TODO Austin November 2013

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Pan Americana Fest did it first.

Volume V / November 2013

Food Justice For All? Austin’s Urban Farm Conflict

By Dani Slabaugh Photo courtesy of HausBar Farms

Inside Diwali GivingFest Austin Days of the Dead AARC Autumn Ball Indie Meme

HABLA Austin

of J. Pinnelli Co. construction firm. Their induction ceremony was held October 23 in Council Chambers. In its third year, the Hall represents women who have made significant contributions to the community by breaking through barriers for women, working to better the lives of women and girls, or through other forms of public or community service.

Susana Almanza honored as hero

Ramirez named Catholic charity head Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of the Catholic Diocese of Austin, and the Catholic Charities Board of Directors, announced the appointment of Sara Ramirez as Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Central Texas (CCCTX). With 11 years of management and social services experience, Ramirez brings a wealth of knowledge, passion and commitment to serving the poor and vulnerable. “Sara Ramirez is an ideal choice,” said CCCTX Board President Steve Wohleb. “Her vast experience in fundraising, volunteer management and direct client aid will make her a crucial asset to our growing organization.”

People Organized in Defense of the Earth and her Resources (PODER) co-founder Susana Almanza was inducted into the Walk of Heroes at Southwest Key’s El Centro de Familia on October 26. Praised by SW Key for her work as an “extraordinary environmentalist and Chicana activist from East Austin”, the induction ceremony included the unveiling of a commissioned mosaic portrait of Almanza which will remain on the Walk of Heroes.

The Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies at the University of Texas will host Chef Roberto Santibanez on Thursday, November 7, at 6 p.m. for a presentation on the street food of Mexico. The event will be held in the Kodosky Donor Lounge at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. A reception and book signing will follow the presentation. Free and open to the public.

Four women inducted into Hall of Fame The City of Austin Commission for Women selected four outstanding women as 2013 inductees into the Austin Women’s Hall of Fame. Chosen were: Carole Keeton, a former Austin Mayor, Texas Railroad Commissioner and State Comptroller; Maria Luisa (Lulu) Flores, an attorney and a partner at HendlerLaw, PC; Harriet M. Murphy, a retired Austin Municipal Judge and a practicing attorney; and Janis Pinnelli, the Chief Financial Officer

is a vibrant new website site providing multimedia features, the print journal content, enhanced event listings, special creative features and staff and community-led blogs, with links to archived past printed issues, augmenting social media networks in Austin’s multicultural community.

02 TODO Austin // Nov 2013 // TODOAustin.com

By Julian Fernandez

I live on Govalle Avenue in Austin’s Eastside. I have been a resident here, off and on, for over 50 years. I went to Govalle Elementary School, Allan Jr. High, Johnston High and attended UT for one year before joining the Air Force.

I am in support of our little local farm, HausBar Farms, and I do mean “little.” I often take my nieces, nephews and grand kids to see the ducks, chickens, the goose and two burros. We take pictures together, they get to touch the animals and see the garden. The kids often ask me, “Why are the chickens pecking the ground?” I tell them that’s how they eat. “But, there’s no food,” they say. I tell them that they eat the mosquito larvae and other insects. That helps cut down the mosquito bites to the animals and people.

TSU exhibits highlight Mexican masters

LLILAS presents streetfoods of Mexico

TODOAustin.com

‘Keep the Critters’ in Govalle

Volume V, Number 7 PUBLISHER/EDITOR // Gavin Lance Garcia info@todoaustin.com ART DIRECTOR // Dave McClinton // 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, Anthony Garcia, Mia Garcia, Harish Kotecha, Alexandra M. Landeros, Callie Langford, Cristina Parker, Paul Saldaña, Blake Shanley

Texas State University-San Marcos’ Wittliff Collections present its first-ever solo exhibition of the works of Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Mexico’s most accomplished and renowned photographer and a founder of modern photography.

His images, masterpieces of post-revolutionary Mexico, will show through December 13 at the Wittliff, on the seventh floor of the Albert B. Alkek Library. Bravo’s hallmark was to capture images of the plain, ordinary, composed with avant-garde and surreal aesthetics that resonate with stylized vision. Also showing is a tribute exhibition to the song, “México lindo y querido,” exploring subjects that illuminate the diversity of Mexico’s landscapes, featuring images by 49 photo­journalists and fine-art photographers.

What I’m saying is this: the neighborhood kids get educated at this urban farm while enjoying the domestic farm animals.

The majority of kids and adults have never touched (petted) a farm animal. I myself planted a lemon, an orange, a mango and have two large pecan trees on my property. We have four dogs, as well.

I don’t want to see the farm closed down. I do admire Susana Almanza and P.O.D.E.R and do support their efforts and concerns, but HausBar Farms shouldn’t really be an issue.

I don’t want folks to “open a can of worms” and bring the national spotlight on this. I hate the press and don’t want to see them disrespecting our City, and our neighborhood, while going through endless arguments and separation of friends, families and government over this senseless issue.

I encourage you ALL to visit the farm at 3300 Govalle Ave, and bring your kids, grand kids and a friend. You too will change your mind when you see the glow on the kiddos faces.

Contributing Writers/Photographers/Artists // Mohammad Al-Bedaiwi, Skylar Bonilla, Adriana Cadena, Roy Casagranda, Cindy Casares, Priscilla Cortez, Ruben Cubillos, Nora De LaRosa, Rose Di Grazia, Julian Fernandez, Christian Gonzalez, Laura Donnelly Gonzalez, Harmony Eichsteadt, Layla Fry, Jessica Garza Cherry, 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, Preya Patel, Monica Peña, Esther Reyes, Marion Sanchez, Hani Saleh, Dani Slabaugh, Corey Tabor, Blanca Valencia, Kristina Vallejo, Kuetzpalin Vasquez, Joseph P.A. Villescas, Bowen Wilder Web Design // Mike Hernandez Cover // Photo courtesy of HausBar Farms 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. © 2013 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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Toxic Soil: Austin’s Eastside Food Movement, Racism and Gentrification

By Dani Slabaugh

compassion with all things and all people, to be the best person you can be and build a better world than the one we live in. I know, for that reason, you’re the right person to talk to about this problem we’ve overlooked.

I’m writing because I need some help bringing to all our attention some of the unintended effects of our collective attempts to grow food in this town, to make Austin more sustainable, food-

that equate to nothing less than structural violence – systemized racism, classism, and yeah, even patriarchy. Saving the dolphins has always been frosting on top. It’s saving each other and stopping the structural violence involved in the food system, transportation system, etc. that has always motivated me. I love local food, urban farming, and for that matter bikes and kale, and see these things as integral to making ecological and healthy living accessible to all – but that

I recently attended a meeting of folks discussing dismantling racism. They meet weekly and discuss a myriad of topics and last night they talked about food justice. I’ve been mulling over my internal conflict over the urban farm code controversy, sitting more or less quietly by, avoiding public hearings, avoiding taking sides, unsure of what the right position could possibly be on an issue I could see has so much complexity.

Well, you are right to understand this process that we, the “green” sustainable community are implicit in, as very complex. However, the underpinnings are pretty simple. Land that communities of color live in is valued less than land that largely white communities live in. There’s a basic assumption there. It’s the same assumption that caused white flight from cities after desegregation, the same assumption that was the basis for redlining. It was at the root of Jim Crow laws and the slavery that was the first form of non-migratory agriculture East Austin saw. The assumption is one of white supremacy, which is far more subtle and far reaching than the KKK associations you may have with that phrase.

Photo by HausBar Farms

dynamics that the urban farm code controversy bring up, the systemic issues of inequality, colonization and oppression that are being played out in subtle and not so subtle ways through this and so many other conversations.

