InsIdeTech Trends & Latino Youth KLRUGood Food RevolutionFilm Austin

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s.Visit our new website!www.todoaustin.com

Volume V / February 2014

China Smith Charlie Strong Gregory Vincent

Damita Miller-Shanklin Natalie Madeira Cofield Monica Anderson

Black History MonthLeaders Test Austin Brand

“I’m running for Travis County Judgebecause we need a strong leader withproven leadership skills to bring folkstogether, stand up for Travis Countyvalues, and protect our quality of life.”

– Andy Brown

DEMOCRAT FOR TRAVIS COUNTY JUDGE

• Grew up in Austin, attended public schools• Practicing attorney, representing Spanish-speaking clients• Travis County Democratic Party Chair, 2008-2013• Fluent in Spanish• Has worked across Central and South America for better

living, working, and environmental conditions.

www.voteandy.com • 512-472-VOTE (8683)Pol. Adv. Pd. Andy Brown Campaign, Janis Pinnelli, Treasurer

“Soy candidato para Juez del Condado de Travisporque necesitamos un líder fuerte con capacidadde liderazgo probada para unir a la gente, pelearpor nuestros valores del Condado de Travis, ypara proteger nuestra calidad de vida.”

– Andy Brown

Andy Brown and Sen. Judith Zaffirini

Andy has been endorsed by these community activists and officeholders:Congressman Lloyd DoggettState Sen. Kirk WatsonState Sen. Judith ZaffiriniFormer Mayor Gus GarciaState Rep. Eddie Rodriguez

Constable Maria CancholaConstable Carlos LopezCouncil Member Omar PeñaFormer Mayor Pro Tem Sandra TenorioAISD Board Member Rev. Dr. Jayme Mathias

State Rep. Mary GonzálezState Rep. Jessica FarrarAISD Vice Chair Gina HinojosaCounty Attorney David EscamillaCommissioner Margaret Gómez Andy has been endorsed

by these organizations:✓ Circle C Area Democrats✓ Northeast Travis County Democrats✓ North by Northwest Democrats✓ Austin Stonewall Democrats✓ Austin/Travis County

EMS Employees Association✓ Travis County Sheriff’s

Law Enforcement Association✓ Austin Central Labor Council✓ AFSCME Local 1624✓ Education AustinDEMOCRATIC PRIMARY TUESDAY, MARCH 4 • VOTE EARLY FEB. 18-28

c e n T R o U R b A n A

Volume V, number 10PUbLIsHeR/edIToR // Gavin Lance Garciainfo@todoaustin.com

ART dIRecToR // Dave McClinton // dmdesigninc.com

AssocIATe edIToRs // Evelyn C. Castillo, Paul Saldaña, Katie Walsh, Erica Stall Wiggins

senIoR edIToRs // Lobo Corona, Sonia Kotecha, Diana Sanchez, Lesley Varghese, Yvonne Lim Wilson

conTRIbUTInG edIToRs // Anthony Garcia, Mia Garcia, Harish Kotecha, Alexandra M. Landeros, Callie Langford, Genoveva Rodriguez, Monica Peña, Blake Shanley

contributing Writers/Photographers/Artists // Shruti Anand, Mohammad Al-Bedaiwi, Güner Arslan, Marina Bhargava, Adriana Cadena, Roy Casagranda, Cindy Casares, Priscilla Cortez, Ruben Cubillos, Nora De LaRosa, Rose Di Grazia, Christian Gonzalez, Laura Donnelly Gonzalez, Harmony Eichsteadt, Layla Fry, Mark Guerra, Mari Hernandez, Ryan Hutchison, Yadira Izquierdo, Korina Jaimes, Chaille Jolink, Ryan Jordan, Ramey Ko, Heather Lee, Julia Lee, Liz Lopez, Otis Lopez, David Marks, JoJo Marion, Caitlin Moore, Cristina Parker, Preya Patel, Esther Reyes, Lisa Rodriguez, Marion Sanchez, Hani Saleh, Dani Slabaugh, Corey Tabor, Blanca Valencia, Kristina Vallejo, Kuetzpalin Vasquez, Joseph P.A. Villescas, Bowen Wilder

Web Design // Mike Hernandez

cover // Black History MonthTODO Austin: Multicultural Media for All of Austin. TODO

Austin is a free print and online journal for all of Austin highlighting our multicultural heritage and promoting the concept of community in an ethnically diverse city. Circulation throughout Austin, from the Westside’s Pennybacker Bridge to the Eastside’s Montopolis Bridge.

TODO Austin is published by Spark Awakened Publishing. © 2014 Spark Awakened Publishing. All rights reserved. The views expressed here are the authors and should not be taken to represent those of Spark Awakened Publishing or of any of its associates or partners. ADVERTISING/SUBMISSIONS/EDITORIAL:info@todoaustin.com, 512.538.4115

TodoAustin.com is a vibrant new

website site providing multimedia

features, the print journal content,

enhanced event l istings, special

creative features and staff and

community-led blogs, with l inks

to archived past printed issues,

augmenting social media networks

in Austin’s multicultural community.

