Volume II, 12 | April 2011

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Social Workers Enriching Latin Leadership and the Social Justice Action Committee at the University of Texas’ School of Social Work present a free immigration film series throughout the month. On the schedule are “Papers” (Wednesday, Apr. 6, 1 p.m.), “Letters from the Other Side” (Thursday, Apr. 21, 1 p.m.) and “9500 Liberty” (Wednesday, Apr. 27, 6 p.m.). All screenings take place at the Utopia Theatre, 1925 San Jacinto Blvd. www.utexas.edu/know/events

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mexic-Arte Museum (419 Congress) hosts the Texas Biennial project with two exhibitions this spring, Sam Coronado: A Retrospective and Chicanas Only by Más Rudas, from Apr. 8 - June 5. The Coronado exhibit reviews 35 years of the prominent Austin artist’s contributions to the local and national Latino art scene. Chicanas Only is a salon-styled exhibition created by artist members Ruth Buentello, Sarah Castillo, Kristin Gamez and Mari Hernandez. www.mexic-artemuseum.org

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Austin Public Library is inspiring a new generation of music lovers with its city-wide Guitar Hero Tournament. Branch competitions at Terrazas (1105 East César Chávez St.) Saturday, Apr. 2 at 2 p.m., and Hampton at Oak Hill (5125 Convict Hill Rd.) Saturday, Apr. 9, 2 p.m. lead to the finale at Yarborough (2200 Hancock Dr.) on Saturday, Apr. 30, where a Wildcard Tournament (1 p.m.) gives one last opportunity to join the finals at 2:30 p.m. www.cityofaustin.org/library

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sor Juana Festival at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (600 River St.) honors the namesake of the facility and Mexican women, Friday- Saturday, Apr. 15-16. The free event features performing arts, education, culinary arts and more. One of Mexico’s greatest writers, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, a 17th-century Mexican nun, valued the education of women and is considered to be the first feminist of the Americas. www.ci.austin.tx.us/macc

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------One of the nation’s finest contemporary art and performance fests, Fusebox Festival, arrives Wednesday, Apr. 20 and runs through Sunday, May 1. The twelve-day feast of theatre, dance, film, visual art and music takes place at eleven performance spaces across the city. The festival is a widely recognized catalyst for new ideas, cutting edge artistic models and approaches to art. All Access and individual tickets available at the Long Center and at www.fuseboxfestival.com.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) holds its annual Hope Awards on Tuesday, Apr. 26 at the U.T. Alumni Center. Our great treasure, Dr. Betty Sue Flowers, will be Keynote Speaker for the event honoring the work of Bishop John McCarthy, who led the Catholic Diocese for years; singer-songwriter Sara Hickman, a tireless supporter of causes; and Rev. Joseph C. Parker, Jr. of David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, a pioneering community leader and social activist. www.interfaithtexas.org

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The 13rd Annual Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, Apr. 30, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., celebrates Chinese and Asian tradition at Festival Beach (NE corner, IH-35 and Lady Bird Lake). The fest commemorates Chinese poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself and was trailed by admirers who paddled out to scare fish away and retrieve his body. In addition to the friendly, competitive races on the lake, the Austin fest includes cultural exhibitions, kids’ activities, martial arts and Asian foods. www.asianamericancc.com

contact@todoaustinonline.com

512.538.4115

Ann Graham,

Amigos de las

Américas Austin

Chapter board

member, previews

the group’s

fundraiser on page 7.

Mita Haldar grew

up in Austin, Texas,

attended The

University of Texas at

Austin, and is active

in the South Asian

community.

Dashiell Christian

Johnson is a

symbolist artist, son

of the well known

fantasy artist Howard

David Johnson, who

inspired him to be

what he is today. See

his work on page 5.

Jillian Hall is a

modern jack (or

Jill?)-of-all-trades.

She is a dabbler

in film, dance,

photography, and

writing. Jillian covers

the Austin Film

Society on page 12.

Blake Shanley is a

regular contibutor

and associtate editor

for TODO Austin.

Her column is on

page 15.

contributors

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The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require special assistance for participation in our programs or use of our facilities please call 512-974-3770 or 711 Relay Texas. La ciudad de Austin está comprometida al Acta de Americanos Incapacitados. Si requiere asistencia para participar en nuestros programas por favor llame al teléfono número 512-974-3770 o 711 Relay Texas.

Bellas Artes Alliance thanks the

patrons and sponsors of the

2011 Pan Americana Festival.

See you again next year!

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

Ramon Mendoza was born in San Diego, but moved to Austin six years ago. He lives in Austin with his four-year-old daughter and works as a senior account executive at Untill Hospitality Software. He spends his free time training in or teaching mixed martial arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai and boxing.

Ramon has always volunteered with kids, and when he arrived in Austin he found CASA of Travis County at an event at Lakeline Mall. He was so excited by this volunteer opportunity that he went home, printed and filled out an application, and brought it back to the mall the very next day!

Ramon has been volunteering with CASA for five years and has worked with four children during that time.

“Working with kids just makes you appreciate everything so much more, especially now after having a kid of my own,” he said. Being a CASA volunteer is constant encouragement to Ramon to be an even better father to his own daughter. In spite of his busy schedule being a dad, working and training, he says that being a CASA volunteer is worth the time. Ramon encourages people to look into working as a couple on cases to make their volunteer time even more effective. He is currently working a case with his girlfriend, who just started volunteering!

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Travis County (CASA)

V O L u n T E E R S P O T L I G H TAmerica’s Fear of Immigrants [of Color]: An Incurable Phobia? By Esther Reyes

Some common fears, like fear of injury or illness, have a rational basis, while intense and persistent fears – also referred to as phobias – are irrational. Left untreated, phobias can have serious consequences and become harder to treat over time. The history of the United States reveals an irrational fear of immigrants that politicians have exacerbated rather than attempted to cure. It demonstrates that the “issue” of immigration is about race, as those most affected by mainstream society’s response to this fear have been immigrants of color.

For decades, immigrants of color have been perceived as not assimilating into the American mainstream compared to earlier eastern and southern European immigrants, despite the fact that early immigrants were also accused of the same fault in the early twentieth century. White ethnic immigrants were considered such a threat that the Johnson-Reed Act of 1924 created a quota system to restrict the number of eastern and southern European immigrants entering the US. Eventually, however, these immigrants became part of the white American identity.

The Chinese, Japanese, and Mexican experiences indicate that not all immigrants are created equal, suggesting instead that the perception of American-ness is a quality predicated on race that has nurtured a fear of the un-American—of immigrants of color—regardless of their citizenship status.

Consider that these three groups were recruited for their labor and rejected when it was no longer needed. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 deemed Chinese immigrants ineligible for US citizenship; the Gentleman’s Agreement of 1907 significantly restricted Japanese immigration (not to mention the fact that the US “nullified” the citizenship of Japanese Americans and forced them into internment camps throughout the country during World War II); and ‘Operation Wetback’ led to the deportation of over one million Mexicans after World War II, regardless of immigration status.

Through these and numerous other policies, we have fed America’s irrational fear of immigrants of color at their peril. Even today, a representative in the current legislative session in Texas justified the need for his anti-immigrant bill by saying that the community “perceived [immigrants] to be a problem.” Statements like these temporarily dishearten even the most hopeful of human rights advocates. But this is not about human rights advocates. It is about what we as a generation and society will choose to embrace: courage and justice, or fear and inequality.

Advancing Community through Women (ACT) presents the 9th Annual ACT Women Conference for the Spiritual Transformation of Women and Girls on Saturday, April 30 from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

 “Translating Mindful Living into Reality” will take place at the Radisson Hotel & Suites Austin-Town Lake (111 East Cesar Chavez at Congress Ave.).

Featured speakers will include Dr. Paul Keinarth and Dr. Sharyn Reynolds, founders of Stress Reduction Clinic “Mindful Living—Inner Peace and Outward Power;” Patsy Woods Martin, Executive Director of “I Live Here, I Give Here” presenting on the topic: “Manifest your highest purpose through a life of service;” and Nina Godiwala, author of “Suits: A Woman on Wall Street.” There’s also a presentation by a tapestry of inspirational women on “Walking the Path of Possibilities through Powerful Personal Stories,” and interactive workshops. The conference’s networking reception is Friday, April 29, 5:30-7:30pm at the Monkey Nest Coffee Shop, 3535 Burnet Road. ACT costs $80 for women and $45 for a program for girls. See www.actwomen.com for more.