I did a lot of thinking and now I’m writing to you, composter of would be refuse. You, urban cyclist and backyard kale grower. I’m a lot like you. I grow my greens, ride my bike, and get excited beyond reason about rainwater harvesting. If you’re at all like me, you’re intentions are pure. You go out of your way to do the extra work to try and save the world, or at least slow down its destruction. You believe in a world where everyone has access to healthy, ecologically sound food sources produced without exploitation of workers or the land they work on.

You do this because you’re willing to be inconvenienced in order to live a life in line with values you hold dear, to walk a walk of 04 TODO Austin // Nov 2013 // TODOAustin.com

However, our food system has been so overwhelmingly disfigured from an ideal that honors the needs of human beings that even now, even with all of this work to build a local food movement and all of the challenges it entails, we need to re-evaluate and re-design. At the very least we need to do no harm to communities of color, and at best, we need to organize our food movement around the need for social justice that extends to all things; food, education, shelter and transportation. The issues of gentrification caused by the food movement are real, and we need to acknowledge them and start working to do better.

“Gentrification is so complex! How could we ever stop it?!” you ask?

My conflict comes not because of the nitty gritty of the code, or the specific events that led to the battle in question, but because of the underlying

Photo by HausBar Farms

better way to feed ourselves.

secure, and better. With the urban farm code controversy, living within a stone’s throw of three East Austin urban farms, I’ve been having a lot of conversations. I’ve been talking with farmer friends, and plenty of you, who are outraged that anybody would suggest that what urban farmers do is about profit, and can’t see how anyone could construe urban farming as harmful for the community.

I’ve talked with others that see urban farming, bike lanes, and the onslaught of young white people, with their kale and their bicycles moving into the neighborhood as yet another case of gentrification – that structural racism that disposes communities and colonizes neighborhoods – eastward expansion into the black and brown frontier.

I’m torn.

I became an environmentalist because of the social justice implications of the way our society relates to natural resources – from exposing migrant workers to toxic pesticides, to citing toxic waste sites in communities of color. My concern for the environment and its degradation has always stemmed from concern for fellow human beings most affected by those actions

they’re undeniably part of gentrification gives me pause.

It’s easy to pick a side and jump into an “us and them” mentality, which I’ve seen a lot of friends on either side do. Taking sides, framing the issue in terms of a “battle” or a “fight”, and declaring war on those holding an opposing opinion is easy, simple and clean cut. The true complexity of the real world comes with the realization that everybody is right. Unfortunately we don’t all hold the same power, influence, and privilege, and so it’s the responsibility of the environmentalists and white urban farmers to really honor the reality and truth being shared by our neighbors.

It is true, me, my bicycle, and yes, urban farms, are part of a steady march of largely white, middle or upper middle class foodie and environmentalist culture moving in and pushing communities of color out the other side. We’re engaged in manifeast destiny, and there is nothing cute, quaint, or truly sustainable about it. At the same time, our food system is fundamentally broken. Those working on the front lines of urban agriculture, trying to grow food where people are that is healthy, delicious, and produced without exploitation deserve applause for their efforts, sacrifice, and courage to risk it all in search of a

White supremacy simply means that we assume white communities have more value than communities of color. It’s the prevailing assumption that white communities are safer, nicer, kinder, smarter, more cultured, harder working, and more valuable. It’s that same assumption that creates a class divide along racial lines, giving white communities better jobs, better access to education, food, and capital of all kinds.

It’s this assumption of white supremacy that has made the soil of East Austin, some of the most fertile soil in the nation, toxic.

The legacy of slavery (I’ve heard that the farmhouse at Boggy Creek was literally the master’s house once upon a not so distant past), Jim Crow, red lining, ongoing white supremacy, and gentrification are infused in that fertile blacklands prairie clay. This is not to say that urban farmers are inherently malicious conniving racist land-grabbers, but they do make the neighborhood trendy and thus prone to slimy tentacles of developers with their condos, and the increasing rent and property value that come with white neighbors, farmers markets, and cute brunch spots. Ironically these are the same forces that could eventually price the farmers themselves out of the neighborhood.

Gentrification hurts us all in the end.

We’re growing our food movement in a flood plain rich with social sedimentation eroded

Commercial farms don’t belong in established neighborhoods

By Daniel Llanes and Susana Almanza

Proposed changes in the city zoning ordinance would allow the slaughter of chickens, rabbits and other animals in all residential neighborhoods. So, it is logical to ask, “Would an attempt to transform single-family homes into farms with the slaughtering of animals in neighborhoods such as Tarrytown or Pemberton Heights bring on a court action?”

As adopted by the Planning Commission, the proposed Urban Farm Ordinance would allow the commercialization of single-family zoned land. In essence, the ordinance would blanket zone all single family property in East Austin, and the rest of the city, for commercial use. That change would transform single-family property’s use to Commercial Service Mix Use zoning. Even though this would be a citywide ordinance, it would most adversely impact East Austin, where the urban farms seeking the change are now located.

Not only would the slaughter of chickens, rabbits and other animals be allowed if the council adopts the proposed changes, the remains could be composted on any single-family zoned property in residential areas.

This issue started when a property owner, HausBar Farm, on two single-family lots, was found to be operating a commercial enterprise.

For several years, without permits, they kept expanding their operation and creating a health hazard in a single-family residential neighborhood, and it has now caught up to them. They kept expanding their commercial activity, which has become untenable for the neighborhood. from another time. It’s time to understand that process; it’s time to understand the soil, the bedrock, the social geology that we’re growing this movement in.

How did our metaphorical soil come to be? How do we begin to engage in some metaphorical bioremediation efforts? It’s time to dismantle these structures of racism and classism, and while we’re at it, why not patriarchy and hetronomativity, so that our movement can flourish and bear fruit that doesn’t carry that quiet, toxic residue of oppression.

Quite simply, HausBar Farms has outgrown their footprint in that location, and if they want to expand, they need to relocate to commercial zoning, like any other business that has outgrown its location.

As for the other farms, as the status of the farms underwent further investigation, it turns out that, particularly Springdale Farm, is now engaged in “other” activities such as weddings, parties, booksignings, etc. All this without permits for parking and zoning requirements, further expanding commercialization. By this increased activity, they have further self-identified themselves as commercial operations, and they should now be regulated as such, on commercial property.

a historic racism that has endured for almost 90 years. The result is that 78702 is the secondmost gentrified zip code in the entire country.

To complicate the issue, the reaction by farm advocates, and the unresponsiveness to neighborhood concerns by the Sustainable Food

In the SXSW and East Studio Tours issues, the neighborhoods forced the city to revisit each ordinance. In each case, language was rewritten to include neighborhood protections. We came together and worked it out.

These three ordinances illustrate the need for the city to identify and address policies and ordinances that disproportionately impact communities of color and low-income populations. The city - all of us who live in it must insure that policies mitigate and minimize the adverse effects of gentrification.

The farms’ move toward commercialization of single-family zoning goes against what this neighborhood has fought so hard to create, in what the city, and the nation, now recognize as a premium downtown neighborhood.

The farms moved into what was once the edge of town, “the other side of the tracts” where the City of Austin had, by a racist ordinance, forced the Latino and African-American communities to relocate (1928) along with all “unwanted industry.”

In 2000, during the creation of our Neighborhood Plan, more than 600 properties were rezoned from industrial and commercial to residential.

This transformed this neighborhood, and today it is a downtown neighborhood considered to be one of the most desirable in the nation. These neighborhoods, and the people of color in them, have made lemonade out of the lemon despite gentrification – and stop the heart wrenching pattern of displacing communities of color, which it seems should be our first order of business.

