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It’s time for another round table.
Volume IV, 11 / March 2013
KUTX 98.9 FM the Austin Music Experience
KUTX DJ’s John L. Hanson Jr. Laurie Gallardo Jay Trachtenberg (L to R)
Photo by Diana Sanchez
Positive Signs in Austin as Spring Arrives By Gavin Lance Garcia
This newspaper, published for four years plus, continues doing well on most accounts. It is gratifying to Dave McClinton - who has created its attractive pages for the duration - and I that many of you approve of the steps we’ve taken. They’ve included the production of a print piece every 30 days, a website, social media channels, event sponsorship and community engagement. TODO Austin’s Associated Editors, Evelyn C. Castillo, Katie Walsh and Erica Stall Wiggins, have been indispensable and their written contributions often works of power. This month, Erica writes about an institution that will carry great weight in future bringing communities of color opportunity. KUTX radio is seated in such a position because, essentially, music has a positive affect. I calculate that the talented men and women behind the mic and in KUTX’s administration will (knowingly or not) make a singular contribution in the Austin music industry by way of diverse programming and inclusive projects. Hats off to them. If one takes a survey of Austin music’s kingpins, you won’t find many Hispanic, African American and Asian faces. Certainly nothing approaching a mirror of the city’s demographic makeup. Austin music will inevitably expand into new ethnic markets, nonetheless, though some in the music establishment - in their inordinate self-love - may be resistant to change. The voices at KUTX, in any case, are poised to engage the social order for the better.
There are more positive signs of cultural activity to read about this month including the Pan Americana Festival, the Austin Urban Music Festival, the Mexican American Experience and the opening of the African American Cultural & Heritage Facility. I can’t recollect such a culturally stimulating March. The Asian American Resource Center will also soon be a reality, further making Austin a global destination. TODO Austin is eager to undertake the task of covering this transformation and the many intercultural pursuits taking place around the city. To that end, despite the severe cost, we’ll keep publishing a print piece along with the website. Our advertisers/ sponsors make this possible and we are deeply grateful for their support. We’re also indebted to the retailers who allow us the privilege of circulating the paper in SoCo, Riverside, South/North Lamar, Clarksville, Westlake, Tarrytown, East Austin, Downtown, Second and Sixth Streets, U.T., Hyde Park, Burnet Road, Rundberg, the city’s cultural centers, etc. Most drop-spots are crowded with independent alternative media (keep up the good work, friends), plus the ubiquitous Austin Chronicle and The Onion. We believe our time can’t be better employed than delivering a product that we hope you’ll fancy with subject matter we feel is of some importance. The passionate minds of TODO Austin’s regular contributors will spin hundreds of thoughtful pieces in the months ahead. Yvonne Lim Wilson, Diana Sanchez, Cristina Parker, Monica Peña, Alexandra M. Landeros, Blake Shanley, Mia Garcia, Harish and Sonia Kotecha, Corey Tabor and others will swerve into your path with accounts that are worth your attention. Because, after all, we serve a species lauded far and wide by visitors from around the world every March. Gracias.
TODOAustin.com Taking Austin’s multicultural message to the global stage, TODO Austin is proud to announce the launch of our new website, TODOAustin.com. The vibrant new site provides the content appearing in the current TODO Austin printed journal, along with outstanding multimedia features, enhanced event listings, special creative features and staff and community-led blogs. TODOAustin.com features links to archived past printed issues, where you can find stories and photos from TODO Austin’s past four years. Social media already connects the global web of Austin’s multicultural community. With enhanced social media networks, TODOAustin.com users will enjoy sharing, re-tweeting, pinning and boasting directly from the website. We will continue to engage our melting pot of cultures in positive, communitybuilding dialogue, while providing Austin its only multicultural media both online and in print.
Volume IV, Number 11 Publisher/Editor // Gavin Lance Garcia contact@TODOaustin.com • 512.538.4115 Art Director // Dave McClinton www.dmdesigninc.com ASSOCIATE EDITORS // Evelyn C. Castillo, Katie Walsh, Erica Stall Wiggins SENIOR EDITORS // Güner Arslan, Cindy Casares, Sonia Kotecha, Lesley Varghese, Yvonne Lim Wilson CONTRIBUTING Editors // Mia Garcia, Harish Kotecha, Alexandra M. Landeros, Callie Langford, Cristina Parker, Diana Sanchez, Blake Shanley 02 TODO Austin // March 2013 // TODOAustin.com
Contributing Writers/Photographers/Artists: Mohammad Al-Bedaiwi, Heather Banks, Adriana Cadena, Sirsha Chatterjee, Priscilla Cortez, Ruben Cubillos, Chi Dinh, Harmony Eichsteadt, Layla Fry, Monica Giannobile, Krishna Gobburu, Mark Guerra, Mari Hernandez, Ryan Hutchison, Yadira Izquierdo, Chaille Jolink, Ryan Jordan, Ramey Ko, Heather Lee, Julia Lee, Liz Lopez, Otis Lopez, David Marks, JoJo Marion, Valerie Menard, Crystal Moreno, Preya Patel, Monica Peña, Esther Reyes, Paul Saldaña, Marion Sanchez, Ernesto Santillan, Hani Saleh, Azim Siddiqui, Jessica Solis, Chris Summers, Corey Tabor, Blanca Valencia, Kristina Vallejo, Kuetzpalin Vasquez, Joseph P.A. Villescas, Bowen Wilder, Selena Xie. Web Design // Mike Hernandez Cover // KUTX’s John L. Hanson, Jr., Laurie Gallardo and Jay Trachtenberg. Photo by Diana Sanchez.
TODO Austin: Multicultural Media for All of Austin. TODO Austin is a free print and online journal for all of Austin highlighting our multicultural heritage and promoting the concept of community in an ethnically diverse city. Circulation throughout Austin, from the Westside’s Pennybacker Bridge to the Eastside’s Montopolis Bridge. TODO Austin is published by Spark Awakened Publishing. © 2013 Spark Awakened Publishing. All rights reserved. The views expressed here are the authors and should not be taken to represent those of Spark Awakened Publishing or of any of its associates or partners.
ADVERTISING/SUBMISSIONS/EDITORIAL: Contact@todoaustinonline.com, 512.538.4115 TODO Austin – 1400 Corona Drive - Austin, TX 78723
Notes from Hispanic Advocates and Business Leaders of Austin. By Paul Saldaña
HABLA February Platica HABLA held its February Platica where Latino issues in the Austin community were discussed. A rundown of the topics: • Ongoing Issues regarding the Emma S. Barrientos MACC, parking on Rainey Street, and the upcoming March 7 Austin City Council Public Hearing regarding moving historic houses out of Rainey Street. HABLA members expressed an interest in preserving the historic structure and formulating a plan to create and support and cultural district in Rainy Street. • The group expressed concerns about the future of Eastside Memorial High School and AISD’s plans to issue a RFP for ONE partner. The timeline associated with AISD’s RFP is only two months. The group also expressed concerns about the families and students that once attended Allan Elementary and that AISD has decided to close the school for 2013-2014. HABLA members believed that a meeting with AISD District 2 Trustee Mathias should take place to discuss these concerns. • The Austin Fire Department is looking to become more culturally diverse. Their new initiatives are focused on partnering up with more organizations and hiring Latino firefighters. Gracias to Marion Sanchez, Project Coordinator with the Austin Fire Dept. for reaching out. • Go out and get a copy of the newly updated Austin Hispanic Almanac. The AHA gives a stastical portrait of the Austin Latino community. • Great opportunities for our young Latinas with the Latinitas organization. Wonderful educational opportunities and programming happening year-round for young girls. You can go to latinitasmagazine.org for more info. • A new PBS documentary, “Texas Before the Alamo,” will premiere in Austin at ESB-MACC in May. – Karen Garza
Latino State of the Union: Hispanics in the National Eye The November election changed the nation’s thinking of the Latino community, said Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). Speaking at MALDEF’s Latino State of the Union on February 21, Saenz recalled hearing many pundits on election night last year using numbers to describe the Latino community. Some numbers they used: 12.5 million Latino voters, one in six Americans are Latinos, one in five of public school students across the nation are Latinos, and one in four of those of preschool age children are Latinos. But Saenz warned that,”the true story” of last year’s election is not about the numbers. “It’s about the wisdom and discernment of Latino voters who would not be sawed, who would not be fooled by an unexplained and conveniently timed shift on a candidate’s position on the critical issue of immigration.” – from Huffington Post
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African American Cultural and Heritage Facility Opens
at 912 East 11th Street, was home to the family of one of the first freed slaves in Travis County. The house was designated for renovation and expansion to become the African American Visitors Bureau to highlight the history of the culturally rich neighborhood.
