB-MACC for altar building, beginning at 1 p.m. Bring photographs, personal items and favorite foods and mementos of a departed loved one to dedicate your own altar.

The big show begins at 5 p.m. with live entertainment in the plaza and family arts activities in shaded areas of the complex. Enjoy a unique classic cars and bike show, the Austin Bike Zoo or peddle around the plaza on a Monarch or Snake bicycle.

To begin your journey on the trail of all souls, you can sign up for a free sugar skull workshop. Mexico’s sugar skull tradition dates back to the sugar art brought to the New World by Italian missionaries in the 17th century. As the Catholic Church grew in Mexico, likewise did its religious festivals. As sugar was abundant in Mexico, the natives learned how to make sugar art from the friars. Sugar skulls represented a departed soul and were often

Center for Culture.

Founded in 1974, the Aztlan Dance Company has enriched audiences through annual theatrical dance productions and creative cultural workshops. The Aztlan Dance Company is guided by the mission to establish a stable and conducive environment for imagining, creating, and presenting Danza projects that reflect and inspire the communities within which it works. Both groups promote intercultural, cross-generational appreciation of Latino performing arts.

From the stage you’ll enjoy live music by Francisco Chavez & Chinampa, featuring rhythmic, classic Latin American musical flavors that range from bolero to cumbia and more. Mariachi Corbetas plays traditional mariachi and Tejano sounds with Austin legend Guadalupe “Shorty” Ortiz performing with his son and grandson. And the big sound of Kiko y la Banda will take you away with a contemporary Latino mix of fusion and funk – bring your dancing shoes!

There’s also performances by Proyecto Teatro and Atzlan Dance Company. ProyectoTeatro is an Austin treasure, currently performing an original production directed and written by Luis Armando Ordaz Gutiérrez, “Canela Blanca,” at the Santa Cruz

Wednesday, October 19

And there’s more, including Biblio-Cart Dancers, a dance brought to you by the Austin Public Library, dedicated to deceased authors, food, drink, games and other attractions. Free entry for all ages.

Friday, October 28 fff Sunday, October 30

Hispanic Women’s Roast & Toast Amadeo Network of Texas 25th Saenz Annual Conference U.S. Hispanic Contractors Association hosted by Paul Rodriguez

Join the U.S. Hispanic Contractors Association as it roasts and toasts Amadeo Saenz, hosted by actor/comedian Paul Rodriguez on Wednesday, October 19 at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center at 6 p.m.

Saenz became the first Hispanic to lead the Texas Department of Transportation in 2007, overseeing the 12,000-employee agency after working his way among the ranks starting in Pharr, Texas over 33 years ago. Throughout the course of his career, Saenz has earned a reputation as a leader and coalition builder, and earned the respect and trust of his peers across the country, partners here in Texas, and most importantly, his employees.

“Amadeo has served his state with honor and integrity. TxDOT is a better agency today thanks to his leadership,” said Deirdre Delisi, the chairwoman of the Texas Transportation Commission.

Paul Rodriguez is, of course, one of the best known talents in the country and a leader in the Hispanic community with a long history of advocacy and charity work. His feature films include “D.C. Cab,” “Born in East L.A.,” “Tortilla Soup,” “Rat Race,” and “Ali.” Many of his

comedy specials involve serious issues for the Latino community.

USHCA’s mission is to provide and support advancement for economic growth of its members and is committed to developing programs and facilitating resources needed to assist contractors reach their full potential.

For more info on the roast and toast, contact Brisa Communications at 512.394-6193 or info@brisacommunications.com

The Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas (HWNT), a statewide Latina organization with eight chapters across Texas, is hosting its 25th Annual Conference, “Serve, Lead & EmpowerCelebrating 25 Years,” from October 28-30th at the Sheraton Austin Hotel (701 East 11th Street).

Anticipating over 250 conference attendees, Latinas from all over the state will come together for two days of workshops and training sessions. Embracing its mission to promote the advancement of Hispanic women in the public, corporate and civic life, HWNT will be providing training sessions in the areas of health, professional development and leadership development.

This year’s Honorary Chairs include Texas Secretary of State Esperanza “Hope” Andrade, Travis County District Clerk Amalia Rodriguez-Mendoza and Former Texas State Representative Christine Hernandez.

HWNT is celebrating its 25th Anniversary as an organization and invite the public to join them for this historical affair.

