TODO Austin May 2011

Volume III, 1 | May 2011

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Eclectic Austin Brides Pg. 14

Celebrating Latino Music MonthTHE NEXT WAVE OF AUSTIN’S LATIN ROCKERS. Top L-R: Jorge Rohdis, Lane Hiers, Enrique Rumiche, Zumbi, Michael Bryant, David Moreno; Center: Joseph Loney, Liza McCown; Front: Scott Ramirez, Gina Chavez, Luis Ramirez. Photo by Mark Guerra.

THE NEXT WAVE OF AUSTIN’S LATIN ROCKERS. Top L-R: Jorge Rohdis, Lane Hiers, Enrique Rumiche, Zumbi, Michael Bryant, David Moreno; Center: Joseph Loney, Liza McCown; Front: Scott Ramirez, Gina Chavez, Luis Ramirez. Photo by Mark Guerra.

The Historic Victory Grill (1104 E. 11th St.) presents Blue Monday in May. “Nourishing the soul since 1945,” the Grill has hosted blues greats from Bobby Bland and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown to B. B. King and Austin’s W. C. Clark. The venue, once on the legendary Chitlin’ Circuit, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. Doors open for the Blues jam every Monday at 8 p.m. with music ’til midnight. $3 cover. For more call 291-6211 or see www.historicvictorygrill.org

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The free Violet Crown Festival, Sat., May 7, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the new 6701 Burnet Road Market (formerly Travis County Farmers’ Market), celebrates all things spring with arts and crafts vendors, family fun, children’s activities, live music, refreshments, and the grand opening of the new farmer’s market. Patrice Pike, Happy Campers, Roger Beck and Company, and Jill and the Jaybirds are the music lineup, with a performance of Thumbalina at 11:30 a.m. www.violetcrowncommunity.org

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------India Fine Arts brings the graceful classical dancer Lavanya Ananth to town on Saturday, May 14 to perform the picturesque Vazhuvoor style of Bharathanatyam. Bharathanatyam Margam features Ananth joined by the orchestra of S.Srilatha (nattuvangam), Murali Parthasarathy (vocal), M.S. Sukh (mridangam) and R.Veeramani (violin). Begins at 6:30 p.m. at Fulkes Middle School (300 W. Anderson Ln, Round Rock). Tickets are $21 (general); $16 (seniors & students); IFA members free. www.austinifa.org

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Folkville Ice Cream Reunion brings back a plethora of musical guests who performed at the vaunted Austin venue in the 80s on Sunday, May 15, 3 p.m. at Cafe Caffeine (909 W. Mary St.). Weldon Brewer’s parlor offered singer songwriters a setting unlike any decades ago, and the reunion is sure to stir memories for Folkville alumni the Therapy Sisters, Bill Oliver, Norm Ballinger, Ky Hote, Gail Lewis, Carolyn Norulak, Brenda Ladd, Frank Hill, Brian Cutean, Jan Seides, Marilyn Cain and more. www.thricecafe.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The 42nd annual Fiesta Amistad arrives Sat-Sun, May 28-29 at Old Settler’s Association (3300 Palm Valley Blvd. on Hwy. 79). One of the area’s largest Hispanic events, it features live music, food, folkloric dance, family entertainment and a classic car show. Tickets are $7/free for children 12 and under. Doors at noon. Saturday’s lineup includes La Diferencia, David Marez, AT Boyz, and Llueve. Sunday brings Hometown Boyz, Grupo Vida, Grupo Rumores, and a conjunto shootout. www.elamistadclub.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Renegade Craft Fair on Saturday-Sunday, May 21-22 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Palmer Events Center offers eclectic handmade goods and hands-on crafting activities. The free event provides shoppers the best of indie-craft and DIY art including both local and national vendors, with a vast array of independently designed jewelry, clothing, paper goods, home and garden items, posters, artwork, plush objects, bath/body products, food, beverages and more. www.renegadecraft.com/austin

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (600 River St.) continues its free Cine de Oro screenings from Mexico’s Golden Films Era. Las Mujeres De Mi General (directed by Ismael Rodríguez in 1951, tells the tale of a revolutionary soldier whose battle for justice against Federalist troops is complicated by an ex-girlfriend who frames him for her husband’s murder. Tuesday, May 31 with an early bird screening for seniors 9:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. general public. www.ci.austin.tx.us/macc

[email protected]

512.538.4115

SIRSHA CHATTERJEEis an Indian classical music enthusiast and a volunteer with Asha for Education. She has been learning music and helping to promote both Asha Austin and Indian classical music since she moved to Austin in 2010. See story on page 7.

SHANTI GROSSMANis an Austin music industry veteran, working with musicians locally and nationwide since 2005. She currently is the program director and a board member of Austin based nonprofit Kids in a New Groove. Read about it on page 7.

DR. JUAN J. SÁNCHEZ has been a resident of Austin for 16 years. He is CEO and Founder of Southwest Key Programs, a part of the East Austin Children’s Promise initiative in the Govalle/Johnston Terrace neighborhood. See page 5.

CONTRIBUTORS

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by Mary Parsamyan

TODO Austinoutlets value our

multicultural community• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Central Market 4001 N. Lamar• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Quacks 411 W. 43rd• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

East Side Pies 1401 Rosewood• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Joe’s Bakery 2305 E. 7th• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Nuevo Leon 1501 E. 6th• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Esther’s Follies 525 E. 6th• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Joe’s Coffee 1300 S. Congress• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Magnolia Café 1920 S. Congress• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Austin City Hall 301 W. 2nd• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Zocalo 1110 W. Lynn• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

La Feria 2010 S. Lamar• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Daily Juice 1625 Barton Springs• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Hula Hut 3825 Lake Austin Blvd.• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Wild Wood Art Café 3663 Bee Cave• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Yarborough Library 2200 Hancock• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

KidOshoe 2438 Anderson• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Nomad 1211 Corona

new website coming soon

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04 TODO Austin // MAY 2011 // TODOaustinonline.com

Dominique Comeaux has always gravitated towards kids, since working with children is where she sees “the most bang for your buck” when it comes to making a difference. She currently works as a fundraiser for Open Door Preschool and as a nanny, while also taking her pre-requisites for nursing school and creating functional costumes for kids (Dominique believes that all dresses should have pockets and be wearable on playgrounds). Dominique became a CASA volunteer

as soon as she turned 21 and was allowed to start training. She has worked with 5 kids (mostly teens) over the past 7 years and knew from the very first case that this was the perfect volunteer role for her. While she knows that CASA’s mission is to give a voice to every child, Dominique is most astounded by how CASA has helped her find her own voice. She didn’t know how powerful an advocate she could be until she became a CASA volunteer advocate, and her “nobody messes with my kids” attitude certainly shows that. She is forever grateful for how CASA has helped her to blossom in ways that she never would have, and while she certainly got an early start volunteering, Dominique swears that she will be a CASA for the rest of her life.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Travis County

V O L U N T E E R S P O T L I G H TResponse to Senate Bill NineBy Reform Immigration for Texas Alliance

We expect reasonable and sensible policies from lawmakers. Unfortunately we didn’t get that with the passing of SB 9 today.

The acceptance of S-Comm provisions in SB 9 ignores the fact that S-Comm is facing serious and substantial challenges in many states (Maryland, Illinois, California, Maryland) and is failing on the federal level to make any communities safer.

California Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren has asked the Department of Homeland Security to investigate immigration officials for official misconduct, including possible violations of criminal law, in the implementing of S-Comm.

WE JUST CAN’T AFFORD THIS FAILED PROGRAM IN TEXAS.

RITA members across the state are deeply disappointed by the anti-immigrant message this bill sends to Texans and frustrated by the potential for this measure to increase taxes at the local level, decrease security for all residents, and facilitate racial profiling.

While we saw state senators frame SB 9 as an anti-crime measure, RITA recognizes it for its inevitable anti-immigrant consequences.

THE FACT IS THAT SB 9 CRIMINALIZES IMMIGRANTS.

The driver’s license provisions in SB 9 will limit access to the roads for even legal residents, make roads more dangerous and will increase insurance costs for all Texans.

People across our great state spoke out against this measure, spending hours reaching out to their senators and their neighbors to oppose SB 9. They have asked for reasonable and common-sense solutions to the issues facing our state.

We hope senators can come to their senses before Texas starts on the slippery slope of state enforcement of federal immigration laws, which costs taxpayers and tarnishes Texas’ pro-business, family-values reputation.

Most of all, RITA is deeply concerned that SB 9 opens the door to dangerous and costly Arizona-style legislation. We expect better because Texas deserves better.

We demand reasonable solutions when it comes to our families, values and economy.

Fiestas Patrias of Austin presents the sixth annual Cinco de Mayo fiesta on Saturday-Sunday, May 7-8, at Fiesta Gardens. Commemorating Mexico’s victory from France in 1862, Fiestas Patrias of Austin invites the community to celebrate and recognize one of Mexico’s proudest victories.