Without doing that work, without coming together in solidarity, we all lose. Not only do long time east side communities get displaced, so do the farmers. Eventually, we will find ourselves looking at the same topographical map of privilege and oppression, only it will have been tinted green and luxury condos will have been built on some of the best farm land in the country.

Changing the farm code won’t stop gentrification.

Shutting down farms won’t stop it. Passing code to protect urban farms won’t fix the underlying issues of food injustice rooted in institutional racism, classism, and patriarchy that keep food insecure communities food insecure.

So, I am asking you – you who will valiantly cart compostables in your bag all day rather than throw them in the trash, you who will cook around those strange CSA box surprises in pursuit of sustainable agriculture, you who are trying to walk a walk down a fairly unused path –I’m asking you to blaze a fresh trail with me.

However, dismantling oppression can help us build a better food system, and a better culture that serves all human beings. It can slow and stop

I am asking my fellow green leaders to put on a different pair of glasses for a second. I am asking you to really look, with a fresh and critical

considering existing ordinances, neighborhood plans, etc. As the activity increased, eventually, in each case, they ran up against code compliance and were discovered to be in violation. All three, by process, became adverse gentrification elements.

The implications of allowing commercialization of single family zoning, and permitting slaughterhouses in residential areas is unhealthy and unethical.

Photo by HausBar Farms

Policy Board over commercial slaughtering in an area zoned for single-family housing, and their failure to include protections for the neighbors, has turned this into a gentrification issue.

All stakeholders must be considered and more work needs to be done to create ordinances that take all of us forward into a real progressive future instead of taking us back to the unconscious habits of an unjust past.

At this point, this is no different than the first writings of the SXSW amplified sound and the East Studio tour cases. All three were written in isolation, by self-interested groups, without

Llanes and Almanza are residents of East Austin. Almanza is co-director of PODER, People Organized in Defense of the Earth and her Resources.

eye, to really listen to the concerns of long time citizens of the Eastside without attachment to any outcomes surrounding urban farms or food forests.

It might not be urban farms, community gardens, or bike lanes. We need to ask and then really listen to the answers we get. We need to be prepared to hear things we don’t really want to hear and not dismiss them as uninformed, naive, or out of touch. We need to listen to our whole community, especially those that have been systematically silenced. We need to do the work of community building by learning to support our neighbors the way neighbors should, in solidarity.

I’m asking you to learn more about Austin’s troubled racial history. I’m asking you to take a solar charged flashlight into the dark and musty recesses of your heart, and have the courage to confront the white supremacy that as a country, as a culture, we’re taught from very early on – it lives in all of us no matter how far down its been pushed, or how well we pretend not to see it.

I’m asking you to help undo racism, to have the integrity to start the conversation with me.

How can we dismantle racism? How can we, the citizens of Austin, build a food movement, and environmental movement, that is led by the very people most adversely affected by environmental degradation and lack of meaningful food access?

That’s a big question, but I know that it starts with really listening to what affected communities want and need.

We can start by listening more honestly and compassionately to each other. It’s going to be a lot of hard work – but I’ve seen you with your shovel; I know we’re up for it.

(Dani Slabaugh, Owner, designer, and manager of Yard to Table yardtotablegardens. wordpress.com is a certified permaculturist and permaculture instructor. She regularly teaches workshops ranging from a one hour lecture on important topics for Central Texas such as soil science or drought resistance, to full 12 day permaculture certificate courses.)

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

Quartet Gospel Explosion

Movies at the MACC

Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church is inviting the community to the 27th Pastor and Wife Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, November 10, honoring Pastor A. W. Anthony Mays & First Lady Fannie Pearl Mays.

Cine Las Americas continues its series, “Las Movies: Mexican American Cinema –The films of Hector Galán,” this month at the ESB- Mexican American Cultural Center. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Wednesday nights. On the schedule are November 6, “Chicano!

History of the Mexican-American Civil Rights Movement – Parts 3 and 4”; “Taking Back the Schools” and “Fighting for Political Power,” both from 1996.

On November 13, “The Forgotten Americans” (2000) is screened, and on November 20, “Songs of the Homeland” (2000) concludes the series.

Pastor Mays was born in Taylor and reared in Round Rock. He was baptized at Sweet Home Baptist Church in Round Rock, and in1969, accepted his call into the ministry.

To kick- off the tribute, Mt. Sinai’s free celebration is highlighted by the “Quartet Gospel Explosion,” featuring The Gospel Stars from Austin, ZIYON from Houston, The Original Wonderful Harmonizer from Huntsville, and national recording artist, Endurance, from Houston.

The free event starts at 11 a.m. at the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, 5900 Cameron Road.

Also in November, the free Cine de Oro film series resumes on the last Tuesday of the month. Playing November 26, at 9:30 a.m., is “El Gendarme Desconocido,” featuring Cantinflas as Agent 777, who in his ultimate assignment becomes a wealthy jewel collector to set up a group of gangsters.

Directed by Miguel M. Delgado, 1953.

Spanish with English subtitles.

Diverse Austin Fan Fest showcases eclectic music

By Otis Lopez

Circuit of The Americas is hosting a free, extensive schedule of eclectic live music performances during the Austin Fan Fest around the 2013 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix weekend, November 14-17.

The free, four-day festival in downtown Austin will showcase 12 activity zones over 12 square blocks including six live music stages offering entertainment from a diverse mix of artists from Austin and beyond.

The lively street festival, now in its second year, will feature an expanded footprint encompassing most of downtown Austin’s renowned Warehouse and 2nd Street entertainment districts. This year’s stages include the Bud Light Stage located in the Republic Park parking lot, the Mobil 1 Stage located at 2nd

Austin Hindu Events

By Harish Kotecha

As has been the tradition over past eleven years, Austin Hindu Temple celebrated its fun filled Mela in October with an estimated 1,500 in attendance. Booths featured various services and products provided by home-based and other national businesses, and plenty of activities for children were on hand, including a cultural program and a wide varieties of food, clowns and more.

The height of the festivity was burning of the effigy of Ravan – known to have kidnapped Sita, wife of God Rama.

The proceeds from the Mela will go toward Indianization of a new temple as will proceeds from another fundraising event, the annual dinner, on Saturday, November 16. For more information go to AustinHinduTemple.org Also this month, on Saturday November 2, 5 p.m., is Radha Madhav Dham Hindu Temple’s Diwali festival. The evening will include a free vegetarian dinner, speech, chantings and cultural performances, with spectacular fireworks, Chai, samosas, youth activities, raffle, the Sur Sangam band and more.

St. and Guadalupe featuring local artists, Austin360 Stage at 5th St. and Colorado, Cedar Street Stage located in the Cedar Street Courtyard, Univision Stage at 2nd St. and Colorado and the Red Bull Big T vehicle, which will host various DJs throughout the course of the event. Among the artists are Berlin, Everlast, Los Lobos, Los Lonely Boys and Lou Gramm. Event details can be found at www. austinfanfest.com.

day earlier to accommodate arriving race fans.

Whether you’re a racing enthusiast, casual sports fan, music lover—or just looking for an interesting way to experience the Austin entertainment scene— Austin Fan Fest fueled by Shell will appeal to you.

A key focus will again be live music, with six stages scattered throughout the festival area, as well as a number of interactive fan-engagement zones and lots of activities for race fans and families.”