The City Council allocated $550,000 of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus) funds to the Heritage Facility Project. Long-term economic benefits of the project will support the revitalization efforts along East 11th and 12th streets.
The City of Austin’s new African American Cultural and Heritage Facility opens this month with a new building and restoration of the historic Dedrick-Hamilton House. The development of the cultural institution will benefit Austin, not only in terms of culture, diversity, resources, tourism, and activities, but also economically.
The area referred to as the heart of the African American community in East Austin, once hosted some of the most famous rhythm and blues singers at the nearby Victory Grill and was integral in the civil rights movement. The facility will add to this cultural significance with programming for arts, culture and entertainment and will house the Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce that provides services focused on supporting African American businesses citywide. Activities will be scheduled in partnership with the community.
Art in Public Places commissioned artist Reginald Adams to create a mosaic mural for the new facility. “Reflections” depicts several vignettes featuring historical buildings, documents, and a portrait of William Thomas Dedrick, a field laborer thought to have been among the first freed slaves in Travis County and whose former home is now a part of the facility. The mural, approximately 8’ x 25’, also includes portraits of people who made a significant contribution to the advancement of the African American community in Austin.
In 2006, voters supported a General Obligation bond referendum that provided funding to create three cultural facilities for minority populations, Hispanic, Asian, and African American. The Dedrick-Hamilton house, a historic structure
Putting Down Roots: 8th Annual Austin Urban Music Festival By Otis Lopez
The Austin Urban Music Festival is something of a divining rod for the city’s African American music community. That it’s celebrating its eighth anniversary is no small fete for its producers, SoulTree Collective, who have built an outdoor familyoriented event featuring the modern sounds of Black America.
Brandy
Austin Urban Music Festival, headlined this year by Brandy and Anthony Hamilton, promises to hold appeal for both local revelers
Chavez “Si Se Puede!” March People Organized in Defense of Earth and Her Resources hold the annual Cesar E. Chavez March on Saturday, March 23. In honor of one of the most important leaders of the 20th century, marchers commemorate Chavez’s legacy of worker’s rights, civil rights, environmental justice, equality for all, peace, non-violence, and children and women’s rights.
and ecstatic visitors who enjoy its consistent high quality and mix of modern and classic beats. Coinciding with the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays, the largest meet in the southwest and first major outdoor relays annually, music and sports fans join athletes from Texas high schools, colleges and universities nationwide, as approximately 40-60,000 people descend on the city. Brandy headlines Friday, March 29, at Auditorium Shores. Her distinctive sound is characterized by her unique timbre, voice-layering, throaty riffs and beat-driven R&B. Having sold 30 million records worldwide, her collection of hits for Epic and RCA Records include, “What About Us?,” “Full Moon,” and “Put It Down.” The Grammy Award winning Anthony Hamilton, headlining Saturday, March 30, possesses an
Starting at Terrazas Library (1105 E. Cesar Chavez) at 10 a.m. and ending at Austin City Hall Plaza (301 W. Cesar Chavez Street), the event offers an opportunity for families to get involved and learn about helping the community. Featured speakers, music and entertainment will be on hand at the conclusion of the march. Participants may bring their own signs or purchase flags from PODER. For more info see poder-texas.org
arresting voice which has made him a favorite staple on the scene since 2003. A consummate performer, the R&B singer-songwriter and record producer rose to fame with his platinum-selling second studio album, “Comin’ from Where I’m From,” in 2003. Today, he is still captivating audiences around the world as his records climb the charts. Gates open at 3 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday. Tickets ($25 Friday, $30 Saturday) are available in Austin at Mr. Catfish and More Restaurant (1144 Airport Blvd. #220), Legendary Cuts (4700 Loyola Lane), Cal’s Beauty Supply (3404 Oak Springs Rd.), Cal’s Beauty Salon (7112 Ed Bluestein Blvd., #135), and Double D Grocery (4501 East M.L.K.). For more info, go to austinurbanmusicfestival.com.
Austin’s Musical March for Peace Organizers of the annual Million Musician’s March for Peace on March 16 say the purpose of the event is to build toward a mass movement for peace and equal rights worldwide.
to the memory of Nick Travis, co-founder of Million Musician’s March for Peace. The public is invited and encouraged to bring instruments and make some noise. Find more info at instrumentsforpeace.org
Speakers and noted Austin song-slingers perform on the south steps of the State Capitol from 1–3 p.m., then march with instruments down to City Hall by way of East 7th St., through the heart of SXSW on 6th St., arriving on Willie Nelson Blvd. for a 4 p.m. concert featuring Guy Forsyth, Carolyn Wonderland and others. With the tenth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, the directors are dedicating this year’s march
04 TODO Austin // March 2013 // TODOAustin.com
Anthony Hamilton
Million Musicians March | Photo: Chavez March
IMMIGRATION
that this was an issue of compassion, that our faith is about compassion,” he said. “I told her that people don’t come here because they don’t care about the law. They come here because they are desperate.”
Texans Flood Congress Avenue in March for Immigration
While Reed delivered the message in the lobby of the building, the rest of the group stayed outside and chanted “Cornyn, escucha, Estamos en la lucha!” (“Cornyn, listen we are in the fight!”). Cornyn’s office response to the marchers’ demands was telegraphed via and the El Paso Times: “Sen. Cornyn stands ready to tackle immigration reform that will secure the border and fix our broken system for those who wish to come here legally.”
Thousands rally at the Capitol for a comprehensive reform bill that doesn’t sacrifice communities. By Cristina Parker
They traveled from El Paso all night to be there. They arrived from the Rio Grande Valley and North Texas having left their homes before the sun was up. They organized caravans, slept across sectors of society. There were children overnight in buses and traded off driving duties and parents and even grandparents. They were during the long drive. Latino, African-American, Asian and Anglo. Some were immigrants and others were descendants They all made it. Over 2,000 people converged of immigrants. in Austin on Friday, February 22, to deliver a message to the legislature: We demand Each one laid out Texans’ demands: Stop immigration reform. punitive and accountable enforcement in our
AIRC Director Esther Reyes | RITA photo
pass reform, Mitt Romney lurched to the right and offered only self-deportation. This sealed the GOP’s fate with Latino, Asian and young voters and the rest is history.
The crowd marched for about one mile down Congress Avenue to a rally at the south steps of the Capitol. It was the first major mobilization for immigration reform in the U.S. since the reelection of Barack Obama.
border communities. Stop the deportations and separation of families as a down payment for reform. Create a fair pathway to citizenship for the eleven million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. Keep American families together.
“No one and no party will be able to win a general election ever again without the Latino vote. Ever again. Period,” said Fernando Garcia, Executive Director of the Border Network for Human Rights, a founding organization of Reform Immigration for Texas Alliance, which brought about 200 people in buses and vans from El Paso to Austin.
Corey Tabor, Lead Pastor of Full Life Community Church, opened the rally with a prayer. “We pray for decriminalization of the families in this community, God. We pray for protection and education.”
“We are undocumented and we are unafraid,” said Alicia Torres, of La T.U.Y.A (Texas Undocumented Youth Alliance), a statewide network of immigrant youth. “We are fighting for this, not just for us, but for our families, for our parents, too.”
After the rally, two delegations walked to the Austin offices of Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz. While the senators weren’t available, their staff eventually agreed to come down and meet with the marchers.