The fiesta hopes to bring the Mexican and Mexican-American communities together to celebrate the shared culture, heritage and history of their Mexican ancestors. The two-day event will feature a variety of Tejano and Conjunto bands and showcase the signature accordion sound which brings the heart and soul of Mexico and Tejanos to life.

Highlighting the weekend event will be Saturday performances from A.J. Castillo, Joe Posada, Cincodoce, Pride and Joy, Knights and Rian C. Sunday features a special accordion music festival, the Johnny Degollado Conjunto Fest. Performing on Mother’s Day are the Conjunto Kingz de Flavio Longoria, Los Fantasmas Del Valle, Johnny Degollado y su Conjunto, Santiago Jimenez y su Conjunto, Conjunto Romo y Los Little Rascals, Los Texas Wranglers, and the University of Texas Conjunto Band.

Along with the traditional festival food fare of hamburgers, B-B-Q brisket, hot spicy chicken wings, corn on the cob and other delights, there will also be food booths specializing in festive foods and culinary delights from the Mexican and Mexican-American cultures. Food specialties include gorditas, made from cornmeal, fried and then stuffed with fajitas, chicken, chicharones and beans, topped with vegetables, and various tacos made with flour or corn tortillas and topped with salsa.

For further information about Fiestas Patrias:www.cincodemayoaustin.com.

TODO AustinVOLUME III, NUMBER 001

Publisher/EditorGavin Lance Garcia

[email protected]

Art Director – Dave McClintonwww.dmdesigninc.com

Executive Editor – Erica Stall Wiggins

Web Master – Matt Rifemman-creative.com

Senior Editors – Harmony Eichsteadt, Gabino Iglesias, Katie Walsh

Associate Editors – Jillian Hall, Sonia Kotecha, Alexandra M. Landeros, Julia Lee, Esther Reyes, Blake Shanley, Bowen Wilder, Yvonne Lim Wilson

Contributing Writers/Artists – Brandon Ramiro Badillo, Mohammad Al-Bedaiwi, Joseph Banks, Stefanie Behe, Adriana Cadena, Deborah Alys Carter, Sirsha Chatterjee, Jennie Chen, Brandi Cowley, Ruben Cubillos, Shanti Grossman, Mita Haldar, Maria P. Hernandez, Paul Hernandez, Yadira Izquierdo, Nandini Jairam, Vandana Kumar, Callie Langford, Heather Lee, Liz Lopez, Otis Lopez, David Marks, Jessica Meyer, Mary Parsamyan, Kathy Pham, Rebecca Robinson, Marion Sanchez, Dr. Juan Sanchez, Jaya Shukla, Rupal Shah, Kristina Vallejo, Kuetzpalin Vasquez, Lisa Wood

Photographers – Raul Angon, Heather Banks, Jenny Fu, Mark Guerra, John M. P. Knox, JoJo Marion, Aimee Wenske, Todd V. Wolfson, Matt Ziehr

Advertising — Contact [email protected]

TODO Austin is published by Spark Awakened Publishing. © 2011 Spark Awakened Publishing. All rights reserved. Unsolicited submissions (including, but not limited to articles, artwork, photographs) are not returned.

ON THE COVER: Pachanga artists photo by Mark Guerra

Visit us at:

TODOAustinOnline.comwww.facebook.com/todo.austin——————————————————————————Multicultural Media for All of Austin——————————————————————————TODO Austin is a free, colorful print and online journal for all of Austin highlighting our multicultural heritage. Our mission is to promote the concept of community in an ethnically diverse city.

WRITE TO USwith stories, submissions, etc.:[email protected] Editorial – 512.538.4115

TODO AustinP.O. Box 4142Austin, TX 78765-4142

CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO

Sara Hickman by Lili Hickman Waldon

Bído’s Floats ‘n’ Stuff ‘n’ Things OpensTODO Austin contributor Brandon Ramiro Badillo is launching Austin’s only retail shop devoted exclusively to items used for having fun in the summer sun. Bído’s, at 1625-B Barton Springs Rd., located next to Daily Juice (look for the building with the hanging floaties) provides a unique shopping experience with vibrant, tropical merchandise. With close proximity to Barton Springs, and world music blasting to give spice to those warm and sunny Austin days, Bído’s hopes to maintain “the spirit of local shopping” by providing affordable and accessible merchandise, according to Badillo.

Owner of Bemba Entertainment, an Austin-based entertainment company that produces and promotes multicultural events, Badillo said he and his friends would spend their days at Barton Springs, taking every Thursday to explore different swimming holes throughout the area. Although they were regular water-goers, they were “always lacking in the things needed to truly enjoy outings. The only places selling items for fun in the sun seemed to be the big-box chain stores, which were never conveniently close to a body of water. Thus, the inspiration for Bído’s was born.”

Badillo’s Latin American music festival Xemumba, and other forays in music production such as his annual tribute shows to music pioneers Nina Simone and Bill Withers, as well as recurring shows at local treasures like Momo’s, will continue. Badillo, who has well earned the title of Austin ambassador of world music, helps create authentic environments wherever he lands, and Bído’s will no doubt become a cultural hangout and enterprise worth supporting.

TODO Austin // MAY 2011 // TODOaustinonline.com 05

The dominant discourse on immigration, a frame that focuses on the immigrant as the “problem,” ignores the array of political, social, economic and cultural concerns relevant to this “issue.” Accepting this frame impoverishes the discussion on immigration and constrains the solutions needed to address it. The following principles, developed by members of the Reform Immigration for Texas Alliance, broaden the discussion on immigration and should inform future policy options at the federal level. Any attempts at the local or state level are only piecemeal approaches that will fail to adequately address all concerns.

Organizations, individuals and communities that work and live side-by-side with immigrant families in Texas hold that policies aiming to control immigration while respecting the dignity of immigrants as human beings must:

Provide a Pathway to Citizenship Undocumented immigrants are an integral part of the fabric of Texas and contribute significantly to its culture and economy. They work hard, pay taxes and care for their community. An immigration reform program must include the opportunity for undocumented immigrants of good moral character already living in the United States to become legal permanent residents and eventually citizens. Immigrants currently under Temporary Protective Status (TPS) as well those who would have qualified under the DREAM Act or Agricultural Jobs legislation should be afforded the same opportunity. Any program that requires a “touchback” clause or a temporary worker status for undocumented immigrants already in the country is unacceptable. An immigration reform program should not lead the country toward a national identification system. Instead, it should set forth clear and sensible requirements for undocumented immigrants and maintain the integrity of our country’s civil and constitutional rights.

Keep Families Together. Our current immigration system keeps families apart and limits the avenues for legalization. Immigration policies should reunite families by ending the current “backlogs” that keep family members waiting for years to immigrate. Section 245(i) of the Immigration & National Act should be reactivated to allow qualifying family

members of legal permanent residents and U.S. citizens to pay a fee and stay in the country while waiting for the processing of their immigration documents. The Child Status Protection Act should be extended to cover children of legal permanent residents who would otherwise age out of immigration benefits their parents submitted before they were 21 years of age. A new program should eliminate the three- and ten-year bars that prevent family members of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents from regulating their immigration status.

Respect Civil Liberties and Rights. The U.S. Constitution upholds the protection of an individual’s civil liberties and human rights, but unfair policies and practices have continuously stripped undocumented and legal immigrants of these rights. The reform of immigration laws must include the restoration of due process rights and access to courts and adequate legal representation. New legislation should also call for the review of privately run detention centers and end to indefinite detention, while seeking alternatives to detention as a means to enforce a civil administrative process. Our immigration policies must foster an environment of equality by guaranteeing equal access to education, healthcare and housing, and protecting the economic and labor rights of all. New plans for employment verification must avoid the collection of biometric information, as these systems neither prevent the hiring of undocumented workers nor resolve the nation’s immigration issues.

Promote Community Security. Building safe and secure communities necessitates the trust of local communities, including immigrant communities, in law enforcement bodies. The enforcement of immigration laws should be left to the appropriate federal authorities. Requiring local police to enforce immigration law and act as immigration agents is expensive and diverts attention and resources from curbing violence and crime. Immigrant communities play an important role in preventing acts of terrorism, drug violence and crime. If their safety is jeopardized, immigrants and U.S. citizens with immigrant family members will be less willing to report. A reform of our immigration policies requires a new enforcement strategy that eliminates ICE ACCESS, an initiative that uses local

criminal justice systems to identify, detain and deport “criminal aliens.” The Criminal Alien Program, Secure Communities and 287g agreements—the most notorious ACCESS programs—lack clear oversight and criminalize people with only minor violations. This new strategy should also end indiscriminate raids in homes and at the workplace that tear families and communities apart.