TODO AustinVOLUME II, NUMBER 012

Publisher/EditorGavin Lance Garcia

contact@todoaustinonline.com

Art Director – Dave McClintonwww.dmdesigninc.com

Executive Editor – Erica Stall Wiggins

Senior Editors – Harmony Eichsteadt, Gabino Iglesias, Katie Walsh

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

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

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

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

Visit us at:

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

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Editorial – 512.538.4115

ACT WomEN’s CoNfErENCEWAlks ‘PATh of PossibiliTiEs’

sara hickman by lili hickman Waldon

Light of Hope Raises Awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month By Callie Langford

In October, it seems everything is pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In February, it is red for American Heart Month. Every April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, but unfortunately we do not see a lot of blue out there. Child abuse and neglect are really tough subjects to talk about. Additionally, some people may think the well being of other people’s children does not personally affect us all. At CASA of Travis County, our work is to make sure children who have been abused or neglected are safe and have a voice in their future.

More than 1,600 children were abused or neglected in Travis County last year. Child abuse is a part of our community, and we all can stand up to take action for children, even if it is simply wearing a blue ribbon to raise awareness.

If you want to do more, consider volunteering with CASA of Travis County like Ramon Mendoza (see “Volunteer Spotlight”). Anyone can train to be an advocate for children, not just lawyers or social workers or retirees. You just need to make a commitment to making the future better for a child in need. Right now the need is greater than ever, since CASA is being appointed to more children than ever. Visit casatravis.org for more information.

You can also attend Light of Hope on April 9th at the Austin Children’s Shelter. At this annual awareness event, local organizations offer family-friendly activities to help prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect. Visit lightofhopeaustin.org to learn more.

Esther reyes speaks on immigrant rights at the Capitol on march 19

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

An artistic representation of the new era we’re entering, sometimes known as the “fifth sun.” | artist: Dashiell Christian Johnson

Who can forget the frenzied panic that temporarily gripped the globe leading up to New Year’s Eve, 1999? Y2K became the hottest topic of speculation and sensation, as countless people around the world stocked up on water and nonperishables, and fretted the mass shut-down of computers and, consequently the world, come the year 2000. At least we can look back and laugh, right?

But the concept of end times continues to fascinate and terrify the global population. More recently, the approaching “end date” of the Mayan Long Count calendar in 2012 seems to have stirred up a similar whirlwind of panic and debate. Did the Mayans predict the end of the world to unfold just 21 months from now?

Will a meteor come hurling at the planet, blacking out the sun and leaving us for dead like the dinosaurs? Will storms and tsunamis cover the Earth in the next great flood? Will we scramble to fight our way aboard giant arcs as earthquakes swallow us alive like in the John Cusack movie “2012”? Even the March 20 issue of Newsweek reads, “Apocalypse Now? What the #@%! is Next?” At the very least, the human imagination is quite impressive.

WE’VE SEEn IT ALL BEFORE

Misconceptions about the Mayan calendar and its purported “end date” abound. The “shift of ages,” or “fifth sun” as many in the Mayan and metaphysical communities call the approaching cosmic event, is in fact seen as the next level of consciousness and evolution in the history of humanity—something to be celebrated, not condemned.

The Mayans view time as cyclical, with the end of one cycle being immediately followed by the dawn of another. This will be known as the “fifth sun” because, according to the calendar, the universe (and humanity, as a part of it) has been through this very cycle of destruction and renewal four times before.

This is reinforced and reflected in the relics of fallen empires around the world—the civilizations of ancient Babylon, Greece, Rome, Egypt, Persia,

even Atlantis, all told similar stories of Earth changes, political changes, upheaval and rebirth. Never did destruction grip the entire planet or population—simply the outdated systems and values that no longer served an evolving people.

The bottom line is, nowhere in the

ancient Maya’s timekeeping nor

spiritual prophecies is the upcoming

shift linked to the end of the world.

Simply the end of an era.

THE LOVEVOLuTIOn

Last month, I introduced you to local Mayan daykeeper and shaman Carlos Cedillo, a man who has quickly become a wise personal guide in my own exploration of the changes unfolding within me and without me. I asked Cedillo what his take was on the shift, and on the mainstream media’s tendency to portray it as apocalyptic. Catastrophe? He laughs at the thought.

“It will spark an era of balance, of shared understanding and love between all people—the shedding of the old belief systems that we’ve lived by for centuries in favor of harmony between materialism and spirituality, masculine and feminine, ourselves and our planet,” Cedillo said. His wife Laura calls it the “lovevolution.”

The world we live in now is defined by duality. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Opposite values are complimentary. Man and woman. Light and dark. Liberal and conservative. Rich and poor. Surf and turf. You get the idea.

The era we’re entering with this shift is thought to be defined by “Unity Consciousness,” or the balance, harmony and unification of all these conflicting dualities. How that shakes out in application, is in large part up to us.

So what’s really going to happen? No one can

say for sure. Many believe we’ll reach a new level of humanity, operating as one global family with a focus on the well being of our planet and collective community.

New energy sources and technologies, innovative approaches to business, law and education, creative solutions for solving the world’s worst ailments—we have the power to decide how the shift will unfold; to literally shape our own future. Some call it “Universal Co-Creation.” We are actively engaged in the Creation that birthed us.

One thing is clear. It’s time to be open-minded and open-hearted; to unleash our highest ambitions and ideals and be willing to consider a reality other than the one we’ve all adhered to for far too long. If you’re attached to old ways of thinking and antiquated social systems, even things that seem as natural as the dollars in your wallet or the gas in your tank, you’re likely in store for a bit of a shake-up.

DOn’T BE LATE TO THE PARTY!

Cedillo has travelled to sacred sites and temples with Don Alejandro Cerilio Perez, the Grand Elder and elected leader of the National Mayan Council of Elders. He’s read countless books on ancient Mayan prophecies, histories and their modern interpretations. And he says that if you’re waiting around for one momentous, Earth-shattering event on December 21, 2012, you’re going to be disappointed.

“This is all a process, one that started 16.4 billion years ago and continues today,” Cedillo said. “It’s not as if God created the universe and then that was it. He never stopped creating. The shift is happening all around us, here and now—we’re all a part of it. Creation is reaching its highest point.”

The actual date of that highest point is debatable. The commonly cited 12/21/2012 is based on translating Mayan time to our Gregorian calendar, which leaves room for error in and of itself. The end date is derived from assuming that the calendar started on the solar zenith in Izapa, believed to the “first day of time” at the ancient Southern Mexican site where the calendar was first devised. But microbiologist and Maya

scholar Dr. Carl Calleman believes that location-specific logic has little relevance for us in the modern day and age.

“We may make the comparison with the date of Christmas, which was taken from old solstice celebrations, and has not been changed, despite the fact that few, if any, believes that Jesus was born then,” he writes.

“If the Mayan calendar is a prophetic calendar describing cosmic energy cycles...then the particular date at which the sun was in zenith in Izapa is totally irrelevant for us who live today, and must be considered as nothing but a result of a tradition too strong to be changed.”

So when does this all come to a head? December 21, 2012 translates to the Mayan date of “4 Ahau” (or 4 Sun)—but, as reinforced by the ancient Chilam Balam text, the cycle should end on the last day of the Tzolk’in round, 13 Ahau—which falls on October 28, 2011. The Temple of Inscriptions in Palenque also points to this date, just seven months away.

PEACE, nOT PAnIC!

Don Alejandro encourages us to dispel and disregard mantras of panic and paranoia as this new age dawns. “It is not the first time this is going to happen, nor will it be the last,” he said. “It is time to recognize that we are one, like the fingers of the hand. There is no more distinction between races and colors and creeds. The prophecy says: ‘May it dawn, may the new day come, may people have peace and be happy.’”

