Fighting on arrival, fighting for survival
www.todoaustin.com VOLUME X / JUN 2018
Hindu Charities for America A close look into Cultural Arts Lomax Archive Sangre de Un Ă ngel
KLRU-TV, Austin PBS broadcast 18.1 / cable 9 klru.org
Y W E 'R E S O H A P P
TO B E
Learn more at KLRU.org Airing this month
KLRU’s Decibel Explores the challenges artists and musicians face trying to stay in Austin. Plus a look at how one local band is bringing an international sound to Austin.
June 4th at 11 pm or online anytime
Nature Pets: Wild At Heart: Playful Creatures Take a revolutionary look at our pets. Pets may seem familiar but they exist alongside us in a secret world of wild behavior and natural abilities that we hardly recognize.
Wednesdays, June 20 & 27, at 7 pm
Great British Baking Show Follow the trials and tribulations of passionate amateur bakers whose goal is to be named the U.K.’s best.
Fridays at 8 pm starting June 22
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
EDD to participate in leadership exchange The City’s Economic Development Department will join cultural leaders from around the world in Toronto this month to explore and address global challenges facing creative communities. Staffers from Austin’s Cultural Arts and Global Business Divisions will participate in the first-ever Leadership Exchange Program, an initiative of the World Cities Culture Forum. “The City of Austin recognizes the affordability crisis facing our citizens, including those in our creative community, and has identified this issue as a key priority,” said Meghan Wells, Manager of Austin’s Cultural Arts Division. “Participation in the Leadership Exchange Program will enable us to address this challenge with an eye toward what is working in other cities and develop creative solutions to add to our strategies and resources.” Austin Public Library joins equity initiative Austin Public Library is partnering with 11 other public library systems from across the U.S. and Canada to explore ways libraries can reach and engage entrepreneurs in their communities – particularly people of color, women, immigrants and veterans. “Independent workers and small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the heartbeat in many of our communities, stated Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries for the Austin Public Library system.
social issues facing society as addiction is called out as a leading cause of death. Meyers, with CoCreator/Executive Producer Jose-Luis Partida and Executive Producer/Actress Brenda Isaacs-Booth, bring their own personal experiences to the project to highlight not only the current opioid epidemic, but also how addiction does not discriminate by race, class, age or education. “As an addict, I have a lot of experience both with addiction and recovery. I have been clean for over 33 years,” says Meyers. “As a writer, I love to tell stories. But as a director, I want to bring these stories forward with passion and to help viewers understand the issue. I want this series to change the way people view addicts and addiction.”
PARD park project meetings Austin Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a community meeting for the Rosewood Neighborhood Park Bathroom Rehabilitation Project on Tuesday, June 5 at the Delores Duffie Recreation Center from 6:30--8 p.m. PARD will be presenting the design elements to the public at the meeting to gather feedback. PARD is also hosting an open house for the Walter E. Long Park Master Plan Wednesday, June 6, 6-8 p.m. at Decker Middle School. Preliminary alternative framework plans from the first meeting will be presented for public comments.
Series to spotlight recovering addicts Native Texan and writer Marc Meyers has a Kickstarter campaign underway through June 19 for his project, “The Home Group” series. The proposed dramatic series follows the lives of addicts in recovery, their only commonality being a weekly 12 step meeting. Dramatic and full of dark comedy, the series embraces many of the
Community archives lauded Austin’s Community Archives Program is a 2018 recipient of the Diversity Award given by the Society of American Archivists. The award will be presented at a ceremony in Washington, DC, August 12–18. The award recognizes outstanding contributions in advancing diversity within the archives profession, SAA or the archival record. The Community Archives Program engages communities in documenting the rich and diverse histories of African American, Latinx and Asian American residents and their contributions to the city.
Austin’s MULTICULTURAL media source for EIGHT YEARS • Find us at TODOAustin.com
Volume X, Number 02 PUBLISHER/EDITOR // Gavin Lance Garcia info@todoaustin.com ART DIRECTOR // Dave McClinton dmdesigninc.com EDITOR //Lesly Reynaga // lesly@todoaustin.com MANAGING EDITOR // Meredith C. Cox meredith@todoaustin.com ASSOCIATE EDITORS // Liz Lopez, Monica Peña, Katie Walsh, Erica Stall Wiggins, Yvonne Lim Wilson
My perspective: Thoughts of a mother living in today’s reality
I now have the perspective of the person elected to represent the people of the district to craft health and safety policies that “we the people” must live by--policies that must be administered fairly without bias.
By Ora Houston, Austin City Council, District One
I want to share a non-violent example of a situation at my home that appeared to have been handled with bias. In the wee hours of the morning, a young white student was seen trying to climb over my neighbor’s fence. He then tried to climb over my gate and ended up asleep on my front porch. Police responded to my location, woke him up, called a cab, and sent him on his way. He was publicly intoxicated and trespassing. I want you to think about what would have happened to my son, black, bald, physically fit, with several degrees, if he had attempted to climb over two fences and was found sleeping on someone’s porch in another part of Austin. I submit that if he was fortunate enough not to have been shot by a property owner, he would have been placed in a patrol car, not a cab, and taken to jail. I followed up with the police and the department justified the handling of the incident. Was there bias? Can you see it?
As the parent of an adult son and daughter, when a mother’s child is killed, regardless of their age, I am sad. I check in with mine, to hear their voices, tell them that I love them, make sure that they are okay and remind them to be “careful out there.” There is no way for me to feel the powerful emotions that parents, family and friends experience when told that their loved one has been killed. I can only imagine that a mixture of disbelief, pain, anger, numbness and heartbreak might be some of those emotions.
