TODO Austin April 2018

For the rest of us.

www.todoaustin.com VOLUME IX / APR 2018

Rep. Lloyd Doggett on Gun Control MLK: 50th Anniversary of Death Atash to play Carnegie Hall in NYC Free movies to first responders at Drafthouse

KLRU-TV, Austin PBS broadcast 18.1 / cable 9 klru.org

Y W E 'R E S O H A P P

TO B E

Learn more at KLRU.org Airing this month

Civilizations

POV Bill Nye: Science Guy

Reveals the role art and creative imagination have played in forging humanity, and introduce viewers to works of beauty, ingenuity and illumination across cultures.

Follow Bill Nye, once the host of the popular kids show, as he seeks to change the world through science.

Tuesdays at 7 pm starting April 17th

Wednesday, April 18th at 9 pm; Sunday, April 22nd at 4 pm

Independent Lens Look & See: Wendell Berry’s Kentucky Experience the changing landscapes and shifting values of rural America in the era, as seen through the mind’s eye of award-winning writer and farmer Wendell Berry.

Monday, April 23rd at 9 pm

KLRU-TV, Austin PBS is community supported. More than 85% of our funding comes from the public. PLEASE CONSIDER INVESTING IN KLRU.

C E N T R O U R B A N O HABLA Austin evening of non-partisan politics. With interactive games, tacos, drink and more. Apr. 11, Wednesday, 7 p.m. at Spider House Ballroom.

2018 Fair Housing Summit The City of Austin Equal Employment/Fair Housing Office will host the 2018 Fair Housing Summit celebrating the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Fair Housing Act in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission-Civil Rights Division and U.T. LBJ School of Public Affairs. Leaders, experts, advocates and policy makers will gather in Austin Apr. 2-5 at the Austin Convention Center to take a hard look at how to break through remaining barriers to fair housing. The summit will feature a keynote speech from former U.S. Secretary of HUD Julián C. Castro, with Anna Maria Farias and Joseph A Pelletier.

Fifth WE Con workshops The fifth annual Women’s Empowerment Conference is Saturday, Apr. 21, at the Austin Community College Eastview campus. The signature event of the Women’s Community Center of Central Texas for women (cis and trans), nonbinary folks, girls, and those who care about them in the Austin community, features 18 workshops, including workshops for teens, and Spanish-English translation.

WECon 2018 is April 21

PARD invites public input The Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) invites the public to join them for a Design Kick-off Meeting for the Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitation, on Tuesday, Apr. 3, 5:30-7 p.m. at Austin Energy, Conference Rm 130. PARD, in partnership with Austin Parks Foundation, is also holding an Overlook Dedication and Sign Unveiling for Roberta Reed Crenshaw on the North side of Lady Bird Lake on Friday, Apr. 6, 2 p.m. The location is on the Southwest corner of Cesar Chavez and Congress Avenue.

Art in Public Places deadline Art in Public Places (AIPP), announces the expansion of TEMPO, its annual temporary public art program. TEMPO provides the community a deeper appreciation of public art through temporary, thought-provoking installations that impact and enhance city-owned sites across Austin. Through TEMPO 2-D, AIPP will commission seven to ten artists to create temporary murals at select sites across the City. The deadline to apply is Apr. 26 at 5 p.m. and compensation will be provided for the selected artists.

Thoughts and prayers are not enough--Congress can and must take action

By Rep. Lloyd Doggett

The Parkland, Florida school massacre marks the 30th mass shooting in 2018 and the 376th mass shooting since the beginning of 2017. In the past 5 months, 3 of the 10 deadliest shootings in U.S. history have occurred, including in Sutherland Springs.

As a lifelong Texan, I grew up around guns and hunting. But a military style assault rifle is not for hunting, it is for killing other people. And tragically that has been the instrument of death in Parkland, Sutherland Springs, Las Vegas and elsewhere. We need to restore the ban on these weapons of war that once existed.

We all pray for those that have lost loved ones, but we need more than the regular response of “thoughts and prayers.” These precious lives are being ignored by Congress. Too many officials are indebted to the NRA, giving it control over the White House, Congress and Texas Legislature lock, stock and barrel.

Carbon monoxide ordinance begins Beginning Apr. 1, residential and commercial properties that have gas or fuel-burning appliances are required to install and maintain carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. “Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that cannot be smelled, seen or heard, but it can be detected through an alarm,” said Code Supervisor Moses Rodriguez. “For safety measures, it’s important to install the CO alarms if you have any gas appliances at home.”

Stand Up, Austin! show Voting, volunteering, and being a good neighbor is more important than ever. Stand Up, Austin! A Civic Comedy Show, merges comedy and local civic life with some of Austin’s funniest comedians coming together with civic-minded people and organizations for an entertaining and engaging

Nash Hernandez building design plans The Austin Parks and Recreation Department, Austin Police Department and Austin Public Works Department are hosting a community presentation to reveal the design plans of the joint use facility of the Nash Hernandez building located at Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach. Metz Recreation Center, Saturday, Apr. 14, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. PARD will also have information regarding the Phase IA Implementation of the Holly Shores Master Plan.

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Volume IX, Number 12 PUBLISHER/EDITOR // Gavin Lance Garcia info@todoaustin.com ART DIRECTOR // Dave McClinton dmdesigninc.com EDITOR //Lesly Reynaga // lesly@todoaustin.com MANAGING EDITOR // Meredith C. Cox meredith@todoaustin.com ASSOCIATE EDITORS // Liz Lopez, Monica Peña, Katie Walsh, Erica Stall Wiggins, Yvonne Lim Wilson

people, they should be focused on teaching our young people to help fulfill their potential.

Parkland is not the first community to have to endure such a tragedy caused by gun violence.

Unless action is taken, tragically, it won’t be the last. That is the resounding truth being heard across our nation thanks to the fearless courage of the students who are speaking out and demanding change.

We see this locally, thanks to the tireless work of Moms Demand Action and Texas Gun Sense.

While there is no single or easy solution, it is long past time to take the first steps. Here is where I think Congress should start: • Reinstate the ban on assault weapons.

• Institute universal background checks and close loopholes that let too many people slip through the cracks and legally purchase firearms despite being a threat to themselves or others.

• No weapons for suspected terrorists, domestic abusers, or individuals convicted of hate crimes.

• Institute a Gun Violence Restraining Order that allows law enforcement to confiscate weapons for dangerous individuals.

• Ban high-capacity magazines and outlaw devices like bump stocks that make weapons more deadly.