In addition, HWNT has named Austin’s Teresa Lozano Long its 2011 Latina Trailblazer. A reception will be held on Friday, October 28 at the Sheraton Austin Hotel honoring Long for her leadership and contributions to the community.

Established in 1987, HWNT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting the participation of Hispanic women in public, corporate and civic arenas. HWNT seeks to advance the educational, cultural, social, legal and economic well-being of Hispanic women through a broader awareness of their role in society, business and family. HWNT members strive to celebrate the positive image and values of the Hispanic culture.

To learn more, visit www.hwnt.org.

TODO Austin // october 2011 // TODOaustin.com 09

Matrix,” “Holy Superheroes! Exploring Faith and Spirituality in Comics,” and a publisher’s nominee for the Pulitzer Prize, “Free Bird,” among other titles.

Thursday, October 27

The social begins at 7 p.m. at the Raindrop Turkish House at 12400 Amherst Dr., Suite 108, in northwest Austin. The event is free and open to the public.

The Institute of Interfaith Dialog Sunday, October 30 Thursday Social Institute of Interfaith Dialog Annual Friendship and Dialog Dinner

Back in 2002, the Institute of Interfaith Dialog grew out of the need to address the question, “how can citizens of the world live in peace and harmony?” The Institute, a non-profit organization whose primary goal is to help bring together faith communities in order to promote compassion, cooperation, partnership and community service through interfaith dialog and conversation, was established by Turkish-Americans and their friends.

Today the Institute continues to work with the aim of eliminating or reducing false stereotypes, prejudices and unjustified fears through direct human communication.

During Austin Days of the Dead, IID has scheduled two local events, each dedicated to encouraging the study of the global communities’ spiritual traditions from the vantage point of respect, accuracy, and appreciation.

The first event is IID’s Thursday Social, with this month’s topic, “Religion and Culture,” featuring speaker Dr. Greg Garrett, Professor of English at Baylor University. Garrett is the author of “The Gospel Reloaded: Exploring Spirituality and Faith in the

This annual event, at the Hilton Hotel (500 E. 4th St) at 6 p.m. on October 30, continues with its traditional award ceremony as the IID Austin Chapter present local leaders with Leadership and Peace Awards for their extraordinary contributions to peace and dialog in the Austin community. By coming together at one table, IID hopes to prove that we live in a situation of great richness, with remarkable opportunities for mutual understanding and for creating a society rooted in common values. IID also believes that through events such as the friendship dinner, it can demonstrate to society the idea that people can live together, regardless of group, faith, or ideology. IID is convinced that we have a great deal to learn from one another and that together, through listening and responding with openness and respect, we can move forward to work in ways that acknowledge genuine differences but which are built on shared hopes and values. The objective is to attain peace and to help bring about the long-awaited cooperation of world civilizations while encouraging justice, love, respect and altruism. Dinner tickets are $30 per person. For more information, go to interfaithdialog.org

Sunday, October 23

St. Mary Cathedral School Fall Festival The rich history of St. Mary Cathedral School parallels with the history of Austin. It’s a history that stretches from the beginnings of the state through the bleak years of the Depression and World War II to the boom of the late twentieth century when the Austin metropolitan area reached a population of a million. While the building, curriculum, and faculty have changed over the last 144 years, the values it seeks to instill in its students remain the same. The Sisters of the Holy Cross order concentrated on the three R’s and Catholic Church teachings in order to guide young lives in the path of Christ. Today, lay faculty members emphasize the same traditional values in order to accomplish the same goals: Christian formation and academic success. Join this community on Sunday, October 23 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Donahue Gym and Donahue Cafeteria for the annual Fall Festival. You’ll find food, fun and games for children and adults during this day of celebration. Free.

————————————————————————————————

Tue., November 1 & Wed., November 2

St. Mary Cathedral All Saints’ Day & All Souls’ Day Mass The origins of Austin’s Saint Mary Cathedral date back to the 1850s, when the Catholic community in Austin (then the new state’s temporary capital with a population of around 600) built a small stone church named St. Patrick’s on the corner of 9th and Brazos streets. In 1866, the church was renamed Saint Mary’s and it has continued to celebrate All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day up to the present day. This year the faithful will gather on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at noon for a mass marking the Holy Day of Obligation of All Saints’ Day w/ celebrant Bishop Joe Vásquez, the diocese’s first leader of Mexican American ancestry. All Saints’ Day masses are also scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., the latter in Extraordinary Form (Latin).

