Prop. 1 The Wild Now Rick Treviño CelebrASIA
www.todoaustin.com
The ship has sailed.
VOLUME VIII / MAY 2016
Photo (L-R) Sarah Rucker, Jacey David, Lauren Bruno, Buddy Hachar, Brian Tanton, Rene De La Mora
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center 600 River St., Austin, TX 78701 512-974-3772
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MAY 2016 - FEATURED EVENTS: 39th Annual O. Henry Pun-Off Championships Saturday May 7th, 11am - 6pm, Brush Square Museums Enjoy wacky wordplay from competitive punsters!
409 E. 5th Street - www.ohenrymuseum.org
A Tribute to Nina Simone
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Featuring performances by X’ene Sky, East Austin Children’s Choir, and Special Guests
1165 Angelina Street- www.carvermuseum.org
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CelebrASIA Austin
Saturday, May 14th, 11am - 3pm, Asian American Resource Center Free Event! Asian Food Vendors Culinary Demonstrations Cultural Performances
Global Experience Rooms Asian Marketplace Street Bazaar Kids’ Activities Community Booths and more! Asian American Resource Center 8401 Cameron Road, Austin 78754 www.austintexas.gov/aarc 512-974-1700
The CiTy of AusTin is proud To Comply wiTh The AmeriCAn disAbiliTies ACT. if you require speCiAl AssisTAnCe for pArTiCipATion in our progrAms or use of our fACiliTies pleAse CAll 512.974.1700.
A celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with cultural performances, Asian food, & family fun!
8401 Cameron Road - www.austintexas.gov/aarc
Ney Day
Saturday, May 21st, 12pm - 5pm, Elisabet Ney Museum
Come celebrate Elisabet Ney, her art, and legacy of creative empowerment with Live Music, Arts Activities, and Community Groups!
304 E. 44th Street- www.austintexas.gov/ElisabetNey
Visit our Facebook page for all upcoming events! www.facebook.com/ArtsInParks The City of Austin is proud to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require assistance for participation in our programs or use of our facilities, please call 512-974-4000.
C E N T R O U R B A N O HABLA Austin
COA Small Business Fest The City’s will hosts three days of paid events for small businesses at Google Fiber Space and five days of free events, May 2-6, at locations including Orange Coworking, Tech Ranch, WeWork, Capital Factory, the City’s Entrepreneur Center of Austin, ACC Highland Business Center and more. More than 70 expert speakers will lead topics tailored to help both entrepreneurs in the early stages of their business as well as established entities. Event schedule and ticket info at www.smallbusinessfestival.org. AHA Heart Ball 2016 The American Heart Association will hold its annual Heart Ball on Saturday, May 7, at the JW Marriott Austin. Heart Ball is the association’s major fundraising event in the Austin-area to support research, education and advocacy necessary to combat cardiovascular disease and stroke, Texas’ leading cause of death. “The vital research and programs of AHA are leading the way to eliminating heart disease as a major health threat,” said Bill Powers, serving as honorary chairman. “It is a privilege to be honored by an organization so dedicated to impacting the Austin community.” The goal of the event is to raise money to support research, education and advocacy necessary to combat cardiovascular disease and stroke, Texas’ leading cause of death. – Monica Peña
Cinco de Mayo boxing Gatica Boxing Promotions will be hosting a professional boxing show on Cinco de Mayo, Thursday, May 5, at the Palmer Events Center.
Delivering diversity in media to Austin
Featured boxers are Trey Romero, Angel Resendiz, Santino Rivera, Reshard Hicks, Carlos Trevino, Kenton Sippio-Cooke, Daniel Henry, Corey Barlow and Michael Coronado. Tickets on sale at 512-960-9373. Gatica is family owned and operated with over three generations of boxing promotional expertise, tracing back to patriarch Lino Gatica, extending to Freddy Gatica Sr. and now Raymond Gatica, Michelle Gatica and Freddy Gatica Jr. TAMACC honors Latina leaders The Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce will honor 13 outstanding Latina business and community leaders from across Texas at the fifth annual Women of Distinction Awards luncheon Friday, May 13, at the Austin Club. “I know I speak for all our Chamber and business members in congratulating this year’s Women of Distinction award recipients,” said TAMACC Chairman of the Board, Sam Guzman. “Year after year we are proud and honored to recognize and celebrate the outstanding successes and contributions that Hispanic women make to our communities, state, and indeed our nation.” – Monica Peña GAACC gala marks APA month Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage month with Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce at its annual gala, Ovation, where businesses, organizations and individuals working to improve our community and raise the visibility of APAs are recognized. May 20, 6 p.m., at JW Marriott Austin.
Police want your input The City of Austin is seeking community views on the Austin Police Department’s approaches to community policing and how they may be improved. The short, confidential survey was developed to help understand concerns from residents and businesses about the availability and responsiveness of Police Department staff. Results will be used to identify improvement opportunities. Deadline to complete the survey is May 9.
Volume VIII, Number 1
for more than five years, TODO Austin
PUBLISHER/EDITOR // Gavin Lance Garcia gavin@todoaustin.com
printed journal, and TODOAustin.
ART DIRECTOR // Dave McClinton dmdesigninc.com
com offer news, opinion, cultural
MANAGING EDITORS // Meredith C. Cox, Lesly Reynaga
arts and lifestyle stories written by, about, and for all ethnic communities in multicultural Austin.
ASSOCIATE EDITORS // Sonia Kotecha, Liz Lopez, Monica Peña, Katie Walsh, Erica Stall Wiggins, Yvonne Lim Wilson
Turning the page on 8th anniversary By Lesly Reynaga
Civilization has come a long way since the first conversations about the internet began in the 1960s—the decade in which my parents were born. It took many years of collaboration between several computer science scholars and engineers, government agencies and research institutes to develop the network technology that would bring about the revolution of global communication. TODO Austin is a print and online newspaper celebrating its eighth year of publication this month. We pride ourselves as being one of several Austin-based publications providing community news, with our emphasis being multicultural topics mirroring our increasingly diverse city.
their local newspaper is because they trust it more than other sources of information. Out of those aged 18-34 who read the local newspaper, 60 percent believe it to be more trustworthy. Only 43 percent of those using social media sites to find news find those to be trustworthy.
