This is the second part of the recipe for Shrimp Fritters with Cactus. Previously Diane Velarde Hernández showed us how to prepare the prickly pear cactus and the chile broth. Now here’s how to prepare the shrimp fritters. This is a popular lenten dish but can be enjoyed year round.

Rene Pérez is a Texas author whose first collection of short stories, “Along These Highways,” was published by Bilingual Review Press in 2012. A keen observer of life in urban and rural Texas, he has created a fictional world based on his experiences growing up in Corpus Cristi and living in Austin. In the story “Closeness To Taste” a disturbed pizza worker at a fictional pizza parlor endeavors to share himself with the world.

In the summer of 2009, Dr. Carlos Flores brought together aspiring playwrights in Laredo, Texas to workshop plays for local production. Out of this workshop came nine plays which were presented locally. One such play, “Las Mascara Del Chivo” (The Mask of the Kid) was written by Roberto Gutíerrez and performed on the evening of February 4, 2010 at the Laredo Community College auditorium. Latinopia was there to document it.

Roberto Olivares is a Mexican filmmaker who makes films with and about the indigenous peoples of Mexico.  No mere documentarian, he infuses his films with vision, artistry and invention.  He filmed a unique collaboration between the indigenous musical group “Banda Regional Mixe,” and a visiting musical ensemble from Macedonia, the “Kocani Orquestra.” Enjoy this uplifting musical performance…and the filmmaking!

THE LATINO VOICE IN AMERICAN SOCIETY
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Preface: This is an outline for a suggested classroom course that utilizes the content found on Latinopia.com as classroom source material. Reference here is made to “Latino” but depending on the make-up of the students in the classroom, “Latino” can be replaced with “Puerto Rican” or “Mexican American” or “Cuban American.” Thus, this outline can just as easily be adapted to be “The Puerto Rican Voice in American Society,” “The Chicano Voice in American Society,” or the “Central American Voice in American Society.” The goal of the course is to empower students to discover their own unique voice and affirm their identity.  
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I. WHAT IS VOICE?

1. Suggested introductory remarks. This course will introduce students to the concept of “voice” and how it can empower an individual to compete, interact and accomplish goals in American society. A positive sense of self and an awareness of one’s identity can help an individual succeed in life. An individual can have a “voice” but so, also, can a people or a nation.
2. Suggested definition: “Voice is the authentic expression of the empowered identity, aspirations and goals of an individual or people.”
3. Suggested classroom exercise. Have students identify who they are using only a simple one word definition (i.e. “American,” “Chicano,” “Nuyorican,” “student,” “daughter,” etc.) Discuss the implications of each term used and what that term implies about the individual and how they think of themselves.  Are these terms positive, negative or neutral? Introduce definitions that will be used in the course for terms such as “Mexican American,” “Cuban American, “Puerto Rican,” “Hispanic, “ ”Latino,” and other terms likely to arise in classroom discussions. Get the definitions out of the way.
4. Now move on to having the students define themselves using a word that describes their character or personality (i.e. “caring,” “loving,” “angry,’ happy,” etc.)  What conclusions can we draw about how words inform and define our self-concept and self-worth? What does it mean to be “empowered?”
5. Suggested Class Assignment#1. Have each student write a brief description or essay of what they aspire to be in life and how they hope to accomplish these goals. Hold onto the descriptions or essays to compare with at the end of the course when you will ask them to write the same description or essay.
6. Suggested Class Assignment#2. Have students pair off and have each person
interview the person with whom they have been paired. Have each person write a brief (one paragraph) description of the person they interviewed. How does this description compare with that person’s own self-perception?

II. THE LATINO VOICE IN POLITICS.

Mayor Villaraigosa Victory Night

1. Suggested introductory remarks. Often individuals (or groups of individuals) encounter obstacles to their goals for a better life. Sometimes these obstacles can take the form of outright oppression, discrimination and exploitation. In these cases the individual (or groups of individuals) have the right to fight back or RESIST the obstacles in their path. Consider the original 13 American colonies and their response to British oppression.
2. In the process of resisting people or situations that would block your goals, or seek to oppress you, individuals (or groups of individuals) need to AFFIRM who they are and that will overcome these obstacles. Consider the Preamble to the United States Constitution which begins “We the People…”
3. How successful an individual or people will be in achieving their goals will also
depend on what SKILLS they put to use and how adept they are at these skills.
4. These, then, are some of the elements necessary to express your authentic voice: resistance, affirmation and skill or craft. Let’s look at how two Latinos put these
elements to work to express their political voice.

Labor Leader Dolores Huerta

5a.  DOLORES HUERTA. In what was were farm workers powerless and “voiceless” prior to the creation of the United Farm Workers Union? What obstacles did they face? How did American society view them? What were their aspirations? What were their goals for social change? What did they accomplish through the formation of the United Farm Workers Union?
5b. SOURCE MATERIALS:
5c.TIMELINE: 200 Years of Latino History in the United States.
5d. BIOGRAPHY: Dolores Huerta.
5e. DOCUMENTS: The Plan de Delano.
5f, LATINOPIA TEATRO VIDEOS – El Teatro Campesino1, El Teatro Campesino2  El Teatro Campesino3.
6a.JOSÉ ANGEL GUTIÉRREZ. In what ways were Mexican American Youth powerless and “voiceless” prior to the onset of the Chicano Movement for Educational Reform?  What obstacles did they face? How did American society view Mexican Americans? What were the aspirations of José Angel Gutiérrez and other young activists? What did students accomplish through their “walk-out” protests in Crystal City, Los Angeles, Denver and other cities?
6b. SOURCE MATERIALS.

Students Walk Out of School

6c. TIMELINE: 200 Years of Latino History in the United States.
6d. BIOGRAPHY: José Angel Gutiérrez.
6e. EVENT PROFILE: 1968 East Los Angeles Highs School Walk-outs.
6f.  EVENT PROFILE: 1969 Denver Youth Conference
6g. DOCUMENTS; High School Walk-out Demands.
6h. LATINOPIA EVENT VIDEO – 1968 L.A. School Board Sit-In.
7. Suggested Class Assignment#1. Have the students select a contemporary political figure in American society whom they admire. What is that person’s aspirations? What is that person’s goals? How does he or she work to accomplish these goals? How is that person viewed by American society?  What do you admire that person?
8. Additional Readings: Occupied America – A History of Chicanos By Rodolfo         Acuña Harper Collins, New York, NY,1988; Chicano! The History of the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement by F. Arturo Rosales, Arte Público Press, Houston, TX, 1997; Testimonio – A documentary History of the Mexican American Struggle for Civil Rights by F. Arturo Rosales, Arte Público Press, Houston, TX  2000

Author Maceo Montoya

III. THE LATINO VOICE IN LITERATURE

1. What is Latino Literature? Ask the students who their favorite Latino writers are.  Who have they read?  Use this opportunity to define different forms of literary expressions (essay, novel, short story, poem). What makes a Latino book, poem or short story “Latino?” Suggested Definition: “Latino literature is any writing–poems, novels, short stories, essays–written by a Spanish surnamed person, a person of Hispanic descent, or a person who identifies themselves as being Hispanic or Latino.”
2. Latino oral tradition. Latinos have always drawn from a rich oral tradition that has both informed and shaped their literary efforts. These oral traditions include dichos (wise sayings), proverbios (proverbs), and corridos (ballads). What is a dicho, have the students give examples. What is a proverbios? Have students give examples. What is a corrido? Have students give examples.
3. When did Latino Literature begin? How have Latinos been portrayed by non-Latino writers such as O’Henry and John Steinbeck? How did the civil rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s provoke a literary renaissance among Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans and Cuban American? How did these writings differ from the portrayals of Latinos by non-Latinos in previous periods?
4. Discussion: In what ways has the Latino literary voice employed resistance, affirmation and craft?
5. SOURCE MATERIALS:
6. TIMELINE: 100 Years of Latino Literature in the United States.
7. IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Alberto Rios, Rudolfo Anaya, Luis Rodriguez.
8. INTERVIEW; Mario Picayo, Editorial Campana; Gary Keller, Bilingual Review Press; Nicolas Kanellos, Arte Público Press.
9.  LATINOPIA WORD VIDEO- MONICA ORTIZ “Enlistment Papers”
10; LATINOPIA WORD VIDEO – ALBERT RIO “Returning to the Cat, “ Theater of Night” How To Write a Poem”
11. LATINOPIA WORD VIDEO – DENISE CHAVEZ “Last of the Menu Girls”
12.  LATINOPIA WORD VIDEO – PAT MORA “Mi Madre”
13. LATINOPIA WORD VIDEO  – MACEO MONTOYA “Cielo Rojo”
14. LATINOPIA WORD VIDEO – JOSÉ MONTOYA “Pachuco Portfolio “
15. Class Assignment#1. Have students select one of the authors found as interviews
or spoken word on the Latinopia site and write a biography of that author. What
characterizes his or her Latino “voice?” What obstacles is that writer speaking about? What is that author’s aspirations? What goals is he or she suggesting? How is the author’s aspirations and goals expressed in their writings? What is the role
of skill or craft in their expressions?
16. Class Assignment#2.  Have the students write a poem or short story about something that is deeply important to them.
17. Additional Readings: Conversations with Contemporary Chicana and Chicano Writers by Hector A. Torres, University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, NM 2007; Chicano and Chicana Literature – Otra voz del Pueblo by Charles M. Tatum; University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ  2006; Hecho En Tejas – An Anthology of Texas-Mexican Literature Edited by Dagoberto Gilb, University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, NM  2006; Handbook of Hispanic Cultures in the United States Edited by Alfredo Jiménez, General Editors Nicolás Kanellos and Claudio Esteva-Fabregat, Arte Público Press, Houston, TX 1994

IV. THE LATINO VOICE IN ART

Muralist Moises Salcedo

1. What is Latino Art? Introduce the students to examples of a portrait painting,
charcoal or pen and ink drawing, serigraph, poster, sculpture and mural (this can be photos or actual art works brought to the classroom).  Use this opportunity to define different forms of expression in the plastic arts.
2. Ask the students who their favorite pictorial artist is.  What makes a Latino paintings, portrait, mural, silkscreen or drawing “Latino?” Suggested Definition: “Latino art is any artistic rendering –paintings, portrait, mural, silkscreen, drawing or sculpture–made by a Spanish surnamed person, a person of Hispanic descent, or a person who identifies themselves as being Hispanic or Latino.”
3. Latino artists draw pictorials from the world around them. What images exist in
the Latino home that reflect who we are as Latinos? Have students give examples.
4. When did Latino Art begin? How have Latinos been portrayed by non-Latinos in art or photography prior to the emergence of Mexican American, Puerto Rican and Cuban American artists of the 1960s and 1970s? (sleeping Mexican by cactus, Speedy Gonzalez, etc.)  How did the civil rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s provoke an artistic renaissance among Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans and Cuban Americans? In what ways were these artistic works similar to the writings made by Latinos during this same period? In what ways was the art different than the writings?
5. Discussion: How did the art work of previous generations of Mexican, PuertoRican or Cuban artists influence the work of the artists of the civil rights era?
6. SOURCE MATERIALS:
7. TIMELINE: 100 Years of Latino Art in the United States.
8. IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Judy Baca, Barbara Carrasco, Wayne Healy, Carmen Lomas Garza, César Martinez, Patricia Rodríguez, Zarco Guerrero.
9. LATINOPIA ART VIDEO  – DAVID FLURY
10. LATINOPIA ART VIDEO – GILBERT “MAGU” LUJAN
11. LATINOPIA ART VIDEO – BARBARA CARRASCO
12. LATINOPIA ART VIDEO – MOISES VELEZ
13. Class Assignment#1. Select one of the artists  found as interviews or profile on the Latinopia site.  What characterizes his or her artistic Latino “voice?” What obstacles are inherent implied in their works of art. What is that artist’s aspirations? What goals is he or she suggesting by their art? How is the artist’s personal aspirations and goals expressed in their art work?
14. Class Assignment#2.  Have the students undertake a painting, drawing or sculpture based on something found in their home that reflects who they are and that is deeply important to them.
15.Additional Readings: Chicano Art, Edited by Alicia Gaspar de Alba, University of Texas Press Austin, TX 1998; Contemporary Chicana and Chicano Art, Vols. I and II By Gary Keller, Mary Erickson, Katie Johnson and Joaquin Alvarado, Bilingual Press, Tempe. AZ 2002; Handbook of Hispanic Cultures
in the United States, Edited by Alfredo Jiménez, General Editors Nicolás Kanellos
and Claudio Esteva-Fabregat, Arte Público Press, Houston, TX 1994; Chicano Visions, American Painterson the Verge, by Cheech Marin, Little Brown and Co. Boson, New York, 2002.

V. THE LATINO VOICE IN MUSIC

Music Group "Joey's Chemistry"

1. What is Latino music? Introduce the students to examples of different styles of
Latino music such as salsa, boleros, Tex-Mex, conjunto, reggaeton, hip-hop, etc.
Use this opportunity to define different forms of musical expressions.
2.. Ask the students who their favorite Latino musician is.  What makes a Latino music distinctly Latino?  Is it the musician? Is it what language it is sung in? Suggested Definition: “Latino music  is any musical expression–song, ballad, orchestral composition, individual or group performance –made by a Spanish surnamed person (or persons), a person (or persons) of Hispanic descent, or a person (or persons) who identifies himself (or themselves) as being Hispanic or Latino.”
3. Latino musicians often draw on their personal experiences relating to themes like love, romance, rejection, friendship, celebrations, from their life experiences.
What are the life experiences or emotions we find in the Latino home that reflect who we are as Latinos? Have students give examples. How is are these experiences or emotions different or the same as that experienced by non-Latinos?
4. Discussion: How have successive generations of Latino musicians in different styles ad fields influenced subsequent generations?
5. SOURCE MATERIALS.
6. TIMELINE: 100 Years of Latino Music in the United States.
7. IN THEIR OWN WORDS: FLACO JIMENEZ, LOUIE PÉREZ
8. ESSAY: SOME THOUGHTS ON LATINO MUSIC
9. LATINO MUSIC VIDEO – OLMECA “I am Not Alone”
10. LATINOPIA MUSIC VIDEO – OLMECA “Go to Hell”
11. LATINOPIA MUSIC VIDEO – JOEY’S CHEMISTRY “I Wonder”
12. LATINOPIA MUSIC VIDEO – DAVID GARZA “Minority Boys Got Cash”
13. LATINOPIA MUSIC VIDEO – LOS POCHOS “Margie”
14. LATINOPIA MUSIC VIDEO – LAS CAFETERAS “La Bamba”
15. LATINOPIA MUSIC VIDEO – JUAN TEJEDA “On Conjunto Music”
16. Class Assignment#1. Select one of the musicians found as interviews, in performance, or on the Music Timeline.  What characterizes his or her Latino “voice?” What obstacles are inherent implied in their music? What is that artist’s aspirations? What goals is he or she suggesting by their song or musical composition? How is the musician’s personal aspirations and goals expressed in their music?
17. Class Assignment#2.  Have the students undertake to compose a song, ballad or rap piece based on something that is deeply important to them.
18. Additional Readings: Chicano Soul- Recordings & History of an American Culture by Ruben Molina, Mictlan Publishing, La Puente, CA 2007; Mexican American Mojo by Anthony Macías Duke University Press, Durham, NC 2008;
Lalo – My Life and Music by Lalo Guerrero and Sherilyn Meece Mentes, University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ 2002; The Texas-Mexican Conjunto- History of a Working Class Music by Manuel H. Peña, University of Texas Press, Austin, TX 1985; Handbook of Hispanic Cultures in the United States Edited by Alfredo Jiménez, General Editors Nicolás Kanellos and Claudio Esteva-Fabregat, Arte Público Press Houston, TX 1994

V. THE LATINO VOICE IN CINEMA

Actor Danny De La Paz

1. What is Latino Cinema? Ask the students what their favorite Latino film is.  What makes that film particularly Latino? Is it just the theme? Is it that the film
was written or directed by a Latino?
2. Suggested definition: “A Latino film is a cinema production–a motion picture, documentary, short drama, webisode or music video–made by a Spanish surnamed person (or persons), a person (or persons) of Hispanic descent, or a person (or persons) who identifies himself (or themselves) as being Hispanic or Latino.”
3. Latino screen writers and directors often draw on their personal life experiences
to make films in many different genres such as dramas (El Norte, Crossover Dreams, Mi Familia) , musicals (Zootsuit, La Bamba, Selena, El Cantante) and action adventures (El Mariachi, American Me). Use this as an opportunity to define
popular film genres and identify Latino films that fall within each.
4. Why have there been so few movies made about Latinos by Hollywood? In what ways have Latinos been systematically barred from entry into the motion picture and television industry?  What has prompted Latino writes, directors and producers to write, produce and direct their own film?
5. What kind of themes have Latino screen writers and directors undertaken in the films they make? Have the students select one or two films that most of the students have seen and ask in what ways the Latino experience portrayed in these films the same kind of experiences shared by all Americans? In what ways are these experiences different and unique?
6. How are Latinos portrayed in films made by non-Latinos (Boulevard Nights, Walk Proud, Blood In, Blood Out) as compare to how Latinos are portrayed in films made by Latinos (Mi Familia, La Bamba, Selena, El Cantante)?
7. SOURCE MATERIALS:
8. TIMELINE: 100 Years of Latino Cinema in the United States.
9. IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Victor Millan, Rey Villalobos,
10. FEATURE: TOP LATINO MOTION PICTURES
11. FEATURE: LATINA FILMMAKERS
.     12. LATINOPIA CINEMA – DANNY DE LA PAZ “Blvd. Nights”
13. LATINOPIA CINEMA – REY VILLALOBOS “Uurban Cowboy”
14. LATINOPIA CINEMA – DANNY VALDEZ “La Bamba”
15. LATINOPIA TEATRO – LUIS VALDEZ “El Pachuco 1 & 2″
14. LATINOPIA CINEMA – RUTH LIVIER “Ylse.net”
15. LATINOPIA SHOWCASE – “Pushing out Juan”
16. LATINOPIA SHOWCASE – “Inundation”
17. LATINOPIA SHOWCASE – “La Hora del Té”
18. Class Assignment#1. Select one of the motion pictures found in the list of Ten Top Latino Films.  What is the Latino “voice” of that film? What obstacles is the hero or heroine of the film trying to overcome? What is the protagonist’s  aspirations? What are his or her goals? How is the film maker’s personal aspirations and goals expressed in the film?
19. Class Assignment#2.  Have the students compose a one or two-page synopsis fora motion picture based on something that is deeply important to them.

VI. FINDING YOUR OWN VOICE

Hip Hop Artist Olmeca

1. Introductory remarks. We have seen how Latinos in different fields have found and expressed their voice, often overcoming huge obstacles to attain their goals. But how do you find your own special “voice?” And how do you know when it is authentic and real?
2. Discussion. Incorporate the following questions in the course of a discussion on
finding your own unique voice.
3. First you must begin by defining what it is you want. Shakespeare has said, “To thine own self be true.” What are your goals in life?
4. What are the obstacles that lie in your path to achieve these goals? By what means can you overcome these obstacles?
5. What activities do you enjoy doing? How can these activities or interests help you in achieving your goals?
6. What are the additional skills you will need to accomplish your goals?
7. How will you go about attaining these skills?
8. What is the role of higher education in this pursuit?
9. Suggested Class Assignment#1.  Have each student write a brief description or essay of what they aspire to be in life and how they hope to accomplish these goals. Compare these thoughts to the description or essay they wrote at the beginning of the course. How are they different, how the same?

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Advisory: This teacher’s guide was developed and is copyrighted 2012 by Barrio Dog Productions Inc. You are free to make copies for classroom instructional use only. Any commercial duplication, posting on the internet other than on Latinopia.com, or other commercial dissemination is strictly prohibited and will prosecuted.  
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This Moment in Time is quite extraordinary. It is a photo of President John F. Kennedy visiting a reunion of the Houston League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) in Houston, Texas on October 21, 1962.. What makes the photo particularly poignant is that this photo was taken the night before President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Benny Martinez, who had joined LULAC back in 1932, recounts that the LULAC chapter had invited the President to their function but figured he would not show up because he had a previous commitment to attend a fundraiser for Congressman Albert Thomas. But to everyone’s surprise, President Kennedy, accompanied by his wife, Jacqueline, and Vice-President Lyndon Johnson did appear.

Speaking to Latinopia, Benny Martinez recalls, “When the President came into the room everyone went crazy with cries of Viva Kennedy, Viva Kennedy!” President Kennedy’s 1960 campaign was successful because he won the Southern vote and Texas was crucial to securing that vote and Mexican Americans were, in turn, crucial to securing the Texas vote because they created ”Viva Kennedy” clubs throughout the state that helped him get elected.

“He was with us for 45 minutes or so. “Recalls Martinez, “ I had a good look of the President because my brother was police Sargent and in charge of security. He sat next to Vice -President Lyndon Johnson and they talked together. Jackie Kennedy, the President’s wife, spoke to us in Spanish and told us how important it was for the United States to reach out to Latin America and Mexican Americans in this country. The program included flamenco dancers and. At one point, the pounding sound of their feet on the dance floor sounded like a gunshot. I saw President Kennedy duck for cover.”

Latinos and the President of the United States, October 21, 1962…a Moment in Time.

On September 15, 1810 Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a village priest in the town of Dolores, near Guanajuato, Mexico, declared that Mexico should be free of Spanish rule and initiated the struggle for  independence that finally freed Mexico of Spanish rule. This call to arms,  known in Mexico as “El Grito de Dolores”  (The Cry of Dolores) or “El Grito de Independencia,” (The Cry for Independence)  has been celebrated ever since on September 16th as Mexican Independence Day. While in Mexico the celebrations often include fireworks, in many Mexican American communities the the United States the celebration often includes a 16th of September Parade.  Such is the case in this Moment in Time photo taken on September 16th, 1961. Oh, and that tall, skinny kid on the back of the float is none other than our new Latinopia blogger, Dan Guerrero!

Enrigue Lopetequi and Guillermina Zabala are filmmakers based in San Antonio, Texas  who are documenting the music of extraordinary blind musical virtuoso Juanito Castillo. They are seeking completion funds for their film and require only $851 to complete a $5,000 matching grant to complete their film. The deadline is January 9th, so if you can help out, go to: http://www.usaprojects.org/project/juanitos_lab  Once you see this video you’ll know you have to contribute to make the film a reality! No sean tacaños!

Around the year 1325 A.D. the Mexica people settled in the Valley of Mexico and founded what we know as the Aztec empire. According to the Codex Boturini, an Aztec pictograph scroll, the Mexicas originated to the north and west of what is today Mexico City in a place they called Aztlán , “the place of reeds and herons.” Azltán was said to be an island on a lake with seven caves. During the 1960s, Chicanos embraced the concept of Aztlán as a mythical homeland of their ancestors, somewhere in the American Southwest. But where exactly could such an ancestral home have existed? This excerpt from the video “In Search of Aztlán” provides tantalizing clues.