TODO AusTin // FEB 2014 // TODOAusTin.cOM 03

HAbLA Austinesb-MAcc honors sam Z. coronado

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the Emma S. Barrientos-Mexican American Cultural Center voted to rename its Main Gallery in honor of artist Sam Z. Coronado.  The installation and unveiling of the new sign will coincide with the opening exhibit of Coronado’s work on Sunday, Feb. 16.

The public is invited to the free event to celebrate the life and work of one of Austin’s most important visual artists, who passed away last November. “Sam Z. Coronado: His Life, His Work” will include Coronado’s work in the Main Gallery and a tribute to Coronado’s life featured in the Community Gallery. The exhibit will run through April 19, 2014.

The Feb. 16 event begins at 5 p.m. in the Auditorium with a panel discussion, “Sam Z. Coronado: The Artist’s Impact on Latino Printmaking,” moderated by Kelly Grajeda, ESB-MACC Administrative

Assistant and previous Assistant Director of the Serie Project. Panelists include: Pepe Coronado - Master Printer/Director of Coronado Printstudio in New York City; Jonathan Rebolloso - Master Printer for the Serie Project; Tatiana Reinoza - Ph.D. Candidate, UT Department of Art History; and Brian Johnson - Master Printer and Senior Lecturer at Texas State University and Austin Community College. The unveiling of the new “Sam Z. Coronado” sign for the Main Gallery is at 7 p.m. with the exhibition’s opening reception running until 9 p.m., featuring live music by Grupo Grüvo.

con Mi MAdRe corazón Awards

The 5th Annual Con Mi MADRE’s Corazón Awards honors individuals making a significant impact on the program, helping mothers and daughters raise expectations. Three community leaders are being presented awards on Friday, Feb. 7 6:30 p.m. at Bob Bullock

Texas State History Museum for their individual excellence and high levels of accomplishment. They include the Con Mi MADRE Award to Dr. Nora Comstock for living out the organization’s mission; the Corazón Award to Rudy Colmenero for “pouring his ‘heart’ into Con Mi MADRE; and the Mariposa Award, given to Sonia B. Castellanos for helping Con Mi MADRE “spread it’s wings and fly.”

Entertainment for the ceremony will be provided by Hayden Vitera. Funds raised by the Corazón Awards help support programming expensesand participating families. For more information visit www.conmimadre.org.

davis, Abbott spar over ‘catch an Immigrant’

A University of Texas student who sparked a national outrage after planning a mock immigration sting was paid by gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott’s campaign just weeks before the planned event, according to finance reports filed by the campaign in January. The Republican’s campaign paid Lorenzo Garcia $1,998.44 on Oct. 1 and $588.43 on Nov. 1. His “Catch an Illegal Immigrant” game was scheduled for Nov. 20 but was canceled after university officials condemned the mock sting, which would have awarded prizes to students who caught someone wearing an “illegal immigrant” name tag. At the time, Abbott’s campaign called the game a “repugnant effort” and said Garcia had not worked for the attorney general for six to eight weeks. After the campaign finance reports became public this week, the campaign of Democrat Wendy Davis accused Abbott of trying to hide its relationship with Garcia, the chairman of the UT chapter of Young Conservatives of Texas. Abbott’s camp said the explanation is simple and is related to payroll scheduling. – Julián Aguilar, Texas Tribune

As Austin city council elections evolve to 10-1, so should our expectations for our next Mayor

By Paul saldaña In about ten months, Austin will evolve into a new City Council elections methodology bringing a 10-1 geographic representation plan to City Hall.   As the Austin City Council evolves so should our expectations for the next Mayor.

Austin is no longer the sleepy-college-town we use to be. We have all heard the statistics, every day more than 150 people move into our City. Austin is now home to nearly 850,000 people. On a daily basis we live with the reality that we may have lost touch with our community and quality of life values of protecting our environment and neighborhoods, fostering sustainability, affordability, and embracing the multicultural diversity of our City. Yes, Austin is economically strong and we are consistently ranked among the best cities in the U.S., but when long time, native Austinites can no longer afford to live and/or raise our families here; or gentrification has eroded our inner city we’re long over due for some self-reflection and a plan of action. 

Fundamentally, this should be led by our next Mayor who should possess certain intrinsic abilities that will allow him/her to lead. Our community deserves a leader with a vision that will inspire and take into consideration the needs of our entire community. Access to a quality of life should not be dictated by our zip code and/or which side of I-35 we reside.

Equally important are the characteristics and traits that our next Mayor should embody: integrity, trustworthy, respect, ability-to-listen, pragmatic, communicator, humble, courageous, innovator, passionate, influencer, honest, ability-to-learn, charismatic, inclusive, culturally-relevant, holistic, savvy, politically reliable, and strong. 

