NOTES ON THE IRISH/MEXICAN FRONTIER

by Ernest Hogan

A lot of people have a hard enough time dealing with the complicated reality of Mexican Americans – when you add Irish to the mix, their brains start to overheat.

Back when I was going to college in the Seventies, all the background forms had an “ethnicity” box that said Hispanic (Spanish surname only). Not allowing me to be a state-recognized Hispanic left me with no box to check. So I decided to randomly pick an ethnicity every time I had to fill out a form. I was black, white, Asian, Native American . . . never mess with an Aztec leprechaun.

My Irish name and Southern California accent causes people assume that I’m black, Arab, or “you’re so smart – I thought you were Jewish.” I’ve even been called “white” on Indian reservations.

For me, my mom fixing corn beef and cabbage on St. Patricks day was as normal as tacos. And the fact that my family’s killer Mexican beans recipe was invented by an Irishman never disturbed me. It’s the mestizo bruja brew I came out of.

I guess it depends on the accent whether it’s La Llorona or the Banshee crying in the night.

It’s all the result of a Irishman named Michael Hogan, who jumped ship in San Francisco and wound up in New Mexico in the time of Billy the Kid. He supposedly rode in a posse after the Kid, and some of my ancestors testified at the trial.

Billy was also Irish. He had a Mexican girlfriend. He was killed in a barrio, and his last words were in Spanish.

These sorts of things happened in New Mexico, like the Spanish throwing around their DNA in Mexico. So we end up with a world with Irish-looking folks who speak Spanish, and Mexican-looking folks with Irish names. Sometimes they’re in the same family. And it’s not as rare as a lot of people think.

Case in point: the Saint Patrick’s Battalion, or Los San Patricos – Irishmen, who were in the United States Army when the Mexican American War was declared back in 1846. Horrified that they would have to fight their fellow Catholics, they deserted and joined the Mexican army. The Irish tend to do such things.

People have long asked me if I was descended from someone in the Saint Patrick’s Battalion. Since the Mexican American War was long before Michael Hogan jumped ship, I would say no. But recently I found out about a book called The Irish Soldiers of Mexico, by a descendant of one of those Irish soldiers. His name is Michael Hogan.

I contacted him, and asked if his family came from Cork, Ireland – my ancestor was involved in the founding of Cork, New Mexico (later re-named Truth or Consequences). He said, yes, they did.

Unfortunately, trying to find documentation on this won’t be easy. My family never has been great on keeping records. Grandpa Hogan always claimed that the church with his birth certificate burned down.

Of course, this has made me a life-long impurist. I don’t go along with the idea of “Puro Mexicano.” “Mexicans” didn’t exist until the illegal aliens arrived from Spain. The Mexica (Aztecs) were just one of many native tribes. And they were mestizo – “mixed” – add more to the mix, and you become more mestizo, not less.

Who knows where this will lead? Latinos who practice Santeria now use St. Patrick’s Day to honor Damballah, the African god associated with serpents. Could we soon see Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent, decked out in green?

¡Viva recomboculture!

How Latino Nerds Will Inherit The Earth (Or At Least The U.S.)

I am what the kids like to call a “nerd.”

As far back as I can remember, I was one of the “smart kids.” And throughout elementary, middle, and high school, I was occasionally taunted for this reason. That never really got under my skin so much as being taunted for being “weird” — but that’s another story. While I would love to take credit for being nerdy on my own, I have after all an incredibly curious mind, the truth of the matter is that my father the academic took charge of my intellectual growth from a very young age.

Throughout my childhood a constant question he asked me was: What are you reading mi’ja?

Needless to say, if I wasn’t reading a book, was reading a newspaper, or interviewing (interrogating?) someone about something that piqued my interest. To this day, I feel incomplete if I’m not reading something, and reading remains one of the most amazing diversions of the human experience that I can name. What’s more, my father always encouraged my brother and I to write, to keep a journal, to write a letter, because he would tell us: Writing is thinking, mi’ja.

As a consequence of this particular child-rearing technique, I excelled rather easily in public school, and became one of the go-to kids for whom others would try to copy answers or ask for help. It was a whole different story by the time I started private college, but again, that’s another story.

So being a Latina nerd for most of my life, I rarely found good company, and was even sometimes billed as “acting white” or “selling out” by other Latinos as a result. When I grew up, the unfortunate fact that workplaces are rarely dominated by other Latinos, and even less so by nerdy ones. It was not until the social media revolution, combined with horrendous assaults on Latinos in this country that began with SB 1070, that I began to meet the types of people with whom I could relate over everything from corn tortillas to bad jokes about Shakespeare.

What was even more exciting was, once I began to run into other Latino nerds, I found that all of us are digging in our heels into our respective professions and worlds, such that we are shaping the future of this country very decisively. You can also look at this on a grander national scale, when you see people like twin political dynamos from Texas, San Antonio Mayor Julián and congressional candidate Joaquín, who went to Stanford as undergraduates and Harvard for law school. Talking to them, you get the distinct impression they understand the power of knowledge, and readily embrace it.

But that’s just one example. There’s Eva Longoria and Rosario Dawson, who choose not to simply bask in the limelight of their outrageous beauty, but study and work in order to pave the way for others. There are Latino academics, attorneys, teachers, writers, and much much more, all of them wield knowledge like a thoughtful weapon, in order to push and carved the country into a place that is better.

While their paths to Latino nerdom may have been different — not everyone is lucky enough to grow up with an academic father — the important thing is that we all got here. The even more important thing is that, now that we are here, we can begin to work together, and perhaps pass on the Latino nerd torch to future generations, and then, who knows? What great things can’t a group of Latino nerds accomplish when they put their minds to it?

COPYRIGHT 2012 SARA INÉS CALDERÓN

CONTACT:  Sara Inés Calderón:  sarainescalderon.com

la vida es dura, pero es bella

GUEST BLOGGER

ERNESTO “ERNIE” HOGAN

CHICANONAUTICA:
ARIZONA VS. AMERICA

____________

Once we’ve sealed off all the borders and check IDs of everybody in Arizona, everything will be alright.”

That’s not a recent statement by an Arizona elected official. It’s a quote from my story Doctora Xilbalba’s Datura Enema. Unfortunately, lately it’s hard to tell the reality of my home state from twisted, sci-fi satire.

Gabrielle Giffords is recovering. Jared Loughner is in jail. The governor and a pack of hack politicians are on the warpath. They got elected because a lot people who immigrated to Arizona from the Midwest and Backeast have anxiety attacks when they see brown skin and hear or see Spanish. Instead of providing medical treatment for this mental health problem, they’re suing the Federal Government over SB1070, so they can import tax dollars from other states to spend on their border insecurity. And they’re proposing a wad of bills that do everything from taking away the United States of America’s power to claim all those that are born within her borders as citizens, to making it hard to get a driver’s license or to register for school, putting all citizens on the lookout for illegals . . . I haven’t been able to keep up with them all.

And don’t dare call them racists. The consider the r-word to be the new n-word. It upsets them so. They really need to do something about their anxiety problems.

This is when the number of illegal aliens, and the crime rate in Arizona have been declining for years. The drug war is not spilling over the border. There have been incidents that have inspired local interests to scream for federal money, other people’s taxes — but no invasion. Who are the “aliens” that are scaring these faint-hearted Arizonans? And is it even possible to have closed borders with a police state, or at least Big Government, to enforce it?

