TODO Austin June 2013

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Volume V, 2 / June 2013

Inside Salud de Paloma Todd Wong All Summer Long Ram Navmi

Hispanic Quality of Life Initiative Final Report This Month

By Korina Jaimes // Brisa Communications

May was an eventful month for those involved in the Hispanic Quality of Life Initiative. The HQLI, which was initiated in 2008, will give its final report to council on June 27. A draft was published and made available to the public for the first time on May 10, and six days later a City of Austin Town Hall meeting was held on May 16 to present the draft and allow community input.

It was evident in the findings that Hispanics in Austin have not seen the same economic boom and development as the rest of the Austin population.

The report emphasized the need for improvements in many areas including education, youth, housing and community development, cultural arts, economic development, health and civic education. Along with areas of need, the report also provides more than 200 recommendations for the

The first eight members of the Austin Districting Commission were chosen last month. What started out as a list of over 500 applicants was narrowed down to the top 60 finalists.

Of these finalists to serve on a 14-member commission that will draw 10 Austin City Council districts, most are white or Hispanic over the age of 45.

The eight members who were selected at random are: Rachel Farris, Maria Solis, Arthur Lopez, Mariano Diaz-Miranda, William Hewitt, Carmen Llanes Carmen Llanes Pulido was among Pulido, Magdalena those chosen for the Independent Blanco and Anna Citizens Redistricting Commission.

Saenz. In all, the group currently consists of six Hispanics, one white and one Native American.

It is up to the eight members to choose people for the remaining six positions. Since Asians and African-Americans did not get any representation, it is important that the current members pick people who will represent all parts of Austin. The commission only has a few months left to pick its remaining members. The districts have to be drawn out by December. Then, candidates can start campaigning in the spring.

Master Sgt. Roy Perez Benavides Petition There is a new Veterans Affairs clinic being built in Austin.

There is no one more deserving of having it named after them than Special Forces Master Sgt. Roy Perez Benavides.

The HQLI final report will go to council on June 27.

city. Many believe the city of Austin should have a staff or commission to focus specifically on the issues that are addressed in the report.

You can find the draft report before it is presented to Council at austintexas.gov/department/hispanic-quality-life.

If you have any comments over the report you can send them to Assistant City Manager Bert Lumbreras at bert. lumbreras@austintexas.gov or hispanicqualityoflife@ austintexas.gov.

Eight members chosen for Austin Independent Citizens Redistricting

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Master Sgt. Benavides earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic accomplishments in the Vietnam War. During the war, Sgt. Benavides volunteered to be dropped into a hot landing zone armed only with a knife. Although he was clubbed, stabbed and shot numerous times, he continued to fight and saved as many as eight of his fellow soldiers.

If you agree and would like to help, you can submit your petition to Congressman Lloyd

Volume V, Number 2 PUBLISHER/EDITOR // Gavin Lance Garcia info@todoaustin.com ART DIRECTOR // Dave McClinton www.dmdesigninc.com ASSOCIATE EDITORS // Evelyn C. Castillo, Katie Walsh, Erica Stall Wiggins

SENIOR EDITORS // Lobo Corona, Sonia Kotecha, Diana Sanchez, Lesley Varghese, Yvonne Lim Wilson CONTRIBUTING EDITORS // Güner Arslan, Mia Garcia, Harish Kotecha, Alexandra M. Landeros, Callie Langford, Cristina Parker, Blake Shanley

Master Sgt. Roy Perez Benavides.

Doggett. You can send an email, a letter or call his office.

The New American Reality The U.S. Census numbers have confirmed that the Hispanic population has reached an important milestone, the 50 million mark. We are waking up to a new reality, a new face of America.

The New American Reality video you can find on the Univision YouTube page describes the uniqueness of being a Latino in America today and how fast this population is growing. Pointing out how half of the population of children in states like New York, Florida, California and Texas are Latinos. Hispanics are now one out of every six people in the U.S and one out of every four babies born each year. The population is growing by one million people a year. Accounting for 95 percent of the teen population growth through 2020. This group is now the 15th largest consumer economy in the world.

This new, young market is the future of America and it’s time to reach out to it.

Johnston Memorial Monument Eastside Memorial High School, formerly Johnston High School, held an official unveiling of a monument created in honor of the 59 vets from Johnston who died for our country while serving in the Vietnam War or were victims of Agent Orange.

The unveiling was on Saturday, May 25, at Eastside Memorial. A reception followed the unveiling ceremony.

As Dan Arellano told the Austin AmericanStatesman’s Juan Castillo, “They Johnston Memorial Monument are deserving of a unveiling. monument.” Arellano, a local historian who kept the count and, with the help of former Johnston students, military veterans and surviving family members, led efforts to honor the dead, including raising $15,000 for the memorial.

Contributing Writers/Photographers/Artists // Mohammad Al-Bedaiwi, Adriana Cadena, Cindy Casares, Victor Castillo, Sirsha Chatterjee, Priscilla Cortez, Ruben Cubillos, Nora de LaRosa, Chi Dinh, Harmony Eichsteadt, Layla Fry, Anthony Garcia, Karen Garza, Imani Gonzalez, Mark Guerra, Mari Hernandez, Ryan Hutchison, Yadira Izquierdo, Korina Jaimes, Chaille Jolink, Ryan Jordan, Ramey Ko, Heather Lee, Julia Lee, Liz Lopez, Otis Lopez, David Marks, JoJo Marion, Valerie Menard, Preya Patel, Monica Peña, Esther Reyes, Paul Saldaña, Marion Sanchez, Ernesto Santillan, Hani Saleh, Azim Siddiqui, Jessica Solis, Chris Summers, Corey Tabor, Blanca Valencia, Kristina Vallejo, Kuetzpalin Vasquez, Joseph P.A. Villescas, Bowen Wilder, Selena Xie.

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.

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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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1511 East 6th Street 512.478-2420

Bringing Local Food to the Latino Community: Salud de Paloma

By Alexandra M. Landeros

In the same way that “organic” and “going green” became buzz words a few years ago, “local” and “non-GMO” are starting to catch on.

Even fast food restaurants such as Chipotle are jumping on the bandwagon. Although some of these labels are not being used genuinely – whether it’s part of a false marketing scheme or lack of education – the good thing is that people are becoming more aware about their nutrition choices and questioning where their food comes from.

With so many chronic diseases – diabetes, heart disease, cancer – running rampant in our Latino communities across the United States, individuals are making changes in the way that they eat, and restaurants and grocery stores are responding accordingly. Here in Austin, nonprofit organizations are launching educational programs and farmers markets in “food deserts,” which are areas with little or no access to large grocery stores that offer fresh and affordable foods needed to maintain a healthy diet.

I work part-time with an advocacy organization for small farmers (Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance), and to make the other half of my living, I work with a variety of Latino community organizations primarily focusing on health. One of these is the Latino HealthCare Forum, with which I am working in low-income communities in Austin to promote healthy lifestyles and environments.

where healthy food is available and sold at affordable prices. Salud de Paloma, created with a blend of local Texas olives and California olives, is offering their extra virgin olive oil at nearly half the cost of comparable oils.

My hope is that Salud de Paloma (see www.

SaludDePaloma.com) is not only a pioneer in creating and marketing healthy foods for the Latino Community, but also one of many more to come. Although many Latin American cultures are known for their agricultural heritage and natural and seasonal cooking traditions, as these cultures have immigrated to the United States, they have adopted a packaged, processed, and toxic way of eating throughout the generations.

In a way, growing one’s one food and eating only what is available locally and seasonally, with minimal processing, was seen as old-fashioned, time consuming, and highly inconvenient.

Modern progress has been seen as being able to eat any kind of food from anywhere in the world at any time of the year, conveniently frozen, boxed, or canned and quickly microwaved.

But we’re slowly returning to the traditional ways, with the new knowledge we’ve gained about health and nutrition. In recent decades, making a vegetable stew or a pot of beans, and harvesting eggs or chicken from your own backyard, might have been seen as a poor man’s way of living. Now it’s the new “hip.”

Join the conversation about how to make fresh, healthy, local food more accessible to everyone in the Latino community at the Facebook group “Latinos for Local Farms and Food.”

Another one of the projects is Salud de Paloma Extra Virgin Olive Oil, co-founded by Rosa Ríos Valdez, an accomplished entrepreneur and director of the nonprofit Business and Community Lenders of Texas. The nonprofit has been working for over two decades to assist small businesses owned by women, minorities, and veterans.

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By Ernesto Nieto

As our nation continues to evolve and redefine itself in numerous ways, the concept of sameness appears to be among the top social agenda items. We all wish to be treated the same in almost every aspect of daily life. We want equal pay for equal work for women. We don’t want to make any distinctions about service in the military, including the carrying of rifles and firing bullets, and we work diligently at removing all other barriers that could potentially become hazards or stumbling blocks to particular groups and ethnic groups. But at what point can sameness also become a problem or cause injury?

In this year’s topics at the annual debate programs of the National Hispanic Institute (NHI), high school freshmen will argue this topic, whether their debate category is extemporaneous speaking, oratory, mock trial or cross examination. The core question will be one of determining whether or not ethnicity and/or nationality should remain a social bargaining chip in either advancing the rights and interests of Latinos. Maybe even gender will be thrown into the social equation.

We have no idea how NHI ninth grade students will handle this delicate topic, but we do know that some feathers will be ruffled in the process, especially in the mindsets of Latinos who have known discrimination or can point to current instances that revolve around the ethnic/racial divide.