• Lift the ban on CDC research into the impact of gun violence on public health.

These are common-sense gun safety solutions to help reduce gun violence in our communities, including accidents, suicides, domestic violence, mass shootings, and acts of terrorism. Most of these reforms are supported by a majority of Americans, not just Democrats or Republicans, but all Americans. Protecting children in schools, worshipers in church, folks at a night club or concert is not an issue of right versus left. It’s right versus wrong.

Lloyd Doggett - NPR Photo

Some lawmakers want to give up and, as a last resort, arm teachers. This is simply a distraction and a way for these elected officials to shirk their own responsibility to prevent gun violence.

Teachers should not be focused on shooting CONTRIBUTING STAFF // Rose Di Grazia, Callie Langford, César E. López Linares, Genoveva Rodriguez, Diana Sanchez PRODUCTION SERVICES // Anthony Garcia CONTRIBUTORS // Alka Bhanot, Roy Casagranda, Cat Cardenas, Cindy Casares, Evelyn C. Castillo, Kevin Cokley, Lobo Corona, Nora De LaRosa, Lloyd Doggett, Laura Donnelly Gonzalez, Cate Graziani, Mark Guerra, Mari Hernandez, Yadira Izquierdo, Chaille Jolink, Ryan Jordan, Ali Khataw, Ramey Ko, Harish Kotecha, Sonia Kotecha, Julia Lee, Isabel Lopez-Aguilar, Art Markman, Cynthia Aashi Morales, Cristina Parker, Carola Rivera, Paul Saldaña, Marion Sanchez, Sameer Shah, Blake Shanley, Dani Slabaugh, Corey Tabor, Rama Tiru, Carola Rivera, Aaron Rochlen, Blanca Valencia, Lesley Varghese ONLINE EDITION // TODOAustin.com

No one should have to worry about the safety of their loved ones. While there is no panacea for gun violence, we can take positive steps to prevent more tragedies, more pain and more grief. Let’s work together to enact reasonable reforms so no one else suffers. And if this Congress will not act, we must get one that will.

COVER PHOTO // Krystal “Jazmin” Ibáñez TODO Austin // Multicultural Media for All of Austin. TODO Austin is a free print and online journal for all of Austin highlighting our multicultural heritage and promoting the concept of community in an ethnically diverse city.

Circulation throughout Austin, from the Westside’s Pennybacker Bridge to the Eastside’s Montopolis Bridge.

TODO Austin is published by Spark Awakened Publishing. © 2018 Spark Awakened Publishing. All rights reserved. The views expressed here are the authors and should not be taken to represent those of Spark Awakened Publishing or of any of its associates or partners.

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How MLK’s death changed black people and challenged America’s ideals Kevin Cokley

April 4 marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. From Lincoln to King, assassinations of political figures have been part of our country’s history.

The assassinations of civil rights activists Medgar Evers (1963), Malcolm X (1965) and Martin Luther King Jr. (1968) were a stark reminder to black people that the pursuit of freedom and liberation often came at the ultimate cost. The assassination of King was arguably the most consequential for the course of American history and permanently changed the psychology of black people and challenged America’s ideals.

Because he was one of the most prominent leaders of the civil rights movement, King’s assassination was especially devastating. His optimism offered a stark contrast to Malcolm X’s pessimistic and fatalistic view of white America.

Guided by a Christian ethic and the philosophies of integrationism, nonviolence and civil disobedience, King was the moral conscience of a country that had failed to live up to its lofty ideals of the American Dream for black people.

In his book “Martin & Malcolm & America: A Dream or a Nightmare,” James H. Cone noted that Malcolm X and King were both killed by forces they sought to change. However, whereas Malcolm X was killed “by the blacks he loved and was seeking to liberate from self-hate,” King was “killed by the whites he loved and was seeking to set free of racism.”

Selma Montgomery March 1965

Unlike Malcolm X, who viewed whites as having no moral conscience and America as a nightmare that was doomed for its crimes of slavery and segregation, King possessed a redemptive faith in the goodness of white people. He insisted on loving white people in spite of their treatment of blacks, and he spoke of having a dream that Americans of all racial backgrounds could live in peace and good will.

Whether people agreed with him or not, it was King’s appeal to white people’s moral conscience and his philosophy of nonviolence that provided him the platform to wield tremendous influence to cause social and political change. Thus, it was incomprehensible that this “drum major for justice” who followed the teachings of Mohandas Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance would be assassinated in cold blood.

What kind of country was America that it could produce the type of hatred that would kill a messenger of love and peace? If Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat was the spark that invigorated the civil rights movement, King’s assassination was the psychological accelerant that threatened to permanently derail it.

The black psychologist William Cross created a black liberation identity model that referenced the psychological impact of King’s assassination.

In the Pre-Encounter stage, Cross characterized black people as being politically naïve and dependent on white leadership and a belief in assimilation-integration. These individuals were not actively involved in the civil rights movement.

In the Encounter stage, Cross described an experience or event that shattered the individual’s feeling about himself/herself and his/ her interpretation of the condition of blacks in America. King’s assassination was an example of a shattering experience that propelled black people into becoming more politically active and into searching for a deeper understanding of the black power movement.

For many blacks, the reality that someone as prominent and righteous as King could get assassinated was a life-altering experience. Black people realized that being patient and trusting the country to eventually do right by black folks was a dream at risk of being permanently deferred.

Blacks did not have the luxury of sitting on the sidelines in the pursuit of civil rights. For many, King’s assassination aroused what had been a sometimes muted yet simmering anger fueled by injustice toward black Americans.

Upon hearing about King’s assassination, civil rights activist and Black Power proponent Stokely Carmichael exclaimed: “When white America killed Dr. King last night, she declared war on us.

It would have been better if she had killed Rap Brown … or Stokely Carmichael. But when she killed Dr. King, she lost it … He was the one man in our race who was trying to teach our people to have love, compassion and mercy for white people.”

Black Lives Matter KUT Photo 04 TODO AUSTIN // APR 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM

News of King’s assassination reverberated across the entire world, with condolences coming from heads of state and world leaders. The nation had not been so deeply impacted since the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Black people, now angered and emboldened by such a heinous

act of violence, engaged in weeks of rioting and urban rebellion that disrupted the country.

The psychological impact of King’s assassination endures 50 years later. King taught us that in the ongoing black freedom struggle, he was willing to die for a cause he knew was bigger than himself.

He died for black freedom and ultimately trying to save the soul of this country. In many ways his death can be seen as the inheritance of thousands of people and recent social movements.