In recent years, I have witnessed unarmed children, women and men killed by people who are sworn to protect and serve. I continue to recognize the extreme actions of some in authority that reinforces the history I know and lived through. Ora Houston
As I write this, I realize that in addition to my perspective as a mother, I have other perspectives that inform my feelings and thoughts today. I have lived in Austin for over 60 years, went to segregated schools, knew the black peace officers on the force because they lived in our community; they were role models who demonstrated respect for self, others and the neighborhood. I have the perspective of a person of faith, living out my faith in a denomination that is majority white and yet the Episcopal Church has acknowledged very publicly the “sin of racism” that infects the body of the faithful. CONTRIBUTING STAFF // Anwuli Chukwurah, Rose Di Grazia, Callie Langford, César E. López Linares, Genoveva Rodriguez PRODUCTION SERVICES // Anthony Garcia CONTRIBUTORS // Alka Bhanot, Roy Casagranda, Cat Cardenas, Cindy Casares, Evelyn C. Castillo, Lobo Corona, Nora De LaRosa, Laura Donnelly Gonzalez, Mark Guerra, Mari Hernandez, Ora Houston, Parker Hudson,Yadira Izquierdo, Chaille Jolink, Ryan Jordan, Ali Khataw, Ramey Ko, Harish Kotecha, Sonia Kotecha, Julia Lee, Isabel Lopez-Aguilar, Art Markman, Cynthia Aashi Morales, Cristina Parker, Richard J. Reddick, Oren Rosenthal, Paul Saldaña, Peter Salovey, Marion Sanchez, Sameer Shah, Blake Shanley, Dani Slabaugh, Corey Tabor, Rama Tiru, Carola Rivera, Aaron Rochlen, Lesley Varghese ONLINE EDITION // TODOAustin.com
What can we do to make Austin a safe place for all people to live, especially those who have been marginalized by society? A suggestion is to acknowledge that Austin is geographically and economically segregated and resist stereotyping and making assumptions about ‘others’. A suggestion for my community is to re-engage in East Austin. Individuals with limited education, limited income, and my young people, need role models and mentors who reflect their faces (entrepreneurs, professionals, congregations, civic and fraternal organizations), to show up, shore up and be examples of what is possible. COVER PHOTO // Montinique Monroe TODO Austin // Multicultural Media for All of Austin. TODO Austin is a free print and online journal for all of Austin highlighting our multicultural heritage and promoting the concept of community in an ethnically diverse city. Circulation throughout Austin, from the Westside’s Pennybacker Bridge to the Eastside’s Montopolis Bridge. TODO Austin is published by Spark Awakened Publishing. © 2018 Spark Awakened Publishing. All rights reserved. The views expressed here are the authors and should not be taken to represent those of Spark Awakened Publishing or of any of its associates or partners. ADVERTISING/SUBMISSIONS/EDITORIAL: info@todoaustin.com, 512.538.4115 TODO AUSTIN // JUN 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 03
Existing while black? Irrational fears of people of color is the new breed of racism By Richard J. Reddick
achieved trappings such as expensive cars, he is still “just a big dawg,” “kenneled in the backyard,” which “ain’t life to a dog.” A middle class existence, or an Ivy League education does not inoculate black people to the debilitating impact of living in a society where white supremacy, enacted through the inescapable, everyday evocations of social power, overrides individual achievement.
IT HAS BEEN A BANNER YEAR FOR DISCRIMINATION. Two recent events on college campuses at Colorado State University and Yale bring issues of hyper-surveillance and white supremacy to the forefront. At Colorado State University, a white woman stated “she was nervous” and called campus police after noticing two Native American young men on the tour (who had not said, or done anything). More recently, a video of a black graduate student at Yale went viral after a White woman called the police because the graduate student was sleeping in a common area of a campus building. The ultimate outcome in both incidents was that the people of color assumed to be troublesome were questioned, surrendered significant time and endured psychological duress, but were ultimately released — with the trauma of being interrogated for existing. The impact of stereotyping and bias for black people and other people of color is more than annoyance; institutional racism ensures that white people can enact their personal fears, no matter how irrational, into state-sanctioned consequences ranging from police involvement to violence. Our society reflects on the impact of personal prejudice on the lives of people of color and understands the repercussions of escalating individual experiences of mistrust. Social media has ensured that these stories and others like them are part of the national consciousness, with hashtags such as #ShoppingWhileBlack and #NappingWhileBlack. The more appropriate hashtag might be #ExistingWhileBlack, as these instances experienced by black people and people of color illuminate how routine life experiences can take a radical turn for the worse when some white people respond to their own discomfort by calling security or police. In an era where terms such as “implicit bias” and “white privilege” are routinely used, it seems that too few are internalizing these messages and are inflicting real harm on innocent individuals who are simply living their lives. Perhaps this is part of the message of Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” video, where police cars and a horseman of the apocalypse appear menacingly midway through the video, and where Gambino is running, fearful though he has 04 TODO AUSTIN // JUN 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
Montinique Monroe Photo
For people of color, these experiences are commonplace and familiar, ranging from being followed or obtrusively asked to justify one’s presence in a space, to having institutional power (police, media, law) levied against us. Certainly, such experiences are not limited to the young or those of a low socioeconomic background. Tennis pro James Blake and Harvard professor/TV presenter Henry Louis Gates Jr. have experienced unwarranted harassment and restraint from the police — because someone anonymously suspected them of ill intent. These events are reminders to us all — but especially white people — that there are consequences to unchecked and immediate responses to discomfort. More need to ask: If this individual who causes me discomfort appeared to be white and middle class, would I respond similarly? If not, this is an indication that bias is directing this action, rather than an accurate assessment of the situation. Understanding one’s own implicit biases is a critical step in addressing this irrational fear of people of color. Project Implicit has an array of tests to measure one’s implicit bias across race and a range of other identities. Valuing and listening closely to the experiences of people of color in predominantly white settings can give insights into how even minor assaults and aggressions impact ambition, educational experiences and lives. Existing while black, or any other racial identity, does not justify the involvement of authorities. It’s time we all do better. Richard J. Reddick is an associate professor of educational leadership and policy at The University of Texas at Austin.
Stigma is still the biggest issue with HIV By Parker Hudson I couldn’t sleep last night after my clinic. My patient is dying from AIDS. When his family found out that he has HIV, he was disowned. His sister kicked him out of her house. He has been self-medicating the shame with alcohol and now has liver disease and likely cancer. He feels so terrible each day that he finally stopped drinking on his own. He cannot miss time at his landscaping job, so he rarely can travel the hour each way to the clinic. He is terrified for his friends to find out his HIV status, so he has withdrawn and lives alone with his girlfriend, who is too scared to get tested herself. He prays and reads his Bible but has no hope and has contemplated suicide. His fear of hell and his work are the only things keeping him alive. My very next patient was diagnosed with HIV six months ago. She was despondent and started drinking and smoking. She was scared to tell her “traditional Hispanic family” [her words]. She prays daily, which she credits with giving her the resolve to take medication and live positively. Yesterday, she was glowing. First, she told her sister who took her in to live with her. Then, she told her mom and was showered with love. So she stopped drinking and smoking on her own and now works helping elderly patients as a certified nursing assistant. Her biggest health concern now is obesity. Her HIV viral load is undetectable for the first time, which means she cannot transmit the virus and she can live a long, healthy life. We celebrated in that room, and she said she was going to have a party with her family. What is the difference between their trajectories toward death and life? They have the same doctor and the same access to life-saving medicines. The answer is stigma.