So rejoice. Celebrate. Smile. Be. Dare to envision your own perfect world. You have the power to create it. You say you want a lovevolution? Well—yanno—we all wanna change the world. Don’tcha know it’s gonna be (shooby doo) alright?

Carlos and Laura Cedillo hold regular meetings for open-minded individuals to usher in the Lovevolution. Join in at http://www.meetup.com/Lovevolution/.

You can also contact Carlos at cosmicjaguar@yahoo.com for personalized readings of your current, past and present Mayan energies.

TODO Mexico

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

TACO BAr

When the earthquake hit Japan on Thursday, March 11 Takahito Iguchi was at the Narita Airport in Japan, ticket in hand to Austin, Texas.

“We felt the building sway...5,000 people were stranded at the airport. It was difficult to sleep. The aftershocks continued,” he recalled.

He was faced with a difficult choice: stay to be with his family or continue his mission to promote his company and DOMO cell phone app for South By Southwest and create economic ties between Japan and the U.S. Iguchi chose to come to Austin.

What he found was an outpouring of support in Austin; many grassroots events and organizations leapt into action to raise funds. SXSW 4 Japan sprang up to collect funds for the American Red Cross, quickly surpassing their $10,000 goal to raise $104,201 as of March 22.

As Iguchi’s fellow traveler and coworker Akihiko Kodama put it, “‘Gamburee!’ - ‘Be strong!’ We hope to bring the encouragement from Texas [back to Japan].”

Iguchi and Kodama, along with two other young men from Japan, told their stories at a fundraising event on March 17 hosted by the Texas Asian Foundation, in partnership with Tokyo Electron and the Japan-America Society of Greater Austin. SXSW band Anaya (from Korea) as well as local musicians Michael Tiva and Sarah Jane Hargis performed, and a list of local restaurants, including

By Yvonne Lim Wilson

Asian Austin:

About Town

lead food sponsor Satay Restaurant, donated food for the event.

These men realized their greatest endeavor was to carry the hope and support they gained from Austin back to their homeland.

“Many of the people in Japan have no hope,” one participant said.

The Texas Asian Foundation (TAF) put together the fundraising event in five short days and raised over $17,000. TAF, which is an affiliate of the Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce, has plans for additional fundraisers for this ongoing effort, and has also partnered with a group in Houston and other projects in the works.

Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Jim Yatsu will personally deliver the TAF funds directly to Japan. To donate, visit www.texasasianchamber.com.

The Japan-America Society of Greater Austin concentrated on efforts to provide information to those trying to contact and locate family and friends in Japan. JASGA put on a dance performance on March 24; workshops and other fundraisers are planned. The Austin Asian American Chamber of Commerce also held a sushi-rolling fundraiser on March 23.

Keep updated on the latest fundraisers for Japan through the calendar section of Asian Austin.

Also, don’t miss these great events coming up in April:HEALInG PRAYERS FOR JAPAn | April 5, 7:30 p.m.All faiths welcome! Dinner served. 1,000 origami cranes will be sent to Japan in this event sponsored by the Asian American Cultural Center. www.asianamericancc.com

POHELA BOISHAKH - SOuTH ASIAn nEW YEAR FESTIVALApril 9, 12 - 9 p.m. (rain date: April 10)Zilker Park Hillside Theater | Celebrate the cultures of South Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, as well as our local Austin culture with music, dance, food, crafts and other festivities. Taste authentic South Asian foods available nowhere else in Austin! More than 5,000 attendees expected at this tenth annual event. Family friendly, fun and free admission. www.tbca-austin.org

13TH AnnuAL DRAGOn BOAT FESTIVALApril 30, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.Festival Beach at Lady Bird Lake | Competitive races, plus cultural performances, food, vendors and kids activities. Free admission. www.asianamericancc.com

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

Good Times at Güero’sFor great tunes and great rita’s!Please join us for live music on our outside jardin stage, every Thursday through Sunday. ThankS To The fanS & bandS who SuPPorT uS!!!all ouTdoor ShowS are “weaTher PermiTTing”

aPril line-up----------------------------------------------------fri 4/1 loS flameS (6:30)Sat 4/2 TrenT Turner (6:30)Sun 4/3 The TeXaS TYCoonS (3:00)----------------------------------------------------Thu 4/7 The bob fuenTeS Show (6:30)fri 4/8 loS flameS (6:30)Sat 4/9 harrY bodine band (6:30)Sun 4/10 ChiCken STruT (3:00)----------------------------------------------------Thu 4/14 The fabS (6:30)fri 4/15 loS flameS (6:30)Sat 4/16 The hugh fadal band (6:30)Sun 4/17 miTCh webb & The Swindle (3:00)----------------------------------------------------Thu 4/21 maTT SmiTh’S world (6:30)fri 4/22 loS flameS (6:30)Sat 4/23 Jeff & The JumPToneS (6:30)Sun 4/24 CloSed for eaSTer----------------------------------------------------Thu 4/28 JohnnY gimble (6:30)fri 4/29 loS flameS (6:30)Sat 4/30 bonneVille CounTY Pine boX (6:30)

At the Texas Asian Foundation fundraiser, Musicians Michael Tiva and Sarah Jane Hargis perform a version of the Japanese classic “Moon Over the Ruined Castle” that Tiva composed in response to the tragedy in Japan.

Akihiko Kodama shared his message of “Gamburee!” (“Be strong!”) to the crowd at the Texas Asian Foundation fundraiser.

By Ann Graham

“‘Se fue la luz!’ The Amigos de las Américas ‘culture night’ was up and running in La Rubia, Dominican Republic when the power went out. Not to be deterred, the townspeople carefully drove their cars and trucks on to the baseball diamond, creating a large circle, turned on their headlights and car stereos and made an impromptu dance stage. The first couple stepped into the spotlight and broke into the traditional step of bachata and the bleachers erupted with cheers from all ages as the dance competition began. “Amigos…we make things happen!” said Merek Johnson, AMIGOS Volunteer in 2009 and LASA High School class of 2011.

Amigos de las Américas is an international, nonprofit organization founded in 1965 that provides unparalleled youth leadership and community service opportunities in Latin America. AMIGOS volunteers live with host families in rural and semi-rural communities during the summer months and partner with community efforts that promote health, environmental conservation, education and cultural exchange. AMIGOS is based in Houston, but has 28 chapters around the country, including a very active, all-volunteer chapter in Austin.

This year, AMIGOS has 16 Austin-area high school students from seven different high schools participating in youth training between March and

June who will then live abroad, volunteering in the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay or Peru. All of these students participate in bi-weekly leadership training and also participate in a community service-learning project working with students from two 4th grade bilingual classes at AISD’s Wooldridge Elementary School.

The Austin chapter’s annual fundraiser, “Fiesta 2011,” is about making things happen for the Austin-area youth. This special celebration with live Latin music by The Crying Monkeys, culinary delights, drinks and silent and live auctions supports scholarships and the purchase of materials for this year’s international projects. The fun takes place on Thursday, April 28th from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. at The Villa at Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th Street. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Check out www.austinamigos.org/fiesta for more information.

You can learn more about the Austin Chapter of AMIGOS at www.austinamigos.org or by emailing info@austinamigos.org. Information about the international office, based in Houston, can be found at www.amigoslink.org. Better yet, you’ll be put in touch with veteran volunteers who can share stories of the incredible impact AMIGOS has made on their lives! We hope to see you at “Fiesta 2011” on April 28th.

TODO Austin // april 2011 // TODOaustinonline.com 07

“Fiesta 2011” Supports International Opportunities for Austin-Area Students

By Mita Haldar

Behind the Scenes of “Sarathi”“Sarathi,” an Austin-based  film by Sushma Khadepaun-Parmar, is storytelling at its finest. “Sarathi,” meaning charioteer in Sanskrit, is a film loosely based on the relationship between Sri Krishna and Arjuna in the Indian epic,  Mahabharata. The philosophical exchange between  chauffeur and passenger in Khadepaun-Parmar’s film is a wake up call to all. This film challenges each of us to live a life full of meaning and purpose.  It asks us to explore and formulate our own uniquely individual identities. Essentially, “Sarathi”  was designed to make us think.