The Movement for Black Lives is the most direct continuation of King’s work, as Black Lives Matter activists have continued the fight for the civil rights of black people. Most recently in response to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, the March For Our Lives took place in Washington, D.C. This student-led social movement seeks to pass legislation that effectively addresses gun violence. Interestingly, death by a gun is the common denominator behind these social movements.

As we remember King on this 50th anniversary of his death, let us reflect on one of his final prophetic statements the night before he was killed: “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life.

Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will … I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.”

In the current political climate, that promised land seems farther away than ever before. However, the level of political engagement by today’s youths is reason to be optimistic, as they are the embodiment of the meaning of King’s life and death.

Kevin Cokley is the Oscar and Ann Mauzy Regents Professor for Educational Research and Development, the director of the Institute for Urban Policy Research and Analysis, and a fellow of the UT System Academy of Distinguished Teachers at The University of Texas at Austin.

The Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center participates in Austin Community College’s “Citizenship Across Communities: The Big Read.” In April, ACC will present a series of events at various locations designed to promote the reading and discussion of the award-winning book “Citizen: An American Lyric” by Claudia Rankine. Visit Bir Red’s Facebook page for more information.

Our King: How African American Artists Depict Iconic Champion. The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural & Genealogy Center will conclude its January-April series of programs, Fifty Years since King, with a slide illustrated presentation on April 4 at 6:30 p.m. Bamidele Agbasegbe Demerson, the manager of the Carver, will explore how African American artists have portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King in paintings, sculptures, and more over the course of five decades since the time of his assassination. Among the many artists featured in the slide illustrated presentation are the compelling images by Elizabeth Catlett, John Wilson, Geraldine McCullough, Jon Onye Lockard, and Faith Ringgold, to name a few.

Folktales’ Black Women’s Literary Society Book Club, a group of black women reading African America authors, meets Friday, April 20, 6 - 8 p.m. The April book is “An American Marriage” by Tayari Jones.

Things are just as bad as we feared at a “civil commitment center” in Texas

By Cate Graziani, GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP

I hate to say we told you so. In this case, I really, really hate it.

An exposé in the Texas Observer in the month of February confirmed everything we feared about the Treatment Industrial Complex (TIC), a term we use to describe private prison companies’ scheme to expand their revenue by exploiting new markets in healthcare, treatment, and reentry.

After the last legislative session, Texas lawmakers awarded Correct Care (formerly GEO Care), a company with deep roots in the prison industry, a contract to run a civil commitment center in West Texas. The decision was quite a shock because Grassroots Leadership had been advocating against Correct Care since 2012 and had helped thwart their attempts to take over two state psychiatric hospitals. This time around, the contract was kept under wraps and politics and profit won over safety and justice.

La Mujer: A Celebration of Women Inspired by the First Feminist in the New World Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz.

Saturday, April 14, 3 - 8 p.m. A celebration of women inspired by the first feminist of the New World, Sor Juana Ines De La Cruz with food, art and performances. Schedule: 3 p.m. Food Vendors and Artists Booths; 4:30 p.m. - Suli Luque Folklór y Ritmos de Panamá; 5 p.m. - Rosa Tupina - Aztec Ceremony in the Zocalo; 5:30 p.m. - Carolina Quiroga of Colombia/ San Antonio; 6 p.m. - Tiarra Girls of Austin; 6:30 - Leti Garza of Austin; 7 p.m. - Rosie Flores; 7:45 - Krudas of Austin/ Cuba.

Sor Juana Inéz de la Cruz, April 13 and 14. Enjoy our special festival centered around women empowerment. This celebration includes live music, poetry, and storytelling about one of the great initial strong, independent women, Sor Juana.

Cine de Oro. Last Tuesday of each month. Join the ESBMACC for a special screening from the Golden Era of Mexico’s cinema. Please arrive by 9:15 am as screenings begins at 9:30 am. Admission is free. Please call to RSVP, as space is limited! 512-974-3789.

Now through Saturday, Apr. 21. Free Tax Prep & Filing. Foundation Communities’ free tax prep and filing clinic returns to the AARC. The clinic is open to anyone who earned under $55K. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments for four sites can be made online. For more information visit foundcom.org. Hours at the AARC are as follows: Mon. and Tue., 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Wed. and Thu., 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Fri. 1 - 4 p.m.; and Sat. 10 - 4 p.m. Free. Classrooms 2 and 3.

“Recollecting Memores” Exhibit Opening Reception, Friday, April 13th from 6-8pm. Artist Caroline Ryan explores family dynamics using old candid family photographs as references for her paintings.

The artist reveals the astounding differences between her parents and her family’s struggle to communicate with each other as a means of accepting and understanding the past and present. On display through June 19.

“Where I belong” Exhibit. Mixed-race families open their doors to share lived experiences of Asian American Pacific Islander youth in Austin. Exhibit is co-curated by the AARC and Lizzie Chen, first generation Taiwanese American who received Masters in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. On display through June 29.

Like Grassroots Leadership’s 2016 research into the TIC, this new report about the Littlefield Civil Commitment Center is a warning about an insidious trend in mass incarceration. I hope I don’t have to say I told you so again.

The specifics of the Littlefield story should horrify the community. In 2015, about 200 men who had already completed their prison sentence were rounded up and dumped in a private prison in remote Texas, where most will be locked up for the rest of their lives. Under the guise of a civil treatment program, Correct Care runs a forprofit prison, from which almost no one will ever be released.

The Observer story exposes how the supposedly therapeutic Littlefield Civil Commitment Center provides little to no treatment and the contract incentivizes locking people up for a lifetime.

According to the Observer, “Two and a half years after the Texas Civil Commitment Center opened its doors, only five men have been released — four of them to medical facilities where they later died.”

The excessive staff turnover at Littlefield means the men are not receiving promised treatment; the facility does not provide adequate medical care; the state takes a third of any money or gifts received by the men in addition to charging them for ankle monitors; and solitary confinement is used regularly as punishment. Texas has already fined Correct Care $297,000 for noncompliance.

The Observer story reveals a very dark corner of our society: indefinite non-criminal confinement for profit. The men in the program have served their prison sentence and then receive a life sentence; the only way to release is from the for-profit company, but release threatens their bottom line. Even if you say “good riddance” to people convicted of sex offences, the civil commitment program must be primarily therapeutic in order to be constitutional. Not only is Texas’ program unconstitutional, it is nothing more than a slick move to make money by prison companies who are betting on people not caring.

