Un Camino
HC4A Gala raises over $70,000 Interview with Author Kevin Kwan BettyFest 2018 Austin Area Jazz Festival
AUSTIN MUSIC MOVEMENT SURGES FORWARD L to R: Mark Del Castillo, Bruce Castleberry, AJ Vallejo, Rick Del Castillo, Omar Vallejo. — Photo by Gary Miller
www.todoaustin.com VOLUME X / NOV 2018
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
Independent Lens Served Like a Girl Follows a few female veterans as they compete for the crown of Ms. Veteran America. It takes a closer look at issues facing women who served in the military.
Monday, Nov.12 at 10 pm
A Song for You: The Austin City Limits Story
Nature Snow Bears
Take a sweet-sounding peek behind the music of the PBS series Austin City Limits, the longestrunning music show in television history.
Set against the backdrop of the Arctic, watch the extraordinary adventures and life-changing journey of newborn polar bear cubs as they leave their den for the first time.
Saturday, Nov. 24 at 7 pm
Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 7 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
Campaign finance website Austin’s Office of the City Clerk has launched a new website that allows the public to more easily search campaign finance data. The site makes it easier for users to navigate campaign finance reports filed with the Clerk. Campaign finance filings are required of people seeking office, current office holders, and political action committees.
foam recycling at the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center, accepting rigid plastics #1–7 in curbside recycling, facilitating business-to-business reuse through the Austin Materials Marketplace, and supporting circular economy businesses through the Recycling Economic Development Program.
Austin Fire Chief Joel Baker.
Report finds LGBTQ people are Often Unseen but Frequently Incarcerated The Texas Criminal Justice Coalition released the third report in its “One Size FAILS All” report series. The report, Out of Sight: LGBTQ Youth and Adults in Texas’ Justice Systems, explores how the Lone Star State often fails to adequately address the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Texans, and instead frequently moves them into the youth and adult criminal justice systems at higher rates than people in the nonLGBTQ community. Furthermore, TCJC’s report finds that Black and Latinx LGBTQ individuals are disproportionately represented in the justice system. The report offers lawmakers and local communities critical recommendations that will help improve outcomes for LGBTQ youth and adults, while urging that resources must be better spent addressing the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations. LHCF targets breast cancer A new collaboration is taking place between Susan G. Komen and the Latino HealthCare Forum. Launching in November, the “Tómeselo a Pecho Austin” campaign will target the Latino and Spanish speaking women of Travis County to provide education on breast health and availability of free mammogram services in their communities. “Our new campaign will help increase access to mammograms and breast health education for women who live, work and attend schools in Travis County,” said Jill Ramirez, President and CEO of the LHCF.
City joins ‘new plastics economy’ Mayor Steve Adler and the City of Austin have joined the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment. The Global Commitment aims to create “a new normal” for plastic packaging by fundamentally rethinking the way we make, use and reuse plastic materials. Targets align with Austin’s Zero Waste goal and support existing City efforts to reduce plastic waste, including offering plastic film and
Windsor Park Branch reopens The Austin Public Library, Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr., will reopen on Monday, Nov. 5, after being closed several months for a complete renovation. The public is invited to a reopening celebration from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9 at the Windsor Park Branch. Austin City Council Member Ora Houston, District 1, is expected to attend.
Austin’s MULTICULTURAL media source for TEN YEARS • Find us at TODOAustin.com
Volume X, Number 07
Baker named new Fire Chief Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk has selected Joel Baker to be the next Fire Chief for the Austin Fire Department. Baker has more than 30 years of experience as a firefighter in the Atlanta area, most recently serving as the Fire Chief for the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. “Chief Baker’s dedication to public service, vast experience, and demonstrated leadership in Atlanta are all reasons I am proud to have him lead our fire department to keep our residents and community safe,” said Cronk. “I am grateful to the stakeholders and the community for their contributions to the hiring process.”
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
Cultural Arts announces season two of Visionary Voices
For Visionary Voices, Fornes will discuss his upcoming installation for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Art in Public Places (AIPP) and Texas Society of Architects announce the second season of Visionary Voices, the popular speaker series featuring celebrated public artists from across the country. Launched in 2017, the series encourages thoughtful consideration of the role of public art and its relationship to public spaces. The lectures also highlight the featured artists’ bodies of work and offer a sneak peek at commissions they are executing for the City of Austin.
On August 13, Brooklyn-based Janet Zweig will discuss her upcoming project for the new Barbara Jordan Terminal at Austin Bergstrom International Airport— an immersive, interactive installation tentatively scheduled for completion in late 2019. Zweig’s public works include a performance space in a prairie on a Kansas City rooftop; a sentence-generating sculpture for an engineering school in Orlando; and a 1200foot frieze at the Prince Street subway station in New York. Her sculpture has been exhibited at institutions including the Brooklyn Museum of Art, PS1, and the Walker Art Center, and she has been awarded a Rome Prize Fellowship and NEA fellowships, among other accolades.
On January 19, Austin artist Laurie Frick will launch the new season with a discussion of TEMPO Refresh, her intervention or “refresh” of Carl Trominski’s Moments, from the City’s public art collection. For this project, Frick was invited to reimagine Trominski’s “blue signs” stationed along the Lamar Bridge Underpass. The resulting installation reflects Frick’s preoccupation with data and her focus on hand-built art sourced from digital algorithms.
On October 15, local artist Fidencio Duran rounds out the 2019 season. Duran’s expansive murals transform personal and neighborhood memories into visual celebrations that honor the history of his family and the Latinx community. Duran will discuss his upcoming installation for the new Montopolis Recreation and Community Center and his additional role in the project as curator and artist mentor for other art projects scheduled for the facility. All lectures will be held at 6 p.m. at the Texas Society of Architects building at 500 Chicon Street, Austin, and are free and open to the public. Parking is available onsite.
Austin artist Laurie Frick. KUT photo.