On Wednesday, November 2, a mass for All Souls Day will begin at 6 p.m. in Extraordinary Form with special requiem music. Every Friday 6:30 – 7:30 P.M., Saint Mary Cathedral

The Catholicism Project – A Journey Deep Into the Faith Do you want to know more about the Catholic faith?

Fr. Robert Barron has created a groundbreaking program as a thematic presentation of what Catholics believe and why, so that all adults can come to a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith. Unlike a video lecture, Church history or scripture study, this engaging and interesting formational program uses the art, architecture, literature, music and all the treasures of the Catholic tradition to illuminate the timeless teachings of the Church. The program consists of ten compelling episodes on DVD filmed in 50 locations throughout 15 countries. The Catholicism DVDs reveal the truths of the Catholic faith in a visually breathtaking and compelling way, with original, high-definition cinematography.

The DVDs will be shown on Friday evenings in the Bishop’s Hall by St. Mary Cathedral Deacon Vince Boyle, starting September 23 and ending December 2. An optional companion study lesson (written by Carl Olson for each DVD, complete with extensive commentary, questions for understanding and also questions for application to each participant’s own life) will be available for purchase in the Cathedral gift store.

Taking the ‘Brown Sound’ across Austin Austin Days of the Dead highlights the Brown Sound in the Live Music Capital from Oct. 15 to Nov. 2 as the city’s most celebrated venues welcome some of the world’s finest musicians of Hispanic ancestry.

Back at Tejano Ranch, the Godfather of Latino popular music, Ruben Ramos, joins Hometown Boys for a memorable party.

SaturdayOctober15

The buzz band Palacios Brothers kick things off at Saxon Pub (with W.C. Clark and Cari Hutson on the bill) on Saturday, Oct. 15. Bad-to-the bone

There’s more on the West Side of downtown on the same evening with TODO Austin hosting Os Alquimistas, Chorizo Funk and more at Frank,

Latin rockers Del Castillo take the stage later at

with the Austin Vida Showcase the next night

Antone’s while the scorching Bombasta headlines

boasting a stellar line-up of Este Vato, Clemencia’s

at Flamingo Cantina.

TrioTrez Quintet and Los De Esta Noche. saturdayOctober29

Across the way on E. 6th Street on the same

Also on Saturday, Oct. 29, La Frenetika brings

evening, the enchanting Brianna Gaither and the

cumbia and vallenato to El Sol y La Luna.

eclectic Ensamble La Misión perform at the always feisty El Sol y La Luna.

wednesdaynovember2

After myriad hot chili pepper parties across town on Monday, Oct. 31, Austin Days of the Dead The following night, Mexican-American conguero

culminates on Wednesday, Nov. 2—Día de los

marvel Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Dance Band

Muertos night—with the legendary Sérgio Mendes

come to town for a special performance at One World Theatre.

at the Paramount Theatre.

fridayOctober21

The fun-loving Guero’s Taco Bar regulars Los Flames hold court under the stars on Friday, Oct. 21, while over on the North Side, one of Tejano music’s masters, Jimmy Gonzalez visits Tejano Ranch. saturdayOctober22

Austin Latino Music Association presents its

Save the Date for

Viva Las Americas!

official l aunch party for

annual “Santana-rama” on Saturday, Oct. 22 at Maria Maria with an all-star tribute band featuring members of Vitera and the Frank Gomez Band, El Tule and special guests.

Over at El Sol y La Luna on the same date you’ll discover the contemporary beat of Son de Rey. tuesdayOctober25

The incomparable Alejandro Escovedo graces the Continental Club on Tuesday Oct. 25 and again on Nov. 1, shining his supernatural light on All Saints’ Day. fridayOctober28

October 19th | 6:30-10:00pm

El Sol y La Luna

On Friday, Oct. 28, the king of rock accordion, Joel

600 East Sixth Street, Austin, Texas

Guzman and Tejana chanteuse Sarah Fox burn the

www.bellasartesalliance.com

night air at Threadgill’s World Headquarters.

Contact: lramirez@bellasartesalliance.com

“Strings”

Sneak Peek: The Austin Film Festival and Conference (October 20-27)

By Erica Stall Wiggins

The 2011 Austin Film Festival and Conference promises to deliver both style and substance, with loads of local talent and substantive conference content, and enough star power to make it interesting yet decidedly Austin. Below are just a few of the wide-ranging events happening in conjunction with the festival. For more, visit www. austinfilmfestival.com.