Of course, we have already accepted detention without charges in another area, the federal government’s so-called “civil detention” system for immigrants. The obvious question is, after they come for immigrants, and after they come for those convicted of sex offenses, who will they come for next?

Cate Graziani is Grassroots Leadership’s Criminal Justice Campaigns Coordinator.

Grassroots Leadership works for a more just society where prison profiteering, mass incarceration, deportation and criminalization are things of the past.

TODO AUSTIN // APR 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 05

Denise and Jose

underserved communities. Every product and event developed by Hustle for the Cause is connected to a philanthropic initiative.

“We had a meeting here just the other day, and every person at this table was so excited about not what they were gonna get out of it but by what we were creating for the city of Austin,” Velásquez continued. “It’s that sense of solidarity that this thing is bigger than us. Nobody came to this table with any kind of level of ego and it’s beautiful to watch because there’s no hidden agenda but it was all about we’re here to do something for the chingonas of Austin, Texas and that’s been the theme. We all want to do something good for the community and it’s been a blessing all the way around.”

The Headliner for the festival is Austin’s very own Bidi Bidi Banda. Other musical acts include Cecilia and The Broken Hearts; Mariachi Las Coronelas; and Chulita Vinyl Club. Mosaic Sound Collective is sponsoring audio and visual services. A portion of the festival proceeds will be donated to Latinitas and Con Mi MADRE, two nonprofits dedicated to the educational advancement of young women in the Austin community.

“The idea is to celebrate and empower women of color in all aspects, not just music, but women who are out there... single moms, who are chingonas in the sense that they are faced with a hard scenario and they always overcome,” Hernandez said.

“Whether that would be in music or just regular day women or, you know, when you’re a creative and you make your own stuff. It’s all about bringing women together under one space.

Community leaders Denise Hernandez and José Velásquez delivering their vision of Chingona Fest ATX

By Lesly Reynaga

The best ideas always come from leaders looking to make an impact in our community. Such is the case for the new Chingona Fest ATX, an event with a goal of uniting women of color through music, food, and art, coming to Hops & Grain Brewing this Saturday, April 7. The two minds behind the festival are Denise Hernandez, co-founder of social impact brand and event production firm Hustle for the Cause, and community leader José Velásquez.

What started as one woman’s idea is now underway to become a tangible festival that unites fellow chingonas while supporting the advancement of young women of color.

“Jose and I were at Hops & Grain drinking one 06 TODO AUSTIN // APR 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM

night,” Hernandez explained. “The idea of the fest started in the Rio Grande Valley. It started with young women who were putting on festivals down there that were more like workshops and conferences where they brought women together. I knew about this idea because it also happened in San Antonio. I wanted to create that here in Austin but more of a music festival. I told myself “who do I need to speak to to make this a reality? And José [Velásquez] was the first person I thought of.”

“When we met [at Hops & Grain] we were talking and he was like ‘you know, they really want to have an event here,’ and I told him ‘oh my God, José, this feels so serendipitous because this is why I wanted to meet with you.’ That’s when I started telling him about Chingona Fest and he said ‘wait, wait, wait, what if we get Hops & Grain to brew us a Chingona beer?’ That idea had never come to my mind. José took it one step further with the idea of bringing people together even more so with Chingona beer.”

The Mission of Chingona Fest ATX is to empower women of color through music, art, and food. All vendors will be women of color, and all musicians will be led by women of color. Another staple of the event will be the launch of Chingona Beer by Hops & Grain Brewing at the festival. The Beer Can was designed by Claudia G. Aparicio Gamundi.

This is the first beer of its kind, and a portion of

every Chingona Beer sale will be donated to Latinitas and Con Mi MADRE. “I think the beauty of it all is that, when Denise brought the idea, I was humbled that she was like ‘hey, I want you to help me because I think you’re the right person to help me get this thing off the ground,’” Velásquez said. “But then the fact that it is all now a partnership with Hops & Grain is beautiful. They’ve been amazing partners to us since we started this thing. Denise had a beautiful idea, I just added what little pieces I could to it and then we got rocking and rolling.

It’s hard to find people that have the same genuine motivations when it comes to empowering Latinas. I was raised by a single mother. I was raised by my tias and my sister at home and I’ve never had a problem taking orders or doing for Latinas or chingonas. You know, I very much value the staple of friends that I have. My mom always told me ‘if you have people who are close enough to be your friends, then they’re family,’ and that’s what Denise is to me. We instantly clicked and things just took off.”

Hustle for the Cause is owned and operated by Hernandez and her fiancé Krista Cottingim, both LGBTQ women of color. Passionate about social change and community outreach, the couple launched Hustle for the Cause to create products and experiences that represent and empower

One thing that I really enjoyed seeing is that, on Facebook, the response has been so well-received.

You see young Latinas out there being like ‘look, they’ve created a festival for me,’ because they see themselves as chingonas. It’s exciting to create a space where we can bring out these women who identify with the word chingona, under one house, to meet other chingonas, to drink chingona beer, to meet men who celebrate chingonas. It’s all about being under that one space. We want the little girls to come to this festival, we want the women who are here to see themselves in every aspect.”

The schedule of events (subject to change) is as follows: 3:30 p.m. - Gates open for General Admission with DJ Set By Chulita Vinyl Club; 4:30 p.m. - Music performance by Mariachi Las Coronelas; 6:15 p.m. - Music performance

by Cecilia and the Broken Hearts; 8:15 p.m. Headliner performance by Bidi Bidi Banda.

“I think the development of Chingona Fest and people who are jumping on is just illustrating how necessary this festival was,” Hernandez stated. “I’m excited that I’m able to work with so many souls just to get it started, including the musicians. It’s been a beautiful process seeing the community come together.”

General Admission tickets are $20. Hops & Grain is located at 507 Calles Street #101. Tickets available at ChingonaFestATX.

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Austin-Based World Music Band Atash and The St. Stephen’s Global Ensemble to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City

experience. However, I did think to myself, ‘The only step up from here is to play my own music in Carnegie Hall.’ Now, almost 13 years later, that’s exactly what’s happening.”

The award-winning Austin-based world music band Atash and The St. Stephen’s Global Ensemble, a touring chamber orchestra performing highly expressive and dramatic concerts of original music, will perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Monday, April 23. The groups will be performing a four-part concert entitled “Global Harmony,” composed and arranged by Roberto Paulo Riggio with lyrics

by Mohammad Firoozi and conducted by John Moon.