This is the best of times to be living with HIV. We have numerous, nearly miraculous, onepill-a-day drug regimens that make the virus undetectable in the blood with no side effects. We have pre-exposure prophylaxis that reduces new HIV infections by more than 90 percent. Life expectancy for people living with HIV on medication almost approximates that of the general population. Public health officials have shown that with effective use of these current tools, we can end the HIV epidemic in our lifetime. However, 2018 is also the worst of times to be living with HIV. We still have no cure or vaccine. An African American man who has sex with men (MSM) has a 50 percent chance of becoming HIV infected in his lifetime; for Hispanic MSM the risk is 25 percent; and white MSM have a 10 percent risk. A disproportionate number of these tragedies are happening in the American South. Travis, Dallas, and Harris counties have similar rates of new HIV infections as San Francisco. But unlike San Francisco, they have not decreased new infections in recent years. There are many reasons for these disparities between races and regions, but underlying all of them is stigma. Stigma is literally killing people living with HIV. Stigma prevents people from getting tested for HIV. Stigma prevents people from coming to the clinic and engaging in care. Stigma leads to social isolation and chronic stress, both of which increase mortality for all people, not just people living with HIV. Without addressing stigma, people will continue to die needlessly. There is no medication for stigma. Overcoming stigma requires a conscious awareness. It is a choice. Each of us has a role to play in ending the HIV epidemic, and it starts by ending stigma. End the winter of despair for our patients. Be part of the spring of hope. Parker Hudson is an assistant professor of internal medicine in the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin.
That’s My Face film of the month “A Strike and an Uprising (in Texas).” Friday, June 8, 6:30 p.m. This young adult film series features June’s film, “A Strike and an Uprising (in Texas)” (2018). Directed by Anne Lewis. In 1938, Emma Tenayuca led 10,000 pecan shellers’ in a massive strike. In 1987, black women led a march of 3,000 through the streets of Nacogdoches. Experimental and contemporary, the film ends with the removal of the Jefferson Davis statue at UTAustin. Folktales’ Black Women’s Literary Society Book Club. Friday, June 15, 6 p.m. The book club meets the third Friday of each month and is a group of black women reading African American authors. The April book is “ Sing, Unburied, Sing” by Jesmyn Ward. An intimate portrait of a family and an epic tale of hope and struggle, “Sing, Unburied, Sing” examines the ugly truths at the heart of the American story and the power – and limitations – of family bonds. Rich with Ward’s distinctive, lyrical language, “Sing, Unburied, Sing” brings the archetypal road novel into rural twenty-first century America. It is a majestic new work from an extraordinary and singular author.
Hindu Charities for America provides thousands of dollars to aid disadvantaged students and is honored by White House recognition By Aashi Morales
Last April, Hindu Charities for America’s Bollywood Meets Borscht Belt raised $26,000 for school supplies for homeless students in the Austin area during an afternoon of dance, music, food and fun. It was especially touching to hear the grateful words of a homeless single mother with lupus, thanking those involved in helping her eight-grade daughter receive school supplies. She was one of the more than 1,400 economically disadvantaged families benefiting from the funds raised. “Though I work with many charities, [Hindu Charities for America] stands out in making a difference,” Dr. Royce Avery, Superintendent of Manor ISD and keynote speaker, noted. “The work they do is very important.” Jan Cohen, a first-time attendee, was enthusiastic
1000 Voces. Thursday, June 7 | 5:30 p.m. Auditorium. Join the ESB-MACC for the next installment of Dr. Maggie RivasRodriguez story telling celebrating 1000 stories collected from WWII Veterans and their families. Voces has become an international resource for documentary film producers, scholars, journalists, and the general public.
Focus Groups. June 2, 3-4:45 p.m. (Spicewood Springs Branch Library). June 6, 6-8 p.m. (AARC Ballroom). June 11, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (AARC Room #1). Join us at three community focus groups to discuss the desired qualities and competencies of the next manager of the AARC.
ProjecTango. Saturday, June 9 | 8 p.m. Auditorium. The public is invited to an unforgettable evening with some of Austin’s best musicians interpreting a beautiful selection of Tangos from the Golden Era from the 1920s through the 1950s, from Tango legends like Carlos Gardel, Francisco Canaro, Juan D’Arienzo, Carlos Di Sarli, and Osvaldo Pugliese, bringing this sublime art form alive, to the delight of listeners.
“Recollecting Memories” by Caroline Ryan. AARC ballroom. On display through June 19. Artist Caroline Ryan explores family dynamics using old candid family photographs as references for her paintings. The artist reveals the astounding differences between her parents and her family’s struggle to communicate with each other as a means of accepting and understanding the past and present.
The Gardens of South Texas: Scenes from PEYOTEROS. Wednesday & Thursday July 25 & 26 | 7 p.m. Black Box. View scenes from “The Gardens of South Texas: Scenes from PEYOTEROS,” a documentary by Eugenio Del Bosque. Independent filmmaker, Eugenio Del Bosque has a mission to produce a deep, well-crafted documentary, telling a story with roots that go back for millennia and touches in the transcendental beyond the linear perception of time and space.
“Where I Belong” by Lizzie Chen. AARC Hallways. On Display through June 29. Mixed-race families open their doors to share lived experiences of Asian American Pacific Islander youth in Austin. Exhibit is co-curated by Lizzie Chen and the Asian American Resource Center. Lizzie Chen received Masters in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. As a first generation Taiwanese American, she is interested in capturing the stories of marginalized communities through photojournalism, such as the immigrant community. More info at lizziechen.com.
about the multicultural nature of the event and being able to “introduce my kids to new foods and new dances.” The organization works year-round to raise funds to provide not only school supplies to homeless students but also vocational education scholarships to students in need. This year, additional to the funds raised for school supplies, Hindu Charities for America awarded $78,000 in scholarships to more than 130 students. The organization’s work to help economically disadvantaged students since 2010 received special recognition last May. Founder and President Harish Kotecha was honored for this outstanding charitable work, receiving awards from both the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce and the White House. Hindu Charities for America received the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce’s “Outstanding Community Organization Award” on May 18, at their annual Ovation awards gala. The Ovation gala brings together over 700 businesses, leaders, individuals, organizations, and civic servants in an annual celebration of Asian Pacific American heritage and accomplishments and honors the most outstanding businesses, organizations and individuals in the Austin area. GAACC President and CEO Mariana Bhargava presented the award to Kotecha. Also recognized at the VIP table was Hindu Charities for America’s Vice-president
Dinesh Vakharia. A video recounting the achievements and service by the organization was played to the audience. Texas State Senator Kirk Watson sent a letter commending the work of the organization, calling the award “a tribute to the hard work and dedication” by Hindu Charities for America, and recognizing it as “truly an asset to our community.” The award recognizes the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, over 1,000 donors, over 100 business sponsors and others that support Hindu Charities for America in its mission to bridge income disparity through education with the philosophy of “Live Here, Give Here!” On the same day, Kotecha received the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Corporation for
National and Community Service and the Office of the President of the United States. The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor for volunteer service in the country presented to those who contribute more than 4,000 hours of service in their lifetime. The award honored him for his “lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteer service.” Hindu Charities for America recently expanded into California, receiving its certificate of qualification from the California Secretary of State on May 7. The charity plans to work with the Los Angeles Community College District to provide 15 scholarships to select economically disadvantaged students. TODO AUSTIN // JUN 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 05
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Something for everyone
JUNE 2018 AUSTINTEXAS.GOV/MUSEUMSANDCULTURE
16th Annual JUNETEENTH Celebration
FATHERS DAY IN THE PARK
George Washington Carver Museum June 16, 12-4 PM Border | Promise The Carver ‘s Juneteenth Celebration will feature live music, crafts and activities for kids, food, a marketplace with vendors, character interpretations, and more!