The 9th Annual Film and Food Gala gets the ball rolling at the Driskill Hotel on October 19th. Hosted by honorary co-chairs America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty” and “The Dry Land”) and writer/director of “The Dry Land” Ryan Piers Williams, proceeds from this annual culinary event benefit AFF’s Young Filmmakers Program. Founded to encourage students to explore their creativity and improve their literacy skills through the arts of screenwriting and filmmaking, its programs are offered free through AISD schools and partner organizations.

Local Filmmakers Shine at Regional and World Premiers

YOU ARE THE 99% In 2011, The People Wake Up

By Katie Walsh

On September 17, a few hundred New York artists, activists, students and other Americans began the civilly disobedient “Occupy Wall Street” movement, with support from the anti-consumerist magazine AdBusters and “hacktivist” collective Anonymous.

A general assembly, exercising a truly democratic decision making process, and a diverse array of demonstrators, protestors and everyday people set up shop (and sleeping bags) in Zucotti Park, or Liberty Square. They call themselves the 99%.

They are us, really.

The New York General Assembly has developed a living “principles” document and call themselves “autonomous political beings engaged in nonviolent civil disobedience and building solidarity based on mutual respect, acceptance, and love.”

Interesting that September 17 was “11 Storm” on

Gathering numerous awards on the festival circuit, the independent feature “Strings” will make its regional premiere at the Austin Film Festival. Shot in Austin and New York City, the film stars Billy Harvey, Chris Potter, Elle LaMont, Karl Anderson, Jack Lee, Olivia Draguicevich and Daniel Dascent.

In its most recent festival appearance, “Strings” earned Austin native Ben Foster and San Antonio native Mark Dennis the Best Director, Feature Film award at the Tucson Film Festival.

“Strings is the story of a troubled musician who seeks out an experimental therapist to turn his life around. When the therapist calls for him to leave everything behind and take on a new identity, the musician realizes his new life isn’t what it seems….”

Film critic Francisco Salazar of the Reel Salazar’s blog noted, “…the film is really an intimate drama about a man grappling with his new identity and yearning for the past. It is stirring, exciting, and poignant.”

Tuesday, October 25 – 7:00 PM at the Long Center – with cast and crew Q&A Sunday, October 23 – 9:30 PM at the Long Center

www.stringsmovie.com ___________________________________________

“A Swingin’ Trio” “A Swingin’ Trio” is a film years in the making from filmmakers Kelvin Z. Phillips and Carla L. Jackson.

A husband and wife team, the two have won writing awards and film grants, hold MFA degrees from NYU and Yale, and produced the film while raising children and holding down full time jobs.

An intimate moment from “A Swingin’ Trio”

The film stars Johnny Walter, Timeca M. Seretti and LeMarc Johnson, and features the music of award-winning local jazz group the Jeff Lofton Trio. The film will celebrate its world premiere at the Austin Film Festival.

“Homer Garcon is an unpublished and frustrated science fiction writer living off the success of his wife, Trude Garcon-Moore, a busy Hollywood producer. As a result, he finds himself “trapped” in lavish surroundings – his luxury jail – and with publisher rejection letters piling high, Homer has convinced himself of his wife’s infidelity. Phillips’ darkly-comic script follows Homer as he dives into the prickly territories of self-awareness and self pity, in his quest to find the truth about his possibly cheating wife--and himself--all at a Valentine’s Day dinner decidedly set for three. A largely dialogue-driven film, A Swingin’ Trio is about four things: love, music, betrayal, and one really good dinner.”

Friday, Oct. 21 - 7:00 PM - Rollins Theatre at the Long Center Wednesday, Oct. 26 - 6:00 PM - Texas Spirit Theater at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

www.aswingintrio.com

the Mayan Tzolk’in count (11 = transformation, powerful change; Storm = washing away, tempestuous), and fell within the “6th Day” period that in previous Mayan cycles has brought us the Renaissance and revolutionary movements of the 60s and 70s.

a discussion among people, not a contest of money.”

I caught wind of the movement a week after it began, as mainstream media outlets labeled it a “bust” on the first day and at that point coverage ceased. But, much to the chagrin of those of power and influence, who are particularly the targets of the movement, it continues—and grows.

123 cities in 46 states are currently listed as having some stage of an occupation planned on OccupyTogether.org, a recently-launched hub for the numerous, localized “Occupy” efforts springing up all over. [NOTE: Shortly before going

Many have criticized the movement as having no clear demand or objective, no pointed issue or grievance to commonly back. I don’t see this as a weakness; I see it as a reflection of the grand network of corruption that permeates all of our societal systems.