Voted “Best World Music Band” in Austin for six years straight, Atash has been rocking audiences around the world since 2001. Made up of band members from the Middle East, India, Europe and the Americas, the group’s home is in the musical mecca of Austin, where the band has been presented the Austin Music Award for Best World Music Band at the SXSW Music Festival for the last six years in a row. High-caliber musicianship on instruments such as sitar, tabla, strings, flamenco guitar, upright bass, west African percussion and drum set; tight arrangements with eastern melodies, complex harmonies, driving rhythms, and a well-oiled ensemble; telepathic connection between musicians in a spirit of improvisation; the poetry of master medieval Sufi poets, ecstatically sung in Farsi by the powerful voice of the charismatic frontman Mohammad Firoozi — these elements describe Atash, but don’t come close to the live experience of the band.

“In 2005, I got an email requesting that I join a tour with Youssou N’Dour, the great Senegalese singer,” Riggio said. “When I received the itinerary, I was amazed once again to find out that our first concert of the tour would be in Carnegie Hall.

I thought to myself, ‘How is it that I am getting a chance to play in Carnegie Hall having stayed most of my life in Austin?’ It was an incredible

Atash combines creates a powerful, worldly and original sound that inspires people of all ages and from all walks of life. The band has spread its message of love and peace on the east and west coasts, in Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Taiwan, China, Spain and México, gaining legions of fans. They are truly the Austin ambassadors of world music.

Bollywood Meets Borscht Belt 2018

provided school supplies to over 1,000 students from the Austin, Del Valle, and Manor school districts—about 20 percent of the local homeless student population. This year, the goal is to raise $25K.

By TODO Austin Staff

By Cynthia Aashi Morales

It’s time again for “Bollywood Meets Borscht Belt,” the fun, family-friendly, multicultural event sponsored by Hindu Charities for America, partnering with Shalom Austin for the sixth time, to raise funds for school supplies for homeless and economically disadvantaged children in the Austin area.

Join in the celebration on Sunday, April 29, from 4 - 7 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center on the Dell Jewish Community Campus, 7300 Hart Lane, for an evening of music, food, dance, and networking. This year’s theme is “World Dance Showdown” and will feature dances from across the globe. Enjoy a vegetarian/dairy Indian dinner graciously donated by Indian restaurants across Austin, chai and desserts donated

by The Steeping Room and local bakeries, and the sights and sounds of diverse world music and dances, all while helping homeless and disadvantaged students in the Austin area. Last year, Hindu Charities for America 08 TODO AUSTIN // APR 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM

Hindu Charities for America was founded on the principle of “Live Here, Give Here!” and provides a vehicle for Indian communities to give back to the communities that have embraced them and provided them opportunities for success. The organization helps economically disadvantaged students advance their education so they too can live the American dream, all while celebrating South Asian culture and sharing it with others. Its cross-cultural event with Shalom Austin and annual gala, which raises money for vocational educational scholarships, are open to all in the Austin community and are truly a celebration of the cultural diversity of this land. Selfless volunteers, sponsors, donors, and volunteer visual and performing artists along with attendees are helping build a strong, successful, educated community of diverse cultures.

For ticket information, or to be a sponsor, donor, or volunteer, visit hc4a.org.

The St. Stephen’s Global Ensemble includes student members of the orchestral and percussion programs at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin. Orchestra director and Atash violinist, John Moon, leads this group through an eclectic program influenced by classical, blues, jazz, percussion, Mystic Sufi, Central and South American, South Indian and European musical traditions. As part of their mission, Atash has always sought out opportunities to work with young people. St. Stephen’s, as an international day and boarding school, brings together students from around the world for a college preparatory education. Building on the values of global awareness, education and collaboration, John Moon brought these groups together to produce their successful European tour in

March 2017, which traveled Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland. Trevor Detling, Director of St. Stephen’s Thunder Drums, and John Moon prepared the student musicians as they learned to perform these highly intricate rhythmic, melodic and formal compositions. “Austin is so often not on the radar, particularly with respect to music in this genre,” Riggio continued. “It’s still quite shocking to realize that somehow our work was noticed, and we have been invited to play in Carnegie Hall. So we’re working hard, practicing, practicing, practicing - as the saying goes!”

Tickets may be purchased through Carnegie Charge or by calling (212) 247-7800. For more information, visit atash.com.

Atash- Photo by Sandy Carson

“Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape The Nation” Traveling Exhibition The Asian American Resource Center invites the community to explore the heritage, daily experience, and numerous, diverse contributions that Indian immigrants and Indian Americans have made in shaping the U.S. Enjoy complementary docent and educational programming throughout the exhibition period provided by South Asian Austin Moms.

“Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation” was created by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department, Museums and Cultural Programs Division is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute. The exhibition is presented in partnership between City of Austin’s Asian American Resource Center and South Asian Austin Moms.

Through a vibrant collection of photographs, artifacts, art and interactive learning stations, visitors will experience the Indian American story and explore the many dynamic roles Indian Americans have played in shaping America.

The exhibit and events are free and open to the public at the AARC’s Foyer And Ballroom.

April’s complementary programs to the Beyond

Bollywood exhibit include the following: Dance for Global Goals on Saturday, Apr. 7, 3-4:30 p.m. An intergenerational dance performance featuring the compelling stories and movements of Asian teen refugees and seniors. Led by established Austin based dancer/choreographer Anuradha Naimpally and accompanied by Nagavalli and Oliver Rajamani. Presented by Austin Dance India.

Jewels of India, Centuries of Opulence on Sunday, Apr. 8, 2 p.m. Featuring centuries of wealth, “Jewels of India, Centuries of Opulence” will take you on a journey of the heart. The event will guide you through this evolution via film, sparkling exhibits, and a designer-led workshop about the basics of the sari, from draping to jewelry pairing.

Guided Tours on Sunday, Apr. 8, 1-5 p.m.

To Do Música BROWN SOUND NEWS

| By Liz Lopez

Patricia Vonne has announced that her seventh full-length album, “Top of the Mountain,” will be out on May 25 on Bandolera Records. Her Texas record release parties will be May 26 at the Continental Club in Austin, June 2 at Sam’s Burger Joint in San Antonio, and June 8 at the Continental Club in Houston. For more information, visit patriciavonne.com.

The Latin/Latino American Studies Center “El Centro” announced a “Save the Date” for April 28, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. as they prepare for the Annual Dia de la Familia event. If interested in being a vendor, sponsor or donating prizes for the raffle, call the Austin Community College office at 512-2236251. More details on the event are pending at the ACC Riverside Campus.