Texans are in a position to make such bold demands. The Latino vote was decisive and historic in the November elections and one of the reasons was voters’ hope for immigration reform. While President Obama offered Deferred Speakers came from every part of the state and Action to DREAMers and renewed his pledge to
Dean Reed, a Methodist pastor who traveled from Arlington, and who is the Executive Director of Justice for Our Neighbors, was the only person allowed to enter the building on W. 6th Street to speak to a member of Sen. Cornyn’s staff. “I told her that I knew the senator was a Christian and
Esther Reyes, Executive Director of the Austin Immigrant Rights Coalition, told the crowd, “I think we are being heard, what do you think?” The crowd cheered in agreement.
Taking ‘the Border’ to D.C. to Set the Record Straight By Cristina Parker
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – While every border security benchmark from the failed 2007 immigration reform bill has been met or exceeded, many politicians from both sides of the aisle are still using talking points that are stuck in the past. Whether it’s Barack Obama, Mark Rubio, or John Boehner, all of the major political players in the national debate over immigration reform all agree on one thing: more border enforcement first.
On Wednesday, February 27, members of the Austin Immigrant Rights Coalition joined about 200 elected officials, faith leaders, civil and human rights experts, business leaders and activists from both the northern and southern states and the border region for a day of advocacy in Washington, D.C.
They joined Rep. Raul Grijalva, Rep. Beto O’Rourke, El Paso County Judge Veronica Escobar and others at the House Triangle for a press conference to explain what border communities are asking for in the context of immigration reform.
Rojas performs at the Capitol Photo by Diana Sanchez
RITA photo
Photo by Diana Sanchez
They traveled by plane, car and buses from as far away as El Paso and Washington state. Many spent four days on the long drive to D.C. to make sure their voices were heard. The group spent the trip meeting with lawmakers to explain the reality of life on the border and to ask for real solutions for border security – including creating accountability and oversight for border enforcement agencies, strategies and operation. TODO Austin // March 2013 // TODOAustin.com 05
Asian Austin’s A-List By Yvonne Lim Wilson
Dr. Madeline Y. Hsu
Madeline Y. Hsu is Director of the Center for Asian American Studies and Associate Professor of History at the University of Texas at Austin. She wrote “Dreaming of Gold, Dreaming of Home: Transnationalism and Migration Between the United States and South China, 1882-1943” (Stanford University Press, 2000), which received the 2002 Association for Asian American Studies History Book Award. She is editor of “Chinese American Transnational Politics” (University of Illinois University Press, 2010) and co-editor with Sucheng Chan of “Chinese Americans and the Politics of Culture” (Temple University Press, 2008). Her current monograph project, tentatively titled “Strategic Migrations: Immigration Selection and How the Yellow Peril Became a Model Minority, 1872-1966,” explores intersections between American foreign policy goals, immigration laws and practices, and shifting racial ideologies through the migration of Chinese intellectuals. Asian Austin: Did you know what you wanted to do with your life or did it just happen?
because I study migration. The American Dream has motivated millions to come to the U.S. in search of opportunity, fortune, greater stability, freedom, and most of all, wealth. I am most interested in the different levels of access that migrants have to the dream of America, that laws and circumstances favor some over others. Over the course of U.S. history, some of this access has been shaped by things like race, national origin, gender, age, family circumstances, education level, employment skills, and politics such as refugee situations. Pursuit of the American Dream is something that brings together many Americans who are very close to their immigrant origins.
cultural value for you and for those close to you?
Hsu: I moved in 2006 to direct the Center for Asian American Studies at U.T. Although colleagues in San Francisco were amazed that I would move to Texas, Austin has a very dynamic Asian American community that has very actively and successfully been organizing and mobilizing to better represent community issues and to ensure that Asian Americans are understood by city and state officials. The establishing of the Asian American Resource Center – through city funding – is a great indicator of how well Asian American civic leaders in Austin are participating and raising awareness of Asian Americans in Central Texas.
AA: Anything else you’d like to add?
Hsu: Oftentimes culture is taken to be ethnic specific, and the value that I offer is not particular to any group. I think to participate fully in a democracy, which I think should be one of America’s great strengths, that all peoples regardless of backgrounds and beliefs, must be willing to acknowledge and accept their differences from those around them, while embracing that we are all part of the same society, no matter how diverse and that our responsibility to democracy is to forge AA: Is there anything particular about Austin ways to work together for the betterment of all. that inspires you?
AA: Are there generational issues, or cultural into graduate school as soon as I finished issues, or both, between young and old Asian college and have never looked back. I trained American Austinites? as a Chinese historian at Yale University and now research migration and transnationalism Hsu: I enjoy meeting the older generation of Asian American Austinites because they focusing on China and the U.S. have personally experienced, and succeeded AA: What was your attraction to your vocation? despite the legacies of segregation in the south. Before about 1980, there were very What drew you to do the work you do? few Asians in Texas, and those who were Hsu: I really enjoy the many different types of here had to be very tough about pursuing work that academics get to do. Initially, I was their life courses in order to have full access drawn to the idea of teaching and training to education and many had to carve their students to acquire and process information way into certain professions. It is easy to find using historical methods. I also like the Asian Texans who were the “first” in many independence allowed to frame questions fields. These are things that we now take for about history and conduct research to discover granted because there are so many more answers, which can lead to discoveries of Asian Americans in professional and white historical events or experiences that have been collar jobs who have no difficulties purchasing unknown or misunderstood. Another part of homes in every neighborhood. my job is to write and to publish and to share the stories that I discover in ways that makes AA: Asian Americans are becoming a powerful history appealing and accessible to broader force in Austin economically, culturally, audiences. For these reasons, I also enjoy the politically and otherwise. How do you see program building and events planning that Asian Americans fitting into the larger Austin I coordinate through the Center for Asian culture and community? American Studies at U.T. which seeks to foster broader understanding of the roles that Asians Hsu: Asian Americans have also become artistic and cultural leaders – look at the boards play in the society and culture of Texas. of major charitable groups. There is now the AA: What does the American Dream mean to Lucky Chaos Theater company, Michael Hsu and Paul Qui are celebrated throughout town. you?
Madeline Y. Hsu: I attended a small liberal arts college in southern California. My first year, as I was taking GE courses, including history, professors noticed that I had aptitude in the field and encouraged me to major. I switched from premed into history, thinking I would go to law school. However, I was accepted Hsu: I think about this very intellectually AA: What do you consider the most important
Hsu: Take Asian American studies classes to understand more of our history and culture but also to understand the diversity and richness of the United States. Meet the movers and shakers and up-andcomers in Austin’s Asian American community with Asian Austin’s A-List. Send your suggestions to Yvonne Lim Wilson, yvonne@asianaustin.com.
U.T. Center for Asian American Studies Founded in 2000, the Center for Asian American Studies (CAAS) at the University of Texas at Austin – directed by Madeline Y. Hsu – is an interdisciplinary academic program promoting understanding and awareness of Asian Pacific American (APA) issues and communities. CAAS houses undergraduate major, minor, and honors programs and organize lectures, films, conferences, speakers’ series, discussion forums, and collaborate partnerships with community and campus organizations. CAAS seeks to develop and highlight transnational and hemispheric perspectives and narratives of Asians in the Americas and the American South. The mission of CAAS is to provide an interdisciplinary academic program that transforms how undergraduate and graduate students understand and know the world through the experiences of Asian Americans and other people of color. CAAS also provides resources and organization to foster research and intellectual communities supporting projects about Asian Americans and the Asian diaspora. Through classes, programming, research, and collaboration, CAAS focuses on addressing social inequality across all spheres of society such as with historically marginalized populations. CAAS is also committed to working with the community to advocate on Asian American issues on and off campus. TODO Austin // March 2013 // TODOAustin.com 07
Celebrating Diversity
Holi Festival of Colors Holi is the Hindu faith’s festival of colors when the cold months of winter transform into the warm days of spring. Celebrated all over India by thousands of people every year during the full moon of March, Austin Hindu temples and Indian organizations have scheduled a series of festivities around this year’s date, March 27.