On May 14, French-born, Brooklyn-based architect and designer Marc Fornes will be featured. He is a leading expert in computational design. His solo projects, and those with his studio, THEVERYMANY, include collaborations with Louis Vuitton and Yayoi Kusama and the late Zaha Hadid. His prototypical structures and unique organic environments are included in the permanent collections of the Centre Pompidou, the FRAC Centre and other institutions. CONTRIBUTING STAFF // Anwuli Chukwurah, Rose Di Grazia, Callie Langford, César E. López Linares, Genoveva Rodriguez PRODUCTION SERVICES // Anthony Garcia CONTRIBUTORS // Alka Bhanot, Rick Carney, Roy Casagranda, Cat Cardenas, Cindy Casares, Lobo Corona, Nora De LaRosa, Laura Donnelly Gonzalez, Mark Guerra, Mari Hernandez, Ora Houston, Yadira Izquierdo, Chaille Jolink, Ryan Jordan, Ali Khataw, Ramey Ko, Harish Kotecha, Sonia Kotecha, Julia Lee, Lauren Lluveras, Isabel Lopez-Aguilar, Art Markman, Octavio N. Martinez, Cynthia Aashi Morales, Cristina Parker, Richard J. Reddick, Paul Saldaña, Peter Salovey, Marion Sanchez, Sameer Shah, Blake Shanley, Dani Slabaugh, Corey Tabor, Rama Tiru, Carola Rivera, Aaron Rochlen, Lesley Varghese, Luis H. Zayas
The series is presented by Cultural Arts Division, part of the Economic Development Department, which manages the City’s cultural arts programs and provides leadership for the economic development of Austin’s creative economy. The Division oversees the Cultural Arts Funding Programs, Art in Public Places Program (AIPP), programs to assist the development of creative industries in Austin, and initiatives designed to support the community’s unique cultural identity and vitality. For more information on this and other arts and culture programming funded by Cultural Arts, please visit austincreates.org. ONLINE EDITION // TODOAustin.com COVER PHOTO // Del Castillo and Vallejo by Gary Miller 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 // NOV 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 03
Fourth annual HC4A Gala raises $70k for 2019 Scholarships
4th Annual Gala, Akshay Mhatre photo
The Austin Asian American Film Festival will screen a selection of 2018’s best Asian and Asian American films during Feminine Identities: A Winter Showcase, at AFS Cinema from Nov. 6-14. With AAAFF’s 11th festival moving to June 2019, this showcase ensures that the Austin community has the chance to see two documentaries and two narrative features from this year’s most influential North American film festivals.
By Ashok Kumar and Harish Kotecha
Hindu Charities for America (HC4A) held its 4th Annual HC4A Gala on October 20 at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Austin. The event raised over $70,000 thanks to the contributions from table sponsors and their guests; “Dancing with the Stars” participants and their guests; Gala guests and a silent auction. All funds raised will be used for vocational scholarships and grants for deserving candidates with an economic need in Austin metropolitan area, in the spirit of HC4A’s motto, “Live Here, Give Here!” Sponsors contributed to the cost of the event. The Gala is the signature event of HC4A. All Gala tickets were pledged by early October, with over 450 guests attending the event. The two masters of ceremonies for the event were Sujata Ajmera and Sameer Shah. Guests of honor included Dr. Richard Rhodes, CEO/ President of Austin Community College and the honorable Steve Adler, Mayor of the City of Austin. Dr. Rhodes presented his speech and thanked Hindu Charities for the work it has been doing to bridge income disparity through education by providing vocational scholarships to economically disadvantaged students. Mayor Adler provided his felicitations and encouraged event guests to generously donate and make an impact in the lives of deserving students in the Austin area. Guests mingled, networked and socialized as part of the pre-event gathering. Harish Kotecha, founder and President of HC4A, kicked off the event followed by a video highlighting the impact of scholarships in the Austin area. Hindu Charities recognized the following individuals for their passion, unconditional commitment and support toward HC4A’s mission: Bhanu & Ashwin Ghatalia, Greater Round Rock Community Foundation; Srivas Venkatesh, Lakshmi & Subba Kondubhatla, Texas Homeless Education Office; and Jennifer Bloom Greenberg. After the speeches, a fundraising segment was led by Shruti Anand, HC4A Executive Board Member and Vijay Mohan Anantula, HC4A Foundation Board Member. Scholarship recipient Stephanie Mbulu, who will soon receive her nursing diploma, chronicled the impact that the scholarship had on her own life. Kotecha was also presented with HC4A Award in 04 TODO AUSTIN // NOV 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
AAAFF presents Feminine Identities: A Winter Showcase
recognition for his vision and leadership for Hindu Charities For America. The evening continued with a choreographers’ dance showcase featuring Agni Dance Company, Monsoon Dance, NrityaVarsha Academy and Sargam Dance. These dance schools choreographed event stars Vijay Mohan Anantula, Anita & Satyajeet Dodia, Ashok & Anita Kumar, Manjima Kundu, Nagavalli Medicharla, Sharmila with Bianca & Anushka Mehta, Jyoti Mistry, Smita Parikh, Malin Pathak and Nupur Sharma. A silent auction was held throughout the event, with items including signed pictures of sports personalities and presidents, gift certificates and jewelry. Perhaps one of the most memorable experiences of the evening was a three-course dinner that included entrees and multiple dessert options served in a scrumptious buffet-style dinner, catered by Taj Restaurant. The entire event was professionally video graphed and photographed by a dedicated media team. TV Asia covered the event, thanks to Seema Govil. Hindu Charities For America was conceived with the purpose of providing a platform to those living the American Dream to give back so that those living in economic hardships can rise and achieve the same American Dream. Founded in 2010 and registered as a 501(c)(3) non-denominational charity (all donations are tax deductible), HC4A has helped economically disadvantaged students by donating school supplies and vocational training scholarships in Austin metro area. The mission of HC4A is to “Bridge Income Disparity Through Education.” For more information on Hindu Charities for America, visit hinducharitiesforamerica.org.
