TODO Austin March 2017

RESISTANCE | RESISTENCIA | 抵 抗 性 | СОПРОТИВЛЕНИЕ | ‫ | ةمواقم‬UPINZANI

www.todoaustin.com VOLUME VIII / MAR 2017

ICE Raids Urban Fest UT Mariachi Camp Art City Austin

SXSW Music and Conference

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

KLRU KIDS SHOWS STREAMING 24/7 ON THE PBS KIDS VIDEO APP! IT’S FREE TO DOWNLOAD AND WATCH! COMING IN APRIL, KLRU WILL OFFER THE PBS KIDS 24/7 CHANNEL OVER THE AIR ON 18.4.

LEARN MORE AT KLRU.ORG

Join your friends anytime!

Learn more at KLRU.org

PBS KIDS and the PBS KIDS Logo are registered trademarks of Public Broadcasting Service. Used with permission. ODD SQUAD © 2016 The Fred Rogers Company. All Rights Reserved. DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD © 2016 The Fred Rogers Company. All rights reserved. Wild Kratts® © 2016 Kratt Brothers Co. Ltd./ 9 Story Media Group Inc. Wild Kratts®, Creature Power® are owned by Kratt Brothers Company Ltd. All rights reserved. SPLASH AND BUBBLES TM & © 2016 The Jim Henson Company. © Herschend Enterprises. All Rights Reserved.

Also This Month

Preview Screening Independent Lens “The Bad Kids”

This coming of age story shows extraordinary educators and talented students combatting the crippling effects of poverty. Free event March 7th at 7 pm at the Austin Public Library Windsor Park Branch 5833 Westminster Dr., Austin, TX, 78723.

Great Performances “Hamilton’s America” Follow the creation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s pop culture Broadway phenomenon, Hamilton, and the history behind it. Interviews with Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, Nas, Questlove, Stephen Sondheim and more.

March 3 at 9 pm; March 4 at 11 pm; March 5 at 3 pm; March 11 at 8 pm

Independent Lens “Ovarian Psycos”

The irreverently named Ovarian Psycos Cycle Brigade are a ferocious and unapologetic group of young women of color committed to collectively confronting racism and violence, and demanding and creating safe spaces for women.

Monday, March 27 at 9 pm

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

C E N T R O U R B A N O HABLA Austin

Immigrants’ Economic Impact With President Donald Trump’s immigration-policy reform actions likely to affect state economies, the website WalletHub conducted an in-depth analysis of 2017’s Economic Impact of Immigration by State.

The study shows Texas ranks number 6 (out of 50 states) on percentage of foreign-born STEM workers out of total STEM workers; number 7 on share of foreign-born workforce; number 18 on percentage of jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses out of total jobs; number 24 on percentage of jobs created by presence of international students out of total jobs; and number 28 on economic contribution of international students per capita.

National recycling award Austin Resource Recovery was awarded a Keep America Beautiful National Community Improvement Award in the Recycling & Waste Management category for government agencies at Keep America Beautiful’s National Awards Ceremony in January. In 2015, an Austin Resource Recovery study found 44 percent of material in the residential trash could have been recycled. In an effort to increase communitywide recycling, ARR launched the Austin Recycles Games, a citywide recycling competition between Austin’s 10 City Council districts. To encourage residents to compete in the Games, the winning district in each category was rewarded with a community beautification project valued at approximately $75,000 and a trophy created from reused materials.

By the end of the competition, citywide recycling increased 7 percent over the baseline data recorded before the competition began. Austin Resource Recovery was one of more than 80 individuals and organizations from communities across America to receive national recognition.

Black lives matter Council member Houston shared the following statement regarding the settlement of Ms. Ketty Sully vs. City of Austin et al, related to the shooting of 17-year-old David Joseph by Officer Geoffrey Freeman on Feb. 8, 2016. “It is never easy when we have a violent event like David Joseph’s death occur in our community. This city has been forever changed by the unfortunate death of this young Austin’s MULTICULTURAL media source for EIGHT YEARS • Find us at TODOAustin.com

man. My prayers go out to Ms. Sully and the extended family. The settlement will not close the void left in the hearts of the family yet I hope that it will begin to bring a sense of closure to the family and the community. The City of Austin recognizes that this situation was regrettable.”

Austin’s “Kozmetsky Moment”

By Mayor Steve Adler

to preserve some iconic music venues. This spring we will roll out a crowd sourced minibond program that would allow thousands of us to invest together in a community effort to preserve music venues.

Since this is Austin, our focus on affordability must also deal with challenges in our local music industry. SXSW and ACL are booming, but we’re losing creatives as we lose creative opportunities in an ever-more-expensive city.

We must manage growth to help live music in the Live Music Capital of the World. If we fail, Austin will never produce another Willie Nelson, Stevie Ray Vaughan or Manuel Donley. Affordable music venues are incubators that allowed Grupo Fantasma, Spoon, and Gary Clark Jr. to develop their craft before launching on the world.

Austin Code Department The City of Austin recently improved its program to register and license rooming and boarding houses. The improvements will help the city achieve compliance with federal, state, and local requirements; monitor the life and safety conditions of the houses; and inform tenants of how to obtain reasonable accommodations as needed to live in the houses. A series of educational meetings and mini resource fairs to inform rooming and boarding home owners, managers, tenants and advocacy groups will take place Saturday, Mar. 4 at Montopolis Recreation Center from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Saturday, Mar. 18 at Gus Garcia Recreation Center from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Music Office transition The City and Music Program Manager Don Pitts worked together on a transition plan for his departure from the Music Office. Mr. Pitts and the City have agreed upon a resignation date of Saturday, Apr. 29. Mr. Pitts has agreed to work with the City as an internal consultant through the busy Spring Festival season assisting with SXSW and related events.

These industries are in a crisis, but it might also be a remarkable opportunity. As a tech center, we have an opportunity to leverage this capacity to develop new ways for the music industry to make money in uniquely Austin ways. If we can come up with new ways to play entire genres of music, if we can reinvent entire audiences for music, then why can’t we come up with an Austin way for musicians to make more money?

Austin became a tech center in the first place because George Kozmetsky – the late UT business school dean – focused Austin on the intersection of business, government, and academia. This created the critical mass of collaboration that made us one of the world’s leading tech cities. It’s why the chip factories were built here in the first place, and it’s why today we have the infrastructure to foster new innovations.

I think we are at a “Kozmetsky Moment” now for Austin’s local music industry. The music industry does not have things so figured out that there isn’t room for Austin to rank alongside London, Los Angeles, and Nashville as one of the world capitals of the music industry. If we’re going to succeed, we’ll need to do things the Austin way by maximizing our strengths as a tech city.