The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center presents a celebration of women inspired by the first feminist of the New World, Sor Juana Ines De La Cruz with food, art, and performances Saturday, April 14 from 3 – 8 p.m.

600 River St.

Felix Pompa and Jorge de Armas will be performing as a duo (easy listening folk, Latin rock, Blues, Country) at the Let Them Talk Bar, inside the H Mart, 11301 Lakeline Blvd. For more information on their show and others to follow this month, visit each of the musicians’ Facebook pages.

--Rancho Alegre Radio and Austin Vida’s TejanoConjunto Sunday Tardeada Series continues and this month Conjunto Puro Corazon is featured. Sunday, April 15 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the One-2-One Bar, 1509 S Lamar Blvd. $7 cover charge, children under 18 welcome with a parent, free parking. For more information visit the Rancho Alegre Radio website.

--A Selena Tribute with Austin Latin Son de Rey returns to the Sahara Lounge. Son de Rey will be playing many of Selena’s top hits and more. 9:15 p.m. 8pmIbrahim and 12 midnight - Zoumountchi -African Night). Cover $8 at the door (includes free parking and African Buffet) Saturday, April 14 Doors at 8pm. 1413 Webberville Rd. --The first “Concerts for A Cause” for the 2018 season will be at Pinballz Kingdom’s Biergarten, (in Kyle) on Saturday, April 7 from 5 - 8 p.m. Bruce Fallgren will open followed by George Mercado Jr. For more information, visit the Facebook page

SouthPop revisits Austin Aqua Fest with an exhibit through April 28. With humble beginnings as an effort by the Austin Admirals Club to bring awareness to local watershed and boost business in the summer months, it seems odd that Aqua Fest became one of the foremost displays of Austin’s weirdness. The exhibition will continue during regular hours, Thursday - Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Admission to the gallery during regular hours is free. 1516 B South Lamar (limited parking at SouthPop, so please park on Collier St.). southpop. org.

R E C O M M E N D E D

S H O W S

The Jonas Alvarez band has several shows this month. Sunday, April 15 at Cafe Mueller, 11 a.m.1 p.m.; Thursday, April 19 Central Market North Lamar, 6:30 - 9 p.m.; Friday, April 20 Central Market Westgate, 6:30 - 9 p.m.; and Friday, April 27 the “Sunset Block Party,” Fritz Park in Hutto, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

--Conjunto Los Pinky’s Tardeadas are back every last Sunday of the month from 3 - 6 p.m. Cover is $5. Sam’s Town Point, 2115 Allred Dr. For more information on all shows, visit the band’s Facebook page.

--The monthly Thursday night dance party continues with The Oscar Ornelas Orquestra, featuring Ms. Mack. Thursday, April 19 at 9 p.m. The Skylark Lounge, 2039 Airport Blvd.

--Jose Pasco has been performing some solo shows from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. at the Let Them Talk Bar inside the H Mart, 11301 Lakeline Blvd. For more information on his SoundCloud page.

---

Piñata Protest

“Concerts for A Cause for U.R Our Hope.”

--The sixth annual Music on Main Music Series returns every Wednesday in April through May 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. downtownroundrocktexas.com.

Scheduled bands are subject to change.

--Ruben Ramos and the Revolution Band will be performing at the Come And Take It Live venue, 2015 E. Riverside Bldg. 4 on Friday, May 4 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. For more details on this show, visit comeandtakeitproductions.com.

--Tex-Mex Rock ‘n Roll returns to Austin! Piñata Protest will feature fresh songs from their newest album “Necio Nights” which expands on their innovative and unique musical adventures blending cumbia, huapango, and norteño with punk and rock ‘n roll. “Necio Nights” features several guests musicians from Brujeria, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Tim Time Bomb and Friends, Gogol Bordello, and The Beastie Boys.

Recently, the band has signed to the Spanish label Kasba and a Europe tour is planned for June 2018.

Upcoming tours for 2018 also include shows with Flogging Molly, The Offspring, Deftones, The Vandals, Lagwagon, Lil Yachty, The Adolescents, The Virus, The Meat Puppets, Reagan Youth, GBH, and TSOL.

Patricia Vonne by Mark Guerra ata Protest

You can now stream the movie “Me Estas Matando Susana” starring the Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal on HBO Now. The movie features three Piñata Protest songs on the soundtrack. Along with Piñata Protest will be Los Kurados, Hans Gruber and the Diehards and American Dischord. $10 Friday, April 13 Doors at 8 p.m. Flamingo Cantina, 515 E 6th St. --The Chris Castaneda Project performs an electric night of originals in the music capital of the world. Thursday, April 5 from 9:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. at the Speakeasy, 412 Congress Ave. For more information on the band and their recent record release, visit chriscastanedamusic.com.

--Yoli Romo will be celebrating a milestone birthday on April 6 and many of her friends will be

performing that evening. So far it is Stevie D., Ray Ray, George Mercado Jr., Devin Banda, and more are joining in on the fun. The Railhouse in Kyle will host the early show from 7-9 p.m. (but who knows how long it will last.) Visit Yoli Romo’s Facebook page for details.

--Groovin’ River invites you to their First Saturday Show, featuring Zoe Mullican, Wild Man Dave, Alice Evans, Norm Ballinger, Jorge de Armas... and maybe more. Saturday, April 7 at 7:27 p.m. - 9:39 p.m. at Patsy’s Café, 5001 E Ben White Blvd. Ticket and band information at groovinriver. com.

--Come and Take It Productions presents Adelitas Way, Sons of Texas, Stone Broken, Taking Dawn and Black Heart Saints on Friday, April 13 . Come and Take It Live. Doors open at 7 p.m., $18 Advance / $20 Day of Show. Advance tickets can be purchased at comeandtakeitproductions.com. ** This event is all ages, however, anyone under the age of 21 will be charged an additional ‘minor surcharge’ at the door. Sponsored by Come and Tour It, Hoeks Death Metal Pizza, Jessy Ann Huff Photography, No Control Radio, Ultimate Local Music Worldwide, Wilkinson Image & Design.

Ruben Ramos TODO AUSTIN // APR 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 09

“Fear the Walking Dead” stars shooting in Austin

By Liz Lopez

Season 3 of “Fear the Walking Dead” – the companion series to the #1-rated cable series “The Walking Dead” – has arrived on Blu-ray and DVD from Lionsgate. “Fear the Walking Dead” Season 3 stars a diverse cast of many actors, among them Danay Garcia (“Prison Break”); and Ruben Blades (“Once Upon a Time in Mexico,” “Safe House,” “Ruben Blades is Not My Name”). Garcia has 23 episodes (since 2016) to date with the series and Blades has 28 episodes since 2015 to present.