“We enjoyed a remarkable response to our inaugural Austin Fan Fest last November with 220,000 guests attending over three days and look forward to building on that foundation this year with the help of our new presenting sponsor, Shell,” Circuit of The Americas President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Sexton said. “We’re creating a larger festival footprint this year with more diverse activities and entertainment options, and we’re opening one

Included in the event are interactive and educational displays, including racing simulators and unique experiential areas by Shell, an X Games-style action sports zone, activities for kids and families, and offerings from local restaurants and pubs, food trucks, artisans and retailers.

Additionally, superstar drivers competing in the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix will meet with fans at the festival during the weekend.

Berlin 06 TODO Austin // Nov 2013 // TODOAustin.com

Mexican drivers to appear at fan forum Two Formula One racers from Mexico, Sergio Perez and Esteban Gutierrez, will join other drivers in the free Formula One Teams Association Fan Forum on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Cedar Street Courtyard, 208 W. Fourth St. See www.fota.co/ event for info.

Perez is only the fifth Mexican to make it into Formula One and the first to grace the grid since 1981.

His F1 arrival in 2011 with Sauber came on the back of a highlysuccessful GP2 campaign. Perez – a Guadalajara native – scored his first points for his new team, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, at the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix.

Monterrey’s Esteban Gutierrez, 22, became the youngest Mexican ever to drive an F1 car in 2009 with BMWSauber. In 2012, Sauber announced that Gutierrez would replace Perez on the F1team in 2013. He scored his first points in the Japanese Grand Prix, the first rookie to appear on the scoresheets this season.

ASIAN AUSTIN’S A-LIST: ARTS

AnDa Union brings traditional Mongolian music to Austin

By Yvonne Lim Wilson

Listening to the music of AnDa Union, one can vividly picture life on the Mongolian grasslands, horses galloping, ancient sorrows and everyday joys. The sound is like nothing else, evoking the energy of Native American music, the operatic vocals of Chinese music, even strains of American country music, yet the sound is wholly original, at once ancient and modern.

AnDa Union are a group of ten young Mongolians living in Hohhot, China, who describe themselves as “music gatherers” to reengage and reconnect young Mongols with their culture.

“Young Mongolians like us now understand how important our culture is but maybe the next generation won’t care and we have to prevent this from happening,” Bataar, the drummer of the band, wrote on AnDa Union’s website.

The singers, who have all trained musically as young children, perform hoomai, a guttural throat song, as well as urtinduu, a long-song. They play instruments including the morin huur (horse head fiddle), the maodun chaoer, (three-holed flute), as well as Mongolian versions of the lute, and mouth harp.

very beautiful, it will bring tears to your eyes.

AnDa Union found a way to have an ensemble to combine different instruments and bring all these elements together to produce a very powerful feeling. They have arranged these traditional songs With so much rich footage, Pearce worked in to capture the essence of when you are alone filmed segments into AnDa Union’s concert singing. shows. AnDa Union visited Austin last month, AA: What does the name “AnDa Union” mean? performing at Bass Concert Hall on October 17.

TP: “Anda” means blood brother—your brother or Pearce made time to speak with Asian Austin as the sister you are born with; your blood brother you band was en route, making its way to Austin. For choose. Traditionally, you would each cut your details about AnDa Union, visit www.andaunion. hands and your blood would mingle. There is a famous story about Chinggis (Ghengis) Khan and com. his blood brother.

Asian Austin (AA): How would you describe AnDa Union’s music to those who are not familiar with AA: The website mentions that AnDa Union performs different styles of Mongolian music.

Mongolian music?

Tim Pearce (TP): We had a fantastic article that What are some of these different styles? called us Crosby, Stills and Nash with Tibetan bells TP: There are many, many tribes that are on. Country music fans love our music. We gets Mongolian and were unified (by Genghis Khan). kids who go to see Lady Gaga come and say that For example, the Buryats came out of Russia about (AnDa Union) was the coolest thing ever. I think 200 years ago, migrated from China and have the music is very accessible to old and young alike. different traditions. The Ewenke live in tipis and The Mongolian empire stretched from China to ride reindeer. In the west is Xinjiang on the border the Austrian Empire so they absorbed so much. of Kazakhstan. They have lived isolated from other This comes from the grasslands, from nature: that makes it universal. They use Western scale in music. Culturally, it’s a very different culture. They are really quite a bridge from West to East. them to discover where the music comes from,” Pearce said. “We learned a lot about their music.

We found love stories, drinking songs ... we shot 150 hours of film and had a whole crew out there.”

Mongolians for hundreds of years, so it’s very different. They all have different songs, accents, different style of clothing. They all developed their own styles of talking and music. There are enormous differences.

AA: Do they mix the different styles?

TP: They may present a song from Western Mongolia and may use some trope singing, which is not something they do in Western Mongolia.

AA: Are there modern elements to AnDa Union’s music?

TP: We embrace technology. When they play, they rock; they really rock. They are performing really old songs, but they are today’s songs because these songs are alive. They are songs they still sing.

It’s relevant; it’s not an old, ancient song. It’s their music. ______________________________________ 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.

AA: AnDa Union’s music sounds so fresh, emotional and spiritual—from the gestures, sounds and facial expressions, so much of it seems like storytelling.

What are some of these stories?

TP: Mongolian music is part of their everyday life.

As a nomadic people, the stories are their culture.

There are stories about heroes in the past, another about a girl who was ill and cured by a shaman.

There are many about a mother singing about a daughter leaving home. They are nomads; the population is spread out. When a daughter leaves to marry, the mother may never see her again.

These performers have been captivating audiences around the world for the past eight years, sharing the sounds and stories of Mongolia. Several years ago, film producer Tim Pearce fell in love with AnDa Union’s haunting and beautiful sound. He went on to produce the documentary, “AnDa Union: From the Steppes to the City,” in 2011 and AA: What makes AnDa Union’s music stand out from traditional Mongolian music? has since become the band’s manager.

TP: With traditional music, you sit down with “I realized audiences wanted to know: where does a family and you are a guest. You have some this music come from? “In the film we travel with wine. There will be one person singing. It’s so

Diwali GivingFest

By Harish Kotecha

Celebrate one of the most important dates on the Hindu calendar, Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, at Diwali GivingFest 2013.

An official holiday in South Asia, local producers are holding the Diwali observation during the Formula One race weekend, on Saturday, November 16, 4-8 p.m., at the newly opened Asian American Resource Center (8401Cameron Road). The free, family-friendly event will provide attendees an opportunity to experience Austin’s diversity with a peek into Indian culture and tradition.

The colorful and festive program will feature local South Asian talent on a cultural bill coordinated by Monsoon Dance (who will also perform), including Dhwani, Shreelata Madhuri’s group presenting Bharatnatyam, Vinitha Subramanian’s troupe with the dynamic fusion of Odissi and Bharatanatyam, solo dance performances by Aparupa Chatterjee and Priya Patel, Diwali songs

by Bharathi Kondur, a Colors of India fashion show organized Akruti Collections, and more.

The event provides a unique opportunity to greet the local South Asian community with a “Happy Diwali,” and bask in the glow of the lights and Indian culture. Sponsors of Diwali GivingFest 2013 include Akruti Collection, Gandhi Bazaar, Trinity Texas Realty, TVAsia, Austin South Asian and TODO Austin.

Diwali GivingFest also is an opportunity to help open hearts to those in need during the holiday season. Mayor Pro Tem of Austin, Sheryl Cole, will be presenting the AusIndian Idol award. Cole and Mayor Lee Leffingwell’s office waived venue fees, thus enabling $500 to go toward a scholarship. The public is invited to bring new or lightly used blankets and winter clothes for refugees; gift cards in denomination of $25-30 (Wal-Mart/Target) for area foster children; or contribute to Vocational Tuition Scholarships, in denominations of $500, for economically disadvantaged kids in the Austin metro area. Austin-based Hindu Charities for America

will oversee donations.