Some would say that the inception of “Sarathi” has a touch of divine intervention. It all began when Khadepaun-Parmar and Sharanya Rao (“Sarathi’s”  primary writer) were chatting online one day last February. Khadepaun-Parmar mentioned a film idea about a young professional riding in a limo with the story revolving around the conversation between passenger and driver. Through the driver’s thought-provoked questions, he takes the passenger on an unexpected spiritual journey. Coincidentally, Rao came up with this identical idea back in 2001. Khadepaun-Parmar excitedly went on to say, “As Sharanya and I continued to discuss our separate stories, we each typed our story titles at the same time. Ironically, “Sarathi” popped up on the screen from both sides. Sharanya and I independently came up with the same story title at the same exact time. And then the next messages read, ‘OMG, OMG, OMG’ over and over again. What are the odds? At that moment, we knew we had to do something about it.” And just like that, “Sarathi”  was born. The exciting, yet grueling work on the film was about to begin.  

Just as the character Arjun faces many

roadblocks in  the film, Khadepaun-Parmar encountered many roadblocks of her own through this particular filmmaking process. The greatest challenge was raising funds for the film. “We crowd-funded the film using social media, particularly Facebook. Friends and family were instrumental in the making of  ‘Sarathi.’ Without these donors, there would be no film,” Khadepaun-Parmar said. Additionally, casting proved to be quite challenging. After Khadepaun-Parmar auditioned actors from Austin, Houston and Dallas for the leading role, she hadn’t found someone who quite fit her vision. She then conducted virtual auditions with actors in New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago via Skype, and consequently found her leading man, Chandan Prithiani, in New York City. Challenges continued to ensue throughout the entire production. Khadepaun-Parmar remarked, “The good news is that we always found our way. There were ups and downs, but I certainly enjoyed the journey.” Khadepaun-Parmar is active in both the Austin community and the South Asian community. She is a member of the Austin Film Society and Austin Film Meetup. Khadepaun-Parmar adds, “Being of South Asian origin, I’ve always felt the need to encourage more South Asians to get involved in the arts. So I started a group in 2010 called Austin South Asian Creatives, which is a tight group of people who collaborate on creative projects.” Khadepaun-Parmar wants the South Asian community to thrive and have a strong voice in the film industry.

Sushma Khadepaun-Parmar’s production company Cutting Chai Productions is set to debut “Sarathi”  in Austin, Texas in April 2011. Please visit  www.Sarathithefilm.com  for additional information.

Anderson High School student Catherine Dubois, volunteering in 2010 with Amigos de las Americas in Tucuecito, Panama.

08 TODO Austin // april 2011 // TODOaustinonline.com

one year ago, José stephen Vásquez became the roman Catholic Diocese of Austin’s first bishop of mexican American descent. With the Diocese’s Catholic population of 500,000—which is expected to double in just one generation—and half a million hispanics living in the greater Austin area who are mostly Catholic, bishop Vásquez’s heritage will no doubt add a certain weight to his role of spiritual leader of the city’s largest faith community.

Already familiar with Austin’s nuances, Bishop Vásquez has a sense of the social and spiritual challenges facing the city. The issue of immigration is one which greatly interests the West Texas native, whose family fled Mexico during the government’s persecution of the church in the early twentieth century. The Bishop, the oldest of six children, was ordained to the priesthood in 1984. He was previously the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston before being appointed Bishop of Austin by Pope Benedict XVI to fill the vacancy left by Gregory Aymond, who is now Archbishop of New Orleans.

One of the nation’s youngest bishops when he took possession of the see on March 8, 2010, the 53-year-old Vásquez is well versed in the central function of social justice in Catholic teachings. The term, “social justice,” after all, is a concept of the Church, coined by a Jesuit priest named Luigi Taparelli in 1840, based on the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas. Here, the Bishop speaks about the role of the Church in uniting “people of all faiths, ethnicities and walks of life.” It is evident he will be vocal in challenging prejudices, defending the rights of the poor and ministering to people of multiple racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Creating a culture that respects diversity, life and justice is no small task for one person, but in this recent interview Bishop Vásquez appears steadfast as he faces the trials ahead.

TODO Austin: The Austin Diocese issued a pastoral plan in the spring of 2009 –”Living Our Legacy: Christ-Centered Communities.” One of the five core strategies pertained to “Welcoming Communities.” It reads: “Assure that our parishes and our diocese are communities that offer welcome to people of all races and cultures, outreach in charity and justice, healing for the alienated and non-practicing and evangelization to all.” How is this strategy being carried out?

Bishop Vásquez: Reviewing the pastoral plan was one of the first things I did after taking office. My predecessor, now Archbishop Aymond, began this process and unveiled it shortly before being named as Archbishop of New Orleans. The plan set goals to be accomplished between 2009 and 2013. For my part, I intend to continue with the plan and to implement its five core strategies. The strategy of being welcoming communities is essential. We must be able to see all who visit our churches, and those who are seeking a church,

Austin’s New Spiritual Leader Conveys Support for ‘the Least Among Us’By Gavin Lance Garcia

BishopJoséVásquez

with the eyes of Christ. We have to set aside our stereotypes and prejudices because everyone is welcome at the table of the Lord; in a special way, we have to seek out those who may have left the church or who were harmed by the church. We must minister to them and help them heal as the Good Samaritan did. There were six particular strategies identified as subsets of this goal. Since the implementation of the plan, our work has focused on two of these strategies: providing resources to help parishes offer more welcoming hospitality, music and liturgies and providing resources to parishes in ministering to people of multiple racial/ethnic backgrounds, as well as the elderly and persons with disabilities. Our Office of Worship has provided several days of training for liturgical ministers and music ministers.

Recently, the Holy Father approved the New Roman Missal for the U.S. In 2011, the Worship Office is planning training sessions for priests, ministers and the laity to become acquainted with the upcoming changes to the Mass. These trainings will be an opportunity for us to teach about being welcoming communities. In terms of cultural diversity, our parishes offer Mass in English, Spanish, Latin, Korean, Vietnamese, Polish and Czech. Beyond that, parishes are adapting to the needs of their parishioners. For example, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a devotion that is dear to many Mexican and Mexican-American Catholics, was celebrated in many parishes that are not Latino-majority parishes. Many of our parishes are very ethnically diverse, especially St. Albert the Great in North Central Austin. It has members from 59 different countries. The Paulist fathers, who have been ministering in Austin for more than a hundred years, have a special mission to reach out and share the Christian faith. Their outreach comes in a number of different forms, including the Busted Halo radio show and first-level evangelization, making initial contact with those who do not know the Catholic faith; they seek to explain it in a way that is understandable to those who are not acquainted with it at all.

TA: Taking into consideration that you have been in Austin for a year, in your contact with leaders from other faith traditions, how strong would you say is the bond between our Catholic diocese and other faith communities? Based on what principals?

BV: We have strong bonds and good relationships with other faith communities throughout the diocese.

This is evident at our campus ministry programs at the University of Texas and Texas A&M. After last year’s shooting/suicide, the Catholic Student Center at UT hosted an interfaith prayer service. Another way we express this bond is through our social services. At Catholic Charities of Central Texas, no one is turned away based on their religious beliefs. We help those of all faiths and even those with no faith. We participate in a number of social service networks in towns across Central Texas. Our parish food banks and St. Vincent de Paul Societies work with area agencies to make sure that the basic needs of the poor are being met. St. Edward’s University offers courses in Jewish studies and world religions. Our ecumenical and interfaith efforts are based on two key documents the Church has given us. The first is “Nostra Aetate, In Our Age,” which Pope Paul VI issued in 1965. That document begins discussing our common human origin and concludes by stating that hatred and discrimination are contrary to the teachings of the Church. The second is the 1993 Ecumenical Directory, which is meant for pastors and all of the faithful. This document focuses on the unity of all Christians and is intended “to motivate, enlighten and guide” ecumenical activity.