Bridge2Bridge From Montopolis Bridge to 360 Bridge, Everything Austin
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During this joyous time, people enjoy throwing scented, colored powder on family, friends and, well, just about anyone within proper range. Delicious, savory food is prepared and shared with one and all, special kirtans describing Holi are sung in temple and a general sense of mischief takes hold as “Holi hai!” is heard being called out. The colors of Holi shower down carrying with it a feeling of good will towards all and, most importantly, a joyous remembrance of God. – Braj Rani Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Saturday, March 23, 3 - 5p.m., the OLI celebration encourages all to get some color in their life. Also the same day from 3 - 9 p.m., the annual Mela offers food, booths, entertainment and more. 2509 West New Hope Drive, Cedar Park. saiaustin.org UT Hindu Students Association Sunday, March 24, on the campus of the University of Texas, students welcome the community for a Holi celebration on the South Mall , 1- 4 p.m. The fun-filled festival with HSA is free and includes free rang, water balloons & t-shirts. longhornhsa.wordpress.com Austin Hindu Temple Saturday, March 30, from 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., mark Holi at the Austin Hindu Temple and Community Center at 9801 Decker Lake Rd. austinhindutemple.org Radha Madhav Dham Saturday, March 30, South of Austin at 400 Barsana Road, Holi is celebrated as in years past with kirtan, talks, arti, vegetarian dinner (prasad), a Holi play on the Maharaas Mandal and a Holi fire. radhamadhavdham.org 08 TODO Austin // March 2013 // TODOAustin.com
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“A Tribute to Cesar Chavez” explores the legacy of the labor leader/activist at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, Friday-Saturday, March 8-9. Civil rights documentaries are shown at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. in the Black Box Theater and the Auditorium and include the PBS POV’s “Repertero,” plus “A Class Apart,” “The Fight in the Fields” and “Chicano Rock!” Info at maccaustin.org • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Friends of Austin Community College and Mt. Zion Action and Resource Center host, “Overcoming & Success Steps Begin Within,” a series of monthly structured conversations. The 12-step program for African Americans, built to foster Dr. King’s non-violent, beloved community agenda, are moderated by Mike Manor and occur on second Saturdays, 9 a.m.- noon, at Mt. ZARC (2951 East 14th St.). For more, 512-479-9890. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • “Faces of Austin” is a short film program showcasing works by Austin filmmakers which reflect the many diverse faces, voices and experiences of the city. The films can be seen at City Hall, on Channel 6, online, and at special screenings, including the 2013 premiere of short film selections at the Carver Museum and Cultural Center on Sunday, March 10, 1:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. austintexas.gov/facesofaustin • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated Sunday, March 17, at Shoal Creek Event Center (8611 N. MoPac) with authentic Irish culture including pipers, dancers and local Irish bands, including Goitse from Limerick, Inishfree Irish Dance Austin, the Silver Thistle Pipes and Drums and much more. No green beer or leprechauns, just fierce Irish tradition and fun. Adult tix $9 in advance; $12 door. stpatricksdayaustin.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Chile’s TEATROCINEMA is an inventive and original theatre company who create an ingenious fusion of cinema and theatre. Their highly stylized staging is a seamless blend of live action and film projection – technical and theatrical wizardry. Their U.S. premiere, Thursday-Friday, March 21-22, at the McCullough Theatre, 8 p.m., features a performance of “Sin Sangre” (Without Blood). texasperformingarts.org • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • “Tales of Masked Men,” an award-winning documentary about the colorful, fascinating and mysterious world of lucha libre, plays at Mexic-Arte Museum on Wednesday, March 27, in conjunction with the current “Masked: Changing Identities” and “Unmasked: Lucha Libre” exhibits. An all-age mask making workshop on Saturday, March 30, gives participants the opportunity to design their own wear. mexic-artemuseum.org • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Easter is the pinnacle feast in the Christian calendar and for 500,000 Catholics in the Diocese of Austin, it marks the end of 40 days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Led by Bishop Joé Vásquez, the first Mexican American to lead the Diocese, Catholics celebrate the apex of Holy Week with the Easter Vigil Mass, celebrated after nightfall on Holy Saturday, followed by Easter Sunday. For mass times, see austindiocese.org
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Merle Haggard // Rodeo Austin The term, “poet of the common man,” is an apt tribute to the legendary Haggard, whose incredible commercial success has made a lasting mark, not just on country music, but on American music as a whole. Performing Sunday, March 17, 3 p.m. at Travis County Expo Center, he is recognized for 40 chart-topping hits and memorable concerts and is called one of the most influential artists in history. rodeoaustin.com ======================================
Music of Led Zeppelin // Long Center
The power of Led Zeppelin and the power of a symphony orchestra is an awesome combination. “The Song Remains the Same – the Music of Led Zeppelin” is part of the Rock-a-LONG Wednesdays series. On March 20, 7:30 p.m., the internationally acclaimed Jeans ‘N’ Classics band recreates the legendary music of the rock and roll legends as the Austin Symphony Orchestra adds a new and thrilling dimension. thelongcenter.org ======================================
Dance India // Rollins Studio Theatre
Austin Dance India presents an evening of traditional and contemporary Indian classical dance on Friday-Saturday, March 29-30. Expressed in Bharata Natyams solos and duet, artistic director, Anuradha Naimpally – who has been performing worldwide for over 25 years – and her daughter, Purna Bajekal, present original works in traditional costume with beautiful art installations by Sandhya Aluru and Blake Bohls. austindanceindia.com
director of broadcast and content for KUT 90.5 and KUTX 98.9.
Ray Charles, TV on the Radio and Alejandro Escovedo are played in succession with no commercial interruptions. Only the calming voice of the host interjects to announce the set. It’s Tuesday afternoon, and long time Austin radio deejay Jay Trachtenberg is currently at the helm of the new station, KUTX 98.9 FM.
By Erica Stall Wiggins
The station is embracing the spirit of engagement in collaborating with a handful of community groups on the Austin Music Map project. Equal parts storytelling platform, historical document and hot spot finder, the project celebrates the rich musical samplings, past and present in Austin through the creation of an interactive and community-built digital map, which goes beyond the well trodden venues in search of the hidden gems and more unique locales where music happens. Lead producer of the Austin Music Map, Delaney Hall said, “There is no single genre or neighborhood that defines the Austin music scene. We’re looking to the community to help us shine a light on some of those underthe-radar venues.”
Photos by Diana Sanchez
Broadcasting from the brand new 20,000-square-foot, LEED-designed KUT Public Media Studios in the Belo Center for New Media on the University of Texas campus, the noncommercial public radio station broadcasting full time music programming has been on the air mere months, breaking off from its sister station KUT 90.5 FM in January, 2013. While music fans rejoice in the great music on KUTX, the creation of the new station has also facilitated the transition to full time public supported news station that KUT now delivers, with added national news programs as well as expanded coverage of Central Texas news.
To celebrate the creation of the Austin Music Map, KUTX sponsored the recent Map Jam 2013 on February 23. The free, family-friendly music crawl featured seven venues and a great array of talent, such as El Tule playing at the Saltillo Metro station and Residual Kid at the East 6th Street venue, Cheer up Charlie’s. Reilly compares the event to the Austin music scene: “It’s not static, it’s not in one place, it’s not one artist, it’s not one particular genre. It’s a great example of what we can do with the community.” The site welcomes content from community users at austinmusicmap.com.
Programming Diversity
Fostering Community
Mirroring an ever-evolving Austin demographic, the KUTX programming schedule crosses genres and generations: whether it’s “World Music” with Hayes McCauley, “Twine Time” with Paul Ray, “Across the Water” with Ed Miller, “Horizontes” with Michael Crockett, or “Old School Dance Party” with John E. Dee (John L. Hanson, Jr.), one thing you’ll get is originality. “KUTX is one of a handful of public radio stations where the announcers have control over what they play and management stays out the way to allow the creativity that is necessary for ‘great’ radio,” said Hanson, Jr.