Zilker Hillside Theater June 17, 7:30 PM
1165 Angelina St, 78702 austintexas.gov/carver-museum
Austin Symphonic Band presents marches, patriotic melodies and other familiar works that will have your dad’s toe tappin’ 2206 William Barton Dr, 78704 austintexas.gov/zilkerhillsidetheater
J. MUZACZ & AUSTIN LOWRIDERS SHOWCASE
AFRICAN AMERICAN BOOK FESTIVAL
Dougherty Arts Center June 23, 11-3 PM
George Washington Carver Museum June 23, 10-4 PM
Cruise the Austin Lowriding Showcase and take a close look at the layers of candy coating containing original artwork on custom cars.
The pun-off consists of two punning competitions, Punniest of Show and Punslingers. Enjoy live music at 11a and the competitions that will run until 6p!
1110 Barton Springs, 78704 austintexas.gov/dac
1165 Angelina St, 78702 austintexas.gov/carver-museum
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 512-974-3914.
Upcoming evenTs: June 16, 7:30 p.m. The Sarah & Ernest Butler Texas Young Composers Concert Long center’s Dell Hall June 3–AugusT 26 Austin symphony Hartman Foundation “Concerts in the Park” Free for everyone! June 6–JuLY 25, 10:00 a.m. Austin symphony Children’s Day Art Park new location! Austin central Library s e As o n s p o ns o r
m e Di A s p o nsors
TexAs YoUng composers concerT
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Join the celebration of freedom this Juneteenth By TODO Austin staff
During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, with an effective date of January 1, 1863. Due to its isolated geography, Texas was not a battleground and attracted planters and other slaveholders migrating from eastern states to escape the fighting. Many brought their slaves with them, increasing by the thousands the number of slaves in the state at the end of the Civil War. These slaves were not affected by the Emancipation Proclamation unless they escaped. Juneteenth or Freedom Day is a historically significant celebration in Texas. It was on June 19, 1865, when official news of freedom were brought to Galveston by Major General Gordon Granger: “The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free,” read General Order Number 3. “This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer.” The importance of Juneteenth continues to be celebrated to this day and there are plenty of community events happening in Austin for all to join in the festivities. The Greater East Austin Youth Association, a non-profit organization that provides structured sports activities for economically disadvantaged youth, organizes the Central Texas Juneteenth celebration every year. The 2017 program, scheduled for Saturday, June 16, features a day full of fun for everyone. The 2K Emancipation Run/Walk begins at 9:30 a.m. with participants starting at Comal St. and MLK Blvd. The community is invited to join families, friends, neighbors, organizations and businesses to raise awareness about the increasing prevalence of health disparities within the AfricanAmerican community. To continue the day’s festivities, the community comes together for an all-day Juneteenth Park Celebration at Rosewood Park (2300 Rosewood Ave.) with food vendors, exhibits, and live music from gospel to Hip-Hop to R&B, with a children’s area. For more information on the Greater East Austin Youth Association’s program, go to juneteenthcentraltexas.com. Miss Juneteenth Pageant The 2018 Miss Juneteenth Austin Pageant, benefiting the Greater East Austin Youth Association, will be held on Saturday, June 9 at
Huston-Tillotson University. Attendees are invited to an elaborate ceremony. Beginning with the Miss Juneteenth Pageant at 5 p.m., the audience will witness a fun-filled production presenting this year’s contestants. Centered around “Year of Formation,” the show will focus on accepting inner strength, welcoming power of sisterhood, unity and embracing the pride of Greater East Austin. Immediately following the pageant, there will be a Queen’s Mixer to formally welcome the 2018 Royal Court. The queens will meet and mingle with guests while enjoying food, great music, photos and more. Guests are asked to arrive to the KingSeabrook Chapel at least 30 minutes prior to show time to take pictures on the red carpet and grab their seats. Dress atire is semi-formal or Afro-chic. Carver Museum’s Juneteenth Celebration The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center invites the community to join in the festivities Saturday, June 16 from noon- 4:00 p.m. at 1165 Angelina Street. African American/African Diaspora food vendors, artists and artisan-quality craftspeople will participate in the Juneteenth Marketplace. The Carver’s Juneteenth Celebration also features a familyfriendly environment with live music on two stages, crafts and activities for kids, character interpretations and more. Juneteenth Rhythm and Ribs Festival The Voice Inc. and the City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department are joining forces again for the 10th annual Round Rock Juneteenth Rhythm and Ribs Festival in the evening of Friday, June 15, and a full day of entertainment on Saturday, June 16. This is a free event at the Lakeview Pavilion in Old Settlers Park Lakeview Pavilion for the entire family and only $5 to park. Parking fees go right back into the Juneteenth event to keep the event open for all. Sponsored by 95.9 RnB Austin Radio, the festivities begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 15, with an opening ceremony at 7:45 p.m., featuring international headliner Doug E. Fresh at 10:30 p.m. The entertainment on Saturday kicks off at 2:30 p.m. with Probable Cause, followed by The Levites at 5:30 p.m., Don diego at 7:30 p.m. and Next Town Down at 10:30 p.m. There will also be a health fair, moonwalks, clowns, games, food, retail vendors and much, much more. To get more information about the Juneteenth Festival and to register for the barbeque contest or vendor booths, visit thevoicerr.com.