Let’s not forget, however, that we are quickly entering a 21st century world that may look differently at things. Just the other day, while having lunch before the commencement services at Southwestern University, a young Anglo student who graduated two years before, found it difficult to imagine what racial

Having helped launch many small businesses and seeing the need for healthy food products in the Latino community, Ríos Valdez decided to start her own company – an extra virgin olive oil brand as a way to promote healthy nutrition in the Latino community. Her own mother, who she calls her “paloma” (dove – a symbol of peace), died of complications from diabetes.

The National Council of La Raza recently published “The Food Environment and Latino’s Access to Healthy Foods” as part of their 2010 Profiles of Latino Health. Findings showed that Hispanic families are less likely than nonHispanic White families to live in neighborhoods

An Emerging Leadership Challenge

Salud de Paloma Extra Virgin Olive Oil booth at the HOPE Farmers Market (Photo

by Jess Warren, www.heyjess.com, 2013)

segregation was about, historically maybe, but not in terms of personal witness experiences. “I can read about it,” he observed, “and understand the horrors of those practices, but I still can’t put it in perspective in today’s terms where we as young people live today.”

Eighteen percent or better of Southwestern’s incoming class of 2014 is minority whereas at a time when I personally went there in 1964, there was only one other guy who shared my same ethnic identity. Texas State University, once known more for being a small, sleepy state college in San Marcos, is today considered a Latino-serving institution with over 25 percent Latinos in its makeup.

So can the question of ethnic omission hold water any more, especially in an emerging era where “sameness” appears to be fastly becoming the new social measure in the way we treat one another in the U.S.? That’s both the question and challenge for NHI’s future leaders who are currently engaged in training as freshmen.

A difficult and complex question? Absolutely. But we also want critical thinkers and persons with the capacities to analyze beyond the obvious.

This has always been the way NHI works with its future Latino leaders. Throw questions at them that are complex in their makeup and difficult to answer. That’s how we train and develop our community thinkers. Let them play with these thoughts and sit back and enjoy how they are learning to grapple with the world.

At NHI, we call it the “crayon theory,” an approach to youth development that allows our young people to imagine themselves staring at a super large blank canvass of life, armed with only one crayon in hand and the challenge of imagining beyond conventional thought. In the end, it’s up to them to determine what it is about being Latino that they are willing to give up, what new concepts they wish to embrace, and what beliefs and truths are too precious and too vital to ever give away. It will be an interesting summer. Can’t wait.

Texans Target Cruz in D.C. and Denounce Him Back Home A diverse group of Texans condemned the Sens.

Cruz and Cornyn’s attempts to kill immigration reform as protestors take over Cruz’s office in D.C.

By Cristina Parker

Last month, police were called to Sen. Ted Cruz’s office in D.C. when his office was taken over by Texans and their allies who were denouncing his vote against comprehensive immigration reform.

against Cruz’s anti-immigrant agenda in D.C., and immigrant communities.

Texans denounced him back home on a press call “When we have senators from our own state saying happening at the same time. the border isn’t secure, then they are ignoring the Cornyn voted with Cruz to block immigration facts,” said Escobar. “And when our senators want reform May 21, sending outrage across Texas to block the pathway to citizenship and then also create a second-class of citizenship by preventing communities. even those people who become citizens from ever Local government officials had criticism for both receiving benefits, then that is alarming to us.” senators. El Paso County Judge Veronica Escobar condemned what she called a xenophobic tone Fernando Garcia, Executive Director of Border from the senators and their ignorance of the border Network for Human Rights in El Paso, said that

Marco Malagon, founder and president of the North Texas Dream Team, was in the room when 40-50 people took over Cruz’s office. At the same time, Malagon was on a call with reporters as he condemned Cruz for taking an anti-Latino, anti-immigrant stance in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Malagon said that Cruz was wrong to attack the pathway to citizenship. “I want to be a citizen, I want to vote and I want to contribute,” he said. “He isn’t representing our community.”

The action was organized by Casa de Maryland and included DREAMers and religious leaders from Texas and other parts of the U.S.

If nothing else, we could all agree on this point.

There is a prevailing narrative about the U.S. border and it is false and it is dangerous to border communities.

There are untruths out there about our border region that ultimately make it difficult for entrepreneurs to conduct business, for religious communities to serve as they see fit and for local and federal law agencies to keep the public safe. But these untruths also make it difficult for anyone to seek out rational policies for the border.

Nuns on the Bus Visit Austin June 8-9; Immigrant Rights Caravan Arrives June 27 for Capitol Rally The Border Network for Human Rights (BNHR) and Reform Immigration for Texas Alliance (RITA) are organizing a caravan across 3,000 miles and 16 cities in Texas to demand “Just and Humane Comprehensive Immigration Reform.” The Caravan also aims to unify communities and to raise their voices and be heard, as well as call for respect and accountability in part of our leaders.

The #Texas4CIR Caravan departs El Paso on

Rogelio Nunez, the Executive Director of Proyecto Libertad in Harlingen, Texas, a legal services organization that helps people realize the dream of becoming U.S. citizens, stated, “What they need to understand is that 40% of Texans are Latino and that number is growing. Cornyn and Cruz aren’t reflecting the values of those Latinos or Texans in general. It is an insult to go against the family values of Texans and Latinos. The fact that other Republicans on the committee — and even Mitch McConnell saying he won’t block the bill —shows how far off Cruz and Cornyn are. I can only hope for a change of heart when the bill gets to the floor.”

“I want them to remember this — that immigrants are a blessing to our church and to our country,” Jasso said. “I really believe that and I pray for them to do the right thing and for the work people are doing to pass immigration reform.”

While Malagon and other Texans took action

By Cristina Parker

“When we have Senator Cruz saying that we need more border patrol, it shows complete ignorance,” Garcia said. “And the only way to explain that ignorance is that he has ideological and political reasons. It’s shameful to us that we have a senator who doesn’t recognize the reality of Texas. We are outraged at Cruz and concerned that Cornyn might be just following his lead.”

Father Stephen Jasso of All Saints Catholic Church in Fort Worth urged Texans to pray for reform and for the senators to be moved to do the right thing.

Malagon’s comments to the press were cut short when those gathered in Cruz’s office began to pray. The prayers and shouts of “amen” drowned out Malagon and caught the attention of Cruz’s staff, who soon after called the police.

The Southern Border is ‘The New Ellis Island’

Cruz was driven by ideology and that Cornyn was only following Cruz’s lead.

Together or independently, many of us had already tried to promote rational border policies.

So far, those efforts have been stymied by rhetoric and political grandstanding. We see the evidence of this when Texas Gov. Rick Perry tries to underscore his political position that the border is not secure by saying that a car bomb has gone off in downtown El Paso. Despite this statement being completely false, it was quickly and widely reported. The sad fact is that the car bomb story, however false, fits the media and political narrative about life at the border.

We could all agree that we cannot just aim for impacting policy discussions. We have to start at the stories people are telling about us — the border narrative. And we came together as border community members and religious communities, border academics, local elected officials and law June 17, then heads to Presidio, Del Rio and Laredo. From San Juan it heads to Harlingen and Brownsville before arriving in Corpus Christi and San Antonio on June 20. From there the group goes to Houston, Beaumont arrives in Dallas and Plano on June 25. On June 26 the caravan arrives in Waco, then Round Rock, and finally Austin on June 27 for a statewide action.

NETWORK’s Nuns on the Bus for immigration reform will travel 6,500 miles across 15 states and have 53 events in 40 cities, including Austin on June 8-9, standing with immigrants, faith-filled activists, and Catholic Sisters who serve immigrant

enforcement to face this challenge.

The Border Network for Human Rights asked representatives from all along the border including religious communities, border academics, local elected officials and law enforcement to gather a group of their peers to write a new narrative of the border. These documents represent each sector’s new vision to challenge the current, prevailing narrative.

It’s our belief that the border is a window into the future of the U.S. This is not just a demographic argument. We believe that policies tested at the border will one day make it into the interior.

Whether those are policies of criminalization and militarization or policies of community development and the protection of peoples’ human rights remains to be seen. communities. The public is invited to join them and Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, Executive Director of NETWORK for a Friendraiser. The Friendraiser is an opportunity to come together in fellowship as the sisters share stories from their travels and discuss immigration reform. It’s also an opportunity to share in the discussion or ask the sisters questions.

The Friendraiser is Saturday, June 8 at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church, Family Center (126 W. Oltorf Street), 8:30-9:30 p.m. The nuns also plan to attend the 9:30 a.m. mass at St. Ignatius the next morning before they head to San Antonio.

The nuns call for common sense

immigration reform that: • Ensures family unity • Protects the rights of immigrant workers • Acknowledges that our borders are already secure, with only minor changes needed • Speeds up processing of already-approved immigrants • Enhances the present diversity visa program • Provides a clear and direct pathway to citizenship for the 11 million people who are undocumented in the U.S. Their message is clear: We need common sense immigration policies that reflect our values, not our fears. Congress must act now!

TODO Austin // June 2013 // TODOAustin.com 05

Juneteenth Observances Good for Austin’s Soul

By Otis Lopez Greater East Austin Youth Association’s 2013 Central Texas

and achievement while encouraging community The following weekend on Saturday, June 22, the involvement.

Juneteenth Praise Dance runs from 12–4 p.m.

That same reflection will also be in evidence on at Doris Miller Auditorium, with youth and adults Saturday, June 15, at the 2K Freedom Run/Walk. showcasing their creativity of worship through the The community is invited to join families, friends, expression of dance. neighbors, organizations and businesses at the highly visible, powerful event that aims to raise awareness about the increasing prevalence of health disparities within the African-American community. The event, which starts at Comal St. and MLK Blvd at 9:30 a.m., celebrates freedom and promotes healthy living.

The Gospel Extravaganza on Sunday, June 23, from 2–7 p.m. in Doris Miller Auditorium, concludes the 2013 Juneteenth celebration. The worship experience brings together community churches from throughout Austin in a vibrant showcase of devotion to the Gospel.