On that note, TODO Austin will be stepping up efforts online this year. I’ll be serving in an editorial capacity for the paper and website as we begin this new chapter. As a Monterrey, Mexico, native, I’ve enjoyed my six years in Austin, graduating from the University of Texas in 2014. As a Latina Austinite, I highly value community advocacy and those bringing together Latino, AfricanAmerican, Asian American and all other cultures into the mainstream. I hope TODO Austin can play a small role in that effort. Haruka Weiser
In order to keep up with the ever-changing environment, it is crucial that minority owned community newspapers stay relevant online through an interactive website and social media. The internet has made possible the worldwide dissemination of news within minutes, making it a go-to source for many whether it’s through online video, blogs, social network platforms, RSS feeds and mobile apps. The term, “internet,” was developed by the Federal Network Council in 1995—the decade in which I was born. Although accessible global communication and infrastructure have been important to humans for centuries, I believe they play an even bigger role in our way of life today. There’s no denying the changes in media consumption that have come along with the massive spread of the internet and digital media in the past 15-20 years, especially among millennials and post-millennials. On the other hand, according to the Newspaper Association of America, 56 percent of people ages 18-34 still read print and online newspapers during a typical week. The NAA states that the main reason why young audiences continue to read CONTRIBUTORS // Alka Bhanot, Lauren Bruno, Roy Casagranda, Cindy Casares, Lobo Corona, Nora De LaRosa, Laura Donnelly Gonzalez, Mark Guerra, Mari Hernandez, Yadira Izquierdo, Chaille Jolink, Ryan Jordan, Ali Khataw, Ramey Ko, Harish Kotecha, Alexandra M. Landeros, Julia Lee, Esteban Lopez, Otis Lopez, Vanessa Maldonado, David Marks, Cristina Parker, Raul Rangel Uribe, Paul Saldaña, Marion Sanchez, Blake Shanley, Dani Slabaugh, Corey Tabor, Sergio Tristan, Blanca Valencia, Debora Kuetzpal Vasquez
CONTRIBUTING STAFF // Cat Cardenas, Evelyn C. Castillo, Rose Di Grazia, Callie Langford, Genoveva Rodriguez, Diana Sanchez, Lesley Varghese
WEB DESIGN // TODOAustin.com
PRODUCTION SERVICES // Anthony Garcia
TODO Austin // Multicultural Media for All of Austin. TODO
COVER // 8th anniversary
As we launch our eighth year, we would like to dedicate this month’s issue to Haruka Weiser. The Austin community has deeply mourned the UT theatre and dance freshman’s recent passing, a shocking tragedy. To us at TODO Austin, she represents exactly what we stand for—embracing creativity, freedom of expression and raising our voice through our talents. As we begin a new year, we hope that we will all learn to come together as one community on important issues in the same way we did to express our grief for our beloved alumna’s eternal sleep. We’ll remember you always, Haruka. 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. © 2016 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 // MAY 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 03
As we live our lives in the great city of Austin, we are constantly reminded of the beauty of diversity. It’s in our daily routine. It’s in the coffee shop we go to in the morning or the music venue we go to at night. It’s in the clothes we wear, the way we present ourselves, our DNA, our laugh, our light.
learned some time ago, L.E.A.D.S.T.A.R. L., listen to the entire message. E., eye contact. A., avoid distractions, D., don’t interrupt. S., speak loudly and clearly. T., think before you speak. A., ask questions about to topic and R., repeat the message. These are the eight guidelines for effective communication.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, DIVERSITY IS YOU.
For one to foster diversity, one must possess the capacity to communicate effectively. When people are willing to swallow their pride and approach others with an open heart, true diversity will have its day. Diversity is #pmpmm, people meeting people making memories. The world is a cafeteria, and JaceyTV is getting everyone to sit at the same table.
I’ve come to define diversity as the ability to recognize and honor the value of uniqueness. I believe local residents do a great job at recognizing that value and “Keeping it Weird.” However, now more then ever, as a community it is our responsibility to do more to honor and represent every color, sound, shape and soul that this beautiful city has to offer. It is time we give credit to and shed light on more than one demographic, more power and strength to more than one ethnic group, and ultimately more love to every generation in our evolving city.
Samantha Rosenberg (events coordinator for Capitol Factory)
Sarah Rucker (founder of Full Gallop Arts) Committing to diversity is similar to making a commitment to a relationship, job or any decision in life. It takes hard work and careful thought by both parties but the reward is a more enriched life for all of us and future generations. In the creative sectors, committing to diversity means that every concert lineup, panel discussion and info session should be curated as to include members of each community—be it artistic genre, economic background, race, or gender.
04 TODO AUSTIN // MAY 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
Charlie DeBolt
Rudi Devino (head of SubKulture Patriots)
Samantha Rosenberg
Jacey David (head of JaceyTV, art activist) Diversity is the willingness to understand that your point of view is just that, only yours. Diversity is openness. Diversity is community. Simply put, diversity is listening. One way of fostering diversity is through an acronym I
Charlie DeBolt (musician in Roar Shack, Solstice Live)
I believe the solution to many issues in Austin’s creative industries is to support each other by attending shows, learning more about the many amazing organizations, and collaborating on programming. By inviting diverse audiences, we are creating a more inclusive and bonded larger community instead of many isolated smaller groups.
Diversity brings fresh ideas and perceptions and provides a chance for society to accept differences. It encourages individuals to grow outside their boundaries and learn something new. Yahoo reports that there are 75.4 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 34, which means millennials just became the most populous generation in the country. Austin’s millennial population can be characterized by its efforts in inclusivity, with numerous leaders making strides to move the city forward in a positive direction. Here are 11 prominent individuals’ thoughts on fostering diversity.
those around us, Austin can build not only understanding, but a sense of investment from Austinites, both in their small-scale community and in the city as a whole.
First of all, reading, watching and learning about cultures other than your own are ways to foster diversity and understanding. Most issues in opposition to diversity arise from the ignorance (in many cases willful). Another way is having the willingness to be wrong. Many will have factual information presented to them showing that their point of view or way of doing things is flawed, but when that information puts their existence into question, as humans we tend to resist whatever doesn’t fit our current way of thinking or living. Lastly, listening. We have to actively listen to each other. If we aren’t able to listen to opposing views and discuss them openly, things will never change.
Fostering understanding is as simple as starting a dialogue. Communication is key to creating an informed, close-knit community. I think it is important to remember that a real dialogue is not only speaking, but also listening. By talking with, listening to and learning from
Rudi Devino
In my experience, after living in the Austin area for about seven years, the first and most important thing the Austin community can do to foster diversity is by looking into ideologies/community action that can be easily incorporated into the entire community. As a whole, Austin has a reputation as a very progressive community, between positions in social rights politics and in our effort to build a healthy environment for all of our citizens.
However, a similar effort to incorporate diversity into the image of Austin has to be put to practice.
Patrick Jackson AKA Peej Capeesh (member of Heye Minds Collective) Patrick Jackson
It seems the incorporation of radical groups with insight (the groups at the UT co-ops, Monkey Wrench Books, and other horizontally run collectives), would be one way to begin this process. In my opinion, the idea of diversity in Austin is still a radical one, especially with the increasing number of families, citizens, and cultural hubs being bought out by big business in the central downtown Austin areas. One main focus the city could specifically strive for is diversity through celebration. This is not only a positive way to acknowledge the many different demographic groups that make up the population of this incredible city, but an easy way to begin asking the questions we need to ask in order to truly believe we are a diverse community: WHO are we celebrating? Where and how do we celebrate our diversity? and MOST IMPORTANT: What is diversity? In the end, I believe a major obstacle in the way with any aforementioned ideas I’ve listed is that it is those with funding who hold the most influence. If Austin’s wealthy community does not support and fulfill any ideas of diversity, Austin is probably not the diverse community it so claims to be. Rene De La Mora (Tipcow co-founder) Austin, to me, has always shown to be a very welcoming environment. Coming from Chicago where class lines and racial segregation is still apparent, Austin is always looking to create environments harboring differences and inclusion on all fronts. If there was any effort necessary in key areas, I’d say class structure in Austin is very one-sided, and status quo. Pricing creative and artistic individuals out of the city is also removing the face of what made the city unique. Being committed to diversity is us evolving. The status quo should not be a benchmark.