It’s Friday afternoon, and the U.T. campus is bustling with students. The entrance plaza of the Belo Center for New Media, with its performance lawn and glass exterior, is as
music performances every year. That passion for music -really good music - is apparent whether you’re listening to “Left of the Dial” with KUTX Music Director Jeff McCord, “Jazz” with Jay Trachtenberg or “Eklektikos” with John Aielli. Listeners will find music that defines and inspires. “We (the DJs) definitely “It goes back to the open mindedness that feed of each other’s enthusiasm and passion we have in terms of programming, that we’re for musical discovery,” stated McCord. not adhering to one specific genre,” explained KUTX Program Director Matt Reilly of the open Host Michael Crockett added, “On both format the station follows. “Moving forward I ‘Horizontes’ and ‘Global Grooves’ I try to give would only imagine that would increase as listeners a peak at the diversity of popular Austin becomes more diverse as well. This is an exciting place to be, because very few radio music from Latin America and around the stations in the country are doing what we do. world. My hope is that the music is not They’re highly scripted and we are not. It can only enjoyable but inspires interest in other cultures and language. I’m an Internationalist get messy, but it’s fun that way.” and I think we as Americans need to expand Like the wide-ranging playlist, Reilly said our knowledge of things outside our borders of the hosts: “It was an evolution over time and the immigrant communities living within that we have the team that we have now.” our borders.” That group of music-devoted talent, ranging in age, gender and cultural backgrounds, The Austin Music Experience will collectively play more than 30,000 different songs and host nearly 300 live “Made here, played here” is a mindset at the
Jeff McCord, KUTX Music Director
station. Not only are local artists old and new highlighted, but also artists coming through town on tour. The Austin Music Minute and Song of the Day are extensions of this local theme. “I want those who tune in to take away the Austin music experience – music that matters to Austinites, music made by Austinites, music from artists who will be playing in Austin,” said on air host Jody Denberg. The station will also continue to seek out new local talent, and to export the Austin Music Experience through an expanded web presence with both audio and images. To that end, they’ve hired a photojournalist and videographer to create a “kind of a 360 experience,” remarked Reilly. Reilly joined KUT in 2008 and is its former Assistant Music Director. In addition to the overall sound of the new station, Reilly is responsible for community engagement. “He has a strong vision for how KUTX can give listeners – in town and around the world – the Austin music experience,” said Hawk Mendenhall, associate general manager and
“Horizontes” and “Global Grooves” host Michael Crockett Cont. on pg. 10
Cont. from pg. 9
least you checked it out and gave it a shot.”
On air host Jody Denberg
South by Southwest “Music and radio can and must be of service to Austin – by communicating its public service information needs, and by playing worthy music that needs support to keep our live music scene vibrant, flourishing and economically sound,” explained Denberg.
inviting as the fortress-like communications building that previously housed KUT was intimidating. On air personalities Laurie Gallardo, Jay Trachtenberg and John L. Hanson, Jr. are assembling for a photo shoot in the new, live performance Studio 1A. With its warm wood floors, grand piano and glass walls overlooking the lawn, the space already resonates with the magic of live performance.
In the previous space, “Jeff McCord and I could go days without seeing each other because he worked on the third floor and I worked on the first,” said Reilly. “Every one was tucked away in these little warrens,” making collaboration difficult. “Now we all sit next to each other. If you’ve got an idea, you can just stand up and say it. And other people immediately chime in. Collaboration increased on day one. It’s just a much better work environment. It’s more like family now.”
KUTX will have plenty of community engagement with music lovers near and far in March at the South by Southwest music conference and festival. Similar to recent years, the station will host live morning shows Wednesday through Saturday March 13-16 at the Four Seasons Hotel. Attendance is free with a small donation asked for the Seton Shivers Cancer Center. On March 13, the station will co-host the NPR Music showcase at Stubb’s with Nick Cave, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and special guests. On Thursday March 14, KUTX is hosting the South by San Jose “always and forever free” concert at Hotel San Jose, featuring Sergio Mendoza y La Orkestra, Billy Joe Shaver, Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison. Then, on Friday, March 15, at the Austin Convention Center, they’ll be co-hosting Public Radio Rocks, a concert, live radio broadcast and webcast that will include Emmylou Harris with Rodney Crowell, Vampire Weekend, Divine Fits, Dawes and Charles Bradley to name a few. Saturday night you’ll find the station at the free Auditorium Shores tribute to Levon Helm, featuring Los Lonely Boys and Robert Randolph. If that weren’t enough, they are also the media sponsor of the Austin Music Awards.
The Listener Experience It’s a Spring-like morning in Austin and another original set is unfolding – this one courtesy of Susan Castle. Elvis Presley is followed by Alabama Shakes, then Iron and Wine. The Elvis tribute celebrates the Texas Music History clip commemorating the shows he performed at the Houston Astrodome in 1970. In ten minutes, the listener has received a Texas music history lesson, enjoyed a superpower of an emerging artist and a favorite (and local) songwriter who will be performing at South by Southwest.
Listeners will be treated regularly to such performances in the space. “We’re inviting audiences into Studio 1A every week … we’re an open accessible place, the idea of inviting listeners in regularly to interact with us and see what we’ve got going on, that’s really exciting,” said Reilly. “We’re always looking for ways to have a daily conversation.” Announcements made on the air and via the station’s social media sites will drive listeners to the web site to register and attend the free shows.
In Studio 1A, the photo shoot is underway and Laurie Gallardo shares how “Mr. Hanson” keeps her in line. When she first began at the station, she came in one morning after a late night of Austin music revelry. KUT veteran John L. Hanson, Jr. shot her a knowing glance, and proceeded to pretend to call the young employee’s parents from an adjacent office. They joke with one another, but there is a deep sense of respect between the two. Gallardo described her work with the team: “I’m learning from the greats, the best of the best.” She touts A recent press release describes the new space: John Aielli’s knowledge of classical music and “The studios embody KUT’s mission to describes McCord as a “walking encyclopedia” develop, discover and deliver content and of information about new bands. experiences that encourage engagement, deepen understanding and connect citizens “My parents and most of my musician friends with each other. The space will emphasize have taught me to embrace it all, give creative collaboration and increase community everything a chance,” stated Gallardo. “And I interaction by bringing together creative and still haven’t covered everything yet. I learn from editorial production, and delivery of content in it all. My wish is for listeners to do the same. It may not always be your cup of wine, but at one interactive, dynamic space.” 10 TODO Austin // March 2013 // TODOAustin.com
The station encourages dialogue with the community through their social media sites, which allow immediate and interactive feedback. Said Reilly of the station as it moves forward, celebrating the past and embracing the future with the community’s support, “Our listeners will always keep us on the right path.”
KUTX Program Director Matt Reilly
KUTX Programming & SXSW Schedule: kutx.org Austin Music Map: austinmusicmap.org
Share the Passion of
Pan Americana Festival By Ernesto Santillan
The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) and Bellas Artes Alliance present the third annual Pan Americana Festival, a free, two-day event Friday-Saturday, March 15-16. Debuting two years ago with an audience of more than 3,000 on its first outing, the festival has become one of the signature events of the SXSW Music and Media Conference. In its short span, Pan Americana Festival has thrown out conventional music festival models and created a cultural fiesta that’s vibrant and eclectic as it reflects a cross border Latino experience. “Music overcomes the cultural barriers that separate us and brings people together by creating a space that fosters appreciation and respect for diversity,” said Andrew Ramirez, co-founder of Bellas Artes Alliance and Chairman of the Board. “A culture’s art is the window to its soul.” In past years, the Pan Americana Festival has brought over 5,000 people to the beautiful ESB-MACC in the heart of downtown Austin. In its state-of-the-art plaza, local artists perform alongside international Latino music sensations during SXSW, with crowds dancing to everything from cumbia to funk, reggaeton to Tejano, salsa to rock and roll. Between sets, audiences enjoy the latest innovations in Latino filmmaking, theatre, dance and visual arts. A free shuttle service will be available to and from parking lots at Sanchez Elementary School, Martin Middle School and Fiesta Gardens. Refreshments will be sold on-site and doors open at 4 p.m. A City of Austin co-sponsored project since 2011, the festival is a collaborative force between Bellas Artes Alliance, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, preserving and advancing the music, arts and culture of the Latino community, and the ESB-MACC, which is similarly dedicated to the preservation, creation, presentation and promotion of Mexican American cultural arts and heritage. The project is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office/Cultural Arts Division.