The Becas de Aztlan (Aztlan Scholarships) program was initiated during the administration of Mexico’s President, Luis Echeverría Alvarez (1970-1976). José Angel Gutíerrez and other Chicano educators were instrumental in getting the program launched. Chicano/a recipients were chosen nationwide to receive these scholarships allowing them to study in Mexico. Administered through the University of Houston, the support ranged in its coverage from summer studies to doctoral degrees. The program was ended in 1982 because of Mexico’s economic crisis. This photo was taken at the Colegio de Mexico in the summer of 1982 by Jesús Cantú Medel who has identified some but not all of the persons in the photograph. Pictured here, standing from left to right, are: Jesús Cantú Medel, Benny Gutierrez, Andres Medel, Feliciano Medel, unidentified, unidentified (person with hat), unidentified, Dr. Tatcho Mendiiola (Director, Center for Mexican American Studies, University of Houston), unidentified, unidentified. Bottom Row, sitting, from left to right: Dr. Emma Pérez, JoAnn Zuñiga, unidentified, unidentified, unidentified, unidentified, Domingo García, unidentified, Dr. Armando Gutíerrez, unidentified. If you know who any of the unidentified person are please leave a comment below.

Juntos is an arts and literary association based in El Paso, Texas, headed by Co-Directors Maria Almeida and Ivonne Jimenez with outstanding support from Fernando Racelis, Lydia Limas, Dr. Denniz Bixler and Socorro Diamondstein. In April, 2010, they sponsored a symposium of writers whose literary works reflect El Paso and its environs. Latinopia was there to record the conversations between these “border writers.”

María Natividad is a fourth generation Tejana whose watercolor renderings of Mexican culture spring from her passion to preserve Mexican traditions in an ever-changing world. Latinopia visited her at her studio in El Paso, Texas.

LOS ANGELES AREA

CUÑAO
MAY 1, 2013 8PM
TIA CHUCHA CENTRO
CULTURAL & BOOKSTORE
13197-A GLADSTONE AVE
SYLMAR, CA 91342
INFO:    http://www.tiachucha.com

Ecuadoran singer and songwriter Cuñao (Julio Montero) performs new compositions hosted by Noches de Canto y Poesia (See Latinopia Music for his performances on video).

CAMINOS AL PARAÍSO
MAY 2, 2013 7PM & 10PM
TEATRO FRIDA KAHLO
2332 WEST 4TH STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90057
INFO: (213) 382-8133 and  http://www.fridakahlotheater.org

This is a special one time only performance by the Teatro Jornaleros Sin Fronteras of the immigrant experience in the United States. Written by Juan José Mangandi and directed by
Lorena Moran.

FUENTE OVEJUNA
MAY 2-11, 2013
PLAZA DE LA RAZA
3540 NORTH MISSION STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO: http://www.plazadelaraza.org

This is a Youth Theater production of the Community Arts Partnership. For more details visit the website above.

NEW DIMENSIONS IN STUDY
OF MEXICAN & CHICANO
SOCIAL MOVEMENTS
MAY 2, 2013 ALL DAY SYMPOSISUM
306 ROYCE HALL
UCLA
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO: http://www.chicano.ucla.edu

This bi-national symposium will bring together scholars and activists from Mexico and U.S. from a variety of disciplines to critically evaluate current trends in the scholarship and practices of Mexican and Chicano social movements. A great deal has changed—economically, politically, culturally, and intellectually—in the decades since the watershed 1968 Mexican student movement, the historic Chicano mobilizations of the 1960s and 1970s, and the internationally celebrated EZLN uprising of 1994. New social movements of indigenous peoples, women, lesbian, gay, and transgender people have gained new ground in Mexico, while in the U.S., continued mobilization of the Dream movement, newly organized sectors of the Latin American indigenous diaspora, and new organizations challenging anti-immigrant and anti-ethnic studies campaigns have revitalized and renewed Latino politics in the U.S. For the complete symposium program and list of speakers, please visit the CSRC website.

ROMERO, LÓPEZ &
AVILA ART SHOW
MAY 3- AUGUST 3, 2013
HOMEGIRL CAFÉ
130 WEST BRUNO STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO:  www.homeboy-industries.org/

Art works by a trio of contemporary Latina artists Sonia Romero, Pola López and Isabel Avila on exhibit at the Homegirl Café with an artist reception on May 3rd from 6-9PM.

IMAGEN FOUNDATION
AWARDS DEADLINE
MAY 3, 2013
IMAGEN FOUNDATION
18034 VENTURA BLVD.
#261
ENCINO, CA 91316
INFO: http://www.imagen.org

Deadline for the 2013 Imagen Awards call for entries is May 3, 2013. Eligible submissions must be postmarked by May 3rd to be considered for this year’s Imagen Awards competition. The 28th Annual Imagen Awards is scheduled for Friday, August 16, 2013 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. Entries must have been exhibited at a film festival or released domestically or aired on television or the internet between May 1, 2012 and April 30,2013. Details and the official entry form are available online at http://www.imagen.org/awards

NATURAL HARMONIES
MAY 4-30, 2013
FREMONT GALLERY
812 FREMONT AVE.
SOUTH PASADENA, CA
INFO:   http://www.fremontgallery.com

Natural harmonies features the art work Susan Hwang, Sukran Han and Chong Lee.

SHADES
THRU MAY 5, 2103
LOS ANGELES THEATER
CENTER
514 SOUTH SPRING STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90013
INFO:   http://www.thelatc.org

It’s 1997, the Hale-Bopp comet zooms overhead, casting its magical glow over a time of relative peace in the U.S. An American family is both haunted and strengthened by its generations of service at home and on the front lines. The politics of war, race, and sex collide with echoes of the past in this compelling drama about what happens to family ties when oppositional politics threaten to tear them apart. Witnesses to life’s fleeting nature, each must take action now or risk losing all. A play about discovering the path to love, laughter, and even some peace beneath the ruins of war. Recipient of the Inaugural Pen & Brush Award for Playwriting. Written by Paula Caplan and directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera.

NEWS WORKS BY
MAGALLANES & ESTRADA
THROUGH MAY 5, 2013
AVE 50 GALLERY
131 NORTH AVENUE 50
LOS ANGELES, CA 90042
INFO:  http://www.avenue50studio.com

New art pieces by artists Oscar Magallanes and Ricardo Estrada.

JOSE LOPES
COMPROMISED
THROUGH MAY 5, 2013
AVE 50 GALLERY
131 NORTH AVENUE 50
LOS ANGELES, CA 90042
INFO:  http://www.avenue50studio.com

Avenue 50 is proud to present José Lopes’ first one man show, “Compromised.” This is a dynamic look into the sport of wrestling from an outsider’s fascination with the various wrestling positions, names of positions, and the contradictions of these elements in this hyper-masculine sport.

WHITEWASHED ADOBE: THE
RISE OF LOS ANGELES
MAY 5, 2013 2PM
THE AUTRY
4700 WESTERN HERITAGE WAY
LOS ANGELES, CA 9007-1462
INFO:    http://www.theautry.org

This special work-in-progress preview of the documentary series, based on William Deverell’s book of the same name, tells the compelling story of the remarkable and often painful transformation of Los Angeles, through a multiethnic and multiracial prism.  Following the screening, Hector Tobar of the Los Angeles Times will lead a discussion with filmmaker Walter Dominguez and author William Deverell on the struggles and triumphs that led to the creation of the city and their relevance to present-day Los Angeles.

ARTE ES VIDA
AWARDS CELEBRATION
MAY 9, 2013
1300 EAST FIRST STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO:    http://www.selfhelpgraphics.com

This special evening will honor the support and partnership of many who have made an indelible mark on the history, ideas, and artistic aesthetic that is Self Help Graphics & Art, including President and CEO of the California Community Foundation, Antonia Hernández; Grammy Award winning artists, Los Lobos; and three artists whose innovative and culturally significant contributions to Self Help Graphics & Art made it what it is today-Michael Amescua, Leo Limon, and Linda Vallejo.

BEHIND BARS
THROUGH MAY 10, 2013
DURÓN GALLERY AT
SPARC
SOCIAL AND PUBLIC
ART RESOURCE CENTER
685 VENICE BLVD.
VENICE, CA
INFO: (310) 822-9560 AND  http://www.sparcmurals.org

A new suite of prints denouncing the critical sate of the prison system in the United States mounted by the Los de Abajo print collective which includes artists Kay Brown, Nguyen Ly, Poli Marichal, Don Newton and Marianne Sadowski.

THE WOMEN OF JUAREZ
THROUGH MAY 19, 2013
TEATRO FRIDA KAHLO
2332 WEST 4TH STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90057
INFO: (213) 382-8133 and  http://www.fridakahlotheater.org

The highly acclaimed Women of Juárez, directed by Rubén Amavizca-Murúa returns to the theater that gave it its birth. This searing drama about a mother looking for her missing daughter has been the Kahlo’s biggest hit for the past ten years. Compelling and not to be missed. In Spanish and English on different nights in May. In English on  May 3,4,5,12,17,18, and 19; Spanish on May 10 and 11. Check website for specifics.

HABITAT
THROUGH MAY 12, 2013
LOS ANGELES THEATER
CENTER
514 SOUTH SPRING STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90013
INFO:   http://www.thelatc.org

Janet and her mother Margaret both live on Mapleview Lanes – the perfect neighborhood until Lewis Chance buys a house on their street to open a group home for troubled adolescents. Raine, unable to respond emotionally when her mother dies, finds herself at this group home, in a community that has little tolerance for its newest residents. The ensuing battle – over whether the group home stays or not – allows Raine to re-awaken her emotions through rage, and a political will she didn’t know that she possessed. Written by Judith Thompson and directed by José Luis Valenzuela. Thursday thru Saturdays at 8PM, Sundays at 3PM. Check website for ticket info.

MAKINGS OF MEXICAN
MODERNISM
MAY 20, 2013
VINCENT PRICE MUSEUM
COMMUNITY FOCUS GALLERY
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE
1301 AVENIDA CESAR CHAVEZ
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
INFO:   http://vincentpriceartmuseum.org

The Makings of Mexican Modernism features prints and paintings from the late 1800s to the 1960s by some of Mexico’s most significant modern artists. Folk culture, high art and political consciousness influenced their art making; each of these artists contributed to the development of modern Mexican cultural identity. Show begins on May 20 and ending is not listed.

REEL RASQUACHE ART
& FILM FESTIVAL
MAY 17-19, 2013
CASA 0101
2102 EAST FIRST STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO:      http://www.reelrasquache.org

The 10th annual Reel Rasquache Art & Film Festival will take place on the weekend of May 17-19, 2013 at Boyle Heights’ Casa 0101, 2102 E. 1st St., 90033. Filmmakers are invited to submit films that celebrate the rich diversity of Latino experiences in the U.S. on all topics and in all genres – animation, documentary, webisodes, experimental, features, and shorts.  This year
the festival honors director Kenneth Castillo (See Latinopia Video of his latest movie COUNTERPUNCH).

TENNESSEE EN CUERPO
Y ALMA
MAY17,18,19, 2013 8PM
LOS ANGELES THEATER
CENTER
514 SOUTH SPRING STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90013
INFO:   http://www.thelatc.org

Tennessee Williams, Ximena Escalante explores the writer’s complex creative process after his success with “A Streetcar Named Desire.” With the help of a new medium, Blanche Dubois returns to offer Williams the theme and plot of a new play. Both, author and character, deeply in love, conquer Williams’ creative block and together they create a new piece: “A Streetcar Named Serenity,” in which Blanche reaches a completely different destination. – In Spanish with English Titles. Written by Ximena Escalante and directed by Francisco Franco. For the back story on the Latino role model for Blanche in “A Streetcar Named Desire” see the Latinopia Teatro video “Sancho Pancho an Interview with Gregg Barrios.”

MAY EVENTS AT
PLAZA DE LA RAZA
3540 NORTH MISSION ROAD
LOS ANGELES, CA 90031
INFO:     http://www.plazadelaraza.org

For events in May at Plaza check out the website above.

MAY EVENTS AT
BILINGUAL FOUNDATION FOR
THE ARTS
421 NORTH AVENUE 19
LOS ANGELES, CA 90023
INFO:    http://www.bfatheatre.org

The Bilingual Foundation for the Arts (BFA) is planning on producing a play Lazarillo de Tormes based on a story written anonymously in 1554 in Spain. Besides its importance in the Spanish literature of the Golden Age, Lazarillo de Tormes is credited with founding a new genre, the picaresque novel from the Spanish word pícaro meaning “rogue” or “rascal.” Check website for April events.

FLAMENCO NIGHT
AT TRIOS
EVERY TUESDAY IN MAY
10 NORTH FIRST STREET
ALHAMBRA, CA 91801
INFO: (626) 284-4674 OR EMAIL: clarita-arteflamenco.com

Flamenco dancer Clarita and guitarist Gabriel Osuna perform every Tuesday night in May sponsored by the Arte Flamenco Dance and Theatre and Center for Worldance.  Shows are 8-10PM.

OPEN MIKE AT
TIA CHUCHA CENTRO
CULTURAL & BOOKSTORE
EVERY FRIDAY IN
AT 8PM
13197-A GLADSTONE AVE
SYLMAR, CA 91342
INFO:    http://www.tiachucha.com

Tia Chucha’s Open Mic is a welcoming creative sanctuary where people are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings through various styles of expression. Check the website for other events in January.

ADVANCE WARNING
IMAGEN FOUNDATION AWARDS
AUGUST 16, 2013
IMAGEN FOUNDATION
18034 VENTURA BLVD.
#261
ENCINO, CA 91316

The awards entry period for submissions to the Annual Imagen Awards is now open. Details and the official entry form are available on-line at www.imagen.org/awards.

ADVANCE WARNING
NALIP CONFERENCE 2013
JUNE 6-9, 2013
SHERATON UNIVERSAL
HOTEL,
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA
INFO:  http://www.nalip.org

Save the date for the 2013 annual Conference of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers. This year’s theme is The Evolving Latino Trillion Dollar Market.

ADVANCE WARNING
NHMC MEDICON
JUNE 20, 2013
PASADENA CONVENTION
CENTER
300 EAST GREEN STREET
PASADENA, CA 91101
INFO: (626) 793-2122 OR http://www.nhmc.org

Mark your calendars for NHMC’s 2013 MediaCon taking place on June 20 at the Pasadena Convention Center. MediaCon will convene media advocates & influencers, industry executives and celebrity talent to network, discuss trends and gain insight on emerging issues. From keynote speakers and timely panel sessions; to creative and executive tracks; to best practice case studies, MediaCon delivers access and content. Attendees include TV, cable, film, marketing and social media executives as well as producers, writers, directors, advertisers and entertainment fans to name a few.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

CENTRO CULTURAL DE
LA RAZA
2004 PARK BLVD
SAN DIEGO, CA 92101
INFO:   http://www.centroculturaldelaraza.org

For May events at the Centro check their website above.

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, CALIFORNIA

7,8EIGHT,9
AT EL TEATRO CAMPESINO
PLAYHOUSE
THROUGH MAY 5, 2013
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA,CA
INFO:   http://www.elteatrocampesino.com

El Teatro Campesino in association with Company of Strangers presents the Northern California Premiere of 7,8IGHT, 9… a new tragic comedy written and directed by Joe Luis Cedillo. Inspired by real-life events 7, 8IGHT, 9… was recognized by the Kennedy Center as runner-up for the National Latino Playwriting Award. More than a gritty LA crime story, 7, 8IGHT, 9… is a collage of the struggles of three desperate men and women trying to make ends meet, their broken opportunities, and their shared burden of trying to stay alive while the world eats them raw. 7, 8IGHT, 9… premieres at El Teatro Campesino with performances Friday, thru Sunday, May 5, 2013. Shows are Thurs-Sat @ 8:00 PM & Sun @ 2:00 PM.

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA

MACARIO
ADVANCE WARNING
OCTOBER 10-19, 2013
TEATRO VISION
365 S.MARKET STREET
SAN JOSE, CA
INFO:  http://www.teatrovision.org

The novel, MACARIO is considered an iconic Mexican tale, whose characters include popular archetypes of Mexican culture – El Peón (indigenous person, worker), La Mujer Fiel y Valiente (the loyal and valiant woman), El Rico (the Rich), El Diablo (the Devil), El Peregrino (the Spiritual Pilgrim) and others.Written by the mysterious B. Traven (who also wrote Treasure of the Sierra Madre) and published in the 1940s MACARIO is set in pre-independence Mexico, a time when there was a strict cast system based on race, practice of Indigenous culture was subject to severe punishment and the Inquisition was in full force.

Teatro Visión is very excited to launch it’s new work initiative with MACARIO. Play development will involve a creative team led by Teatro Visión Artistic Director, Elisa Marina Alvarado, playwright Evelina Fernandez, Teatro Visión Artistic Program Associate, Rodrigo García, ethnomusicologist and master musician, Russell Rodriguez, choreographer, María de la Rosa and program manager, Dianne Vega. The team will work together to create large scale spectacle theater with music, dance and a rich and magical visual presentation.

SAN FRANCISCO

LOUNGE RUMBA
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION EVENT
MAY 5, 2013 3:30-6PM
LA PEÑA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO:  http://www.lapena.org

The Afro-Cuban folkloric drums, dances, and songs of rumba. Rumba is the word used for a group of related, community-oriented, music and dance styles in Cuba. Rumba developed in rural Cuba, with strong influences from African drumming and Spanish poetry and singing.

CARMEN LOMAS GARZA
MAY 5, 2013 12-3:30 PM
THE MEXICAN MUSEUM
FOR MASON CENTER, BLDG. D
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
INFO:   http://www.themexicanmuseum.org

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a FREE hands on workshop for children and adults lead by Chicana artist Carmen Lomas Garza. Learn to fold and cut tissue to make papel picado baderitas.

WO(MB)ANIFEST: PEACE
BATTLE – HHBG 2013
MAY 10, 2013 8PM
LA PEÑA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO:  http://www.lapena.org

Manifesting our futures. Graffiti, DJing, breakdancing and MCing are all indispensable elements of hip hop. While often male dominated, these elements are also inhabited by female and transgender artists and dancers. Tru Bloo has conceived the Hip Hop Beyond Gender Series and is bringing an evening of all these elements to La Peña! Featured Artists On the Mics: Tru Bloo
Tre Natro, Skim

ACCION LATINA
PHOTO CONTEST
THROUGH AUGUST 23, 2013
EL TECOLOTE
2958 24TH STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
INFO: (415) 648-1045

What does Latino/a life in the Bay look like? Send us your amazing images of what it means to you– our food, our art, our families, our celebrations and traditions, our protests and struggles, our politics. We’re looking for photographs that capture moments that make the quilt of what Latino/a life in the Bay Area represents.
Winners will receive cash and/or surprise gifts from local photography businesses, and selected photographs will be exhibited during our opening reception at the Eric Quezada Center for Culture and Politics on August 23rd, 6-9 p.m. Photos will be up for sale through a silent auction, with 70 percent of the proceeds going to the photographer, and 30 percent towards Acción Latina to offset costs of the event.

BUENA TROVA
SOCIAL CLUB
MAY 23, 2013 8PM
LA PEÑA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO:  http://www.lapena.org

Buena Trova Social Club is a multi-cultural Bay Area band comprised of Brandon Vance, Madeleine Zayas, Juztino Panella and their compañeros who share a passion for world art and culture through music. BTSC sings unique interpretations of covers and original compositions with Latin, Caribbean and contemporary sabor! Well crafted harmonies, wind, percussive and acoustic instrumentation propel their songs which are inspired by traditional latin folk music and music for social justice.

MEXICAN TARDEADA
MAY 26, 2013 3-6PM
LA PEÑA
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA 94705
INFO:    http://www.lapena.org

A monthly Sunday afternoon Mexican music jam in the café lounge. The Tardeadas are informal family-oriented gathering of musicians and Mexican music aficionados. Bring your Tejano/Norteño acordeon, guitar, bass, bajo, or percussion y aquí nos vemos!

OTHER MAY EVENTS
LA PEÑA
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO:   http://www.lapena.org

For other events in MAY at La Peña, please check their website.

OTHER MAY EVENTS AT
THE MEXICAN MUSEUM
FOR MASON CENTER, BLDG. D
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
INFO:   http://www.themexicanmuseum.org

For updated events at the Mexican Museum check their website above.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA

ADVANCE WARNING
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
WITH ZARCO GUERRERO
NOVEMBER 3-4, 2013
551 NORTH ALMA SCHOOL ROAD
MESA, ARIZONA
INFO: http://www.zarkmask.com

Celebrated every fall season in the Phoenix area, this year Zarco will be appearing on Sunday, October 28th At the CALA Festival downtown Phoenix and at the Desert Botanical Garden (http://www.dbg.org) on Saturday and Sunday, November 3rd and 4th, 2012 for two days of fabulous entertainment and exhibits. On Sunday at 4:30 PM, La Procesiòn, which reflects the ancient indigenous tradition of a community, march to ancestral burial sites in order to honor those who have gone before us. The festival showcases performing artists and is best known for its one-of-a-kind masked performances using the masks of Zarco Guerrero. He explains the significance and the use of masks in this colorful Mexican tradition that honors and celebrates departed loved ones in a festival setting:

HENDERSON, NEVADA

HOPE RISES-
CHILEAN MINERS EXHIBIT
THROUGH MAY 10, 2013
HENDERSON CONVENTION CENTER
200 WATER STREET
HENDERSON, NEVADA

The “Hope Rises-Chilean Mine Exhibit” is scheduled to be on display from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Henderson Convention Center until May 10. Local artist Larry Rush took inspiration from the tale one miner told of a butterfly in the mine and, with the assistance of local students, turned it into a giant clay mural.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

PILSEN IMPROV
FESTIVAL
MAY 4, 2013
NATIONAL MUSEUM
OF MEXICAN ART
1852 WEST 19TH STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
INFO:  http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/

The National Musuem of Mexican Art hosts an improv featuring the duo Dominzuelan, Salsation and Will Luera & Guest. Profrmances at 6PM and 8 PM. For more detail information check the website above.

ENCANTO FOLKLORICO
MEXICAN MOTHER’S DAY
MAY 10, 2013 7 PM
HARRIS THEATER FOR
MUSIC AND DANCE
205 EAST RANDOLPH DR
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
INFO: (312) 334-7777 and http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/

The National Museum of Mexican Art invites you to join us in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Mexican Foloric Dance Company of Chicago. This milestone anniversary coincide with Mexican Mother’s Day. Join us for this celebration as we venture on an imghinary escapade and travel through different regions of Mexico through dance, rhyrthm and music . Experience Encanto Folorico!

EDUARDO GALEANO
MAY 12, 2013 6PM
NATIONAL MUSEUM
OF MEXICAN ART
1852 WEST 19TH STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
INFO:  http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/

Acclaimed Uruguayan author Eduardo Galeano in a rare United States visit to promote his recent book Children of the Days. Thisis a one-time event in Chicago. Galeano will also be receiving the Elena Poniatowska Award for his contributions to Spanish language literature.