TA: Last fall you met with Rabbi Alan Freedman to discuss strengthening ties between the Catholic and Jewish faith communities. You emphasized that you would maintain strong Jewish-Catholic relations and make efforts to work together in many areas of religious and social significance. The diocese has also enjoyed a healthy relationship with the Muslim community. How can Austin use the power of faith communities to unite rather than divide its people?

BV: We celebrate what we have in common and respect our differences. At the same time, we have to be true to our principles and teachings while working together on projects of common interest. An example of this is at Texas A&M University where the area ministers work together with the faculty and the staff to serve the overall well-being of the students. There are also a number of active and strong interfaith and interreligious groups in Austin. By participating in these associations, we work together for common goals. Any time people of different faiths can sit around a table together -- with open hearts, they will learn something from each other – from our respective actions and words. And from that, whether conscious or not, we learn something about another religion,

another culture, and through a ripple effect, we pass that on.

TA: Though there are strong faith communities present, Austin is widely known as a secular city, though a well-educated and creative one. How can we as Catholics interact or share our teachings and beliefs with this secular Austin?

BV: As Catholics we are called to be people of faith and people of action -- our deeds, our good works, count for something. The people of our diocese are very well educated. Our diocese encompasses 25 central Texas counties and includes the University of Texas, Texas A&M, Texas State University, St. Edward’s University, Baylor University, Austin Community College, Huston-Tillotson University and many others. We share our beliefs by standing up for them and defending them. For example, Austin Energy wanted to increase the amount of “green energy” the city buys. Recognizing that this would be an expensive proposition, as a diocese we stood up and defended the rights of the poor. As it turns out, the

green energy proposal now includes safeguards to ensure that spending does not get out of hand and cause a disproportionate rise in utility costs for the poor. Certainly, green energy is a positive and we have to preserve the good earth and natural resources God has given us, but we must do it in a way that does not cause more harm to the least among us. We recently made our pro-life position known to the Travis County Healthcare District (Central Health). The board recently allocated $450,000 in taxpayer money for abortion. Later, the city approved the renewal of a land lease to Planned Parenthood for $1 a year for 10 years. In all of these cases, through our Office of Pro-Life Activities and Chaste Living, along with our Protestant friends, we objected to the city’s and county’s actions. We used the situations as teaching moments to show others what we believe.

TA: As the diocese’s first Bishop of Hispanic ancestry, you are seen by many in the Hispanic community as a voice of its culture. Your arrival in Austin has given local Latinos hope

that the city is growing more aware of its multicultural heritage. What is your prayer for the community at this time?

BV: Our local church mirrors the global church. Priests serving in the Austin area come from all over the world: Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Uganda, Nigeria, Korea, Vietnam, South Africa, the Philippines, Poland, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Ireland and Nicaragua. What is beautiful about that is that each one brings a rich experience of cultural diversity. So, my prayer is that we would all be one, just as Jesus prayed before undergoing his passion and death. I pray that people of all faiths, ethnicities and walks of life can come together for the common good and that we would all respect the dignity of the human person. I pray too for vocations. We are blessed to have more than 40 men studying to be priests for this diocese. But there is a particular need for Spanish-speaking priests. Vocations start in the home. So, I pray that families will open their hearts to the Lord’s calling and encourage their children to consider a vocation of service.

TODO Austin // april 2011 // TODOaustinonline.com 09

United Sounds of Austin

The Echocentrics

PACHAnGA LATInO MuSICFESTIVAL BACK FOR YEAR FOuRAT FIESTA GARDEnSOZOMATLI, THE ECHOCEnTRICS, CHInGO BLInG, CHICO MAnn, LOS SKARnALES, MAnEJA BETO AnD MORE TO PLAY LATIn FESTIVAL

By Bowen Wilder and Otis Lopez

The Pachanga Latino Music Festival, one of Austin’s premiere Latin-themed music, cultural arts and food festivals, announced its initial music lineup for the Saturday, May 21 date at East Austin’s Fiesta Gardens.

The Pachanga Festival showcases the vibrant blend of Latino-created music and art. The festival is dedicated to showcasing the vibrant blend of Latino-created music and art and the impact it has on American culture today. With a lineup that includes everything from rock, alternative, Tejano, mariachi, cumbia, salsa, electronic, funk and hip-hop to indie rock, one singular theme underscores all: the sound is brown.

Headliner at this year’s party are three-time Grammy-winning artists Ozomatli. A huge Austin favorite, the band will also perform as Ozokidz, the band’s children’s music project at the Niño’s Rock Pachanga at Fiesta Gardens, the daylong children’s festival which coincides with Pachanga.

Returning to Pachanga with a new project is Grammy-winning artist Adrian Quesada, who will bring his newest project and release The Echocentrics. The band’s sound is described as dusty, psychedelic, cinematic and southern fried soul, accented by beautiful vocals sung in English, Spanish and Portuguese by the remarkable talents, Tita Lima from Brazil and Natalia Clavier from Argentina.

Chingo Bling “The Versace Mariachi,” one of Texas’ premier rappers, is making his Pachanga debut along with Chico Mann, led by Marcos Garcia of Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra and Houston ska institution Los Skarnales.

“Building a lineup to compete with the success of last year I thought would be impossible,” says festival founder Rich Garza. “But once again, the overabundance of Latin talent makes me say for the fourth year, this is the best year.”

In addition to Ozokidz, Niños Rock Pachanga, the interactive kids festival, will feature an Annie Ray photo booth, Latin-inspired crafts, hourly piñata parties and a kid’s stage packed with performances by Pachanga artists.

A limited number of $15 “Pachanga Ganga” tickets are on sale now until April 19 at pachangafest.com, Waterloo Records and all Front Gate Tickets outlets, including frontgatetickets.com. A portion of all proceeds will benefit the FuturoFund Austin, a charity that engages the Austin community through philanthropy and leadership and makes annual grants to deserving organizations that are making an impact in the Hispanic community.

After Pachanga Early Bird pricing ends April 19. advance single GA tickets will be $25.00. Early Bird Saturday VIP tickets are presently $45 ($60.00 after April 19). VIP tickets include complimentary non-alcoholic drinks, two drink tickets, light snacks from some of the best chefs in Texas, air conditioned lounge and indoor restrooms. Children under 12 are free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

For more information visit www.pachangafest.com, and for up-to-the-minute news follow on Facebook at pachanga latino Music Festival and on Twitter at pachangafest.

2 0 1 1 I n I T I A L P A C H A n G A L I n E u P :Ozomatli (Los Angeles, CA) • The Echocentrics (Austin/NYC/Rio de Janeiro) • Chingo Bling (Houston, TX) • Chico Mann (Jersey City, NJ) • Los Skarnales (Houston, TX) • Maneja Beto (Austin, TX) • Chicanoson (Los Angeles, CA) • Master Blaster Sound System (Corpus Christi, TX) • Mexicans with Guns (San Antonio, TX) • Este Vato (Austin, TX) • La Guerrilla (Austin, TX) • Gina Chavez (Austin, TX) • Son de Rey (Austin, TX) • Peligrosa All-Stars (Austin, TX) • Ozokids (Los Angeles, CA)

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The ToDo ArTs LisTPresented by texas Performing arts

TexAsperformingArTs.org

Texas Performing Arts is proud to recognize Austin’s many outstanding arts organizationsFESTIVAL OF CHILDREN’S VOICES The all-male choir, all choral scholars at St John’s College, Cambridge, in concert with the U.T. Symphony Orchestra and the U.T. Festival Youth Chorus, present a remarkable evening of music, Sunday, Apr. 10, at 5 p.m. at Bass Concert Hall. Featuring a 250-voice Festival Youth Chorus consisting of young choristers from Austin area schools, churches, and area choirs, the program includes acappella performances and a presentation of Mozart’s Coronation Mass performed by St John’s and the UTSO, American standards and a joint performance by the Youth Chorus and orchestra. www.TexasPerformingArts.org

DAVID CROSBY & GRAHAM NASHAs a duo, longtime creative partners Crosby and Nash bring out the best in each other, their distinct yet complementary styles balancing an equation that delivers a seamless and inspiring musical whole. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers are legendary for their airtight and crystal-clear vocal harmonies, as sublime when delivered by simply these two together as they are from the larger configurations. It is a sound that’s one of the true touchstones of the rock ‘n’ roll era. Tuesday, Apr. 12, 7:30 p.m. Bass Concert Hall. www.TexasPerformingArts.org

CHORUS AUSTIN’S WAR AND PEACEAustin Vocal Arts Ensemble presents “War and Peace,” featuring composer Francis Jean Marcel Poulenc’s stunning “Figure Humaine,” a beautiful choral piece composed during the Nazi occupation of France, on Friday, Apr. 15, 8 p.m. at Hope Presbyterian Church (11512 Olson Dr.) and Sunday, Apr. 17, 3 p.m. at Oak Hill United Methodist Church (7815 Hwy 290). www.chorusaustin.org

SERGIO and ODAIR ASSAD2010 Grammy Award winning Brazilian guitar virtuosos Sergio and Odair Assad present an evening devoted to their Lebanese musical roots, “De Volta As Raizes” (Back To Our Roots), Wednesday, Apr. 13, 8 p.m. at Hogg Memorial Auditorium.