There’s even been talk of secession.

It’s come a long way from when I heard a teenage girl say:

“I’m not prejudiced, but speaking Spanish should be illegal, except for maybe in Mexican restaurants.”

Or the little old lady who screamed:

“We don’t want downtown smelling like tacos!”

And I’m not sure where it’s going in these times of global political turmoil. How’s a Chicano science fiction writer supposed to come up with wilder stuff than the local Arizona news? A datura enema is out — I might have to take a drug test for my new job.

My big hope is that it’s all going to get so bizarre that people won’t be able to accept it — they’ll get the news, but their brains will reject it as a defense mechanism. Then, all I’ll have to do is go around taking notes at the grotesque Hieronymus Bosch/Diego Rivera composition that Arizona is becoming. When I assemble it into stories, people will says, “Guao! Que imagination you got, ese! Where do you get those loco ideas?”

Yes, Chicano really is a science fiction state of being.

___________________________________

Ernest Hogan used to work for Borders, and was recently fingerprinted, swore that he is a citizen of the United States of America, is not a communist, and is not trying to overthrow the government by violence.

COPYRIGHT 2011 ERNESTO HOGAN

William Levy

¡LATINO HOLLYWOOD! –  Everyone loves a good rags to riches story. Maybe it all started with Cinderella. Not that there haven’t been male versions along the way, too. There’s a new Cubano in town that has the current rags to riches tale all sewn up and it very much mirrors the life of an earlier Cubano, Desi Arnaz who arrived in the U.S. with nothing and made it big in Hollywood. The 2012 version is, of course, William Levy. The guy is well known to Spanish language audiences through torrid novelas, but American TV’s “Dancing with the Stars” has made him THE hot new discovery and Flavor of the Semana. Levy arrived in the U.S. from Cuba with his family as a child of nine. As with many that have made that journey, they had nothing.  And now he’s on the cover of People Magazine where he may be more used to People en Español. He’s even being auctioned off at this week’s Hispanic Heritage Awards in DC. Only for lunch. Don’t you love a good rags to riches story?

 ¡TEATRO! –  LA theatre lovers are looking forward to the world premiere of the musical “Los Otros” at the Center Theatre Group’s Mark Taper Forum set to open on June 3. Buenos Aires-born Graciele Daniele directs the piece that will integrate several California stories that span many decades. The first act features a Southern California woman who encounters Mexican immigrants and in the second act, we meet a Mexican-American man first as a 12 year-old boy working in the fields and then as a 75 year-old man. Puerto Rican-born Julio Monge stars along with Tony award winner Michele Pawk with book and lyrics by Ellen Fitzhugh and music by Michael John LaChiusa. The cast and creators are all major Broadway veterans with credits and awards that are way too many to list in this space.  Daniele began her stellar dance career at the Teatro Colon in Argentina and moved on to study ballet in Paris where she saw a production of “West Side Story” and that was it. She packed up and moved to New York and started dancing in Broadway musicals before turning to choreography and directing. Many years ago, I was casting a TV movie about dancers that Daniele was set to choreograph before breaking her leg. No problem. The lady would sit immobile on the floor in a rehearsal room with her leg in a heavy cast, shouting out in her delicious accented English and commanding attention. She got those dancers to do exactly what she needed. An awesome and multi-talented lady.   ¡HASTA PRONTO!

¡Artes y Cultura! – Do you believe in miracles? There’s a true milagro unfolding on a wall in downtown LA on Calle Olvera, the birthplace of Los Angeles. The milagro being the long awaited conservation and exhibition of America Tropical, the epic mural by Mexican master David Alfaro Siqueiros unseen for more than 70 years. Siqueiros lived in LA for many months back in 1932 and was commissioned to paint something to celebrate “tropical America” that might give a boost to tourism on Olvera Street. If anyone was expecting lovely palm trees and exotic birds, forget it. Suffice to say in this short space that the politics featured in the mural facing City Hall, of all places, created an uproar and an almost instant whitewashing of the masterpiece followed by deportation of the maestro when his visa ran out. The local artistic and political communities have driven many attempts through the decades to save the mural and it’s finally happening thanks to the Getty Conservation Institute, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the City of Los Angeles.

The Siquieros Mural Center will include a protective shelter, a viewing platform and an interpretive center set to open to the public in October, 2012. I got a recent sneak preview thanks to Chris Espinosa of the Mayor’s office along with my Amigos de Siqueiros advisory board co-chair Dalila Sotelo and Pueblo Commissioner Carol Jacques. One word – Wow! Amigos de Siqueiros is proud to be on the team as a programming partner for this cultural landmark. www.amigosdesiqueiros.org

¡LATINO HOLLYWOOD! – Is the big screen ready for La Magnifica Salma Hayek teaming with El Intenso Benecio del Toro as jefes of a Mexican drug cartel? ¡Ay, Chihuahua! Actually, Baja California is where the two headquarter. Things get rough and ugly when a couple of California pot growers start to crowd Salma and Benecio’s lucrative turf in idyllic Laguna Beach. They all eventually have to watch out for a ferocious John Travolta as the DEA agent after the whole bunch. Controversial director Oliver Stone (“Platoon,” “Natural Born Killers) is the man behind the cameras in the aptly titled “Savages” set for release in the fall. Throw in the elegant and mysterious Uma Thurman who played with Travolta in the classic “Pulp Fiction” and you get a helluva film dripping with big stars, drugs, sex and steam. ¡HASTA PRONTO!

¡HOLA TODOS! – Cheating a little this week since this blog is about Latino arts and culture in our Pueblo de Los Angeles. But, just back from a week in the Big Manzana and must report the Latino presence in Times Square in two very different ways. A big marquee boasts the name of the Puerto Rican kid that leapt from teen heartthrob to superpop star and most recently to fatherhood and life as an out and proud gay man. Ricky Martin is starring as Che in the big “Evita” revival and the crowds are eating him up. The 40 year-old Martin is no stranger to the New York stage. He starred in “Les Miserables” about sixteen years ago, probably never dreaming he would return one day with twin sons. And peering down at Ricky from giant billboards across the street is the gorgeous Sofia Vergara, sipping and loving her diet Pepsi. Don’t you just love Latino Broadway?

¡Y ESTO! – I’m a big fan of anyone that celebrates Latino arts and culture, especially when it comes from our younger generation. Meet Richard Moreno de Martinez. He found me through a mutual friend because he had a rare recording of my Dad’s he wanted to give me. So, I schlep out to La Princesa Record Store on Lincoln in Venice belonging to his Godmother Margaret. She’s owned the joint for 39 years. Margaret tells me Richard used to sit in her store every day after school when he was about 12, just listening to all the great artists. He admits he didn’t understand a word anyone was singing, “but the passion behind the voice intrigued me, especially Amalia Mendoza.” So, there Richard sits on this day busy at the computer transferring discs to a WMA file to preserve and clean up the sound. I don’t know anything about WMA files or any of the tech work he is doing. I only know he is archiving and preserving our music and he’s made a brisk business of buying and selling rare LP recordings. Music lovers can reach him at Moreno.music@live.com ¡HASTA PRONTO!
________________________________________________________________

Our very, very  busy Latinopia entertainment and culture blogger Dan Guerrero is off to the East Coast this week,  hobnobbing with East Coast Latino celebrities, movers and shakers, but  of course, the hoi polloi as well–Dan is no elitist! From barrio backyard and cerveceria to Broadway, Lincoln Center and the Mark taper Forum–that’s our Dan!  Watch for his blog next week!