With the recent opening of the City of Austin’s new African American Cultural and Heritage Facility on E. 11th Street in the heart of the African American community, East Austin has special cause to mark Juneteenth this year. Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, the holiday commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in One of the most visible experiences is the traditionsteeped Juneteenth Historical Parade on Texas in 1865.

The Greater East Austin Youth Association’s Juneteenth committee has put together a series of events from June 8 – 23 dedicated to the promotion, enhancement and continual growth of the celebration. For up to date information see juneteenthcentraltexas.com.

Saturday, June 15, 10 a.m. along Comal St. and MLK Blvd. Known as a beautiful, vibrant experience, the annual parade is the signature event of the celebration. It has long been a local favorite as thousands of citizens of every ethnic stripe gather to view floats, marching bands, dancers, cowboys, The Juneteenth Green and Clean Neighborhood horses and more of what the community has to Project is the kick-off event on Saturday, June 8, offer. from, 7–9 a.m. with participants meeting at 13th St. Immediately after the parade, the Historical and Chicon. The Juneteenth Committee, G.E.A.Y.A Community Program: “S.T.A.R.S.”, takes place inside and community volunteers gather to clean the Doris Miller Auditorium and includes dignitaries, a streets of East Austin along Chicon and 12th Street. keynote speech, historical movements, spiritual “I Am Socially Relevant” is the theme of the annual awareness, poetry, praise dance, drummers, Miss & Little Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant, dancers, rap, and more. Nearby in Rosewood Park also on Saturday, June 8, from 12–6 p.m., in Doris (1182 Pleasant Valley Rd.), the Juneteenth Park Miller Auditorium (2300 Rosewood Avenue). Celebration runs from 12–9 p.m. and features a Organizers have created a program based on multitude of vendors, from exhibits to food, with the goal of growing healthy self-value in area live music including gospel, Hip-Hop and R&B, plus youth as the pageant recognizes individuality a popular and safe kids’ area starting at 11:45 a.m.

Austin Juneteenth at the Carver; ATX Got Talent The Austin Parks and Recreation Department invites the community to celebrate Juneteenth at the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, 1165 Angelina Street, on Saturday, June 15, from 12–4 p.m.

The annual celebration commemorates the June 19, 1865, arrival of General Gordon Granger— commander of U.S. troops in Texas— at Galveston to read General Order 3 proclaiming

World Refugee Day at the Bullock Most Austinites are proud of the community’s ethnic diversity so it’s no surprise that the city is one of the country’s main portals for refugee resettlement. Welcome some of our newest neighbors on Saturday, June 22, from 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m. at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum for a free celebration marking United Nations World Refugee Day. The day begins with a naturalization ceremony for new American citizens to-be and continues with live music, children’s games, food, face painting, a fashion show and more. The event offers a distinctive opportunity to introduce 06 TODO Austin // June 2013 // TODOAustin.com

that all slaves were free. The Carver event will feature a marketplace, live music, games, food and history. Look for period characters in historical dress greeting visitors and sharing Emancipation Proclamation era stories, African drums, theatrical performances and educational tours by city public safety workers.

Buddy arrives for the keeping Our Community Reading essays for the Marian Barnes writing competition from 11:30 a.m. –1 p.m., with “Back to Our Roots,” transforming gourds plants, sticks, sack and sock puppets and story time featuring “Candice and her Beautiful Junk,” a new title from Deborah Orr.

The Carver’s sixth annual Juneteenth Celebration starts at 10:30 a.m. with the opening program for the day acknowledging youth who turned in essays for the Marian Barnes writing competition. At 11 a.m., HEB costumed character

An “Old School” puppet show with Funmi and Friends, dance and eat healthy, from 12-2 p.m., is followed by poetry with Terry at 2 p.m. with the day closing at 4:30 p.m.

local families to multicultural Austin, especially children who in year’s past have marveled at the international pageantry and customs on display at this annual event.

Austin Refugee Roundtable participating agencies include Refugee Services of Texas, Caritas of Austin, Interfaith Action of Central Texas, Center for Survivors of Torture, Multicultural Refugee Coalition, Refugee Health Screening Clinic, AMALA Foundation, Austin Independent School District Refugee Family Support Services, Furaha House, Immigrant Refugee Aid, Inc., One to One for Health.

For more information call 512-936-4649 or visit TheStoryofTexas.com

ATX Got Talent As part of Austin’s Juneteenth activities, a unique contest highlighting local performers takes place at the Historic Victory Grill (1104 E. 11th St.) as the venue presents “ATX Got Talent” on Wednesday, June 19. Cover is $5 with music by DJ Bling and contest participants can enter for $25 as a solo artist and $50 for group contest entry. The first place winner takes home a trophy and $150, with second place $50 and trophy and third place also receiving a trophy.

Todd Wong

By Yvonne Lim Wilson

Long-time community activist and attorney Todd Wong recently announced his decision to run for Travis County Court at Law #1 Judge. He is a third-generation American; his grandparents emigrated from China in the early 1900’s and opened grocery stores in San Antonio. His wife, Paula, operates Paula Wong Piano Academy; their daughter Brennan is a senior at Wake Forest University and their son Matthew is a graduating senior at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School. Wong has been a litigator for 26 years and has been named as one of Texas Monthly’s Super Lawyers, and has consistently received the top rating on the LexisNexis MartindateHubbell list of Top Rated Lawyers. Wong serves in a variety of roles in local community organizations and has been recognized with many professional and community service awards.

The answer is, “yes.” I didn’t plan to meet my wife, Paula, when I worked in Dallas, but we definitely planned to make our home in Austin.

AA: What was your attraction to your vocation?

What drew you to do the work you do?

TW: My high school speech and debate coach, and senior English teacher, L.D. Naegelin, was instrumental in my development as an advocate, both in written and verbal form. I was fortunate to have such an excellent mentor in him, as well as my close friends, who also were amazing advocates (my high school debate partner, David Frederick, frequently argues before the United States Supreme Court, and my other friends have also become excellent attorneys throughout the country). I was drawn to become an advocate— while I thought my service to our community would be as a physician—it turns out my advocacy would be as an attorney. I have truly enjoyed the experience of helping people with their legal issues. After practicing 26 years, I have taken that next step and would like to serve our community as our next County Court at Law Judge.

attended the iACT (Interfaith Action of Central Texas) dinner the other night as a guest of Amy and Al Mok, there were so many stories of courage from immigrants who have come to Austin with nothing except hope. Some injured, even blinded, as a result of civil war; others tortured or beaten for standing up for justice for their countrymen—they arrived in the United States with nothing except a true belief that they are coming to a new place with unbounded opportunities, with a chance to live their lives, to love others, and to, above all else, have peace. It really struck me that all of our families, from generations past, have walked in those shoes and have worn the same tattered clothing ... to be here, to forge that opportunity. I am so thankful that my grandparents made those sacrifices, to leave all that was familiar, to leave what was home, and to come to a place where they knew no one, could not speak English, had no prospect for work—and to make a new home. I also understand that my parents made sacrifices that they will never mention, endured hardships that I will never know, suffered overt and benign discrimination that they will refuse to reveal—all of which so that my brother, my sister, and I may live this “American Dream” with boundless hope, opportunity, and peace.

AA: Is there anything particular about Austin that inspires you?

TW: During my campaign, I have been introduced to so many people doing so many good things for our community—it’s really amazing. From helping the elderly to increasing minority involvement and leadership, from creating early childhood education opportunities to making our schools the best and safest places for our kids to learn—Austin’s people are inspiring and truly care for one other.

AA: Are there generational issues, or cultural issues, or both, between young and old Asian American Austinites?

TW: I’m sort of in the middle of both, I guess. I will say that the young Asian American Austinites are proud of their cultural and ethnic background while actively participating in our multicultural city. The continuing connections between our elders and youth bodes well.

AA: Asian Americans are becoming a powerful force in Austin economically, culturally, politically and otherwise. How do you see Asian Americans fitting into the larger Austin culture and community?

TW: We have four Asian American candidates in races for the Texas House of Representatives, Travis County Commissioner’s Court, and Travis County Court at Law; the new Community Center will open this year; businesses are a part of the rich fabric of our community—yes, we are rapidly growing as a voice within this community, and I expect that voice will grow stronger.

Asian Austin: Did you know what you wanted to do with your life or did it just happen?

Todd Wong: If the question is, “Did you know you wanted to become a lawyer when you were young?” The answer is most definitely, “no.” Did I know that I wanted to become a lawyer after my first day of organic chem, physics and AA: What does the American Dream mean to you? calculus classes during my sophomore year? TW: It means hope and opportunity. When I AA: What do you consider the most important

cultural value for you and for those close to you?

TW: Respect and learn from those who have come before you, and confidently make your way forward. We’ll stand beside you and run with you until we cannot run further—and then we’ll have your back. ____________________________________ For more information on Todd Wong’s campaign, visit toddwongforjudge.com.

Asian Austin at www.AsianAustin.com is an online news source featuring news about Asian American people, organizations and events in Austin. Visit the Asian Austin website and “Like” us on Facebook for calendar and event details! Contact publisher Yvonne Lim Wilson at yvonne@asianaustin.com.