Each film in this showcase explores various facets of Asian female identity. CAAMFest Centerpiece Documentary and Audience Award winner “Origin Story,” opens the festival on Nov. 6. Slamdance Official Selection “Fish Bones” screens Nov. 7. “Nailed It” screens Nov. 13. Finally, Cannes Best Screenplay winner and TIFF/NYFF official selection “3 Faces” closes the festival on Nov. 14. Directors Kulap Vilaysack (“Origin Story”) and Adele Free Pham (“Nailed It”) will attend the showcase in person for discussions following their films, and director Joanne Mony Park (“Fish Bones”) will join for a post-film Skype Q&A on Nov. 7. “We’re unbelievably excited to showcase these four films this year,” said Jenny Nulf, AAAFF Director of Programming. “Three of our films are directed by Asian American women, and our international title is a female-driven narrative that explores three generations of performers. The slate organically came to us, and we’re so proud to have such a diverse, beautiful showcase of talent from all over America and Asia.” “Origin Story” -Tuesday Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m. In the search for her biological father, comedianwriter-podcaster Kulap Vilaysack (“Bajillion Dollar Propertie$,” “Who Charted?”) turns the camera on herself in an emotional quest of selfdiscovery. Vilaysack confronts a complicated family history that looks back into her parents’ survival during the Secret War in Laos and their immigration to the United States. She revisits her childhood in Minnesota and travels to Laos
3 Faces
to find the biological father she never knew. Vilaysack described making ORIGIN STORY as “my way to break this cycle of trauma.” Marking her feature-length directorial debut, Vilaysack combines animation, family photos, and emotional conversations to create an intimate journey through memory, family, and Laotian American identity. Balancing humor with heartbreak, “Origin Story” invites viewers to take part in a tale that is both uniquely personal and universally human. “Fish Bones” - Wednesday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m. “Fish Bones” is an incredible debut about a young woman, Hana (played by Joony Kim), who is striving to find her own identity in a traditionally conservative family. Hana’s heart is torn in half when she meets Nico (Cris Gris), a stunning Latina music producer. This forces her to balance taking care of her ill mother, helping with the family restaurant, and exploring a new, exciting relationship. Park’s sensual experimental narrative is a slow and methodical film, plunging the viewer into an experience of fragmented memories that coalesce into a powerful ending. “Nailed It” - Tuesday, Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. Filmmaker Adele Pham explores her own mixedrace identity while discovering the origins of how Vietnamese Americans have become synonymous with nail salons in the U.S. “Nailed It” dives into the 80 billion dollar nail industry, from the humble beginnings of MANTRAP, the first Vietnamese nail salon to open in a predominantly African American neighborhood, to the future of the industry and how many Vietnamese nail salons are elevating the game. “3 Faces” - Wednesday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m. Winner of the Best Screenplay Award at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, this road movie portrays acclaimed filmmaker Jafar Panahi (“The White Balloon,” “Taxi,” “This Is Not a Film”) and renowned Iranian actress Behnaz Jafari (“The Chalkboard,” “Mokhtarnameh”) traveling to a rural village to find a distraught young girl whose family has forbidden her from studying acting. Both the mystery and the journey evolves into a calm yet profound exploration of tradition, patriarchy and female identity over generations within Iranian society. All films will screen at AFS Cinema (6259 Middle Fiskville Rd.). Tickets and more information about the showcase available at aaafilmfest.org.
Homeschool Action: Early Arrivals Of Asian Americans. Wednesday, Nov. 7 - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participating children ages 6-12 will be introduced to the immigrant experience of people from China, Japan, Philippines, Korea and India. Explore their journeys through story time, games, craft making, and Immigration Suitcase activity. If you had to leave your home country with a few possessions, what would you take with you? Call 512-974-1700 or email aarc@ austintexas.gov to register. $3.00 per child. Styles of Asia Fashion Show. Saturday, Nov. 17 - 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join the AARC and emcee Chikage Windler from CBS Austin for a style event featuring classic and contemporary Asian Pacific American fashions. Austin area cultural groups will showcase traditional Asian Pacific Islander clothing and a second runway show will feature the latest in fusion/contemporary stylings. Enjoy photos on the red carpet and snacks and beverages for purchase. This event is free and open to the public, but a RSVP is required for admittance. Doors open at 6 p.m. Runway shows: Classic (6:30 p.m.) and Contemporary (7:30 p.m.) Food for purchase. Young children may sit on parent’s lap. Seating reserved for teens and adults and will be first come, first available.
As caravan of asylum seekers approaches the U.S., immigrant rights groups condemn Session’s threat to keep immigrants indefinitely detained As a caravan of thousands of people seeking asylum approaches the U.S., Attorney General Jeff Sessions is preparing to make a move that would allow him to keep any asylum seeker detained indefinitely. Immigrant rights advocacy groups and community leaders across the country have joined to condemn Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ latest power grab to further take away the power of immigration judges, leaving the decision of whether certain immigrants, such as asylum seekers, should be released from detention solely to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The more than 50 organizations filed a “People’s Amicus Brief” detailing their opposition. “The actions of Jeff Sessions are yet another example of this administration’s racist and antiimmigrant agenda,” said Jacinta Gonzalez, Field Director for Mijente. “This decision would take away any opportunity for people to go before an immigration judge to present their case for bond, leaving the decision solely up to ICE agents, who have become President Trump’s national police force. This will lead to a massive increase
Friday, Nov. 2, 5-9 p.m. Día de los Muertos “La Alumbrada.” Altars throughout the grounds of the ESB-MACC will be illuminated with lights and marigold flowers as community gathers to remember their loved ones. The event will feature complimentary hot chocolate; musical performances by Mariachi Corbetas, the Samuel Lopez Group, and Mauricio Callejas; dance and drumming by Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklórico and Danza Azteca Guadalupana; live screen printing activity and cleansing rituals or “limpias;” artisan booths. Saturday, Nov. 3, 1-4 p.m. “Día de la Familia.” As the celebration of Día de los Muertos continues, there will be installations and piñatas provided by Las Piñatas ATX; youth activities such as papier mache, sugar skull decorating, and face painting; presentations on the history of Día de los Muertos; music by Mauricio Callejas and refreshments. Through Nov. 9 and Dec. 1. Altar Exhibit. The main focal point of Día De Los Muertos has always been the altars in memory of loved ones who have passed away. The community is invited to create an altar or add objects to the collective altar to honor family members, public figures, and local heroes who have passed. Indoors altars through Nov. 9; outdoors altars through Dec. 1.
in the number of people held in immigration detention, including those held indefinitely.” In early September, Sessions announced that he would overturn a precedent by the Board of Immigration Appeals in the decision known as “Matter of X-K,” which held that immigration judges have the power to release certain migrants on bond at a hearing. The last day to submit comments through amicus briefs is November 9. The brief describes why they oppose the Attorney General’s latest power grab, including the alarming nature of leaving this critical decision up to ICE agents. ICE has a documented track record of abuse. It is responsible for fatal medical neglect, collusion with private prison companies, lack of transparency and accountability, and a culture of violence and impunity. Most recently, the agency missed its first three deadlines for reporting to Congress about what detention facilities it uses to hold immigrants, only to finally release a list riddled with error and deception.