How can 99% of the population, with difficulties and challenges as varied as the individuals within it, ask for just one change? How can you propose solutions within a system that is itself the problem?

The 99% decry the concentration of power and wealth among the elite 1% in our country and the world, the inherent injustice of what we call “capitalism.” They are fighting for the return of sovereign power to the people, an end to the “monied corruption of our democracy.” And there’s nothing within our current setup that would allow for that to happen.

Nathan Schneider of WagingNonViolence.com says, “More than demanding any particular policy proposal, the occupation is reminding Wall Street what real democracy looks like:

12 TODO Austin // october 2011 // TOdoaustin.com

It’s now becoming clear that what began as the occupation of Wall Street is rapidly becoming a mass awakening, and movement, of the people.

to press, the number increased to 253 total cities.]

OccupyAustin.org is home to the local branch of the movement, which officially begins on

Panels Explore Business and Creative Aspects of Screenwriting Known as the “writer’s” conference, there are countless opportunities to learn, discuss, network, pitch, and be inspired by others during the panels, round tables and parties throughout the week. Here are just a few: The Heroine’s Journey: Writing and Selling the Female-Driven Screenplay – Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room – Saturday, October 22 @ 10:45 AM – Pamela Gray, Elizabeth Hunter The Creative Career: What You Need to Know – Driskill Hotel, Ballroom – Friday, October 21 @ 1:30 PM – Lawrence Kasdan, Craig Mazin, Daniel Petrie Jr., Rhett Reese – Moderated by Howard A. Rodman

October 6 at City Hall and includes regular general assembly meetings until then, open to whoever cares to recognize their place among the 99%.

While Schneider calls this “American Autumn,” as a continuation of the “Arab Spring” we saw earlier this year in Tahrir Square and beyond, it is in fact much bigger than just our country. This is about the global family, perhaps uniting for the first time in history.

OccupyTogether lists numerous international occupations, including Occupy Tokyo, Sydney, Toronto Market Exchange, Denmark, Frankfurt, Manchester, Prague and Tijuana. The list continues to grow.

“With uprisings having spread from...across the Arab world, and then in various forms to China, Greece, Spain, Israel, and England, 2011 may join 1789, 1848, and 1968 as a year synonymous with people-power—and no small amount of chaos,” Schneider said. “[The Occupy movement has] adopted what seems to be this year’s signature tactic: the sustained occupation of symbolic public spaces.”

Whether or not the countless groups standing up and demonstrating their frustration with the “system” around the nation and world consider or declare themselves an “official” part of the Occupy movement, it is undeniable that this wave of transformational energy is stirring people everywhere to get up and do something.

Are you ready to remember your own power among the 99%? The odds are on our side. ATX (along with Houston, and Dallas, and DC, and Vegas) joins October 6.

Asian Austin: About Town

By Yvonne Lim Wilson

systems in their respective cities and connectivity between Austin and San Antonio.

Also at the gala, four awards were presented including the Humanitarian Award to Jamie Amelio, founder of the nonprofit Caring for Cambodia; the Community Leadership Award to State Representative Mark Strama; the Asian American Business of the Year Award to Encotech Engineering Consultants President and CEO Ali Khataw; and the Community Pillar Award to former Austin City Council Member Jennifer Kim, received for her ongoing work for the Asian American Resource Center.

ROC Centennial Gala Texas Business Symposium & Gala More than 400 attended the Texas Business Symposium & Gala, raising more than $100,000 for the Asian American Resource Center. The event, held on September 10 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel downtown, was hosted by the Austin Asian American Chamber of Commerce and Network of Asian American Organizations.

One highlight of the symposium was a discussion between Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell and San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro sharing their visions of transportation

Young Hispanic Professionals Association of Austin

By Vanessa Valdovinos

As many young professionals navigate their careers, some find themselves missing the nice umbrella of college, with its buffet of organizations that both compliment an internal need to participate in community service and provide a social outlet. Feeling this void and a lack of connection to my heritage as I entered the professional community led me to the Young Hispanic Association of Austin (YHPA-Austin). I’d been a member of various professional organizations.

But living 150 miles away from my mother and oceans apart from the rest of her branch of the tree, I felt a need to connect with my heritage, none of which these met. So I did what may be a generational archetype: I Googled “Austin Hispanic Organization” and YHPAAustin was the first hit. Reading about the organization on their website, I realized its mission aligned with my own.