Establish a Responsible and Accountable Border Policy. Policies that relate to the border should encompass a new vision that takes into account the concerns and needs of border residents through a consultation process. We must strive for border policies that bolster the safety and security of our nation and also uphold the highest regard for civil and human rights of border communities and residents. A sensible border enforcement policy must balance enforcement with regional economic prosperity and the respect for local communities by establishing clear accountability systems and transparent oversight through the creation of a Border Enforcement Review Commission. A new border strategy policy must move away from further expansion or construction of the border fence and limit heightened military authority in border communities. Our national security is best sustained with reasonable and fiscally sound border policies that strengthen and protect the rights of border residents and immigrants.

Support Immigrant Integration. With every new generation, children of immigrants integrate into America’s culture and values. This process ought to be facilitated by funded programs that provide the opportunity to learn English, American history and civics and cultural and community norms and adaptations for all immigrant generations. The support of immigrant integration is a means to achieve greater prosperity for our nation.

Develop a Practical System for Future Workers. A strong immigration system requires a long-term approach that recognizes the need for workers at all levels of our economy and respects the basic right to privacy of both U.S. citizens and immigrant workers. This should include the immediate increase in the number of visas for short-term workers and the creation of a completely new worker program. A new program must ensure the economic and labor rights of future workers, guarantee equal protections among American and immigrant workers, and provide an opportunity for legal permanent status.

Address the Root Causes of Migration. In the long term, concrete steps must be taken to tackle the causes of migration. As an influential world leader, the United States can play a significant role in assessing and addressing the larger global economic and political structures that cause people to migrate.

Let’s Talk About ItPrinciples for Sensible Immigration Policies By Esther Reyes

When will the Govalle/Johnston Terrace neighborhood get schools worthy of its children?

Johnston High School spent eleven of the last twelve years as an under-performing school before finally being shut down a few years ago. This school sits in East Austin, in a predominately Latino and African-American neighborhood where poverty is two times higher and unemployment is three times higher than the rest of the city. As a result of the school’s low performance, we have lost a generation of children to substandard education in East Austin. The question we all should be asking is: When will enough be enough?

Where is the outrage from the citizens of Austin, elected officials and the business community over the school’s continuous failure? Why is

East Austin asked to live in neighborhoods that do not provide you and your children with a quality education? Do you want to send your children to a high school that had spent the last eleven years failing? Why is this the only option AISD offers? Why does the city and school district determine this is the best your children deserve?

Last year a report showed the least experienced teachers were consistently assigned to schools in East Austin. Why has there not been demand from all of Austin that we provide quality education to all of our city’s children? What good is access to educational opportunity if that education is not competitive? What good is having a school available to a community if it isn’t preparing the students for their future and success?

The difference between the starting average salaries for a high school graduate versus a college graduate is more than $20,000. If the

school is not teaching our students how to succeed in college all we are doing is leaving these young people without real opportunity to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. And if we aren’t empowering our citizens to build better lives for themselves, then what does that do to our community as a whole? How does that affect all of Austin?

A consistently under-performing high school for more than 12 years would never be tolerated west of I-35. We cannot ignore that the majority of the children living in this community are children of color. It’s a social injustice that a community has been told this is the best their city and school district has to offer their children.

What is the solution for this school and this community? In 2008, the education commissioner had the courage to demand that a change be made to provide better education for these children. Johnston was the first high school in the state to be closed by the TEA Commissioner for five consecutive years of

unacceptable performance. The commissioner gave the school district three more years to turn Johnston High School around; the district agreed, repurposed the school, and gave it a new name: Eastside Memorial High School. Two years later, the school is still academically struggling. Where is the voice of our elected officials on this injustice?

We applaud the commissioner’s courage to demand change for Eastside Memorial/Johnston High School – and the children and families it serves. And if at the end of May it has turned around, we will be the first to say “congratulations.” But if it has not, we all need to stand together and demand better. How long do the children of this community have to tolerate a low performing high school? How long will the residents in Govalle/Johnston Terrace neighborhoods be expected to continue to deal with substandard education for their children? When will city officials, school board members, the business community and citizens, who wouldn’t let their children attend this school, finally stand up and say: Enough is enough!

Enough is Enough By Dr. Juan Sanchez

Rally at the Capitol

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

TACO BAR

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and the perfect time of year to explore the diverse Asian cultures present in Austin.

Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial group, increasing 43 percent nationally from 2000 to 2010. Texas is home to 1 million Asian Americans; the third highest number of Asian Americans in the United States and second only to California and New York.

In Austin, Asian Americans account for about six percent of the population in Austin. It’s a diverse group, with ethnic origins spanning 18 different countries. India, Vietnam, China and Korea represent the largest of those groups.

You’ll find Asian Americans in every sector of society and business. Recently, Roger Chan announced his candidacy for Austin City Council Place 1. Chan, who was most recently in the news for losing his leg in a motorcycle accident, is campaigning on a message of fiscal responsibility. “We’re reaching out to people who need a voice,” Chan said.

Chan was Assistant City Manager of Austin from 2000 to 2003, is greatly involved with community and volunteer groups, owned a mobile food restaurant and is the founder of Evergreen Global Group, a government relations and public affairs firm.

The University of Texas at Austin recently gave out their RAISE Awards to celebrate excellence in the Asian and Asian American community on April 28. The event was hosted by the Asian Desi Pacific Islander American Collective (APAC) and the Asian/Asian American Faculty

words and photos By Yvonne Lim Wilson

Asian Austin:

About Townand Staff Association with keynote speaker Channy Soeur, president of the Network of Asian American Organizations.

Another big cultural event was the thirteenth annual Dragon Boat Race Festival on April 30, held at Lady Bird Lake. Dragon boats are 40-foot long boats paddled by a team of about 20 people, along with a drummer to keep the pace and a sweep to steer the boat. This year, 20 teams from Samsung, Dell, HEB, the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, 3M, UT students and others, including a team from Houston, competed for the title (results not available by press time).

Also, the Rainforest Partnership is holding its second annual Films for the Forest three-minute challenge and is accepting submissions up until May 16, 2011. Judges include Elizabeth Avellán, Ed Begley Jr., Richard Linklater and Paul Stekler. Films will be showcased at a special event on June 16.

____________________________________________________________DON’T MISS THESE OTHER GREAT EVENTS COMING UP:

Austin’s Asian Occasion | May 28 | Long Center for Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside. Fourth annual celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month featuring performances by the Young Musicians Festival winners. $10 tickets; proceeds benefit KLRU. Visit www.asianamericancc.com for details.

Buddha’s Birthday Celebration | May 8, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born on April 8th, 623 B.C. in ancient northern India. Celebration includes performances, chanting, children’s activities and free haircuts. Visit www.ibps-austin.com for details.

Yvonne Lim Wilson is founder and publisher of Asian Austin at www.AsianAustin.com, an online news magazine featuring news about Asian American people, organizations and events in Austin. Contact Yvonne at [email protected].

Good Times at Güero’sFor 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”

MAY Line-up----------------------------------------------------Sun 5/1 BLUE MIST (3:00)----------------------------------------------------Thu 5/5 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30)Fri 5/6 LOS FLAMES (6:30)Sat 5/7 THE SPENCER THOMAS BAND (6:30)Sun 5/8 THE TEXAS TYCOONS (3:00)----------------------------------------------------Thu 5/12 THE FABS (6:30)Fri 5/13 LOS FLAMES (6:30)Sat 5/14 CERRANATO (6:30)Sun 5/15 MITCH WEBB & THE SWINDLES (3:00)----------------------------------------------------Thu 5/19 MATT SMITH’S WORLD (6:30)Fri 5/20 LOS FLAMES (6:30)Sat 5/21 THE LEROI BROTHERS (6:30)Sun 5/22 PONTY BONE & THE SQUEEZETONES (3:00)----------------------------------------------------Thu 5/26 JOHNNY GIMBLE (6:30)Fri 5/27 LOS FLAMES (6:30)Sat 5/28 TOO BLUE (6:30)Sun 5/29 CHIKEN STRUT (3:00)

South Asian specialty snack foods from Curry in a Hurry.

Traditional Lion Dance is just one of the many cultural performances at the annual Dragon Boat Festival.

Nidhi Garg and Pooja Shah sold jewelry and clothing; Kundan jewelry is popular around the New Year.

Spring holds both Child Abuse Prevention Month (April) and National Foster Care Month (May). With these month-long observances, Texas-based nonprofit Kids In A New Groove (K.I.N.G.) has partnered with legendary rock group The Moody Blues and Strait Music to collect new and gently used musical instruments as well as monetary donations for children in foster care. The Moody Blues, who have sold in excess of 70 million albums worldwide and have been awarded 14 platinum and gold discs, gave back to the Austin community last month by promoting the instrument drive in the week leading up to their Austin concert on April 28.

Kids in a New Groove provide private music lessons and instruments to children in the Texas foster care system. Foster care statistics are grim, with less than 2% of foster children going to college, and over 50% becoming homeless within two years of aging out of the foster care system. The K.I.N.G. program has been successful at reaching these troubled youth by focusing on the building of life skills through their music education program, including accountability, goal-setting and perseverance. As foster children move between placements, a K.I.N.G. teacher moves with each child, providing a consistent and stable mentor who a child can trust and count on.