Juneteenth Health Fest The Juneteenth Health Festival is purposed to celebrate health, wellness, and liberation in the African American community, the most vulnerable population in Austin/ Travis County. Huston-
photography by
Tillotson University will be hosting this free and open to the public event on Saturday, June 23 on its East Austin campus. With over 100 attendees since the first event in 2016, the 2018 event is expected to be bigger and better. The theme for this year’s event is Reproductive Justice, a term coined by reproductive justice which is a concept coined by black women in 1994, and pioneered by Loretta Ross and SisterSong since. SisterSong defines Reproductive Justice as “the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities.” There will be panels and sessions, and a wonderful line up of Black/African American health care providers and healers to come out and share their expertise with the community. Free lunch will be provided to the first 100 attendees, catered by Niella Catering. The BlaQ Mirror Series: Art exhibition and showcase Join this reflective arts showcase Thursday, June 7 from 6:30 to 9:30 for an evening of drinks, light bites, vibrant music, and visual gallery by some of Austin’s talented BlaQueer and Trans identifying artists. To open up the Austin Black Pride 2018 Celebratory Weekend – Austin Black Pride is debuting its newest initiative The BlaQ Mirror Series is a visual gallery and melodic showcase.
Montinique Monroe
The BlaQ Mirror Series is a reflective series which explores the role intersectionality plays in the work of black queer artists. Exhibiting artists include music and spoken word artists. The exhibiting artist will also grace the stages to reflect on their culturally rich visual collections. This event is free and open to the public of all ages. Refreshments will be provided. Alcoholic beverages are available for a suggested donation ($5 Donation – 1 drink; $8 Donation – 2 drinks; $12 Donation – 3 drinks). the drink menu includes JuiceLand’s Fun Punch and Kale Cumber, as well as non-alcoholic teas, sodas and water. event sponsors are the Cultural Arts Division, Juiceland and The Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce. First Annual Juneteenth Baller Bash Join this East Memorial High School event on Saturday, June 16 from 1 - 6 p.m. to keep the historical Juneteenth celebration alive in our community. This event will be a platform for local minority/small business owners in and around the Austin area, with hopes to bring the community together through the love of basketball. There will be a 3 on 3 tournament, three-point contest and old school versus new school. Food and local entertainment will be provided. Please contact event planner at (512)-769-6350 if interested in sponsoring this event. TODO AUSTIN // JUN 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 07
A close look into the Cultural Arts Division and how it supports local communities By TODO Austin staff
The arts have been a vital component of Austin’s character and reputation for decades. No matter the day of the week or the season of the year, the city always has something to offer, from an art exhibit to a play or musical to a comedy show or film screening. The City of Austin Cultural Arts Division plays an important role in supporting the vast array of activities available around town on a daily basis. The Cultural Arts Division develops and administers programs in support of Austin’s cultural community and creative industries. From opportunities to create public art to professional development workshops to funding for individual artists and arts organizations, Cultural Arts offers a wide array of services for local artists, residents and tourists alike. Here’s a very detailed description on the different components and programs that make up the division. COMMISSION AND EXHIBIT WORKS OF ART Art in Public Places Through the Art in Public Places percent-for-art ordinance, the Cultural Arts Division commissions artists to create public artworks for city-owned sites across Austin. Two percent of eligible capital improvement project budgets allow commission or purchase of public art for that site. AIPP offers many programs to inspire, train and educate artists considering the field of public art. The TEMPO programs (TEMPO, TEMPO Convergence, TEMPO 2D and TEMPO Refresh) allow artists to propose and create temporary artworks in a range of themes suitable for public display.
LaunchPAD public art peer-to-peer program offers professional development opportunities for local artists seeking a career in public art. Paired with established public artists, LaunchPAD artists gain public art expertise while providing services benefitting an AIPP project.
PROMOTE AUSTIN’S CULTURE & CREATIVITY Visionary Voices is a speaker series featuring celebrated public artists from across the country currently working on an AIPP commission. Hosted in partnership with Texas Society of Architects, the series illuminates the relationship between public art and public space. Artist-in-Residence Program embeds artists within City departments to develop imaginative approaches to delivering City services, and to create AIPP project commissions. The People’s Gallery The People’s Gallery exhibition at Austin City Hall is an annual, year-long presentation of work by local artists. This exhibition encourages public dialog and understanding and enjoyment of visual art. To take a virtual tour, visit austincityhall.oncell.com. PLAN FOR AUSTIN’S CULTURAL VITALITY In partnership with other City departments and organizations, CAD advocates for City policies that support equitable cultural participation and foster the growth and retention of Austin’s cultural spaces and creative vitality. Creative Space Development The Economic Development Department, of which the Cultural Arts Division is a part, works with public and private stakeholders to address issues of affordability for the creative sector. For instance, Artist Space Assistance Program provides grants to support arts non-profits facing displacement, code compliance issues, substantial rent increases, or other space-related financial pressures. Additionally, the Arts in Sacred Places is a partnership with Partners for Sacred Places to match artists in need of space with diverse congregations with space to spare. Creative Industries Development Cultural Arts Division works to develop Austin’s film, television, animation, visual effects, digital media and gaming industries, in partnership with local economic development, workforce, and financing organizations. The Creative Industry Incentives Program, including the Creative Content Incentive Program and Media Production and Development Zone Incentive, offers a range of incentives to qualifying film, television, video game, and visual effects projects. Partnership Programs
“Reflections”mural by Reginald C. Adams, African American Cultural and Heritage Facility 08 TODO AUSTIN // JUN 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
The Village of the Arts is a partnership among the City of Austin, Austin Independent School District, MINDPOP and over 40 arts and cultural organizations dedicated to student success through an arts-rich education.
The Artist-in-Residence Program embeds artists within City departments to develop imaginative approaches for community engagement and creative expression.
UNESCO City of Media Arts UNESCO City of Media Arts designation was conferred on Austin in 2015, confirming Austin as the first (and only) city in the United States to receive this distinction. As a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), Austin works individually and in partnership with other UNESCO cities to promote creativity and cultural industries, strengthen cross-participation in cultural life, and assure the integration of culture into urban development plans. The African American Cultural & Heritage Facility The African American Cultural and Heritage Facility supports Austin’s long-term commitment to protecting and enhancing quality of life for African Americans. It houses administrative offices, the Greater Austin Black Chamber and the historic Dedrick-Hamilton House Visitor Center. The facility features changing exhibitions, two iconic murals, a variety of classes and workshops. Its production room and meeting spaces are available to rent for rehearsals, auditions, and informal meetings.
The Core Funding Programs offer organizational and project support to local 501c3 arts and culture organizations, as well as qualifying individual artists and organizations. The Community Initiatives Program offers funding to support the marketing, production, and presentation of public performances and exhibitions by nonprofits arts and culture organizations, as well as qualifying individual artists and organizations. The Cultural Heritage Festivals Program provides funding to local 501c3 nonprofit organizations to strengthen the marketing, production, presentation, and funding of a culturally-specific festival. The Capacity Building Program provides funding to individual artists, unincorporated groups, and 501 (c) arts organizations with an annual budget less than $200,000 to support conferences, workshops, classes, travel, professional organization memberships, consulting and software.