One way we’re using innovation to help us find new ways to solve old problems how we plan

Volume VIII, Number 11

Langford, César E. López Linares, Genoveva Rodriguez, Diana Sanchez

PUBLISHER/EDITOR // Gavin Lance Garcia info@todoaustin.com

PRODUCTION SERVICES // Anthony Garcia

ART DIRECTOR // Dave McClinton dmdesigninc.com EDITOR //Lesly Reynaga // lesly@todoaustin.com MANAGING EDITOR // Meredith C. Cox meredith@todoaustin.com ASSOCIATE EDITORS // Liz Lopez, Monica Peña, Katie Walsh, Erica Stall Wiggins, Yvonne Lim Wilson CONTRIBUTING STAFF // Rose Di Grazia, Callie

CONTRIBUTORS // Ricardo Ainslie, Alka Bhanot, Lauren Bruno, Roy Casagranda, Cat Cardenas, Cindy Casares, Evelyn C. Castillo, Cynthia Collins, Lobo Corona, Nora De LaRosa, Laura Donnelly Gonzalez, Mark Guerra, Mari Hernandez, Yadira Izquierdo, Chaille Jolink, Ryan Jordan, Ali Khataw, Ramey Ko, Harish Kotecha, Sonia Kotecha, Julia Lee, Isabel Lopez-Aguilar, Cristina Parker, Paul Saldaña, Marion Sanchez, Sameer Shah, Blake Shanley, Dani Slabaugh, Corey Tabor, Rama Tiru, Carola Rivera, Blanca Valencia, Lesley Varghese, Lichen Zhen ONLINE EDITION // TODOAustin.com

Mayor Steve Adler

There will be more new ideas to help drive the change. In fact, I’m pleased to highlight just one more example of how the tech community is creating new opportunities for the local music industry. It’s an app created right here in Austin called “TipCow.” One of the inventors came up with the idea when he was out listening to live music and wanted to tip the band but didn’t have any cash on him. He looked at his phone and thought, “If I can order a pizza with this, why can’t I tip the band?”

Now, if you download TipCow, you can tip the band regardless of whether you’re at the show.

Anyone with a phone can stream a show with a link to TipCow, and that means the band’s audience – and customer base – is now anywhere in the world.

It’s easy, it’s creative, and it’s a perfectly Austin way to pay musicians. You can’t expect someone to make it as a working musician in Austin if you’re not willing to pay them for their work.

COVER // Morenito de Fuego 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. © 2017 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.

ADVERTISING/SUBMISSIONS/EDITORIAL: info@todoaustin.com, 512.538.4115 TODO AUSTIN // MAR 2017 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 03

Immigrants deserve justice and dignity, too

By Bishop Joe Vásquez

First of all, I was very surprised that I was nominated for this position, which came open when Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles was elected as Vice President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. His promotion to that position left vacant the chairman of the U.S. Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration, and I was honored that my brother bishops expressed such confidence in me to do this work.

that they and their parents are going to be deported. This is happening based on their skin color and their last name. This type of aggressive language is deeply troubling to us as bishops. It is horrible how this type of attitude has filtered into our schools and also into our businesses.

Hard-working people are also being threatened because they are immigrants. They are being told that they don’t deserve just wages because they don’t have proper legal documentation. This type of harassment is unacceptable. We advocate for borders that are secure, but at the same time we want to make sure that those people who are coming across the border are treated justly.

This position is important because this particular USCCB committee interfaces with the government administration here in the U.S. to deal with and address the issues of migration and refugee settlement. The purpose of the committee is also to express to our government leaders what the church teaches about immigration.

We believe in the God-given dignity of every human person. Every person — no matter who they are or where they are from –– is a child of God. Whether they are refugees trying to escape their country because of violence or whether they are seeking asylum, we want to make sure that we as bishops are advocating for their just treatment.

Immigrants deserve to be treated justly, and above all, with dignity.

The bishops believe that immigration reforms are necessary in order for our nation’s immigration system to respond to the realities of separated families and labor demands that compel people to immigrate to the U.S. The reality is that our country has 11 million undocumented people and many of them are hidden, many of them are underground, thus they have no voice and the church has a responsibility to be a voice for them. Many immigrants are children who have come here with their parents.

They have lived here all their lives and though they might not have the proper documents, we want to make sure that they are treated well. This is their culture; they have learned English. They have been raised in our country, so to force them to go back to their country of origin would be devastating to them.

I, myself, as well as other bishops, have heard from parents whose children are being bullied at school. Children are telling other children 04 TODO AUSTIN // MAR 2017 // TODOAUSTIN.COM

Picking Fights with Mexico Will Be at Our Own Peril

By Ricardo Ainslie

The relationship between the United States and Mexico is at a historic low. Months of threats and Mexico bashing by President Donald Trump have left our neighbors to the south with a mixture of anger, resentment and anxiety.

The rhetoric has created a breach that threatens to become a profound chasm. We need to remember that while Mexico needs the U.S., we also need Mexico, and Texas especially needs Mexico.

Allowing our relations with Mexico to go off the rails will cost us U.S. economic and security interests. Any student of contemporary economics knows that the U.S. and Mexican economies are deeply intertwined.

Worried about deficits? We have significantly higher trade deficits with Germany and Japan than we do with Mexico and, of course, China represents the mother of all trade deficits at six times what we have with our southern neighbor.

Worried about jobs? The employment of 5 million to 6 million Americans is directly tied to trade with Mexico. Are we well served by picking a fight with Mexico? No, we are not.

Bishop Vasquez

We are trying to communicate with the new administration to let them know of the church’s stance on immigration. We are still uncertain about what the administration intends to do about the immigration issues. Harsh rhetoric was used during the presidential campaign and that concerns us very much. The immigration system in our country has been broken for a very long time and there has been little to no support from either political party for decades. To be able to resolve this situation both parties have to work together to come to a solution and quit using immigration to serve their political agendas.

Immigrants have been a blessing to our country.

The great diversity of immigrants has brought innovation and hope. Our country was built and established by immigrants and we need the immigrant population to be defended, protected and integrated so that our country continues to grow stronger.

A previous version of this interview was published in February by the Catholic Spirit.

Texans, in particular, have a great deal at stake.

Mexico is by far the most important trading partner to the state, with an estimated $92.5 billion worth of goods exported to Mexico per year and more than 460,000 Texas jobs dependent on trade. Rapid recent expansion of energy-related collaborations will only make this relationship more important to the Texas economy.

American security is also at stake because it partly depends on Mexican stability. The relationship between American and Mexican military and intelligence agencies is the closest it has ever been.