Guerrero & Richard Montoya

¡HOLA TODOS! – Opening night of “American Night: The Ballad of Juan Jose” at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City drew the Latino Literati by the fistful, in addition to Kirk Douglas himself and anyone that loves theatre and those Culture Clash boyz Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas and Herbert Siguenza. In the crowd were Production Manager Jose Delgado, Center Theatre Group honcho Diane Rodriguez, Director and Los Angeles Theatre Company jefe Jose Luis Valenzuela and playwright/LATC also- jefe Evelina Fernandez – two of my all time favorite married couples. (JD and Diane, Jose Luis and Evelina to be clear here.) “American Night” is a unique take on U.S. history – part play, part vaudeville, part delicious lunacy and serious social conscience. All was developed by Culture Clash and Jo Bonney and written by Montoya. He and Siguenza are also in the cast that includes René Millan, Stephanie Beatriz, Daisuke Tsuji and Rodney Gardiner joined by other talents in multiple roles with a gaggle of mustaches, beards, wigs, costumes and props zapped on and off at a frenetic pace. Show runs through April 1, so zap on whatever you drive and don’t miss it.

JD & Diane, Evelina &José Luis

¡LATINO HOLLYWOOD! – Kudos, as we say in show biz, to NBC for renewing its NCLR Alma Awards partnership for a second year. The big night ain’t until September 21, 2012, so don’t start getting out the tuxes and gowns quite yet. That time of year, of course, is Hispanic Heritage Month when everyone thinks we’re just fabulous (for 30 days or so.) Hard to believe the awards night that honors Latinos in entertainment first hit the small screen in 1995. There’ve been a few bumps along the road. We even lost it for a bit, but our gorgeous Eva Longoria becoming a big star helped get it back on track along with the leadership of National Council of La Raza prexy and CEO Janet Murguia. Eva serves as host and exec producer. You can’t argue with two strong Latinas, Hollywood. This also says a lot about NBC that, of course, is teamed with Telemundo and working hard at reaching and celebrating Latinos in the U.S.

¡HASTA PRONTO!

Repatriation Ceremony

¡HOLA TODOS! –  Was an historic gathering of Chicano heroes on hand at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes in our querido pueblo de Los Angeles last weekend. Was for the unveiling of a monument commemorating the recent “official apology” by the California State Legislature for the Repatriation of the 1930s.  LA County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Sect. of Labor Hilda Solis, actress/activist Eva Longoria, MALDEF President & General Counsel Tom Saenz and the iconic Dolores Huerta (all pictured here) were joined by former Congressman Esteban Torres, Senator Gil Cedillo and other dignitaries to honor the hundreds of thousands of American citizens and legal residents of Mexican heritage that were forcibly “relocated” to Mexico from our Golden sate during the depression. An additional estimated 2 million across the country with approximately one million of them U.S. citizens got the same treatment. Perhaps not surprising that most of America knows nothing of this ugly piece of U.S. history.  Funny what gets left out of history books in our beautiful country. And we do love our country warts and all.

Dan Guerrero with Roselyn Sanchez

¡LATINO HOLLYWOOD! –  Fans of TV’s “Desperate Housewives” have been wearing black to mourn the passing of the American novela during its “adios’ season. But the sabor Latina will not only linger on ABC thanks to the trail blazed by fan favorite Eva Longoria, it will quadruple.  Take off the widow’s weeds, viewers. ABC is filming the pilot, “Devious Maids” starring Judy Reyes (“Scrubs,”) Dania Ramirez (“Heroes,”) Ana Oritz (“Ugly Betty,”) and Roselyn Sanchez (pictured here) from TV’s “Without a Trace” and on the big screen in “Rush Hour 2” and “Chasing Papi.”  Always good to see our gente working, but some are cautious because all four ladies play – hello? – maids.

Si. Criadas. But, let’s not jump to conclusions. “Desperate Housewives” creator Marc Cherry is behind the pilot that is based on the novela, “Ellas Son La Alegia del Hogar” and although these maids work in Beverly Hills for the rich and famous, insiders insist the characters won’t be stereotypes. OK. Vamos a ver.”

Ritchie Valens Display at Grammy Museum

¡HOLA TODOS!-  Fun and fabuloso reception at the Grammy Museum this week to kick off the new exhibit, “Trouble in Paradise: Music and Los Angeles, 1945-1975.”  Guest curator and USC professor Josh Kun has put together a dazzling show with music memorabilia through those post WWII years and buenas noticias. The contribution of Latino musicians is very well documented from Ritchie Valens to Li’l Willie G, El Chicano and my Dad, Lalo Guerrero, among many. (And, no, I will not write about Dad every week. Pure coincidence he was in last week’s blog, tambien.) The timeline that guides the exhibit is beautifully put together and clearly illustrates how political events of the day – from the Watts Riots to the Chicano Moratorium – exploded into music. The talk by the talented Kun after the reception and strolling the exhibit filled out the evening.  The show is there through the rest of the year. So, if you ain’t been to the Grammy Museum at LA Live, this is the best excuse ever. Kudos Kun!

Lalo Guerrero Display at Grammy Museum

Y ESTO – And Kudos to Comcast TV for closing a deal to create four new “networks” including two Latino themed and headed by – Wow, Latinos.  Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez (“El Mariachi,” “Spy Kids”) is honcho for the English language El Rey Network aimed at Latino and general audiences with a mix of high quality music, comedy, sports, reality and animated programming.  And Rodriguez is taking his time to get it right. The launch is not expected until January, 2014. The other Latino themed network is “BabyFirst Americas” aimed at, yep, Latino baby boomers and their niños y niñas.  Spanish language TV vet Constantino Swarz heads this one set to preem this April. Mighty pronto. There were over 100 proposals submitted for the open slots with these two among the four new indies. The other two are targeting African American and general audiences and headed by Sean “Diddy “ Combs and “Magic” Johnson. All will be distributed on Comcast Cable systems nationwide. Hope they have smoother sailing than Oprah’s OWN. ¡Ay, Chihuahua!

Tony Plana, Dan Guerrero and friends

¡HOLA TODOS! Our longtime amigo Tony Plana is best known these days as Ugly Betty’s proud papa and as the abusive step papa that gets knocked off (not knocked up) in Desperate Housewives. But, Tony is a better man these days filming an original Hallmark Channel Original Movie, “Meddling Mom” opposite la deliciosa Sonia Braga. Add Saundra Santiago (The Sopranos) and George Contreras (The O.C.) and things are looking good for Latinos on the American tele. Tony started his stellar career on stage in the original LA production of Zoot Suit and, bless him, still keeps his Cuban-born heart in the theatre. He co-founded the East LA Repertory Theatre that takes the classics and gives them a shot of salsa adding Latino flavor. The photo here shows a proud Tony next to his young cousin, opera singer Daniel Montenegro at a recital a while back.