FUND AUSTIN’S ARTS & CULTURE The City of Austin provides funding for cultural arts organizations and individual artists through the following programs:
Austin joins global cities for Leadership Exchange Program addressing urban affordability for the creative sector This June, representatives from the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department will join cultural leaders from around the world to explore and address global challenges facing creative communities. Funded by an award from Bloomberg Philanthropies and Google Arts & Culture, staffers from Austin’s Cultural Arts and Global Business Divisions will participate in the firstever Leadership Exchange Program, an initiative of the World Cities Culture Forum of which Austin is a member. Hosted in Toronto and led by the non-profit creative placemaking organization Artscape, the Exchange will bring together thought leaders from Austin, Amsterdam, London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Warsaw. The cities will explore urban affordability for
Fusebox by David Neumann
the creative sector and establish global best practices for retaining and growing affordable creative spaces. “The City of Austin recognizes the affordability crisis facing our citizens, including those in our creative community, and has identified this issue as a key priority,” said Meghan Wells, Manager of Austin’s Cultural Arts Division. “Participation in the Leadership Exchange Program will enable us to address this challenge with an eye toward what is working in other cities and develop creative solutions to add to our strategies and resources.” Cities are laboratories for the development of creative solutions. As Mayors around the world invest in cultural projects ranging from cultural facilities and arts programming, to affordable workspace, tourism, engagement and sustainability, the Leadership Exchange Program is an unparalleled opportunity to bring cities together for peer-to-peer learning. Members of WCCF are united in the belief that culture plays a critical role in addressing challenges facing creative communities, and the Leadership Exchange Program will be a catalyst for positive change globally.
The Lomax Archive – a hidden treasure of Texas folk music By Oren Rosenthal, Austin Music Commission
Right here in Austin sit 80 hours of Texas folk music recorded in the 1930s and 1940s. It’s currently on obsolete aluminum acetate discs stored at the Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin. But very soon, Texans and music lovers all over the world may have access to this treasure trove thanks to the Association for Cultural Equity. When you think of Texas folk music, you probably think of cowboy songs, AfricanAmerican field hollers, or perhaps the Tejano music blending Mexican melodies with the accordion sounds of Central Europe. All of these caught the attention of John Avery Lomax, a University of Texas at Austin graduate and professor who founded the Texas Folklore Society. In 1933, at the height of the Great Depression, Lomax and his son Alan, then 18, went out on the road to gather field recordings of Texas’ folk music. They had some state-ofthe-art equipment – a 315 pound phonograph disk recorder. Since rural electrification didn’t become common until Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal, they had to travel with their own generator for power. But they went all over Texas, from Brownsville to Austin to Abilene, and everywhere in between. The Lomaxes rightfully went on to earn fame as pioneers of American musicology. The artists they discovered and the songs they recorded have become part of the American folk canon. The recordings themselves, however, haven’t been available to the public because the discs they’re stored upon are fragile. I visited the Briscoe Center this spring and listened to
digital files from tapes of the discs made in the 1970s. Even though the audio quality was poor, the music took me to another time and place-it’s something that deserves to be accessible to all. As with any project of this scope, the effort to transfer, digitally restore, catalog, and disseminate the music will require financial support. The Association for Cultural Equity, a nonprofit organization that was founded by Alan Lomax to explore and preserve the world’s expressive traditions with humanistic commitment and scientific engagement, is raising money to get this done. To encourage philanthropic organizations to fund all of this, the Austin Music Commission--an advisory group for City council on music development issues--has passed a resolution to help the City celebrate its rich culture by supporting concerts that feature music from the Lomax archive. The commission is committed to lining up local venues, finding local musicians to get paid fair wages, and promoting concerts to the African American, Tejano and cowboy communities that created the folk tradition in the first place. The Austin Music Commission wants to hear this music played again today and share it with the communities that created it 80 years ago. As part of its duties to study the development of the music industry, assist in the implementation of programs to meet the needs created by the development of the industry, and review matters that may affect the music industry in Austin, the commission’s goal is not just the preservation of the music, but its revitalization. The Austin Music Commission is committed to further expanding the Lomax legacy with the support of the Association for Cultural Equity. This is the music of Texas, and it should continue to be played, heard and enjoyed by the Texans of today.
MUSIC INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT:
Bak Zoumanigui By TODO Austin staff Originally from Senegal, West Africa, Bak Zoumanigui has been an Austinite for close to 20 years. As a teenager, he was a dedicated music fan and an avid dancer and went out seven nights a week as soon as he turned 18. This gave him the chance to connect with DJs, bartenders, artists, venue owners, musicians and other local movers and shakers. Eventually, his reputation grew as a nightlife insider and became the go-to guy to find out what is happening around the city. In 2010, Zoumanigui launched The FeedBak as an open blog for people who partake or work in the nightlife to share their experiences, organized events and fundraisers around town featuring various local talents. In 2014, the blog turned into a weekly podcast featuring talks with local music leaders in the music, art, and entertainment industries. As of today, The FeedBak Podcast boasts 147 episodes, 172 guests and 30,000 downloads. TODO Austin: What role do you play in the local music industry? “I consider myself a connector and supporter. I am so fascinated with our local scene that I cannot help but stay on its pulse. With so much happening on any given day, my goal is to help people navigate the Austin scene, from recommending events to strangers, visitors, and friends to giving a voice to the people who make up the Austin scene through my podcast.” TODO Austin: What about Austin inspires you to work in the music scene? “I am a strong believer that everybody has a story to tell. I have spent countless hours talking with people who make up the music scene and I find their journey fascinating. Although they have a lot to say, they have no place to express themselves. That’s how the FeedBak came about. As Austin grows, people need even more guidance on how to navigate the Austin scene. I feel that it is my duty to show them the way. There are people in the city with great talent and have a passion for their art. My passion is to give back to the city that adopted me.” TODO Austin: Tell us about your most recent or upcoming projects.