media tells you. Might as well embrace the differences. Nathalie Phan (co-founder of On Vinyl Music Blog)
Andria Benet (founder of Protos Festival, electronic arts curator)
Nathalie Phan
Personally as an artist, diversity is everything. If you aren’t diverse then you are limiting yourself to exceed your fullest potential. Having multiple perspectives and not being afraid to stretch out of your comfort zone is what will further personal progression. Live your life with no boundaries and any personal goal you may have will be obtainable. Natalie Lopez (co-founder of Euphoria ATX)
Buddy Hachar (founder of Boss Tweed Sound) In the world of creatives, there’s nothing better than colliding ideas together from different realms. Keeping an eye open to everything this world has to offer is a fine talent. I love catching a show where the lineup goes from garage punk, to dirty southcoast, to shoegaze. It looks weird on paper, but when you get a to a show like that, and see the crowd coming together, you realize it made sense all along and most likely have an epic experience. Diversity is a broad term, but I like to look at it as keeping yourself from getting cornered into one state of mind.
feels comfortable to be themselves. To keep this community alive, we must join together for people to showcase their talents and share their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment. By fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive community, we can learn from many different perspectives which can lead to innovation and growth.
Natalie Lopez
Commitment to diversity for me means valuing and respecting people’s different backgrounds, skills, and experiences and creating an environment where everyone
Andria Benet
To me, a commitment to diversity is a commitment to being human. As humans, we are biologically far more similar than different. However, we are infinitely diverse and unique in our personal experiences and perceptions. We are the same but separate in as many ways as you can count. Our common ground is our humanity and it can be realized in the most unlikely places or times, so I think simply choosing to be open to humanity is a commitment to diversity. I am not sure if there can be a more standardized protocol than that. There are so many variables to our humanity and aspects to our individual selves that make up a hugely diverse species in a hugely diverse world. To me, recognizing the beauty of humanity and the beauty of the world in all its “different” glory is a commitment to diversity. I like to meet people of all walks of life and philosophies and to see beauty everywhere because it stretches my brain and opens my heart. As a human, I think that’s part of my job. I also happen to get a lot of pleasure out of evolving! So, without diversity, I’m afraid we as humans might not exist. We surely wouldn’t be as evolved as we are now, despite what the
One of Austin’s weak points, though few, is that it struggles with the issue of diversity. While I believe the local government can take certain actions to improve diversity in Austin, I think that real change lies in the hands of leaders who come in the form of business owners, non-profit directors, young people and college students who wish to make a social impact, and others around the city who are leading efforts of change. These leaders, myself included, must not only be the leading voices of their individual initiatives but they must also be actively listening to their communities and their needs, seeking the voices outside of one’s social circles. Having a commitment to diversity is imperative to creating a more diverse and understanding city, and in many cases, it is the secret ingredient to having successful projects and businesses. For example, On Vinyl Music is currently developing a web app that will allow local businesses to stream local music, allowing local musicians an extra venue of expression and allowing local businesses to access a repertoire of local music that supports a large part of the culture and economy of Austin. Without reaching out to a variety of different music, our project would fail. We must be able to serve different communities with different culturally-based music and a variety of genres in order to properly provide brandspecific curated music to our clients. I believe that other businesses should be committed to the value of diversity as well, not only because it is their social responsibility to do so, but because it has great potential to improve their projects and their businesses. TODO AUSTIN // MAY 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 05
Saturday, May 7, is the final Mommy, Daddy and Me Book Club of 2016. Mommy, Daddy, and Me is a children and parent book club led by local author Yolanda King. May’s selection is “Lulu and the Hamster in the Night” by Hilary McKay. Thursday, May 12, the East Austin Community Children’s Choir will present a Tribute to Nina Simone from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Boyd Vance Theatre. The Tribute will feature performances by X’ene Sky, East Austin Community Children’s Choir, and Guest Artists, and light refreshments will be served. The Carver’s long-running black women’s book club, Folktales Black Women’s Literary Society, is Friday, May 20, 6-8 p.m. in the Carver Classroom. May’s selection is “Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person,” by Shonda Rhimes. The topic for May’s Cultural Lounge will be #blackgirlmagic. Join prominent Austin activists and entrepreneurs in discussing the meaning of the hashtag, and its relevance in everyday life. Presented Thursday, May 26, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Carver Main Gallery. Over at the Carver Genealogy Center, help index the Freedmen’s Bureau Records on Saturday, May 28 from 1-3 p.m.
Award of Excellence 2016 unveiling and awards ceremony is Saturday, May 21, with music by Johnny Degollado and other special musical guests. Oral History to Document the Latina/o Experience is Saturday, May 28, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. This workshop is intended for beginner to advanced interviewers and videographers. Presented by Voces Oral History Project Director Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez, Comadres Founder and Voces volunteer Nora Comstock, and Voces videographer/ photographer Gabriel Perez. This workshop is free, but seating is limited, so reserve a spot at voces@utexas,edu. The deadline to reserve a spot is Monday, May 16. “Petro-Poems” by Venezuelan artist Mery Godigna Collet is showing in the Community Gallery. Collet uses crude oil and its byproducts as her creative medium. Through a process based in morphogenesis concept, she allows the material to create the image and then she stabilizes the hydrocarbons. Join us on the last Tuesday of each month for Cine de Oro, a special screening from the Golden Era of Mexico’s cinema. Seniors will enjoy a healthy lunch immediately following the film. Please arrive by 9:15 a.m. as screenings begins at 9:30 a.m. Admission is free. Please call to RSVP, as space is limited! 512-974-3789.
Saturday, May 7, 1-5 p.m. | CSA Austin Business Conference. The Chinese Society of Austin presents this event with guest speakers and panel discussion covering real estate investment, property management, career development, entrepreneurship, financial service, cultural events and other topics. Ballroom Tuesday, May 10, 4-6 p.m. | Asia Business Summit: Opportunities in Muslim Economies. Learn about unique business practices, customs, opportunities and investments in specific countries in the Muslim world. Featuring Shums Rusli, Syed Fawad Ali Shah, and Adnan Sattar. Presented by GAACC and City of Austin. Free. Ballroom Thursday, May 12, 6-8:30 p.m. | Dialogue Institute Annual Dialogue and Friendship Dinner. Dinner, award ceremony, music and keynote speaker Edina Lekovic. Tickets $100. Ballroom Saturday, May 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | AFSSA 1,000 Cranes Origami Festival. According to Japanese legend, folding 1,000 origami cranes grants a wish. Join this family-friendly celebration featuring origami crafts for kids, interactive origami, music, storytelling, a Japanese fashion show and more. Donations accepted in support of Asian Family Support Services of Austin. Free. Ballroom Wednesday, May 25, 6 to 8pm | NAAO Board Meeting. Monthly meeting of the Network of Asian American Organizations. Free. Community Room 8
Stand up for Austin
UberESPAÑOL bridging transportation gap
Vote ‘Against’ Prop. 1
Vote ‘For’ Prop. 1
Public safety is more important than corporate profits. Prop. 1 is an attempt by out of town billion dollar corporations to lessen our public safety rules in exchange for money. Our City Council voted to institute fingerprint background checks on Uber drivers as recommended by the Austin Police Association and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Now Uber has forced an election on May 7th and is attempting to go around our city council, already spending millions in an attempt to buy their own rules. Unfortunately, taxpayers are already on the hook for this election to a tune of $800,000. Austin wants Uber and Lyft to follow the same safety rules for fingerprint background checks as taxi and limo drivers. Uber refuses, even though it has agreed to that rule in cities like Houston. This corporate initiative would do away with fingerprint background checks and vehicle safety requirements and would force the city to let Uber do as it pleases. If Uber succeeds with Prop. 1, then other corporations may seek to overturn city rules on safe housing construction, worker safety, building limits in flood plains, clean water standards, neighborhood zoning, and a host of other public safety protections. Do not let Uber buy this election.