As society collapses around them, the families must come together to survive the apocalypse and combat the deadly threats on all sides. “Fear the Walking Dead” Season 3 finds the families are brought together in the vibrant and violent ecotone of the U.S.Mexico border. With international lines done away with following the world’s end, the characters must attempt to rebuild not only

Alamo Drafthouse offers free movies for police, firefighters and EMTs protecting our city After the Austin community was terrorized by a serial bomber that left two dead and five injured in the month of March, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is commanding police, fire and EMS staff in Austin for their work and keeping our community safe.

society, but their families as well.

As “Fear the Walking Dead” Season 3 becomes available for home entertainment, the new season is being shot in Austin. TODO Austin was granted an interview with the actress who stars as Luciana in the show: TODO AUSTIN: What did you do to prepare for “Fear the Walking Dead” episodes as opposed to other dramatic work you have done in the past?

GARCIA: Because it is an apocalypse, I had to work on the mindset – thinking about what does survival mean to me and humanity?

Who is made to survive? Wake up to this, then what? If this happened, I had to put myself into it. This is a high stake dynamic – not an normal everyday job. People may see it as fascinating, but also need to think about what they would do. We have to get in that mind set of “oh humanity is ending” as we’ve protected ourselves to not deal with this.

The offer is good for one free ticket per transaction, per day, and it only works in person, at the box office. It’s valid at Austin locations only. Participants must bring along a current work ID or badge from any law enforcement agency (local, state or federal), fire department, or Austin-Travis County EMS. During one of the most fearful months in 10 TODO AUSTIN // APR 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM

TODO AUSTIN: What is your favorite thing about Austin so far?

GARCIA: I love the food in Austin! Enjoy Terry Black’s; the city; the music; nothing any more specific. It is beautiful and the people are kind and nice. I needed another outlet, so I took a ballet class and I love it. It is fantastic and the people are cool; they’ve been good to me.

TODO AUSTIN: Is there anything else you would like to do in your career?

GARCIA: I am happy to be “Luciana” – a very strong and fearless woman and working

TODO AUSTIN: I heard you are in Austin?

GARCIA: Yes! I have been living here since November (currently shooting Season 4) – and dealing with all the challenges since then. It was so cold; so cold! The weather has been so unpredictable and the clothing the actors wear is not meant for rain/snow.

It is challenging, but it is a good story about people who are already facing challenges.

As an actor, acting in the rain/cold – you are Austin history, the capital city was terrorized when three bombs disguised as packages were left on the victims’ front porches or in

Open letter to Hollywood execs

By René Castro

10 days. This was followed by two additional

Hi Hollywood Execs,

bombings

that

used

different

tactics,

including a tripwire.

The morning of Wednesday, March 21,

You must feel pretty good about yourselves right now, no? “Coco” won best animated film, “Black Panther” is crushing box office records, and “Wrinkle in Time” is getting a lot of praise for its diverse cast and director.

after 19 days of panic had swept the city, police declared the man responsible for the himself with an explosive device as they were closing in on him in Round Rock.

The Austin community remembers the two members of our community whose lives were lost in the incident: Anthony Stephan House, a senior project manager at Texas Quarries, a supplier of limestone from the state, and Draylen Mason, a student and bass player accepted into the selective Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin.

with this group of women. This is exploring different sides of women. It is a gift and I am thankful to put the clothing and boots on to tell this story.

Ruben Blades was in Austin also for the three SXSW Film Festival screenings of his documentary, “Ruben Blades is Not My Name” that went on to win the Audience Award in the “24 Beats Per Second” category.

During the Q&A with the actor, he revealed among his current projects are several music productions in the works and he mentioned continuing with his participation in “Fear the Walking Dead.”

Danay Garcia stars as Luciana in Fear the Walking Dead

their yards in east Austin over the course of

bombings, Mark Anthony Conditt, killed In recognition of their extraordinary job, first responders get free admission to any Alamo Drafthouse screening (excluding special events) at any time on any day of the week, at all six Austin locations. The month-long special is valid through Wednesday, April 25.

really living it – you can’t be bundled up. It is crazy, but fun. There is a level of concentration to be kept and I can deliver.

Please do not think you have this down to a science.

I know what you’re thinking. You think that the color of your actors’ skin makes the difference between big bucks and epic flops. Here’s what I’m afraid you’ll think: “First quarter revenue is always a stinker! Know what we ought to do? Release a movie with brown people in it--that’ll solve our problems!

Just put some movie together that has to do with… I don’t know... soccer? Mexicans love soccer.”

I’m telling you this right now, we’ll see right through that. Pixar made “Coco” amazing by doing this thing that no one seems to want to do anymore: they listened. They did their

homework, they read the books, they did the math, they studied for the final, and they aced it. The director behind “Coco” is white, but he took his time, embedded himself in Oaxaca and Guanajuato through multiple trips from 2011 to 2013, surrounded himself with cultural consultants and screenwriters, and hit that ball right out of the park.

So I’m telling you, it’s not easy. There’s no formula. Take “Ghost in the Shell,” or “Aloha,” or “American Drug Lord,” or “Prince of Persia,” or “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” or “Speedracer…”

Point is, you’ve still got a lot of work to do, and minorities are not here to simply make you money. Not from our labor, not from our bodies, not in your movies. If you’re planning to make a movie featuring us, be prepared to do the work and get it right.

CELEBRATING

DIVERSITY

BRIDGE2BRIDGE From Montopolis Bridge to 360 Bridge, Everything Austin

CLASSICAL MUSIC FOR THE WORLD

India Fine Arts hosts vocalist Bombay Jayasri at Gloria Delgado Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Apr. 1, 4:30 p.m. On Saturday, Apr. 21, 6:30 p.m., Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan and Shashank Subramanyan perform at Blanton Auditorium. Sri Ramanavami Utsavam Music and Dance Festival returns Saturday, Apr. 28, 2 p.m., with vocalists, dance teachers and students at C.D. Fulkes Middle School. austinifa.org

Ballet East Dance

A.B. Cantú Pan American Hillside Theater

Ballet East Dance Company fulfills a long-held dream this spring with a free outdoor show at the A.B. Cantú Pan American Hillside Theater.

“We used this wonderful venue in the heart of our community many years ago,” said Rodolfo Méndez, director of Ballet East Dance Company.