José Aguirre & Carlos Almaráz Monument

ARTES Y CULTURAS:  There are hidden art treasures all over El Pueblo de Los Angeles aka LA and contrary to semi-popular belief, it ain’t all on the Westside. Yeah, no shortage of public art in Beverly Hills, Westwood or in my hood of West Hollywood. But, check out the work of Mexican-born artist Jose Antonio Aguirre on the eastside of town in El Sereno. His A Luminaries Journey celebrates Latinos in the arts in a series of standing sculptures produced in Huichapan Mexican limestone with Byzantine mosaic of fusion glass each sculture weighing between two and three tons. Jose took me on a walk of the monuments because two of them had very special meaning. Standing along the wide street were tributes to songstress Vikki Carr, early screen beauty Lupe Velez, latin jazz great Eddie Cano and two that were very special to me. One for my boyhood best friend, late Chicano artist Carlos Almaraz (photo) and one for my Dad, the late Father of Chicano Music, Lalo Guerrero. Each have been honored through the years in various ways, but this is the first time they stand together. Left me a little speechless. A rare thing.  Jose next took me to the East LA Library where two of his two massive mosaic murals grace the entrance. Aguirre is an incredible artist with a great corazon who still finds time to teach a mural program to young Latinos at a middle school in Pasadena sponsored by the Amory Center for the Arts. ¡Bravo Jose Antonio!

¡Hola, todos! Thanks for checking out this new Los Angeles blog. El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula aka L.A. is a diverse love it and hate it pueblo. Love the weather. Hate the traffic. Love the theatres, museums, concerts, film screenings and TV tapings. Hate the traffic. Love the myriad cultures that fill the streets and feed the soul from East LA to Beverly Hills and from the Valley to Hollywood. Hate the traffic. You’ll get it all here every week. And no traffic.

Perla Batalla, Dan Guerrero

Artes y CulturaA recent evening found me at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art for a concert in their Bing Theatre, part of LACMA’s “Art & Music” series. The Eclipse String Quartet made beautiful music in the first act and mi amiga, singer/songwriter Perla Batalla, was her usual wondrous self in Act II. Perla was joined by her amazing musicians: John Beasley (ate up the piano!), Pete’ Korpela (percussion) and her collaborator David Batteau on guitar. All this in conjunction with the LACMA exhibit “In Wonderland: The Surrealist Adventures of Women Artists in Mexico and the U.S.” LACMA commissioned Perla to write a song that would celebrate the exhibit and in doing research of the artists in the show, she tells me she and Batteau became obsessed with Frida Kahlo. Who isn’t? They ended up writing ten songs about Frida and her husband/tormentor Diego Rivera and now hope to create a musical about the explosive couple. If you missed the concert, see the exhibit there through May 6.

Esto y el otro Count down to the Oscars and a renewed faith in the process with the Best Actor nomination for Demian Bicher for “A Better Life.” Read somewhere that the director kept referring to Bechir’s monologue to his son near the end of this wonderful film as “the Oscar scene.” How true. Recall when I saw it early on, I muttered to a friend, “This is an Oscar performance. Fat chance! Small film, Latino themed. No way.” But there is Bicher along with the Big Boys of Hollywood. Milagros do happen. Who knows who will take the Oscar home, but Bicher has already won big time. And a really nice guy, too……The CBS-TV series “Rob” is growing its viewing audience with Rob Schneider, Cheech Marin, Lupe Ontiveros, Diana Maria Riva, Claudia Bassols and new to English language audiences, Eugenio Derbez in lead roles. Love our Cheech, Lupe y todos, but Eugenio is the big new surprise. Mexico City born and a big name in Spanish language entertainment, he’s the son of Mexican film and TV star Sylvia Derbez. A great talent and they give him plenty to do on the show. A new fan in me.
¡Hasta pronto!

Greg Nava & Lupe Ontiveros

¡HOLA TODOS! – MALDEF prexy Tom Saenz hosted a special screening of a new film that revealed a piece of Mexican history unknown to me and to others I’ve asked. Never too viejo to learn, I guess. Andy Garcia, Eduardo Verastegui, Peter O’Toole and Eva Longoria star in FOR GREATER GLORY (CRISTIADA – THE STRUGGLE TO BELIEVE) from Executive Producer Pablo Barroso. http://www.cristiadafilm.com It’s the epic story of the Cristeros War of the late 1920s, not long after the Mexican Revolution. This “holy war” was an uprising and rebellion against the government’s attempt to secularize Mexico, if you can imagine this deeply Catholic country murdering priests and destroying churches. No big surprise Mejicanos y Mejicanas fought back and Mexico once again found itself in a full fledged civil war. The film is lushly photographed with a sweeping score by James Horner (TITANIC, AVATAR) and the actors all deliver. Fave thing about screenings is running into friends like filmmaker Gregory Nava (EL NORTE, MI FAMILIA, SELENA) and actress Lupe Ontiveros currently in the TV series, ROB. Schedules in this town are so crazy, we’d never see each other if not for opening nights, fundraisers and screenings.

¡MAS HOLLYWOOD! – Looks like the life of Cesar Chavez is finally coming to the screen directed by actor Diego Luna. CHAVEZ stars Michael Peña (CRASH, TOWER HEIST) as the labor organizer with America Ferrera (UGLY BETTY) co-starring as Chavez’s wife Helen and Rosario Dawson (RENT, MEN IN BLACK II) as UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta. This one has been a long time coming with several top directors interested in bringing Cesar’s story to the screen since his passing in 1993. Shooting begins next month in Sonora, Mexico. Luna must like bio pics. His first directorial gig was the documentary JC CHAVEZ about the life of Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez. And he must like stories about men named Chavez? ¡HASTA PRONTO!

DECEMBER EVENTS:

LOS ANGELES

SHORT EYES
NOVEMBER 29 THRU DECEMBER 11,2011
LOS ANGELES THEATER CENTER
514 S. SPRING STREET, LOS ANGELES
INFO: www.thelatc.org

This is Nuyorican playwright Miguel Pinero’s explosive drama about the racial, sexual and personal dynamics of a group of inmates in an unnamed House of Detention in New York City. Pinero was co-founder of the Nuyorican Poets Café and the drama is based on his experiences
while incarcerated in Sing Sing prison. Produced by the Urban Theater Movement and the Latino Theater Company the play is directed by Julian Acosta.

LA VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE
DIOS INANTZIN
DECEMBER 8 AND 9, 2011
LOS ANGELES THEATER CENTER
OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS CATHEDRAL
555 WEST TEMPLE STREET,
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
INFO: www.thelatc.org

This is the classic retelling of the mythic story of the apparition of the Virgin of Guadalupe to the Indian peasant Juan Diego. This pageant play, with music and dance is free to the public at Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral in downtown Los Angeles.

WE ART THE 99%
DECEMBER 8, 2011
THE LATINO MUSEUM OF
HISTORY ART AND CULTURE
514 SOUTH SPRING STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90013
INFO:  www.thelatinomuseum.org

An art exhibit underscoring the Occupy Los Angeles movement at the Latino Museum of Istory, Art and Culture in downtown Los Angeles.

THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ
DECEMBER 3-4, 2011
THE FRIDA KAHLO THEATER
2332 WEST FOURTH STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90057
INFO:  www.fridakahlotheater.org

A multimedia dance extravaganza for the entire family based on the classic Wizard of Oz performed by the Los Angeles Choreographers and Dancers and directed by Louise Reichlin.