When people on American watch lists arrive at

Mexican airports, Mexico reports their presence to U.S authorities. Mexico has also begun interdicting immigrants from Central America’s strife-torn countries at its southern border, reducing the numbers reaching our border.

The stability of Mexico is itself a security issue for the U.S. A destabilized U.S.-Mexico relationship would affect immigration and represent a significant increased security threat.

Similarly, if “the wall” is built, with all of its charged symbolism, most of it will be built in Texas given that two-thirds of the border lies within Texas. This, along with the unraveling of U.S.-Mexico trade agreements, will directly affect Mexico’s economy, in turn affecting the number of Mexicans seeking to find work here.

In the wake of Trump’s words about NAFTA, some Mexican analysts are calling for their own government to abandon the trade agreement.

This would open the door to other countries to fill the vacuum.

China, for example, has been actively courting Mexico for years, but Mexico is also one of the countries with the highest number of trade agreements around the world. Deteriorating U.S.-Mexico relations will only incentivize Mexico to develop alternate economic relationships with not just China, but multiple other countries.

It is critical that the Trump administration tone down the rhetoric and engage Mexico as a meaningful economic and security partner.

There are issues to be addressed, but we must establish a climate within which constructive negotiation can take place.

Mexico’s political leadership, too, must resist pressures within Mexico to turn away from its close relationship with the U.S. Our political leadership in Texas has a special role to play at this time, given Mexico’s unique importance to Texas in economic, security and cultural terms.

We manhandle Mexico at our own peril. It is time we act more deliberately.

Ricardo Ainslie is a professor of educational psychology and chair of the Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies Mexico Center at The University of Texas at Austin.

Keys of Life Piano Lessons. Tuesday: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Thursday: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. To register, contact Daphne McDole at missmcdole@ gmail.com.

Capoeira Kids Class. Ages 6 to 13. Learn and practice this martial art that is a dance, a fighting style, an art, and a way of life. Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. $55 fee per month.

Online Registration.

Rhythms African Drum Class. This workshop series will enhance your connection to rhythm through hand drumming. Registration includes 10 classes. Ongoing Sessions continue each second and fourth Saturday of every month. Youth Drum (ages 6 and up); 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.; $25 Residents, $30 Non-Residents, $5 Drop-in Rate. Intergenerational Drum (adults and Family upto four); 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; $75 Residents, $80 Non-Residents, $15 Adult Drop-In, $5 Youth Drop-In. Insturctor: Tonya Lyles. Drums are limited. Please register to reserve a drum or contact Tonya Lyles at sistadrums@yahoo.com or (512) 974-4926.

Registration now open for Youth Arts Safari Spring Break Camp.

Explore creativity through music, dance, arts, and crafts. Oneweek camp, Mar. 13-17, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For students 7-12 years old. $115 fee.

ICE raids affecting local communities

By Cat Cardenas Since Immigration and Customs Enforcement embarked on a series of raids in early February, attorney George Lobb’s phone has been ringing off the hook.

The raids incited panic within the immigrant community around Austin, as many feared that anyone could be taken and deported as opposed to the high-risk offenders who are usually targets of these raids.

“It was a targeted increase to have the effect that it did, which was to scare people who shouldn’t be affected,” Lobb said.

As part of the Austin Lawyers Guild of nonprofit and paid-for attorneys, Lobb has been providing help for undocumented immigrants seeking asylum or who were targeted in the raid.

In recent years, Lobb said he’s seen an increase in clients who have overstayed visas with no criminal history, who have been here for “10 plus years with children born in the States, and all of them paying their taxes.”

Previously, individuals with multiple felony convictions were at the top of the list during

Tuesday, Mar. 7, 7 p.m. This documentary film, produced and directed by John Paris, chronicles the rise and fall of a McAllen, Texas based businessman who, through ingenuity and the significant assistance of Tejanos and Mexican nationals, cornered the world’s bubblegum market in the late 1940s, built a financial empire, flirted with Hollywood, and then came crashing back to Earth through a series of misfortunes.

Friday, Mar. 10, 10 a.m. Bridging Cultures Storytime: Little Red Riding Hood. Red cloaks, grandmothers and wolves, OH MY! Renditions of Red Riding Hood set in China, Korea and Sri Lanka will keep kids on the edge of their seats. Stick around for a Red Riding Hood Treasure Hunt after storytime.

Free, open to all ages. RSVP.

The Awards of Excellence is now accepting nominations. Nomination forms for the prestigious Awards of Excellence will be accepted through Friday, Apr. 14. This award is bestowed upon the finest in our Latino Community. Award of Excellence Ceremony will be Saturday, May 20.

Through Saturday, Mar. 18. Community Art Exhibits “Thinking of Home” and “Word Play.” Asian American artist Sherry Xiao explores her desire to belong to the presumed Asian American identity using elements of Chinese calligraphy in “Thinking of Home” and local children play with Chinese characters in “Word Play.” Free. Ballroom, hallways.

Current exhibits. “Another Side” is a selection of abstract and graffiti art on canvas alongside photographs by Nathan Nordstrom, also known as Sloke One. “Concrete, Plastic & Metal is a photography exhibit by Hector Carmona Miranda. Exhibits run through March 25.

Tuesday, Mar. 14 and Tuesday, Mar. 16, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Spring Break Youth Ceramic Workshop. Paint a plate with a traditional Asian pattern to be glazed and fired for a shiny final product. Plate pick-up will be at a later date. Ages 7-12. $25, all materials included. Please register online.

Cine de Oro. Join us on the last Tuesday of each month at the Mexican American Cultural Center for a special screening from the Golden Era of Mexico’s cinema. Please arrive by 9:15 am as screenings begins at 9:30 am. Admission is free.

Summer camp registration now open. Camps will be Jun. 12 - Jul. 28, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. One-week camps are $112.50 - $275; two-week camps are $247.50 - $300.

Financial aid available.

targeted raids, while an overstayed visa meant the individual would be a low priority for ICE officials.

The Immigrant Services Network of Austin confirmed this in a news bulletin they released the week of the raids, saying “those with DACA, deferred action, stays of removal, and pending U visas not on the list for targeting,” but warned that this “can always change based on … the discretion of the supervisor reviewing individual for removal.”

KXAN reported that 51 foreign nationals were arrested in Austin as a result of the raids, 23 of whom had previous criminal convictions.

During the raids, people turned to social media to make undocumented immigrants aware of their rights if they encountered any ICE officials. Lobb said many seemingly small mistakes can become critical and hinder their ability to stay in the country or to seek legal help.

“Giving a fake name is the absolute worst thing that you can do,” Lobb said. “Nine times out of 10, ICE figures out who you are. That one other time, you become lost in the system, and lying about who you are isn’t going to stop officials from kicking you out of the country.”