THE REX MAY COLLECTION
OF POPULAR ART
THROUGH MARCH, 2014.
NATIONAL MUSEUM
OF MEXICAN ART
1852 WEST 19TH STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
INFO:  http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/

The Mexican Museum proudly presents “An Inspired Gift: The Rex May Collection of Popular Art.” The special exhibition, part of the museum’s permanent collection opens to the public Friday, April 26 and runs through March 16, 2014. The collection, gifted to the museum in 2001 by Rex May, represents the rich visual colors, sensibilities, spirit and vitality of Mexico and its people. The collection itself is comprised of more than 1,400 culture objects all of which were personally selected by Mr. May, who was an avid collector of Mexican folk art.

CHAS BOJÓRQUEZ
FROM STREETS TO THE CLOUDS
THROUGH JUNE, 2013
NATIONAL MUSEUM
OF MEXICAN ART
1852 WEST 19TH STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
INFO:  http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/

This new exhibition features Los Angeles artist Chas Bojorquez.Forty years ago he embraced the “cholo” graffiti writing of his neighborhood inspiring him to create his own unique style. For other events in January check the museum website later in the month.

JOHN VALADEZ
SANTA ANA CONDITION
THROUGH AUGUST 11, 2013
NATIONAL MUSEUM
OF MEXICAN ART
1852 WEST 19TH STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
INFO:  http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/

For thirty-five years, John Valadez (b.1951) has depicted the people and places of Southern California in his exquisite pastels and richly hued canvases. Moving from the realistic to the fantastic, the Los Angeles-based Chicano artist conveys qualities of the city’s lived reality and imagined potential.

Santa Ana Condition: John Valadez is organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. Support for the exhibition is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts, the LLWW Foundation, the Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust, and the County of San Diego Community Enhancement Fund. Additional funding is provided by the Cochrane Exhibition Fund.

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

NOCHE DE ORO
CINCO DE MAYO
MAY 4, 2013 7PM
NATIONAL HISPANIC CULTURAL CENTER
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
INFO:  http://www.nationalhispaniccenter.org

Presented in partnership with dancer, choreographer, and producer Frances Lujan, this exciting original production celebrates the rich, unique, and evolving culture of the Southwest in music and dance. Beginning with Native American roots, the show moves on through Spanish and Mexican influences and the cultures of the cowboys and miners to culminate in the vibrant mix of 21st century New Mexico. Featured performers are Mariachi Femenil Flores Mexicanas, R.W. Hampton, Omar Villanueva & Los Amigos, Antonio Reyna, Cielo Los Rumberos, Shelley Morningsong & Fabian Fontenelle, and Ballet en Fuego, with narration by Arturo Sandoval.

JESÚS MUÑOZ FLAMENCO
RED NOTE
MAY 17-18,2013 8PM
NATIONAL HISPANIC CULTURAL CENTER
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
INFO:  http://www.nationalhispaniccenter.org

Casa Flamenco and the NHCC present Jesús Muñoz Flamenco in Red Note-borrowed from the tastefully symbolic “Blue Note Jazz Club” and exploring dynamic, visionary movements in dance, music, and visual art inspired by cante flamenco. All music and dance works are original, composed and performed by an international cast of award-winning dancers and musicians.

Like jazz, flamenco has its roots in raw, intimate improvisation upon standard structures with profound rhythm and melody; it improvises through interpretations of the structures of cante jondo, or deep song. In Red Note, Muñoz introduces his exciting personal interpretation of footwork method with his heavy, off-beat, circular style of dance, and creates a collaborative visual art piece on-stage.  He has been called “riveting” and a “jazz session artist,” with the live-performance direction of an orchestra conductor.  Be prepared to take a journey to southern Spain

STITCHING RESISTANCE: THE
HISTORY OF CHILEAN ARPILLERAS
ONGOING THROUGH MAY
NATIONAL HISPANIC CULTURAL CENTER
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
INFO:  http://www.nationalhispaniccenter.org

Nearly forty years ago, the armed forces of Chile overthrew the administration of Salvador Allende. That day,  September 11, 1973 created the necessary conditions in which this art form known as arpilleras was born and soon these textiles became the most visual (and visible), poignant, and widespread manifestation of opposition to authoritarianism, violation of human rights, the disappearance of loved ones-all things associated with the military government that ruled Chile until 1990.

Arpilleras are a powerful art form- so much more than a “charming” or quaint applique.  Layers of sackcloth or burlap fabric (arpillera) were joined, principally through applique, to create multi-dimensional (in layers and meaning) works of protest and resistance.   Based on the collection of poet and Wellesley College professor Marjorie Agosín, the exhibition, Stitching Resistance:  The History of Chilean Arpilleras is a result of an intense collaboration by poets, artists, scholars, and curators.   It includes a total of 74 works by a variety of arpilleristas (makers of arpilleras) and workshops.

SUMMIT ON LATINO
HIGHER EDUCATION
ADVANCE WARNING
OCTOBER 2-4,2013
CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
INFO: fcertain@unm.edu

The Sereno Alliance for Higher Education in partnership with the University of New mexico jointly convenes the Third Policy Summit on Latino Higher Education.Theme is”We are the Future and the Future is Now!” Más later.

DENVER, COLORADO

THE PEOPLE I’VE
SLEPT WITH
MAY 2, 2013 6:30 PM
SU TEATRO
721 SANTE DE DRIVE
DENVER, COLORADO 80204
INFO:    http://www.suteatro.net

The People I’ve Slept With.  In this comedy a promiscuous woman who finds herself with an unplanned pregnancy and needs to figure out who the baby daddy is…NOW. Angela Yang loves sex. She loves it so much she needs to make baseball cards of her lovers to help her remember where she’s been. She doesn’t think twice about her lifestyle until she finds out that she’s pregnant. Her gay best friend, Gabriel Lugo tells her to “take care of it,” but her conservative sister, Juliet persuades Angela to get married to the baby’s father and lead a “normal” life like her. Angela listens to her sister, chooses to keep the baby, and goes on a quest to find the identity of the father by any means necessary.

YOUTH CLASSES
SU TEATRO
721 SANTE DE DRIVE
DENVER, COLORADO 80204
INFO:    http://www.suteatro.net

Su Teatro provides workshops for students of all ages, exploring the basics of Chicano Teatro, and extending to advanced performance training. We can tailor workshops to your needs and can  provide progressive curriculum over the span of several workshops. We also provide long term residencies and ongoing classes.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

TEJANO CONJUNTO FESTIVAL
MAY     15-19, 2013.
GUADALUPE CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER
1301 GUADALUPE STREET
SAN ANTONIO,  TEXAS 78207
INFO:    http://www.guadalupeculturalarts.org

The tentative schedule for the 32nd Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival has been announced. The festival begins with a Seniors Conjunto Dance on Wednesday, May 15th at the Guadalupe Cultural Center and with a program of new directions in Conjunto Music on May 16th also at the Guadalupe featuring Los Nahuatlatos, Those Guyz, Juanito Castill and the Psycho Trip Band and Los Fabulocos. On Friday,May 17th the venue moves to Rosedale Park for two days of music featuring Mando y La Venganza, Tomas Novarro and Conjunto Amable, Ricky Naranjo and Boni Mauricio. On May 18th, look for Los Morales Boyz, Mickey y Sus Carnales, Conjunto Badd Boyz del Valle and Los Monarcas de Pete y Mario Diaz. On Sunday May 19th the festival concludes with super acts like Mingo Saldivar, Los DesperadoZ and Flaco Jimenez y su Conjunto. For a full line up of acts check the Guadalupe Cultural Center website above.

Bite like a kitty
THRU JUNE 1, 2013
GUADALUPE CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER ART GALLERY
723 SOUTH BRAZOS STREET
SAN ANTONIO,  TEXAS 78207
INFO:   http://www.guadalupeculturalarts.org

This year’s CAM perennial at the Guadalupe Cultural Art Center Art Gallery highlights five exemplary San Antonio artists: Joey Fauerso, Julia Barbosa Landois, Saintlorraine (a collaboration between choreographer Britt Lorraine and visual artist Kristy Perez), and Sarah Sudhoff, Curate dby Bill Arning. Executive Director of the Contemporary Art Museum Houston. bite like a kitty runs through Saturday, June 1, 2013.

ADVANCE WARNING
CAMP GUADALUPE
JUNE 10-28 AND JULY 8026, 2013
GUADALUPE CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER
1301 GUADALUPE STREET
SAN ANTONIO,  TEXAS 78207
INFO:    http://www.guadalupeculturalarts.org

The summer program for ages 8-12 is a multi-dicisplinary camp filled with activities all day including creative writing, music, dance, media arts, theater arts and visual arts. Scheduled for June 10-28th and July 8-26th,2013.

CRYSTAL CITY, TEXAS

CHICANO LEGACY
COMMEMORATION
ADVANCE WARNING
NOVEMBER 7-10, 2013
VARIOUS LOCALES IN
CRYSTAL CITY, TEXAS
INFO:    http://www.zavalacountysentinel.net

A three day celebration honoring the contributions of Chicano Movement activists in Crystal City. Activist include Diana Serna Aguilera, Roberto Alonzo, Virginia Torres, Sandy Cardenas, Richard Espinosa, Jose Angel Gutierrez and many others. More details later.

AUSTIN, TEXAS

TEXAS BEFORE THE ALAMO
FILMS SCREENING
MAY 6, 2013
EBS MEXICAN AMERICAN
CULTURAL CENTER
600 RIVER STREET
AUSTIN, TEXAS
INFO: (512) 974-3772.

This premiere of the two hour film will feature a discussion prior to the screening with leading scholars of Texas history including Dr. Felix Almaráz, Dr. Robert Shook, Steven Gonzalez, Dan Arrelano and others.

RAZA ROUND TABLE
SATURDAYS IN MAY 10AM
MEXITAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT
1109 INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 35
AUSTIN, TEXAS
INFO: (512) 944-4123

Community activists gather weekly fora weekly platica and information sharing on
topical issues of the day. The event is open to the public and everyone is invited.  For
more information about the Raza Round Table contact Alfred R. Santos (512) 944-4123.

HOUSTON, TEXAS

DANIEL VALDEZ
CONCERT
APRIL 1, 2013 8PM
MECA
1900 KANE STREET
HOUSTON, TEXAS
INFO:   http://www.meca-houston.org

MECA culminates its 2012-13 Performing Arts Season with a concert by acclaimed Chicano performer Daniel Valdez. Perhaps best known for his work as musical director of the films Zoot Suit and La Bamba, Valdez was an early member of El Teatro Campesino, a leading musician of the Chicano Movement, and has been at the forefront of Chicano artistic performance for over 50 years. He has also been active as a composer, writing scores for numerous feature and documentary films, theater works, as well as for traditional, popular, and, more recently, classical ensembles. He has toured internationally and performed with such musicians as Linda Ronstadt, Carlos Santana, and Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.
Daniel Valdez’s solo concert will feature songs that have marked Mexican and Chicano popular culture over many decades: rousing rancheras, romantic boleros, and songs composed by Valdez that have poignantly described the Mexican experience on and beyond the US-Mexico border for the past half-century, including his musical rendition of José Montoya’s famous poem, “El Louie”. ¡No le falta! Daniel Valdez will be in residence at MECA through the support of the National Performance Network.

ART CLASSES
ON-GOING AT
MECA
1900 KANE STREET
HOUSTON, TX 77007
INFO:   http://www.meca-houston.org

The Spring semester of classes for youth in art, dance and theater is in full swing. Visit the MECA website above for details.

DALLAS, TEXAS

FIESTA DALLAS
CINCO DE MAYO
CITY HALL PLAZA
DALLAS, TEXAS
INFO: (214) 716-8989

Fiesta Dallas Cinco de Mayo 2013 is opening in its new location at City Hall Plaza, in downtown Dallas, Texas. The three day music festival is scheduled over the Cinco de Mayo weekend. Cinco de Mayo is considered a festive weekend celebration usually occurring the first weekend in May. Starfest Music Festival, LLC (STARFEST) together with Univision Radio Dallas are the producers celebrating its 35 years of family entertainment.
The festival will showcase 50+ performers over the three days. This year’s program includes a new Children’s theater/playground featuring Children Mariachi and other children entertainment, a large family CARNIVAL, along with various national music acts and performers scheduled to appear over the three days.
Dallas Health and Wellness organizations are invited to join our Crafts, Merchandise and Food venders that will offer great food and products to festival goers. Various Contests and mini “Torito Rodeo” for kids will also be featured. The festival is free to attend. The whole family is invited to experience the fun filled weekend. For rundown of specific perofrmers visit: www.startegiceventsspr.com

THE DREAMERS:
A BLOODLINE
MAY 31–JUNE 15, 2013
LATINO CULTURAL CENTER
2600 LIVE OAK STREET
DALLAS, TEXAS
INFO:  http:www.caramiatheatre.org

This is part one of a trilogy on immigration created by the Cara Mía artistic ensemble directed by David Lozano. May 31-June 15,2013. Part One of The Dreamers Trilogy focuses on the experience of women who travel from El Salvador in their quest to reach the United States.

EL PASO, TEXAS

EVITA
MAY 1-5, 2013 7PM
UTEP DINNER THEATER
500 WEST UNIVERSITY AVE
EL PASO, TEXAS
INFO: (915) 747-6060

Come and enjoy a dinner and a show. Come see the classic musical from writers Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber about the life of Evita Peron.

RAPHAEL
MAY 3, 2013
PLAZA THEATER
ONE CIVIC CENTER PLAZA
EL PASO, TEXAS
INFO: (915) 534-0600

Raphael, is a worldwide acclaimed Spanish singer and television, film and theatre actor. A pioneer of modern Spanish music, he is considered a major influence in having opened the door and paving the way to the flood of Spanish singers that follow. Raphael has had 326 gold albums, 49 platinum, and more than 50 singles in Italian, French, German, English, and Japanese. His wide-range voice, added to his quality as showman, has entertained and engaged people worldwide for more than five decades. He has performed at many well-known theatres including Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Santiago Benabeu Stadium, and Madison Square Garden.

MARIACHIS FOR MOMS
MAY 11, 2013 2PM
EL PASO CONVENTION CENTER
4100 EAST PAISANO DRIVE
EL PASO, TEXAS 79905
INFO: http://www.visitelpaso.com

Come celebrate Mother’s Day at this great event for moms!

NEW YORK

SUPERREAL: ALTERNATIVES
IN PHOTOGRPAHY AND VIDEO
THROUGH MAY 19, 2013
MUSEO DEL BARRIO
1230 FIFTH AVENUE
(AT 104TH STREET)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10029
INFO: http://www.elmuseo.org

This exhibition of more than 70 art pieces explores the layered meanings and interpretations of the real as it is represented in photography and video art. Drawing on the presentation of the landscape, the human figure, the world of architecture, various objects and natural phenomena, these images explore alternative realities despite their use of the photographic or video image, traditionally understood as a reflection of actuality. superreal features works that challenge the notion of the camera’s lens as presenting visual accuracy and explores the subversion of narrative form, the creation of a parallel reality, surreal or super-real encounters with objects, people and environments. Partial, hidden, or enigmatic meanings are explored by the artists gathered here.  Iconic works by significant photographers and video artists are included along with newer works by younger artists. The incisive points of view and varied methodologies seen here allow the artists to create works that explore the limits of narrative form and its relationship to reality. The works, ranging in dates from the early 1960s to the present, reveal the various ways in which the real is emphasized and subverted, revealed and obscured.

20TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
MAY 16, 2013 7-11:30PM
MUSEO DEL BARRIO
1230 FIFTH AVENUE
(AT 104TH STREET)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10029
INFO: http://www.elmuseo.org

This spectacular event brings together luminaries from the worlds of fashion, entertainment, business, society, politics and the arts in order to raise crucial operating funds for the museum. Proceeds go toward El Museo’s Education programs, which reached 13,000 students from over 150 schools, plus an additional 46,000 children and adults through free cultural celebration and public programs last year. These valuable programs help foster the next generation of critically thinking citizens in an environment that stimulates creativity, builds self-confidence, and fosters pride.

LOS ANGELES AREA

THE WOMEN OF JUAREZ
APRIL 5- MAY 19, 2013
TEATRO FRIDA KAHLO
2332 WEST 4TH STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90057
INFO: (213) 382-8133 and  http://www.fridakahlotheater.org

The highly acclaimed Women of Juárez, directed by Rubén Amavizca-Murúa returns to the theater that gave it its birth. This searing drama about a mother looking for her missing daughter has been the Kalo’s bigest hit for the past ten years. Compelling and not to be missed. In Spanish and English on different nights in April and Mya check website for specifics.

TAMALES DE PUERCO
(PORK TAMALES)
APRIL 5-28, 2013
CASA 0101 THEATER
2102 EAST FIRST STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO:  http://www.casa0101.org

When Norma’s husband resorts to violence to cope with his son’s deafness, Norma must flee and maneuver in three languages to survive and protect her child. Written by Mercedes Floresislas and directed by Edward Padilla.

MELANCHOLIA
THRU APRIL 6, 2013
LOS ANGELES THEATER
CENTER
514 SOUTH SPRING STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90013
INFO:   http://www.thelatc.org

For some soldiers, there can be something worse than being shot and killed in battle – surviving. The Latino Theater Company’s Melancholia returns to the LATC by popular demand this Spring. This stylized performance explores the life of a young Latino marine who returns from the Iraq war and struggles to reconnect to a world that no longer makes sense. Inspired by true events. 2007 Amnesty International “Freedom of Expression” Award Nominee.

POWER POINTS
THRU APRIL7, 2013
AVE 50 GALLERY
131 NORTH AVENUE 50
LOS ANGELES, CA 90042
INFO:  http://www.avenue50studio.com

Chilean artist Francisco Letelier creates art that crosses disciplines and cultures with his mixed medai murals. He is paired with Chusien Chang, born in Brazil, and artist Karl Jean-Ghuerly Petion from Haiti in this new show at Avenue 50 Gallery. Reception for the show is on March 9th from 7-10PM.

RAMIRO GOMEZ: LUXURY,
INTERRUPTED
THROUGH APRIL 8,. 2013
UCLA CHICANO STUDIES
RESEARCH CENTER LIBRARY
LOS ANGELES, CA

Ramiro Gomez is a young artist who portrays Latino domestic workers employed in affluent LosAngeles neighborhoods. The Ramiro Gomez Collection of Visual Works at the CSRC Library includes selections from Gomez’s Happy Hills series of mixed-media works, as well as documentary photographs of his installations. Luxury, Interrupted features new pieces, made specifically for this show, that highlight the hard work and dedication of those who come to work at UCLA and in the surrounding neighborhoods—a workforce that is often overlooked. The exhibition is free and open to the public during library hours (Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.).

HABITAT
APRIL 12- MAY 12, 2013
LOS ANGELES THEATER
CENTER
514 SOUTH SPRING STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90013
INFO:   http://www.thelatc.org

Janet and her mother Margaret both live on Mapleview Lanes – the perfect neighborhood until Lewis Chance buys a house on their street to open a group home for troubled adolescents. Raine, unable to respond emotionally when her mother dies, finds herself at this group home, in a community that has little tolerance for its newest residents. The ensuing battle – over whether the group home stays or not – allows Raine to re-awaken her emotions through rage, and a political will she didn’t know that she possessed. Written by Judith Thompson and directed by José Luis Valenzuela. Thursday thru Saturdays at 8PM, Sundays at 3PM. Check website for ticket info.

OPEN MIKE WITH
ROSEALEONA
APRIL 12, 2013 8-10PM
TIA CHUCHA CENTRO
CULTURAL & BOOKSTORE
13197-A GLADSTONE AVE
SYLMAR, CA 91342
INFO:    http://www.tiachucha.com

Born and raised in Pacoima, California, Rosaleona uses poetry to amplify her voice as a mujer and to share stories of love and social justice.

ODD-YS-SEY
APRIL 13-30,2013
812 FREMONT AVE.
SOUTH PASADENA, CA
INFO:   http://www.fremontgallery.com

Opening reception for works by Edem Elesh at the Fremont on April 13th.

MEXICALI BIENNIAL
EXHIBIT      
THRU APRIL 13, 2013
VINCENT PRICE MUSEUM
COMMUNITY FOCUS GALLERY
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE
1301 AVENIDA CESAR CHAVEZ
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
INFO:   http://vincentpriceartmuseum.org

VPAM is proud to host the third MexiCali Biennial that will take place from January 19 to April 13, 2013 and includes the work of thirty-three artists. The theme of MexiCali Biennial 2013 is cannibalism. The cannibal is a creature that threatens the collapse of identity and ethics, and instills anarchy in the social order. Cannibalism in the New World was one of the central rationales for colonialism, but MexiCali also proposes it as the path forward for a new model of avant-garde practice. Cannibalism can open up radical new spaces in art for bodies and their environmental interactions, and push against the oppressive pressure of hegemonic Western cultural systems. These transformative possibilities can change our relationship with art, and perhaps with the world itself.  (Va! –Tia Tenopia)

CONCERTO DE PRIMAVERA
APRIL 14, 2013 3PM
THE LOS ANGELES MUSIC
AND ART SCHOOL
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE
PERFORMING CENTER
1301 AVENIDA CÉSAR CHÁVEZ
LOS ANGELES, CA

The Los Angeles Music and Art School (LAMusArt) invites you to attend our annual Concierto de Primavera to benefit East Los Angeles community youth and their development in the arts.
This exciting event concert will take place on Sunday April 14th at the new East Los Angeles College Performing Arts Center at 3 p.m. Last year’s event drew over 350 attendees and the participation of over 85 talented students. This year’s concert will feature our 45 member LA Philanthropic Committee for the Arts Youth Orchestra performing a program of movie scores including Pirates of the Caribbean by Klaus Badelt under the direction of Dr. Gideon Rubin, and our Youth Choral Ensemble along with select student soloists.

CHAZ BOJÓRQUEZ AT
THE AUTRY
APRIL 18, 2013 6-9PM
4700 WESTERN HERITAGE WAY
LOS ANGELES, CA 9007-1462
INFO:    http://www.theautry.org

An intimate evening of conversation with Los Angeles artist Chaz Borjórquez along with columnist Gustavo Arellano (Ask a Mexican) and producer/director Dan Guerrero. The evening is moderated by UCLA professor Avel Valenzuela Jr. Space is limited and reservations required. Call 323-667-2000 Ext. 326.

JOSE LOPES
COMPROMISED
APRIL 13, 2013 7PM
AVE 50 GALLERY
131 NORTH AVENUE 50
LOS ANGELES, CA 90042
INFO:  http://www.avenue50studio.com

Avenue 50 Studio is proud to present Jose Lopes’s first one man show with us. Compromised is a dynamic look into the sport of wrestling from the viewpoint of an outsider fascinated with wrestling positions — and the titles of those positions. Double entendres fly as fast as a Naked Choke Jose studied art at Los Angeles City College and later at El Camino College. At El Camino he received an award for “outstanding academic achievement in the field of art.” Jose’s work hangs on the walls of numerous collectors throughout California and the world.