PASTORELA CON PINATA
DECEMBER 10-18, 2011
THE FRIDA KAHLO THEATER
2332 WEST FOURTH STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90057
INFO: www.fridakahlotheater.org

The Frida Kahlo Theater’s production of the timeless Pastorela pageant.

30th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS ART
SHOW AND SALE
DECEMBER 3-4, 10-11, 2011
ROMERO STUDIO
1625 Blake Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90031
INFO:  www.romerostudio.net

This annual art show hosted by legendary Chicano artist Frank Romero showcases art and crafts by the who’s who of Latino Artists in Los Angeles. Saturdays from 7 to midnight and Sundays from Noon to 6PM, this is a great art experience and an ideal opportunity to do your Christmas shopping.

LOS POCHOS 15TH YEAR
ANNIVERSARY PARTY
DECEMBER 31, 2011
VFW POST 1944
16157 EAST GALE AVENUE
INDUSTRY, CALIFORNIA 91745
INFO:  www.lospochos.com

Bring in the New Year at this rocking party at the City of Industry’s VFW Post with Los Angeles Conjunto Los Pochos. This astounding musical group has entertained Los Angeles Latinos for more than 15 years. Check out the Latinopia music video of Los Pochos as well!

GATOS
EL MUSICAL
DECEMBER 2-4,9-10,16-18
CASA DEL MEXICANO
2900 CALLE PEDRO INFANTE
LOS ANGELES, CA 90063

This is a Spanish language revival of the popular Broadway play CATS performed by El Clan Theatro at the Eastside Casa del Mexicano.

NAVIDAD EN WHITTIER
DANZA FLORICANTO
DECEMBER 17, 2011
THE SHANNON CENTER
WHITTIER COLLEGE
WHITTIER, CALIFORNIA
INFO:  www.shannoncenter.org

This is the traditional celebration of Las Posadas with Pinatas performed by Gema
Sandoval’s popular Danza Floricanto/USA group with invited guests the Mariachi
Mexicapan and Cesar Castro the the Cambalache.

JOSE RAMIREZ
OPEN STUDIO
DECEMBER 10 & 17, 10am-5pm
RAMIREZ AGUILAR STUDIOS
1136 STONE STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90063
INFO:  www.ramirezart.com

Artist Jose Ramirez opens his studio doors for sales of his original art works.

GUADALUPE RODRÍGUEZ
ART EXHIBIT
DECEMBER 10, 2011
NEPANTLA AT SALON DE
LA PLAZA
1866 EAST FIRST STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90033

An art exhibit features the work of artist Guadalupe Rodriguez.

ERNIE G’S DREAM ACT
COMEDY JAM
DECEMBER 10, 2011
LOS ANGELES THEATER CENTER
514 SOUTH SPRING STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO:  www.thelatc.org

This comedy jam hosted by Ernie G features comedians Juan Garcia, Eric Shwartz,
cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz and journalists Gustavo Arellano and
Abelardo De La Pena, Jr.

JETS & SHARKS
BOOK SIGNING
DECEMBER 10, 2011
SAMUEL FRENCH BOOKSTORE
7623 SUNSET BLVD.
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO: http://outskirtspress.com  And (323) 876-0570

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. An ideal Christmas gift you can get the book directly from Amazon if you can’t make the book signing.

MARIACHI USA
CHRISTMAS
DECEMBER 11, 2011
NOKIA THEATER
L.A.LIVE
777 CHICK HERN COURT
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO: 1-800-mariachi

The Nokia Theater L.A. Live offers a holiday show that includes traditional holiday music
all performed Marichi style. The event features Mariachi Sol de Mexico, Mariachi Campañas de América and Marichi Solecitos and guest performers. Tickets range from $19.50 to $75.50.

DRIVEN BY CONTENT
DECEMBER 10, 2011
AVENUE 50 STUDIO
131 NORTH AVENUE 50
HIGHLAND PARK, CA
INFO:  www.avenue50studio.com

The Avenue 50 Studio proudly presents “Driven by Content” featuring the works of eight Los Angeles artists: J. Michael Walker, Robert Palacios, Khalid Hussain, Susanna Meiers, Stephanie Mercado, Fabian Debora, Raquel Martinez and Richard Scully. The exhibit of works, comprised of over 24 pieces, many of which have never been shown before, opens with an artists’ reception on Saturday evening, December 10, 2011 from 7 to 10 p.m. and closes on Sunday, January 8, 2012.

7th ANNUAL
HOLIDAY SALE
DECEMBER 17  7-11PM
DECEMBER 18 NOON TO 4PM
AVENUE 50 GALLERY
131-135 NORTH AVENUE 50
LOS ANGELES, CA 90042

An ideal place to do you Christmas shopping! Original
and affordable prints, paintings, photography and jewelry
by some of the leading artists in Los Angeles. You’ll be able
to purchase Lalo Alcaraz cartoons, prints by the Los de Abajo
Printmaking Collective, as well as great original art from
artists like David Botello, Margaret Garcia, Rosie Getz,
Jose Lozano, Jose Rmairez and Sonia Romero. Check it out!

LASTING LEGACIES:
TRIBUTE TO CHICANO ART
DECEMBER 17, 12-3PM
DECEMBER 18, 12-6PM
LA PLAZA DE CULTURA
Y ARTES
501 NORTH MAIN STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90012
INFO: www.lapca.org

Join artists of the Chicano movement as they give voice to the impact of the Chicano art movement on the history of Los Angeles. Among the artists: Michael Amescua, David Botello, Barbara Carrasco, Oscar Castillo, Harry Gamboa Jr., Joe Gonzlaez, Ywane Healy, Willie Herron, Gilbert “Magu” Lujan,  Joe Rodriguez, George Rodriguez and Linda Vallejo.

RUBÉN GUEVARA
50 YEARS OF SURVIVING
ROCK AND ROLL
DECEMBER 14, 8PM
EASTSIDE LUV WINE BAR
1835 EAST FIRST STREET
LOS ANGELES,  CA

Singer, bandleader, composer, recording artist Rubén Guevara celebrates 50 years of being in the music business with a blast out party with his band featuring selections from his latest CD The Tao of Funkahuatl.

END OF YEAR BOOK CLEARANCE
DECEMBER 1-31, 2011
TIA CHUCHA CENTRO CULTURAL
13197-A GLADSTONE AVE.
SYLMAR, CA
INFO: www.tiachucha.com

Another great venue for holiday gifts. Tia Chucha book store and cultural center will feature sales every week-end in December.

SAN DIEGO

HASTA LA BAHIA
ALL THE WAY TO
THE BAY
DECEMBER 21, 2011
CHICANO PARK
SAN DIEGO, CA

Artist and muralist Victor Ochoa leads a group of muralists that include Mario Chacon, Eddie Galindo, Hector Villegas, Bees Sanchez and food by Rayvan in restoration of the murals at San Diego’s iconic Chicano Park and dedication and promoting efforts to extend the mural project all the way to the San Diego Bay. Dedication ceremonies coincide with the Winter Solstice.

SAN JOSE

BEST DARN TAMALES!
DECEMBER 13, 11:30am
SAN PEDRO MARKET SQUARE
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA 95110

Hosted by local NBC personalities Damian Trujillo and Darlene Tenes, this event features guests celebrities such as Hip Hop artist Royalty, nutritionist Cheryl Forberg, Irish tenor Michael Londra and Golf champion Nina Rodriguez and, of course,  lots of tamalas!