YHPA-Austin is a member-driven volunteer organization with a mission to advance educational attainment by Hispanic students through mentorships and scholarships, provide community service to the underprivileged, and provide professional development.

YHPA-Austin believes that giving back to the community is an essential way for young professionals to develop into leaders of their communities. Because of this mission, they provide opportunities for members to engage with future generations. “Bridges to Education,” a lunch mentorship program, focuses on partnering professionals with middle school students once a month at Webb Middle School. In addition, there are

ROC 100 Austin, a coalition of 14 local organizations, presented the ROC Centennial Gala on September 17 at the Round Rock ISD Performing Arts Center. The gala celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China.

Children perform Taiwanese aboriginal dances at the ROC Centennial Gala.

Mayor Lee Leffingwell, State Representative Elliott Naishtat and other officials were on hand to congratulate the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the local community.

Performances included the Austin Chinese Choir, Chinese yo-yo, a comedy act, dances and musical performances.

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. several other events YHPA-Austin participates in to help underserved families in the community including Feria Para Aprender (Fair of Learning) and Día de Los Niños, Día de los Libros; Day of the Children, Day of the Books.

YHPA-Austin hosts quarterly professional development workshops to help enrich the community of young professionals, covering topics such as social media and branding, career and personal development.

Throughout the year, YHPA-Austin hosts a number of socials and a scholarship fundraising gala. These events help provide the funds for the competitive scholarships that are awarded to deserving students seeking a higher education.

YHPA-Austin came from humble beginnings, when founder Linda Medina decided there was a need for an organization that brought Hispanic professionals across all professions together for networking, collaboration, and community service opportunities. Linda invited five invested individuals to her apartment clubhouse and began what has grown to YHPA-Austin today. “From the beginning I believed that YHPA-Austin was meant to inspire others in their professional development and in their giving!” Medina said.

The organization has grown significantly from its initial five members in 2006 to over a hundred members and counting, achieving 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, and has been rebranded as “YHPA-Austin” (from YHPAA) in order to allow for sister organizations to be built in other communities. YHPA-Austin and community sponsorships have come together all in the name of investing in our future leaders of tomorrow. Members build a foundation for their professional, community and personal development. YHPA-Austin has demonstrated its mission to serve as the principal professional resource for young Hispanics in Austin and Central Texas area. For more information regarding future events, membership, community participation, and/or sponsorship, please visit WWW.YHPAA.ORG.

Texas Symposium Gala Award winners State Representative Mark Strama, Ali Khataw, and Jennifer Kim.

Los Angeles based Mariachi El Bronx play Sunday on the AMD stage. by Mari Hernandez

Cee-Lo and his allfemale band rock through the hits on the Bud Light Stage.

The 10th Annual Austin City Limits Music Festival was a musical celebration of epic proportions. With headliners Stevie Wonder, Arcade Fire, Coldplay, Kanye West and My Morning Jacket, the festival honored a variety of musical genres like never before.

With music and fans from around the globe, the festival officially sold out each of the three days, with an estimated 70,000 in attendance each day.

Festival organizers continued their

tradition of environmental stewardship; the Rock and Recycle program paid festival-goes with t-shirts for bags of recyclables, and CamelBak filling stations refilled water bottles with filtered water, keeping bottle consumption down.

The weather was kind, the music was amazing, and the crowd was wellbehaved. Not a bad party at all. Cheers!

Photos by Mari Hernandez, Anna Moreno and Erica Stall Wiggins

His anti-globalization and political messages are lightened up by his high energy rhythm. Manu Chao La Ventura.

Blues sensation Gary Clark Jr., with an upcoming release on Warner Brothers, plays to a packed crowd at the BMI stage.

Photo by Mari Hernandez

Julian Salazar of Bomba Estereo pauses for a photo before their set Sunday.

Singer-songwriter and multiinstrumentalist Fancisca Valenzuela is promoting her new album, “Buen Soldado,” released in August, 2011.

Win Butler of Arcade Fire, closing the festival Sunday evening to a full house.

Chromeo describe themselves as “the only successful Arab/Jewish partnership since the dawn of human culture.” Here they are with Origin Magazine Publisher Maranda Pleasant.

Sam Beam of Iron and Wine performing songs from the latest release, “Kiss Each Other Clean.”