Each foster child is given the chance to earn their very own musical instrument through dedication and hard work, as well as encouraged to perform at concerts and recitals. The instrument drive is sorely needed as recent budget cuts put Texas in 50th place for per capita funding of foster children.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Instruments can be dropped off through May 21 at Strait Music’s north location (13945 Hwy. 183 North @ Hwy 620, 78717) and south location (2428 W. Ben White Blvd at South Lamar, 78704) Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m.

– 7 p.m. and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. For other donation arrangements, please email [email protected], to arrange for K.I.N.G. to pick up the instrument.

To make a financial donation to the K.I.N.G. program, please visit www.kidsinanewgroove.org/instrumentdrive. You can donate directly on the website, and find a list of area businesses participating in the funds drive through May 21.

For the most up-to-date news, follow Kids in A New Groove on Twitter (KidsGroove) and on Facebook.


Kids in a New Groove Partner with the Moody Blues and Strait Music for Instrument and Funds Drive By Shanti Grossman

Get ready to tune your ears to some wonderful Indian music. Two Indian strings maestros—Pandit Indrajit Banerjee on the sitar and Dr. Shankar Bhattacharya on the sarode—along with percussion stalwart Pandit Gourishankar on tabla will be playing on Saturday, May 7 at the Jones Auditorium at St. Edwards University.

The sitar, sarode and tabla are India’s most popular and well-loved instruments. The sitar, made popular by Pandit Ravi Shankar in the West, is a plucked, stringed instrument that derives its resonance from sympathetic strings, a long hollow neck and a gourd resonating chamber. It’s more masculine compatriot, the sarode,

made popular by the legendary (late) Ustad Ali Akbar Khan in the West, is a fretless instrument known for a deep, weighty, introspective sound, in contrast with the sweet, overtone-rich texture of the sitar. The tabla consists of a pair of hand drums of contrasting sizes and timbres and is often played with a stringed instrument.

The artists are locally-based and have been performing in Austin for years. Dr. Bhattacharya is an electrical engineering professor at Texas A&M University, where he teaches music as well. Pt. Banerjee also teaches the sitar in Chicago and Pt. Gourishankar has just opened his own percussion school in Austin. They

also perform with other Austin artists in fusion jazz bands around town at well known music venues. The artists have performed many times together and bring a mature understanding of each others’ styles.

The concert is a benefit fundraiser for projects supported by Asha for Education, a charity committed to raising funds and awareness on socio-economic change in India. Currently the Austin chapter supports 16 projects throughout India that focus on basic education, child labor issues, sustainable farming, community development, special education, female education and alternative education.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saturday, May 7, 5:30 p.m.

Jones Auditorium, St. Edwards University

3001 South Congress Ave. 78704

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE AT:

www.ashanet.org/austin/raaga

Asha Star ($50) – Front row seating with 2

signed CDs

Music Lover ($30) – Preferred seating with 1

signed CD

Adult ($20) – General Admission

Student ($10) – General Admission


Entering its fourth year of production, the annual Pachanga Latino Music Festival has set

the standard in Austin for showcasing the burgeoning Latin music community. Pachanga

returns to the Eastside on Saturday, May 21 at Fiesta Gardens with a line-up boasting Austin

favorite Ozomatli and nine of Austin’s most distinctive acts, including the Echocentrics,

Maneja Beto, La Guerrilla, Gina Chavez, Este Vato, Peligrosa All-Stars, Rian C, Son de Rey

and Dahebegebees.

Through the effort of festival organizer Rich Garza, who helped found Pachanga in 2007, Latin rock is slowly finding a place in

Austin music circles that has historically been denied the genre.

“Our vision from the beginning was to highlight Latino artists and create opportunities for them where none may have existed before,” Garza said.

Though Pachanga has succeeded on many levels, it has been a balancing act for Garza and his associates in a city saturated

with music that stems from a more Americana base. In addition to this challenge, the economic downturn has made producing

such festivals an extraordinary ordeal as sponsors’ budgets have shrunk. Pachanga has somehow built its brand in spite of these

obstacles. From its first venture in Waterloo Park to its current run at Fiesta Gardens, the festival has already made a footprint and

seems poised for a long run.

Literally translating to “lively party,” Pachanga will bring the incomparable Ozomatli back to Austin as part of twenty plus acts this

month. Its one-of-a kind Niño’s Rock Pachanga, an interactive activity area for children, features kid-centric performances and

cultural activities by Pachanga artists such as OzoKidz.

Pachanga has donated tens of thousands of dollars to various community organizations to date, and held cultural workshops

for students in lower socioeconomic schools. This good neighbor spirit, added to the producers’ support of local musicians and

financial investment in bringing top-draw acts to their schedule, underscores Pachanga’s continued commitment to making the

dream of a thriving multicultural music scene a reality.

By Otis Lopez

Ozomatli (Los Angeles, CA)—Headlining this year’s Pachanga festival is Ozomatli, the GRAMMY-award winning band from Los Angeles and U.S. State Department Cultural Ambassadors, with their mix of hip-hop, salsa, cumbia, and funk. Like the city they call home, Ozo’s urban-Latino sound can be described as multicultural and dynamic. They have headlined the Hollywood Bowl twice, appeared in several television shows and movies, and have traveled the world spreading cultural diplomacy, all the while staying true to their social activist roots. The band recently celebrated 15 years of spreading its message of peace, communication, and understanding through music at a Quinceañera party in downtown L.A.

The Echocentrics (Austin/NYC/Rio de Janeiro)—Take some 70s funk, a splash of psychedelic, mix in some avant-garde, add a South American twist and you’ve got yourself the Echocentrics. The trilingual band (English/Spanish/Portuguese) that brings together the vocals of the amazing Tita Lima from Brazil and the incomparable Natalia Clavier from Argentina is a project that has been six years in the making for Pachanga alum Adrian Quesada, an Austin-based artist and producer who won a GRAMMY for his work with Grupo Fantasma and also performs with Brownout! and Ocote Soul Sounds. The band made their debut performance at the Beauty Bar during SXSW 2011.

Chingo Bling (Houston, TX)—Chingo Bling, also known as the Versace Mariachi, is loud in every sense of the word. He raps in Spanglish, wears ostentatious outfits that would make PETA scorn, and you’ll rarely see him without his signature chains, cowboy boots and hat, and sunglasses. Born Pedro Herrera III to Mexican

American parents who immigrated to Houston, he grew up exposed to the Spanish music of his parents and the rap music his two older sisters listened to. Hip-hop moguls like Russell Simmons and Sean Combs inspired him to get a business degree and to become the successful entertainment entrepreneur that he is today.

Chico Mann (Jersey City, NJ)—Chico Mann, a.k.a. Marquitos Garcia, will take you back in time to the 70s and 80s with his one man show. Born in New York City to Cuban parents, his heritage can be heard in his music, which combines Afrobeat, tropical rhythms, and 80s New York and Miami Latin freestyle, and backs it all up with an electronic beat. The son of a pianist and disc jockey mother and a father who was a record label head and producer of merengue records, Chico was born to be in the business despite his father’s pleas. When he’s not solo, Chico jams with the Brooklyn-based Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra.

Maneja Beto (Austin, TX)—Maneja Beto is a band without borders, with music that spans decades, cultures and languages, and a sound that can be described as both progressive and traditional. They are like a bizarre love triangle between indie, rock en español, and 80s synth-pop. The five-piece band released their latest album last year to some great reviews. National Public Radio’s alt.Latino had this to say about their album: “This Texan band is really taking things in a different direction on Escante Calling, which sounds like an autumn love affair. The entire record feels like the soundtrack to a movie, with every track telling a different part of the story.”

La Guerrilla (Austin, TX)—La Guerrilla is an ensemble of bilingual musicians that combines the best flavors from around the world for a sound that is totally unique and fun. They’re a little bit pop, a little bit Latin, a little bit gypsy, and a whole lot of good energy. Expect to witness

some great showmanship with props such as accordions, megaphones, and motorcycle helmets. The rhythm of La Guerrilla is gonna get you and will have you dancing until your chanclas fall apart!

Gina Chavez (Austin, TX)—Gina Chavez can be described as the Latina Ani DiFranco. She has a mesmerizing voice and a sound that National Public Radio’s Alt. Latino describes as “a perfect mix of Latin, folk and bluegrass.” She has toured with Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, shared the stage with Grupo Fantasma and Del Castillo, and was recently featured on the official 2011 Austin Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Austin Music Vol. 10 compilation. After volunteering in El Salvador for eight months, she started a college scholarship fund called Austin 4 El Salvador for girls who live in the school where she taught.