“We wanted to offer a sampling of the rich Hispanic culture and heritage, as well as showcase Ballet East, which has been part of the community for more than 30 years.”

“Bajo la Luna” is Apr. 20-21, featuring the University of Texas at Austin Mariachi Ensemble, “Mariachi Paredes de Tejastitlan,” beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The evening also features San Antonio-based flamenco company, Raíces de Arte Español.

“I’ve always loved Spanish music and dancing,” Méndez explained. “This company dance to live music, which I think deepens the flamenco experience, and helps the performers find the emotions they’re expressing.”

Local choreographer Jeremiah Jenkins will present a dance piece performed by Lotus Contemporary Performing Arts which, while quirky and fun, employs sophisticated choreography. Also on the program is rising musical artists Hip-Hop Crew Company from Killeen.

Students in Ballet East’s award-winning outreach program will present folkloric dances from Mexico.

“We teach semi-professional dancers Mexican folkloric dancing at Metz Recreation Centerl,” said Mendez, “and we maintain a permanent troupe of students who have graduated from that program, but who want to continue performing together.

We recently added a teacher from Ballet Folklórico de México. Miguel Marroquín gives them intricate steps and choreography and they’ve been taking up the challenge.

The community is invited to sit beneath a full moon and bring lawn chairs, blankets to the Hillside Theater at 2100 E. 3rd Street in East Austin.

For more information go to www.balleteast.org

Austin Scottish Rite Theater’s “Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote,” adapted for the stage by Susan Gayle Todd from the book by Duncan Tonatiuh, is a migrant’s tale.

Pancho meets danger at every stage of his journey with an untrustworthy guide, looking for his missing Papa.

Kids and grown-ups alike will be inspired by a resonant and powerful story. Original live music by Chris Ledesma.

Apr 7-29. scottishritetheater.org Commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and death at the inaugural BRAVE Fest on Sunday, Apr. 8, at SpiderHouse Ballroom. The family-friendly event includes performances by Timberos del Norte, Saul Paul, CoMeTrY, Agni The Dance Company and Greater Epiphany Dance Austin, with children’s games, crafts, food and beverage. Free admission with Eventbrite advance; $2 door. spiderhouse.com da-da-da-DUM! Hear one of the most recognizable pieces in the classical repertory, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Apr. 13-14, in Dell Hall. The work has been referred to as a struggle from darkness to light. Austin Symphony’s evening also includes an upbeat piece

by American composer Michael Torke, and Leonard Bernstein’s “Serenade,” with guest violinist Vadim Gluzman. austinsymphony.org La Mujer: A Celebration of Mexican Women is a festival centered on women’s empowerment in Latin America.

The annual celebration includes live music, folklorico, poetry, storytelling, and food and artist vendors inspired by the first feminist in the New World, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. Saturday, Apr. 14, 3-8 p.m. at the ESB-Mexican American Cultural Center. Free admission. austintexas. gov/esbmacc The Moontower Comedy Fest showcases some of the funniest, wittiest and oddest world-class comics, Apr. 18-21, at the Paramount Theatre, Stateside and satellite locations. The marathon of side-splitting performances brings over 100 comedians to Austin, with stand-up, sketch, improv and musical comedy. Guest appearing include Jo Koy, Tig Notaro, Mike Birbiglia, Tiffany Haddish, David Cross, “Weird Al” Yankovic and more. Badges and individual tickets at moontowercomedyfest.com Dance Africa Fest welcomes Brazilian dancerchoreographer Rosangela Silvestre for an in-depth, two-day workshop exploring contemporary Brazilian dance and its African roots Apr. 28-29. The high-energy workshop at Balance Dance Studios introduces students to a unique blend of traditional and modern dance techniques, incorporating live drumming by some of Austin’s best musicians. www.DanceAfricaFest.org.

Classical Music for the World’s (CMFW) spring festival season, “Welcome All,” will celebrate refugee families in its Artists’ Concert Series, “Virtuoso Lonely Romance,” featuring a cello solo recital with world-renowned cellist Francesco Mastromatteo; a Master Class for cello solos and chamber music groups; and a Love Concert benefiting iACT (Interfaith Action of Central Texas) with welcome-drum introduction and songs performed by refugee students from Doss Elementary School.

“Virtuoso Lonely Romance” highlights the romantic nature of cello, performed by CMFW Artistic Director, Mastromatteo, on Saturday, Apr. 14, 4 p.m. at Oak Hill United Methodist Church.

“The sonatas by Hindemith, Ligeti, Ysaÿe, or the Capricci

by Piatti are actually invitations to look inward to our loneliness in order to define who we are and, therefore, move toward others ready to accept them completely after we have accepted who we are,” said Mastromatteo.

“Virtuosity in these works and in the cello voice is truly the ability to discover and express Virtue, and ultimately, to discover and live love.”

On Saturday, Apr. 21, at 7 p.m. at Oak Hill United Methodist Church, the festival features a Love Concert with the CMFW Orchestra and a performance by refugee students from Doss, with guest speakers Felora Derakhshani, Chair of UN Association-Austin Chapter and Simone Talma Flowers, Executive Director of iACT. CMFW Love Concerts raise money to help people in need in Austin and around the world. All donations go directly to charities, projects, and organizations. This year, all donations will benefit iACT and its program for refugees.

The refugee students will perform West African Welcome Drums and sing West Afghan songs. The CMFW Orchestra will feature the CMFW Young Music Ambassadors as soloists in the Concerto for Two Violins and Cello in D Minor by Vivaldi with Mastromatteo spotlighted in the Concerto for Cello in C Major by Haydn. Also, Dr. Eugene Gratovich, the Associate Concertmaster of Austin Symphony Orchestra will be featured as the event’s Concertmaster.

TODO AUSTIN // APR 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 11

Something for everyone

A Celebration of Women inspired by the first feminist in the New World Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz

Upcoming event: “BEETHOVEN'S 5TH” Vadim Gluzman, violin Leonard Bernstein's Serenade April 13 & 14, 8:00 p.m.

Long center’s Dell Hall Hear Beethoven's 5th Symphony (DitDit-Dit-DAH!) for the first time in Long Center's Dell Hall. The evening will also include the return of violinist Vadim Gluzman performing Bernstein's Serenade on his 1690 "ex-Leopold Auer" Stradavari! conceRt Sp onSoR

meDiA SponS oRS

Rick Rowley

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tickets/info

(512) 476-6064 or austinsymphony.org All artists, programs, and dates subject to change.