While the event is free, appetizers, food and Diwali sweets will be available for purchase from Inchin Bamboo Garden, and early bird discounted tickets are available at Sulekha.com and HinduCharitiesForAmerica.com. Booths with Indian fashions, goods and services will also be on site, and a Silent Auction is planned for the evening featuring Indian fashions from Akruti Collections, a free 30 day class from North Austin Mathnasium valued at $369, and free pest control for one year from D.M. Pest Control worth $450, among other items.

Additionally, a Program/Directory is planned that will have a reach of over 4,500 households in print and also email and social media.

At the conclusion of festivities, goodie bags will be distributed and include Diwali sweets prepared and donated by SAIVA, and information on goods and services provided by those supporting this event. For more info call 512-994-4638.

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

Diverse Cast of Thousands Celebrate Día de los Muertos Across Austin Photos by Diana Sanchez Día de los Muertos has grown into an annual citywide party, procession and vigil in Austin and this year’s events raised the bar for observations of the Latino-themed ritual.

The popularity of the unifying, indigenous holiday was in evidence at multiple venues across the city,

Easter Seals at Fiesta Gardens

Empire Control Room & Garage (Sarah MishMash photo)

Stephanie Bergara honors Little Joe 08 TODO Austin // Nov 2013 // TODOAustin.com

Central Market North’s Fest

Sylvia Orozco hosts Viva la Vida

Acadêmicos da Ópera

from Mexic-Arte Museum, Fiesta Gardens and Gypsy Lounge on October 19, through events held the long weekend of October 31 - November 2 at Krieg Field, Central Market North, Emo’s, Empire Control Room, Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, El Sol y La Luna, ACL Live, The Rattle Inn, A. B. Cantu Pan American Rec Center, Tillery Park, Guero’s, The White Horse, the University of Texas, El Taquito, downtown Round Rock and other locations.

For more photos from past events, news about next year’s 2014 Día de los Muertos schedule (October 17-November 2) and opportunities to get involved, go to www.austindaysofthedead.com and www. facebook.com/AustinDaysoftheDead

Catrinas

Rattle Inn’s Alba Morales, Leticia Ortiz

MACC’s Herlinda Zamora, Anthony Garcia, Linda Crockett, Genevieve Kent

Krewe du Bisoux’s Shari Gerstenberger

Minor Mishap Marching Band at Tillery Park At ACL Live

Addixxion at El Taquito

El Sol y La Luna: Huerta Culture TODO Austin // Nov 2013 // TODOAustin.com 09

The Howlin’ Lobo

Veteran’s Day celebration On Saturday, November 9, Devin Banda will perform in honor of Veteran’s Day at the Parkside Pavilion Shopping Center’s “Honoring Our Heroes.” The event last from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. with live music, food, a martial arts exhibit, a blood drive, a raffle, and fire truck and police Hummer tours.

By Lobo Corona

SXSW to Debut SXAméricas in 2014 South by Southwest announced last month the launching of a new Latin American-themed program of events, SXAméricas, in March, 2014, to coincide with the music festival. The two-day event will have a goal of bridging Latin American SXSW participants with industry representatives working in the U.S. Latin market. SXSW Latin Music Programmer Alicia Zertuche told Billboard that the idea for SXAméricas came out of feedback from previous festival participants from the region.

The presence of Spanish-speaking artists at SXSW has increased year by year as Zertuche has traveled far and wide in Latin America and Spain to recruit emerging acts looking for a stateside unveiling at SXSW. Some ninety bands from Latin America and Spain performed at SXSW in 2013, in addition to U.S. based bilingual bands, according to figures compiled by SXSW organizers. SXAméricas will include music showcases, afternoon discussions and speakers – a group of “creative influencers” to “address the importance of the Latino community in the U.S.,” reports Billboard.

LOBO’S BITES Mario Macias is ATMC’s “Tejano Idol” The results of the Austin Tejano Music Coalition’s “Tejano Idol” CANTA found Mario Macias, from Ft. Worth, taking first prize. Moncia Saldivar of Dallas was runner-up and Houston’s Madalyn Hernandez finished third, with Vickie Roque of Puflugerville and Denise Davila of Dallas next in the standings. There was a tie for the Audience Choice between Sulema Ramirez of Dallas and Austin’s own Beatriz Santa Ana. The competition is a yearly showcase to promote Tejano music as well as support the organization’s goal of awarding music scholarships.

Chicano Park Day

“Tejano Idol” Mario Macia

Council reviews Special Events Ordinance Austin City Council took the initial steps Thursday, Oct. 24, towards approving a new ordinance governing special events in the City of Austin. Council unanimously approved a draft version of the ordinance on first reading, must still be approved on second and third readings before becoming law. Council Member Mike Martinez also announced his intention to sponsor a resolution at the Nov. 7 Council meeting establishing a special subcommittee to further review and refine the draft ordinance over the next three months. The subcommittee would be made up of least three Council members and meet publicly several times prior to bringing the ordinance back for adoption in January.

Mean Eyed Cat reopens Gables 5th Street Commons announce in October that the renowned Austin watering hole, Mean Eyed Cat, 1621 W. 5th St., is again open to the public. An Austin landmark since 2004, Mean Eyed Cat now features an outdoor bar and the addition of liquor cocktails, plus a menu featuring selections from Stubbs Bar-B-Q. “Our primary objective was to maintain the integrity of what made the Mean Eyed Cat so beloved to Austin,” says Operating Partner Max Moreland.

Mean Eyed Cat’s namesake, Johnny Cash, would frequent the original Stubbs location in Lubbock in the 1970s, operated by Christopher “Stubb” Stubblefield who sometimes paid musicians in the form of brisket and sausage.

Producers of the first Chicano Park Day hoped to remind the new residents of East Austin and elsewhere of their longtime attachment to the land Northeast of Lady Bird Lake, now home to myriad festivals at Fiesta Gardens. “Aqui estamos and no los Vamos” was their cry at their frist gathering, and this year the group will again take over the grounds on Nash Hernandez Sr. Rd. on Sunday, November 17, from 12-5 p.m. “WE have much to celebrate this year because WE HAVE HELD ONTO OUR PARQUE thru all the changes that the East Side has gone thru,” says the group’s Facebook page. There’ll be multiple Pinatas, face painting, raffle prizes, food, drink, music and more. The free family-friendly event welcomes lawn chairs, canopies, and BBQ pits.

“Pick any spot anywhere in the Park that you want! Come enjoy the day celebrating the Low Rider culture, our Parque y FAMILIA!

Austin Fan Fest highlights Latino music The 2013 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix weekend, November 14-17, brings lots of free live music to downtown streets with some of the biggest names in Latin rock.

Los Lonely Boys

Khan & the Shrines are in the spotlight, with Slayer closing the weekend. Austin-based acts on the lineup include hard rockers, Spray Paint, rapper Phranchyze and Ola Podrida.

By Anthony Garcia

The yellow stage sees Patton Oswalt, PM and Bill Callahan headline on Friday, Quasi and Sparks on Saturday, and Austin’s Wild Child and Daniel Johnston bringing home Sunday.