Subwaves: An Installation by Eto Otitigbe. Exploring both the physical and ideological shape of currents, Otitigbe uses sculpture, performance, and sound to probe the intersections of race, power, and technology. The exhibition will be on view through Feb. 28, 2019. Color & Form. Please join us for an opening reception and celebration of the Carver Museum’s 2018 EAST artists, Saturday, Nov. 10 from 2-4 p.m. Emerging artists Arielle Austin, Aimée M. Everett, and Kemi Yemi-Ese, featured in the exhibition, explore how creative languages grounded in figurative and abstract works facilitate the exploration of black womanhood in American society. From West African mystical traditions to sensual abstract works, these women interrogate issues of gender, race, and place in their creative practices. This exhibition is created in collaboration with Capitol View Arts. The opening reception is free and open to the public.The exhibition will be on view through Dec. 15. For more information contact us at 512-974-4926. That’s My Face Young Adult Film Series Free Screening. Little White Lie (2015). Directed by Lacey Schwartz and James Adolphus. Free and open to the public. Please call 512-974-3671 for film selection and more information.
values, civil rights, and judicial processes in this country” Gabriela Marquez-Benitez, Senior Organizer at Detention Watch Network. “We know this decision will be leveraged as a sinister justification to expand immigration detention and keep more members of our community in jail. We are ready to expose this abuse and fight against it at every turn.” The amicus brief was filed on October 29, and included over 50 organizations around the country, including national support from Mijente, Detention Watch Network, the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild, and the National Bail Fund Network. Mijente is a national Latinx digital and grassroots hub for Latinx and Chicanx movement building and organizing leading on mobilizing against
immigration enforcement and criminalization. Detention Watch Network is a national coalition of organizations and individuals working to expose and challenge the injustices of the United States’ immigration detention and deportation system and advocate for profound change that promotes the rights and dignity of all persons. RAICES is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that promotes justice by providing free and lowcost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees in Texas. Grassroots Leadership is an Austin, Texas-based national organization that works for a more just society where prison profiteering, mass incarceration, deportation, and criminalization are things of the past.
Advocates underscored how the asylum process is already failing people looking for safety and protection. This decision will only make it harder for people and their loved ones to access critical legal services, a struggle faced by the majority of 44,000 people incarcerated daily in immigrant jails and prisons. “Sessions, along with President Trump, are advancing policies that erode our democratic
NPR Photo TODO AUSTIN // NOV 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 05
One Road Austin concert highlights Austin’s music diversity
Nagavalli,Oliver Rajamani, Leti Garza and Kiko Villamizar delighted the crowd with traditional sounds of world music, from east-Indian soul to Latin rhythms.
Lesly Reynaga by Gary Miller
Josh Ross on vocals and Haydn Vitera on violin by Gary Miller
By Carola Rivera
“One Road Austin,” a kick-off concert produced by EPS Presents, celebrated Austin’s diverse music community and helped launch new music nonprofit EQ Austin last October. The concert, hosted by Mayor Adler, featured performances by over 20 legendary and upand-coming Austin artists, including Ruben Ramos, Vallejo,Del Castillo, Kevin Russell, Nakia, Peterson Brothers, Oliver Rajamani, Tiarra Girls, Lesly Reynaga, Naga Valli, and many more. The concert was a rare display of Austin’s diverse music community, featuring artists across multiple musical genres on one stage. Kicking off with young talent from The School of Rock- Austin, the night played out to be Austin’s own version of The Last Waltz highlighting Austin’s rich music heritage. Produced by Alex Vallejo from the three-brother, Austin-based band “Vallejo, the show included a house band made up of Jelly Ellington on guitar, Aric Garcia on drums, Cole Gramling on keyboard, Jonas Saks on bass, Matthew Holmes, aka Sweet Lou, on percussion, Mark “Speedy” Gonzales on trombone, Kevin Flatt on trumpet and Tony Brad on sax. The Peterson Borthers, Kevin Russell from Shiyribs and Nakia brought Austin’s classic blues to the house.
Oliver Rajamani by Arnold Wells Vallejo and Del Castillo by Gary Miller
Joining together onstage to perform an original song were rappers The Teeta, Deezie Brown and Harry Edohoukwa, proving hip hop and rap music is thriving in the city.
The most emotive moment of the night came when a tribute video to Austin’s own Donnell Robinson “MC Overlord,” which was gathered by long-time friend AJ Vallejo, introduced Robinson’s band to the stage.
Love & Chaos and Betty Soo incorporated Americana into the night’s set, while Candi Sanders and Tomar Williams from Tomar and the FCs reached the audience with funk and soul music. Jelly Ellington and Betty Soo by Arnold Wells
Harry Edohoukwa, Deezie Brown and The Teeta by Arnold Wells Mayor Steve Adler by Gary Miller
Tiarra Girls showcased their Latina pride through their politically charged new single, and Tejano legend Ruben Ramos represented the roots of Mexican-American music in Texas.
Tomar Williams by Gary Miller Council Member Renteria and Tiarra Girls by Arnold Wells Kevin Russell and Peterson Brothers by Arnold Wells
Special guests included Austin Mayor Steve Adler, District 3 Council Member Sabino “Pio” Renteria, SIMS Foundation Executive Director Heather Alden, Austin Music Foundation’s Jennifer Dugas, SXSW Planning Manager Catlin Whitington, and artist and producer Terrany Johnson, among others.
Lesly Reynaga boldly took on the stage with an original Latin pop composition, and Alesia Lani broke out her sultry rhythm and blues.
Haydn Vitera and Josh Ross from Black Heart Saints embraced metal and rock, and Vallejo and Del Castillo concluded the night together on stage for an unforgettable night of coming together.