Friday Line-up ----------------------------------------------
MARACATÚ AUSTIN
DUINA DEL MAR
CELSO PIÑA
Maracatu Austin is dedicated to sharing and Colombian Duina Del Mar, named one of “Top Ten exploring musical styles of Pernambuco. ---------------------------------------------- Latin Artists to Watch in 2013” by Billboard, worked on her debut, “Natural,” with super producer Julio MANZANAS MALAS Reyes Copello. Celso Piña, “El Rebelde del Acordeón,” is a pioneer ---------------------------------------------in the mixture and fusion of tropical sounds with his works having elements of everything from SUNS OF ORPHEUS musica Norteña to R&B. ----------------------------------------------
EL DUSTY
Aka Los Bad Apples, MM is a Latin Hip-Hop Slap Band that fuses the sultry rhythms and vocal stylings of Latin music with the raw beats and rhymes of Hip-Hop and cumbia. One of the most dynamic DJs from the ---------------------------------------------underground Latin bass scene, Dusty Oliveira is ISA GT considered by some to be the inventor of Cumbia Electronica. ----------------------------------------------
Brazilian born frontman Frederico Geib dubs his band’s stylistic hybrid as “International Psychedelic Pop,” fusing world music influences. ----------------------------------------------
EL TULE
GRUPO FANTASMA El Tule’s latest release, “Vol III: Hecho In Austin,” is a unique feel good sound combining cumbia, merengue, salsa, Cuban and reggae for those who love to dance. ---------------------------------------------Drawing her influences from Cumbia, house, Baltimore, Champeta, Baile funk, Kuduro- and everything in between, Isa has become a go-to in GF is one of the most important independent acts London for Latin music. in the Latin genre and has defied expectations with an incendiary live show and unique, Grammy- Saturday Line-up ---------------------------------------------winning musical voice. ---------------------------------------------- KINKY
MASTER BLASTER SOUND SYSTEM
LOS BANDIDOS COSMICOS
Latin, dance hall, dub, world rhythm ensemble featuring DJ Manny + Claude9, utilizing various musical toys like melodicas, analog noisemakers, samplers and turntables. ----------------------------------------------
AUSTIN SAMBA’S BRAZILIAN CARNIVAL
The band is at the nexus of Cumbia Crunk, Roots Norteño and Deep Club tracks. South Texas Cumbia OG’s DJ Dus, Brian Ramos and Cecy Treviño are at the creative center. ----------------------------------------------
Kinky is a Latin alternative group from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, with rock, dance and techno influences, formed in 1998 as part of the Avanzada Austin Samba School, is a group of over 100 Regia Musical Movement. drummers and dancers that performs the music ---------------------------------------------- and dance of Brazilian Carnaval, from Rio to Bahia. TODO Austin // March 2013 // TODOAustin.com 11
Mexican American Experience 2013 Two Days of Free Diverse Music Showcases for the Community By Liz Lopez
Crossroads Events successful two day music production, the Mexican American Experience, returns for a third year to the grounds of Austin’s Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC), offering a diverse range of musical talent on one stage, March 13-14. There’s no admission and the public is welcome. The event will showcase local and regional talent with the line-up including award winning musical artists, as well as emerging talent that continues to create music grounded in sounds from the past, yet blending current music influences and experiences. “Being this is the Mexican American Experience, people may expect it to be Tejano music alone, but it is not,” stated Ross Gomez, Crossroads Events Chief Financial Officer. “We emphasize that Tejanos perform a variety of music – that’s
Pachanga Pachanga Latino Music Festival Announces Initial Line-up The sixth annual Pachanga Latino Music Festival, the Latin-themed music, cultural arts and food festival, announced its initial music lineup for the 2013 two-day celebration in late February. The festival will kick off Friday evening, May 10, and run through Saturday, May 11, at Fiesta Gardens. Norteno superstars Intocable, and East L.A. Legends, Los Lobos, will anchor the two day festival. “We are excited to be able to share this diverse mix of music with Austin,” says Pachanga founder
Los Lobos 12 TODO Austin // March 2013 // TODOAustin.com
what we are about – and that is our Tejano, and American, culture.” For this year’s production, Leonard Davila, Chairman of Crossroads Events, described the event as “having the same vibe; promoting the Mexican American culture and showing what our artists can do.” He further added, “We have been contacted by many music groups who want to be a part of the event, but already have bands committed.” On Wednesday, March 13, the schedule includes Mariachi Los Toros de Austin; Big Band Tejano (Austin); Yayo Castillo y Rumores (Austin) and Joel Guzman/Sarah Fox (Austin). On Thursday, March 14, the musical artists are Mariachi Las Tejanitas (Austin), featuring Anani Rhames (San Antonio); Braulio y Fuzzion (Austin), Manuel “Cowboy” Donley with Trio Romantico (Austin); Calle Seis (Austin) and Joe Posada (San Antonio). Music begins at 6 p.m. both days, with the grounds open to the public at 5 p.m. for partaking of the open air event in the Zocalo area of the cultural center along Lady Bird Lake. Attendance records have been set during the event in year’s past with over 3,000 attendees Rich Garza. “Coming out of the gate with Norteno, Rock, Cumbia, Hip Hop, Mambo, Conjunto, these ten bands give the world a snapshot of the exciting work we’ve done over the last five years.” The initial Pachanga line-up includes Intocable (Zapata, TX); 3ball MTY (Monterrey, Mexico); Los Lobos (Dixon, CA); Celso Piña (Monterrey, Mexico); Flaco Jiménez (San Antonio, TX); Los Rakas (Oakland, CA); Sergio Mendoza y La Orkesta (Tucson, AZ); Raul y Mexia (Fremont, CA); Sweet & Tender Hooligans (Los Angeles, CA) and Mariachi Mystery Tour (Albuquerque, NM). Additional artists will be announced soon. The Pachanga lineup includes rock, alternative, Tejano, mariachi, cumbia, salsa, electronic, funk, hip-hop and indie rock with one singular theme, the sound is brown.
per day and each has surpassed attendance records for the outdoor venue, according to the City of Austin MACC staff. “As the years go by, we hope to make each production better, hope for growth and draw more people,” said Gomez. The Mexican American Experience 2013 is co-sponsored by the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC), the City of Austin, Parks and Recreation Department and Crossroads Events. The cultural center is located on 600 River St. For more information and updates, visit www. mexicanamericanexperience.org and www. crossroadsevents.org or www.maccaustin.org
Calle Seis
Joe Posada
Yayo Castillo y Rumores
A limited number of Early Bird two-day tickets are on sale at pachangafest.com and ticketfly.com. Early Bird two-day ticket packages are available for $60 ($75 day of show) General Admission and $130 VIP ($150 day of show). VIP includes include air conditioning, indoor restrooms, private bar, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, a salsa bar, queso station and tastings from Austin’s favorite Latino restaurants. A portion of all proceeds will benefit the FuturoFund Austin. Pachanga is a Latin-themed music, cultural arts and food festival dedicated to showcasing the vibrant blend of Latino-created music and art and the impact it has on American culture today. For more infon visit www.pachangafest.com, and for up-tothe-minute news follow us on Facebook at Pachanga Latino Music Festival and on Twitter @ pachangafest.
Intocable
SXSW Saustex Cósmica Showcase Texas music luminary Jeff Smith’s Saustex, a Central Texas record label, publishing and mail-order outfit, teams up with Gil Gastelum and the L.A.-based crew at Cósmica Artists to present arguably one of the finest official SXSW Showcases of the year on Wednesday, March 13, at Karma Lounge, 105 E. 5th St.
The Line-up: 7:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 9:30 p.m. 10:30 p.m. 11:10 p.m. 12 a.m. 1 a.m.