Now, Lobb says the majority of his work involves seeing if his clients are eligible for asylum, which is rare, or applying filing article 34 affidavits to transfer the care of children

here in the U.S. for parents who are going to be deported.

Following the raids, the Austin AmericanStatesman obtained federal documents which showed the ICE operation in Austin arrested a “higher percentage of people with no previous criminal convictions compared with other regions of the country.”

“Everyone deserves the right to live safe and free from fear. We need strong local policies that separate police and immigration agent,” said Sofia Casini, Grassroots Leadership in Austin immigrations program coordinator.

“What we know is that many victims of crime and witnesses don’t feel safe to come forward. Policies like Sheriff Hernandez’s seek to improve the already fragile relationship between communities and the police. The governor’s reckless and dangerous demand not only undermines local autonomy, but public safety.”

Lobb said he wishes that the politicians and constituents in support of these raids would understand that undocumented immigrants aren’t people who should be feared.

“When people say that illegal immigrants present a threat to our society, the reality is the opposite,” Lobb said. “Undocumented immigrants are the most vulnerable community.”

George Lobb TODO AUSTIN // MAR 2017 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 05

Tour the world without traveling at SXSW

By Meredith C. Cox It’s March in Austin. That means all the hotels around town are booked, venues are being prepped, and you’ve probably noticed that your inbox is being flooded with notices on a daily basis about your favorite bands all playing within the same week. Welcome Austin, South by Southwest 2017.

While most young people in Austin associate SXSW with all-night music showcases, free beer and terrible traffic and crowds, the music part of SXSW is actually just one component of a comprehensive, globally acclaimed conference.

Featuring 24 different tracks in the broader categories of Interactive, Film and Music-including brands and marketing, government, music influencers, food, virtual reality/augmented reality, making film and episodics, tech industry, startup village, and making music, just to name a few--the conference allows attendees to explore what’s next in the world of entertainment, culture and technology. To participate, attendees must register for a track, which will fill their day with workshops, panels, keynote speakers, featured speakers, mentoring sessions and parties,

surrounded by the people who are movers in the same industry all around the globe.

Keynotes are usually one of the biggest draws to SXSW Conference. Keynote speakers embody the do-it-yourself spirit, ingenuity and entrepreneurial drive that the conference cultivates. These presentations by diverse visionaries from the everevolving worlds of Interactive, Film, and Music are the center of the conference. This year will showcase Lee Daniels, the widely recognized director, writer, producer and philanthropist in both the film and television space. He is perhaps best known for the 2013 critically acclaimed box office smash “Lee Daniels’ The Butler,” in addition to his 2009 feature “Precious: Based on the Novel by Sapphire,” which was nominated for six Academy Awards. The film also made history as Daniels became the first African-American to be nominated for the DGA’s Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film Award.

speaker. Richards was named National Geographic Adventurer of the Year in 2012. In May 2016, he reached the summit of Mt. Everest without supplemental oxygen. His camera has taken him from the controlled and complex studio to the wild and remote corners of world, from Antarctica’s unclimbed peaks to the Himalayas of Nepal and Pakistan, in an attempt to capture not only the soul of adventure and exploration, but also the beauty inherent in our modern society.

While the keynote speakers are usually people who appeal to participants in every track, there are also

What Austinites usually associate with SXSW is the music component. Whether you’re a badge holder, wristband-wearer, or free party-goer, there is always plenty of music throughout the whole of SXSW. The SXSW Music Festival is one of the largest and most influential global music industry events of the year, so it’s appropriate that it happens in the Live Music Capital of the World. Each year, SXSW Music Festival hosts a comprehensive mix of brand new, up-and-coming, international and legendary artists performing in bars, clubs, parks, churches, hotels and just about everywhere else you can imagine around Austin. Not limited in genre or region, audiences can enjoy a vast variety of musical styles at SXSW. In 2016, over 67 countries were represented amongst the over 2,200 official performers.

Another exciting film get is Gareth Edwards. Fresh off of his third feature film “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” Edwards is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of filmmaking. He dived into the world of computer graphics and, through a combination of creativity and innovation, successfully made a career in the visual effects world, winning a number of awards including a BAFTA for the 2005 BBC documentary “Hiroshima.”

On the Interactive side, Cory Richards, a climber and visual storyteller, will also be a keynote

featured speakers, who are industry leaders there to give mind-expanding presentations specific to each attendees’ area. SXSW Conference featured speakers bring together some of the biggest and brightest names of our time. This year, badge holders can expect to hear from astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards, producer and actor Seth Rogan, Senator Cory Booker, Fleetwood Mac co-founder and drummer Mick Fleetwood, WWE Superstar John Cena, and “Game of Thrones” show-runners DB Weiss & David Benioff.

Regardless of the attendees’ track, they can expect a remarkable conference.

Senator Cory Booker

Record labels, booking agencies, management Cont. on Page 8

Good Times at Güero’s For great tunes and great rita’s!

Please join us for live music on our outside jardin stage, every Wednesday through Sunday. THANKS TO THE FANS & BANDS WHO SUPPORT US!!!

MARCH Line-up

OUTDOOR SHOWS ARE “WEATHER PERMITTING”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------THU

3/2

LOS FLAMES @ 6:30

FRI

3/3

THE BOBBY FUENTES SHOW @ 6:30

-----------------------------------------------------------------------SAT

3/4

THE BREW @ 2:30 / EL TULE’ @ 6:30

SUN

3/5

AUDREY MALONE BAND @ 12:00 / THE RECUPERATORS @ 3:00

THU

3/9

JORGE TAMAYO & FRIENDS @ 6:30

FRI

3/10

THE BOBBY FUENTES SHOW @ 6:30

------------------------------------------------------------------------

TACO BAR

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

SAT

3/11

TEXAS TYCOONS @ 2:30 / THE SOLID SENDERS @ 6:30

SUN

3/12

THE HENS @ 12:00 / BLUE MIST @ 3:00

THU

3/23

ANDREA DAWSON & HER KILLER BAND @ 6:30

FRI

3/24

THE BOBBY FUENTES SHOW @ 6:30

-----------------------------------------------------------------------SAT

3/25

MIKE MILLIGAN @ 2:30 / GLEN COLLINS & THE ALIBIES @ 6:30

SUN

3/26

TRIO MUSICAL @ 12:00 / CHICKEN STRUT @ 3:00

THU

3/30

TEX THOMAS @ 6:30

FRI

3/31

THE BOBBY FUENTES SHOW @ 6:30

www.GuerosTacoBar.com

FEATURED MARCH 2016 EVENTS:

FREE

Bridging Cultures Storytime: Red Riding Hood Tales from Asia

au s ti N s ym ph oN y o rch es tra

Friday March 10th, 10am - 11:30am Renditions of this classic set in Asia will keep kids on the edge of their seats!

Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd. More information at austintexas.gov/aarc

Sabados En Familia: Social Justice Saturday, March 11th, 10am-1pm

Cultural arts classes that explore the rich history of Latino social justice work. (Family)

Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River Street www.maccaustin.org

Inside Out Museum

Thurs March 16 & Fri March 17, 10am - 12pm SXSW Festival - Live Music & Interactives - Haiku on Demand (No badge needed!)

Brush Square Museums, 409 E 5th St ohenrymuseum.org; susannadickinsonmuseum.org

Phone Home Special

Thursday- March 16th 6:30 - 8:30pm

Jessica Valoris explores concept of “Phone Home” through visual performance.

George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St. www.carvermuseum.org Visit our Facebook page for all upcoming events! www.facebook.com/ArtsInParks The City of Austin is proud to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance for participation in our programs or use of our facilities, please call 512-974-4000.

your perfect

Date Night

starts here

upcomiNg eveNt: “Mahler in March” Gustav Mahler’s Symphony no. 6 March 24 & 25, 8:00 p.m.

Long Center’s dell Hall C o nC e rt Sp o nS o rS

LOGO DESIGN BRAND DEVELOPMENT WEB DESIGN

GuStav MaHLer

æ

tickets/info 512.827.2620 // SUNDARAMDESIGN.COM

S ea S o n S po n S o r S

Download the app:

Connect:

Download the app:

Connect:

Download the app:

Connect:

Download the app:

Connect:

Download the app:

Connect:

Download the app:

Connect:

(512) 476-6064 or austinsymphony.org

Me d i a S p o n So rS

4201 West Parmer Lane • Building C • Suite 250 • Austin, TX 78727 All artists, programs, and dates subject to change.

UT Longhorn Mariachi Camp seeks community support

By Cynthia Collins The summer of 2013 marked the establishment of the first annual Longhorn Mariachi Camp at The University of Texas at Austin’s Sarah and Ernest Butler School of Music. This was also the first time the college had reached out to the Hispanic community of Texas in such a culturally relevant way.

Now in its fifth year, The University of Texas at Austin Longhorn Mariachi Camp aims to make high students aware of the opportunities available to them at the university and encourage them to enroll upon graduation.

The camp also seeks to give students a rich musical experience marked by excellence, connect them with other students interested in mariachi music from across the state, and provide an understanding of what it takes to be a member of a mariachi ensemble.

A total of 73 students registered and went through the enriching program in 2016. During the four-day camp, students experience small group training on their primary instruments and vocals taught by mariachi directors from Texas

school districts and universities throughout Texas.

They also receive guidance in performing as a large group through preparation for an end-ofcamp concert featuring every student and their instructors.

The camp provides an opportunity for students to reside in a campus dormitory, allowing them to experience life at The University of Texas at Austin.

They explore campus after the instructional day is over by visiting the Student Union, the Main Tower and other points of interest on campus. Campers also take a trip to the State Capitol to view and learn about the Tejano Monument.

Friends of the UT Austin Longhorn Mariachi Camp may sponsor a student for $300 this summer. This includes four days of intensive instruction and room and board in a dorm campus for a Texas high school student. Supporters who wish to give scholarships may designate them for a specific school or school district and make payments directly to UT as part of the fee payment process.

“In contrast to prior camps, many at-risk students and low socio-economic school districts may encounter registration difficulties without the opportunity to receive a scholarship for each student registered in 2017,” Castro

expressed. “We’re calling on our community to support students who long to be part of a unique and culturally relevant music experience as well as experiencing the longhorn life.”

The public is also invited to witness the campers’ success at the culminating performance on Saturday, Jul. 1, 1:30 p.m, at the Bates Concert Hall in the Butler School of Music. The performance is free and open to the public.

For more information, please contact Zeke Catro at maestroerc@utexas.edu or visit music.utexas.edu.

In previous years, the university was able to provide school districts with matching scholarships for every student enrolled in the camp. This year, however, this benefit is going away due to accounting complications.

“Every year we hear from potential campers who would love to attend and benefit immensely from our program but do not have the financial means to do so,” said The University of Texas’ Mariachi Ensemble Director Zeke Castro, has been instrumental in the creation and realization of the summer camp.

The Longhorn Mariachi Camp needs the support of businesses and individuals who desire to enrich the lives of deserving young musicians who might not otherwise be able to attend such program.

UT Mariachi Camp Concert 2016

SXSW | Cont. from Page 6

Universal Latin will feature Latin Grammy nominated artist El Dusty, emcee and composer Morenito de Fuego, urban salsa group LAFAME, Charly Black with his fusion of reggae and dancehall music, 18-year-old Venezuelan artist Tomas The Latin Boy, and Los Chinchillos Del Caribe with their mix of cumbia and urban music stylings. You can check out their showcase at Half Step.

Golden Hornet & KMFA will have a showcase called ATX Composers. This show will feature Austin’s top classical and indie music ensembles, with music written by the best Austin composers.

Spoon- NPR Photo 424- Photo by Daniel Patlán

and public relations firms, export offices, publishers, media outlets, lifestyle brands, festivals, and more curate official showcases with brand new, developing and established talent looking to enhance their careers, gain unparalleled promotional exposure, and reach new audiences.

There are far too many official showcases to even begin to list, but full lineups are available on the SXSW site. A few notable showcases from this year’s list include NPR Music, which will return to SXSW to take over Stubb’s outdoor stage and 08 TODO AUSTIN // MAR 2017 // TODOAUSTIN.COM

present a lineup with The New Pornographers, Joey Bada$$, Lizzo, Sylvan Esso, Hurray For The Riff Raff and PWR BTTM. Caradura will present a talent packed showcase at Karma Lounge with bands from all over the world. This event will feature Venezuelan indie rock group Okills, Puerto Rican Alvaro Diaz with his aspirational rap, Colombian pop punk band 4×4, Latin indie group 424, Brazilian garage surf band Autoramas, and Norwegian indie rock band Kakkamaddafakka that’s known for their high energy live performances.

Expect to see Tetractys, Fast Forward Austin, Invoke String Quartet, Graham Reynolds, Mother Falcon, and The Kraken Quartet, all at The Hideout.

And let’s not forget that Austin’s own Spoon will hold a three-night residency at The Main during the festival, the same week that they’ll also release their ninth album, “Hot Thoughts.” During the residency, Spoon will resurrect the original classic Austin venue Emo’s location (currently called The Main). The band will create a unique line up each night and will be referring to the venue as “Eno’s” in honor of the band’s founding drummer and Austin stalwart Jim Eno. The complete lineup for all three nights includes Boyfrndz, Big Big Love, The Bright Light Social Hour, A Giant Dog, Deep Sea Diver, Quin Galavis, Outer Spaces, Cotton Mather, The Two Lips, My Jerusalem, Walker Lukens, and Sweet Spirit. A special guest and, of course, Spoon, will also play each night.