Son de Rey (Austin, TX)—Son de Rey is a five-piece band that combines rock, cumbia, and salsa with Tejano roots for a modern Latin sound. Their high energy live performances are filled with memorable melodies, danceable grooves, and powerful percussion breakdowns. Their recent arrangement of cherished pop song “Careless Whisper” by George Michael shows off the band’s diversity. The members of Son de Rey have collectively shared the stage with some of the best in Tejano/Latin Music, including Ruben Ramos, Michael Salgado, Carlos Santana, Ray Obiedo, Malo, The Hometown Boys, Bombasta, Lush, as well as a host of other premiere acts.

Los Skarnales (Houston, TX)—Get ready to get your “eskank” on to some ska en español by Houston, Texas’ Los Skarnales. This high-energy band will have you bouncing around like a frijol saltarín, or Mexican jumping bean. With a name that loosely translates to “brothers of ska,” the nine-member band mixes ska, reggae, rockabilly, swing, mambo, and cumbia with a punk rock attitude. Since 1994, Los Skarnales

has traveled throughout the United States and Mexico and has shared the stage with artists such as Latin artists Flaco Jimenez and Los Fabulosos Cadilacs and ska bands the Specials (UK) and the Toasters.

Master Blaster Sound System (Corpus Christi, TX)—Master Blaster Sound System has been producing fresh sounds and beats for a new generation of cross-pollinated youth since the late summer of 2010. Electronic toys, live beats and a full band push the live show envelope and serve as a bridge between DJ culture, live music performances and the cumbia underground. For their EP, the group decided to forego traditional song writing techniques and harmonic ideas in favor of what they affectionately refer to as “BANGAHS” to produce a delirious blend of edgy material often traversing the outer limits of music making, yet always showcasing the very best of these artists’ Texas/Mexico foundations.

Este Vato (Austin, TX)—Este Vato is an eight-piece Latin-Fusion group formed in 2008 in Austin by brothers Rocky and Oscar Reyna. These “dudes,” often compared to Ozomatli, know how to rock hard and incorporate elements of traditional Latin music and reggae into their high-energy songs. Their lyrics, sung in English and Spanish, are inspirational and political. Local blogger and live music enthusiast Manny Morales says “…their heavy bass and drum beats will carry you across the dance floor…” Trust us, your body will take on a life of its own when Este Vato starts playing.

Peligrosa All-Stars (Austin, TX)—The Peligrosa All-Stars can indeed be dangerous if you are allergic to dancing. This crew of DJs, producers, photographers and videographers started up as a Latin dance party over three years ago. DJs Orion, Pagame, Hobo D, Manolo Black, and Dj Dus mix up cumbia, salsa, merengue, reggaeton, boogaloo, bachata, tejano, and so much more to make your booty shake. Other members include VJ 4th Wall, Comandante Quito and the newest member, electro hip-hop DJ King Louie.



Chicano/Son (Los Angeles, CA)—¡Viva la raza! Chicano/Son is a band from L.A. that combines the experiences, sounds and cultural resistance of the Chicano movement with the traditional instruments with son jarocho, a mix of Spanish, Indigenous, and African music and dance folk music from Veracruz, Mexico. Members of Chicano/Son come from a diversity of musical backgrounds, including bands such as East Side punk band “Subsistencia,” Chicano madness groove band “Blues Experiment,” post–punk band “Aparato,” traditional son jarocho groups “Son de Madera” and “Mitote,” and Austin-based indie en Español ensemble “Maneja Beto,” also playing Pachanga 2011.

Rian C (Austin, TX)—They’re a little bit country, a little bit good ol’ fashioned rock n’ roll. The Rian C band is fronted by 15-year-old high school freshman Rian Castillo on guitar, piano, and vocals. His twin brother Riley Castillo on drums and Brandon Vizcarra, a 13-year-old seventh grader, on bass guitar complete the U-21 (Under 21) trio. The band has been influenced by the sounds of the Beatles, Garth Brooks, Jerry Lee Lewis, George Jones, Nirvana, and Luis Miguel. They are currently working on an album and just released a single, a cover of the Flying Burrito Brothers’ “Hot Burrito No. 1.”

Mexicans with Guns (San Antonio, TX)—You’ll know San Antonio-based DJ Ernest Gonzales, a.k.a. Mexicans with Guns, by the luchador Mexican wrestler mask. MwG’s sound is a unique mix of anything and everything, from cumbia and techno to video game beats and rap. His sets are loaded with high-energy music that combines the sounds of his Hispanic heritage with the modern day influences of electronic, bass, and

hip-hop from Mexico, London, the Dirty South, and beyond. This Exponential Records producer has done remixes for the likes of Bassnectar, Rainbow Arabia, CYNE, Faunts, Yppah, and shared the stage with the likes of Peanut Butter Wolf, Daedelus, Ghosts on Tape, Nocando, Eliot Lipp, and more.

Mariachi Las Alteñas (San Antonio, TX)—Mariachi is no longer a man’s world. Mariachi Las Alteñas is made up of 10 remarkably talented female musicians brought together by their passion to perform and promote the majesty of mariachi music. Known for their exceptional stage presence, musical performances and strong harmonious vocals, they have been captivating audiences of all generations and heritages throughout the United States since 2002. They have performed at the famous Mariachi USA Festival at the world renowned Hollywood Bowl in Hollywood, CA for three consecutive years, at the 16th Annual Mariachi Spectacular in Albuquerque, NM, and at the Viva El Mariachi Festival in San Diego, CA.

Conjunto Romo (Kyle, TX)—Dubbed “Los Little Rascals de Conjunto,” Conjunto Romo is made up of a father and his three sons from Kyle, Texas who love to perform conjunto music “para toda la raza,” complete with the traditional ever-lasting gritos. This group cites artists such as conjunto Hall of Famers Los dos Gilbertos, Jimmy Garcia from Los Garcia Bros, the Hometown Boys, and JJ y Los Centellas as huge inspirations. The three sons each earned a “Young guns of Conjunto” award this past year in the following categories: Drummer of the year, Bajo of the year, and Accordionist of the year.

Dahebegebees (Austin, TX)—Dahebegebees is a Latin rock, funk, blues, and soul band spawned from Tejano music royalty. Lead vocalist and guitarist Ady Hernandez, son of the legendary Little Joe Y La Familia, along with Cecilio Ruiz (drums and vocals) and Jonas Saks (bass) started the fun-loving band. Their unique sound is made up of danceable grooves, catchy melodies, and the occasional radio pop song reference. The group is musically sophisticated with marathon

live performances, drawing from such artists as Santana, Maceo Parker, Stevie Wonder, Dave Matthews, and D’angelo.

Toy Selectah (Monterrey, MX)—You could play the six degrees of separation game with DJ Toy Hernández, best known for his mixmaster wizardry as part of Control Machete, Monterrey, Mexico’s hip hop en Español pioneers. As a music producer and remixer, Toy has worked with a wide range of artists, such as Calle 13, M.I.A., Thievery Corporation, Cypress Hill, Manu Chao, Kinky, Grupo Fantasma, Plastilina Mosh, Café Tacvba, Celso Piña, Juanes, and Julieta Venegas. He’s got a sound that can be described as urban-Mexican electonica. He’s the Creative Director, A&R guy, and CEO of Sones del Mexside and a member of DJ crews Sonidero Nacional and Sistema Local (SLSS).

OzoKidz (Los Angeles, CA)—Headliner Ozomatli’s fans keep getting younger and younger thanks to their new little side project—OzoKidz. The bilingual GRAMMY-award winning band has added ‘kid-friendly’ to their list of musical accomplishments, putting on performances that have both children and adults dancing. The band is currently in the studio with acclaimed producer Tony Berg, recording a children’s album for release in 2011, followed by a book, DVD and tour.

Celso Piña — Celso Piña is a professional singer, composer, arranger, and accordionist mainly in the genre of cumbia. Celso Piña is a pioneer in the mixture and fusion of tropical sounds as a base, conjugated with all types of sounds ranging from musica nosteña to sonidera, to ska, to reggae, to rap, to hip-hop, R&B, etc. For this reason, he is considered to be one of the best singers of Mexico and Latin América, He is also known as El Rebelde del acordeón (The Rebel of the Accordion) or the Cacique de la Campana.

Pachanga Event Info0 ¿DONDE ESTA EL FESTIVAL? The 2011 Pachanga Festival takes places at Fiesta Gardens, on the shores of Lady Bird Lake in East Austin.

0 HOW DO I GET THERE? The park’s official address is 2101 Jesse Segovia, Austin, TX 78702. The entrance to festival will be on the Northwest corner of the park on Jesse Segovia St. near the Lynn Street intersection.

0 PARKING? Please be respectful of the neighbors and the neighborhood. Pay attention to City signage and do not block driveways. Parking for persons with disabilities will be provided at the West side parking lot on Chicon, north of Fiesta Gardens, on a first-come, first-served basis. You must have a State issued placard to park in these spaces.