Red Threads: UT Center for Asian American Studies

By Madeline Y. Hsu Director, CAAS

Spring 2013 has been a busy season for CAAS faculty and students, locally, nationally, and internationally, with events and honors that demonstrate the many networks and institutional contributions emerging from the many talented people working for and with CAAS. CAAS has also spearheaded programs that help us consider the past and future of Asian American studies and communities, operating not only in the intellectual realms of research and theories, as implemented in part through our lecture series, “Shared Histories: Asian American and Native American/Indigenous Studies,” which examines the intersections between two populations usually understood in completely different relationships to the American nation. CAAS also facilitated programming such as the community forum “Resettlement City? Austin’s Refugee Communities” as part of the Abrienda Brecha conference for activist scholars and the visit of Professor Michael Omi from the University of California Berkeley, a founding figure of Ethnic Studies and proponent of activist scholarship. Professor Omi addressed the history of the field, which has always emphasized the responsibilities of the university to its local communities in tension with “ivory tower” traditions and emphasis of traditional disciplines, and considered strategies and prospects for a future now endangered by cuts to public universities across the country. These are events that further the mission of ethnic studies programs such as CAAS to advance town-gown collaborations, a project we hope to maintain and expand in coming years.

May your summer months be kind and temperate!

TODO Austin // June 2013 // TODOAustin.com 07

Celebrating Diversity

Father’s Day Concert

Zilker Hillside Theater Austin Symphonic Band celebrates all things Dad Sunday, June 16, 7:30 p.m., with this annual concert of marches, patriotic melodies, Broadway show tunes, band classics and other familiar works. Bring a picnic supper and spread out a blanket under the pecan trees at the beautiful Zilker Hillside for the free, family-friendly show featuring. ASB, the official band of the City of Austin. austinsymphonicband.org

Michael Jackson Tribute Long Center

Bridge2Bridge From Montopolis Bridge to 360 Bridge, Everything Austin

ONE Austin is hosting its first annual art show, Friday, June 7, 7 p.m. at the Monstrosity (2514 Wilson) to raise awareness on extreme poverty. “Replacing Poverty With Art” uses art and music as a vehicle to relay a powerful message: we can make poverty history.

Benefitting CTC Int., organizers hope to bring people together as one voice to share concerns. For info see psosa077.wix.com/replacingpoverty Interested in becoming an excellent salsa dancer? Join instructor Raul Ramirez in a free, two-hour dance workshop designed for beginners and those looking to continue their salsa education. The class at Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center introduces fundamentals of leading and following steps.

Be a confident salsero/a. iAzúcar. Saturday, June 8 and 22, 2-4 p.m. maccaustin.org

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TODO Arts

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Beethoven Missa Solemnis Long Center Craig Hella Johnson conducts Conspirare Symphonic Choir, Conspirare, Texas State University singers, and Victoria Bach Festival Orchestra and Chorus in Beethoven’s monumental masterwork in a grand finale to their 20th season, Sunday, June 9, 4 p.m.

With soloists soprano Mary Wilson, mezzo-soprano Emily Lodine, tenor Dann Coakwell and bass Kevin Deas. thelongcenter.org ======================================

“Dance to Breathe” Austin Choreographer’s Ball highlights some of Austin’s best choreographers and dancers in a wide array of genres at Emo’s East, Sunday, June 9, 6 p.m. The third annual event benefits Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and features Hip Hop, burlesque, contemporary, modern, tap, lyrical, stiletto and other dance performance styles. $20 pre-sale. For more info call 512-323-9760.

Learn more about Texas’s native bird population through a series of lectures at the Bob Bullock Museum, held in partnership with the Travis Audubon Society. The free lectures are Saturdays, June 8, 15 and 29, 2 p.m., and take place in the Texas Spirit Theater. Speakers include Victor Emanuel on bird “hot spots,” Jeff Mundy on central Texas birds, and armchair birding with Jane Tillman. thestoryoftexas.com Trumpeter Rick Braun, saxophonist Kirk Whalum and guitarist Norman Brown make up the jazz powerhouse trio BWB. Their musical passion and groove intensity defines the truest heart and soul of today’s contemporary jazz as each artist infuses his solo projects with a mix of classic R&B and soul-jazz. The spirited trio perform Saturday, June 15, 7 and 9:30 p.m. at One World Theatre. oneworldtheatre.org

“The Ultimate Thriller – The Tribute to Michael Jackson,” Tuesday, June 25, 8 p.m. at the Long Center, is widely recognized as the most authentic and exciting musical bow to the legacy of the King of Pop. Based on Jackson’s “Dangerous” and “Bad” concert tours, an on-stage cast of 11, state-of-the-art sound and video, light display, costumes and choreography, the show is an extraordinary tribute. thelongcenter.org 08 TODO Austin // June 2013 // TODOAustin.com

Dixie Longate, the fast-talking Tupperware Lady, packed up her catalogues, left her children in an Alabama trailer park and took Off-Broadway by storm. Join her at the Long Center from June 18-30 as she throws “Dixie’s Tupperware Party,” a good ol’ fashioned romp filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, free giveaways, audience participation and Tupperware galore. thelongcenter.org Austin Intercultural Network’s June cultural mixer featuring Latin countries is Tuesday, June 18, 5:308 p.m. at Gloria’s Austin Downtown. Locals who are natives of Latin America are invited to join those who have visited or are simply interested in learning more about their homelands. Mingle and enjoying Salvadorian food while celebrating and sharing stories. austininterculturalnetwork.org

Tapestry Soul2Sole Rollins Theatre Tapestry Dance Company presents its festival of rhythm, bringing dancers from around the country to Austin, home of the International Tap Association, Friday-Saturday, June 14-15, 8 p.m. Master classes, classic and contemporary choreographic experiences, tap jams, tap dance with The Soul to Sole Showcase and Friends in Time Faculty Concert.

A celebration of rhythm at its best! thelongcenter.org

Juneteenth Means Showtime!

Alvin Patterson Battle of the Bands and Drumline Competition

By Evelyn C. Castillo

Plenty of kids will go home this summer looking forward to relaxing and simply doing nothing for days on end, once that final bell rings. For one group of kids, though, it’s just the beginning of intense practices and rehearsals to compete in the annual Alvin Patterson Battle of the Bands and Drumline Competition.

“It’s just as competitive as sports,” said Reggie Ray, one of the event organizers. “The competition is a lot more intense than you would think a music competition would be.”

The annual event, which was founded by Larry Jackson, a longtime Austin community activist, is held each year to coincide with Juneteenth celebrations around town. This year the competition will take place June 22 at the Nelson Field, next to Reagan High School.

Jackson explains that he was spurred into action after finding out that very few African Americans were participating in band activities in local high schools.

“Out of the 18 public high schools in AISD, there

ALL Summer LONG Returns with Community Programming ALL Summer LONG 2013 is an exciting series of free and low-cost community events at the Long Center, back for the second year in a row. Last year, more than 10,000 Austinites participated, and this time around, the venue is teaming up with some of Austin’s favorite local businesses and organizations.

From proven favorites like Trailer Food Tuesdays, Rhythm on Stage and Bubblepalooza!, to new experiences in sound, cinema and physical fitness, ALL Summer LONG promises something for everyone. The Long Center’s City Terrace,

were only 26 blacks in band, period,” Jackson said. “After finding out that there were so few African Americans participating in band and art activities, we found that it was due to cultural and racial differences.”

Patterson, the trailblazing band director at the old Eastside, L.C. Anderson High School, which in 1959 saw the Yellow Jackets become the first black band to march at a Texas gubernatorial inauguration and, soon after, the first to play in the summertime Austin Aqua Festival parade.

From there, Jackson reached out to AISD administration and started looking at other band programs around the country. Not just any bands though, but “show-style” marching bands. Bands at historically black colleges and universities first adopted the style, characterized by high stepping, popular music and a dance line. Jackson says the Houston All-Star band agreed to work with AISD to develop a show-style band open to all students in the district. The band is housed at Reagan High School and members range in age from 12-18 years old.

“They get to play music they don’t normally get to play and experiment with a different style of marching,” Armstrong said. “We give them a little history of the event and what we’re celebrating. Some of these kids have no idea what Juneteenth is.”

Once school is over, members begin two weeks of five-hour daily practices in order to perfect their moves and music for the battle of the bands competition.

“The practices are very intense,” Armstrong said.

“A lot of the kids have not marched show-style before or actually even marched at all. It’s very hands-on and very active. We have to be perfect in two weeks.”

“The objective was to improve participation among African Americans and Hispanics,” Jackson said. “Reagan had 16 band members and now it has 125 band members.”

The band program has proven its appeal with a diverse group of students. Some schools have also begun to offer scholarships for band members to participate in other competitions around the state and country.

“One of the groups that has benefitted the most is Hispanic kids,” said Jackson. “They love the music and they participate in large numbers, especially out of Reagan.”

Ormide Armstrong was selected as the band director at Reagan High School, as well as for the all-star band. He believes students may be attracted to the band because of the unique style and music, but they also get a history lesson and learn about the competitions’ namesake, Alvin

Meredith Family Stage in Dell Hall and Rollins Summer Fit Series (June 1, July 13, August 10) At Studio Theatre provide the perfect setting for this our core we are one of America’s fittest cities, and community-wide celebration of summer. as we all know, to feed the body is to feed the soul.

A series of donation-based fitness jams (prices Trailer Food Tuesdays (Last Tuesday of the vary) are scheduled for the City Terrace including month, through October. 5-9 p.m.) The downtown June 1, 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., Pure Ryde for the Arts; skyline is the backdrop for a number of Austin’s July 14, Yoga; and on August 10, Fitness Jam. finest food trailers as they’re rolled out on the City Terrace. Truck owners Eric Silverstein (Peached Austin Sound & Cinema: Music & Movies on the Tortilla and Yumé Burger) and Tony Yamanaka, of Lawn (alternating Wednesdays, June 5-August 21) Food Trailers Austin, team up with “Trailer Food Do512 and the Alamo Drafthouse are proud to Diaries Cookbook” author Tiffany Harelik and the present this free, all-ages series, featuring unique Long Center to create this monthly event. Bring a pairings of live music and popular movies. Band picnic blanket and lawn chair as there’s something will perform a tribute to the movie, followed by the to tempt their taste buds. Special Trailer Food film screening on Alamo’s giant inflatable outdoor Tuesdays Weekend Edition will be Saturday, July screen, all with the perfect view of the sun setting 13 and Saturday, September 7. on the downtown skyline behind the stage.