ART OF FERNANDO BARRAGAN
APRIL 13-30,2013
812 FREMONT AVE.
SOUTH PASADENA, CA
INFO:   http://www.fremontgallery.com

Opening reception for gallery show of Fernando Barragan on April 13, 2013 6-9PM.

SHADES
THRU APRIL 14TH
LOS ANGELES THEATER
CENTER
514 SOUTH SPRING STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90013
INFO:   http://www.thelatc.org

It’s 1997, the Hale-Bopp comet zooms overhead, casting its magical glow over a time of relative peace in the U.S. An American family is both haunted and strengthened by its generations of service at home and on the front lines. The politics of war, race, and sex collide with echoes of the past in this compelling drama about what happens to family ties when oppositional politics threaten to tear them apart. Witnesses to life’s fleeting nature, each must take action now or risk losing all. A play about discovering the path to love, laughter, and even some peace beneath the ruins of war. Recipient of the Inaugural Pen & Brush Award for Playwriting. Written by Paula Caplan and directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera.

NOCHE DE BOLEROS
TARAHUMARA FUNDRAISER
APRIL 19, 2013 6:30pm
5229 HERMOSA AVENUE
EAGLE ROCK, CA 90041

An evening of dinner, music, conversation and dance featuring Javier Avila, President of northern Mexico’s human rights organization la Comision de Solidaridad y Defensa de los Derechos Humanos. The evening features music by Xavier Montes & Trio De Colores. The fundraiser supports vital work of defending the human rights of the indigenous Tarahuamara    People of Chihuahua.

LOS AMIGOS INVISIBLES
APRIL 26, 2013
THE FONDA THEATER
6126 HOLLYWOOD BLVD.
LOS ANGELES,  CA
INFO:   http://www.fondatheatre.com/events/

Since their first album in 1995, Los Amigos Invisibles have developed a sound based on the “gozadera” – an irresistible fusion of Latin rhythms with fiery funk and lounge music. The band got their first break when David Byrne (Talking Heads) discovered one of their albums by chance in a Manhattan record shop. He immediately called the band up in their native Venezuela and soon after, signed them to his label: Luaka Bop. Byrne opened doors for the band across the globe and Los Amigos Invisibles soon became an international touring machine. Los Amigos Invisibles moved to New York City from their hometown of Caracas in 2001 and entrenched themselves in the local scene.

ADVANCE WARNING
REEL RASQUACHE ART
& FILM FESTIVAL
MAY 17-19, 2013
CASA 0101
2102 EAST FIRST STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO:      http://www.reelrasquache.org

The 10th annual Reel Rasquache Art & Film Festival will take place on the weekend of May 17-19, 2013 at Boyle Heights’ Casa 0101, 2102 E. 1st St., 90033. Filmmakers are invited to submit films that celebrate the rich diversity of Latino experiences in the U.S. on all topics and in all genres – animation, documentary, webisodes, experimental, features, and shorts.  This year
the festival honors director Kenneth Castillo (See Latinopia Video of his latest movie COUNTERPUNCH).

CAMINOS AL PARAÍSO
ADVANCE WARNING
MAY 2, 2013
TEATRO FRIDA KAHLO
2332 WEST 4TH STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90057
INFO: (213) 382-8133 and  http://www.fridakahlotheater.org

Advance warning on a new play by Juan José Mandgandi and directed by Lorna Morán, performed in Spanish.

PRIMER FESTIVAL DE
CINE GUATEMALTECO
ADVANCE WARNING
MAY 23-24 & 25-26, 2013
TEATRO FRIDA KAHLO
2332 WEST 4TH STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90057
INFO: (213) 382-8133 and  http://www.fridakahlotheater.org

The first Los Angeles festival of Guatemalan films.

DYI SILKSCREENING
ONGOING THRU APRIL
SELF-HELP GRAPHICS
1300 EAST FIRST STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO:    http://www.selfhelpgraphics.com

Every third Saturday of the month there is a silkscreening workshop at Self-Help graphics led by master silkscreener Dewey Tafoya.

APRIL EVENTS AT
PLAZA DE LA RAZA
3540 NORTH MISSION ROAD
LOS ANGELES, CA 90031
INFO:     http://www.plazadelaraza.org

For events in April at Plaza check out the website above.

APRIL EVENTS AT
BILINGUAL FOUNDATION FOR
THE ARTS
421 NORTH AVENUE 19
LOS ANGELES, CA 90023
INFO:    http://www.bfatheatre.org

The Bilingual Foundation for the Arts (BFA) is planning on producing a play Lazarillo de Tormes based on a story written anonymously in 1554 in Spain. Besides its importance in the Spanish literature of the Golden Age, Lazarillo de Tormes is credited with founding a new genre, the picaresque novel from the Spanish word pícaro meaning “rogue” or “rascal.” Check website for April events.

OPEN MIKE AT
TIA CHUCHA CENTRO
CULTURAL & BOOKSTORE
EVERY FRIDAY IN
AT 8PM
13197-A GLADSTONE AVE
SYLMAR, CA 91342
INFO:    http://www.tiachucha.com

Tia Chucha’s Open Mic is a welcoming creative sanctuary where people are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings through various styles of expression. Check the website for other events in January.

ADVANCE WARNING
IMAGEN FOUNDATION AWARDS
AUGUST 16, 2013
IMAGEN FOUNDATION
18034 VENTURA BLVD.
#261
ENCINO, CA 91316

The awards entry period for submissions to the Annual Imagen Awards is now open. Details and the official entry form are available on-line at www.imagen.org/awards.

ADVANCE WARNING
NALIP CONFERENCE 2013
JUNE 6-9, 2013
SHERATON UNIVERSAL
HOTEL,
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA
INFO:  http://www.nalip.org

Save the date for the 2013 annual Conference of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers. This year’s theme is The Evolving Latino Trillion Dollar Market.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

43rd ANNUAL CHICANO
PARK CELEBRATION
APRIL 20, 2013
NATIONAL AVENUE &
DEWEY STREET
BARRIO LOGAN
SAN DIEGO, CA

A celebration of the restoration of murals in Chicano Park, which was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, will tak eplace on April 20, 2013, the 43rd anniversary of the take-over , occupation and creation of Chicano Park by the citizens of Barrio Logan.

CENTRO CULTURAL DE
LA RAZA
2004 PARK BLVD
SAN DIEGO, CA 92101
INFO:   http://www.centroculturaldelaraza.org

For April events at the Centro chekc their website above.

20th ANNUAL
SAN DIEGO LATINO
FILM FESTIVAL
VARIOUS VENUES
SAN DIEGO, CA

INFO:    http://www.sdlatinofilm.com

The annual Latino International Film Festival organized by long time director Ethan van Thillo has just concluded its 20th year. Check out the website for current activities in April.

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, CALIFORNIA

7,8EIGHT,9
AT EL TEATRO CAMPESINO
PLAYHOUSE
APRIL 5- MAY 5, 2013
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA,CA
INFO:   http://www.elteatrocampesino.com

El Teatro Campesino in association with Company of Strangers presents the Northern California Premiere of 7,8IGHT, 9… a new tragic comedy written and directed by Joe Luis Cedillo. Inspired by real-life events 7, 8IGHT, 9… was recognized by the Kennedy Center as runner-up for the National Latino Playwriting Award. More than a gritty LA crime story, 7, 8IGHT, 9… is a collage of the struggles of three desperate men and women trying to make ends meet, their broken opportunities, and their shared burden of trying to stay alive while the world eats them raw. 7, 8IGHT, 9… premieres at El Teatro Campesino with performances Friday, April 5 thru Sunday, May 5, 2013. Shows are Thurs-Sat @ 8:00 PM & Sun @ 2:00 PM.

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA

MACARIO
ADVANCE WARNING
OCTOBER 10-19, 2013
TEATRO VISION
365 S.MARKET STREET
SAN JOSE, CA
INFO:  http://www.teatrovision.org

The novel, MACARIO is considered an iconic Mexican tale, whose characters include popular archetypes of Mexican culture – El Peón (indigenous person, worker), La Mujer Fiel y Valiente (the loyal and valiant woman), El Rico (the Rich), El Diablo (the Devil), El Peregrino (the Spiritual Pilgrim) and others.Written by the mysterious B. Traven (who also wrote Treasure of the Sierra Madre) and published in the 1940s MACARIO is set in pre-independence Mexico, a time when there was a strict cast system based on race, practice of Indigenous culture was subject to severe punishment and the Inquisition was in full force.

Teatro Visión is very excited to launch it’s new work initiative with MACARIO. Play development will involve a creative team led by Teatro Visión Artistic Director, Elisa Marina Alvarado, playwright Evelina Fernandez, Teatro Visión Artistic Program Associate, Rodrigo García, ethnomusicologist and master musician, Russell Rodriguez, choreographer, María de la Rosa and program manager, Dianne Vega. The team will work together to create large scale spectacle theater with music, dance and a rich and magical visual presentation.

ASSEMBLING THE PIECES
TESSIE BARRERA-SCHARAGA
SAMUEL RODRIGUEZ
MACLA
510 SOUTH FIRST STREET
SAN JOSE, CA 95113
INFO: (408) 998-2783 OR  http://www.maclaarte.org/

For current exhibits check their website.

SAN FRANCISCO

SAMBA FUNK
APRIL 5, 2013 8:30PM
LA PEÑA
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA 94705
INFO:    http://www.lapena.org

SambaFunk! comes from the Afro-Brasilian dance and drum tradition – although our music also includes rhythms from Africa and the rest of the African diaspora. The influence of American funk in Brasil in previous decades, combined with their already established rhythmic flavors, continues to produce beautiful music that is thoroughly danceable. Here in the U.S., the beat feels very familiar. There are many names for the different rhythms, from the traditional sounds of just percussion to modern bands, there are a variety of flavors that we can refer to as SambaFunk!

The Funkquarians are all the peoples of the SambaFunk! movement. They come in all shapes, sizes, ages, ethnicities, and have a variety of skills and interests outside of funking around and dancing.Hear their Music, see their Dance LIVE! As we pay tribute to Mestre Carlos Aceituno.

AMIGITOS DE LA PEÑA PRESENTS
JERRY KENNEDY
APRIL 6, 2013 10:30AM
LA PEÑA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO:  http://www.lapena.org

Jerry Kennedy performs blues and soul music for kids and families.

LOUNGE RUMBA
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION EVENT
APRIL 7 AND 21, 2013 3:30-6PM
LA PEÑA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO:  http://www.lapena.org

The Afro-Cuban folkloric drums, dances, and songs of rumba. Rumba is the word used for a group of related, community-oriented, music and dance styles in Cuba. Rumba developed in rural Cuba, with strong influences from African drumming and Spanish poetry and singing.

BAY AREA FLAMENCO PRESENTS
DE SEVILLE A JEREZ
APRIL 21, 2013 7:30PM
LA PEÑA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO:  http://www.lapena.org

De Sevilla a Jerez featuring JAVIER HEREDIA, from Sevilla and KINA MENDEZ, from Jerez
joined by dancers Clara Rodríguez & Stephanie Narváez and musicians Keni “El Lebrijano”& Alex Conde. For ticket information check the website.

OTHER APRIL EVENTS
LA PEÑA
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO:   http://www.lapena.org

For other events in April at La Peña, please check their website.

SPANISH CLASSES THE MEXICAN MUSEUM
APRIL 23, 2013
FOR MASON CENTER, BLDG. D
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
INFO:   http://www.themexicanmuseum.org
Register now for new Spanish classes! Spring Session begins April 23.Learn to speak Spanish in an inviting Latino arts and cultural environment. We offer beginner through advanced classes. To register, call Marlena Cannon or Sofia Treviño at 415.202.9700 or reply to this e-mail. Please see attached for more information

APRIL  EVENTS AT
THE MEXICAN MUSEUM
FOR MASON CENTER, BLDG. D
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
INFO:   http://www.themexicanmuseum.org

For updated events at the Mexican Museum check their website above.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA

ZARCO GUERRERO
551 NORTH ALMA SCHOOL ROAD
MESA, ARIZONA
INFO: http://www.zarkmask.com

Master mask-maker Zarco Guerrero offers mask making classes at his studio.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

LATINO BOOK AND
FAMILY FESTIVAL
APRIL 6-7, 2013
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

This is the largest national Latino book festival which this year will be held in Chicago, Illinois.

SIGNATURE ART WORKS
THROUGH APRIL 7, 2013
NATIONAL MUSEUM
OF MEXICAN ART
1852 WEST 19TH STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
INFO:  http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/

National Museum of Mexican Art’s “Signature Works: 25th Anniversary Gifts to the Permanent Collection.” Featured art includes “ODE TO LUIS BUÑEL (Homenaje en su Centenario)” A gift to the memory of Luis Spota Saavedra-in the museum’s Main Gallery. Exhibition dates January 17 through April 7, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois

EL DIA DEL NINO
APRIL 13, 2013 11:30AM
NATIONAL MUSEUM
OF MEXICAN ART
1852 WEST 19TH STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
INFO:  http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/

Día del Niño Family Health Walk on Saturday, April 13, 10am-3pm – Registration and warm ups begin between 8:30am-10am. From/Desde: National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St.
To/Hasta: UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt. FREE!  ¡Gratis!

CHAS BOJÓRQUEZ
FROM STREETS TO THE CLOUDS
THROUGH JUNE, 2013
NATIONAL MUSEUM
OF MEXICAN ART
1852 WEST 19TH STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
INFO:  http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/

This new exhibition features Los Angeles artist Chas Bojorquez.Forty years ago he embraced the “cholo” graffiti writing of his neighborhood inspiring him to create his own unique style. For other events in January check the museum website later in the month.

JOHN VALADEZ
SANTA ANA CONDITION
APRIL 25- AUGUST 11, 2013
NATIONAL MUSEUM
OF MEXICAN ART
1852 WEST 19TH STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
INFO:  http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/

Opening reception on Thursday, April 25, 2013, 6 PM – 8 PM. For thirty-five years, John Valadez (b.1951) has depicted the people and places of Southern California in his exquisite pastels and richly hued canvases. Moving from the realistic to the fantastic, the Los Angeles-based Chicano artist conveys qualities of the city’s lived reality and imagined potential.
Santa Ana Condition: John Valadez is organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. Support for the exhibition is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts, the LLWW Foundation, the Mandell Weiss Charitable Trust, and the County of San Diego Community Enhancement Fund. Additional funding is provided by the Cochrane Exhibition Fund.

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

YJASTROS- AMERICAN
FLAMENCO COMPANY
APRIL 4-6, 2013
NATIONAL HISPANIC CULTURAL CENTER
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
INFO:  http://www.nationalhispaniccenter.org

Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company proudly continues its 2013 Spring Season at the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Roy E. Disney Center for Performing Arts, April 4-6, 2013. As a living archive for the true representation of flamenco arts and culture within the United States, Yjastros showcases recent additions to their ever-expanding repertory with the world premiere of Encuentros. Envisioned by Artistic Director Joaquin Encinias, Encuentros is the result of an American adaptation of the art form “encountering” international culture and concepts brought forth by world-renowned flamenco masters. As the only American company performing flamenco in a true repertory format, Yjastros combines experience and masterful technique with fresh choreographic perspectives that are rooted in tradition. Through Encuentros, Yjastros builds on their legacy as the nation’s premier flamenco repertory company, unrivaled in scope of presentation and artistic innovation.

20TH ANNUAL CÉSAR CHÁVEZ
CELEBRATION
APRIL 6, 2013 8:30AM TO 3PM
NATIONAL HISPANIC CULTURAL CENTER
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
INFO:  http://www.nationalhispaniccenter.org

The Recuerda a César Chávez Committee de Albuquerque invites the community to take part in the 20th Annual March and Celebration in honor of legendary civil and human rights activist César E. Chávez.  The march, including community groups, school groups, unions, and supporters of labor and human rights, will begin at the NHCC at 10:30 am, proceed north on 4th Street and west on Silver, and return to the Center at noon via 8th Street.  The free celebration for the entire family at the NHCC includes children’s activities, guest speakers and community awards, and live music performances by Ivón Ulibarrí y Café Mocha and B-Side Players.  ¡Acompáñenos!

SUMMIT ON LATINO
HIGHER EDUCATION
ADVANCE WARNING
OCTOBER 2-4,2013
CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
INFO: fcertain@unm.edu

The Sereno Alliance for Higher Education in partnership with the University of New mexico jointly convenes the Third Policy Summit on Latino Higher Education.Theme is”We are the Future and the Future is Now!” Más later.

LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO

19TH ANNUAL BORDER
BOOK FESTIVAL
APRIL 19-21, 2012
314 SOUTH TORNILLO STREET

LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO

The annual Border Book Festival organized by author Denise Chavez will take place at the Casa Camino real in its new home at 314 South Tornillo Street in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Filmmakers Viviana García Besné and her British husband, Alistair Tremps will be joining us from Mexico City. Viviana’s grandfather, Jorge García Besné, produced the first films starring El Santo, the legendary silver-masked Mexican wrestler. Her grand-uncles Pedro A. Calderón, José Luis Calderón, and Guillermo Calderón were also prolific producers from the 1930?s to the 1980?s. Her movie, Perdida, is about healing and retrieving her family roots.

Jesús ‘Chuy’ Treviño is a filmmaker from L.A., whose film Raíces de Sangre/Roots of Blood, deals with a maquiladora/factory strike on the U.S./México border. It was the first Chicano film made in collaboration with the Mexican government, considered one of the top 25 Chicano films of all time.

Nora Naranjo Morse, filmmaker/poet/potter will join us from San Juan Pueblo, now called Ohkay Owinghe. In past Nora did a family pottery and poetry workshop for us at Tortugas Pueblo. We want to screen her film, Always Becoming, about her art work as well as some of her other documentaries, possibly including Gia’s Song, about the effects of government housing on traditional pueblo building. Rubén Martínez is a journalist/ performer/songwriter/singer and fillmmaker whose new book is Desert America: Boom and Bust in the New Old West will also be attending.

DENVER, COLORADO

XICANIDIE FILM FESTIVAL
APRIL 4-7, 2013
SU TEATRO
721 SANTE DE DRIVE
DENVER, COLORADO 80204
INFO:    http://www.suteatro.net

Su Teatro’s annual film festival features films of the Chicano, Mexicano and Indio experience.

20TH ANNUAL NERUDA
POETRY FESTIVAL WITH
NICOLÁS VALDEZ
APRIL 25-27, 2013
SU TEATRO CULTURAL &
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
721 SANTA FE DRIVE
DENVER, COLORADO 80204
INFO:    http://www.suteatro.net

Nicolás Valdez  is an emerging force in the Latino cultural arts scene: a storyteller  that utilizes music, spoken word, theater and video to create vivid and  unique live performance. With his accordion Valdez plays trad Tex-Mex  fare, but also creates an undeniably contemporary sound, alternately  fusing jazz, blues, reggae, hip hop and cumbias.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

CALL FOR MANUSCRIPTS
TEJANO CONJUNTO FESTIVAL
APRIL 15, 2013
GUADALUPE CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER
1301 GUADALUPE STREET
SAN ANTONIO,  TEXAS 78207
INFO:   http://www.guadalupeculturalarts.org

Call for manuscripts pertaining to Conjunto Music for inclusion in a publication for the 32nd Annual Tejano Conjuno Fesival in San Antonio (May 15-19) at the Guadalupe Cultural Center and at Rosedale Park. Juan Tejada, director of the Festival writes, “Any literature including poems, short stories, interviews, scholarl articles, etc. on Conjunto Music will be accepted via email. Write to Juantejeda@sbcglobal.net. No later than early April.”

Bite like a kitty
THRU JUNE 1, 2013
GUADALUPE CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER ART GALLERY
723 SOUTH BRAZOS STREET
SAN ANTONIO,  TEXAS 78207
INFO:   http://www.guadalupeculturalarts.org

This year’s CAM perennial at the Guadalupe Cultural Art Center Art Gallery highlights five exemplary San Antonio artists: Joey Fauerso, Julia Barbosa Landois, Saintlorraine (a collaboration between choreographer Britt Lorraine and visual artist Kristy Perez), and Sarah Sudhoff, Curate dby Bill Arning. Executive Director of the Contemporary Art Museum Houston. bite like a kitty runs through Saturday, June 1, 2013.

TEJANO CONJUNTO FESTIVAL
ADVANCE WARNING
MAY     15-19, 2013.
GUADALUPE CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER
1301 GUADALUPE STREET
SAN ANTONIO,  TEXAS 78207
INFO:    http://www.guadalupeculturalarts.org

The tentative schedule for the 32nd Annual Tejano Conjunto Festival has been announced. The festival begins with a Seniors Conjunto Dance on Wednesday, May 15th at the Guadalupe Cultural Center and with a program of new directions in Conjunto Music on May 16th also at the Guadalupe featuring Los Nahuatlatos, Those Guyz, Juanito Castill and the Psycho Trip Band and Los Fabulocos. On Friday,May 17th the venue moves to Rosedale Park for two days of music featuring Mando y La Venganza, Tomas Novarro and Conjunto Amable, Ricky Naranjo and Boni Mauricio. On May 18th, look for Los Morales Boyz, Mickey y Sus Carnales, Conjunto Badd Boyz del Valle and Los Monarcas de Pete y Mario Diaz. On Sunday May 19th the festival concludes with super acts like Mingo Saldivar, Los DesperadoZ and Flaco Jimenez y su Conjunto. For a full line up of acts check the Guadalupe Cultural Center website above.

CRYSTAL CITY, TEXAS

CHICANO LEGACY
COMMEMORATION
ADVANCE WARNING
NOVEMBER 7-10, 2013
VARIOUS LOCALES IN
CRYSTAL CITY, TEXAS
INFO:    http://www.zavalacountysentinel.net

A three day celebration honoring the contributions of Chicano Movement activists in Crystal City. Activist include Diana Serna Aguilera, Roberto Alonzo, Virginia Torres, Sandy Cardenas, Richard Espinosa, Jose Angel Gutierrez and many others. More details later.

AUSTIN, TEXAS

A VIVA VOZ
LALO ALCARAZ!
APRIL 4, 2013 7-9PM
SID RICHARDSON HALL
UNIT 1
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
AT AUSTIN, TEXAS

An evening with acclaimed cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz at UTA. The evening will include an exhibit of Alcaraz’s unique artwork with comments by UT art professor George Flaherty. In 2002, Alcaraz created La Cucaracha, the first nationally syndicated political comic strip.

16TH CINE LAS AMERICAS
APRIL 16- 21, 2013
VARIOUS VENUES
AUSTIN, TEXAS
INFO:   http://www.cinelasamericas.org

Cine Las Americas invites filmmakers, producers and distributors to participate in the Cine Las Americas International Film Festival, now in its16th year.