0 NIÑO’S ROCK PACHANGA is an interactive activity area for children featuring kid-centric performances by Pachanga artists and cultural activities lead by respected artists and craftsmen. For complete line-up of performances and activities, check out the Niño’s Rock page.

0 CAN WE BRING IN OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGES? You are allowed to bring one sealed bottle of water per person; otherwise, there is food, beverages (including alcohol) and more for sale inside.

0 ARE PETS ALLOWED IN THE PARK/FEST? Sorry, no pets of any kind are allowed.

0 IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT? It is an all ages event. Children twelve (12) and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult.

0 WHAT PERSONAL ITEMS ARE PERMITTED? The following items are permitted: (1) sealed bottle of water per person, blankets, cell phones, strollers (for children four years and younger), folding chairs, cameras (still shot only), backpacks, purses (regular size) and binoculars.

0 WHAT PERSONAL ITEMS ARE PROHIBITED? The following items are prohibited: guns, knives (or any other weapons), wallet chains, glass, alcohol, illegal substances, pets, video cameras, framed or large backpacks.

0 ARE THERE ATMS ON THE EVENT GROUNDS? There will be one ATM located by the front gate/box office and one just inside the front gate.

0 WILL THE FESTIVAL BE CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER? The Pachanga Festival will be as scheduled – rain or shine.

THE TODO ARTS LISTPRESENTED BY TEXAS PERFORMING ARTS

TEXASPERFORMINGARTS.ORG

Texas Performing Arts is proud to recognize Austin’s many outstanding arts organizationsEARS, EYES + FEET at UT

This free performance on Friday-Saturday, May 6-7 at 8 p.m. in the University of Texas’ B. Iden Payne Theatre (San Jacinto & 23rd St.) is a collaboration showcasing UT’s Butler School of Music Electronic Music Studio and Dance Repertory Theatre, the Department of Theatre and Dance’s pre-professional dance ensemble. Take a 500-seat theatre, fill it to the roof with speakers and projectors and add 1,000 square feet of state-of-the-art stage and performance area. Mix composers, choreographers, dancers and designers, and watch the chemistry react. Don’t miss this chance to witness the future of performance. Directed by David Justin and Russell Pinkston. www.finearts.utexas.edu

CLYBOURNE PARK

UT’s Department of Theatre and Dance present Bruce Norris’ “Clybourne Park” in the UT Theatre Lab (San Jacinto & 23rd St.) Thursday-Saturday, May 4-7, at 8 p.m. and May 7 at 2 p.m. All shows are free. Featuring the students of the UT M.F.A. acting class of 2013, Norris’ biting social satires explore class, race and the complexities of the American psyche. Norris won the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for the work, which presents a community in Chicago that is divided over the neighborhood’s changing demographic and gradual gentrification. Norris’ razor-sharp, well-crafted dialogue reveals how far ideas about race have—or haven’t—progressed in 50 years. Clybourne Park is directed by senior associate chair and associate professor of acting and directing, Lucien Douglas. www.finearts.utexas.edu

AUSTIN SHAKESPEARE’S LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST“Love’s Labour’s Lost” director Robert Faires has set this comedy by Shakespeare in 1963 in a Beach party atmosphere. Music from the era is guaranteed to have everyone dancing on the Sheffield Hillside Theatre at Zilker Park for the free show from May 5-29. In the drama, a princess and her ladies tell the men wooing them that they must wait and undergo tests to prove that their love is more than infatuation. The king and

his countrymen agree to isolate themselves for three years of study, vowing to keep no company with women. But other pretty faces arrive and chaos ensues. www.austinshakespeare.org

AUSTIN SYMPHONIC BAND MOTHER’S DAYWhat better way to close out a great day with Mom than by taking her to a free concert in the park in her honor? On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8, the band will perform well-known tunes, including marches and musical numbers like American Fanfare, Sea Songs, Latin American Dances, John Philip Sousa’s Free Lance March that you and your Mom are sure to enjoy. Get there early to select the best seating as the concert grows more popular every year. At Zilker Hillside Theater from 7-9 p.m.www.austinsymphonicband.org

BALLET AUSTIN’S THE MAGIC FLUTE

Set to the invigorating music of Mozart’s famous opera, the Stephen Mills world premiere of “The Magic Flute,” (May 6-7 at 8 p.m., May 8 at 3 p.m. at the Long Center) draws you into a world of suspended reality where a flute has the power to change the hearts of men. A story wrought with mythical creatures, this inspiring ballet conspires to turn the most stubborn skeptic into one who believes in anything. The re-imagining of Mozart’s timeless classic features a backdrop of visually arresting shadow puppetry and fantasy-invoking costumes. www.balletaustin.org

CITY THEATRE’S OF MICE AND MENThe Company continues its 2011 season with the critically-acclaimed “Of Mice and Men,” by John Steinbeck, co-directed by Jonathan Urso and Andy Berkovsky. The classic tale and Nobel Prize-winning novella about two migrant workers’ quest for the American Dream portrays the struggle for independence, the responsibility we have to one another, and the desire for a place we all long to call our own. Thursday-Saturday, May 12-June 5 at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at The City Theatre (3823 Airport Blvd.) www.citytheatreaustin.org

AUSTIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAPeter Bay conducts ASO on Friday-Saturday, May 13-14, 8 p.m., at the Long Center, featuring piano soloist Jon Kimura Parker. On the program are Menotti’s “Sebastian” (ballet suite), Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36. The internationally acclaimed Parker’s extraordinary career has taken him from Carnegie Hall to the Canadian Arctic and war-torn Sarajevo. He is an Officer of The Order of Canada, his country’s highest civilian honor, and Gold Medal Laureate of the Leeds International Piano Competition. www.austinsymphony.org

SABAYA’S SAHARAH NIGHTS at COPA BAR

Sabaya belly dancers present a monthly show on the second Saturday (this month on May 14) at Copa Bar & Grill (217 Congress Ave.) from 7-9:30 p.m. $8 cover. In addition to Sabaya performances, the evening often contains special musical acts and performance artists (such as Atash, Jef Stott, JSunRay, Govinda, DJ Avatar, magicians, hoola hoopers, and others), fabulous costumes, traditional music, energetic drum solos, beautifully floating veils, amazing balanced sword dances, a mesmerizing light show, spectacular flying wings or traditional cane dances. www.sabayabellydance.com

BLUE LAPIS LIGHT’S SPRING SOIREE

Join the amazing Blue Lapis Light company dancers on Sunday, May 15, 5-7 p.m. at Cedar Street (208 West 4th Street),and celebrate spring and new growth as the artists offer gratitude to all those who continue to support their vision. The special dance performance will include enchanting live music by Jennifer Zavaleta, delicious descata tacos and a surprise signature cocktail by Dripping Springs Vodka. Tickets are $20 via Paypal through www.bluelapislight.org or at the door, with funds raised directly supporting all of BLL’s performances and programs. More info can be found on www.bluelapislight.org.

VORTEX REP’S LEAR Adapted from Shakespeare and directed by Rudy Ramirez, the Vortex re-imagines “King Lear” as a female leader for the modern world. “Lear” is the story of a mother, who in an age when women hold more power, and in a time when the media turns the private into the public, divides her empire among her daughters. As her world crumbles she seeks love, forgiveness, and peace. A Celtic legend made into a Renaissance masterpiece, Jennifer Underwood leads the cast in a story of gender and power, family and business, compassion and betrayal. At the Vortex (2307 Manor Road). Thursday-Sunday, May 20-June 18, 8 p.m. www.vortexrep.org

Clybourne Park (AP Photo/The Publicity Office, Joan Marcus)

Ballet Austin’s The Magic Flute

Sabaya

Blue Lapis Light

Ears, Eyes + Feet

The Journey BeginsBy Katie Walsh

There once was a good ‘ol American girl in the 21st century, who played by all the rules, followed all the directions, colored inside the lines and ended up tragically miserable. This is the story of how she reclaimed the power to create her own reality, instead of living by someone else’s. This story is your story, whoever you are. All you have to do is find it inside yourself.If you’re a frequent TODO reader, you may recognize my byline. I’ve written many things for many of our sections, but I’ve never really told you who I am. I came on board a little more than a year ago. And, by giving me a tiny taste of what had been laying dormant in my heart, working with TODO changed the course of my life. Where I’m standing today is continents away from where I’d be if this beautiful little publication hadn’t blossomed its way onto my path.

TODO Mexico

TODO uncovered something inside me that I’d buried oh so very deep, without even really realizing it. Looking back, this country, society and “modern age” have subtly and cleverly conditioned me to do and say and believe some really silly things over the years. In the pursuit of what I’d been led to believe was the ideal trajectory for my life’s success, I’d slowly hacked away at all of the simple, beautiful things that make me who I am and, in general, make life worth living.