EQ Austin’s mission is to stimulate cultural representation and foster economic prosperity in the creative sector through an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens. It is an outcome of a collaboration of the Austin Music Movement and the City of Austin’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) working committee, convened by Mayor Adler in 2017, to address the City’s Austin Music and Arts Omnibus report and is funded by Austin Music Movement. The report outlined challenges facing the city’s creative industries, describing the music and creative ecosystem as “a powerful means of connecting people that bridges linguistic and cultural divides, and is a vehicle for identity and expression like no other.” EPS Presents (Event Production Services) has been producing family friendly, community oriented festivals in Austin for over 15 years, with such classic events as Pachanga Latino Music Festival, Trail of Lights, Blues on the Green and Austin’s New Year Celebration. TODO AUSTIN // NOV 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 07
“Crazy Rich Asians”
author Kevin Kwan talks about Asian representation and Houston childhood By Yvonne Lim Wilson
“Crazy Rich Asians” has blown up into a cultural movement. It is the first film in 20 years featuring an all Asian cast, and with box office sales of more than $165 million it is also the highest grossing romantic comedy in ten years. Before the movies, there were the books. Author Kevin Kwan set out to tell a tale that was personal, but also entertaining, satirical and fun, launching a worldwide phenomenon. Kwan, who granted us an interview, will be visiting Austin Nov. 17 for a “A Conversation with Kevin Kwan” at the Long Center. Tickets at thelongcenter.org. TA: The books and films have become this huge cultural moment for Asian Americans and Asian representation in film. Did you have any idea that what you were writing could mean so much to so many people? KK: Absolutely not. It’s come as much of a surprise to me as it has to other people. When you set out to write a book there’s a madness involved. The chances of getting one published, to even attempt one is madness. I just had to write the story and I wanted to create something from my heart. It was something I wanted to share with my friends. Everything that has happened beyond that has been such an awesome surprise. I cannot explain it and I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. TA: It must have felt risky to write a work and produce a film with all Asians, and yet, I believe I had read somewhere that 80 percent of your readers were non-Asian. Was that a surprise? KK: It wasn’t [a surprise] in a way. One of the reasons I wanted to write the book is because I would go to book stores and not see myself represented. You can go to the fiction section of a book store and you normally see a collection of historical Asian novels... Amy Tan, Lisa See doing beautiful work; The Joy Luck Club is one of my favorite books. And then there is this other categorization of the Asian American assimilation experience. They are interesting, but it didn’t speak to me. I knew a very different Asia. I really wanted to write something about contemporary Asia, about the people I know: modern, interesting, educated people living their lives in Asia. I’m going to give it a spin and give it this one-percent crowd to make it fun and sexy. I felt the audience I wanted to speak to was the American audience who didn’t know this world. 08 TODO AUSTIN // NOV 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
It did not surprise me that Asian Americans were initially weary of the book. Having a title like “Crazy Rich Asians” was a bit provocative. I was in Austin in 2014 at the Texas Book Festival. There was a beautiful event reading, and I would say it was 99 percent Caucasians in the audience. I had a friend (who is Caucasian) buying a stack of my books in line trying to pay. A very stylish Asian lady in her mid-30s kinda gave her the stink eye and said, “That book is racist.” My friend asked, “Have you read it?” She hadn’t but she said, “Look at the title. It’s racist.” My friend, very sensitively, said “If anything this book breaks stereotypes.” There was skepticism from the wider Asian American community. It takes awhile for word of mouth to build. It was already catching on before the movie. By book two, I was seeing more than 30 percent Asians [at my book readings], and by book three, it was about half and half, depending where you went. You could see the Asian presences, and they were speaking up. TA: Moving from Singapore to Texas must have been so different. What was that like to have this great Asian representation on screens and then to come here where there’s little to no representation, or only stereotypical roles for Asians? KK: It wasn’t a consciousness I had. Singapore was already so international and multicultural. When you turn on the TV it was always a mix. We had a lot of BBC, American shows, mixed in with Hong Kong and it was very normal to see white and nonwhite, Asians. I grew up in a neighborhood that was very racially diverse. It was melting pot of cultures. So when I moved to the States, that was not a difference I felt. Turning on the TV was the same except there were 50 more channels. I wasn’t conscious of being a minority. I didn’t
Author Kevin Kwan by Jami Tarris
have that baggage that Asian Americans have had to face. Even in school, immediately on first day I made friends with everyone - black, white, it didn’t matter. The Asians were being strange to me and I didn’t realize why. The Asians had created a system of ordering because they had to be in this world where they knew what they could and couldn’t do. They knew they couldn’t talk to the captain of the cheerleading team, and I just blindly did whatever I wanted. I was seen as this strange outlier because I wasn’t Asian like them. I didn’t go out of my way to seek out the other Asians. I didn’t try to kiss the ring finger of the leading Asian... I just never fit in with the in-crowd and hung out with the weirdos in journalism and yearbook. I was the stereotypical “bad Asian”; I wasn’t in any honor classes. TA: What did you think of Houston when you landed at age 11? What were some of your first impressions? How did the rest of your family adjust to living in Houston? KK: I thought it was so strange. We were in the suburbs in Texas. I remember being at
Crazy Rich Asians protagonists Henry Golding and Constance Wu
our house, a surburban-y house. I remember walking outside and seeing the perfectly clipped front lawns, some with picket fences. It was so bizarre. In Singapore I grew up in a neighborhood where all the houses had gardens and gates and fences. They were pretty sizable plots. Here [in Clear Lake] they were sizable plots side by side; you could look out your kitchen window and see your neighbor. It was weird to be out at 2 p.m. and there’s not a person in sight: “Where the hell am I?” In Singapore, you would walk down to the hill, take the number 5 bus and reach the city. That took a bit of getting used to. In Houston, no one hangs out downtown. You have to get in your car and drive for 30 minutes to get downtown. There was a lot of joy and appreciation when we discovered Austin. There’s more of an urban area downtown in Austin where people mix and mingle; it’s teeming with life. TA: The Austin community had hosted the largest community activation event in advance of the film screening and pushed to sell out theaters for the #GoldOpen movement. Do you have a particular message or conversation you’re looking forward to having with a Texan audience as you come back to the Long Center? KK: Not really. I’m really best with Q&A. I hope people come ready with their questions. It’s always sort of nerve wracking to me - why would anyone want to see me? Do I need to learn how to juggle? Can we just show the movie? Austin has been so supportive, especially the local bookstores, like Book People since the beginning. It’s amazing to see that local support from a city that I love. I’m looking forward to it.
BettyFest empowers women in comedy By Carola Rivera
BettyFest 2018 will bring a night of fierce lady comedy, including improv, sketch, and stand up, to the Historic Scoot Inn on Saturday, Nov. 3. The event will benefit the important work of the Lilith Fund for Reproductive Equity. BettyFest celebrates the diverse voices of women empowering the Austin comedy community. The festival aims to provide a safe space for sisters in comedy to perform without limitation and promote discussion and collaboration among women from all walks of life. By encouraging women to perform for those who lift them up, BettyFest hopes to help them discover their weird, authentic selves and gain the confidence to grow as inspiring leaders in comedy.
Martin, My Secret Friend, Lilli + Molly, Girls Girls Girls, Say Uncle, That Time of the Month, Echo Lake Improv, Sheshesheshe – Improv, Carina Magyar, Roundhouse, Three on a Match, Lea’h Sampson, Martini Ranch, Arielle Norman, Garage, Loverboy Comedy, and Maggie Maye. Writer, producer, and comedian Meghan Ross, the host of the women-run late night show “That Time of the Month,” will be one of the event’s featured personalities. Currently directing and producing “An Uncomfortable Woman,” a dark comedy short film she wrote with Sam Stepp, she shares insights into the project.
In 2017, BettyFest had over 250 attendees and raised more than $3,700 for the Lilith Fund for Reproductive Equity and in 2016, BettyFest welcomed more than 200 attendees, raising more than $2,800 for SafePlace Austin.