Not everybody needs a badge or a wristband to party at SXSW, though. Throughout the entire festival there are tons of free music shows and parties happening on a daily/nightly basis. It’s worth mentioning SXSW also holds both film and comedy portions. There’s an entire film festival and comedy festival, both not to be missed. No matter your interests or tastes, SXSW has something for you. Get ready for the busiest month in Austin!

For full schedule and details, visit sxsw.com.

To Do Música

By Liz Lopez BROWN SOUND NEWS Sunny Sauceda Y Todo Eso dropped their latest single, “Todo Tu Carino,” in February. The song was written by Raul Sanchez after he saw the band perform at a concert last year. “It’s kind of a mix between Tejano and country and has a Texas twist on it,” Sauceda told Tejano Nation.

This song is a follow-up to “DFM (Dios, Familia, Música)” released a year ago. These are part of an upcoming album scheduled for release later this month. A music video is scheduled to be released, including the artist’s very own signature line dance dubbed the “Sunny Line.” For more information, visit sunnysauceda.com.

Billy Wilson wrote the song and music for a new song, “Tell the Whole Truth,” and posted it on YouTube. “This song is dedicated to women and children, to laborers, to lovers, to sisters and brothers, and to elected officials whose charge it is to serve the people that entrusted them with that responsibility by electing them into office,” he stated on Facebook. “This song is dedicated to all humans as we continue to strive for freedom and love and a better life. Songs have always been a vital part of sparking social and political change.”

For more information about the artist, visit his Facebook page.

The Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair will be from March 16 - 19 in San Antonio featuring over 150 Tejano music bands from across the U.S. and Mexico. There will be a special appearance by Michael Salgado, who recently received a Latin Grammy. Artists have announced their set times on their Facebook pages, including Austin’s Los AT Boyz on Friday, Mar. 17 at the Gateway Stage at 8:30 p.m. and Beto Ramón y Luna Llena will perform

Saturday, Mar. 18 at Historic Market Square from 1:30 - 2 p.m. and at 3 p.m.. They will also be at the San Saba North Stage signing autographs. For the latest information on Fan Fair and the performance schedule, visit tejanomusicawards.com. Schedule is subject to change.

Veronica Flores, the 2016 Tejano Idol winner, and her singer/songwriter uncle, Jaime Flores, recently traveled to California to make an appearance on the vocal competition, Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento. They will have multiple performances at the Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair from March 17 - 19 so check their Facebook pages for dates and times.

During Rodeo Austin from March 11 - 25 there will be a KASE/KVET Stage, with a daily schedule of live music concerts. Among the diverse scheduled performances are Los Texas Wranglers (Sunday, Mar. 12 and 19); Maria Y Cien Grados (Wednesday, Mar. 15); Conjunto Cats (Thursday, Mar. 16); Janie Balderas (Thursday, Mar. 16); Cheyenne Saenz (Tuesday, Mar. 21 and Saturday, Mar. 25) and Los RV Boyz (Thursday, Mar. 23). 9100 Decker Lake Rd. (512) 919-3000. rodeoaustin.com.

Don’t miss the upcoming House Concert Benefit featuring Leti Garza y La Banda on Sunday, Mar. 5, 6 - 8 p.m. The concert, hosted by Colin Lowry and Andrea Ariel in their 1907 East Austin home at 1301 Canterbury St., features music, food, drinks and dancing. A donation of $20 or above will reserve your spot. Through passionate, precise vocals and infectious, driving rhythms from the all star La Banda, Garza’s music encompasses both new and old traditions in Latin and World music. Garza’s music is as timeless as it is fiercely tender, filled with a sense of longing and loss, discovery and connection. Her music creates bridges between boundaries and borders, real and created. Garza has been featured on PRI, The World, Tastemaker radio station KEXP and Cuba’s International “Festival de Las Romerias de

Sunny Sauceda Y Todo Eso

Mariachi Relampago | photo by Cory Ryan

Mayo” two years consecutively. In 2015, she was presented a Distinguished Music Award for her contributions to Texas music at the Austin based Texas Music Museum. Her new album is scheduled for release in June of 2017. Proceeds from this House Concert will benefit musician fees and Andrea Ariel Dance Theatre’s 2017 performances, community workshops, and education programs.

Donations are tax-deductible. Space is limited and parking is available in the neighborhood or Sanchez Elementary just a half a block away. Visit LetiGarza.eventbrite.com for reservations and the event’s Facebook Page for more information.

RECOMMENDED SHOWS The Latin Dukes play Nuevo Flamenco/Salsa music and the Austin-based band is composed of Jorge A. De Armas, Chris La Cava, Iván García and Sergio Ramos. Their next performance is Saturday, Mar. 4 from 4 - 6 p.m. at Texas Keeper Cider, 12521 Twin Creeks Rd. Manchaca, Texas 78652.

--Brazilian Soul, formed in Austin, exist for you to dance to their really groovy Brazilian music influenced by American soul, Afro-Pop and other dance rhythms. The full schedule with other bands is Kupira and Mafaro Marimba Ensemble, 7:30 p.m.; Brazilian Soul, 10 p.m., followed by the Sahara All Stars, 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 4. $8 cover-- includes buffet dinner and parking. The Sahara Lounge, 1413 Webberville Rd. --Get ready for a cross-continental tour of the world....all under one roof! Kicking off the night is Big State, serving whiskey-fueled Americana.

Next up, Brazilian music with a kick! Tio Chico Atx brings flavors of musica Brasileira that will keep you on your feet! Bamako Airlines flies you to West Africa, and delivers hot, electric Afro-pop.-- horns, percussion, guitars, vox, and hypnotic drum and bass lines. Back to South America, Wache provides unique insight to the musical richness of the

Caribbean coast of Columbia. Friday, Mar. 10 at 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. $8 cover. 21+ Free parking and free buffet. The Sahara Lounge, 1413 Webberville Rd. Visit the Facebook pages for each band to learn more about their music and set times.

--Lordship Entertainment presents the annual music showcase for some of Austin’s top bands. This year’s lineup includes Kyloe Blue at 7p.m.; Love & Chaos at 8 p.m.; That Girl Dre at 9 p.m.; Jelly at 10 p.m.; MC Overlord at 11 p.m.; 80H Project at 12 a.m.. 21 & Up. Doors open at 6 p.m.. $8 Cover Wednesday, Mar. 15 ONE-2-ONE BAR, 1509 S. Lamar Blvd. Ste 600. View updates on Lordship Entertainment’s Facebook page.