The Beaumonts Hickoids Churchwood The Copper Gamins Gaby Moreno Piñata Protest La Santa Cecilia
S.H.I.F.T. Needs Hispanic Mentors
About the Youth we serve
By Monica Peña
• Our youth are either on probation or are in juvenile detention.
The S.H.I.F.T. program is looking for mentors in the Austin area to provide mentoring to youth between 10-18 years of age who are either on probation or are in juvenile detention. The program is providing services to a high number of Hispanic youth and is in need of concerned Hispanic mentors to our Hispanic participants.
• As per many other students who become engaged in troubling activities our youth are high potential.
• We serve both male and female youth Ages 10-18.
• Intelligent students who need to be redirected.
This is an excellent volunteer opportunity for busy professionals, retired people, college students and every concerned adult in the community. The majority of our mentors meet with their mentees during the weekend or after work hours. For the convenience of mentors and mentees, monthly mentoring events are also organized by the program. For more information about the S.H.I.F.T. program or how to become a youth mentor contact Yahaira Rodriguez at yrodriguez@aayhf. org or 512-428-4483.
About the Mentors • It is a one year commitment (minimum six hours per month). • Maintains communication with case manager or mentoring coordinator. • Requires tolerance and open mindedness. • Ongoing training is provided. • Have a strong commitment to make a positive impact in the life of a youth.
CASA
Art Time Machine at the Dougherty Be inspired by the shifting of time; explore the interplay between art, science and unseen energies. Come onboard the time machine with the Dougherty Arts Center’s awe-inspiring Arts Instructors and journey into the past and future of art making with the Dougherty’s Art Time Machine Spring Break Camp. The Center’s Spring Break Art Camps run March 11-15, from 9 -5 p.m. The fee is $207/camp with the Early Studio time running 7:30 -9 a.m. (and an additional $27) and the Late Studio from 5 -6 p.m. (additional $18). Creative Arts Camp for ages 5 - 12 years (5 year-
olds may enroll if currently in kindergarten) will explore their own imaginations through various visual and performing arts projects designed by instructors to encourage creative play. Students are grouped by age. Digital Interactive Youth - DIY Camp is for children aged 9 - 12 years (taught in the Dougherty’s DIY Lab) as students learn techniques and gain creative skills in digital media arts with an introduction to basic animation, graphic design and illustration, photography and video. Students are grouped by age. Summer Camp registration opened February 29. For more information about classes call the Registration Office at 512-974-4040.
About the S.H.I.F.T Program and the AAYHF S.H.I.F.T. is a Mentoring Program designed to provide an opportunity to adults to make a difference by sharing their lives with youth that are either on probation or in juvenile detention. The African American Youth Harvest Foundation is a unique 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that brings together successful and culturallydiverse men and women as supporters of African American/ urban minority youth within a structured community based environment. AAYHF accomplish this mission primarily through conferences and evening/weekend programs offered at the Youth Resource Center in located in East Austin.
(Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County
V o l u n t e e r S p o t l ig h t Melissa Winans was born in Montana and grew up moving around a lot for her father’s career in the air frame industry. Her longest stint in one place was in Colorado Springs, where she ultimately got her bachelor’s degree from Colorado College. After college, she worked for the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, and then made the move to Austin to go back to school for her PhD in Geology at UT. She is now retired from a 36 year career working in technical support for the Texas Natural Science Center. Melissa lives with her sister and she enjoys reading, yard work, going to concerts and enjoying all Austin has to offer. She began volunteering with CASA in 2009 and has worked on since
cases since, regularly advocating for multiple children and families at once. She says that the biggest surprise for her has been how welcoming biological parents and relatives typically
Hindu Charities Donates Latinitas Spring Break Music Journalism Camp to Del Valle ISD Do you know of a young woman who loves music or enjoys writing? Is she snazzy with a camera or simply rocks at graphic and web design? We want you to bring them to have fun and explore what it takes to be a rock star music journalist while making new friends with girls that share their same interests at the Latinitas Spring Break Music Journalism Camp, March 11-15. Girls ages 9-14 will have the chance to interview artists during SXSW as well as create media of their own. Shooting video, exploring photography and writing their own blogs are popular activities among the many Latinitas has lined up. Past activities included a flash mob at the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar, 6th Street Photo Scavenger Hunt during SXSW, an interview with singer Andrea Balency and a Skype interview with Mexican band Dirty Karma. Latinitas gets young girls connected while teaching them the basic media literacy skills they’ll need to succeed in a media career.
Austin-based Hindu Charities for America recently donated a number of schools supplies and in-kind gifts to Dailey Middle School students for the second consecutive year. The campus, part of the Del Valle Independent School District, sits in the heart of Austin Colony subdivision. Through the efforts of its Community Liaison, Patricia Taylor, Hindu Charities donated $500 worth of back packs and school supplies to students in need. Principal Dr. Thomas Dilworth and Patricia Taylor welcome mentors and tutors to assist students in reading, math and science between the academic learning hours of 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. during. Those interested may contact Taylor at patricia.taylor@del-valle.k12.tx.us or through HinduCharities4America@gmail.com. Hindu Charities Harish Kotecha said, “We are looking forward to continue our partnership to educate young people beyond middle school and college.”
Cost for the camp of $200 is for the entire week. Snacks are provided, but kids must bring their own lunch. Full and partial scholarships are available. To apply, contact austin@latinitasmagazine.org or call 512-861-0592 or springbreakcamp2013.bpt.me/
are to having her on the case. “One mom thanked me profusely for just sitting and listening to her,” she shares. “It’s very important to get in touch with parents and find out their side of the story.” She says that just knowing that you’ve done some good for the children makes it all worthwhile. TODO Austin // March 2013 // TODOAustin.com 13
New Vento e Sole: Wind and Sun Collection By Monica Peña
Inspired by the wind and sun of her native Chile, Austin fashion designer Teresa Valenzuela-Basa will unveil her Vento e Sole (wind and sun) clothing line at Ballet Austin on Sunday, March 17. The clothing line, which features bold, radiant and captivating designs for today’s sophisticated young woman, will mark the coming out party for Valenzuela-Basa as she establishes herself as a premier and emerging designer in the Austin fashion scene. The event begins with a reception at 5 p.m. with the fashion show launch following immediately. Renowned for her work in jewelry design, Valenzuela-Basa has extended her creative talents into fashion by incorporating movement and light into beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. Part of the proceeds from the event will benefit SafePlace and Ballet Austin. “My need to create beautiful clothing is as strong as my commitment to give back to the community” said Valenzuela-Basa . “Fashion design allows me to incorporate these two elements in my life and for that I feel truly privileged.” Valenzuela-Basa left her native Chile in 1991 to pursue her dreams in fashion design. Her passion for art, color, and fashion led to an initial career in jewelry design which later evolved into a creation of a full line of fashion apparel. Her work has been featured in Austin Fashion Week, the Texas Emmy Awards, and Austin RAWartists.org. Valenzuela is supported by her peers in the fashion industry including Kendra Scott Jewelry, Rae Cosmetics, Ricky Hodge Salon, Roosevelt Couture, and Leonardo D’Almagro. Adding ultimate luxury with speed, Ferrari will have a couple of their vehicles on site. For more details on the event visit vento-esole.eventbrite.com
Teresa Valenzuela-Basa
Good Times at Güero’s
For great tunes and great rita’s! Please join us for live music on our outside jardin stage, every Thursday through Sunday. Thanks to the fans & bands who support us!!! All outdoor shows are “weather permitting”
March Line-up
Taco Bar
1412 S. Congress Avenue • Austin, Texas 78704 Open Weekdays 11am-11pm; Weekends 8am-11pm
----------------------------------------------------------------FRI 3/1 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 3/2 JIM STRINGER (2:30); EL TULE’ (6:30) SUN 3/3 THE RECOUPERATORS (3:00) ----------------------------------------------------------------WED 3/6 THE LARRY MONROE RADIO SHOW (6:00) THU 3/7 LOS FLAMES (6:30) FRI 3/8 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 3/9 LOS TIPICOS DE CUBA (2:30); PAUL ORTA & THE KINGPINS (6:30) SUN 3/10 TRENT TURNER & THE MOONTOWERS (3:00) ----------------------------------------------------------------TUE 3/12 RED RIVER NOISE PRESENTS (12:00) WED 3/13 COMBO PLATE BOOKING SHOWCASE THU 3/14 BOSSY MUSIC PUBLICITY LAUNCH PARTY (12:00) FRI 3/15 DART MUSIC INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE (12:00) SAT 3/16 LIVE MUSIC RECORDS PRESENTS (12:00) SUN 3/17 BOB FUENTES PRESENTS (12:00) ----------------------------------------------------------------WED 3/20 THE LARRY MONROE RADIO SHOW (6:00) THU 3/21 THE PETERSON BROTHERS & GUEST (6:30) FRI 3/22 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 3/23 THE HILLBILLY SEVANTS (2:30); MITCH WEBB & THE SWINDLES (6:30) SUN 3/24 CHICKEN STRUT (3:00) ----------------------------------------------------------------WED 3/27 THE LARRY MONROE RADIO SHOW (6:00) THU 3/28 LARRY LANGE & HIS LONELY KNIGHTS (6:30) FRI 3/29 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) SAT 3/30 TOO BLUE (2:30); EVE MONSEES (6:30)
www.GuerosTacoBar.com
Chronicles of Undercover Mexican Girl:
Man Can’t Live on Music, Film, and Interactive Alone – Let’s Talk About Food! By Alexandra M. Landeros
SXSW takes over Austin during the entire month of March. Although the event (interactive, film, and music) only takes place over the course of ten days from March 8–17, everyone is preoccupied with anxious anticipation the week before, and then everyone is recovering with a hangover (literally and figuratively) the two weeks after. Even though the only food-related sponsors are essentially corporate brand junk food, many out-of-towners will still find Twitter hashtags and iPhone apps to lead them to the hip restaurants serving locally sourced food. But who is talking about the farmers who grew and raised that food? Last year, I had the opportunity to attend SXSW Interactive (being a panelist on a Hispanic marketing session), and out of the hundreds of sessions, there was only one that had anything remotely to do with how food is produced. I showed up with great eagerness, only to discover it had been canceled. Apparently, I was the only one who would have been in the audience anyway. Everyone else was across the hall at session about how to make deal-of-the day (i.e. Groupon) start-up businesses wildly lucrative.