TEXAS BEFORE THE ALAMO
FILMS SCREENING
ADVANCE WARNING
MAY 6, 2013
EBS MEXICAN AMERICAN
CULTURAL CENTER
600 RIVER STREET
AUSTIN, TEXAS
INFO: (512) 974-3772.

This premiere of the two hour film will feature a discussion prior to the screening with leading scholars of Texas history inclding Dr. Felix Almaráz, Dr. Robert Shook, Steven Gnzalez, Dan Arrelano and others.

RAZA ROUND TABLE
SATURDAYS IN APRIL 10AM
MEXITAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT
1109 INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 35
AUSTIN, TEXAS
INFO: (512) 944-4123

Community activists gather weekly fora weekly platica and information sharing on
topical issues of the day. The event is open to the public and everyone is invited.  For
more information about the Raza Round Table contact Alfred R. Santos (512) 944-4123.

SAN MARCOS, TEXAS

SERGIO TRONCOSO AT
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
APRIL 11, 2103 12:45- 1:45PM
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
THE WITTLIFF COLLECTIONS
ALKEK LIBRARY
SAN MARCOS, TEXAS

Author and editor Sergio Troncoso will be featured at the Texas State University Border Writers Symposium in April 2013. Global Odyssey: From Texas to the World and Back draws from the rich archival material at Texas State’s Wittliff Collections to examine how generations of Texas writers have journeyed across the world encountering a variety of experiences that have inspired their creativity while at the same time underscoring their distinctive heritage as Texans. Using the works of Sarah Bird, William Broyles, Jr., J. Frank Dobie, Stephanie Elizondo Griest, Dagoberto Gilb, John Graves, Stephen Harrigan, Angela Shelf Medearis, Katherine Anne Porter, Carmen Tafolla, and many others, Global Odyssey is staged in conjunction with Texas State’s 2012–2013 Common Experience theme, Global Odyssey: Exploring Our Connections to the Changing World.

HOUSTON, TEXAS

ALKALI BENEFIT
CONCERT
APRIL 1, 2013 8PM
MECA
1900 KANE STREET
HOUSTON, TEXAS
INFO:   http://www.meca-houston.org

MECA presents on Monday, April 1, 2013 as part of the MECA Performing Arts Series. The Alkali Ensemble, this is a diverse string ensemble comprised of intensely trained classical soloists, many from backgrounds typically underrepresented in this realm of music. An assorted group of musicians, the ensemble ranges from classical to Latin jazz, R&B to hip-hop, and rock to pop. For ticket info check the website.

UNO,DOS TRES!
MUSIC OF HOUSTON’S
LATINO COMMUNITY
APRIL 13, 2013
MECA PAVILION GREEN
1900 KANE STREET
HOUSTON, TEXAS
INFO:   http://www.meca-houston.org

The Houston Arts Alliance sponsors a day of music from the man different Latino communities in Houston. Workshop with Colombian accordionist Son Vallenato follows with a concert. All at the MECA Pavilion Green,

US/MEXICO BORDER
DRUG-RELATED MURDERS
APRIL 8, 2013
ANDERSON LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
HOUSTON, TEXAS
INFO: http://www.class.uh.edu/cmas

April 8: “The U.S.-Mexico Border, Drug-related Murders and the Peña Administration”
Tony Payan, Ph.D.- Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Texas – El Paso
1:00pm – 3:00pm | Rockwell Pavilion, MD Anderson Library. Sponsored by Department of Mexican American Studies.

ART CLASSES
ON-GOING AT
MECA
1900 KANE STREET
HOUSTON, TX 77007
INFO:   http://www.meca-houston.org
The Spring semester of classes for youth in art, dance and theater is in full swing. Visit the MECA website above for details.

DALLAS, TEXAS

MAESTROS TEJANOS
MARGARITA CABRERA
THRU APRIL 27, 2013
LATINO CULTURAL CENTER
2600 LIVE OAK STREET
DALLAS, TEXAS
INFO:    http://www.dallasculture.org

The annual Maestros Tejanos series features the work of living Texas Latino artist Margarita Cabrera. Cabrera first became known for her soft-sculptures of commercial products such as coffeemakers and blenders manufactured at US-owned maquiladoras in Mexico to serve as reminders of the labor involved. In time, Cabrera’s concern for the role of laborers who build American products outside the United States outgrew her interest in the objects themselves, and she began to organize projects that involved the work of artisans from immigrant communities. Cabrera’s cross-cultural perspective allows her artistic practice to involve the political, social and emotional aspects of two distinct, yet closely connected cultures.

THE DREAMERS TRILOGY
ADVANCE WARNING
MAY 31–JUNE 15, 2013
LATINO CULTURAL CENTER
2600 LIVE OAK STREET
DALLAS, TEXAS
INFO:  http:www.brownpapertickets.com/event/265483

This workshop performance is in anticipation of the final production for the One Act Play festival scheduled for May 31-June 15,2013. Part One of The Dreamers Trilogy focuses on the experience of women who travel from El Salvador in their quest to reach the United States.

EL PASO, TEXAS

“AT THE RIVER I STAND”
FILM SCREENING
APRIL 4, 2013
QUINN HALL, RM 203
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
AT EL PASO,
EL PASO , TEXAS

The film screening is part of the celebration of César Chávez mont at UTEP. Event is sponsored by Mecha.

NEW YORK

SUPERREAL: ALTERNATIVES
IN PHOTOGRPAHY AND VIDEO
MUSEO DEL BARRIO
1230 FIFTH AVENUE
(AT 104TH STREET)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10029
INFO: http://www.elmuseo.org

This exhibition of more than 70 art pieces explores the layered meanings and interpretations of the real as it is represented in photography and video art. Drawing on the presentation of the landscape, the human figure, the world of architecture, various objects and natural phenomena, these images explore alternative realities despite their use of the photographic or video image, traditionally understood as a reflection of actuality. superreal features works that challenge the notion of the camera’s lens as presenting visual accuracy and explores the subversion of narrative form, the creation of a parallel reality, surreal or super-real encounters with objects, people and environments. Partial, hidden, or enigmatic meanings are explored by the artists gathered here.  Iconic works by significant photographers and video artists are included along with newer works by younger artists. The incisive points of view and varied methodologies seen here allow the artists to create works that explore the limits of narrative form and its relationship to reality. The works, ranging in dates from the early 1960s to the present, reveal the various ways in which the real is emphasized and subverted, revealed and obscured.

MIAMI, FLORIDA

HISPANICIZE 2013
APRIL 9 THRU APRIL 13, 2013
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA  INFO:  http://www.hispanicizeevent.com/

The fourth Annual Latino events for film, music, social media, blogging, advertising and PR has gotten the attention of the biggest brands now sponsoring the event (Target, Univision, UH
McDonalds).

LOS ANGELES AREA

SMASH CUT
MARCH 3, 10,17, 2013 6PM
TEATRO FRIDA KAHLO
2332 WEST 4TH STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90057
INFO: (213) 382-8133 and  http://www.fridakahlotheater.org

What would you say if you only had five minutes say it? This is the premise of this ensemble play written by Rubén Garfias playing at the Friday Kahlo Theater through March 17, 2013.

MAKE ‘EM ALL MEXICAN
LINDA VALLEJO AT
GEORGE LAWSON GALLERY
MARCH 2-7, 2013
GEORGE LAWSON GALLERY
8564 WASHINGTON BLVD.
CULVER CITY, CA
INFO:  http://georgelawsongallery.com

A panel discussion on the work of noted artist Linda Vallejo with Betty Ann Brown, Armando Durón, Karne Mary Davalaos and Bill Moreno will take place on March 2nd from 5-7PM. This is an exhibit of the work of Chicano artist Linda Vallejo runs through March7th..

MODERN TEXTURES
& GOOGIE STYLE
THROUGH MARCH 3, 2013
AVE 50 GALLERY
131 NORTH AVENUE 50
LOS ANGELES, CA 90042
INFO:  http://www.avenue50studio.com

Googie Style sprouted from our very own LA City streets during the wild and crazy decade of rock and roll, LA developed a totally local style coined Googie in 1952 by Douglas Haskell of “House and Home” magazine. This period of time — the beginnings of space exploration, the rise of post war capitalism, and the coining of another term, “teenagers”, symbolize the era. Googie Style mirrors the excess of post World War II US exuberance; a period of time when US capitalism was on the rise, and we were king of the jungle. Armando Arreola, observant artist of all things peculiarly different decided to sink his teeth into the past and recover from it a piece of history in need of reconsideration. A child of the 50?s himself, a west side chanticleer of disrespected art historical instances, Armando elevates Googie Style buildings into signature portraits where form overpowers a proper mannered taste. Join us on Saturday, February 9 from 7-10 pm for an artist reception where you can confront the artist with questions of classism. The Avenue 50 Studio considers this exhibit one of important cross-class revelation. Who does architecture serve — the masses or the elite? Please join us in an animated discussion of architectural relevance.

ESCENARIO
MULTI PERFORMER CONCERT
MARCH 7, 2013
THE FONDA THEATER
6126 HOLLYWOOD BLVD.
LOS ANGELES,  CA
INFO: http://panamerika.fm/blog/escenariola

On March 7th, some of today’s most outstanding Latin alternative artists, including the electro-tropical Colombian band Bomba Estéreo, Chilean alternative rock band Astro, Los Angeles-based sextet La Santa Cecilia, Brooklyn’s ‘tropical bass’ DJs Que Bajo?! and Mexican songstress Carla Morrison will perform together under the one roof at Red Bull Music Academy (RBMA) Panamérika Presenta  ESCENARIO. The specially curated show will take place at The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. The event is open to all ages and tickets for the show are $15 pre-sale and $18 at the door and available at http://panamerika.fm/blog/escenariola/. Doors will open at 8pm, with the show starting at 9pm. The live performances will be will be recorded and available approximately a week after the show for listening via streaming audio on http://redbull.Panamerika.fm.

MEXICALI BIENNIAL
EXHIBIT      
THRU APRIL 13, 2013
VINCENT PRICE MUSEUM
COMMUNITY FOCUS GALLERY
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE
1301 AVENIDA CESAR CHAVEZ
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
INFO:   http://vincentpriceartmuseum.org

VPAM is proud to host the third MexiCali Biennial that will take place from January 19 to April 13, 2013 and includes the work of thirty-three artists. The theme of MexiCali Biennial 2013 is cannibalism. The cannibal is a creature that threatens the collapse of identity and ethics, and instills anarchy in the social order. Cannibalism in the New World was one of the central rationales for colonialism, but MexiCali also proposes it as the path forward for a new model of avant-garde practice. Cannibalism can open up radical new spaces in art for bodies and their environmental interactions, and push against the oppressive pressure of hegemonic Western cultural systems. These transformative possibilities can change our relationship with art, and perhaps with the world itself.  (Va! –Tia Tenopia)

BEAUTY OF THE
HUMAN FIGURE AT
FREMONT GALLERY
MARCH 9, 2013 6-9PM
812 FREMONT AVE.
SOUTH PASADENA, CA
INFO:   http://www.fremontgallery.com

Opening reception of the new March shows at the Fremont gallery includes Beauty of the Human Figure in the front gallery and Odd-ys-sey the work of Edem Elesh in the back gallery.

LUIS VALDEZ’S
STINKIN’ BADGES
THROUGH MARCH 10, 2013
CASA 0101 THEATER
2102 EAST FIRST STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO:  http://www.casa0101.org

In only its second production in Los Angeles since 1986, Luis Valdez’s I Don’t Have To Show You No Stinking Badges makes a comeback at Joefina Lopez’s Casa 0101. The theatrical production will be presented in a limited run from February 8 – March 10, 2013 at the New Casa 0101 Theater; 2102 E. First Street (at St. Louis Street), Boyle Heights, CA  90033 under the direction of Hector Rodriguez. Preview performances will be given February 1, 2 and 3, 2013.

BOYLE HEIGHTS -ART
VIDA Y AMOR
THROUGH MARCH 30, 2013
AVE 50 GALLERY
131 NORTH AVENUE 50
LOS ANGELES, CA 90042
INFO:  http://www.avenue50studio.com

This group exhibit features the works of artists who have lived and/or worked in Boyle Heights. Artists include: Barbara Carrasco, David Botello, Fabian Debora, Frank Romero, George Yepes, Gronk, Jon Measures, Jose Ramirez, Juan Carlos De Luna, Linda Arreola, Margaret Garcia, Ofelia Esparza, Oscar Castillo, Poli Marichal, Rafael Cardenas, Raoul De la Sota, Ricardo Mendoza, Richard Duardo, Roberto Gutierrez, Wayne Healy, Wenceslao Quiroz

POWER POINTS
MARCH 9 THRU APRIL7, 2013
AVE 50 GALLERY
131 NORTH AVENUE 50
LOS ANGELES, CA 90042
INFO:  http://www.avenue50studio.com

Chilean artist Francisco Letelier creates art that crosses disciplines and cultures with his mixed medai murals. He is paired with Chusien Chang, born in Brazil, and artist Karl Jean-Ghuerly Petion from Haiti in this new show at Avenue 50 Gallery. Reception for the show is on March 9th from 7-10PM.

REEL RASQUACHE ART
& FILM FESTIVAL
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
MARCH 11, 2013
CASA 0101
2102 EAST FIRST STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO: http://www.reelrasquache.org

The 10th annual Reel Rasquache Art & Film Festival will take place on the weekend of May 17-19, 2013 at Boyle Heights’ Casa 0101, 2102 E. 1st St., 90033. Filmmakers are invited to submit films that celebrate the rich diversity of Latino experiences in the U.S. on all topics and in all genres – animation, documentary, webisodes, experimental, features, and shorts. Reel Rasquache is accepting film submissions through Monday, March 11.

EXPULSION: BOYLE
HEIGHTS PERFORMANCE
MARCH 16, 2013 6-7PM
1st & BOYLE AVENUE
EAST LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO: http://www.hediduckler.org

The Heidi Ducklet Dance Theater and Danza Floricanto/USA inite you to EXPULSION, an evocative perofrmance at the intersection of public art, urban renewal and community engagement. The dancers transform the vacant lot at East 1st Street and North Boyle Avenue, across from Mariachi Plaza.

EL ÚLTIMO COLOR
DEL SILENCIO
MARCH 22-31, 31, 2013
TEATRO FRIDA KAHLO
2332 WEST 4TH STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90057
INFO: (213) 382-8133 and  http://www.fridakahlotheater.org

In El Última Color del Silencio (The Last Color of Silence) kidnap victims are imprisoned in a clandestine location to steal their blood and sell it. Written by Mario Zapién and performed in Spanish.

XOCHIPILLI FESTIVAL
MARCH 23, 8 AM TO 8 PM
TEATRO FRIDA KAHLO
2332 WEST 4TH STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90057
INFO: (213) 382-8133 and  http://www.fridakahlotheater.org

An exuberant spring celebration according to Mexica (Aztec) traditions. In 2012 over 300 Mexican dancers and musicians came to honor Mexica deity of the flowers and art.

LOS DE ABAJO
PRINTMAKERS
THROUGH MARCH 30, 2013
SPARC
685 VENICE BLVD
VENICE, CA
INFO: (310) 822-9560

A new suite of prints denouncing the critical state of the prison system in the US on exhibit at
the Duron Gallery at the Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC).

DYI SILKSCREENING
MARCH 16, 2013
SELF-HELP GRAPHICS
1300 EAST FIRST STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO:  http://www.selfhelpgraphics.com

Every third Saturday of the month there is a silkscreening workshop at Self-Help Graphics led by master silkscreener Dewey Tafoya.

SON JAROCHO &
ZAPATEADO LESSONS
ONGOING AT
FLORICANTO CENTER FOR
THE PERFORMING ARTS
4232 WHITESIDE STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90063
INFO: (323) 261-0385

Ongoing classes in son jarocho and other traditional music of Mexico and Latin America as well as Zapateado dancing. Call for more information about classes and prices.

FLAMENCO DANCE &
BOLLYWOOD DANCE
STARTS MARCH 6, 2013
ARTE FLAMENCO
DANCE THEATER
230 WEST MAIN STREET
ALHAMBRA, CA 91801
INFO: (626) 458-1234

After spending a month in India, dancer, choreographer and Associate Artistic Director of Manu Kala Mandir Dance productions Shivani Thakkar returns to the Center of Worldance. Shivani will be offering Bollywood classes for teens and adults on Wednesday nights at 7:30P. Shivani is also planning to start a Bharata Natyam (classical Indian) and Bollywood class for children. This is a great class for those of you that are looking to dance, workout and smile all at the same time.
For more information call the studio: 626.458.1234

MARCH EVENTS AT
PLAZA DE LA RAZA
3540 NORTH MISSION ROAD
LOS ANGELES, CA 90031
INFO:     http://www.plazadelaraza.org

For events in March at Plaza check out the website above.

MELANCHOLIA
MARCH 15 THRU APRIL 6, 2013
LOS ANGELES THEATER
CENTER
514 SOUTH SPRING STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90013
INFO:   http://www.thelatc.org
For some soldiers, there can be something worse than being shot and killed in battle – surviving. The Latino Theater Company’s Melancholia returns to the LATC by popular demand this Spring. This stylized performance explores the life of a young Latino marine who returns from the Iraq war and struggles to reconnect to a world that no longer makes sense. Inspired by true events. 2007 Amnesty International “Freedom of Expression” Award Nominee.

SHADES WORLD PREMIERE
MARCH 21 THRU APRIL 14TH
LOS ANGELES THEATER
CENTER
514 SOUTH SPRING STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90013
INFO:   http://www.thelatc.org

It’s 1997, the Hale-Bopp comet zooms overhead, casting its magical glow over a time of relative peace in the U.S. An American family is both haunted and strengthened by its generations of service at home and on the front lines. The politics of war, race, and sex collide with echoes of the past in this compelling drama about what happens to family ties when oppositional politics threaten to tear them apart. Witnesses to life’s fleeting nature, each must take action now or risk losing all. A play about discovering the path to love, laughter, and even some peace beneath the ruins of war. Recipient of the Inaugural Pen & Brush Award for Playwriting. Written by Paula Caplan and directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera.

LAZARILLO DE TORMES
MARCH 17 – 31, 2013
BILINGUAL FOUNDATION FOR
THE ARTS
421 NORTH AVENUE 19
LOS ANGELES, CA 90023
INFO:    http://www.bfatheatre.org

The Bilingual Foundation for the Arts (BFA) is planning on producing a play Lazarillo de Tormes based on a story written anonymously in 1554 in Spain. Besides its importance in the Spanish literature of the Golden Age, Lazarillo de Tormes is credited with founding a new genre, the picaresque novel from the Spanish word pícaro meaning “rogue” or “rascal.”

RAMIRO GOMEZ: LUXURY,
INTERRUPTED
UCLA CHICANO STUDIES
RESEARCH CENTER LIBRARY
THROUGH APRIL 8,. 2013

Ramiro Gomez is a young artist who portrays Latino domestic workers employed in affluent LosAngeles neighborhoods. The Ramiro Gomez Collection of Visual Works at the CSRC Library includes selections from Gomez’s Happy Hills series of mixed-media works, as well as documentary photographs of his installations. Luxury, Interrupted features new pieces, made specifically for this show, that highlight the hard work and dedication of those who come to work at UCLA and in the surrounding neighborhoods—a workforce that is often overlooked. The exhibition is free and open to the public during library hours (Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.).

OPEN MIKE AT
TIA CHUCHA CENTRO
CULTURAL & BOOKSTORE
EVERY FRIDAY IN
AT 8PM
13197-A GLADSTONE AVE
SYLMAR, CA 91342
INFO:    http://www.tiachucha.com

Tia Chucha’s Open Mic is a welcoming creative sanctuary where people are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings through various styles of expression. Check the website for other events in January.

TEATRO FOR BEGINNERS
THROUGH MARCH 12, 2013
TIA CHUCHA CENTRO
CULTURAL & BOOKSTORE
13197-A GLADSTONE AVE
SYLMAR, CA 91342
INFO:    http://www.tiachucha.com

This beginners class in theater is open to anyone 14 years old to adult. Meets on Tuesday from 6-8PM at the El Nido Family Center, 13460 Van Nuys Blvd. C A 91331.

A CRUSHING LOVE
MARCH 10 3-5PM
LA PLAZA DE CULTURA
Y ARTES AT OLVERA STREET
501 NORTH MAIN STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
INFO:     http://www.lapca.org

A Crushing Love, Sylvia Morales’ sequel to her groundbreaking History of Chicana women, Chicana (1979), honors the achievements of five activist Latinas – labor organizer/farm worker leader Dolores Huerta, author/educator Elizabeth “Betita” Martinez, writer/playwright/educator Cherrie Moraga, civil rights advocate Alice Escalante, and historian/writer Martha Cotera. This film considers how these single mothers managed to be parents and effect broad-based social change at the same time. This event is FREE and open to the public.

WEST COAST TEATRO ENCUENTRO
ADVANCE WARNING
LATE SPRING 2013
LOS ANGELES, CA

A get together of the new coalition of California teatristas and others interested in Latino theater.

EAST OF BROADWAY
ADVANCE WARNING
COMING LATER THIS SPRING
LOS ANGELES THEATER
CENTER
514 SOUTH SPRING STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90013
INFO:   http://www.thelatc.org

Check the Los Angeles Theater Center’s website for current information of events and plays.

ADVANCE WARNING
NALIP CONFERENCE 2013
JUNE 6-9, 2013
SHERATON UNIVERSAL
HOTEL,
UNIVERSAL CITY, CA
INFO:  http://www.nalip.org

Save the date for the 2013 annual Conference of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers. This year’s theme is The Evolving Latino Trillion Dollar Market.

POMONA, CALIFORNIA

STAND & DEL IVER
STAGE PRODUCTION
POMONA COLLEGE
MARCH 7-10, 2013
SEAVER THEATER
POMONA COLLEGE
300 EAST BONITA AVENUE
CLAREMONT, CA
INFO: (909) 607-4375

Acclaimed actress and now Professor of Theater Alma Martinez has directed this stage adaptation of the film STAND AND DELIVER. The original film was written by Ramon Menendez and Tom Musca and directed by Ramon Menendez. Here it is adapted for the stage by Robert Bella and directed by Alma Martinez.  This production features drama students of the Claremont Colleges.

RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP
SUMMIT FOR IMMIGRATION
REFORM
MARCH 16, 2013 8AM- 5PM
HIGHLANDER UNION BLDG #302
UC RIVERSIDE
RIVERSIDE, CA
INFO: (951) 827-3821 (CHICANO STUDIES)

Chicano students at UC Riverside are sponsoring this non-partisan National Immigration Summit. Invitations have gone out to numerous high profile federal, state and local elected officials as well as community activists. Panel discussions will address all aspects of Immigration Reform with an aim to promoting comprehensive humane immigration reform.