--Mariachi Relampago’s weekly performance schedule is Wednesdays at Mi Madres Mexican Restaurant (2201 Manor Rd), 6 - 8 p.m.; Thursdays at El Jacalito Mexican Restaurant (2030 E. Oltorf), 7 - 9 p.m.; and Fridays at Azul Tequila Mexican Restaurant (4211 S. Lamar), 8 - 10 p.m. Visit their Facebook page for updates or changes.

--Come out and help raise funds to support all people respected as people at the Party to Protect People benefit event on Friday, Mar. 10. This benefit aims to amplify immigrant rights and raise awareness on how we as a community can help protect them. All proceeds will go to Grassroots Leadership, which actively engages, educates, empowers and partners with the community for social justice. There will be other organizations at the event as well, with further information on how to support and participate in advocacy efforts for immigrant rights. Music will include Conjunto Dos Pinkys, Lesly Reynaga, Kiko Villamizar, Son de Rey, Bidi Bidi Banda, and Lench Martinez. $20 suggested donation (flexible sliding scale). Hard Luck Lounge, 3526 E 7th St. For more information, visit Party to Protect People’s Facebook page.

TODO AUSTIN // MAR 2017 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 09

City of Austin Works to Identify New Spaces for Creatives The City of Austin’s Cultural Arts Division, part of the Economic Development Department, will partner with Philadelphia-based Partners for Sacred Places and local non-profit Austin Creative Alliance on an initiative geared towards addressing the City’s lack of affordable spaces for local artists.

Through this joint-partnership, Partners for Sacred Places— a national organization focused on the preservation and active community use of older and historic religious properties— will work to bring together artists with churches, mosques, synagogues and other places of worship in Austin who have available space. The program is set to launch this spring.

Within the City of Austin, the need for spaces for artists to work, rehearse, and perform has reached critical levels over the past few years.

The tremendous growth fueling the city’s rapidly growing economy has caused a dramatic rise in rents for the spaces that local artists have traditionally used. Making Homes for the Arts in Sacred Places, a program of Partners for Sacred Places, will be implemented to facilitate mutually-beneficial space sharing relationships between artists and historic houses of worship with space to spare.

“The Arts in Sacred Places program comes to us at a critical time,” Mayor Steve Adler said. “We know

our city’s economic, cultural, and social vitality is directly tied to the health of our artistic community.

Finding creative space is an essential part of the equation for making sure Austin maintains its quality of life and economic strength.”

With support from the City of Austin’s Cultural Arts Division and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, and in partnership with the Austin Creative Alliance, the Arts in Sacred Places program will launch in Austin in spring 2017. The program partners will work through the spring to identify and inventory potential sacred spaces that can be used to support artists, and this summer, will begin to reach out to artists to understand more about their needs and to begin matching them with available facilities.

“Partners for Sacred Places has been working for many years to bring together two seemingly disparate groups of people who can provide each other mutual support,” adds Karen DiLossi, Director of the Making Homes for the Arts in Sacred Places program in Philadelphia. “Places of worship have spaces that work very well for performances, rehearsal, even studio or office. These spaces are often unused during the workweek or in the evenings, but they can also cost a great deal to maintain – particularly for historic structures.

Artists typically need spaces at times when the worship spaces, fellowship halls, or educational wings, are not being used, so creating partnerships between the two helps to address needs on both sides. Our work strives to build relationships that go beyond the traditional landlord/tenant model.”

The Cultural Arts Division of the Economic

CASA

(Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT “I’ve always felt called to be engaged and giving of support,” BECKY DICKSON said. For Becky, this took many forms, volunteering at her kids’ school, serving as a Deacon with her church and becoming a Stephen Minister.

In the Stephen Ministry, she was trained to walk alongside people during difficult times in their lives, such as job loss, death in the family, or divorce, to be an outlet for them and listen without judgment. Once her time as a Stephen Minister came to a close, a conversation during bible study at her church compelled her to become a CASA volunteer, something that had been in the back of her mind for years, since it first became the national philanthropy of her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. “I kept thinking that I needed to challenge myself in a new way to do something beyond what I’d done before,” she said and it was bible study that drew her to take the leap into action. Now, in addition to spending time with her grandkids and serving with her church’s rotating ministry for congregants in need, she advocates for four children. “You’ve got to have a heart for service, because there isn’t always a happy ending,” she explains. “But these children have a brighter future because of what we do at CASA.” 10 TODO AUSTIN // MAR 2017 // TODOAUSTIN.COM

Riverbend Centre

Development Department provides leadership and management for the City’s cultural arts programs and for the development of arts and cultural industries.

The Austin Creative Alliance was formed in 2009 in response to the CreateAustin Cultural Master Plan, which called for a coordinating, convening and advocacy body for the arts, culture and creativity in Austin.

Mondo Gallery honors Star Wars 40th Mondo Gallery first show of 2017, “Mondo x Acme Archives Present: SWxMM,” features celebrated artist Mike Mitchell’s brand new character portraits of some of the most beloved heroes and villains in the Star Wars universe. Rebel scum, scruffy nerf herders, Sith Lords, golden rods, laser brains, and more will be on display with Mitchell’s dignified and iconic portrait treatment. In addition to new prints, all of Mitchell’s previously released Star Wars character portraits will be on display with a very limited number of each available for purchase, including the very first portrait released in the series with Acme Archives, “Red 5.” The show will kick off with an opening reception, open to the public, on Friday, March 10 from 7-10 p.m., and will run during regular hours until Monday, March 13. Mondo Gallery is located at 4115 Guadalupe Street.

After first partnering with Acme Archives in 2016 to debut Star Wars character portraits, from the classic Luke Skywalker in X-Wing flight gear to new heroic favorites like The

Partners for Sacred Places is the only non-sectarian, non-profit organization devoted to helping congregations and their communities sustain and actively use older and historic sacred places.

Homes for the Arts in Sacred Places is the nation’s first program to support both arts organizations and congregations. The goal of this project is not simply to help arts groups find a home in sacred places, but to do so in a way that supports the missions of both groups.

Force Awakens’ Rey, Mondo and Acme Archives are excited to once again invite fans to journey to a galaxy far, far away.

“I have a particular and unyielding love for the designs in Star Wars, and I’m so stoked that I got to spend a year picking out my favorite characters and bringing them to life in my own way,” said Mike Mitchell.

“Over the past year, Mike’s Star Wars art print series has become something really special.

As with all of Mike’s work, the pieces are even more powerful when shown together. We are excited to show the entire collection in one space, plus a handful of new surprises. If you’re a fan of the Star Wars universe, you don’t want to miss this one,” said Mondo Co-Founder/ Creative Director Mitch Putnam.