kitchen. It’s corporate agribusiness, and they’re making the laws in our government, whether or not there’s a demand for locally grown food. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Yes, we can be cynical and say that no matter what we do, we can’t change the system. So what then, we just sit back and give up? In that case, we give up our rights to ever complain. There’s a quote by Margaret Mead that I think about a lot lately. She said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” So join me on Tuesday, March 19, for Local Foods Education Day at the Capitol, and let’s do some citizen lobbying on behalf of our small and independent farmers, so they can continue making an honest living growing the healthy and real food we’ve come to love in Austin and throughout the state of Texas. (Free admission. No lines. No badge required.)
This year isn’t much better – all talk of food and farms has been relegated to SXSW Eco during the month of October, which is only three days long and brings in about 2,000 attendees (compared to nearly 60,000 for the main SXSW festivities). But don’t fear! A small group of us are diligently working to get more people actively involved in learning where their food comes from and how it gets to their plates – and more importantly, how difficult it is to get that food on their plates … and what we can do to change that. It’s one thing to profess your love for “buying local” on a bumper sticker, but do you really do that on a daily basis? And even if you were, it’s not enough, although it’s a good start. When it comes to food, it gets a bit complicated. Even if as a consumer you demand locally grown kale and grassfed beef every day, there’s a really big thing that gets in the way of the farmer and your
March 2013
Tiny Taiga Condensation By Blake Shanley
We are inherently products of patterning and conditioning, and simple creatures of habit.
Let’s stop that. Rinse and repeat really only dries out your hair. We like to be comfortable (… complacent). We don’t like to challenge ourselves (... think our own thoughts). We don’t like to try new things (… be outside of our comfort zone for a second). We don’t like to even bother ourselves with wondering if what we are doing/thinking/feeling is the best option, the only option or even a good option. We just accept it. And keep doing it. And complain incessantly about all of it the whole time.
Let’s stop that, too.
same path has the same offshoots, twists and turns. The patterns, by definition, repeat themselves. No, nothing CAN change. Mathmatically, metaphysically, metaphorically, mentally. It can’t change because the formula is the same. Changing one component changes the whole formula.
Let’s do that a lot more. If find yourself bored, it’s because you’re boring. If you find yourself having the same relationship issues, it’s because you’re dating the same type of person and acting like the same person with them. If you find yourself waking up to the same mood day after day, it’s because you’re having the same thoughts day after day. If you keep repeating habits and patterns, you will only have the same results. It’s science. It’s math. It’s true. Observe, change and release your patterns and habits to see what your life actually might have to offer you when you allow it to flow and grow regularly. Eventually, you will find a general formula that feels good to you, requiring only a few tweaks here and there for maximum happiness adjustment. Tiny Taiga is a tiny wonderland of all kinds of components for you to try in your new formulas. 1200 E. 11th St. #106 – follow the deer…
Life is a series of active formulas. Each tiny component dramatically and directly affects the others. Taking a different route home drives you by new businesses, new people on the street, new buildings – all in turn may, if you’re looking, spark a new idea, memory, thought or feeling. Going to the same places over and over limits you to only the contents and people inside those places. A new place might introduce a new person who has a friend who is looking for new designer/ builder/writer/artist/manager/assistant. Stopping a typical thought process to force in a new thought changes the direction of your focus. Instantly. The same path leads to the same end. The
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Alexandra collects eggs by happy, local pasture-raised and free-roaming hens.
• Import & Domestic Vehicles, Diesel Engines, Motor Bikes, and Tractors. • Collision work available. TODO Austin // March 2013 // TODOAustin.com 15
A TRIBUTE TO CESAR CHAVEZ: MEXICAN AMERICAN CIVIL RIGHTS DOCUMENTARY FILMS Each March the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center celebrates the legacy of Cesar Chavez (1927-1993) by screening films that reflect the struggle of those that fought for the same civil rights, and equality that Cesar Chavez was so passionate about.
A Class Apart March 8, 7:00 p.m. & March 9, 8:30 Directed by Carlos Sandoval & Peter Miller • Black Box Theater In the small town of Edna, Texas, in 1951, a field hand named Pete Hernández killed a tenant farmer after exchanging words in a gritty cantina. From this seemingly unremarkable murder emerged a landmark civil rights case that would forever change the lives and legal standing of tens of millions of Americans. This American Experience film tells the little-known story of an underdog band of Mexican American lawyers who took their case, Hernandez v. Texas, all the way to the Supreme Court, where they challenged Jim Crow-style discrimination against Mexican Americans.
The Fight in the Fields (Cesar Chavez and the Farmworkers’ Struggle) March 8 & 9, 6:00 p.m. A Film by Ray Telles & Rick Tejada-Flores •Auditorium This historical documentary tells the story of Cesar Chavez, the charismatic founder of the United Farm-workers Union, and the movement that he inspired-one that touched the hearts of millions of Americans with the grape and lettuce boycotts, a nonviolent movement that confronted conservative politicians like Ronald Reagan and the powerful Teamsters Union. This chapter of American history recounts an inspiring story of hope and courage against over-whelming odds, ad story of poor people taking control of their lives.
Chicano Rock! March 8, 8:30 p.m. & March 9, 7 pm Directed by Jon Wilkman • Black Box Theater Chicano Rock! The Sounds of East Los Angeles is a lively 60 minute PBS television special. It tells the story of generations of young Mexican-Americans who proudly expressed their identity through music. Narrated by Edward James Olmos, Chicano Rock! is filled with intimate first person story-telling, rare film and photos, and everchanging and exhuberant music from artists such as Lalo Guerrero, the Father of Chicano Music, the legendary Ritchie Valens, Cannibal and the Headhunters, Los Lobos, etc… This television special tells the story of a proud and innovative MexicanAmerican community.