It is said that good management is the ability to move others from Point A to Point B; and that leadership is the ability to discern where Point B should be. Our future Mayor should be the one who provides leadership and direction. A good Mayor should always exhibit a vision for the future, but having a vision is no good if the Mayor cannot facilitate the discussion to the community. 

Our next Mayor should be a communicator and have the ability to listen. If one of the more effective leadership styles is the ability to envision the future, then communicating with citizens to join in that vision is critical. As a community we should also maintain a bias for action and accountability. We don’t need more politicians who spend a great deal of time planning without implementing. This is not leadership.

Confidence and respect cannot be attained without your leadership being consistent. People must have confidence that their opinions and thoughts will be heard and taken into consideration. And finally, a Mayor without integrity is not deserving of public trust. 

What are your expectations of our next Mayor?

Sam Z. Coronado banner at ESB-MACC

Dr. Nora Comstock

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Investing in a Travis county for All of Us By Ramey Ko Quick - without looking it up, can you name your member of Congress? How about your state representative? Your city council member? Your county commissioner? For many, those questions get progressively harder to answer. While we usually know something about Congress or city council, the role of Travis County government remains a mystery for many. In an age where more and more are disillusioned with politics, it can be difficult to understand how government is relevant to our daily lives. All too often, politicians seem to forget how to relate to the lives of real people. But most of the time, local government has more impact on our daily lives than anything decided in Washington. Everything from how your trash gets picked up to which neighborhoods get a new fire station is determined at the local level. These decisions can have enormous and immediate consequences, which is why we deserve leadership that is transparent, ethical, and truly accountable to the community – that cannot happen without a core commitment to government that includes every voice. 

The office of Travis County Treasurer may not be well known to most people, but like other county offices, its work is critical to our daily

lives. Not only does the Treasurer handle all the money for Travis County, whether from property taxes, fees, fines, or other sources, but also other key responsibilities, including ensuring that our county employees from Sheriff’s deputies to mental health counselors are paid; working with the County Investment Manager and County Auditor on how the county’s money is invested; and even playing a role in emergency/disaster response. There are few responsibilities more sacred than to be entrusted with taxpayer money, and that responsibility demands a Treasurer committed to transparency and open government. Everyone has a right to know how her money is being used, not just those with connections or financial expertise. If the Treasurer’s office fails to engage the community, then it fails the fundamental test of democracy - a government of, by, and for the people. An office that has become complacent and satisfied with business as usual loses the ability to think boldly and creatively, to leverage community resources, and to tackle new challenges. Now is the time to demand more of our elected officials, to demand a county government that truly understands and is a part of the community. We must ask ourselves, do we want to remain stuck with 20th century solutions to 20th century problems? Or do we want to move boldly into the future to face new challenges, and use new ideas and tools to bring community and government together like never before? As your next Treasurer, I will use my experience in community organizing, coalition building, and public engagement to bring county government back to the people. That is why I have been endorsed by a diverse coalition, including the Central Labor Council and all its member unions, Mayor Gus Garcia, AISD Trustee Gina Hinojosa, domestic violence movement pioneer and SafePlace cofounder Debby Tucker, the Austin Stonewall Democrats, former Travis County Democratic Party Chair Chuck Herring, and reproductive rights leader Heather Busby. Through my background acting as a watchdog for Fire, Police, and EMS budgets on the Public Safety Commission or organizing large conferences as President Obama’s appointee on a White House Commission, I am firmly committed to not only sound financial management as Travis County Treasurer, but proactive, community-oriented leadership. We often talk about the power of the grassroots when it comes to winning campaigns. Now is the time invest in the power of the grassroots to transform government for the better.

bishop advocates for a more just immigration system By Bishop Joe VásquezInterviewed by Shelly Metcalf, Catholic Spirit

Immigration Reform has been a “hot topic” in our country for years and the topic is not going to go away until a real solution and proper legislation is passed. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has been urging our government and Congress to act on reforming the immigration laws in our country because they are ineffective. Both the current administration and Congress have admitted that the current immigration laws no longer work. 

Because our current immigration laws are no longer effective, they are hurting individuals. The first ones to get hurt are families, who are being separated under the current laws. When someone comes to the U.S. from another country and has children here, those children have rights as American citizens, but their parents, if undocumented, may be deported. Thus children are being separated from their parents or are forced to go back to a country that they do not know. Maybe they have lived here 10 or 15 years. Maybe they don’t even speak the language or know the culture of their own particular country because they have been born here, raised here and have integrated into this society. 

Another issue is these types of laws become detrimental to the type of work that immigrants do in the U.S. That is to say, they come here, they do work which sometimes nobody else wants

to do, but because they have no protection under the law, they can be easily denounced and reported, they can be threatened, wages can be withheld from them, and they can be mistreated and abused. All of this can happen and often does happen because undocumented immigrants have little or no rights to protect themselves. Immigrants often live in shadows. They stay in the background because they don’t want to be known. They want to be hidden because they are so afraid of being deported and sent back to their countries. 