Joining the Assad brothers are pianist/singer and composer Clarice Assad, percussionist Jamey Haddad, and hypnotic Lebanese singer Christiane Karam. This exploration of the rhythmic similarities that tie Middle Eastern music with the music of Brazil features Karam’s exquisite voice and the Assad brothers’ beloved virtuosity and awe-inspiring ensemble work. www.TexasPerformingArts.org

CITY THEATRE’S THIS SPRING OF LOVEMake no mistake, this new musical adaptation of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” is itself a jubilant, humorous, and warmhearted comedy that Shakespeare himself could be proud of. It’s a no holds “bard” pop musical explosion filled with comedic characters, beautiful songs and the tests and triumphs of that thing called love. Begins Apr. 14 and runs through May 8 at The City Theatre (3823 Airport Blvd.). Thursday – Saturday 8 p.m. Sunday 5:30 p.m. Directed by Jeff Hinkle. www.citytheatreaustin.org

UT JAZZ ORCHESTRA w/ STEFON HARRISHarris’ passionate artistry, energetic stage presence and astonishing virtuosity have propelled him to the forefront of the current jazz scene. A recipient of the prestigious Segal Award from Lincoln Center, he’s earned back-to-back Grammy nominations for Best Jazz Album. Widely recognized and lauded by his peers and jazz critics alike, the 30-year-old is committed to both exploring the rich potential of jazz composition and blazing new trails on the vibraphone. With the UT Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Jeff Hellmer. Saturday, Apr. 16, 7:30 p.m. Bates Recital Hall. www.TexasPerformingArts.org

PLAYHOUSE’S STOP THE WORLD-I WANT TO GET OFF!Austin Playhouse presents this Bricusse/Newley classic and multiple Tony Award nominated production from Apr. 22 – May 22; Thursday–Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 5 p.m. at Austin Playhouse (3601 S. Congress, Bldg. C). A thought-provoking tale about the fleeting nature of worldly success, this beloved musical is set in a circus and tells the story of Littlechap, a clown who conquers the world but loses himself. The show, directed by Don Toner, is a cherished musical classic—a boundless, shameless, and humorously entertaining production. www.austinplayhouse.com

JAMES TAYLORThe legendary artist has earned 40 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards and 5 Grammy Awards for a catalog running from 1970’s “Sweet Baby James” to his Grammy Award-winning efforts “Hourglass” (1997) and “October Road” (2002), to his Grammy Award- nominated “Covers,” his last solo release. Above all, there are the songs that will be heard at Bass Concert Hall on Saturday, Apr. 23, 8 p.m.: “Fire and Rain,” “Country Road,” “You’ve Got A Friend,” “Mexico,” “Shower The People,” “Your Smiling Face,” “Carolina In My Mind,” “Sweet Baby James,” and many more. www.TexasPerformingArts.org

YOSVANY TERRYThe Cuban-born jazz musician brings his latest project, “Ye-dé-gbé and the Afro-Caribbean Legacy,” to UT’s Hogg Memorial Auditorium for an evening infused with influences of the Afro-Caribbean Arará culture and the American jazz form on Friday, Apr. 29, 8 p.m. Terry is known for melding the traditional sounds of his native Cuba with avant-garde innovation and fiery post-bop, sophisticated harmonies. He sits at the forefront of a group of young Cuban musicians who have recently inspired New York’s scene with a new creative energy. www.TexasPerformingArts.org

LA FOLLIA AUSTIN BAROQUEAward-winning soprano Angela Malek from San Antonio joins bass Gil Zilkha and tenor Jos Milton in a performance of three solo cantatas of J.S. Bach, including the “Wedding Cantata,” “Ich habe genug,” and a joint performance of Bach’s joyous secular piece, “Coffee Cantata.” Saturday, Apr. 30, 8 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church (3001 Whitis Ave.) and Sunday, May 1 at First Presbyterian Church (8001 Mesa Dr.) at 3 p.m. www.lafollia.org

Festival of Children’s Voices - Photo by Ronald Knapp

Yosvany Terry - Photo by Tom Ehrlich

James Taylor

UT Jazz Orchestra w/ Stefon Harris

Sergio and Odair Assad

David Crosby & Graham Nash

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Summer Filmmaking Sizzlesat Austin Studios By Jillian Hall

The Austin Film Society (AFS) has been promoting the appreciation of film and supporting the production of this creative expression since before many of those served by the non-profit organization were born. The program began in 1985 as a collection of cinephiles getting together to watch films that were not distributed to the general public. Film director Richard Linklater (“Dazed and Confused,” “Slacker”) was among these pioneers and has been an active member and contributor to the organization from the beginning. Since gaining non-profit status in 1986, the Austin Film Society has increased its membership by thousands and has expanded its programs to include not only film screenings, but artist services, community education and the management of a 100,000-square foot film production facility. The Texas Film Hall of Fame, a yearly fundraiser that takes place in March, supports these programs, and in 2011 inducted stars such as Renée Zellweger, Spoon, Rip Torn and John Hawkes.

With summer around the corner, AFS is gearing up for its summer camp programs which take place at the Austin Studios facility near downtown. The Community Education department was started in 2004 and has been spearheaded by Director Christian Raymond ever since. In the fall of 2004, the program began with after-school film clubs at under resourced East Austin schools. Initially, the programs took place at just a few schools and were taught solely by Raymond. Today, AFS organizes over 500 workshops at eight to ten schools per year which are all free to students and taught by local filmmakers.

“Students create projects from a curriculum focused on community and issues they care

about, learning how to express themselves creatively while using digital technology crucial to the new media world we live in,” Raymond explains.

“A big part of the program is giving kids a voice, and helping them to see that their work matters and has meaning,” Raymond says. Alumni of the program have gone on to study a variety of digital media areas in college and some have received scholarships to top film schools. Over the years, students have created socially conscious productions such as “Kid’s Café” and “Webb of One,” which have helped raise awareness about community issues and empowered students to stand up for causes that they believe in.

The filmmaking fun doesn’t stop when school lets out. This summer, AFS will host several week-long camps progressing through various focus areas. Students aged 9-18 years old can participate in one or multiple camps and will be exposed to the world of filmmaking in the forms of animation, scriptwriting, trans-media and more. All camps are led by a local filmmaker in the nurturing, creative space of the Austin Studios production facility. Families can express their cinephile within by joining the newly created Cinemania class. Led by an Austin Film Society programmer, families will meet to watch engaging films framed by a genre, theme, or director and will share in a collective learning experience about various aspects of the work.

For more information, or to sign your budding film student up for an AFS summer camp, please visit www.austinfilm.org/summercamp. General information about the organization can be obtained by visiting the website at www.austinfilm.org or calling 512.322.0145.

Renée Zellweger and Richard Linklater. Photo by Gary Miller/Austin Film Society

Third WorldWide Comadrazo Comes to Austin By Otis Lopez

The 3rd WorldWide Comadrazo arrives April 29-30 at 1015 Norwood Park Blvd. The comadrazo offers women a learning and networking opportunity for personal and professional development. The event is coordinated by Las Comadres Para Las Americas, a charity organization which creates informal internet-based groups that meet monthly in cities around the U.S. to build connections and community with other Latinas.