“About a year ago, Sam [Stepp] and I started meeting up as writing accountability buddies,” Ross said. “During one of these meetings, Sam had just finished watching a disturbing amount of Lifetime movies on YouTube and we started discussing how they all have one theme in common: show women in pain, as a form of entertainment. We were both drawn to the dark comedy genre... Our idea developed further when we honed in on a woman dealing with her own personal trauma, and at the same time, experiencing the everyday behaviors of a patriarchal society.”
The 2018 lineup includes Arielle + Lindsey, Scraps, Minority Report, Nikita Redkar, The Rose – Improvised Elimination Dating Comedy Shows, Harlequin Improv, Angelina
When asked about the importance of having a crew made up entirely of women and people of color, Ross expressed her reasoning behind that choice.
“It’s taken a long time for the TV/film industry to realize the importance of diverse casting when it comes to telling stories from the perspective of people of color,” she satated. “But booking a diverse crew and staff continues to be an afterthought for many studios and networks... That’s why another priority on this project was to have a crew that reflects the inclusiveness of the cast. And for me, that extends to booking women in roles that are often exclusively filled by men on set. I’ve witnessed this gender inequality in previous work experiences in the TV industry, as well as in the comedy scene with show lineups.” BettyFest is co-produced by Lilli Lopez (Toxic Chakra improv), Kim Lowery (Loverboy improv) and Lindsey Moringey (SheSheSheShe improv). The co-producers have created a marathon-style comedy show featuring acts from around Austin and Central Texas. BettyFest
Red Bull Radio Presents: Welcome to Texas To celebrate Texas and the notable community of hip-hop artists and creatives within the state of Texas, Red Bull Radio is pleased to announce the first-ever “Welcome to Texas,” a week of comprehensive music programming, in-depth storytelling and compelling conversations with some of Texas’ most notable names, including Bun B, Khalid and more. Original programming will run from November 12-16 out of Dallas, TX on redbullradio.com. Welcome to Texas will engross fans and highlight the Texas rap and hip-hop communities, celebrating the legacy and future of local cities with programming all week long. A platform with roots in all genres far and wide, Red Bull Radio is no stranger to the hip-hop scene, with a wide range of programming airing daily worldwide, bringing the freshest beats and context to what’s new and now. Throughout the week, programming will present special guests, broadcast unique interviews, new and classic tracks, cultural commentary and more all paying tribute to and amplifying the city’s new and legendary
SURVIVE scenes and sounds to a global audience. Special mixes throughout the week will be provided by Dallas-via-Austin Lady Ja-Roq, Orion Garcia, Veronica Ortuño, and more. Led by Red Bull Radio’s seasoned hosts and co-curated with local Texas artists, experts, and voices, Red Bull Radio’s Welcome to Texas programming will feature exclusive, indepth interviews across several of their leading shows: FIRESIDE CHATS: Fireside Chats goes off the beaten musical path and leads to conversations
with mavericks from all walks of sound - diving deep into compelling conversations with the industry’s most creative minds. We will welcome special guests, Bun B and Lil’ Keke, who will both share their own stories within Texas hip-hop, followed by a conversation with Houston group Khruangbin. HEADPHONE HIGHLIGHTS: Headphone Highlights on Red Bull Radio takes a deep dive inside the playlists of the world’s finest artists, and checks unheard themes and five-star favorites for an insight into their musical minds. Broadcasting live, Headphone Highlights will
also hosts ladies-only improv jams, mashup shows and BettyNights throughout the year across Austin. The fifth annual BettyFest benefits the Lilith Fund for a second year in a row. The Lilith Fund is doing the groundwork every day in Texas to fight and protect women’s rights to equal access reproductive care. With Kavanaugh’s appointment to the Supreme Court and the overall mission of the MeToo movement, BettyFest is thrilled to partner with this organization to shed light on the fight for reproductive equity through comedy, an often male-dominated space. General admission tickets are $20 online and $25 on the day of the event. For tickets and more information, visit bettyfest.com. explore the playlists of Khalid, Trae the Truth, El Dusty, Sam Lao, Asian Doll, and Noz. PEAK TIME LIVE: Featuring Austin group S U R V I V E , widely known as composing the score for “Stranger Things.” Plus South Texas film directors Ronnie Garza and Charlie Vela. CHOICE MIX: We will dive deep into mixes from Orion Garcia, Veronica Ortuño, and DJ Lady Ja-Roq on Choice Mix, Red Bull Radio’s home for mixes from some of the world’s most forward-thinking DJs. COUNTER INTELLIGENCE: Red Bull Radio brings you the stories of record stores from around the globe - some famous, some wildly obscure. Straight from the storefronts and personalities who run them, Counter Intelligence will highlight Dallas’ T-Town Music & More. Operating since 1994, owner George Lopez will speak on the early days of Texas hip-hop and working with artists like DSR and Swishahouse label. ALL THE RAPS: Hosted by Red Bull Radio’s in-house hip-hop head Andrew Noz, the show highlights all the rap music with special TBC guests. For an updated schedule of what to expect from Welcome to Texas, go to redbullradio.com. TODO AUSTIN // NOV 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 09
To Do Música
archives from Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Asleep at The Wheel.
By Liz Lopez
“The Wittliff has always been about preserving the creative legacy of the Southwest,” said Coleman. “Tejano music is American music and is a large part of our region’s artistic legacy.” The Wittliff Collections are located on the seventh floor of Texas State’s Albert B. Alkek Library in San Marcos, TX. Eexhibition hours, directions, parking information are available at thewittliffcollections.txstate.edu. --BossBabes ATX and Chulita Vinyl Club present “Volume,” a collectively built library of zines, prints and vinyl records from the communities intersecting women artists and Texas music. Originated as a way to contribute to the preservation of regional women’s histories in Texas, “Volume” is a collectively-built library. Over the fall semester, vinyl, zines, books, and artist prints from the intersecting communities of women artists and Texas music will be collected. On the walls, you’ll find work by eight Texan visual artists, including Bodega Visual, Jasmine Brooks, Elizabeth Chiles, Anne-Lise Emig, Good Snake Experiential Design, Katy Horan, Whitney Devin ( all from Austin) and Ashley Thomas (Corpus Christi).