Immigrants often struggle with many hardships just to come to the U.S. so that they can have a better life. Many of them die because of dangerous conditions. In Texas and in the southern U.S., each year many people from Central America and South America travel across the desert and suffer tremendously to make new lives for themselves. Unfortunately, many lose their lives in the process of coming to the U.S. or to other countries. These are horrible and tragic situations. We bishops are saying that it is time for us to change our immigration system, to reform the laws, and to create a system that is more just. At the same time, we must take into consideration that our country must be able to protect its borders and protect her citizens. The majority of the people coming to the U.S. do not wish us any harm. They are not coming as terrorists. They are coming here for one basic reason – to make better lives for themselves and their families and loved ones.

The catholic church is asking the community to send the wording below to their u.s. senators and Representatives asking that they pass just and compassionate immigration reform legislation in the 113th congress: i agree with the u.s. catholic bishops that now is the time to pass just and compassionate immigration reform. i ask that in the 113th congress you support immigration reform that

• Provides a path to citizenship for undocumented persons in the country; • Preserves family unity as a corner-stone of our national immigration system; • Provides legal paths for low-skilled immigrant workers to come and work in the united states; • Restores due process protections to our immigration enforcement policies; • Addresses the root causes (push factors) of migration, such as persecution and economic

disparity.

i look forward to monitoring your public position on this vital issue to our nation. Our nation can no longer wait.

Pope Francis (Paul Haring/ Catholic News Service)

el cine de Julio brachoCine Las Americas presents a salute to film director Julio

Bracho this month in collaboration with the  Emma S.

Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center  and the

Consulate General of Mexico in Austin. Julio Bracho Gavilán,

born in 1909, was a Mexican film director and screenwriter

who directed 50 films between 1941 and his death in 1978,

most notably, “Twilight” (1945), “Rosenda” (1948) and “El

monje blanco” (1945). He also wrote 36 screenplays for films

between 1941 and 1974.

Screenings take place on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. from Jan. 29

– Feb. 26. First on the schedule is the 1941 comedy/musical,

“¡Ay, que tiempos señor don Simón!” on Jan. 29.

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, the 1942 drama/history,“La virgen

que forjó una patria (The Saint that Forged a Country),”

screens. Feb. 12 is the drama/romance, “Historia de un gran

amor (Story of a Great Love)”; Feb. 19, the 1943 drama/

thriller/romance “Distinto amanecer (Another Dawn)”; and

Feb. 26, the 1953 drama, “La cobarde (The Coward).”

TODO AusTin // FEB 2014 // TODOAusTin.cOM 05

Register for AARc campsThrough a variety of educational programs, the new Asian American Resource Center (AARC) provides the community with opportunities that highlight the rich diversity of Asian and Asian American cultures. This month, you can register your child for summer youth programming. If you are interested in becoming an instructor for an educational program, please check AARC’s “Get Involved” page for more information.

Through fun and interactive activities using literature, visual and performance arts, and multimedia, kids and teens have the unique opportunity to participate in an array of cultural art classes, workshops, and camps. Important themes include Asian and Asian American history, contemporary issues, diaspora studies, and multiculturalism.

Information about the 2014 spring and summer camps for students’ ages 5 to 12, and summer teen workshops, for teenagers ages 13 to 17, is now available. For info, call 512-974-1700.

Registration dates are Feb. 8 for residents; Feb. 22 for non-residents. Walk-in registrations begin at 9 a.m. Mail-in forms must be postmarked no earlier than registration start date. 2014 Summer camps and teen workshops are 4 two week sessions—June 16-27, June 30-July 11, July 14-25, July 28-August 8.

carver February eventsThe George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center hosts “L3: Live Love Laugh” on Saturday, Feb. 8. Couples and singles are invited to dress to impress for a movie premier from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., followed by a mascarade party from 8:30 –11 p.m. The event, which includes food, poetry, giveaways and live music from DJ Kay Cali, is a A YaLife Media & Marketing production. For tickets, go to www.yalifemedia.com.

“Picking Up the Pieces” plays the Boyd Vance Theatre on Valentine’s Day, Friday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. “Picking Up the Pieces” is a heartwarming journey of love, loss and learning to love again for three women over three generations. For tickets, go to jeanettehill.com.

On Saturday, Feb. 15, from 1–3 p.m., Central Texas resident and author Yolanda King will read from her work, “Curlilocks and the Three Pink Pandas.” The book is a new twist on an old classic, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” Following the author’s reading, look for craft activities for kids especially inspired by the story as well as a book signing. For more info, call 512-974-4926.

Honoring MLK with Results By Meria carstarphen

AISD Superintendent

Last month on the birth date of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. the district hosted its annual celebration to honor Dr. King at the Carruth Administration Center. In seeking equal opportunities for African Americans, Martin Luther King, Jr., ignited movements among women, Hispanics, people with disabilities, and other groups. His calls for equal treatment under the law changed and improved the lives of millions all over the world, not just African Americans. He showed us how to seek change by working within the system, while still challenging injustice.