Ridesharing companies are bridging the gap between communities so everyone has fair and equal transportation options. UberESPAÑOL gives riders the chance to obtain transportation services from someone who can speak Spanish. If English is not a person’s first language, they no longer need to rely on English only transportation services to get around safely and reliably in Austin. However, these services are being threatened. Voting against Prop. 1 would require ridesharing companies to submit to unreliable fingerprint background checks. Fingerprint background checks discriminate against the Latino community and Latino drivers. Latinos are arrested at a high rate by law enforcement. However, the criminal records fingerprint background checks rely on are not fully updated with an individual’s final conviction. As such, Latinos drivers would be negatively affected by fingerprint background checks. Fingerprint background checks rely on a broken criminal justice system that discriminates against Latinos. This election is important for the Latino community. Ridesharing services have given Latinos transportation options, the ability to work on their own schedule, and to make extra income for their families. Ridesharing companies provide a safe, affordable, and reliable transportation option to historically underserved transportation deserts in Austin. Vote FOR Prop 1. Early voting is April 25th-May 3rd. Election Day is May 7th.
06 TODO AUSTIN // MAY 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
Representative Lloyd Doggett Ready to Serve You “We want an America where the young have educational opportunity, where the not so young have the dignity of their old age, and where a bigger middle class shares in the success of our country. As your Congressman in East and Southeast Travis County, I need to hear from you to ensure your priorities are my priorities.”
My office can help when constituents run into problems on federal issues like Social Security, Medicare, Veterans Administration claims, student financial aid, and the I.R.S. Email me at Lloyd.Doggett@mail.house.gov Complete my survey at Doggett.House.Gov
MAY 27–29
Developed from the original MGM screenplay, this new production contains all the much-loved songs from the Oscar-winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way!
Presented by
TheLongCenter.org | 512.474.long (5664) | tty: (800) 735-2989
@Longcenter
Good Times at Güero’s For great tunes and great rita’s! Please join us for live music on our outside jardin stage, every Wednesday through Sunday. THANKS TO THE FANS & BANDS WHO SUPPORT US!!!
MAY Line-up
TACO BAR
1412 S. Congress Avenue • Austin, Texas 78704 Open Weekdays 11am-11pm; Weekends 8am-11pm
OUTDOOR SHOWS ARE “WEATHER PERMITTING” -----------------------------------------------------------------------SUN 5/1 ERIN JAIMES @ 12:00 / THE RECUPERATORS @ 3:00 WED 5/4 KDRP RADIO SHOW @ 6:00 THU 5/5 LOS FLAMES @ 6:30 FRI 5/6 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW @ 6:30 SAT 5/7 THE BREW @ 2:30 / EL TULE’ @ 6:30 SUN 5/8 TOM BEN LINDLEY @ 12:00 / BLUE MIST @ 3:00 -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 5/11 KDRP RADIO SHOW @ 6:00 THU 5/12 BEYOND THERAPY @ 6:30 FRI 5/13 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW @ 6:30 SAT 5/14 THE TEXAS TYCOONS @ 2:30 / MICHAEL MILLIGAN @ 6:30 SUN 5/15 LADY B GOOD @ 12:00 / MITCH WEBB @ 3:00 -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 5/18 KDRP RADIO SHOW @ 6:00 THU 5/19 GLENN COLLINS @ 6:30 FRI 5/20 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW @ 6:30 SAT 5/21 JIM STRINGER @ 2:30 / AUSTIN HEAT @ 6:30 SUN 5/22 BANZAI PROJECT @ 12:00 / THE IMPERIAL STARLIGHTERS @ 3:00 -----------------------------------------------------------------------WED 5/25 KDRP RADIO SHOW @ 6:00 THU 5/26 TEX THOMAS @ 6:30 FRI 5/27 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW @ 6:30 SAT 5/28 BAT CITY @ 2:30 / BONNEVILLE COUNTY PINEBOX @ 6:30 SUN 5/29 THE KOOLERATORS @ 12:00 / CHICKEN STRUT @ 3:00
www.GuerosTacoBar.com
JEFF
JEFF TRAVILLION TRAVILLION DEMOCRAT for COUNTY COMMISSIONER DEMOCRAT for COUNTY COMMISSIONER
“Precinct 1 is where my wife Perri and I “Precinct 1 is where my wife Perri and I raised our three children as part of a raised our three children as part of a vibrant community, from youth sports vibrant community, from youth sports boards, to church youth groups, and as boards, to church youth groups, and as advocates forfor public advocates publiceducation, education,our ourlife life has has been centered in Precinct 1. As a former been centered in Precinct 1. As a former President ofof the Austin President the AustinNAACP, NAACP,I Ifought fought for for thethe community communitytotomake makesure sureno noone one was was left out - as left out - asa amember memberof ofthe theCounty County Commissioners Court Commissioners CourtI will I willdo dothe thesame.” same.”
Viva !!!! EL Cinco De Mayo Celebrating Mexican Culture and Heritage
HONESTY - INTEGRITY - COMPETENCE
“We believe he has the energy, experience and temperament to be an effective representative for a portion of the county that faces huge challenges that come with the county’s explosive growth, shifting demographics and a history of being systematically underserved.”
“Travillion has distinguished himself as the person with the strongest perspective and the widest range of experience to best address the challenges in this quickly changing precinct.”
– Austin American-Statesman endorsement
– Austin Chronicle endorsement
TRAVILLION
ALFRED P. SLOAN FELLOW - GRADUATE OF LBJ SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
- FORMER NAACP PRESIDENT - GRADUATE LEADERSHIP AUSTIN - FORMER BOARD MEMBER BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS - KEY ROLE IN ESTABLISHING THE POLICE MONITOR’S OFFICE
JEFF
- GRADUATE OF W.E.B. DUBOIS HONORS PROGRAM, JACKSON STATE -
Judge Yvonne M. Williams Justice of the Peace Travis County Precinct 1
¡Sí se Puede!