SAN FRANCISCO

30TH ENCUENTRO DEL
CANTO POPULAR
DECEMBER 3, 2011
BRAVA THEATER
2781 24TH STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
INFO: www.Brava.org and www.eltecolote.com

This music spectacular includes performances by the Grupo Raiz, the John Santos Sextet and legendary Bay area Chicano musicos Los Peludos.

COLIBRI
DECEMBER 3, 2011
LA PEÑA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVENUE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO: www.lapena.org

This duo performs songs from throughout Latin America.

PARRANDA PA’ TI
DECEMBER 10, 2011
LA PEÑA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVENUE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO: www.lapena.org

An evening of music featuring Jackeline Rago’s Venezuelan Music Project.

LA PEÑA OPEN HOUSE
DECEMBER 15, 2011
LA PEÑA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVENUE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO: www.lapena.org

This open house showcases the work of faculty ad student of the various projects at
la Pena including the Youth Bomba, Adult Bomba and Jose Jones Latin Jazz ensemble.

NEW YORK

BALLET HISPANICO
DECEMBER 17, 2011
APOLLO THEATER
253 WEST 125TH STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
INFO: APOLLO THEATER BOX OFFICE
(212) 531-5305

This is a not to be missed music tribute to Salsa legends Celia Cruz and Tito Puente performed by Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and featuring the dancing of the Ballet Hispanico.

MIAMI

LOS ZAFIRO S
MUSIC FROM THE
EDGE OF TIME
DECEMBER 8-12, 2011
BILL COSFORD CINEMA
MIAMI, FLORIDA
INFO: www.cosfordcinema.com

Lorenzo DeStefano’s highly acclaimed documentary on the Cuban music group Los Zafiros plays on the big screen for a five-day engagement in Miami.

CHICAGO

ARRANCAME LA VIDA
FILM SCREENING
DECEMBER 6, 2011
UNAM, CHICAGO
350 WEST ERIE
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Based on the iconic novel by Ángeles Mastretta, Arráncame la vida is the story of a young woman searching for freedom and identity during Mexico’s defining Revolutionary era of the early 20th century. Directed by Roberto Sneider with English subtitles.

LAS BOMPLENERAS
DECEMBER 8- 9:30PM
RUMBA
351 WEST HUBBARD
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Las BomPleneras is an Afro-Caribbean all female ensemble dedicated to the preservation, promotion and growth of the Puerto Rican culture through the music and dance genres of Bomba and Plena. Their range of voices and improvisational dance elements are sure to captivate any audience. $8 Advance/ $10 at the door

PHOENIX AREA

ZARCO GUERRERO
OPEN STUDIO
DECEMBER 3-4 AND
10-11, 1-5PM
551 NORTH ALMA SCHOOL
MESA, ARIZONA
INFO: www.zarkmask.com
Master artist, musician and mask sculptor Zarco Guerrero opens his studio for sale of art, jewelry, masks and sculptures. An ideal Christmas shopping venue!

SAN ANTONIO

INDIGENOUS QUOTIENT
DECEMBER, 2011
AZTLAN LIBRE PRESS
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
INFO:  www.aztlanlibrepress.com
Aztlan Libre Press announces the publication of a ne wbook, INDIGENOUS QUOTIENT/STALKING WORDS-AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE AS FUTURE
by Juan Gómez-Quiñonez.

DALLAS

NUESTRA PASTORELA
DECEMBER 2-17, 2011
CARA MIA THEATER COMPANY
THE LATINO CULTURAL CENTER
CITY OF DALLAS
INFO: www.dallasculture.org  And www.caramiatheatre.com

This is a the classic story of the Virgin of Guadalupe’s apparition to the Indian peasant Juan Diego produced by the Dallas-based Cara Mia Theater Company. This version is written by
Jeffry Farrell and David Lozano and directed by Jeffry Farrell.

HOUSTON

HOUSTON: NUESTRA
HISTORIA
DECEMBER 6, 2011
SOMBREROS CAFE
2910 NAVIGATION BLVD.
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77003
INFO: kdeville@uh.edu

This is a celebration of the authors of Houston’s history magazine HOUSTON HISTORY. This Fall 2011 issue is devoted exclusively to articles about Houston’s Mexican American community
and this get together will honor the authors of the articles.

LA POSADA IN
THE OLD SIXTH WARD
DECEMBER 16TH 6PM
MECA
1900 KANE STREET
HOUSTON, TEXAS
INFO:  www.meca-houston.org

MECA’s annual La Posada celebration with performances by the MECA mariachi. This freE event is open to the public at the Dow School campus.

EL PASO

REPUJADO- METAL
EMBOSSING WORKSHOP
DECEMBER 3, 2011
RICHARD BURGES BRANCH
EL PASO PUBLIC LIBRARY
9600 DYER BLVD.
EL PASO, TEXAS

REPUJADO- METAL
EMBOSSING WORKSHOP
DECEMBER 10, 2011
ARMIJO BRANCH
EL PASO PUBLIC LIBRARY
620 EAST 7TH AVENUE
EL PASO, TEXAS

An opportunity to learn the art of metal embossing at two El Paso venues. Ideal for the entire family as well as teachers and students of art.

FOLLOWING ARE LATINO CULTURAL EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN NOVEMBER IN CITIES OF THE UNITED STATES.

LOS ANGELES

JUAN AND JOHN
OCTOBER 20 THRU NOVEMBER 13
LOS ANGELES THEATER CENTER
514 S. SPRING STREET, LOS ANGELES
INFO: www.thelatc.org

This is the dramatized story of the friendship between baseball greats Juan Marichal
and John Roseboro. Starring Roger Guenveur Smith who portrays both men.

HOPE- PART II OF A
MEXICAN TRILOGY
OCTOBER 28 THRU NOVEMBER 13
LOS ANGELES THEATER CENTER
514 S. SPRING STREET, LOS ANGELES
INFO: www.thelatc.org

A Mexican Trilogy traces the diaspora of Mexicans in the United Stated by
following one family during three time periods. Written by Evelina Fernandez
and Directed by Jose Luis Valenzuela. Stars Sal Lopez, Dyana Ortelli, Geoffrey
Rivas, Esperanza Ibarra, Olivia Delgado, Keith McDonald, Dru Davis

38th ANNUAL DIA DE
LOS MUERTOS EXHIBITION
OCTOBER 28, 2011
SELF-HELP GRAPHICS
1300 EAST FIRST STREET
BOYLE HEIGHTS, CA

The annual Day of the Dead festival sponsored by elf-Help Graphics has moved to a new location in Boyle Heights but still features altars and costumes and calavera faces.

L.A.XICANO
DIGA ME!
OCTOBER 29, 2011 3PM
FOWLER MUSEUM
U.C.L.A.
INFO: www.chicano.ucla.edu

The Fowler presetns readings of short fiction by Chicana/o authors Ron Arias, Vibiana Aparicio Chamberlain and Alejandro Murguía. A discussion with authors to follow moderated by Miahel Sedano, co-founder of the literary blog, La Bloga.