The three day schedule includes among Friday headliners hardcore legends, FLAG, a Black Flag reunion act (led by Keith Morris and Chuck Dukowski), Snoop Dogg, and former Smiths member Johnny Marr. Saturday features Ice-T, M.I.A., Descendents and Television, and on Sunday MGMT, Jurassic 5, Deltron 3030, King 10 TODO Austin // Nov 2013 // TODOAustin.com

On Friday, November 15, Los Lobos performs at 6 p.m. and Los Lonely Boys at 8:30 p.m. on the Bud Light Stage. The line-up on the Univison Stage the same day is Josito at 3 p.m., La Frenetika at 6:30 p.m., Sunny Sauceda at 8:30 p.m., and Stefani Montiel at 10:30 p.m. On Saturday, November 16, on the Univison Stage are Josito at 3 p.m., Alexxa at 6:30 p.m., Kingz One (K1)at 8:30 p.m., and Herencia Tropikal at 10:30 p.m. Then on Sunday, November 17, Vallejo performs at 6:30 p.m. on the Austin360 Stage.

MAKING TRACKS

Fun Fun Fun with hip-hop, hard rock and Metal Transmission Events annually mobilizes hard rock and hip-hop fans behind the Indie rock/rap curtain and this year’s Fun Fun Fun festival and aftershow schedule, from November 8-11, provides another opportunity for music solidarity.

Stefani Montiel

Nathan Felix, from the Austin band, The Noise Revival Orchestra is releasing a 6-movement, cinematic symphony, “The Curse The Cross & The Lion,” on November 5. It is a genre-bending musical adventure that pays homage to some of the greats in both film and classical music. You can stream the album via Soundcloud - http:// bit.ly/1dtk2M3. An accompanying video is available at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=oY35GuNwN7Q.

Snoop Dog

Fun Fun Fun Fest’s Nites schedule provides festival aftershows for the general public, free for festival attendees. Three-day pass holders can attend any show and patrons holding single-day passes can plug-in to Nites concerts specific to the festival ticket purchase day.

Tickets are $179 for three-day pass, $79 single day. For tickets go to funfunfunfest.com

Slayer

Celebrating Diversity

Women and Fair Trade Festival THE OLD SCHOOL

Austin Tan Cerca de la Frontera is promoting economic justice in our community this holiday season by sponsoring its 10th annual Women & Fair Trade Festival. Eight cooperatives, formed by women adversely affected by globalization, will come from all over the world to tell their stories and sell beautiful handmade crafts, toys, pottery, jewelry, clothing, textiles, and ethnic weavings on Sat.-Sun., November 23-24, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., at “The Old School,” 1604 E. 11th St. Learn about fair trade at the festival, shop at the marketplace and enjoy poetry and live music from Kunitan, Leticia Rodriguez, Kiko Villamizar, Corrine Rachel, Angel Ibañez, and more.

As part of the festival, the fifth annual Poetry Concierto, hosted by Mónica Teresa Ortiz, runs Sunday from 4:30-6 p.m., bringing together poets, writers and performers seeking to increase the accessibility and visibility of poetry, and further the argument that poetry and language can be a transnational celebration that belongs to everyone, from the maquiladora workers on the U.S.-Mexico border to poets from the Americas to anyone with manos vacias, corazones abiertos (empty hands, open hearts).

The community event celebrates the rich cultural diversity of our society and presents an alternative to corporate globalization.

As event producers point out, every person has the right to become self-reliant and live a prosperous life. Help the organization in their effort to show that there is another way, that there is another path for all of us in these challenging economic times.

For more information, go to atcf.org

Bridge2Bridge

TODO Arts

======================================

From Montopolis Bridge to 360 Bridge, Everything Austin

Saturday, November 2, marks the 22nd annual Austin Powwow and Native American Heritage Festival, presented by Great Promise for American Indians and the Native American Parents’ Committee. The free, familyfriendly event, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. at Toney Burger Ctr. (3200 Jones Road), features traditional dancing, storytelling, food, an Indian Market and more. austinpowwow.com After the Alamo fell, the Texas army retreated, leaving behind charred settlements and a mob of evacuating civilians. Heroes and villains of every background emerged in this “Runaway Scrape.” Crank Collective’s “Alamo Aftermath: A Texas Revolution Operetta,” under director John Cecil, tells this story November 7-16, 8 p.m., at City Theater (3823 Airport Blvd.). Tickets at texshows.com

Austin Comic Con

Established as a talented new generation danseuse of India, Lavanya Ananth represents the graceful picturesque Vazhuvoor style of Bharathanatyam. Austin India Fine Arts brings the renowned dancer/choreographer to town on Sunday, November 17, as she performs at Lanier High School (1201 Peyton Gin Rd.) at 4 p.m., accompanied by a live musical ensemble from India. austinifa.org

Join thousands of fellow pop culture fans as they converge downtown on November 22-24 for Austin Comic Con. The multi-genre convention, produced

by Wizard World, Inc., showcases the cutting edge in comic books, science fiction/fantasy and film/ television, with a top-drawer collection of well-known artists and writers, exhibitors and attractions including activities, toys, video gaming, games, horror, wrestling, MMA, original art, collectibles, anime, manga and more.

Art From the Streets provides a safe and encouraging place where people who are homeless come to draw, paint, and create during free, twice-weekly open studio sessions. This year’s Open Studio sessions culminates in the 21st Annual Show and Sale on November 9-10, 12-5 p.m., at the Austin Convention Center. Participants will exhibit and sell more than 2,000 new pieces. artfromthestreets.com

Austin Convention center

A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place all three days, with celebrity Q&A’s, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties, and Sunday, Nov. 24, is also Kids Day, with an array of activities and programming specially designed for the younger Wizard World fans.

Here comes the Electric Lady, Janelle Monáe, to ACL Live, Tuesday, November 12, 8 p.m. The inimitable, awardwinning, songwriter, performer, producer, CoverGirl and avant-garde funkstress is back with a new album, or “emotion picture.” Turning her first single “Q.U.E.E.N.” into an acronym, she describes an Electric Lady as “Quirky, Unafraid, Electric, Epic and Nicety.” acl-live.com

There’s no shortage of fun throughout the weekend, from costumed devotees in character to celebrity sightings. This year’s highlights include appearances by “Star Trek” captains William Shatner and Scott Bakula. Shatner is, of course, a cultural icon who gained worldwide fame for his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk, captain of the starship USS Enterprise, in the television series from 1966 to 1969 and subsequent “Star Trek” feature films. Bakula served a four-year mission as Captain Jonathan Archer in “Star Trek: Enterprise.”

Politics, love and family loyalties are tested in an epic battle of wills involving a tyrannical king, a despairing prince and an innocent young woman. Austin Lyric Opera presents Verdi’s “Don Carlo” for the first time on the Austin stage, marking the bicentennial of Verdi’s birth.

Metropolitan Opera tenor James Valenti leads a worldclass cast. November 16, 21, 24 at the Long Center. austinlyricopera.org

Also in attendance will be the legendary Stan Lee, recognized as the creative force that brought Marvel Entertainment, LLC, to the forefront of the comic publishing industry with his co-creations, Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, X-Men, The Fantastic Four, Iron Man and hundreds of other superheroes.

“Chicago” has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one showstopping-song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. Whether you’re looking for a first musical outing or seen the Academy Award-winning film and want to experience “Chicago” live, it always delivers. November 19-24 at Bass Concert Hall. texasperformingarts.org

The standout roster also includes Norman Reedus of “The Walking Dead,” WWE Superstar John Cena, Bruce Campbell of “Evil Dead,” Erica Durance of “Smallville” and “Saving Hope,” Jewel Staite of “Firefly,” The Karate Kid, Ralph Macchio, and many others.

Wizard World Austin Comic Con show hours are Friday, Nov. 22, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more info see www. wizardworld.com/home-tx.html TODO Austin // Nov 2013 // TODOAustin.com 11

Texas Conference for Women an Inspiring Affair

By Monica Peña

The 14th annual Texas Conference for Women will host thousands of women from across the state for a full day of networking, inspiration, professional development and personal growth.