AFTER THE RAIN:
TOMÁS RIVERA                            
ADVANCE WARNING N
APRIL 29, 2005
UNIVERSITY VILLAGE
CONFERENCE ROOM
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
RIVERSIDE, CA
On April 28, 1980, an unusually heavy rain cut short the inauguration ceremony of Tomás Rivera, the first Latino Chancellor in the University of California system. He never gave his inaugural address. That address will be read in public for the first time at 7 p.m. Friday, April 29, 2013, at UC Riverside during a day-long public celebration of the 25th anniversary of the inauguration called, “After the Rain: The Legacy and Life of Tomás Rivera.”Professor Juan Felipe Herrera, the scholar who holds the newly endowed Tomás Rivera Chair in Creative Writing, will deliver the long-delayed inaugural address during a multi-media performance that includes video, music and readings that tell the story of Chancellor Rivera.

A reception will follow at 6 p.m. in the UCR Commons, before the 7 p.m. multi-media performance that includes video, music and live readings by friends, family and colleagues. It also includes the reading of the inaugural address. Carlos Cortes, a professor emeritus of history at UC Riverside, will narrate the evening performance, called “Tomás Rivera: Celebration of a Life. The story of Tomás Rivera as told in his own words and those of his friends and admirers.”

SAN BERNARDINO CALIFORNIA 

MAYOR JULIAN CASTRO
AT LEAD SUMMIT
MARCH 27, 2013
CALIFORNIA STATE
UNIVERSITY
SAN BERNARDINO, CA

Julian Castro, the mayor of San Antonio, Texas, and the first Latino to deliver a keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention, will be the headline speaker at the 4th annual Latino Education Advocacy Days summit at Cal State San Bernardino on Wednesday, March 27.  Now in its fourth year, the LEAD summit focuses on educational issues affecting Latinos at the national, regional and local levels, said Enrique Murillo, the executive director and founder of the LEAD project, and a professor of education at Cal State San Bernardino. The annual conference will be held in the university’s Santos Manuel Student Union Events Center from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

CHILDREN’S THEATER CLASSES
ONGOING AT
CENTRO CULTURAL DE
LA RAZA
2004 PARK BLVD
SAN DIEGO, CA 92101
INFO:   http://www.centroculturaldelaraza.org

Classes run through March, 2013. For information on enrollment and other March events check the website above.

20th ANNUAL
SAN DIEGO LATINO
FILM FESTIVAL
MARCH 7-17, 2013
VARIOUS VENUES
SAN DIEGO, CA

INFO: http://www.sdlatinofilm.com

The annual Latino International Film Festival organized by long time director Ethan van Thillo continues for the 20th year. Check out the website for a detailed list of films, venues and screening times.

SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA

HOMEBOYS DOCUMENTARY
MARCH 6, 2013 6PM
CHICANA CHICANO STUDIES
COLLOQUIA SERIES
INFO:   http://www.chicst.ucsb.edu/

Q&A with the Director Dino Dinco to follow the screening of the film. Co-sponsored by the Department of Film & Media Studies, UCSB

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, CALIFORNIA

PERRA PUMPS
LAST CALL
MARCH 8-10, 2013
AT EL TEATRO CAMPESINO
PLAYHOUSE
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA,CA
INFO:   http://www.elteatrocampesino.com

A new play production at the legendary Teatro Campesino directed by Ruben Gonzalez. .Bar life has sustained Perra Pumps’ family for three generations but now, she is on the verge of losing her bar! Her landlord is raising the rent, and she tries to make sense of this shift with closest friend, DJ Mikey Flexxx. Together they share songs, stories and secrets y un trago de tequila!  Perra Pumps Last Call is the third installment in a trilogy of short plays written by Javier Luis Hurtado that chronicle the hopes, joys and struggles of a queer Chicano family living in California from 1960- 2013.

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA

CINEQUEST FILM
FESTIVAL
THRU MARCH 10,2013
TEATRO VISION
365 S.MARKET STREET
SAN JOSE, CA
INFO:  http://www.teatrovision.org

Teatro Visión is proud to be partnering with Cinequest Film Festival as they unleash their most electrifying Latino Showcase yet, February 26th to March 10th.  Film lovers will celebrate stories of love, laughter, thrills, innovation, inspiration, and life, while discovering the work of some of the world’s greatest artists from México, Ecuador, Panama, Cuba, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Argentina, and right here in the Bay Area. Cinequest will announce the entire film and event line up for this year’s 23rd annual celebration and gives you a chance to be among the first to discover the many World and United States premieres being presented on January 30th.

ADVANCE WARNING
OCTOBER 10-19, 2013
MACARIO
TEATRO VISION
365 S.MARKET STREET
SAN JOSE, CA
INFO:  http://www.teatrovision.org

The novel, MACARIO is considered an iconic Mexican tale, whose characters include popular archetypes of Mexican culture – El Peón (indigenous person, worker), La Mujer Fiel y Valiente (the loyal and valiant woman), El Rico (the Rich), El Diablo (the Devil), El Peregrino (the Spiritual Pilgrim) and others.Written by the mysterious B. Traven (who also wrote Treasure of the Sierra Madre) and published in the 1940s MACARIO is set in pre-independence Mexico, a time when there was a strict cast system based on race, practice of Indigenous culture was subject to severe punishment and the Inquisition was in full force.

Teatro Visión is very excited to launch it’s new work initiative with MACARIO. Play development will involve a creative team led by Teatro Visión Artistic Director, Elisa Marina Alvarado, playwright Evelina Fernandez, Teatro Visión Artistic Program Associate, Rodrigo García, ethnomusicologist and master musician, Russell Rodriguez, choreographer, María de la Rosa and program manager, Dianne Vega. The team will work together to create large scale spectacle theater with music, dance and a rich and magical visual presentation.

ASSEMBLING THE PIECES
THROUGH MARCH 16, 2013
MACLA
510 SOUTH FIRST STREET
SAN JOSE, CA 95113
INFO: (408) 998-2783 OR  http://www.maclaarte.org/

MACLA/Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana is pleased to present Assembling the Pieces: Reconstructing Memory & Hybrid Identity, featuring new work by San Jose-based artists Tessie Barrera-Scharaga and Samuel Rodriguez. The work presented in Assembling the Pieces address themes of transformation, identity, memory, and the human experience. Barrera-Scharaga and Rodriguez are among San Jose’s most industrious and innovative artists; this exhibition highlights their significant contributions to our artistic landscape.

SAN FRANCISCO

AVOTEJA & MUSICAL
ART QUINTET
MARCH 1, 2013 8PM
LA PEÑA
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA 94705
INFO:    http://www.lapena.org

An evening of Tango, jazz and poetry to celebrate the release of With Ebvery Step author by poet Avotcja accompanied by the Musical Art Quintet.

ANDRES FLORES ROSAS
JAROCHO
MARCH 3, 2013 7:30PM
LA PEÑA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO:  http://www.lapena.org

Andrés Flores Rosas from Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico invites you to accompany him in a music concert of jarocho music from Veracruz.

ALTURAS DE AMERICA
FOLKLORICO GROUP
MARCH 9, 2013 8PM
LA PEÑA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO:  http://www.lapena.org

Alturas de América, a band emerging from the East Bay, performs Latinamerican music with a “world music flavor.” The group emphasizes Andean baboo instruments from South maerica.

HIP HOP AND
BEYOND GENDER
MARCH 15, 2013 8PM
LA PEÑA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO:  http://www.lapena.org

An evening of hip hop features performances by Invincibles, Las Krudas, Micah Domingo. The event is hosted by members of Brown Boi Project.

CANTORAS FOR SONG
OF UNITY
MARCH 16, 2013 8PM
LA PEÑA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO:  http://www.lapena.org

A round table of shared songs celebrating the people and commemorating the Song of Unity mural that adorns La Peña. The talented group of female musicians performing include Holly Near, Linda Tillery, Lichi Fuentes, Mochi Parra, Avotcja and others.

OTHER MARCH EVENTS
LA PEÑA
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO:   http://www.lapena.org

For other events in March at La Peña, please check their website.

MARCH EVENTS AT
THE MEXICAN MUSEUM
FOR MASON CENTER, BLDG. D
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
INFO:   http://www.themexicanmuseum.org

For updated events at the Mexican Museum check their website above.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA

QUETZAL GUERRERO
LIVE
MARCH 1, 2013
MONARCH THEATER
122 EAST WASHINGTON STREET
PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Multi-talented musician and performer Quetzal Guerrero performs with his band at the Monarch theater.

MASK MAKING WORKSHOP
WITH ZARCO GUERRERO
MARCH 9, 2013
551 NORTH ALMA SCHOOL ROAD
MESA, ARIZONA
INFO: http://www.zarkmask.com

Master mask-maker Zarco Guerrero offers mask making classes at his studio.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

LATINO BOOK AND
FAMILY FESTIVAL
ADVANCE WARNING
APRIL 6-7, 2013
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

This is the largest national Latino book festival which this year will be held in Chicago, Illinois. More details later.

CHAS BOJÓRQUEZ
FROM STREETS TO THE CLOUDS
THROUGH JUNE, 2013
NATIONAL MUSEUM
OF MEXICAN ART
1852 WEST 19TH STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
INFO:  http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/

This new exhibition features Los Angeles artist Chas Bojorquez.Forty years ago he embraced the “cholo” graffiti writing of his neighborhood inspiring him to create his own unique style. For other events in January check the museum website later in the month.

SIGNATURE ART WORKS
THROUGH APRIL 7, 2013
NATIONAL MUSEUM
OF MEXICAN ART
1852 WEST 19TH STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
INFO:  http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/

National Museum of Mexican Art’s “Signature Works: 25th Anniversary Gifts to the Permanent Collection.” Featured art includes “ODE TO LUIS BUÑEL (Homenaje en su Centenario)” A gift to the memory of Luis Spota Saavedra-in the museum’s Main Gallery. Exhibition dates January 17 through April 7, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

MAREMMÁGNUM PHOTOGRAPHY
EXHIBIT/FOUR DECADES IN SPAIN
AND EUROPE
THROUGH MARCH 29, 2013
NATIONAL HISPANIC CULTURAL CENTER
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
INFO:  http://www.nationalhispaniccenter.org

This exhibit was curated by Spanish photojournalist Jordi Socias, (Barcelona, 1945). Socias is one of the key names in the evolution of Spanish photojournalism in the last decades. His style moves away from the objectivity deemed inherent in photography, and becomes aware of its own subjective representation. The most important figures and events of the country’s modern history have posed for him, and together form a fascinating narrative of life since the 1970?s His portraits include Salvador Dalí, Jorge Luis Borges, Graham Greene, John Le Carre, Pedro Almodóvar, Francis Ford Coppola and Penelope Cruz.

REYNA GRANDE
THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US
MARCH 30, 2013 2pm
NATIONAL HISPANIC CULTURAL CENTER
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
INFO:  http://www.nationalhispaniccenter.org

author Reyna Grande will read from and sign her new memoir The Distance Between Us. In this extraordinary memoir, award-winning writer Reyna Grande vividly brings to life her tumultuous early years, capturing all the confusion and contradictions of childhood, especially one spent torn between two parents and two countries.

SUMMIT ON LATINO
HIGHER EDUCATION
ADVANCE WARNING
OCTOBER 2-4,2013
CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
INFO: fcertain@unm.edu

The Sereno Alliance for Higher Education in partnership with the University of New mexico jointly convenes the Third Policy Summit on Latino Higher Education.Theme is”We are the Future and the Future is Now!” Más later.

SANTE FE, NEW MEXICO

NEW MEXICO POPULAR
RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS
MARCH 2,2013
MUSEUM OF SPANISH COLONIAL
ART
SANTE FE, NEW MEXICO
INFO: http://ifdm.unm.edu/wordpress/?page_id=32

This is an all day celebration of the various popular religious traditions in New Mexico as evidenced with artifacts, photos, exhibits and panels. For detail of the day’s planned events visit the website.

LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO

19TH ANNUAL BORDER
BOOK FESTIVAL
ADVANCE WARNING
APRIL 19-21, 2012

The annual Border Book Festival organized by author Denise Chavez will take place at the Casa Camino real in its new home at 314 South Tornillo Street in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Filmmakers Viviana García Besné and her British husband, Alistair Tremps will be joining us from Mexico City. Viviana’s grandfather, Jorge García Besné, produced the first films starring El Santo, the legendary silver-masked Mexican wrestler. Her grand-uncles Pedro A. Calderón, José Luis Calderón, and Guillermo Calderón were also prolific producers from the 1930′s to the 1980′s. Her movie, Perdida, is about healing and retrieving her family roots.

Jesús ‘Chuy’ Treviño is a filmmaker from L.A., whose film Raíces de Sangre/Roots of Blood, deals with a maquiladora/factory strike on the U.S./México border. It was the first Chicano film made in collaboration with the Mexican government, considered one of the top 25 Chicano films of all time.

Nora Naranjo Morse, filmmaker/poet/potter will join us from San Juan Pueblo, now called Ohkay Owinghe. In past Nora did a family pottery and poetry workshop for us at Tortugas Pueblo. We want to screen her film, Always Becoming, about her art work as well as some of her other documentaries, possibly including Gia’s Song, about the effects of government housing on traditional pueblo building. Rubén Martínez is a journalist/ performer/songwriter/singer and fillmmaker whose new book is Desert America: Boom and Bust in the New Old West will also be attending.

DENVER, COLORADO

BY THE HAND OF
THE FATHER
MARCH 7-24, 2013
SU TEATRO CULTURAL &
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
721 SANTA FE DRIVE
DENVER, COLORADO 80204
INFO:    http://www.suteatro.net

By the Hand of the Father – written by Theresa Chavez, Oscar Garza, Eric Gutierrez and Rose Portillo opens next week.This theatrical tribute weaves original music by Alejandro Escovedo with stories about the experiences, joys, and travails of the Mexican American fathers who made the courageous crossing to this side of the U.S.-Mexico border at the turn of the last century.

XICANIDIE FILM FESTIVAL
ADVANCE WARNING
APRIL 4-7, 2013
SU TEATRO
721 SANTE DE DRIVE
DENVER, COLORADO 80204
INFO:    http://www.suteatro.net

Su Teatro’s annual film festival features films of the Chicano, Mexicano and Indio experience.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

CINEFESTIVAL
THROUGH MARCH 2, 2013
GUADALUPE CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER
1301 GUADALUPE STREET
SAN ANTONIO,  TEXAS 78207
INFO:   http://www.guadalupeculturalarts.org

The 35th Annual CineFestival is on-going in San Antonio through March 2, 2013 in the historic Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe Street. The eight day event will feature national and international film screenings, Q & A sessions, panels and informal discussions. Guests include Loue Diamond Phillips and Gina Rodriguez from the film Filly Brown. For details check the Guadalupe Center website.

THIS RIVER HERE
EXHIBIT
THROUGH MARCH 2, 2013
GUADALUPE CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER
1301 GUADALUPE STREET
SAN ANTONIO,  TEXAS 78207
INFO:    http://www.guadalupeculturalarts.org

The Guadalupe investigates the powerful interconnection between word and image by asking artists to visually realize the words of San Antonio’s Poet Laureate, Dr. Carmen Tafolla through her poem This river here. The exhibition runs January 11-March 2, 2013. Guadalupe Gallery, 723 S. Brazos. Free. Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 12 – 5 p.m.

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF
HISPANICS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
8TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MARCH 28-30, 2013
HYATT REGENCY HOTEL
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
INFO: http://www.aahhe.org

This annual meeting of Hispanics in Higher education features presentations by distringuished Drs. Ricardo Romo, J. Michael Ortiz, Raymundo Paredes and Antonio Herandnez, Arturo Madrid and other scholars.

CONJUNTO FESTIVAL
ADVANCE WARNING
MAY 15-19, 2013
GUADALUPE CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER
1301 GUADALUPE STREET
SAN ANTONIO,  TEXAS 78207
INFO:    http://www.guadalupeculturalarts.org

The annual Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio, will be held May 15-19, 2013 at the Guadalupe Theater and Rosedale Park. Historically the festival brings together the best of Southwest conjunto groups.

CRYSTAL CITY, TEXAS

CHICANO LEGACY
COMMEMORATION
ADVANCE WARNING
NOVEMBER 7-10, 2013
VARIOUS LOCALES IN
CRYSTAL CITY, TEXAS
INFO: http://www.zavalacountysentinel.net

A three day celebration honoring the contributions of Chicano Movement activists in Crystal City. Activist include Diana Serna Aguilera, Roberto Alonzo, Virginia Torres, Sandy Cardenas, Richard Espinosa, Jose Angel Gutierrez and many others. More details later.

AUSTIN, TEXAS

RAZA ROUND TABLE
SATURDAYS IN MARCH 10AM
MEXITAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT
1109 INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 35
AUSTIN, TEXAS
INFO: (512) 944-4123

Community activists gather weekly fora weekly platica and information sharing on
topical issues of the day. The event is open to the public and everyone is invited.  For
more information about the Raza Round Table contact Alfred R. Santos (512) 944-4123.

16TH CINE LAS AMERICAS
ADVANCE WARNING
APRIL 16- 21, 2013
VARIOUS VENUES
AUSTIN, TEXAS
INFO:   http://www.cinelasamericas.org

Cine Las Americas invites filmmakers, producers and distributors to participate in the Cine Las Americas International Film Festival, now in its16th year.

HOUSTON, TEXAS

ARTE PUBLICO PRESS
NICK KANELLOS
MARCH 7, 2013 1-3PM
ANDERSON LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
HOUSTON, TEXAS
INFO: http://www.class.uh.edu/cmas

A visit with Dr. Kicolás Kanellos, Director of Arte Público Press speaking on, “The history of Arte Público Press: The Oldest and Largest Latino Publishing House.”

CHICANO PATHS
TO POWER
DR. JOSE ANGEL GUTIERREZ
MARCH 27, 2013 1-3PM
ANDERSON LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
HOUSTON, TEXAS
INFO: http://www.class.uh.edu/cmas

Dr, Jose Angel Gutierrez founder of the La Raza Unida political party and one of the speaks on the future of Chicano empowerment in America.

SPRING SEMESTER
OF ART CLASSES BEGINS
ON-GOING AT
MECA
1900 KANE STREET
HOUSTON, TX 77007
INFO:   http://www.meca-houston.org

The Spring semester of classes for youth in art, dance and theater begins. For January events at MECA visit their website above.

DALLAS, TEXAS

TIMELESS MEXICO; THE
PHOTOGRAPHS OF HUGO
BREHME
THROUGH MARCH 3, 2013
LATINO CULTURAL CENTER
2600 LIVE OAK STREET
DALLAS, TEXAS
INFO:    http://www.dallasculture.org

The exhibit “Timeless Mexico: The Photographs Of Hugo Brehme” runs from January 1, 2013 through March 3, 2013.  On loan from the Wittliff Collections at Texas State University- San Marcos, Timeless Mexico: The Photographs of Hugo Brehme features 60 real photo postcards and hand-tinted photographs of early twentieth-century Mexico. One of that country’s first modern photographers, Brehme focused on iconic subjects ranging from the Mexican Revolution to scenic landscapes, colonial architecture, and the everyday life of indigenous peoples.

THE DREAMERS TRILOGY
ADVANCE WARNING
MAY 31–JUNE 15, 2013
LATINO CULTURAL CENTER
2600 LIVE OAK STREET
DALLAS, TEXAS
INFO:  http:www.brownpapertickets.com/event/265483

This workshop performance is in anticipation of the final production for the One Act Play festival scheduled for May 31-June 15,2013. Part One of The Dreamers Trilogy focuses on the experience of women who travel from El Salvador in their quest to reach the United States.

MIAMI, FLORIDA

HISPANICIZE 2013
ADVANCE WARNING
APRIL 9 THRU APRIL 13, 2013
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA  INFO: http://www.hispanicizeevent.com/

The fourth Annual Latino events for film, music, social media, blogging, advertising and PR has gotten the attention of the biggest brands now sponsoring the event (Target, Univision, UH
McDonalds).

DECEMBER EVENTS

LOS ANGELES AREA

CARLOS ALMARÁZ
GALLERY WALK THROUGH &
THE ARTIST IN CONTEXT
DECEMBER 1, 2012 2-4PM
VINCENT PRICE MUSEUM
COMMUNITY FOCUS GALLERY
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE
1301 AVENIDA CESAR CHAVEZ
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
INFO:   http://vincentpriceartmuseum.org

From 12.30 to 1:30 PM join Elsa Flores Almaráz, widow of Carlos Almaráz as she walks through th eexhi tof his works and explains their relevance. Then from 2 to 4PM join Max Benavidez as he moderates a panel on Carlos in context. This panel will consider Carlos Almaráz’s career in critical context of the past and present. Max Benavidez (moderator), Karen Mary Davalos, Patrick Ela and Suzanne Muchnicare discussion participants.

JOSE RAMIREZ
OPEN STUDIO
DECEMBER 1,8,22, 2012
10AM TO 5 PM EACH DAY
RAMIREZ-AGUILAR STUDIO
1136 STONE STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90063
INFO:   http://www.ramirezart.com

CARLOS ALMARÁZ
A LIFE RECALLED
THRU DECEMBER 8, 2012
THE LARGE GALLERY
VINCENT PRICE MUSEUM
COMMUNITY FOCUS GALLERY
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE
1301 AVENIDA CESAR CHAVEZ
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
INFO:   http://vincentpriceartmuseum.org
Carlos Almaráz: A Life Recalled is a chronological survey of the artist Carlos Almaráz that draws from perspectives of those who cared for and knew him best. The show traces the trajectory of Carlos’s life: earliest years in Mexico; childhood in East LA; travails in New York; an awakening to the Chicano Movement and participation in Los Four collective; domestic bliss as a husband and father; recognition as a rising Los Angeles studio art star; and victim of AIDS. Carlos Almaráz: A Life Recalled is organized by Karen Rapp with Dan Guerrero and Elsa Flores Almaráz.

ISABEL AVILA
PHOTOGRAPHY
HOY SPACE
THRU DECEMBER 8,2012
VINCENT PRICE MUSEUM
COMMUNITY FOCUS GALLERY
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE
1301 AVENIDA CESAR CHAVEZ
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
INFO:   http://vincentpriceartmuseum.org

Los Angeles-based photographer Isabel Avila exhibits Parallel Worlds exploring the relationship between Mexican American and Native American cultures.

UN DIABLITO CON
MUCHAS ALAS
PASTORELA NAVIDENA
DECEMBER 8 & 9, 2012
PLAZA DE LA RAZA
3540 NORTH MISSION ROAD
LOS ANGELES, CA 90031
INFO:  http://www.plazadelaraza.org

Join the workshop for the production of a comedy play in Spanish, “Un Diablito Con Muchas Alas.” Workshops are Fridays, 6:30PM to 9:30PM and Saturdays & Sundays 9AM To 12:30PM. All in preparation for performances on December 8th and 9th at 6PM at Plaza De La Raza.