Alan Lomax
Bak Zoumanigui
“In 2017, my business partner Rob Stuart and I launched AustiNight, a service that provides curated and hassle-free experiences by packaging an exclusive dinner at a local restaurant, VIP access to live music events and door-to-door luxury transportation. We have partnered with some of the most well-known live music venues and restaurants including
Antone’s, Empire Control Room & Garage, Cedar Street Courtyard, Péché, Wu Chow and Russian House. Our mission is simple: to make it easy for locals and visitors to experience the best of Austin and support local culinary and music scenes. After a short hiatus, The FeedBak Podcast has returned and is now taped in front of a live audience upstairs at Native Hostel every 1st Sunday of the month.” TODO Austin: What kind of initiative or change would you like to see happen in the music industry so it can continue to live up to its reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World? “I think the music scene has a fragmentation problem. There are too many players but not enough teamwork. All music-related information should be centralized and updated on a regular basis. This could take the form of a website that curates a list all the different elements of our scene, from media to venues to tech companies. I also believe that corporations that choose to be in Austin should contribute even more to its music scene... Also, I think there should be ways (not necessarily monetary) for the City to collaborate or partner with local companies who are thriving to keep Austin the Live Music Capital of World... As a rapidly growing city, Austin should adopt a no-more-free-show policy across the board to change mentalities over time about the cost of live music.” TODO AUSTIN // JUN 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 09
To Do Música BROWN SOUND NEWS
| By Liz Lopez
Singer-songwriter/violinist Carrie Rodriguez and Grammy award winning multi-instrumentalist/ producer Michael Ramos are inviting you into their own musical Laboratorio. With the help of Grammy Award winning bassist/producer Roscoe Beck and drummer Rafael Bernardo Gayol (who made up the acclaimed rhythm section of Leonard Cohen’s touring band for many years), and guitar virtuoso David Pulkingham, they’ll be pushing the boundaries of Latin music, creating culturally blended music for a culturally blended world, with a different special guest each month. Wednesday, June 6 Laboratorio featuring Miles Zuniga of Fastball at 8 - 11 p.m. Cactus Café, 2247 Guadalupe St. Tickets at cactuscafe.org. --Mobley is celebrating the release of his new record “Fresh Lies, Vol. I” with a Homegrown Live show. Alesia Lani and Mamahawk will open up the show. Mobley will be giving away the guitar he used to make the record at the show. To enter the giveaway, buy advance tickets through eventbrite. com. Doors at 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 2 at Mohawk, 912 Red River St. --The Puerto Rican Cultural Center is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance in Austin at Celebrando 2018 - Festival de Salsa y Bomba de Loiza. Live music by Raul Ayala and Marcos Penaloza Pica of Los Hermanos Ayala and Orquesta Trabuko and performances by Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance and Guayili de Boriken (Killeen) and PRFDance students. Doors 6 p.m., show 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 9 at The Ballroom at JCC Austin, 7300 Hart Ln. casita.prfdance.org. --Esquina Tango offers weekly classes on Salsa, Argentine Tango, Samba, Rumba and more. No partner, experience or pre-registration needed and there are discounts for students, seniors, neighbors and members. Weekday classes begin at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. 209 Pedernales St. esquinatangoaustin.com. --The WEPA Cumbia Roots Festival returns after a new tradition was started in 2017. The aim is to facilitate an international platform to the elders and youth of the different Colombian traditions tied to Cumbia. This year’s lineup: Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto ft. Yeison Landero; Trapiche de Colomboy; Fabuloso Sexteto Caracha; La Rueda de Madrid; Son de la Provincia; Superfónicos; and Kiko Villamizar. Saturday, June 9 at 2 p.m. (doors) - 11:30 p.m. Kenny Dorham’s Backyard - Diverse Arts, 1106 E. 11th St. For more information, visit Wepa Festival on Facebook or kikovillamizar.com. --Fairbanks & the Lonesome Light are Erik Flores and Amelia Rose Logan, writing songs dressed in two-part harmony with the kind of spark that could light your day…or your cigarette. The band is a backyard duo that grew into a sweeping fivepiece outfit with musical temperaments veering between Indie Rock and Classic Americana. 10 TODO AUSTIN // JUN 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
Guitars, mandolin, drums, bass and pedal steel create the space where their stories play out. They are playing local shows at Stay Gold and Sam’s Town Point, but follow them on Facebook to catch their upcoming shows this month. R E C O M M E N D E D
Carrie Rodriguez
S H O W S
Flamingo Cantina presents Cecilia + The Broken Hearts (9:30 p.m.); Ex Romantika (10:45 p.m.) and Chief Perch (12 a.m.) in concert. Enjoy these three amazing bands as they bring you a mixture of Cumbia, Afro, Funk, and R&B inspired music. Get ready to move to the groove! $10 at the door (no pre-sale tickets). Friday, June 1. Doors open at 9 p.m. Flamingo Cantina, 515 E. 6th St. --Galeano Band has a residency at Antone’s (305 E. 5th St.), every Tuesday in June. Come on out and dance starting at 9:30 p.m. No Cover. --Pedro’s Place presents La Moña Loca Wednesdays in June. Joined by DJ Jose Santoyo, they will keep the dance floor moving until 2 a.m. Doors at 9 p.m. and cover is $8. One-2-One Bar, 1509 S. Lamar Blvd. Ste 600. --The Austin Traditional Jazz Society (ATJS) presents their final performance for the year with their AllStar Jazz Band. The band is made up of some of the most talented musicians of the season, featuring Ben Saffer (clarinet); Larmon Maddox (cornet); Kris Vargas (cornet); Dave Stoddard (trombone); Mark Hess (piano); Bobby Black (banjo); Bill Troiano (tuba); Ed Torres (drums). Admission is free for ATJS members and $5 for Austin Swing Syndicate and Austin Jazz Society members. $10 General Admission, $5 Students with ID. --Party for Chica Power is the follow up to last year’s
Latinitas’ anniversary Quinceañera, and will be an evening of signature cocktails, dinner, music from the Chulita Vinyl Club DJ collective and a kermés-themed celebration. Latinitas will present its 1st Chica Power Award, sponsored by Bumble, to a Latinitas’ alum who is applying a “super chica power” she gained through Latinitas media and technology education programs in her everyday life. Saturday, June 16 at 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. Austin Central Library, 710 W. Cesar Chavez St. --Groovin’ River is a cross-genre music performance that bridges many types of Americana into one unique groovin’ sound. With Zoe Mullican, Wild Man Dave, Norm Ballinger, Jorge A. de Armas and, on saxophone, special guest Mike Stinnett. Saturday, June 2 at 7:17 - 9:31 p.m. Patsy’s Café,
Introduction To Machismo By René Castro Machismo is something that every Latino has heard of. For men, it typically raises its head during our teenage years. We become so determined to show how manly we are, to differentiate ourselves from the girls. We play outside with our cousins and if someone gets hurt, “No llores! Si lloras, te pego!” As we get older, men tend to internalize lessons on manhood that are promoted by our environment and our entertainment. We learn that men have a very particular role to play in the household, and it’s the leader (by default). If you are not a leader, then you are not a man.