The winning band takes home a trophy, but most importantly, walks away with bragging rights for the year.

“At a halftime with a normal band show, people go the restroom or go get refreshments,” Ray said. “For this type of band, people go to the restroom during the football game and come back into the stands for the band.”

Soundtrack Series (June 7-8, July 6-7 in Rollins Studio Theatre. Tickets start at $16) Performers and writers get on the mic to tell their hilarious or heart wrenching stories and memories they forever associate with a song from the past. The series is among the “Best Events and Things to Do in NYC” says CBS News New York.

Rhythm on Stage (June 11, June 18, July 9, July 16, August 13. 7-10 p.m. on the Meredith Family Stage in Dell Hall. Donations encouraged) The Butler Community School at Ballet Austin takes the stage as to take on various styles of dance: Brazilian, West African, Broadway, Bollywood and Hip-Hop. Patrons will start with a lesson, then dance the night away with friends and fellow Austinites. Whether you’ve never taken center stage, or you’re an old pro, all are guaranteed to have a ball.

Bubblepalooza! (August 3, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on the City Terrace. Donations encouraged) Families are invited for a day of free fun with music, chalk art and bubbles. Little ones will enjoy the sounds of Austin’s favorite kiddie rock bands, stretching exercises and kiddie yoga from the Little Yoga House, and a visit from the Toy Joy’s “Bubble Professor,” on hand for bubble demonstrations.

Stageside (Dates, artists and tickets prices TBA) Look for a series of concerts in Dell Hall with artists and audience right on the Meredith Family Stage together. For more info go to http thelongcenter.org TODO Austin // June 2013 // TODOAustin.com 09

The Howlin’ Lobo

Rock en Español spotlight: Caifanes // On June 16 at Stubb’s, Caifanes, a Spanishlanguage rock band from Mexico City formed in 1987, takes the stage. Caifanes achieved fame throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, having started as a band called Las Insolitas Imagenes de Aurora. Later, as Caifanes, they changed forever the history of rock in Mexico. The original lineup for Caifanes was Saul Hernandez - vocals and guitars, Sabo Romo - bass, Alfonso Andre - drums, and Diego Herrera - keyboards. On their second album, “El Diablito,” Alejandro Marcovich joined the band as the lead guitarist. Caifanes is still one of the most important and representative rock bands in Mexico and Latin America.

By Lobo Corona

Latin Music in Austin Panel The

Austin

Music

Foundation

hosted a panel discussion, “Latin Music in Austin,” on May 22 at the Austin Studios Soundcheck.

Carla Morrison

Panelists, which included Rich Garza (Pachanga Latino Music Festival), musician Haydn Vitera, Stephanie Bergara

(City

of

Austin

Music

Division), Ian Morales (AustinVida) and Bobby Garza (City of Austin/ Como las Movies), discussed the struggles, successes, past and future in the burgeoning scene.

Local resources was the main topic, with views exchanged about the Austin Music Foundation Creative Media Center, Latin music-friendly venues and a discussion on how to tap into the local scene as a Latin music artist. Concerns, advice and suggestions were swapped from one side to another, with diverse input and attendees from Tejanos to new up-and-coming 19-year old Miranda Gil, TV producer Larry Amado, PrimeTime Tejano host Jerry Avila, singer Patricia Vonne, Austin favorite gal Gina Chavez, William “Wild Bill” Perkins, Wobeon Festival founder Jakes Srinivasan, to local talents Luis A. Ibañez and Billy Wilson, among many others. The folks who attend representing Tejano music asked that their genre be considered more a part of the New Wave of Latin music in town. Lots of questions stayed afloat and a lot more subjects were left untouched, as many left wanting more after the hour-long discussion.

Carla Morrison // Cosmica Records artist Carla Morrison closed her U.S. tour in Austin in May, leaving her heart and soul to an amazing crowd chanting and singing all night long to every song. During her performance she said, “Vive tu vida con amor,” a message to all who were there, apologizing to the crowd about her voice, pointing out that she was feeling tired after 20 consecutive non-stop shows. Carlita cut her last song short, almost to the point of fainting due to dehydration and exhaustion. She got off the stage as The Belmont crowd chanted, “We love you Carla.” Her first show in Austin leaves memories behind and supporters wanting more soon.

The Belmont, making a difference // The Belmont is taking on an important role in diversifying the Austin music scene. On June 6, Los Amigos Invisibles visits with Cilantro Boombox. June 14 finds Suite 709 and Este Vato, presented by Austin Music Vol. 12, then on June 29, Grupo Fantasma takes the stage. Doors open at 8 p.m. for all shows.

Sonidos del Barrio // ALMA (Austin Latino Music Association) presents 2013 Sonidos del Barrio on June 7 (8 p.m., $7) at the Moose Lodge (2103 EM Franklin Street). The event features live music from Tortilla Factory, Bobby Butler “El Charro Negro,” and Alfredo Guerrero, Johnny Degollado y su Conjunto, Big Band Tejano and Tiburon Brazilian Trio. The event will stream live at ranchoalegretexas.com

Ri-chus Takeover

Making Tracks on the Road // After releasing, “Eternal Tambourine,”100 rare and unreleased songs back in April, David Garza is ready to go on tour before he releases his latest album, “Human Tattoo,” later this summer. Piñata Protest and Girl in a Coma announced a West Coast Tour with an Austin show sometime in July or August.

Jesse y Joy

Juanes, Jesse y Joy at Austin City Limits

best described as Aluminum Rock, flexible but still metal. Listen for the searing song “Hello.” Stubb’s Barbecue will be packed on Sunday, June 9, for Fall Out Boy ($37).

By Anthony Garcia

Summer arrives this month and with it a slew of hard rock and alternative shows. Emo’ East will see Say Anything with Eisley on Friday, June 7 ($18). Say Anything is an American rock band from Los Angeles fronted by Max Bemis. Their music falls into the emo and pop punk genres. Also on the bill is Eisley, a rock band from Tyler, Texas, consisting of four siblings. On Tuesday, June 25, Mac Miller with Chance the Rapper perform on a terrific bill ($30). Mac Miller is an American rapper from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who is headlining The Space Migration Tour.

Over at Red Eyed Fly, look for Our Last Daze on Thursday, June 20 ($8). Mitchell Mietler, Jessie Rey, with the brothers Thomas and Jimi Rodriguez, make up the San Marcos band. Our Last Daze is 10 TODO Austin // June 2013 // TODOAustin.com

Fall Out Boy

New Album Releases Piñata Protest - El Valiente // Piñata Protest’s new EP, El Valiente, is a joint release

by Cosmica Records and Saustex Media. The band’s irreverently self-described “mojado punk” develops and explodes into a strong and cohesive mix of punk rock aggression, cheeky riffs on Mexican standards, and original songs reflecting their lives, influences, and desire for a mosh pit, Tejano style. Noted Grammynominated producer Chris “Frenchie” Smith (The Toadies), produced the new album and captures the band’s sound.

La Vida Boheme - Sera // La Vida Boheme’s new album, “Sera,” released by Nacional Records, is the follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut, “Nuestra,” which was nominated for a Grammy and two Latin Grammy’s. The Latin Rock Band from Venezuela has created a promising album to conquer over new horizons with fresh impetus.

Elastic Bond - Real // The Miami-based crew Elastic Bond will release their Nacional Records debut album “Real” on June 25. With influences from all across the musical map, some classic and some contemporary, Elastic Bond is part of new generation of multicultural Latinos who incorporate music from the past in order to make music for the future. The album is based on well-crafted pop songs and catchy melodies, with a unique style of urban tropical funk sung in both English and Spanish. There are nods to both classic soul and traditional cumbia, while always staying true to the modern sounds of their diverse hometown of Miami.

Contact Lobo with your music news, album releases and information at Lobo@todoaustin.com

all-girl alternative rock band, hails from Ontario, Canada.

Red 7 gets a visit from Valient Thorr with Gypsyhawk on Saturday, June 29 ($15). Valient Thorr is an American rock band from Chapel Hill, North Carolina. They merge Southern Rock with heavy metal. Metal outfit Gypsyhawk is also a band to watch for.

Considered to be a pop punk band, Fall Out Boy has also been described as pop rock and emo.

Check out their CDs “From Under the Cork Ttree,” and “Infinity on High.” On Tuesday, June 25, an alt-pop pioneer, Cyndi Lauper, plays with Hunter Valentine ($40). Lauper has released over 40 singles and sold more than 50 million albums. Hunter Valentine, an

Taping // On June 17, Jesse y Joy, the awardwinning brother and sister alternative popfolk duo from Mexico, will arrive for the first time to Austin City Limits for a live taping. Juanes’ ACL taping from June 4, and the Jesse y Joy ACL taping will be broadcast later this year on KLRUTV Austin, PBS in the show’s 39th season.

Valient Thorr

Austin Intercultural Arts

Anuradha Naimpally

Hindu, Jewish Performers Help Raise $13K for Homeless Kids

By Harish Kotecha

Austin’s Hindu and Jewish communities came together before a capacity house on Sunday, May 19, at the Dell Jewish Community Campus in Northwest Austin to participate in an evening of multi-cultural entertainment, food and fun at “Bollywood Meets Borscht Belt.” The event was

Mexic-Arte Museum’s ‘Young Latino Artists 18: Con/Juntos’ The Young Latino Artists (YLA) exhibition at MexicArte Museum has historically provided Latino artists under the age of 35 with professional-level museum experience and exposure. In 1996, the inception of the Young Latino Artists Exhibition resulted in one of the most highly anticipated annual traditions for Austin’s Mexic-Arte Museum.