ANNUAL FIESTA DEL DÍA
DE LOS MUERTOS
DANZA FLORICANTO
OCTOBER 28-30, 2011
ARC (A ROOM TO CREATE)
11158 EAST COLORADO BLVD.
PASADENA, CA
INFO: www.events.pe.com/pasadena

This is the annual celebration of Day of the Dead featuring performances
by members of the Danza Floricanto/USA.

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
OCTOBER 29 THRU NOVEMBER 6
AVENUE 50 STUDIO
131 NORTH AVENUE 50
HIGHLAND PARK, CA
INFO: www.avenue50studio.com

This is yet another Day of the Dead exhibit featuring the work of Latino artists

THE HARVEST
NOVEMBER 1, 2011
DVD RELEASE

Eva Longoria has lent her support to the production of this documentary about child migrant laborers. The film is now available on DVD.

ORALE!: AN EVENING OF BOYLE
HEIGHTS STORIES
NOVEMBER 2, 2011
BREED STREET SHUL
247 N. BREED STREET,
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO: www.breedstreetshul.org

The oldest Jewish shul in Los Angeles is being converted into a museum but intends to keep its outreach to the local Boyle Heights community by hosting a Day of the Dead celebration of
local residents telling stories of Boyle Heights.

ROMERO/ROMERO:
TWO GENERATIONS OF ARTISTS
NOVEMBER 4 THRU DECEMBER 10
PLAZA DE LA RAZA
3540 N. MISSION ROAD
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO: www.plazadelaraza.org

This is an art exhibit featuring the work of iconic Chicano artist Frank Romero
and his daughter, Sonia Romero, one of the leading artists of her generation.

SUMMER IN PROVENCE 2011
OCTOBER 22 THRU NOVEMBER 6
ROMERO STUDIO
1625 BLAKE AVENUE
LOS ANGELES, CA 90031
INFO: www.romerostudio.net

Chicano artist Frnak Romero and his wife Sharon spend part of each year in France. This is exhibit and sale is of recent works painted while there.

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
NOVEMBER 3 THRU NOVEMBER 6
TIA CHUCHA CENTRO CULTURAL
13197-A GLADSTONE AVE.
SYLMAR, CA
INFO: www.tiachucha.com

This is a four-day event around Day of the Dead. A community altar building on
Thursday, Sugar skull decorating on Friday night, open mic on Saturday and
altar potluck brunch on Sunday.

MAPPING ANOTHER L.A.
THE CHICANO ART MOVEMENT
OCTOBER 16 THRU FEBRUARY 26, 2012
FOWLER MUSEUM
UCLA
INFO: www.fowler.ucla.edu

A retrospective of Chicano art featuring the who’s who of Chicano artists.

THE THREE LOUIES
NOVEMBER 12, 2011
VINCENT PRICE MUSEUM
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE
1301 AVENIDA CÉSAR CHÁVEZ
MONTEREY PARK, CA
INFO: www.vincentprice.elac.edu

Part performance, part comedy and part social satire by three Chicanos
whose roots are on Los Angeles’ Eastside and who have honed careers in
music (Louie Pérez of Los Lobos), renowned author Luis J, Rodríguez
(Always Running), and career journalist and broadcaster Luis Torres.

LOS ANGELES NOIR
ART BY ROBERTO GUTIERREZ
FREMONT GALLERY
812 FREMONT AVENUE
SOUTH PASADENA, CA
INFO: www.fremontgallery.com

Artist reception with music featuring Rafael Jorge Negret, grandson of the
legendary Mexican movie idol Jorge Negrete at one of the most popular
art galleries specializing in Latino artists.

SHORT EYES
NOVEMBER 18 THRU DECEMBER 11
LOS ANGELES THEATER CENTER
514 S. SPRING STREET, LOS ANGELES
INFO: www.thelatc.org

This is a revival of Miguel Pinero’s Obie Award winning play about life
in a New York City House of Detention.. Directed  by Julian Acosta.
Produced by the Urban Theater Movement and the Latino Theater
Company.

SAN DIEGO

BORDER ANGELS
25TH ANNIVERSARY
NOVEMBER 19, 2011 7PM
CENTRO CULTURAL DE LA RAZA
2004 PARK BLVD.
SAN DIEGO, CA
INFO: www.borderangels.org

Enrique Morones created Border Angels in 1986. It is a non-profit human rights organization consisting of over 1,000 volunteers who have take action to prevent unnecessary migrant deaths across the Mexico-U.S. border by maintaining hundreds of rescue stations set up in the Imperial Valley Desert and surrounding areas providing water and food. A celebration of 25 years of service at the Centro Cultural de la Raza.

SAN FRANCISCO

LA CATRINA- DÍA DE
LOS MUERTOS
CONCOURSE EXHIBITION CENTER
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
TICKETS:(415) 202-9700

An array of booths and alters y local bay area artists. Music by
Mariachi Femenil Orgullo Mexicano and salsa by Grupo Executio.

CAFÉ RUMBA
NOVEMBER 6, 2011
LA PENA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVENUE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO: www.lapena.org

The Afro-Cuban folkloric drums, dances and songs of the rumba. Community
participation encouraged.

RAÍCES REBELDES
NOVEMBER 19, 2011
LA PENA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVENUE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO: www.lapena.org

An evening of hip hop and traditional music featuring Grupo Raiz,
Rebel Diaz, Lakin Valdez, and Subverso.

NEW YORK

PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE
FILM FESTIVAL
NOVEMBER 19, 2011
THE POETS DEN
HARLEM, NEW YORK CITY
INFO: www.iprhff.eventbrite.com

The inaugural film festival showcasing films on Puerto Rican heritage
and culture. Tickets available through th ewebsite.

CHICAGO

UNA NOCHE DE PAELLA
NOVEMBER 11, 2011
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART
1852 WEST 19TH STREET
CHICAGO, IL
INFO: www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org

A evening of food prepared by the Mexican Consul
Eduardo Arnal Palomera.

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS CONCERT
CHICAGO SINFONIETTA
HECTOR GUZMAN, CONDUCTOR
HARRIS THEATER FOR MUSIC
AND DANCE
CHICAGO, ILL
INFO: www.chicagosinfonietta.org

A Day of the Dead concert featuring the Chicago Sinfonietta under the baton
of guest conductor Hector Guzman features Joaquin Rodrigo’s acclaimed
Concierta de Aranjuez and Silvestre Revueltas’ Ocho por Radio.

PHOENIX AREA

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
OCTOBER 29 & 30
Downtown Chandler, Arizona
info@ www.xicoinc.org

THE SUN SERPENT
Oct.  29 thru November 13
Tempe Center for the Arts – Studio
Tickets: (480) 350-2822

Old and new worlds collide in this visually-stunning
story of the conquest of Mexico.  Written by
José Cruz González, directed by Rachel Bowditch,
music by Daniel Valdez and mask by Zarco Guerrrero.

SAN ANTONIO

NEW LATINO GENERATION
GREGG BARRIOS HOMAGE
GALLERY 23
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT
SAN ANTONIO

The art exhibit by artists who have been inspired by iconic Texas
author and critic Gregg Barrios continues through November 5th.

TEJANO BATTLE OF MEDINA
NOVEMBER 5, 2011
SOUTH SIDE INDEPENDENT
SCHOOL DISTRICT
1460 MARTINEZ-LOSOYA ROAD
LOSOYA, TEXAS

This is a recreation of the historic Battle of Medina, the biggest battle fought
on Texas soil during the struggle for Mexican independence from Spain. A
Recreation of the battle will be filmed.