Themed “The Power of Possibilities: Define Your Own Success,” the one-day conference features keynote addresses, and breakout sessions led by more than one hundred experts in the fields of business, philanthropy, health, finance, media and professional development.

Celebrity chef, author and businesswoman Rachael Ray, along with Delia Ephron, author, playwright and screenwriter, and Jenny Lawson, founder, The Bloggess and author of the New York Times bestseller “Let’s Pretend This Never Happened,” and Holly Gordon, executive producer of the groundbreaking film “Girl Rising,” will appear at this year’s conference, to be held at the Austin Convention Center on November 19.

The nonprofit, nonpartisan event draws women of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in building communication skills, leadership strategies and work-life balance tools for career

advancement, reinvention.

personal

development,

and

“For thousands of women this special day is a highlight of their year,” said Johnita Jones, President of the Board of the Texas Conference for Women. “It is a place to learn, to be inspired and to reinvigorate not only the career, but also the imagination and the soul.”

AARC Autumn Ball awards Peter Bay and Michael Hsu with “Asian Image Award”

By Yvonne Lim Wilson

The newly built Asian American Resource Center (AARC) made an exciting red carpet debut with the AARC Autumn Ball on October 26. Hosted by the AARC nonprofit organization, the event theme, “Making History,” proudly highlighted the historic achievement in creating this landmark facility serving the Asian American and Central Texas community.

Rachael Ray The lineup of renowned speakers also includes Esmeralda Santiago, award-winning author and filmmaker, diversity expert Vernā Myers, author of “What if I Say the Wrong Thing?,” Sophie Uliano, best-selling author of “Gorgeously Green,” and Bob Beaudine, CEO 0f Eastman & Beaudine, and author of “The Power of Who.” These speakers are among the 100-plus to be featured at this year’s conference. To register or find out more about the 14th Annual Texas Conference for Women, visit www.TXConferenceforWomen.org

Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell served as Honorary Event Chair with Event Co-Chairs Joy Authur, Richard Jung, Paul Kim, Jade Chang Sheppard and Lesley Varghese. Austin attorney and Asian American Austin community activist Richard Jung and his wife Miri Choi generously contributed as Platinum Sponsors and led underwriters for the event. Jung is the immediate past Chairman of the AARC Board of Directors, and is currently a candidate for Travis County Commissioner.

“My wife and I are proud supporters of the Asian American Resource Center,” Jung said. “It has been a privilege to serve on the board of the Network of Asian American Organizations and the AARC Nonprofit that supports the facility; both organizations have been a real bridge between the Asian American community and local government. This facility is a historic accomplishment and resource for all of Austin, not just the Asian American community.

We deeply appreciate Mayor Leffingwell’s continued friendship and chairmanship of the AARC Autumn Ball.”

The AARC Nonprofit honored two Asian American Austinites with the AARC Asian Image Award: Peter Bay, internationally acclaimed conductor of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and Michael Hsu, a leading architect of the “Texas Modern” movement.

“The creative contributions of these two distinguished Asian Americans have changed Austin’s physical and cultural landscape. Both gentlemen are wonderful representatives of the talented and dynamic Asian American community,” said AARC Nonprofit Executive Director and General Counsel Lesley Varghese.

The exclusive, black-tie event showcased premiere Asian cultural entertainment and some of Austin’s best Asian-inspired cuisine. Lead cast members from “Om Shanti Om,” Austin’s first live Bollywood musical performance, straight from their Long Center debut, headlined the event. Summit Elementary and High School Dragon and Lion Dance Team also performed, along with special guest appearances by Miss Pacific Islands 2013 and Mrs. Philippines 2013, Central Texas.

Additionally, the AARC Nonprofit is proud to have coordinated the first exhibit in the United States focusing on the collective history of Asians in Texas. The groundbreaking “Asian Texans: Untold Stories” history exhibition was unveiled at the Grand Opening of the facility on September 28.

“The AARC Facility is the first of its kind in the state of Texas, and our “Asian Texans: Untold Stories” exhibit is the first of its kind in the country. We have so much to celebrate,” Varghese said. “But our work is not done - it is critical that we continue to fundraise to make all of the programs and future exhibits we envision a reality. We are going to keep making history at the AARC.”

Bobbi Kommineni, Lesley Varghese, Debasree DasGuota. Photo by Sumit DasGupta 12 TODO Austin // Nov 2013 // TODOAustin.com

ca r i d a d

CASA

(Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Elvira Roque, has two 2 young children, a son and daughter, and loves spending time with them at local parks and museums. Elvira is currently a law student at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. She originally moved to Austin from Dallas to attend UT where she received her undergraduate degree in government.

Between raising young kids and law school, her life is pretty busy but she still finds time to volunteer with CASA of Travis County and teach Sunday School at her church. Elvira has been volunteering with CASA since 2009 and has advocated for 7 children in that time. She originally learned about CASA while working at the Four Seasons during CASA’s CASAblanca Gala. She shares that her years of volunteering have made her a better parent

to her own children, teaching her patience and helping her better appreciate her own life. “What has given me the most satisfaction is knowing that I am needed,” she says.

“There are many children in the foster care system that speak Spanish. A Spanishspeaking CASA volunteer is usually the only person who is able to speak to the child in their native language.

Sometimes being able to speak comfortably with someone in your own language without having to think about how to translate what you’re thinking or feeling can make a world of difference.”

TODO Austin // Nov 2013 // TODOAustin.com 13

Dana Falconberry and band at the ACVB trailer.

Vampire Weekend draw a crowd to AMD stage.

ACL 2013 Before the Flood

By Erica Stall Wiggins

The Peterson Brothers with rare guitar.

Indie Meme Brings Cutting Edge India Cinema to Austin

By Sonia Kotecha

Indie Meme, an Austin based start-up, is a product of passion for cinema and the compulsive desire to make independent films made in India available in the United States.

Thao and the Get Down Stay Down onstage.

films are represented by Indie Meme.

“I AM,” a national award winning narrative from India, is Indie Meme’s next film, showing November 8, 7:30 p.m., at The Marchesa. The film is an acclaimed social drama from India which presents a panorama of viewpoints covering the issues and dilemmas confronting modern Indian society. Writer, director and producer, Onir, leads audiences through these multifaceted human problems faced by his cast of richly drawn characters. Matters of sexual discrimination, religious intolerance, child abuse, single motherhood, ethnic and regional identity, and more are viewed unflinchingly through the eyes of diverse Indian characters as they live out their own intertwined dramas.

Founded by Alka Bhanot in 2013, Indie Meme has been pulling its operation up by the bootstraps in an effort to bring viewers the latest, coolest indie films – both documentaries and narratives—for the casual moviegoer, not just the festival regulars.

Based on true stories, “I AM” is a fusion of four stories in which the protagonists share a common dream – a desire to regain their lives, to regain an identity that has been taken away from them by religious mores, political forces, social pressures, and formerly unquestioned customs and traditions.

Content Director, and partner at Indie Meme, Anjalika Sharma has worked with Bhanot to ensure that meaningful, socially relevant and thought-provoking

Writer/director Onir will be in attendance at the screening in Austin to talk about how he came to make such an important, boundary-crossing film, one which

06 TODO Austin // Nov 2013 // TODOAustin.com

Shuggie Otis

Pacha Massive

has been awarded at a number of film festivals for directing, acting, and music.

“I AM” is truly unique in being greatly at odds with the mainstream Indian film industry. Consequently, to get produced, “I AM” was fully crowd-funded, a rarity in India.