- ALSO GRADUATE OF W.E.B. DUBOIS HONORS PROGRAM, JACKSON STATE ALSO ALFRED P. SLOAN FELLOW - GRADUATE OF LBJ SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS ENDORSED ENDORSED - FORMER NAACP PRESIDENT - GRADUATE LEADERSHIP AUSTIN - FORMER BOARD MEMBER BY: BIGBY: BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS - KEY ROLE IN ESTABLISHING THE POLICE MONITOR’S OFFICE CENTRAL! AUSTIN! DEMOCRATS$! AUSTIN! TEJANO! DEMOCRATS$! TRAVIS! COUNTY! ASIAN-AMERICAN! DEMOCRATS$! NORTH! BY! NORTHWEST! DEMOCRATS$!TRAVIS!CO%!SHERIFF’S!LAW!ENFORCEMENT!ASSOCIATION$!TRAVIS!CO%!SHERIFF’S!OFFICER!ASSOCIATION$!DAWNNA!DUKES$!PIO!RENTERIA$! NELDA!WELLS!SPEARS$!CECILIA!BURKE$!REV%!JOSEPH!C%!PARKER$!JR%$!LAURA!MORRISON$!GARY!BLEDSOE$!KEN!ODEN$!ALBERT!BLACK$!PAT!CROW$! JUAN!GARZA$!THOMAS!“HOLLYWOOD”!HENDERSON$!PERRY!LORENZ$!JOE!&!JANICE!PINNELLI$!MARIO!ESPINOZA$!JUDY!CORTEZ!AND!MORE%!
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AVILLION
P O L I T I C A L ! A D ! P A I D ! F O R ! B Y ! E Q U I T Y ! " ! A U S T I N ! M S A ! P A C ! - ! T R E A S U R E R ! J A C K ! K I R F M A N
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CENTRAL! AUSTIN! DEMOCRATS$! AUSTIN! TEJANO! DEMOCRATS$! TRAVIS! COUNTY! ASIAN-AMERICAN! DEMOCRATS$! NORTH! BY! NORTHWEST! DEMOCRATS$!TRAVIS!CO%!SHERIFF’S!LAW!ENFORCEMENT!ASSOCIATION$!TRAVIS!CO%!SHERIFF’S!OFFICER!ASSOCIATION$!DAWNNA!DUKES$!PIO!RENTERIA$! NELDA!WELLS!SPEARS$!CECILIA!BURKE$!REV%!JOSEPH!C%!PARKER$!JR%$!LAURA!MORRISON$!GARY!BLEDSOE$!KEN!ODEN$!ALBERT!BLACK$!PAT!CROW$! JUAN!GARZA$!THOMAS!“HOLLYWOOD”!HENDERSON$!PERRY!LORENZ$!JOE!&!JANICE!PINNELLI$!MARIO!ESPINOZA$!JUDY!CORTEZ!AND!MORE%!
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¡Feliz CinCo de Mayo! les desea
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Carlos B. lopez ConstaBle, pCt. 5
The Wild Now have soul that separates them from the pack
managed to help write and record her band’s debut EP “Tides.” Since releasing the EP last month, Baker said with her upcoming graduation from St. Edwards, she hasn’t had a moment to work on any new material.
after adding on other musicians as bassists and drummers. With enchanting vocals and hypnotic guitar melodies, most of the band’s songs have a soul that separates them from the indie genre, giving them a sound that’s completely their own.
seeing the audience members getting into the songs. “I just love feeding off the crowd and feeding off of their energy and I just like knowing that our music is something that they enjoy,” Baker said.
“It’s a struggle,” Baker said. “I haven’t picked up my guitar to really write on my own, but it’s hard to have the creative energy. I feel like once I graduate, I’m just gonna lock myself in a room and write.”
By Cat Cardenas
The Austin-based indie soul band started out as a duo composed of Baker and Drew Walker, whom she met three years ago at South by Southwest. Formerly known as Taylor and The Wild Now, the band changed their name to The Wild Now
“Our music isn’t necessarily wild, but the meaning behind it is to embrace the moment and to live in the now,” Baker said. “That’s kind of a reflection of our music — it’s not terribly thought out; it’s just kind of fun and spontaneous. We want people to enjoy it and feel kind of a sense of adventure when they listen to it.”
It’s the feeling that she gets in front of crowds that has kept Baker going over the years. Though she didn’t pick up a guitar until high school, she’s now a multi-instrumentalist who hopes to continue her career as a musician. “Ever since I was little, I’ve loved to sing,” Baker said. “I did it for fun. It wasn’t something that I was trying to pursue, but when I started playing at open mics and coffee shops, I just couldn’t get away from it. Cool things kept happening.”
Between working three jobs, an internship and juggling classes as a full-time college student, The Wild Now frontwoman Taylor Baker still
Their latest EP is made up of old and new songs, some written before the band was a full fourpiece group. Among the collection of six songs, Baker said “Tides” is her favorite. “‘(Tides)’ is something different that we haven’t really done before,” Baker said. “It’s very abstract, legally, and it just paints this really cool picture.” Their off-beat sound may come from their musical influences—an atypical collection of bands from Alabama Shakes to Glass Animals. “Glass Animals, for instance, all of their sounds are so unique—they tickle your ear,” Baker said. “I love listening to music where it’s surprising and it’s something that I’ve never heard before. We really strive to do that with our approach to songwriting; we draw from that.” Once they’re performing their songs live, Baker said their favorite part of the performance is
The Wild Now
Rick Treviño embracing life as an independent artist By Liz Lopez
From the 1993 hit, “Just Enough Rope,” on the “Dos Mundos” album to the upcoming production, “Long Coyote Gone,” Rick Treviño, has continuously flourished at his craft. The Houston born and Austin raised country singer-songwriter has recorded for two major labels, Sony Columbia (in the 1990s) and Warner Bros. (early 2000s), self–released recordings, participated in several compilation albums and is a member of the Los Super Seven collective of musicians that won a Grammy Award for Best Mexican/MexicanAmerican Album in 1999. Treviño is scheduled to perform in Austin at the Long Center on Wednesday, May 4, at 7 p.m. During a telephone interview with from his Austin area home, he shared his enthusiasm about his upcoming show and what fans can anticipate hearing. “I plan to play half of a new album, ‘Cinco de Mayo,’ that I’ll probably release in 2017 because I want to put a different single out first,” he said.
As a youth, Treviño took piano lessons and heard plenty of the Tejano style of music preferred by his father, Ricardo Sr., who played in regional bands in Houston. This was not Rick’s music of choice as he grew up. Instead, he listened to 70s–80s pop music and some of the older George Strait music. When he attended Texas A&M University, he became immersed in country and western music, eventually leaving behind a potential baseball career and then college for a shot at music in the early 1990s.
label. “It is me, my guitar and piano,” said Treviño. Although he is working with Miller on his projects, they live in different states. “I have been in writing rooms with others, but now I enjoy being in my own corner with my isolated thoughts, being away and sheltered from the business,” Treviño explained. No doubt, there is a challenge running one’s own label while juggling life’s challenges. Treviño is husband to wife, Karla, and dad to three children; one soon to be 18, another 15 and the youngest 10.