THE BIRDS
NOV. 16-19,2011
ALBERT JEFFERS THEATER
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-
PANAMERICAN
1201 W. UNIVERSITY DRIVE
EDINBURG, TEXAS
INFO: http://www.utpa.edu/theatre

DALLAS

TINA’S JOURNEY
OCTOBER 29, 2011
LATINO CULTURAL CENTER
CITY OF DALLAS
INFO: www.dallasculture.org

This is a special collaboration between the Dallas-based Cara Mia Theater Company and the Mexican theater company Laboratorio de la Máscara. A bilingual play that tells the story of the struggles of a young girl, her family and her deceased ancestors as they cross into the U.S. before the Day of the Dead holiday.

BEFORE THE END,
AFTER THE BEGINNING
DAGOBERTO GILB

NOV. 3, 2011 6:30PM
BARNES & NOBLE
7700 W. NORTHWEST
HIGHWAY, DALLAS, TX.
INFO: www.aztecmuse.com

The latest collection of short stories by Chicano author-legend Dagoberto Gilb whose
fiction has appeared in THE NEW YORKER and HARPERS. A reading presented
by Aztec Muse Magazine and The Writers Garret.

HOUSTON

NIÑOS VICTIMAS
NOVEMBER 1 10AM-3PM
EVERGREEN CEMETERY
500 ALTIC STREET
HOUSTON, TEXAS

This is Day of the Dead commemoration held at the Evergreen Cemetery honoring the victimized children of border crossings.

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
OCTOBER 29 AND 30TH
MECA-HOUSTON
Multicultural Education and
Counseling through the Arts
1900 KANE STREET
HOUSTON,  TEXAS

INFO: www.meca-houston.org

This is a two day event around Day of the Dead celebrated
at the historic Dow School, the headquarters of the Multicutural
Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA).

EL PASO

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
NOVEMBER 1 THRU NOVEMBER 5
EL PASO MUSEUM OF HISTORY
510 N. SANTA FE STREET
EL PASO, TEXAS
INFO: www.elpasotexas.gov/history

This is a poignant Day of the Dead exhibit dedicated to the memory of all the children  that have been victims of the unprecedented violence in Juarez, Mexico, across the border from El Paso.

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
OCTOBER 29 & 30, 2011
MESILLA TOWN PLAZA
MESILLA, NEWMEXICO
Mesilla will celebrate with its annual Día de Los Muertos events starting tonight from 5-7 with the building of the altars. This will continue Saturday and Sunday Oct. 29 & 30 from noon to 7 p.m. on the Plaza. On Tuesday, Nov. 2, there will be a candlelight procession at 6 p.m. to the Mesilla cemetery. ?Contact: Preciliana Sandoval, Calavera Coalition?(575) 647-2639 for more information.

(Everyone’s favorite funky audacious auntie!).

Dear Tia Tenopia:

I have what may seem to be a stupid question. How do you pronounce “Latinopia?”

Kay Seyo

Burque, NM

Dear Tia Tenopia:

I am a proud Boricua, Puerto Rican,  from the Bronx! I can’t help but notice that much of the material on Latinopia.com is skewed to Mexicano and Chicano experience. What gives?

Maria Quieresaber

Bronx, New York

Dear Mija:

Pues, que verguenza and my deepest apologies! La verdad is that I am twentieth generation Chicana, my ancestors settled in South Texas in the early 1700s. Like your Taino ancestors we were all here before there was a United States of America. Disculpa, but its natural that the first things you see here would be drawn from my personal experiences. We’re also based in Los Angeles, eso te dice mucho. But don’t worry. We totally embrace the wonderful eclectic (hay mira como me avienteo con las palabras!) family of La Raza. In the coming months we fully expect to reach out and include articles and videos from the rich history, art, music, culture  and food from the Puerto Rican, Cuban, Nicaraguan, Salvadoran, Colombian and other Latino experiences in the United States. As we say in Aztlán, danos chanza, give us a chance. Remember, the wonderful city of San Juan wasn’t built in a day!

Dear Tia Tenopia:

Okay, so I get it that Latinopia is a cute Latino site for music and art. But I am a serious historian. I want to be able to recommend Latinopia to my students. How do I know that all the facts on Latinopia are true? What kind of rigorous scholarship are you exacting to guarantee credible scholarly acumen?  What about the timelines? Where are your footnotes? Your ibids and e.g.’s?  What kind of scholarship is this anyway?

Prof.  Wilfrid Artemious Hernandez, III.

Berkeley, CA

Dear Mijo,

I have a nephew who is a Profe. Y hay como estudia I truly respect the many years you all have spent in your studies to achieve your degrees. And we are all proud that our Raza now has Ph.D.’s and professors and scholars. Well, I am only a Tia from the barrio, but I think we did our homework. If you look at the Research Credits section of our Latinopia site, you’ll see a listing of the many literary, scholarly, historical and other works which have informed our timelines, articles, interviews and postings. We believe that everything on our Latinopia is truthful, verdad de Díos. But if you don’t believe us, well then do your own research, mijo. Qúe? we should do all the work for you? No seas flojo! If you have serious concerns about our scholarship, why don’t you have your students fact check everything in our timelines and article and if you find anything that’s not correct, pues let us know and we will correct it. And congratulations for teaching our children. Education is the most essential thing for the future of La Raza!

Dear Tia Tenopia:

I loved the vintage footage in the Latinopia Events videos and I just realized that I have some old Super-8 footage of some marches back in the day. And I also have some photos of me and César Chávez that would go great for a Moment in Time.  I would like to contribute them to the Latinopia site. How do I do it?

Soldado de La Raza

San Antonio, Tejas, Aztlán

Dear Mijo,

Hay, how we love photos and videos of our gente! Latinopia.com welcomes your contributions to our growing archive of images about the Latino experience in the United States.  Mira Mijo, our policy is that we YOU retain the copyright on any materials you contribute. All we request is your permi granting us the right to post the image, video, film or photo on the Latinopia site and to use the material on videos we are developing for the site. Por supuesto, you’ll credited. Sabes que? We are also open to posting completed films or videos, check out the Ltinopia Showcase. Again, you retain the copyright, you give us your permi to post it on Latinopia, and then we link to your own website so you can sell the video yourself. Mijo, it’s a win-win situation, qué no?

Dear Tia Tenopia:

Hey, with all of these videos, why don’t you do original dramas about Latino life in the United States? I am an aspiring Latina filmmaker and have a great screenplay that is burning to be made into a webisode!

Connie Con Camera

Los Angeles, CA

Dear Mija,

Pos para ya vamos! Yes, in the coming months we’ll be launching a Premiere Subscription to Latinopia which will guarantee you special features including original webisode dramas produced especially for Latinopia. Como dicen en la tele, stay tuned!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE MATERIALS TO LATINOPIAUSA.COM OR FOR INQUIRIES WRITE TO:  Latinopiausa.Com,  P.O. Box 41796, Los Angeles, CA 90041.

OR you can submit a blog to Tia Tenopia.

_________________________

Latino Theater Post

[catlist id=5 numberposts=30]

Latino Music Articles on Latinopia.com

[catlist id=8 numberposts=30]

Latino Literature articles on Latinopia.com

[catlist id=7 numberposts=30]