I busted my butt to make straight As all through school and got my first full-time job, in corporate digital marketing, before I’d even walked the UT stage. Swept up in the world of work, I eroded my entire sense of self to become a budding marketer, donning suit jackets and brief cases and trading business cards and jargony small talk at countless networking events.

I made more money than most of my friends, had my own apartment and a brand new car. Looking around at my supposedly perfect post-college existence, I just couldn’t understand why I was beginning to feel so hopelessly and intensely depressed.

You could say that is when “the question” arose inside me. “What am I really doing? Why am I really here? Who am I?” I began questioning everything, from choices in my life to the concepts of “reality” and truth that I and so many around me were living

by, in search of that something, that essence of life that seemed painfully absent from the day-to-day grind. When I began working with TODO, I started to feel some of that essence bubble back up from the depths in which I’d locked it away. I began looking for it everywhere, in everything.

Then, one day last August, vacationing in the small Mayan pueblo of Puerto Morelos, Mexico while still trying to shake the insidious work stress that had wrapped itself around my neck, back and well being, I had a striking moment of crystal clarity.

The palpable peacefulness and beauty of my surroundings, juxtaposed against the sticky, toxic corporate residue I was fighting to strip from my skin and self, brought things into sharp focus. “This is not my path,” I thought. “But then, what is?”

A lifelong Austinite, I knew it was probably time to move around. And being just an immersive hair away from fluency, I knew I wanted to be somewhere Spanish-speaking. I sat under a palapa, gazing out over the ocean as the sun began to arc in the sky and the fishermen pulled in their boats for the day. Possibilities of all flavors cycled through my mind.

I looked around at the people, the casitas, the town’s trademark leaning lighthouse, and suddenly felt giddy and a tad foolish, like a fish who’s been searching for water. Of course. I would move right there, to Puerto Morelos, a village I’d been falling in love with for years! I didn’t know what kind of work I might find, or how or when I’d make it happen, but at that very moment I began hatching a master plan to transform my entire life, to surrender control and allow the universe to take me where I was destined to go.

For six months I secretly planned my adventure. It was all I could think about; the bounce in my step and the twinkle in my eye, but I still had bills to pay so I had to keep it on the low. Family and friends to whom I divulged the plan often freaked out at my lack of exact details. No, I didn’t have a job lined up. And no, I didn’t know how long

I’d be there or whether I’d continue traveling or come back or disappear for years. But I did have unwavering faith, that if I took this crazy first step, everything I needed would be provided to me and the doors I needed to walk through would present themselves when the time was right. And, if all else failed, I could always just come back to Austin.

I’d set my timeframe for May of 2011 (time really does fly!) and began writing this very column, TODO Mexico, in preparation for the move. Research for the column led me to an underground news network called NarcoNews.com, which just so happened to be holding a 10-day workshop on Authentic Journalism, or investigative street reporting, in Mexico in May. It seemed too good to be true. I was one of hundreds of folks from around the world who applied, and at the beginning of February I was announced as one of 41 writers selected for the program.

Shortly afterward, I was struggling to find a topic for the March issue. While clicking around on Facebook, I discovered Carlos Cedillo, the Mayan shaman I’ve been working with the past couple of months who further busted my spiritual world open by teaching me how to follow the calendar and tap into the ancient Mayan wisdom. I felt as if something deep inside me had awoken, been reactivated. I felt inexplicably and wildly passionate about all things Mayan, and it was only then that I truly appreciated the fact that I’d soon be living among them. Everything started to come together, to make more sense.

So here I am now. I quit my job last month and am preparing to embark on this journey, to live this new reality I’ve created. You’ll still find me here in the pages of TODO, bringing you real, uncensored news from south of the border. I still don’t know exactly what life will look like there or where I’ll end up, but I’m perfectly OK with that.

I hope you are too, because you’re coming along for the ride.

Photo by Todd V. Wolfson

I visited the Long Center for the Performing Arts last month to see the contemporary opera, “Flight.” I was interested in this piece for a couple of reasons. First, because it has been a huge success in cities it’s played. More importantly, it was due to the fact that it was based on a true-life event. “Flight” tells the story of an Iranian refugee, Mehran Karimi Nasseri, who lived at Terminal 1 of the Charles de Gaulle Airport (France) for 18 years. Nasseri’s story is so unique that it inspired a movie called “The Terminal,” which starred Tom Hanks and was based on Nasseri’s autobiography.

The opera is divided into three acts. The first scene made clear who held the best voice onstage: Nili Riemer. In the role of the airport controller, Riemer possessed a special interest in “the refugee,” Nicholas Zammit. Despite the fact that the energy, the voices and the music were right, I still had my doubts about the opera. But when Patricia Risley, in her role of stewardess, and Jonathan Beyer, who plays a steward, appeared, all my doubts dissipated. They were the funniest characters: they sang, danced, jumped and made everything look effortless. After the first act, I was happily surprised and found that opera can be fun.

Then I returned to my seat after intermission and noticed that the row in front of me was almost empty although I recalled

seeing people there at the beginning of the show. I was surprised and wondered why someone would pay $200 for tickets to watch an opera and then just leave. Then, all of a sudden, I had an epiphany: it was the sex scenes. The sex scenes were conducted in a funny and subtle way. You never actually saw skin or anything. So, I didn’t feel uncomfortable; I mean, I didn’t laugh either, but it definitely didn’t offend me.

As the third act came to a close to a not-so-full theater, I felt sad. The actors and singers were giving everything they had and the orchestra was outstanding. But for some reason, it wasn’t enough to appeal to some patrons of Austin’s opera community. I can only speculate about all the possible reasons for them leaving between acts, but I won’t. I can only reflect on what I learned from the experience. Austin is a progressive city, that’s true, but the deeper you move into its layers, the more complex the city looks. As a new Austinite, I have to be aware of that in order to avoid generalizations. Nevertheless, I still consider Austin a very special, wonderful place.

Follow me on twitter, @yadiraizquierdo or go to http://ireallyreallymeanit.blogspot.com

Yadira at the OperaBy Yadira Izquierdo

BRANDI COWLEY1611 W. 5th Street

512.473.0700 | brandicowley.com

P H O T O B Y Z O E A L E X A N D E R

Milk: Go Raw or Go HomeBy Julia Lee

Got Milk? That’s been the catchy slogan from the California Milk Processor Board for almost 20 years. But for some, the milk they want to get is raw milk.

Raw milk is unpasteurized, unhomogenized dairy from cows, sheep or goats. The epicenter for positive information about raw milk is the Weston A. Price Foundation’s Campaign for Real Milk (realmilk.com). Advocates of raw milk believe that it’s the only way to drink milk. Go raw or go home. They argue that the health benefits of raw milk are plentiful and profound, and that those benefits are all but destroyed in the processes of pasteurization and homogenation.

They also stipulate that raw milk should only be consumed if it comes from well cared for, pastured (allowed to roam around) animals, and spotless facilities, not the typical industrial farm animals (confined in tiny pens) that produce the hormone and antibiotic-laden pasteurized stuff on the shelves of most grocery stores. They also advocate only drinking whole raw milk believing that there are “important protective factors in the butterfat.”

People drink raw milk for many reasons, most come to it for health reasons. They’ve heard it cures allergies or helps with digestion. Advocates argue that raw milk is a living food, drinkers argue, that enzymes, vitamins, and beneficial bacteria for healthy gut flora that promotes over all health, a strong immune system and actually protects against disease. While pasteurized milk, they say, promotes disease by killing off those protective elements, which leads to “everything from allergies to heart disease to cancer.”

People also drink raw milk because it’s delicious. It tastes really, really good. It’s rich and sweet and it has body and weight that’s more substantial than regular milk. For some, after drinking raw milk, it’s difficult to go back to regular pasteurized milk even if it’s organic and from pastured cows, it seems like water.

How you get raw milk depends on where you live. Each state has its own regulations for raw milk. The Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund provides

information about raw milk laws in each state. Laws range from not being able to sell it at all to being able to sell it retail. If you live in Texas, the current laws allow raw milk sales on farms. They also allow cowshares, or milk groups, which allow consumers to form groups that can buy milk directly from the farm, but be delivered to a convenient location. The Campaign for Real Milk has a resource list of farms that produce raw milk, which can put you in contact with a group near you.

Not everyone agrees with the growth in the consumption of raw milk. The epicenter for negative information about raw milk is… the federal government. The Food and Drug Administration is vigilant in its efforts to discourage anyone from drinking raw milk and refuses to consider there could be any benefits. Federal agents have even gone so far as to raid raw milk farmers, sometimes with guns drawn (and they’ve been ridiculed on the Colbert Report for doing so). Some are convinced by their argument and support their actions. However, this is the same agency that allows industrial farmers to inject meat with ammonia before sending it to market, because their facilities are full of e-coli and salmonella. In other words, filthy.

Recently a Texas bill (HB75/SB237) was introduced that would allow licensed farmers to sell their raw milk at farmers markets, which would make it easier to obtain it for those who want it and greatly expand the market for raw milk. At this writing the bill was in danger of being blocked by the milk industry. What can you do to make sure you have access to raw milk? Contact your state representative. Milk. It does a body good.