Steve Buckingham, a producer at Sony, encouraged Treviño to perform his first recording, a country album, “Dos Mundos,” chiefly in Spanish despite the fact that he was not fluent in the language. The label then released a self-titled English album in 1994, which included the hits “She Can’t Say I Didn’t Cry” and “Doctor Time.” Treviño next released studio albums “Looking for the Light Learning as You Go,” “Mi Son” and “In My Dreams/Whole Town Blue.” Over the course of his 20–plus years in the music industry, the artist has seen many changes, “the biggest is the isolation.” In his work with two major labels, Treviño traveled back and forth to Nashville for writing, recording and meeting with executives, but today it is very different. Even when he was writing with Raul Malo and Alan Miller in prior years, he stated, “there was some isolation, but not like this.” At present, he is not signed to a recording company, and instead busies himself with producing and writing on his own record
Before releasing “Tides,” the band had previously debuted another EP. Though one of that EP’s songs had 800,000 plays on SoundCloud, the band decided to take it down because it wasn’t representative of their current sound. While Baker herself gets her songwriting influences from different experiences or sometimes a catchy melody stuck in her head, she said it’s the collective variety of styles and inspiration from each of the band members that give their latest release a unique sound. “That’s what I love about songwriting and having a band,” Baker said. “You can work on a song and it goes from nothing into this collaborative beautiful thing.” Treviño is working halls to pay for the record and the studio time, which he has enjoyed producing in his hometown. “I had the band play some live before going to the studio, so when we are in the studio, we are tight and ready to go,” said Treviño. “I don’t like to waste time in the studio.” Presently, Treviño is writing continuously for the current production and for another record. Titles of some of the new material include “No Borders,” “The Mariachis Play” and “Cowboys Like Me.” Treviño also shared some insight about the “Cinco de Mayo” song he wrote, which takes the perspective of an undocumented immigrant working in a restaurant. As the employee is putting up decorations and piñatas for the celebration, he thinks to himself, “maybe just for today, leave the border alone.” Treviño expressed his concern about the “rhetoric” he is hearing nowadays about immigrants, including building of border walls and charges of criminal activity like rape. As for immigration reform, the artist believes people should be more humanitarian.
Rick Trevino
Grounded in traditions of country music while addressing issues like immigration that may be provocative, it will be interesting to see what reaction fans and the industry will have to his new work. It’s no matter to the independent Treviño, for he is ready to keep cranking out the songs that matter to him. TODO AUSTIN // MAY 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 11
To Do Música By Liz Lopez
BROWN SOUND NEWS Timberos del Norte had their residency at One-2One Bar extended for another two months, May and June. Sundays, 8:30-11 p.m. with a $5 cover. The Ecuatorianos En Austin group is hosting a benefit to raise funds to help those affected by the earthquake in Ecuador with live music, presentations, traditional dishes, and more. Sunday, May 1, from 2-5 p.m. at Esquina Tango. Brazilian guitarist/composer Gabriel Santiago is producing his first guitar solo album, “Momentum,” which will feature 11 renditions of Brazilian songs he arranged. There will be a live performance of the music from the upcoming album to serve as a pre-release fundraiser. Sunday, May 1, 7 p.m. at The Smith Family Chapel, Riverbend Church. Classic Cuban dance music continues every Wednesday at the Continental Club Gallery from 10:30 p.m.-1 a.m. with Rey Arteaga on vocals and congas. With Carmelo Torres on timbales, Russell Scanlon on guitar, Gordie Johnson on trés, Ben Bradshaw on bass and Oliver Steck on cornet. ¡El son es lo más sublime! $5 cover.
CelebrASIA Austin
Madrid, Spain native and now and Austin resident, Sefo (Jose Barragán), celebrated the release of his new album, “Peligro de Extinción,” at the Saxon Pub and will continue in support of his new product, including Pecan St. Festival on May 8 at 5:20 p.m. on the Trinity Stage. The Austin Tejano Music Coalition holds a membership meeting every other Wednesday at El Gallo Restaurant on South Congress. Anyone interested in learning more about the organization and the upcoming auditions for the Tejano Idol vocal contest can call 512-912-6925 Texas-born, Louisiana-raised pianist/vocalist/ songwriter with five time Grammy Award nominations, Marcia Ball, is touring in support of her latest (her sixth release) Alligator Records CD, “The Tattooed Lady and the Alligator Man,” and will appear as a special guest on Monday, May 9 with the Austin Blues Revue at the One2-One Bar.
Sefo
------------The nationally acclaimed vocalist from San Antonio, Patsy Torres, will be performing in Austin. This year will yield a new Tejano album, her second Christian album and a new music video of “Nuestro Aniversario” from her “Mi Inspiración” album. Additionally, she is performing Patsy Cline tributes and other variety shows with her Blue Harmony Band. Thursday, May 12 from 6-9:30 p.m. at the Music Lab St Elmo.
Austin-based roots rocker, John Evans, wrote and produced “Polyester” on Splice Records, his first record in six years. Evans’ music career has earned many Houston Press Awards starting with six-time Best Male Vocalist, four-time Best Songwriter, two-time Musician of the Year and Best Roots Rock Band. On May 13, the official album release party will take place at the Continental Club. Show begins at 10 p.m. and tickets are $17 in advance.
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El New Goal Post will be celebrating an anniversary
Javier Jara and Carlos Ufret will be performing “Trova Latinoamericana” songs at the reception for “Oeste, a Latino Art Exhibit” on Saturday, May 14, during an event to meet the artists from 3-6 p.m. at La Peña Gallery, 227 Congress Ave.
more about local organizations and services at the community outreach fair.
The Asian American Resource Center presents its third annual food festival in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May with “CelebrASIA Austin: Asian Pacific American Food and Heritage Festival” on Saturday, May 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the AARC, 8401 Cameron Road. Admission is free and open to the public.
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Learn Asian cooking techniques from Chefs Eric Silverstein of The Peached Tortilla, Dr. Foo Swasdee of SATAY Restaurant, Chaya Rao of Chaya’s Elite Cooking Club, and Phil Yennerell of the HOPE Farmer’s Market with Austin Chronicle food writer MM Pack leading live interviews. Attendees are invited to experience a range of Asian flavors with food and beverages available for sale from local Asian restaurants. The Asian Marketplace Street Bazaar will provide more opportunities for cultural exploration with craft and vendor items available for sale, roaming Chinese yo-yo demonstrations and outdoor cultural performances throughout the day with Adela Uchida of KEYE TV serving as emcee. Children will enjoy various crafts, moon bounce, storytelling and other ongoing activities.
This year, the AARC is proud to highlight sustainable food systems through the Recreational and Intergenerational Community Education Community Garden, the AARC’s onsite community garden. With our partner HOPE Farmers Market, visitors are invited to learn more about fresh and healthy foods, how to grow and prepare them from farm to table, and even take home their own HOPE Farmers Market seeds to plant.
Attendees will explore the world through indoor Interactive Heritage Showcases, presented by the Network of Asian American Organizations and other organizations, featuring cultural activities from various regions of Asia. Learn
The May Heritage Month event highlights the growing Asian American population of Austin, which is the fastest growing demographic group in Austin and constitutes about 6.5 percent of the Austin population.