Now in its eighteenth year, the current YLA exhibition “Con/Juntos” will be guest curated by visual artist Michael Anthony Garcia.

The title, which means, “With/Together,” reinforces the importance of joining ideas and individuals with a common cause while also referencing the idea of conjunto music, made by a group of performers collaborating and unifying their talents to create beautiful music.

created by Hindu Charities for America to raise of Revathi Ravi (Om-Kara), and the production fund for education of homeless children in the support of Dan Benkman’s sound system.

Austin metro area.

Food sponsors included area businesses and Sponsorship, donations and ticket sales combined organizations Bombay Bistro, Chola Indian generated over $13,000 which will be used to Restaurant, Curries By Design, Curry in Hurry, procure school supplies for homeless children Inchin Bamboo Garden, Kadai Indian Kitchen, in Austin and Manor schools, as identified by the K.P. Grocers, Madras Pavillion (Kosher), Royal Austin and Manor ISDs. Indian (No. Austin), Sarovar Indian Cuisine, Shridi The event exemplified how ethnic communities Sai Baba Temple of Austin (Volunteer Kana Bala), can work together and make a difference in the Teji’s Food, Temple Beth Shalom Sisterhood, lives of those in need. Both the Indian and Jewish Whip In Convenience Store, with Sweetness On communities pulled together to make the day a The Side generously sponsoring dessert. success with the support of the venue’s staff and its resources, individual volunteers and volunteers from various organizations including Indo American Senior Citizens of Austin. Local Indian and Jewish performers, restaurants and others provided entertainment and food.

Community leaders attending the event included Rabbi Neil Blumofe of Congregation of Agudas Achim and Craig Shastri from Shirdi Sai Baba Temple of Austin. Also on hand was Brahmachari Girish of Chinmaya Mission of Austin, who showed his appreciation of the work being done by both communities. Other speakers in support were Rebecca Lott (Manor ISD), Cathy Requejo (Austin ISD) and American Asian Resource Center’s Lesley Varghese.

Music and dance were presented by Austin’s stellar roster of South Asian and Jewish artists including Sangeet Millennium, Srishti, Yesh Rikud, Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour, Preya Patel, Anuradha Naimpally and Monsoon Dance. The performers donated their time and talent at no charge to the producers. Hindu Charities also recognized Austin musician Naga Valli for doing the heavy lifting in developing the program line-up with the help

Mark your calendar for follow up events later this summer. On Sunday, August 18, 1 p.m. at Dell Jewish Campus (7300 Hart Lane, Austin, TX), the school supplies will be readied for children.

Then on Friday, August 23, at Manor ISD Campus (10335 US Hwy 290E Manor), the supplies will be distributed to families. For more information, email to HinduCharities4Ameirca@gmail.com or call 512-994-4638.

and given time to collaborate either in person or by means of email, telephone or Skype to develop their ideas and create a brand new work to debut in Mexic-Arte Museum. The exhibition, which opens June 7 from 6-9 p.m. with a special music performance by Daniel Adame, also features artworks by the individual artists to give insight into their practices and their particular contributions to the collaborative work. The diverse works presented in “Con/Juntos” represent a wide range of media from photography, installation, video, and performance, to collage, sculpture, yarn bombing and painting.

‘Serie Project XX’ Opens June 7- September 8, 2013

In 1993, Sam Coronado founded the Serie Project, a non-profit Latino arts organization dedicated to the fine art of serigraphy. Since its inception, the Serie Project’s annual AIR (Artist in Residence) program invites artists to learn the serigraph Selected artists include: Raul Gonzalez, Daniel printmaking technique and create a limited edition Adame, Sergio Garcia, Ricardo Paniagua, Robert of prints, under the guidance of a Master Printer.

Jackson Harrington, Isabella Bur, April Garcia, This year’s selected artists are Nelda Ramos, Javier Vanegas, Colectivo Sector Reforma (Javier Cárdenas Tavizon, Santino Escatel, Farley Bookout, Margarita Cabrera, Paul del Bosque (not on display), Sandra C. Fernandez and Alejandro Fournier), and Tejidos Urbanos. (not on display), Nahum Flores, Rigoberto A. Michael Anthony Garcia creates groupings of artists Gonzalez, Salvador Lopez, Oscar Magallanes (not from throughout Texas as well as from Mexico, on display), Michael Marshall, Stephanie Mercado, Colombia and Argentina, who use a wide range Brian Phillips, Patricia Tinajero, Ernesto Yerena of experience, styles, personalities and practices. Montejano (not on display), and George Yepes.

The groups were introduced to each other’s work The exhibition runs June 7 through September 8.

Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour

Austin City Arts Art After Six @ The People’s Gallery // From June through September, the City of Austin’s Cultural Arts Division will be presenting artist talks at City Hall and offering extended gallery hours.

On Friday, June 7, from 6- 8 p.m., the public is invited to stop by The People’s Gallery at City Hall for and talks by artists featured in the 2013 exhibition. Artist talks will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. The gallery will be open for self-guided tours 6-8 p.m. Artworks are on display on the first three floors. The theme for June is “Recycled and Repurposed Materials” with featured artists Lindsay Palmer, Charlie Ferguson, Hank Waddell and Steve Brudniak.

The People’s Gallery is a program of the Cultural Arts Division, Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office. Parking is available in the City Hall garage but be sure to tell the attendant when you arrive for Art After Six and bring your parking ticket inside for validation.

The Austin Wall Celebration, June 18 // The Cultural Arts Division, AMOA-Arthouse, Austin Parks Foundation, and Downtown Austin Alliance invite the public to discover Austin’s newest public artwork. “The Austin Wall” is an original stained glass artwork by Clifford Ross, commissioned by the General Services Administration for the newly constructed U.S. Federal Courthouse at 501 W. 5th Street. On Tuesday, June 18, the public is

Indian Jewelry booths Ethnic Dezines (Praveen Kale) and Bridal Motif (Jaya Shukla) showcased Indian clothing, and photographer Ken Nordhauser and photo/videographer Shaival Teji (Eyes N Emotions) captured the event, which was created by a core team of Dana Epstein, Sandy Perry, Cindy Zieve, Jennifer G. Seth, Naga Valli, Revathi Ravi and Vimal Motipara.

invited to meet the artist and learn more about the process behind the artwork’s creation. Live music

by Austin Jazz Workshop will be featured outside on the plaza and food truck favorites, Chi’Lantro BBQ and Coolhaus, will be on site throughout the event with food for purchase.

MINDPOP Presents Gibson Guitars to Travis High School // Travis High School’s principal and music teacher were presented with new Gibson guitars on May 29 for the school’s music program as part of Any Given Child initiative, which is dedicated to supporting arts-rich schools and expanding creative learning opportunities for Austin school students.

The Gibson Foundation, MINDPOP and the City of Austin are distributing 100 guitars to 25 AISD schools and community arts partners to support music, band and orchestra programs. Gibson Foundation presented the guitars to MINDPOP in recognition of the prestigious Any Given Child partnership with AISD and the City of Austin, earned from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Other schools receiving guitars are: Akins, Anderson, Austin, Crockett, Eastside Memorial, Lanier and LBJ high schools; Gardner Center; Bailey, Bedichek, Burnet, Covington, Dobie, Gorzycki, Kealing, Lamar, Mendez, Murchison, Pearce, Small and Webb middle schools; and Ridgetop Elementary School.

TODO Austin // June 2013 // TODOAustin.com 11

Katie & Mexico: The Saga Continues

By Katie Walsh

I’m sitting on an airplane that will take me to Cancun, gazing out the window at the fluffy floor of clouds outside. “Is this really happening?” I can’t help but wonder. I’ve made the trip to the little fishing village of Puerto Morelos, Mexico many, many times. But this time feels so much different.

Five years ago, we fell deeply in love. Two years ago I made it my home for a short and challenging six months, some of my very highest and lowest moments. Last year I wrote to you about returning for a visit, coming full circle with the place, with myself. And now here I am again, filling out my customs forms. I am continually surprised at how strong the bond between us is.

Up until now, it’s been a one-sided relationship.

I dream of Puerto Morelos. I adore it. I pine for it. I reach out to it, over and over, arranging my next visit, saving up for my airfare. This is the first time that, without any conscious effort on my part, Mexico is summoning me. I did not plan this trip. It asked ME on a date, and I don’t even have to split the bill. Sometimes, reality is the wildest dream.

About a year ago, I signed up for this lady’s email list. I’d heard of a healing modality called “Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT),” or tapping, and I was intrigued. A combination of modern psychology and ancient Chinese accupressure, it has been clinically proven to rewrite the neural pathways of the brain, clearing mental associations that keep us stuck in bad habits, negative thinking, stress, and the many other life-inhibiting tendencies us humans are so adept at mastering.

through email, and after several months she asked me if I was looking for work. Boy was I, and not only that, I’d been searching for a way to transition from writing about food to working as a healer. And here it was.

This would be a fantastically synchronistic story if we’d only become good friends, if we’d only done some work together, if I’d only participated in her program. But on top of all of these things, which in themselves have been literally life-changing for me, she’s asked me to work on-site with her in Mexico for the whole month—all expenses paid.

I found this woman, Brittany Watkins, who uses the technique specifically for weight loss and emotional eating. I put on a good 25 pounds since I got back from Mexico, and I was ready to get it off. And while I didn’t fully understand it at the time, I KNEW deep down that emotional eating was an issue that needed my attention.