WORDS ON PAPER,
WORKS ON PAPER
THROUGH DECEMBER 3, 2012
J. MICHAEL WALKER
AVE 50 GALLERY
131 NORTH AVENUE 50
LOS ANGELES, CA 90042
INFO:  http://www.avenue50studio.com

New painting s and drawings inspired by the printed word from multi-talented J. Michael Walker. On exhibit through December 3, 2012.

FROM BUKOWSKI TO
ST. JOHN
THROUGH DECEMBER 3, 2012
AVE 50 GALLERY
131 NORTH AVENUE 50
LOS ANGELES, CA 90042
INFO:  http://www.avenue50studio.com

Eleven Los Angeles artists portray their most influential author. Artists include Abel Alejandre, Moses Ball, Emilia Garcia, Yolanda Gonzalez, Marl Stevens Greenfield, Francisco Latelier, Jose Lozano, Tatian Luboviski-Acosta, Poli Marichal, Hank Schwarz and John Valadez..

MONSTRUOS DEL
PRINT
HOLIDAY PRINT SALE
SELF-HELP GRAPHICS
DECEMBER 8, 2012
1300 EAST FIRST STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO: http://www.selfhelpgraphics.com

This is a one day art print sale at Self-Help Graphics. Ideal for holiday shopping. Some of the best prints by leading Southern California artists.

HOLIDAY ART SALE
DECEMBER 15 & 16, 2012
AVE 50 GALLERY
131 NORTH AVENUE 50
LOS ANGELES, CA 90042
INFO:  http://www.avenue50studio.com

Wondering what to buy for the holdiays? Check out this annual two-day art sale at Avenue 50 Gallery. Buy directly from more than two dozen of the leading Latino artists! Saturday, December 15 from 7 to 11PM and Sunday, December 16th from 12NOON to 4PM.

ANNA LUCASTA
THROUGH DECEMBER 9, 2012
LOS ANGELES THEATER
CENTER
514 SOUTH SPRING STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90013
INFO:   http://www.thelatc.org

Expelled from her home by her overly-protective and jealous father, young Anna Lucasta is forced to confront life’s inevitable fight for survival. The play was written by Phillip Yordan, directed by Ben Guillory.

TOO MANY TAMALES!
DECEMBER 15 THRU DECEMBER 23, 2012
BILINGUAL FOUNDATION FOR
THE ARTS
421 NORTH AVENUE 19
LOS ANGELES, CA 90023
INFO:    http://www.bfatheatre.org

If it’s Christmas, it is time for “Too Many Tamales”, an annual holiday show in a working’class neighborhood that has developed a dedicated following with its homage to biculturalism. The audience laughs when Mr. Cormack butchers his Spanish trying to make a connection with his in-laws. Mama explains the Latino tradition of making tamales at Christmastime. Laughter fills the theater as Maria and her cousins consume dozens of tamales trying to find a lost ring. The shows, with a mix of original and traditional songs, run through December, almost always filling the 99 seat theater. Every family has some little bit of dysfunction and tension around Christmas and Thanksgiving. The play keeps it light and fun as it deals with the theme of giving in a different culture. A show about family, holiday traditions and multi generations. forward to this clever and funny play!

SEASON TO BE MERRY
DECEMBER 8, 2012 6-9 PM
FREMONT GALLERY
812 FREMONT AVE.
SOUTH PASADENA, CA
INFO:   http://www.fremontgallery.com

Art exhibit and sale featuring a slew of artists including Wayne Healy, Andres Montoya, David Botello, Damain Chavez, Richard Valdes, Roberto Gutierrez, Bonnie Lambert. Irene Carranza, Jose Lozano, Raul De La Sota and many others.

EL REGALO PERFECTO
DECEMBER 8,9,15, & 16, 2012
TEATRO FRIDA KAHLO
2332 WEST 4TH STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90057
INFO: (213) 382-8133 and  http://www.fridakahlotheater.org

The Perfect Gift, written and directed by Manuel Chitay. Guided by a mysterious map, Bolillo and Victorina, travel by air, sea and land in search of the perfect Christmas gift, which is guarded by the dark forces, who will try to forced them to lose their way using tricks and deceit.
A Christmas play for the whole family. Spanish Performances Only. December 8, 9, 15 & 16
Saturdays & Sundays 4 PM. $10 General,

NAVIDAD EN WHITTIER
DECEMBER 15, 2012
RUTH SHANNON CENTER FOR
THE PERFORMING ARTS
WHITTIER COLLEGE
6760 PAINTER AVENUE
WHITTIER, CA 90601
INFO:   http://www.shannoncenter.org

A traditional celebration of Las Posadas and the holiday spirit features Mariachi Mexicapan and Cesar Castro & Cambalache.

HOLIDAY GIFTS FROM
TIA CHUCHA CENTRO
CULTURAL & BOOKSTORE
13197-A GLADSTONE AVE
SYLMAR, CA 91342
INFO:   http://www.tiachucha.com

Visit Tia Chucha’s bookstore and cultural center for a wide variety of books, music and other artistic gifts.

OPEN MIKE AT
TIA CHUCHA CENTRO
CULTURAL & BOOKSTORE
EVERY FRIDAY IN OCTOBER
AT 8PM
13197-A GLADSTONE AVE
SYLMAR, CA 91342
INFO:    http://www.tiachucha.com

Tia Chucha’s Open Mic is a welcoming creative sanctuary where people are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings through various styles of expersssion.

LA START HERE!
ON-GOING THRU DECEMBER 31, 2012
LA PLAZA DE CULTURA
Y ARTES AT OLVERA STREET
501 NORTH MAIN STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
INFO:     http://www.lapca.org

The first of its kind in approach and scope, LA Plaza’s inaugural exhibition, LA Starts Here!, examines Mexican and Mexican American history and identity in Los Angeles. Iconic artifacts, one-of-a-kind interactive experiences, and captivating films reveal the region’s rich and often unknown history as a multi-cultural project from its very beginnings. Visitors of all backgrounds are encouraged to think critically about the shaping of cultural and national identity in an increasingly diverse world.

VOCES VIVAS
ON-GOING THRU DECEMBER 31, 2012
LA PLAZA DE CULTURA
Y ARTES AT OLVERA STREET
501 NORTH MAIN STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
INFO:  http://www.lapca.org

Visitors to both LA Plaza and its website have the opportunity to experience Voces Vivas, an original short-film series featuring interviews with a broad spectrum of Mexican Americans. These films expand on the LA Plaza experience, personalizing Mexican American history through the individual stories of the interview subjects and bringing to light a rich and sometimes controversial history. This series contains 50 films each running 4-5 minutes in length. Approximately half of the films are playing continuously at various kiosks throughout the first floor of the exhibit, LA Starts Here.

CALL FOR POSTERS
CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF
POLITICAL GRAPHICS
THROUGH EARLY 2013
8124 WEST THIRD STREET
SUITE 211
LOS ANGELES, CA 90048
INFO:    http://www.politicalgraphics.org

The Center for the Study of Political Graphics has an open call for posters for a traveling exhibit in 2013 on the theme of Prison Nation: Posters on the Prison Industrial Complex.

WEST COATS TEATRO ENCUENTRO
ADVANCE WARNING
LATE SPRING 2013
LOS ANGELES, CA

A get together of the new coalition of California teatristas and other sin terste din Latino theater.

16th ANNUAL NHMC
IMPACT AWARDS GALA
ADVANCE WARNING
FEBRUARY 22, 2013
BEVERLY HILLS, CA

The National Hispanic Media Coalition, a non-partisan, non-profit media advocacy and civil rights organization will hold its annual awards dinner on February 22, 2013.

GRANTWRITING WORKSHOPS
FOR ARTISTS WITH LINDA VALLEJO
ADVANCE WARNING

FEBRUARY 16, 22  & 23, 2013
LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY
MARCH 2 & 16, 2013
OTIS COLLEGES OF ART & DESIGN
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO: lmu (310) 338-1971 AND http://www.otis.edu

Acclaimed artist and fudnraiser Linda Vallejo leads workshops on how to “Fund Your Passion” and “The Art of Non-Profit Fundraising.”.

SAN DIEGO

NAVIDAD AT
CENTRO CULTURAL DE
LA RAZA
DECEMBER 1, 2012
2004 PARK BLVD
SAN DIEGO, CA 92101
INFO:   http://www.centroculturaldelaraza.org

The Centro Cultural de la Raza celebrates the holidays with a variety of navidad events.

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

LA VIRGEN DEL TEPEYAC
THROUGH DECEMBER 16, 2012
EL TEATRO CAMPESINO PLAYHOUSE
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA,CA
INFO:   http://www.elteatrocampesino.com

Annual celebration of the classic story of Juan Diego and the miraulous apparition of the Virgin of Guadalupe in San Juan Bautista at the headquarters of El Teatro Campesino. For performance details visit the website above.

SAN JOSE

HOLIDAY POSADA WITH
TEATRO VISION
DECEMBER 14, 2012
5:30PM TO 7:30PM
TEATRO VISIÓN
365 S.MARKET STREET
SAN JOSE, CA
INFO:  http://www.teatrovision.org

Join the Teatro Vision familia for a holiday friendship featuring delicious tamales, pan dulce, hot chocolate, assorted beverages and festival live music.

POWER IN NUMBERS
ON-GOING EXHIBIT
MACLA
510 SOUTH FIRST STREET
SAN JOSE, CA 95113
INFO: (408) 998-2783

This exhibit sponsored by the Moviemiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana in San Jose explores immigration routs and political movements that are currently building a new America.
Recent works by Dulce Pinzon, Julio Salgado, Betty Davis, Ana Teresa Fernandez and Julio Céssar Morales

SAN FRANCISCO

ENCUENTRO DEL
CANTO POPULAR
DECEMBER 8, 2012
BRAVA THEATER
2781 24TH STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
INFO:   http://www.accionlatina.org

This is the 31st Annual Encouentro del Canto Popular at the Brava Theater. This year the theme is El Renacimiento de la Cultura Popular.Groups To perform include Xiuhcoatrl Danza Azteca, Diana Gameros, Quenepas Youth Ensemble and La Santa Cecilia.

HONORING CARLOS
FELIX CORONA
DECEMBER 16,. 2012
THE MEXICAN MUSEUM
FOR MASON CENTER, BLDG. D
SAN FRANCISCO, CA

An event honoring the Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING AT
THE MEXICAN MUSEUM
THROUGH DECEMBER 16, 2012
FOR MASON CENTER, BLDG. D
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
INFO:   http://www.themexicanmuseum.org

La Tienda at the Museum offers a wide and enticing selection of popular merchandise from Mexico and other Latin American countries including ceramics, masks, greeting cards, posters and catalogs.

ANDRES FLORES ROSAS
JAROCHO MUSIC
DECEMBER 9, 2012  7PM
LA PEÑA
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA 94705
INFO:    http://www.lapena.org

One of the most respected masters and musicians within the son jarocho community, Andrés Flores Rosas comes to the Bay Area to present both old and new compositions as a soloist at La Peña. Featuring Bay Area artists, Andrés will take the stage, blending a mixture of sounds, from traditional sones to modern fusions. The night will also consist of holiday sones typically played during the months of December in Veracruz. Between the frenzied strumming of the jarana or the quick rift of a requinto, this night will prove to be unforgettable and a show not to be missed.

FLAMENCO POR LA PENA
DECEMBER 20, 8PM
LA PEÑA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO:  http://www.lapena.org

Bay Area flamenco artists gather for a special night of passion and celebration for the years of great flamenco nights at La Peña Cultural Center. Organized by Emmy Award-winning dancer Yaelisa, the evening features a great variety of artists in a concert where all proceeds go directly to this great institution. One show, one voice, united in solidarity for a great cause. A great holiday flamenco treat!

LOUNGE RUMBA
DECEMBER 2ND & 16th  2012
LA PEÑA
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO:   http://www.lapena.org

A Sunday afternoon of rumba with audience participation of the Rumba.

NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE WITH
ORQUESTA LA MODERNA TRADICION
DECEMBER 31, 2012 9:30PM
LA PEÑA
3105 SHATTUCK AVE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO:   http://www.lapena.org

Possibly the only orchestra of its kind inside or outside of Cuba, Orquesta La Moderna Tradición dedicates itself to the performance of classic Cuban dance music, especially the lilting grooves of the danzon. A legendary ballroom style that developed from the synchronization of African and European music in Cuba, danzon lends the groove of Afro-Cuban drums to the refined riffs of flute and violins. Orquesta La Moderna Tradición performs classics of the genre along with original compositions designed to keep the tradition alive and kicking. In addition to danzones, Orquesta plays the gambit of traditional and modern Cuban styles, from sones to songos, from cha-cha-cha to timba.

PORTLAND, OREGON

17ANNUAL HISPANIC
PROFESSIONALS MEET
DECEMBER 2 THRU 5, 2012
RED LION HOTEL
ON THE RIVER
PORTLAND, OREGON
INFO:   http://www.iahmp.org

Jim Estrada, author of “The ABCs and Ñ of Americas Cultural Evolution” will speak at the 17th Annual meeting of the International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals. He will address the group on understanding cultural differences and creating strategies for promoting inclusiveness.

HENDERSON, NEVADA

CHILEAN MINERS MURAL
& LETTERS
MCCAW SCHOOL OF MINES
GORDON MCCAW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
57 LYNNE LANE
HENDERSON, NEVADA
INFO: (702) 799-8930

On exhibit at the McCaw School of Mines in Henderson Nevada is a new mural depicting the plight of the Chilean Miners along with letters they wrote to their loved ones. Parents and students are welcomed to view this mural of the Chilean Miners. You can  call the Executive Director Clyde Caldwell at 702 799 8930 to set up a time to see the mural and letters. This will help because they do a tour of the mine that takes over an hour. Our thanks to Larry Rush for this posting.

MESA, ARIZONA

GUERRERO GALLERY
ART SALE
DECEMBER 1 & 2, 2012
2 – 6PM
551 NORTH ALMA SCHOOL ROAD
MESA, ARIZONA 85201
INFO:   http://www.zarkmask.com

Check out the greta mask and other art works by Zarco Guerrero. Give a mask for Christmas!

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

13 B’AK’TUN
TURNING POINT IN
MAYAN CALENDAR
DECEMBER 1, 2012
MAYNE STAGE
1328 WEST MORSE AVE.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.
INFO:    http://www.sonesdemexico.org

The Sones de Mexico music ensemble performs under the auspices of the National Museum of Mexican Art at the Mayne Stage.

CHAS BOJÓRQUEZ
FROM STREETS TO THE CLOUDS
THROUGH JUNE, 2013
NATIONAL MUSEUM
OF MEXICAN ART
1852 WEST 19TH STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

INFO:  http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/

This new exhibition features Los Angels artist Chas Bojórquez. Forty years ago he embraced the “cholo” graffiti writing of his neighborhood inspiring him to create his own unique style.

DAY OF THE DEAD
EXHIBITS
ONGOING  THRU DECEMBER 16, 2012
NATIONAL MUSEUM
OF MEXICAN ART
1852 WEST 19TH STREET
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

INFO:  http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/

An on-going exhibit celebrating Day of the Dead.

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

A MOMENT IN TIME
WITH TOM CHAVEZ
DECEMBER 1, 2012 2 PM
NATIONAL HISPANIC CULTURAL CENTER
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
INFO:  http://www.nationalhispaniccenter.org

Historian Dr. Thomas E. Chávez wil read from and sign his new book “A Moment in Time: the Odyssey of New Mexico’s Segessor Hide paintings.”

REGALOS FOR THE
HOLIDAYS
DECEMBER 8, 2012 10-8PM
NATIONAL HISPANIC CULTURAL CENTER
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
INFO:  http://www.nationalhispaniccenter.org

Get your holiday gifts at the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Tienda featuring Latino art objects and more. Bigger and better than ever! The best place to shop for unique and affordable gifts for everyone on your list! This event will include over 30 local artist vendors as well as entertainment from local choir groups.

THE FAROLITOS OF CHRISTMAS
DECEMBER 14- 16, 2012
NATIONAL HISPANIC CULTURAL CENTER
1701 4TH STREET SW
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO 87102
INFO:   http://www.nationalhispaniccenter.org

Author Rodolfo Anaya’s timeles, heartwarming holiday play, set in San Juan, New Mexico, is directed by Valli Marie Rivera and produced by the Vortez Theater in collaboration with the NHCC.

LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO

19TH ANNUAL BORDER
BOOK FESTIVAL
ADVANCE WARNING
APRIL 19-21, 2012

The annual Border Book Festival organized by author Denise Chavez will take place at the Casa Camino real in its new home at 314 South Tornillo Street in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

DENVER, COLORADO

THE MIRACLE AT
TEPEYAC
SU TEATRO CULTURAL &
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
721 SANTA FE DRIVE
DENVER, COLORADO 80204
INFO:    http://www.suteatro.net

Experience the music, pageantry and passion in a very human story about compassion and caring. The story of the apparition of the Virgen de Guadalupe counterpoised against the story of a conflicted parish priest, searching for his calling.   A soaring, beautiful, visual spectacle, perfect for the holiday season.

XICANIDIE FILM FESTIVAL
ADVANCE WARNING
APRIL 4-7, 2013
SU TEATRO
721 SANTE DE DRIVE
DENVER, COLORADO 80204
INFO:    http://www.suteatro.net

Su Teatro’s annual film festival features films of the Chicano, Mexicano and Indio experience.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

ESTAMPAS     
DE LA RAZA
THROUGH JANUARY 27, 2013
MCNAY MUSEUM OF ART
6000 NORTH NEW BRAUNFELS AVE
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
INFO:   http://www.mcnayart.org
(210) 824-5368

“Estampas de la Raza” introduces recent gifts of contemporary Mexican American and Latino prints to the McNay from collectors Harriett and Ricardo Romo. More than 60 prints by 44 artists reveal the richness of a mixed cultural heritage, with depictions of Frida Kahlo, lowriders, tattoos, and the Virgin of Guadalupe. The exhibition focuses on aspects of the Latino experience in the United States: the celebration of a mixed “identity”; the Chicano Movement’s “struggle” to achieve sociopolitical equality; “tradition, memory, and culture” in the everyday lives of Latinos; Latino “icons”; and “other voices” suggesting the diversity of the community. Many images are larger than life, serving up a colorful, visual feast.

LAS NUEVAS TAMALERAS
THROUGH DECEMBER 9, 2012
GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS
CENTER
1301 GUADALUPE STREET
SAN ANTONIO,  TEXAS 78207
INFO:   http://www.guadalupeculturalarts.org

This is a one act comedy written and directed y Alicia Mena.

LA GRAN  TAMALADA
DECEMBER 8, 2012 11AM
GUADALUPE CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER
1301 GUADALUPE STREET
SAN ANTONIO,  TEXAS 78207
INFO:    http://www.guadalupeculturalarts.org

La Gran Tamalada is an annual community event that honors the San Antonio tradition of Making tamales. Cultural experts Carmen Tafolla, Olga Kaufman and Ellem Clark guide participants the ough the entire process from the ingredients to the cooking methods.

HOLIDAY SAXOPHONES
DECEMBER 16, 2012 7-11PM
GUADALUPE CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER
1301 GUADALUPE STREET
SAN ANTONIO,  TEXAS 78207
INFO:    http://www.guadalupeculturalarts.org

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center presents the bets local and regional saxophonists at the 30th Annual Holiday Saxophones featuring Regency Jazz Band and legendary musician George Prado.

SAN BENITO

CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER
CASA DE PROYECTO LIBERTAD
DECEMBER 8, 2012
KC HALL
SAN BENITO, TEXAS
INFO: (956) 425-9552

The Casa de Proyecto Libertad, which works with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault sponsor this fundraiser.  Music is by Los Angeles Del Sur with special guest Herenecia 4.
A worthy cause and great music!

LEON SPRINGS

UNA NOCHE CON LAS ESTRELLAS
LEON SPRINGS DANCE HALL
24135 WEST INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 10
LEON SPRING, TX

The 7th Annual San Antonio Star Gala and Brandy Lopez’s Quest for Queen 2013. On December 6, 2012. Music includes The Court Jesters with special guests Joe Reinagel and Elliot Garza.

HOUSTON, TEXAS

2ND ANNUAL BAYOU CITY
POETRY GRAND SLAM
DECEMBER 1, 2012 7PM
MECA
1900 KANE STREET
HOUSTON, TX 77007
INFO:  http://www.meca-houston.org

Twenty national poets and HBO Def JAM poets compete fro cash prizes

LA MUSIC DEL CIELO
DECEMBER 7 & 8, 2012 AT 7:30PM
MAIN STREET THEATER
2540 TIMES BLVD
HOUSTON, TX 77005

Written and directed by Peter Webster, this co-production with Main Street Theater is a Mexican Pastorela and is performed in Spanish with English subtitles.

DALLAS, TEXAS

MILAGRITOS
DECEMBER 1 -15, 2012
LATINO CULTURAL CENTER
2600 LIVE OAK STREET
DALLAS, TEXAS

This play, directed by David Lozano an dproduced by the Car Mia Theater Company, is based on short stories from the book Woman Hollering Creek by Sandra Cisneros and was adapted for the stage by Marisela Barrera.

THE DREAMERS TRILOGY
LATINO CULTURAL CENTER
2600 LIVE OAK STREET
DALLAS, TEXAS
INFO:  http:www.brownpapertickets.com/event/265483

This workshop performance is in anticipation of the final production for the One Act Play festival scheduled for May 31-June 15,2013. Part One of The Dreamers Trilogy focuses on the experience of women who travel from El Salvador in their quest to reach the United States.

EDINBURG, TEXAS

CALL FOR PROPOSALS
ADVANCE WARNING
FEBRUARY 21-23, 2013
NACCS TEJAS FOCO
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
PAN AMERICAN
1201 WEST UNIVERSITY DRIVE
EDINBURG, TX 78539

Recent attacks on Chicano@ and Ethnic Studies programs are reminders of the need for more spaces to produce knowledge in and about our communities. This is a call for proposals for a conference to focus on ways in which academic research, creative activities and pedagogy can directly affect and become embedded in these communities. The conference will take place February 21-23, 2013. Pre-Conference  registration deadline is January 21, 2013.

MIAMI, FLORIDA

HISPANICIZE 2013
ADVANCE WARNING
APRIL 9 THRU APRIL 13, 2013
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA

The fourth Annual Latino events for film, music, social media, blogging, advertising and PR has gotten the attention of the biggest brands now sponsoring the event (Target, Univision, McDonalds).

FEBRUARY EVENTS:

LOS ANGELES

EL NOGALAR
OPENS JAN 28 THRU FEBRUARY
THE FOUNTAIN THEATER
5060 FOUNTAIN AVENUE
LOS ANGELES, CA 90029
INFO: www.fountainTheater.com

This play, about three women who come home to claim their family’s land in modern day Mexico, was inspired by Anton Chekhov’s classic drama, The Cherry Orchard.  Stars Yetta
Gottesman, Justin Huen, Isabelle Ortega, Diane Romo and Sabina Zuniga Varela. Directed by
Laurie Woolery with dramaturgy by Luis Alfaro.