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”

october Line-up

Taco Bar

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

---------------------------------------------------Sat 10/1 WINK KEZIAH (6:30) Sun 10/2 THE TEXAS TYCOONS (3:00) ---------------------------------------------------Thu 10/6 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) Fri 10/7 LOS FLAMES (6:30) Sat 10/8 TRENT TURNER (6:30) Sun 10/9 BLUE MIST (3:00) ---------------------------------------------------Thu 10/13 THE FABS (6:30) Fri 10/14 LOS FLAMES (6:30) Sat 10/15 EVE MONSEES & THE EXILES (6:30) Sun 10/16 MITCH WEBB & THE SWINDLES (3:00) ---------------------------------------------------Thu 10/20 MATT SMITH’S WORLD (6:30) Fri 10/21 LOS FLAMES (6:30) Sat 10/22 PONTY BONE & THE SQUEEZETONES (6:30) Sun 10/23 TIBURONCITO (3:00) ---------------------------------------------------Thu 10/27 JOHNNY GIMBLE (6:30) Fri 10/28 LOS FLAMES (6:30) Sat 10/29 BRADLEY JAYE WILLIAMS (6:30)

www.GuerosTacoBar.com

Frame of Reference We’ve all set up a certain framework for what we think we want to experience and we’re frequently letting the pieces just fall in. The pieces don’t have to all be ideal. They don’t have to be spectacular. They don’t have to have been chosen thoughtfully. They don’t even have to feel real or feel good. They just have to fit into the framework we’ve designed based on the tenet to which we currently subscribe. And if something doesn’t fit obviously into the framework, we turn our head toward something that does, not bothering to question why it doesn’t fit. If we actually questioned why it doesn’t fit, we may discover that our current framework may need to actually be reworked. We, however, don’t want to bother with digging further into the truth.

But digging deeper is what brings us to discovery. Discovery is what brings us to evolution. Evolution is what brings us to revelation. Revelation is what brings us to understanding. Understanding is what brings us to awareness. Awareness is what brings us to conscious choice. Choosing is what brings us to the creation of our life.

And the sheer process of actually creating the experience of our life is the only purpose we have on earth.

By Blake Shanley

put into it, regardless of in which area you aim the energy.

The course of your life is your choice. There is no one else deciding what can or will come into your realm of experience, even though it may feel that way. And every decision you make, every word you speak, every word you don’t speak, every thought you have, every truth you declare or deny, every fear you ignore or enable, every quality you embrace, every question left unanswered, every secret left unrevealed…is creating the living experience of your life. Your life, as a whole, in this moment, is the sum of everything that you alone have created it to be, and it is nothing more and nothing less.

Tomorrow doesn’t exist. Literally. Tomorrow doesn’t exist today. Today is the only real truth.

If we understood this, if we truly understood this, we would aim to choose every single moment of our lives consciously and specifically, clearly and joyfully, passionately and authentically, fearlessly and powerfully.

I want to desperately try to understand this today, everyday.

Every effort, action, word or thought made in the direction of one area of one’s life, affects all of the other areas simultaneously and similarly, though certainly not obviously if one isn’t paying attention. The compartmentalizing of your life does not make the different areas of your life actually separate from one another. It is the absolute and collective whole of you, and the world created for you, by you. Your life, in its entirety, is a direct result of the energy you

Caribbean Perspective John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the 35th President of United States. He was killed on November 22, 1963 and maybe that’s why I’m writing about him. The first time that I heard JFK’s story I was a teenager and my mom, who was ten years old when he was shot, talked about him in such a deep way that I immediately wanted to learn more about him. I started asking my teachers and family questions, but I could not satisfy my curiosity with their basic information. And that’s why I decided to turn to books to find the answers I was looking for.

Here is my theory: JFK’s story is similar to a good movie or a good book. It has drama, sex, conflict and a tragic resolution. Who does not want a well defined storyline? Or an imperfect hero, someone like Jack? JFK

Plum Writing

Death Brings Life

By Alexandra M. Landeros

The weather has cooled down. (Sort of.) It’s rained. (Sort of.) Regardless, fall has started, and now we begin the end-of-year holidays that put the rest of the year on fast forward.

Holidays can be hectic, but there is one that gives us a chance to slow down and reflect.