Mobley
The number of articles written about how machismo hurts women is vast. Men
5001 E. Ben White Blvd. groovinriver.com. --Sonideros Ecléticos is a showcase of musicians (Huerta Culture, Los Timberos del Norte, Como las Movies and Ex Romantica) that will provide a Latinstyle dance party in the backyard. Take in some cultural sounds that you can’t help but dance to. Beer, Via 313 Pizza, and Cumbia is a great way to spend Saturday, June 16 from 3:30 p.m. - 12 a.m. at Craft Pride, 61 Rainey St. --Dúo Sentimiento Latino in concert, brought to you by Trajes Típicos de Latinoamérica, will be performing on June 3rd at Esquina Tango. Doors 2 p.m. and concert 3 p.m. GA $25 (no presale tickets); includes refreshments.
think of machismo as a system by which everything will have order. If men have their rightful place as the head of families and governments, then all will be in its proper place. This line of thinking insinuates that when women try to take charge, when they pursue their careers or education, that’s when the world turns upside down. You can call this patriarchy, or machismo. They function the same way. Men have only recently begun to look at the problems that ail us as a gender. Projects like “A Call to Men” and “Man Enough” are trying to get men to open up and learn new ways to be manly that don’t subject men to harmful stereotypes. Over the next few months I will be delving into machismo: Where does it come from? How does it function? What keeps it alive? Could it ever be a good thing? We may not find definitive answers, but to explore something is to look it in the eye, and in this instance it’s long overdue.
CELEBRATING
DIVERSITY
BRIDGE2BRIDGE From Montopolis Bridge to 360 Bridge, Everything Austin
Come experience the live orchestra that brings to life the living paintings of artist George Seurat at Sunday in the Park with George. Seurat, known for juxtaposing points of multi-colored paint to allow the viewer’s eye to blend the colors, connects the dots that make life so passionate, unexpected, heartbreaking, and ultimately rapturous. Shows through June 24. zachtheatre.org.
SANGRE DE UN ÁNGEL PAN AM RECREATION CENTER
Experience the dynamic nature of Comanche culture through the paintings of Comanche artist and historian Eric Tippeconnic on June 1 at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Engage with the symbolism and meaning in each painting through hands-on interactives for all ages, including a scavenger hunt, a pattern-making activity and more. thestoryoftexas.com.
Bubblepalooza The Long Center
If there’s one thing that Austinites know for sure, it’s that summer in Austin is big. Good thing Bubblepalooza is back June 3rd from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. to kick off the Long Center’s All Summer Long series of free community events. This annual celebration of open play on the Long Center’s front lawn is perfect for families of all ages, with live music, games, arts and crafts, trailer food, and of course—tons of bubbles! In partnership with HEB, this year’s bubble-tastic activities will include Bubble toys from Toy Joy for plenty of bubble-making of all sizes, giveaways and games with Do512 Family, ambulance tours with St. David’s, a giant rock climbing wall, trampolines, face painting, giant bubble making, foam pits, chalk art, garden starter kits, giveaways, free All Summer Long swag and more. You can’t miss it! Enjoy live music by Big Don, Trout Fishing in America, and The Saddle Sores (White Ghost Shivers), a special performance by Summer Stock Austin students. Families will also have an opportunity to take pictures with H-E-Buddy. Please, no outside food or beverages. Parents with children under five years of age are welcome to bring food/beverages for their children. Concessions and food trucks will be available for all to purchase and enjoy. Make sure to find your hat, bring plenty of sunscreen and load up the car because the Long Center community will be expecting you. See you there, and remember to check out the rest of the Long Center’s All Summer Long events at thelongcenter.org.
The ROT Rally has brought bike riders and enthusiasts from all 50 states and international locations to Austin for the largest “turnstile” motorcycle bike rally in the U.S. This year’s ROT Rally is on June 7 - 10 and has something for every motorcycle enthusiast to enjoy. For more information on tickets and attractions, go to rotrally.com. The Long Center and KUTX’s Sunday Morning Jazz present Gregory Porter: Nat “King” Cole & Me, Wednesday, June 20 in Dell Hall. Experience this twotime GRAMMY-winning vocalist’s stunning, heartfelt tribute to the legendary singer pianist, Nat “King” Cole. For ticket info, please go to thelongcenter.org. This year, the Austin Ice Cream Festival features two uniquely Austin events. First, a daytime, family-focused festival with mounds of ice cream and frozen treats from local favorites and national brands, contests and more. After Dark, there is an after party with headlining live music from Lee Fields & the Expressions and others along with frozen treat samples, boozy frozen cocktails and more. austinicecreamfestival.com. Netflix presents Mo Amer on June 28 at the Paramount Theatre. Mo Amer is a global standup comedian from Houston. He has performed hundreds of shows with Dave Chappelle over the past five years, including at Chappelle’s historic Radio City Music Hall residency and multiple Netflix special tapings, as well as Austin City Limits. austintheatre.org. This Saturday, June 30, John Prine returns to Bass Concert Hall. Prine is an American country folk singersongwriter and has been active as a composer, recording artist, and live performer since the early 1970s. Known for an often humorous style of country music that has elements of protest and social commentary, this is a show you can’t miss. texasperformingarts.org.
Teatro Vivo proudly presents Sangre de un Ángel, a play by Roxanne Schroeder-Arce, directed by Si Mon’ Emmett, and presented at the Oswaldo A.B. Cantu Panamerican Recreation Center. Ángel is a rebellious teenage boy. Despite the efforts of his loving and supportive family, Ángel seeks the approval of his troubled friends and their crew. He is encouraged back to school by an auto-mechanics teacher who gives him the opportunity to rebuild a classic 1957 Chevy. Eventually, Ángel begins to open up to his family and a hopeful future, but trouble follows him home when angry young men come looking for him. Sangre de un Ángel is inspired by the true story of Adam L. Chapa Sr., who was shot in his driveway by a teen gang member in East Austin on March 25, 1998. “This play is especially important for young adults,” says Emmett, who is also a cousin of Adam Chapa. “Teenagers, teenagers of color most importantly, don’t often see themselves represented in professional theater in a way where we can see the multiple elements of their lives influencing their decisions. Their stories are important.” Sangre de un Ángel is being presented to the public for free June 1-3. Show times are June 1 at 8 p.m., June 2 at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and June 3 at 8 p.m. at the Outdoor Hillside Theatre, 2100 E. 3rd St. A native of Dallas, Emmett is an alumna of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. She has recently graduated with a B.F.A. in the UTeach Theater program at The University of Texas at Austin, and is a certified Texas Educator. More information at teatrovivo.org. TODO AUSTIN // JUN 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 11
HOW TO LEAVE NO TRACE:
PLAN AHEAD & PREPARE When visiting an outdoor space in Austin, be sure to Plan Ahead and Prepare. Read up on your outdoor destination’s rules and regulations, check the weather, and always pack enough water, sunscreen, and emergency supplies. Learn more ways to #LeaveNoTrace and protect Austin’s natural spaces at austintexas.gov/leavenotrace.
AUSTINTEXAS.GOV/LEAVENOTRACE