YLSE.NET FUNDRAISER &
TONY PLANA RECOGNITION
FEBRUARY 4TH, 2012  6:30PM
ATLANTIS BANQUET HALL
3802 EAST CESAR CHAVEZ AVE,
LOS ANELES, CA 90063
INFO: Ylseshow@yahoo.com

An awards ceremony honoring acclaimed actor Tony Plana (Resurrection Blvd., Ugly Betty)
in benefit for the Ylse.net webisode series produced and starring actress Ruth Livier.

FRIDA KAHLO
JAN. 27 THRU
FEBRUARY 26, 2102
FRIDA KAHLO THEATER
2332 WEST FOURTH STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90057
INFO: http://www.fridakahlotheater.org

The play Frida Kahlo starring Minerva Garcia returns to the namesake
theater in Boyle Heights for performances only in Spanish during the
month of February.

CROSSING BORDERS
SERGIO TRONCOSO
FEBRUARY 10, 1-3PM
YOUNG RESEARCH LIBRARY
PRESENTATION ROOM
U.C.L.A.
LOS ANGELES, CA

Author Sergio Troncoso reads from his new collection of essays Crossing Borders at UCLA’s
Young Research Library. Event is free.

OUR STORY JETS & SHARKS
THEN AND NOW
FEBRUARY 11, 2012 12-3PM
BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSTORE
714 SOUTH MAIN STREET #100
ORANGE, CA 92868

OUR STORY JETS & SHARKS
THEN AND NOW
FEBRUARY 18, 2012 3-6PM
12136 VENTURA BLVD
STUDIO CITY, CA 91604
Maria Henley, an accomplished assistant director of stage and screen, was one of the dancers in the classic stage and movie production of Westside Story. Now Maria and other cast members share their remembrances in a new book, OUR STORY, JETS & SHARKS, THEN AND NOW.

PROVOCATIVE IMAGES
OF MOTHERHOOD
FEBRUARY 11, 2012 6-9PM
ARENA 1 GALLERY
3026 AIRPORT AVENUE
SANTA MONICA, CA 90405
INFO: http://www.judithehernandez.com

This is a group art show featuring the work of some of the most prominent women artists of the Post World War II period in Los Angeles. Chicana artist in the show are renowned artists JudithE Hernandez and Linda Vallejo.

FLAMENCO & FOLKLORICO
DANCE CLASSES
2012 REGISTRATIONS
ARTE FLAMENCO DANCE THEATRE
230 WEST MAIN STREET
ALHAMBRA, CA 91801
INFO: www. Clarita-artflemenco.com

The Arte Flemenco Dance Theatre under the direction of renowned dancer Clarita is open for Spring classes in Flamenco ballet, folklorico and hip-hop. Prices vary and dance instruction is open to adults as well as children.

NHMC IMPACT
AWARDS
FEBRUARY 24, 2012 6PM
BEVERLY WILSHIRE HOTEL
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO: http://www.nhmc.org

The National Hispanic Media Coalition, a media advocacy and civil rights organization created in 1986, holds its annual fundraiser at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The awards ceremony recognizes Latinos who have contributed to the advancement of Latinos in the media.

BOYLE HEIGHTS LATINA
INDEPENDENT FILM
EXTRAVAGANZA
ADVANCE WARNING
MARCH 2-4, 2012
CASA0101
2102 EAST FIRST STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90031
INFO: http://www.facebook/NEW.BHLIFE

The Boyle Heights Latina Independent Film Extravaganza (BHLIFE) will re-launch its festival this year on March 2nd-4th. In celebration of International Woman’s Day. BHLIFE is a celebration of Latinas, their voices and their visions. The mission of the festival is to build a network of Latina filmmakers that will draw attention to the growing number of Latinas working behind the camera. BHLIFE was founded by Josefina Lopez, writer of Real Women Have Curves, among many other plays and novels. Josefina is also the founder of Casa0101 (theater space) in Boyle Heights, which is the new home for BHLIFE.

RESURRECTED HISTORIES
CHICANO ART COLLECTIVES
OF HIGHLAND PARK
JANUARY 14 THRU FEBRUARY 5
AVENUE 50 STUDIO
131 NORTH AVENUE 50
HIGHLAND PARK, CA
INFO: www.avenue50studio.com

Avenue 50 Studio presents an art exhibit showcasing paintings, graphic arts, publications and other memorabilia telling the story of Chicano arts collectives in the Highland Park community of Los Angeles. Showcased are Mechicano and Centro de Arte Publico and the work of numerous artists.

RESUME WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 8, 2012
IMAGENES FOUNDATION
150 S. ARROYO PARKWAY
SUITE 102B
PASADENA, CA 91105

Diane Medina, Vice President of Diversity and Community Relations at ABC7 gives pointers on how to write an effective resume from an industry professional of more than 35 years.

DISAPPEARING INTO
THE TREES – KEN
GONZALEZ-DAY
FEBRUARY 11 THRU APRIL 27, 2012
SMALL GALLERY
VINCENT PRICE ART MUSEUM
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE
1301 AVENIDA CESAR CHAVEZ
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
INFO: http://www.vincentprice.elac.edu

SUDDENLY WE HAD NOTHING
XAVIER CÁZARES CORTÉZ
HOY SPACE
VINCENT PRICE ART MUSEUM
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE
1301 AVENIDA CESAR CHAVEZ
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
INFO: http://www.vincentprice.elac.edu

NETWORKING TO YOUR
NEXT JOB
FEBRUARY 29, 2012
IMAGENES FOUNDATION
150 S. ARROYO PARKWAY
SUITE 102B
PASADENA, CA 91105

James E. Wright, Talent Acquisition Pipeline Development at NBC Universal discusses
how Latinos can network their way to their next job.

SAN JOSE

SOLITUDE
FEBRUARY 9-12TH
MEXICAN HERITAGE
PLAZA THEATER
1700 ALUM ROCK AVE.
SAN JOSE, CA 95126
INFO: http://www.teatrovision.org

Teatro Visión of San Jose is proud to bring the national touring productions of Solitude, an original play written by Evelina Fernandez, to San Jose’s Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater. Set on the day of the Los Angeles million immigrant march in 2006, Solitude weaves together an emotionally charged story of secrets, laughter and explosive mambo. Directed by Jose Luis Valenzuela, the play is performed in both English and Spanish versions on alternate dates. For more info check out Teatro Visión website.

CHICANA/O BIENNIAL
EXHIBIT
JANUARY 18 THRU MARCH 10,2012
MACLA
510 SOUTH FIRST STREET
SAN JOSE, CA 95113
INFO: http://www.maclaarte.org

The Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana of San Jose hosts a exhibit and public forums conceived to take inventory and invite reflection on Chicano art. The exhibit features 23 artists.  Opening reception is on February 3, 2012.

SAN FRANCISCO

NEW FIRE- TO PUT
THINGS RIGHT AGAIN
LA BRAVA THEATRE
2781 24TH STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110
INFO: http://www.brava.org

Founding member of La Brava Theater and acclaimed author Cherri Moraga celebrates
the 25th anniversary of La Brava Theater with a play which follows the sacred geography of indigenous American ancestors to tell a post-modern story of rupture and return.

RAFAEL JESÚS GONZALEZ
POETRY READING
FEBRUARY 4, 2012 4PM
BOOK PASSAGE
51 TAMAL VISTA BLVD.
CORTE MADERA, CALIFORNIA 94925
INFO: http://www.bookpassage.com/event/group-poetry-reading-sppillway-magazine

Bay area poet Rafael Jesús González joins other bay area poets in a reading sponsored by Spillway Magazine. Hosted by editor Susan Terris the reading will take place at Book Passage, 51 Tamal Visat Blvd., Corte Madera, California.

WORD BECOMES FLESH
FEBRUARY 11, 2012 8PM
LANEY COLLEGE THEATER
900 FALLON STREET,
OAKLAND, CA
INFO: www.lapena.org

Word Becomes Flesh is an evening length choreopoem written in the form of a narrative verse play. This is a series of performed letters to an unborn son utilizing poetry, dance , live music directed by Marc Bamuthi Joseph. The program is co-commissioned by the La Pena Cultural Center.

ART AS A VEHICLE FOR CHANGE
February 8, 2012 6-8:00PM
THE MEXICAN MUSEUM GALLERIES
FORT MASON CENTER, BLDG. D
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123

Artist Caleb Duarte will speak about current Artist-in-Residence program revolving around community activism in Chiapas, Mexico.

MIAMI

HISPANICIZE 2012
ADVANCE WARNING
APRIL 11-13, 2012
MIAMI, FLORIDA
INFO: http://www.hispanicizeevent.com

This event brings together national and international media, Latino bloggers, innovators, marketers, celebrities and filmmakers in a creative environment best described as SXSW with a Latino focus. The website above tells you all about the events and opportunities.

CHICAGO

LOS CONDENADOS HUASTECOS
FEBRUARY 1, 2012 8:30 pm
GARY & LAURA MAURER
CONCERT HALL
4544 NORTH LINCOLN AVENUE
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
INFO: http://oldtownschool.org

Los Condenados Huastecos (The Condemned Huastecos) is a Chicago-based trio that specializes in the son huasteco musical tradition from Mexico’s central gulf region. This concert of Son Huasteco takes place on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 8:30PM.

RAUL FERNANDEZ
PASEO JAROCHO
FEBRUARY 22, 2012 8:30 pm
GARY & LAURA MAURER
CONCERT HALL
4544 NORTH LINCOLN AVENUE
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
INFO: http://oldtownschool.org

The Son de Chicago jarocho musical ensemble collaborates with Aztec conchero dancers and musicians of the huasteca tradition in an evening of dance and song.

LATINO BOOK &
FAMILY FESTIVAL
ADVANCE WARNING
MARCH 31-APRIL 1, 2012
UNITY JUNIOR HIGH
2100 s. LARAMIE AVE.
CICERO, ILLINOIS
INFO: www.teleguias.us

Chicago’s Teleguia de Chicago hosts this year’s Latino Book and Family Festival which promotes literacy and education to the Latino communities through book stalls, book-signings, author readings and other entertainment. The festival isn’t until end of March but if you’re an author of or publisher of Latino literature and would like to register now contact América Vasquez at: avasquez@teleguia.us.

TUCSON:

QUETZAL GUERRERO
MUSIC IN THE GARDEN
FEBRUARY 5, 2012 12 NOON
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN
TUCSON, ARIZONA

Quetzal Guerrero extraordinary musician performs at the Desert Botanical Garden’s 2012 Concert Series and promotes his newest album Coiza Boa (Good Thing) , a collection of upbeat expressions of all things good featuring Quetzal’s electrifying violin playing.

PHOENIX AREA

LATINO ARIZONA
100 YEARS
OPENS FEB. 3, 2012
ARIZONA LATINO ARTS
& CULTURAL CENTER
147 EAST ADAMS STREET
PHOENIX, AZ 85004
INFO: http://www.alacaz.org

“Latino Arizona: 100 Years,” a new state Centennial documentary photo exhibition that opens First Friday, Feb. 3 at the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center (ALAC) in Phoenix, holds a mirror to the past, and chronicles the contributions Latinos of Mexican descent have made to the state of Arizona. This revealing photograph collection looks back at the early days of Latino pioneers and their many contributions to the founding and growth of the state.

NEW MEXICO

SHAMANIC JOURNEY
APRIL 19-22, 2012
BORDER BOOK FESTIVAL INC.
MESILLA CULTURAL CENTER
MESILLA, NEW MEXICO
INFO: www.borderbookfestival.org

Hosted by Denise Chávez and the Border Book Festival, this yearly event brings together curandera/herbalist Dona Enriqueta Contreras from Oaxaca, Dr. Marta Moreno Vega, Yoruba priestess from New York, Alter artist Catalina Delgado Trunk and Ester Yazzie-Lewis, Navajao Earth Activist in a celebration healing energies for 2012.

SAN ANTONIO

TEJANO MONUMENT
ADVANCE WARNING
MARCH 29-31, 2012
AUSTIN STATE CAPITAL
AUSTIN, TEXAS
INFO: darellano@austin.rr.com

The Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin announces the unveiling of a major Tejano Monument honoring Tejano Heroes which will take place at the State Capital Building in Austin, Texas. On Thursday, March 29th, there will be an official unveiling of the monument. On Friday, March 30th there will be free historical sessions by scholars of Tejano history with a banquet Friday night at the Texas Executive Student Center at the University of Texas, Austin. On Saturday, March 31st, there will be a Tejano parade on South Congress Street beginning at 9AM.

HOUSTON

PONCHE MARTINEZ
CHICANO/A CORRIDOS
March 2, 2012
Texas State University
San Marcos , Texas 7866
INFO: CHANO6_@HOTMAIL,COM

The Museo Guadalupe Aztlan will present artist-in-residence Ildelfonso “Poncho” Martinez singing corridos to coincide with the National Association of Chicano/a Studies Conference, Tejas Foco 2012 on March 2, 2012 at Texas State university, San Marcos, Texas.

VIVA EL AMOR
ART EXHIBIT
JANUARY 30 THRU
FEBRUARY 24TH, 2012
MECA
1900 KANE STREET
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77007
INFO: http://www.meca-houston.org

MECA celebrates Valentine’s Day with an art exhibit running through February 24th. The exhibit features “Heart” art work by community people.

VIVA EL AMOR
CONCERT
MECA
1900 KANE STREET
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77007
INFO: http://www.meca-houston.org

MECA celebrates Valentine’s Day with a concert featur9ing the music of Mariachi MECA, Tres En Punto de Colombia, and Vanessa Cerda Alonso

ARTE PÚBLICO
CHANGES LOCATION

Arte Público, the premiere bilingual publishing house in the United States announces they have changed their address. The new address is:  Arte Público Press, University of Houston, 4902 Gulf Frwy. Bldg. 19 Room 100, Houston, TX 77204-2004

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

DOING YOUR DOC
3-DAY WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 10-12, 2012
NEW ORLEANS, LA
INFO: http://www.nalip.org

This is a three day workshop for Latino documentary media makers sponsored by the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) and the National Endowment for the Arts and the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.

Latinopia continues its exploration of the possible geographic site of Aztlán, the mythic homeland of the Mexica people. The Codice Boturini, an ancient Aztec manuscript, indicates that Aztlán was located to the north and west of the Valley of Mexico which the Mexica people settled in 1325 A.D. Speculation that the site was California’s Salton Sea, then known as Lake Cahuilla, or Chaco Canyon, in New Mexico, is inconclusive at best. Like “Atlantis,” “El Dorado,” and “Camelot,” the site of this mythic locale inspires curiosity. In this excerpt from the film “In Search of Aztlán,” we learn that there are other candidates in the American Southwest for the geographic origins of Aztlán.

The Eagle Rock Trompers is a vintage car club founded in 1945 in the Northeast Los Angeles community of Eagle Rock. Originally created to race hot rods, the club has since evolved into a club of classic car enthusiasts. Latinopia visited with the club members and learned about their great passion for classic American cars.

This photograph commemorates the painting of an international mural on a wall in Belfast, Northern Ireland coordinated by a Chicano muralist, Victor Ochoa, in July of 1997. How a Chicano from San Diego found himself heading up an international team of muralists is the story behind this Moment in Time.

Victor Ochoa, who was one of the initial co-founders of San Diego’s Chicano Park mural complex in 1970, had been invited to work on a mural in Barcelona, Spain in the 1990s. The Spanish and Catalan muralists he met there spread the word about Chicano Park across Europe. Muralists aligned with the Irish Republican Party invited Victor to work on a mural in a working class neighborhood of Belfast, Ireland. Victor’s skill and experience earned him the role of coordinator of a mural project created by an international group of muralists that featured images of Che Guevara, Steven Biko and other heroes of nationalist struggle.

Victor recalls, “When I got to Belfast and saw the plight of the Catholic Irish I realized they were the white Mexicans.” News of Victor’s mural painting quickly spread. “When the Mexican Consul in Dublin heard that there was Chicano from Tijuana/San Diego painting a mural in Belfast, he couldn’t believe it. He invited me to do a presentation at the Mexican Consulate which I did. I was on the same program with Irish national poet and nobel laureate, Sheamus Heaney!”

Victor decided he would share the documentary, “The San Patricio Batallion” by Mark Day, with the audience. “People were in tears as they saw the names of the San Patricios appear on the screen–they were family names they knew. They asked us to screen the film again, and we did, and the next night there was a line a block long of people waiting to see the film.”

Jerry Adams, head of Sein Finn, the Irish Republican political party, visited the mural site on several occasions. In this photo we see Victor Ochoa standing next to Jerry Adams in the center of the picture.

A Chicano in Belfast…another LATINOPIA MOMENT IN TIME.

Beautiful Maria of My Soul
by Oscar Hijuelos

Reviewed by Thelma T. Reyna, Ph.D.

www.ThelmaReyna.com.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Oscar Hijuelos, acclaimed Cuban-American author of eight books, wrote Beautiful Maria of My Soul (2010) as a prequel to his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love (1986). In the prequel, Hijuelos gives readers the back story of the supremely beautiful woman who broke musician Nestor Castillo’s heart in The Mambo Kings.  And what a back story it is!

The book covers 45 years, starting with Maria in Cuba at the age of 17 and ending with her in Miami, Florida, at the age of 62. In this span, we see the pre-Castro island nation in all its glory, beauty, and seediness. We learn about the decline of life for Cubans once Castro assumed power, and we follow Maria and her toddler daughter, Teresita, when they emigrate to America with hundreds of others and struggle to build a new life.

Author, Oscar Hijuelos

In this span, Hijuelos lays the seeds for his themes and slowly unwraps each one like gifts we anticipate but also dread: the fleeting nature and complexity of love, even true love; the losses and suffering that even the good endure; the seeming indifference and cruelty of God; the importance of memory in our lives; and the essential role of family.

Beautiful Maria Garcia y Sifuentes is a 17-year-old naïve, illiterate country girl living in extreme poverty in a tiny village in western Cuba. Her two brothers, teenaged sister, and beloved mother have one by one died untimely deaths, leaving her broken-hearted and alone with her sometimes-abusive, sometimes-tender father. In 1947, Maria decides that she must seek her independence and leaves the only world she’s ever known to travel to Havana, a bustling, frightening city filled with goodness, coarseness, and evil. She becomes a dancer in a rundown nightclub and alone must navigate the dangers and temptations of the city’s night life.

Her gift—extreme beauty of face and body that draws barrages of attention—is likewise a curse. She tires of men trying to seduce her, trying to impose their coarseness upon her, and wonders if it’s possible to find a good man who can love her for more than beauty. She appreciates her gifts, however, and uses them to advance her career, rising to be the featured dancer in the club and working as a model.

Virginal Maria eventually takes up with an older man, Ignacio, who has a shady reputation as a small-time gangster but who is generous with his attention and money and provides her with respectability and stability. Like her father, however, he sometimes beats and denigrates her; and Maria decides to leave him. During a violent argument with Ignacio, she meets Nestor Castillo, a poetic, soulful, handsome musician who rescues her from Ignacio’s rage. Nestor’s humility and saintliness, as well as his physical beauty, immediately appeal to Maria; and she and Nestor soon become lovers. Their passion is intense and endless, depicted by the author in highly graphic, explicit detail.

Nestor, for all his talents in and out of bed, is poor and simple. His gifts—besides the anatomical ones well-documented by Hijuelos—lie in his songwriting and his undying commitment to Maria. But Maria, accustomed to luxury after living with Ignacio, can only imagine a life of poverty if she marries Nestor, who proposes to her repeatedly, each time being rebuffed. Although enamored of Nestor sexually, she is not sure she truly loves him, plus her financial comfort trumps life with Nestor. She thus returns to Ignacio, and the broken-hearted Nestor eventually leaves with his older brother, Cesar Castillo, for New York to start a new life. (The Mambo Kings depicts the brothers’ lives from this point forward.)

Maria takes pride in her rise from poverty and learns to read and write. As the years pass, her father, her last surviving family member, dies. Maria feels the loss of this last link with family very deeply. She also misses Nestor and realizes that she made a mistake in rejecting him. He writes her wistful letters of undying love, and reminds her of a song he’s perfecting in her honor: “Beautiful Maria of My Soul.” Regarding Ignacio, she discovers several secret affairs. Each loss oozes a layer of hardness on Maria’s soul. Once devout, she now questions God and mocks him. She realizes that even love is “ephemeral and useless….like air.” The sweet, soft-hearted girl has become taciturn, critical, and jaded.

Maria comes to believe that having her own child will bring her happiness, and she wants Nestor to be the father. Although she learns that Nestor is now married and has two children, she believes Nestor still loves her, since he’s been writing letters to her since his departure to New York. She travels to New York to reunite with him and, hopefully, to be impregnated by him. Despite great qualms, Nestor agrees to meet Maria secretly and proceeds to ravage her like in old times. What happens after this secret reunion changes their lives forever and leads to great tragedy for both of them.

Hijuelos’ book is beautifully poetic in language and insights. He writes in a conversational style, filled with Cuban dialect, slang, and code-switching (alternating between English and Spanish), which makes his writing full of color and authenticity. Hijuelos creates memorable characters who are imperfect, who fill us with admiration and with revulsion. We can admire the tender-hearted Maria, but we can’t admire the young woman who chose money over love, or who, at the age of 50 and 60, is vain and largely unemotional. Nestor’s modesty as a young Cuban fills our hearts with respect, but his sexual foray as a married man shows his weakness. Still, these characters are human, and we can relate to them and learn from them.

Hijuelos has been criticized in the past for filling his books with too much sex, oftentimes in crude depictions. In this book, he can indeed be faulted for this. Although some sex scenes are described in evocative, literary language, the book could easily be reduced by dozens of pages with the elimination of redundant erotica that sometimes seems gratuitous. Hijueolos can also be faulted for his relentless repetition of “beautiful” throughout the book, and his descriptions of Maria’s beauty so oversaturated to the point of caricature. Again, this book could have been slimmer and still have been convincing.

No book is perfect. The importance of Beautiful Maria of My Soul  is the author’s deft, unique treatment of how loss and unrequited love cut mercilessly into the human spirit; but also of how extremely humanizing family connectedness is, and how time and memories can mellow us out, if we remain open to possibilities, and we can find love in the most unexpected places. Hijuelos’ book expertly convinces us of this.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Thelma T. Reyna, Ph.D. is author of The Heavens Weep for Us and Other Stories (2009, Outskirts Press), which has won four national awards. Her short stories, poems, essays, book reviews, and other non-fiction have been published in literary and academic journals, literature textbooks, anthologies, blogs, and regional media off and on since the 1970’s. Her first poetry chapbook, Breath & Bone (Finishing Line Press, 2011) was a semi-finalist in a national poetry chapbook competition. Dr. Reyna is an adjunct professor at California State University, Los Angeles. Her website is www.ThelmaReyna.com.