The film follows the screening of “The Rat Race” and “Timbaktu,” two award winning documentaries from Indie Meme which premiered in Austin October 9 at the Alamo Drafthouse. The documentary screenings were well received and fetched rave reviews from even skeptics who were not sure about dead rats on screen or a documentary about making a barren piece of land green.

Indie Meme is also committed to the cause of cross pollination of cultures, telling stories of a land far away, attempting to tie those stories to the U.S. by partnering with organizations which would benefit from film. So far, they have worked with the locally based non-profit, SAIVA, for a screening of the classic film “Gandhi,” with The Green Gate Farms’ non-profit wing NFI on the screening of “The Rat Race” and “Timbaktu,” and are partnering with Austin Film Society for “I AM.” For more info on Indie Meme see in India www.indiememe.com

Indie Meme’s Anjalika Sharma and Alka Bhanot

Gracias Al Señor

SEA DRAGON

RUSSELL’S BAKERY & COFFEE BAR DOLCE VITA

It’s that time of year, when it is time to give thanks for all things good such as good service, good food, good price, good sanitation, good atmosphere in restaurants and business establishments that you frequent. Now let us bow our heads and thank the man upstairs for more wonderful places in Austin!

No, you won’t see a dragon here. But what you will see is a heaping plate of chicken delight or any other Asian dish you order. This North Austin restaurant has been doing business in Austin for years. The prices are reasonable, the music is relaxing, and the food is reliable every time. This is one restaurant that I love. For more info, call the old fashioned way by letting your fingers do the walking at (512) 451-5051

Do you love Italian Cream cake? If so, Russell’s Bakery has some of the best cakes to choose from along with sandwiches, soups, pastries, salads, and more. This is an old faithful in my book. Russell is another business owner you just gotta hug. He always has a warm smile and big bear hug for me.

The chicken salad is one of my favorite lunches along with a hot cup of tomato soup. If you need to warm up this fall do it at this bakery. www. russellsbakery.com

LITTLE DELI & PIZZERIA

THE STEEPING ROOM

By Rose Di Grazia

This is my weekly place for a slice of real Italian pizza! It is over in the Crestview/Brentwood neck of the woods. I go there for my New Jersey fix of the best Italiano pie slice. If you want the real thing, this is it. The slices are delicious and so are the sandwiches. This place is near and dear to my heart since I came from Toms River and so did all my Italian family. The owner is so welcoming.

He always offers his guests a free cup of cawfee afterward. He makes me miss my relatives terribly.

But it’s nice to know you can get real Italian pizza and you don’t have to hop on a plane to get it.

If you want good soup and scones this fall, www.littledeliandpizza.com head to The Steeping Room at the Domain or on North Lamar. The soups are always tasty and order a warm scone to go with it. Sip hot tea or French pressed java. The cupcakes are divine. Emily, one of the owners is so sweet.

You will find yourself giving her a hug like I do on your visits. They also serve a hearty breakfast each morning and don’t forget Sunday Brunch. www.thesteepingroom.com

ProyectoTeatro opens ‘Las Tremendas Aventuras de la Capitana Gazpacho’ ProyectoTeatro presents their first mainstage production, “Las Tremendas Aventuras de la Capitana Gazpacho (o de cómo los elefantes aprendieron a jugar a las canicas),” from November 1-10, at Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (FridaysSaturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 4p.m.).

Written by Gerardo Mancebo del Castillo, the play is directed by the company’s artistic director, Luis Armando Ordaz Gutiérrez.

This farce in two acts introduces six chaotic characters just as they are about to embark on the most important journey of their lives; the search for self-identity, love, and liberty.

A rough and untamed captain that refuses to die without finding her true love followed by a quite intelligent and loyal squire who yearns for abuse; the epitome of a housewife so scared of her self-liberty that she constantly finds ways of punishing herself through the hands of her so-called dominant husband, a sad excuse of a man driven by the ideas of what he should be; two sisters who share the same time, but never the same reality and that hopelessly search for their dignity in the most absurd things such as tea and dreams of the big screen. By the end of their odyssey,

unknowingly, their deepest desires turn into someone else’s torture.

Each of the characters fuse their desires into three stories that in the end transform into one extraordinary adventure that explores existential conflicts through dark humor. “Las Tremendas Aventuras de la Capitana Gazpacho” exposes the most common internal conflicts of human beings through absurdity that sadly–and why not, comically–are the driving forces of our very own realities.

For the best Crème Brulee ever this is the place to get it! You may want to get your own. This is something you may fight over. Head to Dolce for a glass of wine or beer and some heavenly dessert.

This gem of a place is located in Hyde Park. If you live in HP why go anywhere else! www.dolcevitaaustin.com

______________________________________ Now let us raise our glass of vino, coffee, or beer and give thanks to all these business owners that feed us all year long. Some of us would not eat, if it were not for restaurants.

Thank God for restaurants and coffee shops and cafes, is all I can say!

Tiny Taiga Condensation

By Blake Shanley

Seems an awful lot of people lately are feeling run down, feeling the change of season and unpredictable weather, shifts in energy, waves of allergies, etc. right now, yes?

It’s a really good time to slow down, get cozy, cuddle up, be EXTRA nice to each other.

Also, eat really clean, healthy, wholesome foods, take some natural immune boosters (apple cider vinegar, garlic, turmeric, super greens, foodbased vitamins, water, herbal teas and tinctures and extract (olive leaf, grapefruit seed, oregano, fermented foods, etc.)

Try to stay away from the crappy food, the processed, the unWHOLE, the sugar/ dairy/wheat, etc.

Tiny Taiga is located at 1200 E. 11th St. #106.

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

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!!!

November Line-up outdoor shows are “weather permitting”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------FRI 11/1 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 11/2 THE TEXAS TYCOONS (2:30) and EL TULE’ (6:30) SUN 11/3 THE RECOUPERATORS (3:00) -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 11/6 THE LARRY MONROE RADIO SHOW (6:00)

w/ Statesboro Review/The Twilight Trio

w/ Wendy Colona/Susan Gibson

w/ Rosie & The Ramblers/Murali Coryell

and THE TONY HARRISON BAND (6:30)

w/ Miles Zuniga/Native American Intertribal Drum

and MIKE MILLIGAN & THE ALTAR BOYZ (6:30)

THU 11/7 LOS FLAMES (6:30) FRI 11/8 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 11/9 WINK KEZIAH (2:30) and PONTY BONE (6:30) SUN 11/10 BLUE MIST (3:00) -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 11/13 THE LARRY MONROE RADIO SHOW (6:00)

Taco Bar

THU 11/14 THE FABS (6:30) FRI 11/15 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 11/16 LOS TIPICOS DE CUBA (2:30) and LARRY LANGE (6:30) SUN 11/17 MITCH WEBB & THE SWINDLES (3:00) -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 11/20 THE LARRY MONROE RADIO SHOW (6:00) THU 11/21 THE PAULA RUSSELL BAND (6:30) FRI 11/22 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 11/23 THE JUKE JOINT PROFETTS (2:30)

SUN 11/24 CHICKEN STRUT (3:00) -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 11/27 THE LARRY MONROE RADIO SHOW (6:00) FRI 11/29 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 11/30 PAUL ORTA & THEKINGPINS (2:30)

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

Follow us on Twitter at @bellasartesa

On Facebook at Bellas Artes Alliance

JOIN THE EXPERIENCE! For information on becoming an Alliance Partner, volunteering, or supporting our cause, please contact us at: 1400 Smith Rd., 101B. Austin, TX 78721. 512-386-7336 www.bellasartesalliance.org

www.GuerosTacoBar.com