This year, the world lost another giant in the fight for equal rights with the death of Nelson Mandela. Here in Austin, we mourned two local and beloved community leaders, Willie Mae Kirk and pastor Marvin Griffin, who led Ebenezer Baptist Church and was the first African American elected to serve as president of the AISD Board of Trustees beginning in 1978. As I watched the worldwide tributes to Mandela, and the outpouring of love in our city for Mrs. Kirk, and Mr. Griffin, I was so moved by the difference one courageous individual can make in the lives of so many, either on the world stage or in own communities.

In December, I was awarded the 2013 DeWitty/Overton Freedom Award by the NAACP for my commitment to civil rights and social justice. In our academic and facilities work, our district has made strides in alleviating overcrowding, expanding opportunities, and strengthening academic offerings in parts of town that often have been neglected. This I believe Dr. King would be proud of. And we cannot listen to those who say that these changes can wait until next year, or the year after that. Because, every year we wait to make a decision, more students will not graduate, and we will have failed to do our job of preparing all students to take advantage of the opportunities before them.

Here in Austin, Dr. King’s dream was shared by many African American educators, community leaders and political leaders for whom some of our schools are named: Akins High School, educator Charles Akins; Anderson High School, educator L.C. Anderson; Blackshear Elementary, educator E. L. Blackshear; Campbell Elementary, educator Lee Lewis Campbell; Hart Elementary, educator and trustee Bernice Hart; Jordan Elementary, Congresswoman Barbara Jordan; Kealing Middle School, educator Hightower Theodore Kealing; Norman Elementary, educator G.W. Norman; Overton Elementary, community leader Volma Overton; Sims Elementary, educator Mary Jane Sims; and The Delco Activity Center, named for Exalton and Wilhelmina Delco, a former trustee and political leader.

In spite of the work and contributions of these and so many other courageous individuals, fifty years after Dr. King blazed the trail, we still haven’t reached our destination. Dr. King’s life, his message, and the changes for which he fought so hard still challenge us today.

Dr. King said “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character, that is the goal of true education.” In our work in public education, we have a unique opportunity and a particular responsibility for making progress towards realizing Dr. King’s dream of equal access and opportunity for all Americans. Our job is to

ensure that every student in AISD receives a quality education, regardless of  skin color or zip code. We’re not there yet, but there are concrete signs of progress:

AISD’s most vulnerable student groups have seen increased achievement. In particular African-American, Hispanic and economically disadvantaged students have made gains—from increasing attendance and graduation rates, performance on state assessments, school ratings, college readiness and post-secondary enrollment to decreasing dropout rates and disciplinary referrals.

Graduation rates have increased by 13.9 percentage points to 79.6 percent for African-American students; by 14.7 percentage points to 78.6 percent for Hispanic students; and by 17.7 percentage points to 78.9 for economically disadvantaged students. And, dropout rates have declined by several percentage points.

During the past four years, AISD also has decreased discretionary removals for African-American, Hispanic and economically disadvantaged students by between 76 and 81 percent at the high school level.

So in AISD, I believe we do honor the legacy of Dr. King. I invite you to join me in embracing his ideals. Whatever you do to support our students and schools makes a difference in their lives, and of that I believe Dr. King would be proud.

AISD Photo

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a s i a n a u s t i n

Jim Yatsu has been actively involved in the Asian American community and broader Austin community through his work with the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, Keep Austin Beautiful, Tokyo Electron and the Japanese American community.

As the Director of International Supplier Relations at Tokyo Electron America, Inc., Yatsu is responsible for the global initiatives in the Supply Chain Solutions within Tokyo Electron group worldwide.

Yatsu graduated from International Christian University in Tokyo in 1982 with a B.A. degree in French Language. He joined Tokyo Electron Limited (TEL) following graduation, and held a variety of management positions from Administration to Sales and Field Engineering. His first assignment in the U.S. was in Mountain View, California and in 1997, he transferred to TEL’s U.S. Headquarters in Austin.

Yatsu served on the board of Keep Austin Beautiful, a non-profit organization that empowers the citizens of Greater Austin for environmental stewardship, from 2003-2013 and as Board President in 2007. He also served Chairman of the Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce from 2009-2012 before the merger with Austin Asian American Chamber of Commerce to form the GAACC.

He has been a longtime volunteer for Keep Austin Beautiful’s Adopt-a-Street and Annual Clean Sweep, Meals-on-Wheels, and Austin Resource Center for Homeless as a member of the corporate volunteer team.

At the annual KAB luncheon in December 2013,

Yatsu received the “Distinguished Board Leadership Award.” “Keep Austin Beautiful has been one of my passion for a long time. After serving on the board for 10 years, I decided to step down to make room for younger people. I was so grateful for KAB board to remember me and gave me such a nice award after almost a year since I stepped down,” Yatsu said.

Asian Austin (AA): Did you know what you wanted to do with your life or did it just happen?