But I wasn’t really ready to hear her. Something about this realm of my life—the lifelong struggle with weight, the grossly deformed body image, the family legacy of loving through food—was deeply troubling. And, a penniless freelancer, I didn’t have the cash to invest in her stuff. So I avoided it. I got her emails for a long time, most of the time just ignoring them.

Until one day she sent an email that said, “I’ve just been evicted.” I read the story, in which the person she was subletting from stopped paying their rent and she was in turn kicked out. Rather than freak out, she’d decided to take it as an

Ballet Folklórico de Texas Performs June 15

By Victor Castillo

Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklórico de Texas (RLBFT) was founded in 1982 by Roy Lozano, a second-generation Mexican-American who devoted his life to performing, researching and staging folk dances representing Mexico’s vast cultures and traditions. His legacy will be on display at the “Fiesta 2013” performance on Saturday, June 15, at 7 p.m. at Connally High School in North Austin. The show features the rich ballet folklórico dances from all regions of Mexico including dances from the states of Guanajuato, Sinaloa, Veracruz, Sonora Bronco, Tarahumara, and Jalisco. Joining the group are

So here I am, on my way back to my favorite place. I can’t help the perma-smile. While my cozy Austin apartment and loved ones hold me down in Texas, Mexico and I continue our dance.

opportunity to pack up her whole life and move to Mexico. Well that sounded familiar.

She’d moved just 30 minutes away from my beloved Puerto Morelos, to Playa del Carmen.

We began chatting about the Riviera Maya

special guest dancers from Folklore y Ritmos de Panamá. Tickets are $15 presale (512-928-1111); $20 door.

Born in Alice, Texas, Lozano traveled throughout Mexico each summer to watch his father play professional baseball in the Mexican league. But it was the regional music and dance, more than baseball that Lozano enjoyed. Lozano began folklórico dance classes at the age of fifteen and continued his dancing while studying biology at the University of Texas. He helped start the UT Ballet Folklórico troupe in 1975 as a performing outlet for Hispanic students interested in folk dance.

Lozano started the School of Dance as a way to share his knowledge with not only Mexican American children, but also with children of all ethnicities. Today, the School of Dance is filled to capacity,

I think back to the moment I decided to leave.

I was standing in the middle of my apartment, looking out my balcony at the impossibly beautiful ocean. So in love, and yet so torn. I wanted to be there so much. But I wanted to come home so much. I craned my neck to the ceiling, tears in my eyes, and asked out loud, “Why can’t I have both?”

It may have taken a couple of years, but the universe always answers.

providing opportunities to children and youth to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Texas’ closest neighbor. Over the years, the company has grown steadily, expanding both its performance schedule and community-outreach programs.

Lozano died early on March 4, 1994, just ten days after his 40th birthday. Since his death, the company has continued his commitment to quality, authentic ballet folklórico. Named by Lozano as his successor, Jesús “Chuy” Chacón has served as the Artistic Director for the past 12 years. Under his leadership the company has continued to flourish. His expertise and commitment to excellent performances has resulted in an invitation to the company to dance in Monterey, Mexico in June 2006 for the 25th anniversary of Ballet Folklórico Magesterial.

RLBFT also is committed to expanding the genre of ballet folklórico in Texas by assisting other groups to form and prosper, such as the Panamanian, Puerto Rican and Venezuelan companies. Some of the assistance includes providing free or low-rent studio space sharing costumes and inviting them to perform at Noche de folklór, thus expanding their audience base.

Each year, RLBFT offers many opportunities to learn about the beauty of Mexican ballet folklórico—from its low-cost series for the school children of Central Texas to its free performance each August at Zilker Hillside Theater, to free and reduced performances for other non-profits in the area.

The company recently announced it is holding its inaugural “Our Legacy” gala, to be held on Saturday, July 20, 7 p.m. at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. With the gala, the public has an opportunity to support the vision of Texas’ premier ballet folklórico company. For more information contact Daniel Landeros at 512-947-3437

12 TODO Austin // June 2013 // TODOAustin.com

cari d a d CASA

your advocacy work for kids

(Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County

in your own way, but if you

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

great team backing them

Don Rhoades and his wife, Dottie, of 29 years have never been able to tear themselves away from Austin. He grew up moving around often and came to Austin to attend U.T. He graduated in 1986 and has been here ever since. Don worked his way up at Motorola and then Freescale Semiconductor over the years, moving from an operator to trainer, supervisor and now project manager. In his free time he runs, bicycles, reads and enjoys college sports. Don has been volunteering with CASA for eight years after hearing about it from a friend who volunteered and then meeting CASA recruiters at a work event. Don says that he enjoys “the amount of freedom you get to do

Sunshine Camps’ Welder Honored as ‘Big Giver’ Leo Welder, board member and Past President of Austin Young Men’s Business League of Austin Sunshine Camps and founder, Operations Officer, of ChooseWhat.com, is the recipient of the 2013 “Big Giver Award” by I Live Here, I Give Here (whose mission is to deepen and expand the culture of personal philanthropy by inspiring Central Texans to invest more money in the community).

Each year, I Live Here, I Give Here, and its partner agencies, nominate and

need help, your supervisor is a phone call away with a up.” He says that his journey with

CASA

has

been

a

learning experience and that getting to know the kids and adults who are involved in this system has been eye opening. “There are some really special people out there workings with these kids, and then there’s the kids themselves. CASA work is very rewarding,” says Don.

YWCA Women of the Year Honoring the achievements of women is critical to the mission of the YWCA and for nearly 30 years the YWCA Greater Austin has paid tribute to the women that inspire the Austin community at its annual Women of the Year Awards Soiree.

This year the Soiree is scheduled for Friday, June 28, from 6:30-10 p.m. at the W Hotel Austin. Tickets $75.

The Women of the Year Awards Soiree is the YWCA’s largest fund raising event and all funds raised support the YWCA Greater Austin’s work to provide vital counseling services to Austin women and families in need. The 2013 Soiree will feature a reception with one of Austin’sbest silent auctions, a plated dinner,

award an exemplary donor from the Central Texas region for making a tremendous community impact by recognizing him/her as the “Big Giver.” I Live Here, I Give Here staff presented Welder with his award at a “surprise presentation” ceremony on May 28 as invited guests included Austin YMBL Sunshine Camps board members and staff, as well as I Live Here, I Give Here committee chairs and staff.

Established in 1928 by YMBL, the Austin Sunshine Camps provide enrichment opportunities for low-income boys and girls of Central Texas for over eighty years. To learn more see Sunshine camps.org

UT DDCE Honors Community Pillars The Division of Diversity and Community Engagement at the University of Texas presented awards to Community Partner Texas Health and Science University and four pillars of Austin’s Asian American community in Austin on Monday, May 6.

Honorees included Nahid Khataw, the first Muslim

Sonia Kotecha and guests

Child Inc Head Start Program

Mary Gonzalez

and the presentation of the 2013 Women of the Year Awards by Dr. Dara Richardson-Heron, new CEO of YWCA USA.

The Child Inc Head Start Program for Travis County is currently accepting applications for children ages birth to five years old for the 2013-2014 program year.

“Head Start provides a caring environment where both children and parents come to learn, grow and achieve,” said Executive Director, Albert L. Black. “When children love learning, everything else falls into place.”

This year’s honorees include Martha Cotera, Racial Justice Award; Kathryn Krastin, Woman’s Economic Empowerment Award; Geraldine Tucker, JD, Lifetime Achievement Award; Kayla Marie Mitchell, Young Women of Achievement Award; State Representative Mary Edna Gonzalez, Leader of Promise Award. For more info go to www.ywca.org

With metro Austin’s changing demographics and increased poverty in Travis County suburbs, Head Start is helping to meet the needs of very poor working families with quality early childhood education and support services. Ensuring Central Texas children have the foundation for later learning.

board president of Interfaith Action of Central Texas and chairwoman of the Asian Community and Education Foundation; Peter Shen, founder of the Greater Austin Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Austin Chinese Arts Association, and UT alum Sonia Kotecha, who is currently director of volunteers for CASA of Travis County. The Legacy Award went to Betty Hwang, another former UT student and chairwoman/ CEO of Victina Systems International.

Dallas Nightclub Teen Parties

comprehensive services including dental, health, nutrition, mental health, disability and family engagement at no cost to the family. Children with disabilities, including severe disabilities are encouraged to apply. Transportation services are available on a limited basis depending on school district residency requirements.

Pflugerville ISD, Austin ISD, Manor ISD, and Del Valle ISD are partners with Child Inc. Head Start for PreK4 services.

Parents interested in applying for Head Start Program services for their children should attend the Recruitment Event on June 1 or contact Child Inc. at www.childinc.org

Eligible children and families receive high quality early childhood education and

Dallas Nightclub’s Summer Teen Parties provide a fun and safe environment for Austin area kids to convene during their summer break.

The goal of this project is to help the community and local schools. Upon entry to the Summer Teen Parties, DNC (7113 Burnet Road) will ask which school your teen is from, and each week will give back a percentage to your children’s school.

DNC Summer Teen Party 2013 starts on Tuesday, May 28 and runs until August 20 from 7-11 p.m.

that safety is of the greatest importance when it comes to these events. All teens will be checked in with a school ID to enter and exit the nightclub. There will also be a police officer present. Dallas Nightclub will provide soft drinks, water, and burgers from Slider Joe’s food truck. Each school will have a chance to create a presence at the Summer Teen Parties by providing healthy snacks, upon approval from DNC, along with school spirit items. www.danceatdallas. com

DNC DJ’s will play current, radio edited music and will provide games that create a positive and unique experience at Dallas Nightclub that your school’s teens are sure to enjoy. DNC understands TODO Austin // June 2013 // TODOAustin.com 13

Ram Navami Observed in Austin Hindu Temples

By Harish Kotecha

Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama, is one of the most important festivals on the Hindu calendar, particularly the Vaishnava sect, and falls on the 9th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra (which this past year was on Friday, April 19).