12 TODO AUSTIN // MAY 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
Gabriel Santiago
with the 1st Annual Party at The Post, hosted by Karibenos MC and Roughstock RC. This family friendly event with BBQ, Slow Races, Sumo Wrestling, Biker Jail, 50/50 Drawings, Live Auction and vendors is Saturday, May 14 from 12-6 p.m. 1829 N Mays St. Round Rock.
Dolores Catholic Church will host their annual Jamaica on Sunday, May 15, and their line–up includes headliners Ram Herrera and La Tropa F, along with KIGS, Mia Gonzalez, Grupo Preztigio and Angeles De La Cumbia from 1-10 p.m. at 1111 Montopolis Dr.
Samba Bamba started a three month residence at Iron Cactus every 4th Friday of the month at 9:30 p.m. Samba Bamba is the newest Samba and Pagode group in town, with many experienced musicians.
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RECOMMENDED SHOWS Flamenco guitarist Juanito Pascual returns to Austin on Saturday, May 7th at 7 pm. He has released two CDs of all original flamenco compositions, a flamenco method book and his music has been heard in film, radio and television. Esquina Tango. ------------Tango Night at El Sol y La Luna Restaurant, 7:30 p.m. Intro to authentic Argentine Tango Class/ 8:30 p.m. Social Dancing for two hours with guest DJs. The event is free. Monday, May 9.
Piñata Protest returns to Austin this month to headline a show with Hans Gruber and the Die Hards, No Way Jose, Los Kurados. $5 Cover 21+, and free parking, on Friday, May 20, 7 p.m. at The Sahara Lounge. ------------La Vida Buena will be performing at Esquina Tango Saturday, May 21 at 10 p.m. and the show includes a mini dance class and DJ Music. The eightmember band was formed in 2011 by lead singer, Louie “Luison” Alarcon and includes members: Vanessa Burden (vocals), Tosin Awofeso, (piano/ vocals), Dario Aravena (drum set/vocals), Oscar Alarcon (conga/vocals), Brad Taylor (bass), Chris Hall (saxophone), and Tate Hearn (trombone). Tickets are $8 and the venue is BYOB.
COMMEMORATES
MENTAL HEALTH MONTH
KLRU-TV, Austin PBS broadcast 18.1 / cable 9 klru.org
Get the complete list at klru.org
Thursdays at 7:30 pm and 8 pm Diverse Americans share personal stories of mental health and wellness, to enlighten and inspire. This month’s episodes include: Overcoming Depression where a writer, a musician and a video blogger find three surprising paths to recovery, with powerful takeaways for all viewers. Veterans find different ways to manage their anxiety, the most common type of mental health disorder for Americans.
Also This Month
Independent Lens Peace Officer
Point Taken
Genius By Stephen Hawking
Dub Lawrence, a crusading former sheriff whose investigations highlight the increasingly militarized state of American police.
Hosted by Carlos Watson, this weekly debate series will champion spirited and civil conversation by focusing on a single topic to explore all sides of a key issue.
Join renowned scientist Stephen Hawking as he challenges three ordinary people to think like a genius.
Monday, May 9th, at 8 pm
Tuesdays at 10 pm
Wednesdays at 8 pm and 9 pm starting May 18th
KLRU-TV, Austin PBS is community supported. More than 85% of our funding comes from the public. PLEASE CONSIDER INVESTING IN KLRU.
Modern military ‘Macbeth’ free in Zilker Park Now in its 32nd year of Free Shakespeare in Zilker Park, Austin Shakespeare brings a professional production of a modern, military Macbeth facing unusual witches and sword fights in camouflage. Audiences are encouraged to bring blankets and picnics on any Thursday through Sunday at 8 p.m. for the month of May for the production at the Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater, co-sponsored by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Bloody “Macbeth” will be played by Marc Pouhé, who created the role for Austin Shakespeare at the Long Center’s Rollins Theater in 2008. His provocative wife will be portrayed by Helen Merino, who has played the title role in “Hamlet” in Zilker Park as well as at the Long Center. Artistic Director Ann Ciccolella is drawn to the heroic aspect of the tragic hero. “We see Macbeth as a contemporary tale. War, trauma and power-lust still has been riddling the world, especially in recent decades in Bosnia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Macbeth himself is drawn to bring the violence of battle from the field into his own home,” she says. Macbeth’s fated friend Banquo is Reginald Brown, who has delighted Austin Shakespeare audiences as King Aigeus in “Medea” (Long Center), and Duke Senior, Duke Frederick in “As You Like It” (Zilker Hillside Theater). The heroic Macduff is Keith Paxton, also popular with Austin Shakespeare audiences in the recent Zilker Park production of “The Taming of the Shrew.” as well as “The Invention of Love,” “Cyrano de Bergerac” as Christian, “As You Like It” as Orlando, “Othello” as Cassio and “Pride and Prejudice” as Mr. Bingley at the Long Center Rollins Theater. King Duncan is Jamie Parker, who recently joined Austin Shakespeare as the tragic Messenger in “Medea.” Jamie appeared as Estragon in “Waiting for Godot” at City Theatre; also as a guest artist at St. Edward’s University in “Marisol.” The comic, Porter, will be played by two actors on varying nights; one, new to Austin Shakespeare is Bob Jones, an experienced Shakespeare actor who has also been assistant director of the University of Texas Shakespeare at Winedale program. The other, Tony Salinas, worked with Austin Shakespeare on last year’s Wild West version of “The Taming of the Shrew” and as a comic cadet in “Cyrano de Bergerac.” New to the company is Evan Shaw as the Bloody Sergeant. Company regular Alison Stebbins is Ross, a military woman, as well as the extraordinary witch, Hecate. Moving up from the Young Shakespeare company are teens Jonathan Holle as Lennox and Cal Ussery as Fleance, who also performed in the company’s production of Stoppard’s “The Invention of Love.” Unusual witches are played by Crystal Bird Caviel, a theater student at Texas State who recently won over audiences in Austin Playhouse’s “Disgraced,” Hannah Rose Barfoot, who was also recently seen in Austin Shakespeare’s production of “A Streetcar Named Desire,” and Jessica Hughes, who also performed in the group’s “Pride & Prejudice.”
14 TODO AUSTIN // MAY 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM
CASA
(Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT A self-described “bull in a china closet,” Karen Manson is the sort of person who tracks down a high-level CPS administrator because adoption paperwork for her CASA youth is moving too slowly. So when her husband suggested she retire and devote herself to volunteering, she resisted. “I’m not relying on anyone for a paycheck,” she said. “I don’t want to explain to anybody why I buy fourteen bottles of red nail polish.” If there is anything Karen is known for, it’s tenacity, a tenacity built on the self-reliance of an Air Force brat and strengthened throughout a storied career in the computer industry. Karen worked her way from entry-level admin to building a 200-person team and, upon hearing the division would close just weeks before Christmas, refused to accept her employees would lose their jobs. She worked through backchannels to get them hired at Dell, then started a consulting branch for a new firm. Once she finally came around to the idea of retiring, Karen brought this tenacity to CASA. “If something needs to be done for children, don’t tell me it can’t be done. I will get it done,” she explains. Whether climbing corporate ladders or digging through adoption home studies to find a family for children deemed “unadoptable,” over 15 years, advocating for eighteen children, she’s proven time and again that whether working or volunteering, she means business.