Jim Yatsu (JY): No, I didn’t. It just happened. When I was much younger, I never thought I would be doing what I am doing now. I now enjoy meeting and talking with people. Meeting someone new is never a waste of time because I gain some new insights. When I was a child, I wanted to be an astronomer. I wanted to find out the wonders of the universe. I’d rather spend time in Observatory and watching and taking pictures of the stars than meeting people, because I thought I was shy.

AA: What was your attraction to your vocation? What drew you to do the work you do?

JY: By the time I entered college, I was fully aware that becoming an astronomer was totally an unrealistic dream for me. I was interested in doing international business or international cultural exchange. In fact, the school I went to was International Christian University, which has this “I” in its name. I decided to apply for Tokyo Electron that had much to do with technology and international business. I have worked for the same company for over 30 years now and most of the time during this 30+ years I worked together with my counterparts in all the global regions, serving as an “ambassador” within the same company

group to bridge the gap and work in harmony, in a sense.

AA: How did you first get involved with the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce? Why is this work important to you?

JY: One of my co-workers used to serve on the board of directors of the Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce (TACC), one of the two predecessor organizations of GAACC. When he returned to Japan, I was asked to replace him on the board in 2005. As an individual, what you can do is very limited. Business is the same. When you are a start-up or a small business owner, you can do so much. However, when we are all connected and work together, we can accomplish amazing things. GAACC provides such connection as well as advocacy and education to empower individuals and businesses in the community. I am proud to be part of that connection.

AA: What does the American Dream mean to you?

JY: To me it is the spirit of self-help for a better life through healthy competition. Coming from Japan, where a harmony is (still) more emphasized as a social norm explicitly or implicitly, I strongly feel it is a healthy society where you can achieve more through hard work and innovation.

AA: Is there anything particular about Austin that inspires you?

JY: When I came to Austin about 16 years ago, one of the first things I noticed was the diverse ethnic background of students at a school where my boys attended. Many Central and South Americans, Europeans and Asians were at school largely due to UT’s presence. Combined with the

existence of technology companies in the area, I felt the top management of our company made the right decision to have the US headquarters here in Austin. Without the US headquarters of our company, I wouldn’t be here.

AA: Asian Americans are becoming a powerful force in Austin economically, culturally, politically and otherwise. How do you see Asian Americans fitting into the larger Austin culture and community?

JY: Asian covers such a large part of the world, and it is so diverse. We cannot describe all the Asian Americans in the same context. At the same time, Asians in Austin are working together for the betterment of Asian American and Greater Austin community at large in harmony. I am confident that this trend of harmony will continue thanks to the efforts of many active and respected community leaders in town.

AA: How has the Japanese American community changed, if at all, since you first came to Austin. Has it grown, do you see more activity, etc.? Just as an example, there seems to be a lot more Japanese restaurants in Austin now.

JY: It seems there has not been much change in the Japanese or Japanese American community. (Besides, Japanese and Japanese Americans (especially older generations) are not that connected compared to other ethnic groups, I think). However, thanks to very active Japan-American Society of Greater Austin and several other younger community members who are very active and the acceptance of more Japanese food and culture, I see a lot more activities. I love the Ramen shops, personally.

AA: What do you consider the most important cultural value for you and for those close to you?

JY: Be a good citizen, respectful and be kind to others, especially to elderly people.

AA: Anything else you’d like to share?

JY: I did not choose to come to Austin myself. But we were very fortunate the company sent me here in Austin and grateful for the warm welcome Austin gave to me and my family. Both my boys consider Austin their home. Therefore we wanted to pay back to the community._______________________________________________________________

Asian Austin at www.AsianAustin.com is an online news source featuring news about Asian American people, organizations and events in Austin. Visit the Asian Austin website and “Like” us on Facebook for calendar and event details! Contact publisher Yvonne Lim Wilson at yvonne@asianaustin.com.

Asian Austin newsAsian American Resource center

The Love of China School of Dance Chinese New Year Festival is Saturday, Feb. 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at AARC (8401 Cameron Road). With the Love of China dancers, Ballet Folklorio, Natyanjali Dance and Summitt Lion Dance, delicious food and crafts. Free.

AARC’s Senior Tea & Recreation Social begins on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Join us for a variety of teas and coffee every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning. The center is also equipped with a ping pong table, games, and an arts and crafts room.

UT center for Asian American studies

The “Transcultural Lenses on Islam” symposium on Friday, Feb.7, (SAC 3.112 Balcony Room B, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) brings together six eminent scholars to ask how Islam translates across cultures and geographies. Learn more at www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/rs/events/29695

Discover your Inner Leader at the free LAUNCH Leadership Conference on Saturday, Feb. 15 in the Texas Union. Register by Saturday, Feb. 1 at  launchconference.org. Use the Gallup StrengthsQuest model to develop unique leadership styles.

Greater Austin Asian chamber of commerce

Rodney Klein of the Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission will be sharing an overview of the EEOC, its processes and how to avoid discrimination in hiring, discipline and

discharge at “Lunch and Learn - Unconscious

Bias,” on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 12-1 p.m. at 8001

Centre Park Drive.