WorldWide Comadrazo will feature activities that will allow attendees to meet comadres in semi-structured ways, from 9 a.m. Friday, April 29 through 10 p.m. the following day. In addition to an Expo, activities will include personal introductions in the platicas a la carrera, RedZebra rhythmic drumming, talent and fashion shows, yoga, aerobics and exercises, a golf workshop, and much more. Culturally-themed topical round tables and experiential group-building will focus on entrepreneurship, building supportive comadre communities, surviving and thriving in the changing work environment, self care, personal budgeting and financial planning, team building rhythm workshop and adult journaling. Saturday will also be devoted to young Latinas grades 4 to 8 and 9 to 12.

The registration fee is $75.00 with partial scholarships available for comadres. Breakfast, lunch, drinks, snacks and dinner on Saturday are included in the registration fee. For more info go to www.lascomadres.org.

¡Salud!

Robert Rodriguez introduces John Hawkes at the Texas Film Hall of Fame Awards. Hawkes won the Rising Star Award. Photo by Erica Stall Wiggins

TODO Austin // april 2011 // TODOaustinonline.com 13

Spring has sprung in Austin, Texas. That means it’s time to get outside and enjoy this lovely weather as much as possible before the temperatures inevitably rise to an uncomfortable level. Luckily, Austin has plenty of restaurants and watering holes that provide comfortable, often lovely outdoor seating. Whether it’s a porch, deck, courtyard, or patio, there are many establishments in Austin that offer some respite from the impending heat; so many, in fact, that it seems nearly impossible to mention each and every one.

But there are some notables that can’t be missed. You must have lakeside dining of course. Have a seat on the large deck overlooking Lake Austin at Hula Hut. The Hawaiian-style burgers and sandwiches are a local favorite.

But maybe it’s quality people-watching you’re after. If so, try Perla’s Seafood and Oyster Bar on South Congress for some oysters in the shade while you take in the sites and sounds of SoCo. Boticelli’s, also on South Congress, has tasty Italian food and offers a full menu in their Beer Garden. You might want to stop at the bar at Hotel San Jose afterwards for refreshments in a luscious, private courtyard setting.

Catch a relaxing view of the sunset on the Greenbelt at Red’s Porch on South Lamar. Other South Austin favorites include Opal Divine’s and Freddie’s, both of which offer plenty of outdoor seating and casual dining.

East Austin also boasts its share of springtime beauty. Blue Dahlia on E. 11th St. has an opulent courtyard for dining. Try a Tartine (French sandwich) or the hearty garbanzo bean salad. Blue Dahlia offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you can enjoy the springtime weather at whichever time you choose. Or grab some puffy tacos and California nachos on the vibrant patio at Vivo on Manor Road—every lady walks away with a long-stem rose. Lovely!

Try bar-hopping from Shangri-La’s massive courtyard over to the East Side Show Room, which offers fabulous vintage cocktails and local fare, as well as a swanky back patio. Scoot down to the Library Bar for some of the East Side Kings’ delicious bar food. The beet home fries and curry buns are essential to the Library’s courtyard experience. You might also delight in one of their Poor Qui’s bun, a scrumptious pork belly sandwich.  

If you’re staying central, take your grub or drink out on the patio at El Arbol, famous for the 150-year-old oak tree growing through its center and offering a South American gourmet menu in a mid-century modern setting. The Flying Saucer in the Triangle is a great place to enjoy happy hour beers outside. And don’t forget Central

Market on North Lamar, which offers a park-like setting for dining and letting the kids play.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even find your very own outside seat, and take your loved ones on a picnic to one of Austin’s many parks. 

No matter where you decide to enjoy the beautiful spring weather in Austin, think about this: It is important to sometimes take your meal or refreshment outside. Not only could we all use a little of the sun’s Vitamin D, now’s our chance to reap its benefits while the temperature is still below the triple digits. So, get out there. Springtime’s a-wasting!

Springtime SettingsBy Heather Lee

Patio diners enjoy the springtime weather at East Side Show Room | Photo by Katie Walsh

The Austin Reggae Festival, aka “Marley Fest” is a music festival like no other here in Austin. The sound is reggae.

Started in 1994, this festival is the longest running event on Auditorium Shores. And it happens whether it’s clear skies, or pouring rain, as it did in 2010. This year’s festival is benefiting the Capital Area Food Bank, a local non-profit, which provides meals for about 48,000 people in Central Texas every week. Think about that.

The festival has local, regional and international food vendors, but the focus is on Jamaican flavors in homage to the birthplace of reggae, rastas and Bob Marley. In Jamaica’s long history, the Spanish, English, Chinese, East Indians, Africans, Maroons (escaped slaves who settled their own communities) and the Arawak Indians – the island’s original inhabitants – have all contributed to Jamaica’s cuisine.

All of those flavors and places and people blend together and give us today’s Jamaican food. The most famous Jamaican dish is jerk chicken (or beef or pork). Depending on the cook, this dish can have enough spice and Scotch bonnet (a hot pepper) to light you on fire. There’s also ackee and saltfish for breakfast, and curried goat and fried plantains for dinner. And then, there’s beef patties and coco bread.

Main street roots tonic with the dredsA beef patty and some coco bread

– Lauryn Hill

Beef patties and coco bread are the go-to lunch in Jamaica, and in some places here in the states. Christie’s, the legendary hole-in-the-wall in Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights, has a line out the door

every day, people waiting barely patiently in line to get their fix. But why beef patties and coco bread? It’s a brilliant two-fer, each excellent on its own.

On the one hand you’ve got the beef patty (note: there are vegetable patties. But why?); moist ground beef seasoned with curry and spices, enveloped by a tender yellow crust. Tumeric gives the crust its yellow color. Spice is everywhere in Jamaican cooking, even in the pastry.

Coco bread is not a whole grain, chewy crust kind of bread. This is melt in your mouth, if-someone-doesn’t-stop-me-I’m-going-to-keep-eating-it-it’s-so-addictive kind of bread. The name comes from the coconut traditionally added to the recipe, although most modern recipes don’t use any coconut. This too is a pleasure you can enjoy alone.

But put them together and it’s just brilliant. Why? Why make a sandwich out of something that’s already self-contained? Because it’s a taste sensation. Bite into the soft and sweet coco bread then get a bit of the tender buttery crust, then the well seasoned beef. It’s a food maker’s dream: salty, sweet and with a bite of spice. It’s a perfect food combination!

But I digress… go out and enjoy the Austin Reggae Festival. This year’s music line-up includes Israel Vibration, Roots Radics Band and Tribal Seeds. There are also arts and crafts, rides and activities for the kids.

The Austin Reggae Festival is April 15-17 at Auditorium Shores. Tickets are $12.50 per day in advance; $35 in advance for a three-day pass; $15 per day on the day of the show. It’s $10 per day for a tent permit (a limited number so get it early).

A portion of ticket sales will go to the Capital Area Food Bank. Organizers also ask attendees to bring two cans of food to donate to this worthy charity. The donation is not required to get in, and it won’t reduce the admission fee. It’s just the right thing to do.

Yah Mon!

Beef Patties & Coco Bread: Musings on Marley Fest and Food By Julia Lee

Beef patty and coco bread is a go-to lunch in Jamaica. | Photo by Jason Lam | www.mightysweet.com/mesohungry

TODO Austinin the Community

March 2011

14 TODO Austin // april 2011 // TODOaustinonline.com

TODO Austin’s SXSW Interactive panel “Fan to Fanatic: True Blood’s Marketing Hook” was moderated by executive editor Erica Stall Wiggins. | Photo by Julia Lee

“Fan to Fanatic” panelists L-R: Liz Henderson (true-blood.net), Sabrina Caluori (HBO), Erica Stall Wiggins (TODO Austin), Zach Enterlin (HBO), Todd Brandes (Digital Kitchen) and Mike Monello (Campfire, NYC).

TODO Austin publisher/editor Gavin Lance Garcia joined music promoter Ruben Cubillos on Peggy Vasquez’s “Hispanic Today Live” television show.