Most of us in the U.S. grew up with Halloween, but if you grew up with the Mexican culture, you likely celebrated Día de los Muertos. Or if you’re like me, even though you grew up with both cultures, it wasn’t part of the family tradition, and you discovered it later in life.

these 50-pound dogs with an unknown history overwhelmed me, but I grew to love their smart and funny personalities. Catahoula owners are fans for life. Although he didn’t always do it on command, Tonka knew just the right moment to offer you his paw when you were feeling down. Changa always wanted to be right at my feet and rubbed her face like a sea otter when she was feeling happy. They both always took part in Shand’s band rehearsals, unfazed by loud guitars and drums. Musical dogs, just like their human ma and pa.

I’ve been lucky that death has tended to stay far from my family and friends, although it is inevitable, and one day, we will all die. As time passes, I will deal with it more and more.

Sometimes it seems people have a hard time talking about, or even acknowledging death. My grandmother María Ines Lopez Gurrola passed away in 2007. This was my first experience losing someone close. Maybe because I did not see her every day, the way I used to when I was a child, her absence did not hit me a in a very real way.

When Changa took her last breath on August 23, 2011, I not only felt the emotional sadness, but also the physical sadness of losing a friend, a family member. I know dogs aren’t exactly like children, but to us, they were like children. The moment her heart stopped beating, I felt as if someone punched me in the stomach and tore out a giant piece of my insides. For a couple of days, I walked around feeling dizzy and numb, as if floating and not really in this world. I don’t know if those sensations were normal, or what they mean, but that’s what I felt.

I knew I would no longer be able to see her when I visited Mexico, and that whatever stories she never told would never be heard.

She comes to me in dreams often, even though I never dreamt of her when she was alive. This makes me believe that even if souls do not return to Earth, some form of energy does, even if just in the form of a memory.

During the Bastrop fires, Shand was looking at a website with pictures of lost and found dogs. From there, he stumbled upon CatahoulaRescue.com, which then led him to the Urgent Animals at the Wise County Texas Animal Shelter Facebook page. When I came home, he said, “You need to look at this.” And there was a picture of a sweet-faced puppy who looked like a mini-version of Changa, scheduled to be euthanized in a couple of days. Although Catahoulas are a breed, the AKC does not recognize them, probably because they descended from molossers and greyhounds, brought to Louisiana by Hernando de Soto, who mixed with the Native American dog. Catahoulas vary in shape, size, and color. Changa’s physique was one of the least common variations.

At the end of July, one of our dogs, Changa, developed a brain tumor. It appeared almost overnight, the way a cartoon character sprouts a lump after getting bopped on the head. It was perfectly round, a ping pong-sized ball, popping out between her eyes. After seeing three vets and one specialist, the diagnosis was grim. Probably malignant – that is, cancer – and even if it was operable, it would be an expensive and torturous process both for us and for Changa. The vets told us all we could do was make her as happy and comfortable for the remainder of her life. We’d know the day it was time to let her go.

By Yadira Izquierdo

At this point I have read books about his family, his wife, conspiracy theories, Bobby Kennedy, his sex life, his presidency and other rumors. Even though it’s weird, my curiosity has not been satisfied…and I wonder why.

Chronicles of Undercover Mexican Girl:

Changa first came to our home in April of 2006, along with Tonka. We rescued them from a friend of a friend who had gone to Washington for a job. Changa was around four years old and Tonka was six – both Catahoulas and my first dogs that were not Chihuahuas. At first,

So, on September 10, three-month old Lola came to live with us. She likes rooting in the canna plants for a cool spot, lays down with her paws stretched out ahead like Superman, and she has this way of watching each and every tiny move you make. Just like Changa.

Although Changa has left the Earth, perhaps part of her came back to us in the form of Lola.

We hadn’t even planned on adopting another dog just yet. Death sometimes happens when you least expect it. But so does new life.

was like a character from a movie: a rich, well spoken boy with a cool demeanor and Hollywood looks. Yes, Jack was all that and more. He is part of the U.S. history in all its glory and decadence. By killing him his enemies created a hero; they enlarged him. That’s why a Puerto Rican girl like me is obsessed with him; sometimes people are more dangerous when they are silenced but left something behind to remind us of what they stood for.

TODO Austin // october 2011 // TODOaustin.com 15

Bronze Age Group and TODO Austin present

Austin Days of the Dead/ Días de los Muertos Festival October 15 — November 2, 2011

The two-week long festival highlights Hispanic culture with many of Austin’s most distinguished artists performing at more than three dozen events in the city’s finest performance halls and clubs, combined with lectures, symposia and traditional observances.

Austin Days of the Dead is a combination feast, party, procession and vigil celebrating the city’s multicultural heritage, fusing National Hispanic Heritage Month with Halloween, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day