Texas Global Business Summit takes place at

AARC on Wednesday, Feb. 26. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. With

classes on international marketing, penetrating

the European Union and afternoon Asia Business

Summit on the Trans Pacific Partnership

Agreement. Reception and mixer follows from

6-8 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Hotel (6121 N. IH-35).

Asian Austin’s A-List

Jim YatsuBy Yvonne Lim Wilson

Mexican Revolution. Their political resistance publications, such as Regeneración and El Hijo del Ahuizote, used political caricatures and analysis to critique the Mexican government. The publications’ content led to several arrests for insulting the Mexican government, and in 1903, the Flores Magón brothers sought exile in the Unites States in Texas, and later, Missouri,

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MExIC-ARTE MUSEUM:

Illustrating Anarchy and RevolutionMexic-Arte Museum’s new exhibit, “Illustrating Anarchy and Revolution,” evolved from a partnership between the La Casa de El Hijo del Ahuizote Museum and The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Mexican American Studies academic conference, “Illustrating Anarchy and Revolution: Mexican Global Legacies of Change.”  This survey exhibition extends the conference’s thematic analysis of Mexico’s Flores Magón brothers’ anarchist legacies and presents associated sociopolitical art and ephemera referencing social, agrarian, and labor movements of the 20th and 21st centuries. The exhibit, which runs through Feb. 28, features works from the permanent collection and invited artists. 

Featured Artists include Jesus Barraza, Nao Bustamente, Sam Durant, Eric Garcia, Astrid Hadad, Ester Hernandez, Julio Salgado, Ernesto Yerena Montejano, and works from the Mexic-Arte Museum Permanent Collection.

The Flores Magón brothers, Ricardo and Enrique, were critical leaders leading up to the 1910

and actress. She is famous for her elaborate

costumes and reinterpretations of folk,

ranchera music, bolero, cumbia, and other

musical genres. With a whimsical take on

Mexican history and iconography, Hadad has

written, produced, managed, and promoted

her own work, establishing audiences

throughout Mexico, the U.S., Europe, Australia,

Canada, and Latin America. 

 

The opening reception for the exhibit is Feb. 7,

6-9 p.m. For more information call 512-480-

9373.

California, and Canada. While in the U.S. the Flores Magón brothers continued publication of their political publications, and in 1905 create the Junta Organizadora del Partido Liberal Mexicano (Organizing Board of the Mexican Liberal Party). The Flores Magón Brothers were repeatedly arrested in the U.S. and were eventually found guilty of charges violating the US neutrality laws and Espionage Act of 1917. In 1922, Ricardo Flores Magón dies under questionable circumstances at Leavenworth Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Another featured artist, Astrid Hadad, is a world-renowned performance artist, singer,

artist (if available) and added to the City Hall

permanent collection. Voting is open during

the entire exhibit year; instructions are in the

exhibition guides available on the 1st & 2nd

floors; ballots are in the 2nd floor lobby. Please

visit the exhibition before submitting your final

vote. Look for more details on this month’s

free reception at austintexas.gov/department/

peoples-gallery

People’s Gallery marks 10 yearsAustin’s 2014 People’s Gallery exhibition is celebrating 10 years of art at City Hall this month with an open reception and anniversary celebration Friday, Feb. 28, 6-9 p.m. at 301 W. 2nd Street.

The People’s Gallery exhibition features artworks from Austin-area artists, galleries, museums, and arts organizations displayed throughout the first three floors of City Hall. The 2014 exhibition will feature special tributes to the artists who have exhibited there, past and present.

The People’s Choice award ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers. For the first time, organizers are extending the party out to City Hall Plaza with music and food. You can vote for The People’s Choice, an artwork that will be purchased from the

and will be spinning the sounds for the night.

Indian cuisine will be served in a three-course table presentation by Biryani Pot. Live entertainment will be provided by the Mayur Dance Team, Round Rock Ballet Folkorico and Austin’s professional Bollywood singer, Vaishali Tendolkar. A Bollywood photo booth will be available for guests and the night will end with an open dance floor for attendees to try out some Bollywood moves.

Founded in 2012, Monsoon Dance is committed to presenting and teaching Indian Dance forms in the Greater Austin area and supporting local charity organizations through the spirit of dance and performance. Tickets can be purchased at www.monsoondance.com/bollywood-date.

‘date with bollywood’ on Valentine’s dayBy shruti Anand

Bollywood is known for its upbeat music and high-energy dances, but little is known about the fairy-tale romance presented in Bollywood movies underlying all the music and dancing. The Austin-based outfit, Monsoon Dance, aims to educate the locals with its first “Date with Bollywood” production to the Westin Austin Ballroom at the Domain, Feb. 14 at 7 p.m.