BROWN SOUND NEWS Austin-based artists are on the Tejano Music Awards Top 5 Nominees for the 38th annual Awards and Dance show this month. In the “Best New Artist - Female” category is Mia Garcia, an 11-year-old middle school student and the youngest TMA nominee in history. In the “Best New Artist - Male” category is Rick Fuentes (formerly with Ruben Ramos) and Stevie D Dominguez. Both Rick Fuentes & the Brown Express and Stevie D and The All Star Cast are also nominated in the “Best New Group” category. Also, formerly from the Austin area is Devin Banda who is nominated in the “Best New Artist - Female” and “Best New Group” categories. The show will be held on Saturday, Nov. 17 at the San Antonio Events Center, 8111 Meadow Leaf Dr. For updates, visit tejanomusicawards.com. --The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University has acquired one of the largest known collections of Tejano Music materials and memorabilia in existence from renowned musicologist and collector Ramón Hernández. Hernández has built his collection over 35 years while working as publicist, writer and photojournalist covering Tejano, orchestra, and conjunto music. Notable items include historic photographs, vintage concert posters, rare recordings, performance clothing, artifacts and instruments from true legends of the genre like Lydia Mendoza, Isidro López, “Little Joe” Hernández, Sunny Ozuna and Selena. “Hernández is universally respected in the Tejano music community,” said Wittliff Collections director Dr. David Coleman. “We are honored that he has chosen The Wittliff to care for his life’s work.” “This is a dream come true,” Hernández said. “It’s been an honor and privilage to work with The Wittliff Collections. The icing on the cake came when Bill Wittliff and David Coleman offered me a home for my collection. Now I know that my materials are in the best of hands, and they will serve as valuable research material for generations. I’m elated and thankful for this blessing.”
Beyond collecting prints, zines and vinyl, this evolving collection will recognize the power of choice and the reward of reciprocity. Through this collection of materials, they encourage a new generation to become their own agents of cultural awareness. They hope to openly share the tools, tracts, sounds and visions accessed from current and future ancestors with each other while building this library. To contribute to the “Volume” collection, drop off items at any upcoming #bossbabesATX (bossbabes. org/events) or #chulitavinylclubatx’s events through Nov. 15. Email the following to schedule a donation drop-off at thebabes@ bossbabes.org or hello@chulitavinylclub.com or send them to 4810 Oak Cliff Dr. Austin. The “Volume” exhibition is hosted by The Center for the Study of the Southwest (CSSW) and the Center for Texas Music History (CTMH) at Texas State University through Dec. 7. 605 North Edward Gary Street San Marcos, TX.
“This archive is vast,” said Texas music curator Hector Saldaña. “There are thousands of items dating back to the beginnings of the Tejano art form. Hernández was one of the first to see that Tejano music was not receiving broad historical recognition, and he decided to do something about it.” Mr. Hernández’s archive is a major addition to the newly-formed Texas Music Collection at The Wittliff, a collection that already boasts 10 TODO AUSTIN // NOV 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
Hector Saldana and Little Joe Hernández at The Wittliff panel
Chulita Vinyl Club Austin
--The 8th Annual “Tejano Idol” created and hosted by the Austin Tejano Music Coalition held the music showcase and presented Carlos P. Garcia with the Tejano Idol award on Oct. 7. Garcia is from Laredo. For details and more information about the contest, contact Aggie Saldana Sanchez, aaggie54@yahoo.com. RECOMMENDED SHOWS AJ Castillo will be on the patio of The Long Branch Saloon on Sunday, Nov. 11, 9 p.m., with pre-sale tickets available for $25. Get your tickets early as this show will likely sell out. 107 W Main Ave., Round Rock. For more information, visit AJ Castillo’s Facebook page. --Dia de los Muertos at Central Market North is an Austin favorite for the family. The celebration will feature the Austin Samba School and Las Monas de San Antonio! Prepare for the show complete with puppets, drums and dozens of dancers. Attend in your own Day of the Dead face paint and costume and join in on the dancing and celebration. Two sets on Saturday, Nov. 3 from 6 – 9 p.m. No cover charge. 4001 North Lamar. --Join the Round Rock Ballet Folklorico, along with Williamson County Hispanic Heritage Committee, City of Round Rock, Round Rock Arts, and Univision for the seventh annual Dia de los Muertos procession and festival, from 2
- 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 at Centennial Plaza, 301 West Bagdad. There will be activities for kids and art, craft and food vendors. Dress up in your finest character apparel. The procession/parade to Centennial Plaza begins at 5 p.m. at C.D. Fulkes Middle School. The procession will arrive at Centennial Plaza at 5:15 p.m. roundrocktexas.gov. --EsquinaTango presents Tango Night with live music by ProjecTango, a new orchestra in Austin. Enjoy a tango class (9 p.m.) and music (10 p.m.). ProjecTango assembles and invites Tango to take center stage. The group is created by Luis Angel Ibanez, originally from Mexico City and moved to Austin 26 years ago. In 1996, Ibanez immersed himself in music full time. He has a strong bond to Tango music since he was a young singer and his father asked him to sing Tango songs. ProjecTango will perform a beautiful selection of Tangos from the Golden Era, bringing this sublime art form more alive, for the delight of listeners, while also setting up the stage for passionate dancers, and for all Tango lovers. Members are Christina Steele (1st Violin); Rachel Horvitz (Cello); Isaac Pena (Musical Director); Ivan Garcia (2nd Violin); Mike Maux (bandoneon); Ollin Chaves (1st Violin); Ellen Piazza (2nd Violin); Daniel Durham (bass) and Luis A. Ibanez (voice). Snacks provided, and take your own beverage. Saturday, Nov. 24 from 9 p.m.- 1 a.m. Tickets are $20 or $15 with Esquina Tango membership or full-time university student. EsquinaTango, 209 Pedernales St. For info, email info@esquinatangoaustin.com or visit esquinatangoaustin.com. --AJ Castillo, Devin Banda, JR Gomez and many other Texas acts take the stage in the “Fall Classic – Conjunto vs Cumbia” in Gulf Greyhound Park, 5302 Leopard St in Corpus Christi. Saturday, Nov. 3. For details, call 979665-1923.
CELEBRATING DIVERSIT Y
BRIDGE2BRIDGE From Montopolis Bridge to 360 Bridge, Everything Austin
Austin Area Jazz Festival
The Austin Junior Forum presents the 36th annual Christmas at the Caswell House on November 1-8. AJF members spend approximately 2000 hours preparing for and hosting the signature fundraiser where guests shop for ornaments, holiday décor, jewelry, clothing, affordable gifts and gourmet foods. The event has helped distribute over $1.7 million dollars in grants to their partner nonprofit organizations. christmascaswell.org.