CELEBRATING
DIVERSITY
BRIDGE2BRIDGE From Montopolis Bridge to 360 Bridge, Everything Austin
CLYBOURNE PARK LONG CENTER
The 19th Annual Cine Las Americas International Film Festival is back, May 4-8, at the Marchesa Hall & Theater, Salvage Vanguard Theater, the ESB-MACC and The North Door. The festival showcases contemporary films and videos from Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula, as well as films and videos made by or about Latinos in the U.S., the world and indigenous groups. cinelasamericas. org.
Cinco de Mayo By Liz Lopez
Cinco de Mayo is a major cross-cultural event in Austin with a large number of shows scheduled the first week of May. Among the highlights is Matthew’s Easter Circus Presents Cinco De Mayo at Cheer Up Charlies, from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 5. Later, Peligrosa and the Loyalty Firm host a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at the same locale with Bidi Bidi Banda and DJ Peligrosa at 8 p.m., $5 cover, 21+. Also on May 5, Austin Vida and Somar Media present Cinco de Mayo Party with Kiko Villamizar, Plan Sonidero, Monoceja, and Arthur Yoria at One 2 One Bar. 9:30 p.m., $7 cover, 21+ and free parking.
The Bone Black Studio and Gallery in Canopy presents the Heraa Khan Exhibition and workshop on May 7 at 7 p.m. Coming from a residency at Vyt in New York, Khan hails from Lahore, Pakistan, where she specializes in traditional Persian miniature painting. She’s a graduate of the National College of Arts, world renowned for a degree in the Mughal atelier system. boneblackstudio. com. The Pecan Street Festival is one of Austin’s treasures, the largest free festival in central Texas. Gracing Austin’s Sixth Street Historic District, the fest provides patrons a day of art, music and food at an almost-four-decade-old local tradition. The spring fest is May 7-8, with hundreds of artisans offering original handcrafted creations, a wide variety of performers, children’s activities and more. pecanstreetfestival.org.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Empire Control Room & Garage features Los Master Plus, Master Blaster Sound System, and Peligrosa on Friday, May 6, 8 p.m. $8 advance; $12 door. 21+
The Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau presents Local & Live, an annual music series featuring music every other Saturday from May 21- Sep. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Visitor Center, 602 E. Fourth St. See a selection of Austin’s notable acts including performances by Money Chicha, The Sour Notes, Barbara Nesbitt, Zarni, Ruby Jane Trio and Bob Ojeda, among others. Free and open to the public. austintexas.gov.
Fiestas Patrias of Austin will hold their ninth annual Cinco de Mayo festival on Saturday, May 7, at Fiesta Gardens Park. Gates open at noon with live music/ entertainment from DJ Joe Louis Rodriguez, Tejas Cuatro Exitos de Ricardo y Joe, Ballet Folklorico de Mari Cruz, Maria y Cien Grados, Lisa Mar, Gilbert Alba and the Super City Band, Los Amigos A.S.G. and Grupo Cañonazo. $7.
India Fine Arts presents Saayuja on Sunday, May 8, 5 p.m., and Sangeetha Kalanidhi Sanjay Subrahmanyan on Saturday, May 14, 5:30 p.m. at the Dell Fine Arts Center. Kalaimamani Priyadarsini Govind and Vidwan TM Krishna, unparalleled stars in their fields, perform a mix of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam. Subrahmanyan is a vocalist par-excellence and torchbearer of his generation. austinifa.org.
The 16th annual Austin Tejano Conjunto Festival will continue the Cinco celebration on Sunday, May 8 at Fiesta Gardens Park. Gates open at noon with featured artists Los Texas Wranglers, Los Pinkys, R.V. Boys, Los Fantasmas Del Valle, Johnny Degollado y su Conjunto, Flavio Longoria y Los Conjunto Kingz and Conjunto Bara de Oro. $8.
Renowned singer-songwriter Paul Simon takes the Bass Concert Hall stage on May 10-11 at 8 p.m. The legendary artist, who has received 12 Grammy Awards, three of which were albums of the year, is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a recipient of the Johnny Mercer Award and a member of the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame for his work in Simon and Garfunkel and as a solo artist. texasperformingarts.org.
Texas Folklife presents The Big Squeeze Tenth Anniversary Extravaganza Concert on Saturday May 7, 1-5 p.m. at Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave. Texas Folklife will showcase past winners of the statewide youth accordion contest and feature past contest winners who will showcase a variety of Texas-based accordion genres including conjunto, polka, Cajun, and zydeco. Free.
Austin Film Society presents No Home Movie on May 15, 4 p.m., and May 18, 7:30 p.m. at the Marchesa Hall and Theatre. The late Chantal Akerman seemed to put a period on the sentence of her historically great oeuvre in this non-narrative autobiographical film, which draws on her mother’s experience as a holocaust survivor now residing in Belgium, and footage from her travels in Israel. austinfilm.org.
Set in the world of Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” Clybourne Park is a razor-sharp new satire which takes a hilarious, yet unflinching look at race and real estate in America. Clybourne Park contains an explosive combination of ferocious truth-telling and laugh-out-loudentertainment that has not only garnered a list of supreme honors – including the Tony Award, Olivier Award and Pulitzer Prize for best new play – but has made it one of the most highly produced American plays of the 21st century. The first act opens on a house in the fictional Chicago neighborhood of Clybourne Park. It is 1959, and community leaders are anxiously trying to block the sale of the home to what would be the area’s first African American family. In act two, fifty years have passed, and the tables have turned. It is now 2009, and Clybourne Park is predominantly black. A white family has purchased the house and neighbors are battling to keep the tide of gentrification at bay. One agile ensemble of actors plays characters from both time periods in this critically hailed theatrical triumph. The play is brought to Austin by Penfold Theatre Company, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating a love for live theatre in northern Travis and Williamson Counties by providing professional theatre performances and education programs. Clybourne Park introduces Long Center audiences to Penfold Theatre Company. Since its founding in 2007, Penfold has garnered 90 local awards and honors, including the Austin Critics Table Award for Best musical (two years in a row), Austin Critics Table and B. Iden Payne Awards for Best Actor and several years in the Austin Chronicle’s Top 10 lists. Penfold has also been featured in the Austin American-Statesman, Austin Chronicle, and Community Impact Newspaper. Referred to the New York Times as “Vital, sharp-witted and ferociously smart,” Clybourne Park will be presented May 26- June 5 at the Long Center. Ticket prices start at $28 and are available for purchase at thelongcenter.org. TODO AUSTIN // MAY 2016 // TODOAUSTIN.COM 15
LET THE RIGHT ONE IN
National Theatre of Scotland Let The Right One In jan 18–29 ; Photo by Manuel Harlan
SEE IT LIVE HErE.
The 2016/17 Essential Series Dance. Chamber. Voice. Film. Theater. Vampires. Tickets starting at $25
TEXASPERFORMINGARTS.ORG