Bridal Motif Caters to

Multicultural Audience

“Five countries. Five hours. One experience.” Jaya Shukla sees Austin through a kaleidoscope and hopes to use her Bridal Motif Wedding Fair and Fashion Show to add a sense of international flair to the city. Founder and creative director of Bridal Motif, a unique custom bridal house that specializes in luxurious, exotic natural fabric and stunning hand embroidery for bridal and couture needs, Shukla’s second annual bridal show will take place at the Westin Hotel at the Domain (11301 Domain Drive) on Sunday, May 15, from noon-5 p.m.

The showcase brings the uniqueness of the Indian, Hispanic, American, Asian and African cultures to Austin brides. “As seen through media and print, the wedding industry is changing rapidly,” states Shukla, a native of Jabalpur, India who moved to Austin in 2005. “With global influences in music, fashion, and entertainment, the American couple is excited about incorporating beautiful elements outside of their own customs that emphasize the couple’s philosophies and love for one another. Especially in Austin, with such diverse culture and the presence of a multicultural university, cross cultural weddings are at all-time high. It is with these industry and social trends that the idea for an eclectic bridal show was born.”

Attendees will receive bridal tips from 20-plus companies, including bridal planners, decorators, photographers, jewelers and caterers, with complimentary drinks and appetizers, giveaways, mini-makeovers, cultural dances, and a spectacular multicultural fashion show.

“Bridal Motif’s designs strike the proper balance of eastern craftsmanship with a western design,” Shukla explains. “The bridal show is a beautiful concept and a wonderful platform for people of different ethnicities and cultures to come together under one roof to learn and share the experience.” Tickets are $10 online at www.bridalmotif.com, and $12 at the door.

Restaurant & Bar

MON c CLOSED // TUE-THU c 8am-11pm // FRI-SAT c 8am-2am // SUN c 9am-4pm

600 East 6th Street // 512.444.7770 // www.elsolylalunaaustin.com

We have relocated from our long time home on South Congress to Austin’s Historic Sixth Street.

Latin American Cuisine

LIVE MUSICMariachi Tamazulaevery Friday at 8 pm

THU 5/5 Son y No SonSAT 5/7 Banda MonozSAT 5/21 Son y No SonSAT 5/28 Kiko & friends

FREE PARKING2 HR LUNCHTIME PARKING ON 6TH ST.

Passport Campdiscover latin america!ages 5-12 • 9am-5pm

Teen Talleres artist workshops for teensages 13-16 • 1pm-5pm

Sessions available June 13-Aug 12, Monday-Friday.Register today! 974-3785Sessions available June 13-Aug 12, Monday-Friday.Sessions available June 13-Aug 12, Monday-Friday.

The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require special assistance for participation in our programs or use of our facilities please call 512-974-3772 or 711 Relay Texas.La ciudad de Austin está comprometida al Acta de Americanos Incapacitados. Si requiere asistencia para participar en nuestros programas por favor llame al teléfono número 512-974-3772 e 711 Relay Texas.

600 River St., Austin, TX 78701 • 512-974-3772 • maccaustin.org

www.rzaustin.com | (512) 386.7336RZ AUSTIN RZ LAREDO RZ PORT ARTHUR

T E L E C O M M U N I C AT I O N S

B R O A D B A N D & W E B H O S T I N G

I N F O R M AT I O N T E C H N O L O G Y

S E R V I C E I N D U S T RY

S U R V E I L L A N C E A N D S E C U R I T Y

S TA F F A U G M E N TAT I O N

Meeting customers communication and information technology needs and challenges

of tomorrow — today.

The World of Undercover Mexican Girl Through WordsBy Alexandra M. Landeros

What Does It Mean to Be a Latina?

Plum Writing:

PERSPECTIVE. I think that really is all there is to it. To any of it. Your (yes, YOUR) perspective on any moment, experience or situation is the only true definition that can actually be given to it. Think about it.

So many moments of my life I have literally missed, as though I wasn’t even there, because I ripped the moments apart so savagely, overanalyzing any possible joy right out of them, that they had no real meaning or significance by the time I was finished with them. I looked at those moments as though they could’ve been or should’ve been something bigger, better and more important. I completely missed the sheer experience and the potential enjoyment of those moments altogether, immediately removing an entire world of possible next-moments.

Those moments, so many of them, actually could have been something so much more interesting, so much more powerful, so much more wonderful, so much more comfortable, so much more fulfilling…had I just chosen to see them from a different angle. Had I just shifted the perspective I had, even just the slightest, on

a microscopic level, I would have seen those

moments in a completely different light. More

importantly, I could have actually enjoyed those

moments, loved those moments and grown

from those moments.

The continuous need to feel better, healthier,

happier, more successful, more attractive, more

loved, more interesting, more fulfilled...has lead

us to the belief that we just need to change

something in order to experience that more

desirable thing, whatever we think that thing is

that day. That thing, we are so convinced, will

be the answer to the all of the other things we

currently have, feel, do, think and experience

that aren’t currently satisfying the hunger. We

seem to spend our entire lives trying to search

for something else so that we can finally get

to that magical place of “happy”, but we are

missing that in every moment is the opportunity

to actually enjoy the living of our lives, which is

nothing more than a series of moments with no

definition attached to them save the ones we

give them.

Recently, I’ve been inundated by films, stories, songs, panels, blogs, Q&A’s, discussions, presentations, conversations and drunken ramblings about what it means to be a “Latina” (this is the most generally accepted self-referent label lately). I’ve come close to relating to others’ definitions, but never quite exactly. So I’ll give my own spin to it.

The following experiences define me as a “Latina:”

• Born in Los Angeles to parents from Mexico. My father spent all his life in Aguascalientes until moving to Southern California in his mid-20s. My mother grew up in Chicago until moving to Aguascalientes in her early teens and then moved to the U.S. with my father after they got married.

• Moving back to Mexico with my family at the age of 3 and first learning to read and write in Spanish.

• Returning to the United States at age 5 because the Mexican banks nationalized the peso, wiping out my parents’ savings in U.S. dollars.

• Going to summer school, being terrified of the English language, macaroni and cheese and canned green beans.

• Starting the 1st grade in further terror of the English language, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and milk that came in cartons instead of jars.

• Learning English and all my other school subjects so quickly that I skipped 2nd grade.

• Spending every single, entire summer through the 8th grade in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

• Moving back to Mexico (without my parents) at the age of 10, partly because I was traumatized by earthquakes, but also because I loved Timbiriche and Flans and didn’t understand the appeal of Madonna or New Kids on the Block. I also preferred writing in my diary in Spanish.

• Never really identifying with my 1st-8th grade classmates (majority Mexican American) and therefore deciding for the 9th grade to go to a boarding school in Claremont, California, where the majority were either of Asian heritage, culturally (but not religiously) Jewish, or just plain Anglo. My best friends were a half Chinese-half Indian girl and a Sri Lankan girl who grew up in Hong Kong and had a British accent.

• From about the age of 8 until about 15, generally being embarrassed when my parents spoke Spanish to me in public.

• From about the age of 15 onward, being accused by my mother of being “candil de la calle, oscuridad en la casa,” wondering if developing strong bonds to my non-Mexican friends, including my first boyfriend who happened to be Jewish (culturally, but not religiously), meant that I was perhaps a traitor to my own culture.

• Renouncing Catholicism after discovering that there are too many virtuous belief systems in the world for only one to be correct.

• Transferring to a Mexican-majority, Catholic high school near my parents’ house for 11th and 12th grade, often being accused (in friendly fun) by my friends for being so “white”—although I spoke, read and wrote Spanish much more fluently, and had spent more time in Mexico than many of them.

• Never falling in love with a Mexican boy (or man), unless you count the boy named Oscar who I only knew for an afternoon at my grandmother’s friend’s dairy ranch (just outside of Aguascalientes) as part of a dozen or so children with whom I played tag—I admired him for his cunning speed and light-colored eyes.

• Since my early 20s, being so confused at what to call myself, that I eventually invented my own label (Undercover Mexican Girl), especially because so many people in Austin, Texas would tell me that I didn’t look or act “Mexican.”

• Meeting non-Latinos who were more proficient in the Spanish language and more knowledgeable of the Latino culture than actual Latinos.

• Realizing that everyone has a right to claim their culture—even Anglos have a need to discover their roots!

At the age of 34, I’m still not sure what it means to be Latina, Mexican American, Hispanic, Hispana, Hispanica, American with Mexican ancestry or heritage, Cholula, Tapatia, Sarape, or whatever—I guess I’ll just have to keep exploring. Or maybe we don’t need labels. Maybe we can just unite as humans!

Frame of Reference

By Blake Shanley

Pach_Full_COL.indd 1 5/4/11 2:45 PM

TODO Austin May 2011

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