Crossroads Events’ chairman Leonard Davila, Little Joe Hernandez, Ernest Perales of Primero Health and Mexican American Experience producer Skeeter Amesquita.

Tejano music icons Los Tres Amigos--Roberto Pulido, Ruben Ramos, Little Joe Hernandez--brought thousands out to the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center.

Here Alfredo Guerrero of Tortilla Factory shares a laugh with Stefani Montiel at the MACC.

Mexic-Arte Museum executive director Sylvia Orozco, Bellas Artes Alliance’s Andy Ramirez, Mexic-Arte board member Rosa Santis, Perla Cavazos and BAA’s Linda Ramirez.

Gavin Lance Garcia with A.B. Quintanilla III at the Pan Americana Festival on March 19.

TODO Austin joined Million Musician’s March founder Richard Bowden and Carolyn Wonderland at the peace rally at the Capitol.

TODO Austin’s Town Hall Meeting on immigration with Ozomatli frontman Raul Pacheco was hosted by RITA and the UT Project on Conflict Resolution at Mexita’s.

TODO Austin announced the induction of Tortilla Factory to the Austin Music Hall of Fame at the Austin Music Awards on March 19. Garcia and Wiggins also presented the awards for Best Country (Los Texas Wranglers), Best Miscellaneous Instrument (Sonny Trujillo) and Best Drummer (Julian Fernandez). | Photo by Todd V. Wolfson

Ozomatli performing during the inaugural Pan Americana Festival at The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center.

A diverse crowd enjoying the Pan Americana Festival.

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

Plum Writing:

Ok, if today is all you have (And today is literally all you have. No. Really. I mean it. Seriously. That’s it. You’re not promised tomorrow. Today. That’s it. Get it?) what would you do or not do, say or not say? So many things, yes? I know. Me too. So, I have two tiny words I want to share. Two words that started immediately changing the course of my day when I really starting using them, out loud.

C H O O S E . This is the word that I have been saying out loud to force a decision where one remains relatively ambiguous, as is everything, always. In the moments that I waver between green and blue, left and right, fight or flight. In the moments that I am stagnant and frozen, afraid that whatever choice I make may prove to be undesirable, that another choice may be bigger, better, happier, more profitable, more enjoyable, more effective, more enlightened. In the moments that I can’t find the perfect, impenetrable, absolute answer to some question. When I make it all far more serious than I know it actually is. When I put far too much pressure on one minor decision in one moment on any given day. I yell, “Choose!” Sometimes it takes one or more times to make it stick. And then I just choose and I have movement again. So simple really.

T R u S T . This is the word that I have been yelling out loud to stop the rampant, rambling hamster wheel of over-analyzing, overly critical, unproductive thinking that infiltrates and stunts my ability to step outside of my own way, out of my brainspace, long enough to experience all the wonder that has been set into motion by all of my heartfelt co-creation tactics with my bestest-ever friend, The Universe. In the moments that my thoughts start to pass so quickly I can only pick out a word or two from a hundred. In the moments that I doubt, doubt, doubt all that I know, know, know to be true. In the moments that I start to rip apart and beat down the beautiful, well-appointed, hand-crafted vision of life that I can see, taste, touch and smell. When I tell myself, just to spite myself, that there is something wrong when there isn’t. I yell, “Trust!” Loudly and most often more than once. And then I am snapped back on track and I feel good, as though it all makes sense again. At least for a moment. Choose. Choose something. Choose often. Choose actively, consciously, purposefully. And trust. Trust that it all makes sense and that it is all alright. Please do try this at home.

Just like all the baby birds being pushed off the branch they’ve called home since they hatched, I too have jumped out of the nest.. After all, it is spring time. But it’s not the first time I’ve left a comfortable nook. At the age of ten, I left my parents in Los Angeles to live in Mexico with my aunt and uncle. Because I felt so strongly about belonging in Mexico and identifying with the way of life there, I willingly relinquished being the smartest in the classroom, the peaceful haven of my perfect bedroom and the security of mom and dad being minutes away for anything I wanted.

In Mexico, I was demoted a grade and struggled to stay in the top half of the class, shared a bedroom with a five-year-old, and realized that no matter how Mexican I wanted to be, I was still born and raised in the United States. Eventually, I missed my parents enough that I returned home after six months. I went back to being head of the class without skipping a beat. But I came back with a firm command of the Spanish language and a new collection of Mexican pop music LPs. And even though I didn’t know it then, looking back, I think I understood the value of having the courage to do something that none of my peers would do.

Since then, I’ve flown the coop several times. I went all the way across the country for college because I was determined to experience life on the East Coast. Although Pittsburgh is technically in the Mid-Atlantic region, it was close enough and far different from Southern California. The Spanish spoken in the area was typically Puerto Rican or Cuban, soda was “pop,” people rooted for the “Stillers,” and there was so little sunshine, it actually did make you depressed. Soon after college I wound up getting married to a computer engineer and living in a spacious and attractive home in Oak Hill. I drove a car only

several years old. We co-owned stocks.

Then I discovered I was not living the life I wanted—in fact, I had no idea what life I wanted. So I left at twenty-six years old, while in graduate school and earning $1,000 a month, to live in my own apartment for the first time and back to driving my 1983 Mercedes. I went through ups and downs, tried on different ways of living, until I once again settled down. I bought my own house, got my first professional job with my own office, and welcomed a boyfriend and two Catahoula dogs to live with me. (For the record, we all still have a happy home together.)

Although my relationship, abode and pets are everything I’ve always wanted, I still struggled with jobs. With a B.A. in History and an M.F.A in Creative Writing, my career path has not run a straight line. I’ve worked as a violin shop office manager, a college English teacher, an administrative assistant for an agricultural education nonprofit, and most recently as a public relations director for an arts nonprofit. Always I felt something missing, but I could never figure out what. Then recently I became aware that I needed to leave the comfort and security of a paycheck and being told what to do and how to do it. The same desire that drove me to explore my cultural heritage in Mexico as a little girl, and later on to explore life as a young divorcee and starving graduate student, is the same desire that has recently drove me to explore what it’s like to create my own job. It is a desire to throw out the guidebook and invent new ways of doing things.

My last official day of a traditional full-time job was Friday, March 25, 2011. So here I go! I’m not exactly sure what the future holds, but whatever it is, I’ll happily enjoy the adventure of getting there.

Frame of Reference

By Blake Shanley

Me with my mom at the launch of my freelance business Plum Writing. She has always let me fly, even when she wanted me to stay in the nest.

The Magic Flute

A story wrought with mythical creatures, this innovative production conspires to turn the most stubborn skeptic into one who believes in anything.

Tickets starting at $27Visit www.balletaustin.org

or call 512.476.2163

Choreography by Stephen Mills

Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Musical Accompaniment by The Austin Symphony

The Fifth Age ofMan Foundation

May 6 - 8Mother’s Day Weekend

The Long Center

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

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

A Tribute to Sor Juana 2011

April 15-16Join us at the MACC for our annual tribute to Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, featuring a showcase of fi lm, theater, visual arts, and music. Events are free & open to the public.

April 157pm: Screening of the fi lm I, the Worst of All

April 165:30pm: Mud Offerings, A theatrical performance by Natalie Goodnow

6:30pm: Sentimientos Divinos: Juana Inés y Su Cruz, A theatrical performance by ProyectoTeatro

8pm: Gallery openings of Emma Barrientos: Nuestra Rosa Amarilla de Tejas & For If They Fall: Works by Candace Briceño. Both exhibits run through June 11, 2011.

Music by Susan Torres & her Conjunto: Alejandro Diaz Jr., Johnny Carrizales & Gilbert Espinoza Jr.

Restaurant & Bar

Mon c Closed // Tue-Thu c 8am-11pm // Fri-saT c 8am-2am // sun c 9am-4pm

600 east 6th street // 512.444.7770 // www.elsolylalunaaustin.com

Free ParKinG2 hr lunChTiMe ParKinG on 6Th sT.

We have relocated from our long time home on south Congress to austin’s historic sixth street.

latin american Cuisine

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