To coincide with their first gallery event of the year, the full Mondo team will participate in its very first Reddit AMA on Tuesday, March 7 to discuss the show, additional plans for 2017, and well... anything! Follow Mondo’s social media channels for more details on timing.

CELEBRATING

DIVERSITY

BRIDGE2BRIDGE From Montopolis Bridge to 360 Bridge, Everything Austin

Showcasing the music of the world’s most successful rock band, Let It Be charts The Beatles’ meteoric rise from their humble beginnings in Liverpool’s Cavern club, through the height of Beatlemania, to their later studio masterpieces. Watch The Beatles morph through their iconic albums and styles at this international hit on Sun, Mar. 4, 8 p.m., at the Long Center. thelongcenter.org.

Keith Sweat

Urban Music Fest AUDITORIUM SHORES This year marks the 12th annual Austin Urban Music Festival. From its original inception in 2006, the festival came from an Austin quality of life initiative for African Americans. In fact, it was the city’s first Afro-centric music fest. And like many festivals in Austin, the Urban Fest has changed over the years, redefining its music format and what it hopes to bring to audiences.

Today, the festival prides itself on being a familyfriendly entertainment option during the Texas Relays Weekend – one of the nation’s top field and track events that brings thousands of visitors to Austin during the same weekend.

The festival features different stages that focus specifically on hip-hop, R&B, indie soul, gospel, and neo soul. It also highlights local and unsigned African-American artists that have yet to be heard nationally. In addition, Soul Tree Collective – a local non-profit organization that supports the musical endeavors of students – features a showcase for young musicians during the festival, giving them a place to perform, sometimes for the first time.

This year’s festival features a mix of established and upcoming artists. Tony! Toni! Toné!, MC Lyte, LeToya Luckett and Troy Nōka are scheduled to perform day one of the festival. Day two will bring Keith Sweat and The Whispers, as well as the Texas Jazz Explosion featuring Althea Rene, Kyle Turner and Michael Ward (lineup is subject to change).

The Urban Music Festival 2017 is at Auditorium Shores on Friday, Mar. 31 from 3 - 10 p.m. and Saturday, Apr. 1 from 12 - 10 p.m. Ticket pricing ranges from about $37 to $154. Shuttles will be available during the festival. More information on tickets and shuttle locations can be found at urbanmusicfest.com.

The Kite Festival is one of Austin’s best-known annual events. Dating back to 1929, the ABC Kite Fest is the kickoff to the hundreds of springtime activities in Austin. The full-day schedule includes a Fun Run, live music, food vendors and both display and contest kite flying. People and pets are welcome to attend with free admission on Sunday, Mar. 5 (rain date is Mar. 12). abckitefestival.org.

Experience one of the foremost advocates of the Extreme Statement, Fran Lebowitz, Wednesday, Mar. 8 at the Long Center. Purveyor of urban cool and witty chronicler of the “me decade,” she offers insights on issues such as gender, race, gay rights and the media as well as her own pet peeves–including celebrity culture, tourists and strollers. Evening kicks off with conversation moderated

by Texas Tribune’s Evan Smith. thelongcenter.org.

Celebrate Irish culture this Friday, Mar. 17 at St. Patrick’s Day Austin from 1-8 p.m. at Pioneer Farms. The event will feature performers on two stages, highlighted by international and local stars of Celtic music and dance.

Traditional food and drinks are a must-try, and there will be kids activities such as laser tag and face painting.

Ticket pricing is $15 for adults and $5 for children. stpatricksdayaustin.com.

Shay Ishii Dance Company presents Dancestry... beckoning, a celebration of artistic heritage and revival of historic dance, Mar. 24-25 in Rollins Studio Theatre. Beckoning showcases masterworks of modern dance pioneers Isadora Duncan and Erick Hawkins alongside the re-imagined work of Loïe Fuller. The program culminates with premiers by artists who have studied the techniques, philosophy and choreography. thelongcenter.org.

New Zealand’s leading contemporary dance company returns to Bass Concert Hall Wednesday, Mar. 29, 8 p.m. Under the direction of choreographer Neil Ieremia for over two decades, Black Grace performs with distinct dynamism sparked by Pacific Island and Māori heritage. Mr. Ieremia creates innovative dance works that reach across social, cultural and generational barriers. texasperformingarts.org.

The Pink Elephant Hip Hop Festival is the nation’s largest annual LGBT hip-hop music festival bringing together dynamic and electrifying entertainers. This year, the celebration will feature musical performances and panels showcasing the rich and diverse talent that has been shut out from the mainstream, Friday, Mar. 31 to Sunday, Apr. 1. Event venues include Cheer Up Charlie’s, Victory Grill, Sellers Underground and more. pinkelephanthiphopfestival.com.

Art City Austin Art City Austin, a three-day art fair and festival, will return for its 67th annual event Friday, Mar. 31- Sunday, Apr. 2 at the Palmer Event Center. This historic event is a celebrated combination of street art and contemporary art from local and national artists maintaining its designation of Austin’s annual art event of the year.

The community is invited to come enjoy the work of 125 individual artists from across the country, plus an art fair inside the exhibition hall that will welcome 20 galleries throughout Texas.

The Art City Austin festival grounds will also feature a number of exciting attractions including multiple art installations created by local artists and commissioned specifically for the occasion by Art Alliance Austin.

Noteworthy artists this year include award-winning photographer Clifton Henri, Austin fine jewelry designer Haley Lebeuf, and Jay Long, a long-time Art City Austin artist.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase and the festival will showcase live music from a wide variety of local musicians coordinated and curated by Black Fret. Art City Austin is a family-friendly event, offering designated children and family areas featuring hands on arts and crafts activities with support from community partners Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum and The Contemporary Austin.

Tickets to Art City Austin range from $10 for a single-day admission to $25 for the Collector’s Pass, which includes access to the Friday, Mar. 31 VIP preview reception plus weekend access to the festival. Admission is free for children 12 and under. Parking will be available at the Palmer Event Center Garage for $8. All forms of public transportation are encouraged and welcomed.

For more information on Art City Austin, volunteer opportunities and to purchase tickets, please visit artallianceaustin.org.

TODO AUSTIN // MAR 2017 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 11

MARCH 4

LET IT BE

Relive your favorite Beatles hits including “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” and “Hey Jude” as you watch the band morph through their iconic styles right before your eyes. Purchase a Let It Be Party Package ticket and keep twistin’ and shoutin’ after the show at the Peace Love Long Center afterparty!

MARCH 12

PINK MARTINI

APRIL 18

MOMIX: OPUS CACTUS