In Austin area temples, organizations and individuals observed Ram Navami in various ways. Radha Madhav Dam, Shridi Sai Baba Temple and other temples across Austin celebrated in traditional manner with religious ceremonies, cultural programs and food.

On the auspicious holy day, devotees repeat the name of Rama with every breath and

vow to lead a righteous life. Some observe a strict fast on the day.

Austin temples, like those across the world, were decorated with images of Lord Rama, richly adorned. The holy Ramayana was read in the temples, similar to the custom at Ayodhya, the birthplace of Sri Rama, a big fair is held on this day.

Since 2009, the Bhutanese refugee population in Austin has grown from a few dozen members to over 300. Many of them have been coerced to convert to Christianity by promises of basic human needs that are not readily available to them otherwise. Many want to ensure that their culture is retained.

In that effort, Austin experienced a three day program of Ramnahami Utshav in April, with two Gurus from the Bhutanese communities of Pennsylvania and New York participating. The program was such a success that over 200 people attended.

HispanosNet Austin

Intocable at Pachanga

by Diana Sanchez

Latinos con vision

Arte en Familia at Arte Studio Austin

Monica PeĂąa receives award from GAHCC.

Irma Perez, Casimiro De la Cruz and Kiko Villamizar at Janitzio.

14 TODO Austin // June 2013 // TODOAustin.com

CafĂŠ con Letras anniversary with (L-R) Julian Copado, Magda Gutierrez, Lorena Macuilxochitl Bernal, Julieta Caamano, Juan Antonio DelosAngeles, Irma Perez, Alejandra Cruz and Triny Love

Chronicles of Undercover Mexican Girl:

june 2013

My First New(ish) Car and America’s Obsession with Luxury

By Alexandra M. Landeros

Unlike most teenagers, when I turned sixteen years old, I didn’t rush out to get my driver’s license. That’s because I skipped the second grade, so when I was fifteen, many of friends were already sixteen and old enough to drive – if they wanted me to hang out with them, my parents had to drop me off, or my friends had to pick me up. A very convenient arrangement, I’d say, especially in Los Angeles where driving requires extreme amounts of courage, patience, and endurance.

Then I went to college, nearly clear across the United States, in Pittsburgh, where it wasn’t

that at twenty-one years of age, I needed a driver’s license and a car, unless I wanted to be that old lady who never learned to drive. That old lady might be fine in New York City, but certainly not in Texas.

When the trunk was dented in a parking lot

In 1998, I got my driver’s license, and my father gave me my first car – a 1983 Mercedes Benz 300 D. It only had one driver before me (an old lady, actually) so it was in impeccable condition and still came with the owner’s manual and original mobile phone (about the size of a desktop computer). It had a sunroof, power windows, cruise control, leather seats, a built-in

fuel system got clogged up, I started replacing

accident and rain leaked into it, I started carrying valuable items in the back seat instead. When the locks stopped working, I didn’t pack anything valuable that I couldn’t take with me. When the the fuel filter once a month (because it’s so easy, even a girl can do it). When the front wheel bushings started going out, I stopped driving over 40 miles per hour.

After driving the same car for fifteen years, when it was already fifteen years old, I decided last month it was finally time to say goodbye to the

UMG posing next to the 1983 Mercedes Benz 300D (freshly driven to Texas from California, summer of 1998)

Benz. I had many reasons not to want to part

denting it or scratching it. There were no blind spots – these cars were not built to be sleek. I could replace most of the parts myself because it was built like a giant lawnmower. I had no car payments, and the car insurance was cheap. And it still got nearly 20 miles to the gallon!

After

doing

major

research

and

polling

everyone I knew, I decided on a Honda CRV – multipurpose, practical, reliable, and decent gas mileage. I had two models to choose from: the LX “basic” and the “EX” fancy. If I wanted to buy it new, even the basic came with extravagant features such as a rear-view camera or Bluetooth connection. (My 1983 Benz was ahead of its time with a built-in mobile phone system!) So I went with a used 2010 LX – its fancy features, as far as I was concerned, were mechanical parts that were less than five years old and still working properly, air conditioning, and a clean interior.

I simply needed this in a car: I needed something that would last me another fifteen years with minimal maintenance. I don’t know what most people look for when they go buy a new car, but from talking to the sales representative, I got the

Finally, when I graduated from college, with the prospect of moving to Austin, Texas, I realized

first aid kit, and an exterior made of steel.

I drove that car through many jobs, relationships, and Texas summers – even though the AC went out some time around 2006 or so. When the radio antenna broke off, a friend cleverly replaced it with a coat wire hanger (and it got the best reception it ever had). When the glove compartment latch broke, I held it shut with duct tape.

By Blake Shanley

As the summer solstice approaches June 21, it’s the right time to visit the Tiny Taiga Shoppe (1200 E. 11th Street, No. 106), a choose-yourown-adventure shoppe of healthful, powerful and glowing goodness in a variety of forms and functions for your exploration, for your education, for your individual needs and for all of your many senses.

Super foods, raw chocolates, teas, herbs, essential oils, books, natural body care, inspired jewelry and more.

with it. It was a tank – I felt invincible inside of it.

I never had to worry about anybody stealing it or

necessary to have a car. Urban areas in the northeast sector of the country were built more densely, so walking is very feasible and common, and public transportation is generally better than average. Even though there wasn’t a subway or metro system, bus routes were frequent and well connected.

Tiny Taiga Condensation

impression people really get into the car color, the fancy rims, and the electronic gadgets. When I pulled into my driveway, I realized I hadn’t even tested out the CD player (the old Benz stopped playing cassette tapes in 2010).

So cheers to not having to buy another car for at least fifteen years. What kind of features, I imagine, will be included in a 2028 model car?

There’s new delicious new stuff, like dried mission figs, full of potassium, tons of fiber and sooo yummy; raw cacao butter to make your own raw chocolates and other superfood desserts, moisturize your skin; and raw pine pollen. Sunflower seeds are not just for spitting at baseball games, these tiny powerhouses of protein, good fats, vitamins (especially E) are anti-inflammatory, promote strong bones and calms nerves.

How about a whole raw chocolate truffle cake, cacao nibs and coconut nector sweetened nibs?

By the way, five-hour energy drink (pretending to be natural) and all of those other putrid, dangerous concoctions (Red Bull - wow, don’t get me started) are synthetic liquid yuck that does nothing good ... BUT, sometimes you need a booster shot of mental, physical magic.

So, meet our good old friend, Ginseng! A Chinese super herb that feeds and fuels the body and brain, promotes lasting energy, alertness and balance. Come ‘n get a shot and then go run around the block 20 times and do math WITHOUT a calculator!

Um. Holy. Cannoli ... Raw vanilla coconut creme? Yes, raw coconut flakes, raw coconut oil and raw vanilla bean. Whipped into creamy bliss, to be eaten from the jar, added to desserts, coffee, smoothies, etc. It. Is. Heavenly.

Balance and Breathe are these purest-of-thepure essential oils and are not only naturally and stunningly fragrant, they are powerful healers and therapies that work on a profound and cellular level! Visit Tiny Taiga from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tiny Taiga has a bunch of these greens for you at 1200 E. 11th St. #106.

TODO Austin // June 2013 // TODOAustin.com 15

Broadway’s Singular Sensation!

Don’t miss this landmark, Pulitzer Prize-winning musical that forever changed the way we look at Broadway.

A group of dancers auditioning for a Broadway musical lay their talent and their life experiences on the line. Michael Bennett’s extraordinary direction and choreography, plus Marvin Hamlisch’s superb score (“What I Did For Love,” “One”) make this musical one to savor again and again.

JULY 24-28

TheLongCenter.org 512.474.LONG (5664)

Tickets also available at the 3M Box Office at the Long Center.

Groups 10+ call 512.457.5150.

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”

JUNE Line-up

Taco Bar

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

----------------------------------------------------------------SAT 6/1 PAUL ORTA & THE KINGPINS (2:30) EL TULE (6:30) SUN 6/2 THE RECOUPERATORS (3:00) ----------------------------------------------------------------WED 6/5 THE LARRY MONROE RADIO SHOW (6:00) THU 6/6 LOS FLAMES (6:30) FRI 6/7 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 6/8 EL TIBURON (2:30) THE DEBRA WATSON BAND (6:30) SUN 6/9 BLUE MIST (3:00) ----------------------------------------------------------------WED 6/12 THE LARRY MONROE RADIO SHOW (6:00) THU 6/13 THE FABS (6:30) FRI 6/14 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 6/15 LOS TIPICOS DE CUBA (2:30) LARRY LANGE & HIS LONELY KNIGHTS (6:30) SUN 6/16 MITCH WEBB & THE SWINDLES (3:00) ----------------------------------------------------------------WED 6/19 THE LARRY MONROE RADIO SHOW (6:00) THU 6/20 BANZAI (6:30) FRI 6/21 PONTY BONE & THE SQUEEZE TONES (6:30) SAT 6/22 JOHNNY DEGOLLADO (2:30) BONNEVILLE COUNTY PINE BOX (6:30) SUN 6/23 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (3:00) ----------------------------------------------------------------WED 6/26 THE LARRY MONROE RADIO SHOW (6:00) THU 6/27 TRACIE LYNN (6:30) FRI 6/28 THE BOB FUNTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 6/29 THE SIDE SHOW FIVE (2:30) THE LISA MARSHALL BAND (6:30)

www.GuerosTacoBar.com