Interfaith Thanksgiving S A N J O S E C AT H O L I C C H U R C H For the past 33 years, Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) has brought the Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving service to the Austin community. The event is a unique opportunity for Austinites of all faith backgrounds to come together to give thanks as one community. This year’s service will be hosted by the Austin Catholic Community and held at San Jose Church (2435 Oak Crest Ave.) on Sunday, Nov. 18, at 4 p.m. iACT invites the public to the free, family-friendly event to hear prayers and practices from all of Austin’s faith communities, learn about and appreciate the beauty and diversity of Islam, and share in a reception after the service. Community organizations will share resources at tables during the reception. Food and refreshments will be provided but the public is invited to bring a favorite dish ready to serve and labeled for those with dietary restrictions. Area clergy members from all denominations are invited to join in the procession at the beginning of the service. iACT’s mission is to cultivate peace and respect through interfaith dialogue, service and celebration. The organization was created to build healthy relationships between the faith communities of Central Texas. The annual Interfaith Thanksgiving service finds clergy from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Baha’i, Unitarian, Sikh, and other faiths joining with secular, or simply spiritual seekers, each voicing their commitment to building a welcoming community. Collectively, the group believes that a future of peace and respect begins with individuals and that the work cannot be left to diplomats and dignitaries. It is essential that the faithful receive encouragement to play a leading role in the challenge of bridging the faith divides of our community and mediating interfaith conflict. For more information on iACT or Interfaith Thanksgiving go to interfaithtexas.org.
The Austin Powwow is a truly unique Austin experience that allows you to have a look into the culture and heritage of Native American people through dance, music, food, arts and crafts. This year’s event, held Nov. 3 at the Travis County Expo Center, features dancers from across the country and traditional dance competitions, as well as a native market and food court. Tickets are $7 at the door, and kids under 12 have free admission. austinpowwow.net. Join the Austin Celtic Fest for world-class fun for the whole family, Nov. 3-4 at Pioneer Farms in Austin, 12 - 7 p.m. In its 21st year of production and one of the few remaining festivals dedicated to Celtic traditions, the event showcases four stages of Irish, Scottish and Breton music, dance, sports, storytelling, workshops, and more. Tickets online only at austincelticfestival.org. On Saturday, Nov. 3 and Sunday, Nov. 4, come experience the 27th annual Fossil Fest with your kids to meet scientists, dig for fossils, check out specimens from around the world and participate in family-friendly workshops. The vent will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Tickets are $3 for adults, $2 for children ages 6-12, and children under 6 are free. astinpaleo.org. The 4th annual Austin International Drag Festival will take place Nov. 15-18. The world’s largest drag festival will feature two festivals in one. On Nov. 15, KingFest mini festival will celebrate Drag Kings. The full festival takes over Nov. 16-18 to celebrate everything Drag when hundreds of artists descend upon the city to entertain thousands with close to 400 performances. austindragfest.org. Big Medium’s East Austin Studio Tour is a free, annual, self-guided art event open on Nov. 10-11 and Nov. 17-18 from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. EAST provides opportunities for the public to meet the artists and artisans of Austin in their creative spaces. Come explore over 200 artist studios in East Austin presented by Big Medium, a non-profit organization dedicated to championing and cultivating artists and the contemporary arts. east.bigmedium.org. ThunderCloud Subs’ annual 5-mile run/1-mile walk Turkey Trot is a great way to work up a Thanksgivingsized appetite while giving back. Compete with the best of Austin or bring the kids for a more relaxed holiday jog Sunday, Nov. 22 at the Long Center. All of the proceeds from the Turkey Trot benefit Caritas of Austin, a local nonprofit dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness for people in Greater Austin. thundercloud.com.
The annual Austin Area Jazz Festival will take place Saturday, Nov. 24 at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. The festival showcases the importance of art, the impact of diverse cultures, and of course, the best in smooth jazz. The event also features a VIP wine experience. Legendary national acts will join talented up-and-coming musicians for a unique musical experience. This year’s lineup will satisfy even the most sophisticated musical palette. AAJF will present violinist extraordinaire Damien Escobar, a two-time Emmy Award winner who has been nominated for an NAACP Image Award; vocalist Chantè Moore, who has been nominated for Grammy and MCP Music Awards and has won the NAACP Image Award, Soul Train Award, UB Honors, and American Music Award; iconic saxophonist and eight-time Grammynominated artist Gerald Albright; Jeff Lorber Fusion, the Grammy Award winning band that brings the unique hybrid sound of jazz, blues, and funk; guitarist Nick Colionne, recipient of the Wayman Tisdale Humanitarian Award and International Instrumental Artist of the Year as well as nominated for Guitarist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year by the American Smooth Jazz Awards; and flautist Althea Rene, whose single, “In the Flow” was the first flute-featured #1 single on Billboard Music Chart and whose multiple singles have reached Billboard’s top 20. Vendors will provide food and drink, therefore, outside food and drinks will not be allowed. The participants of the 2018 Austin Area Jazz Festival will perform, rain or shine. With the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed. General Admission tickets are $45. The VIP Wine Experience is included with every $125 VIP ticket. For more information on Austin Area Jazz Festival, call 512.541.6297, email info@aajflive.com or visit aafjlive.com. TODO AUSTIN // NOV 2018 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 11
NOVEMBER 2018 AUSTINTEXAS.GOV/MUSEUMSANDCULTURE
NOV 2
5 - 9 PM
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Dia de los Muertos
Commemorate loved ones through a series of workshops, exhibits & live performances that reflect the special meaning and traditions among the Latino culture. 600 River St., 78701 austintexas.gov/esbmacc
NOV 16
NOV 3 - DEC 1
12 - 9:00 PM
Dougherty Arts Center Austin Sci Fi & Fantasy Artists The Infinite Worlds Exhibit highlights contemporary science fiction and fantasy artists working on a variety of projects ranging from sculpture to book covers. 1110 Barton Springs., 78704 austintexas.gov/dac
7 - 9 PM
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
Latinx & Literary Voices This series, directed by Ire'ne lara silva, the author of Furia & Blood Sugar Canto, will offer performance readings and master workshop. 600 River St., 78701 austintexas.gov/esbmacc
NOV 17
6 - 8:30 PM
Asian American Resource Center Styles of Asian Fashion show! Experience Asian Pacific Islanders culture through a fashion lens from area groups showcasing designs on the runway.
A home-grown, hand-pulled, screen printing cooperative. Hallelujah. The Artists Screen Printing Co-op, located in Austin, Texas, is a non-profit screen printing co-op founded in 2010. Our studio serves the needs of artists and designers who desire to share a common screenprinting workspace in which to collaborate and create original works of art in a modern, affordable environment.
Apply Today!
8401 Cameron Rd., 78754 austintexas.gov/aarc
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.
https://aspco.org/membership-info/apply-now
It has been a privilege and an honor to serve you! My home and my heart belong to the diverse, blended family of District #1. I’ll see you around the ‘hood. Remember it’s always a beautiful day in our neighborhood. Please stay involved! Sincerely,
Council Member Ora Houston, District #1