“We want Austin to experience the larger than life romance of Bollywood movies and what better occasion to do this than Valentine’s Day,” said Monsoon Dance event manager, Ramya Naik, who acts as the visionary of the event.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to Growing Roots, an organization whose mission is to empower families of children with special needs through hands-on information, resources and support. “Maria Hernandez (founder of Growing Roots) is dedicated to serving our community and she facilitates this unique support system with the most optimal use of all resources at hand,” stated DJ Dan Singh, who volunteers for Growing Roots

El Hijo del Ahuizote

Eric J. García’s “Uncle Sam’s White Wash”

Chrys Grummert “Argyle”

KLRU celebrates Black History Month with stories made in Austin and about Austin.

KLRU offers more programming focusing on the African American experience, for a complete list of Black History Month shows go to klru.org.

Also This Month

Arts In Context: Reason to Dance

Blackademics TV

Austin Revealed: Civil Rights Stories

Thursday, February 27 at 9pm

As a mother, teacher and dancer, China Smith is on a quest to spread awareness about the mixed nature and diversity of the African diaspora through contemporary dance.

Sundays at 1:30 pm starting February 2

Each weekly program features top Black Studies scholars from the University of Texas speaking on projects and research focused on education, performance and youth empowerment.

Watch online at klru.org

This online series presents Austin’s civil rights history told through first person interviews, exploring issues of gentrification and education.

KLRU-TV, Austin PBS broadcast 18.1, cable 9 klru.org

American Masters Alice Walker: Beauty In TruthMost famous for her seminal novel “The Color Purple,” writer / activist Alice Walker celebrates her 70th birthday. The first African-American woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for Literature, her dramatic life is told through interviews with Steven Spielberg, Danny Glover, Quincy Jones, Gloria Steinem, Sapphire, and more.

Friday, February 7 at 8 pm

The MarchWitness the compelling and dramatic story of the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King gave his stirring “I Have a Dream” speech. The film reveals the dramatic story behind the event through the remem-brances of key players.

Thursday, February 6 at 9 pm and Monday, February 10 at 10 pm

Community Cinema Screening The Trial of Muhammad Ali 3/4The Trials of Muhammad Ali covers the famed boxer’s toughest bout of all: his battle to overturn the five-year prison sentence he received for refusing U.S. military service. Free screening.

March 4 at 7 pm at the Austin Public Library Windsor Park Branch Library (5833 Westminster Dr.)

TODO AusTin // FEB 2014 // TODOAusTin.cOM 09

While African Americans comprise only 8 percent of Austin’s population, a number of notable individuals have taken authortative positions in industry and government. From the University of Texas’ new head football coach, Charlie Strong, to Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Natalie Madeira Cofield, Austin’s African American professionals

are building a new standard as communities of color become more socially relevant. Just a few of these individuals are highlighted on this month’s cover and below.

Little has changed since the City of Austin’s African American Quality of Life Initiative revealed in 2005 that black Austinites lacked several of the social opportunities enjoyed by Anglos (and to a much

lesser extent, Hispanics). Voices continue to rise from various quarters criticizing the city’s painful lack of diversity, one being former Austin American-Statesman staffer Joshunda Sanders, who recently wrote upon her exit that Austinities still have a “smug attachment to the story its residents prefer to tell about how free from prejudice it is ... desiring inclusion is not the same as actively creating it,

which is what makes Austin exhausting for black people.”

The events listed here celebrating Black History Month provide Austin residents of every ethnic demographic an opportunity to engage African American culture and heritage on more than a superficial level. It might be a small step, but it’s the progressive thing to do.

Monica “dr. Moe” Anderson, a noted author, motivational speaker and dentist, launched Austin’s Black Newcomers Association in 2010 to help civic-minded Austinites become aware of community resources and opportunities for community service.

natalie Madeira cofield currently serves as the President & CEO of the Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce. Her expertise in millennial diversity, corporate diversity, entrepreneurship and economic development has raised her profile nationally.

sterlin McGruder is the principal of the new Single-Sex School for Young Men for District 1 in Northeast Austin. He brings 11 years of administrative experience to his new position. As principal, he has created a culture focused on college readiness and leadership.

James nortey, a rising star in local public affairs, is an Associate in the Public Law section of Andrews Kurth, LLP in Austin. He’s engaged in numerous professional and community organizations, including various municipal boards and commissions.

china smith, founder and Executive Artistic Director at Ballet Afrique, educates and inspires through dance. The company employs a synthesis of ballet and modern blended with Afrocentric undertones, with a focus of giving children from all backgrounds access to dance.

Celebrate blaCk HistorY MontH:

new Leadership Lays claim to a black Market // By Gavin Lance Garcia

bLAcK HIsToRY MonTH eVenTs In AUsTIn

‘eyes on the Prize: the Promised Land’

On Thursday, Feb. 6, from 6-8:30 p.m., the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center (1165 Angelina St.) will be screening “Eyes on the Prize: the Promised Land” followed by discussion facilitated by the film’s director and writer, Dr. Paul Stekler. This episode of Eyes on the Prize focuses on the final year of Dr. King’s life. In the final year of Martin Luther King’s life, the movement turned its attention to the economic issues confronting the nation and the rumblings of a far off war in Vietnam. Moved by the increasing level of poverty, Dr. King and his staff began to organize a Poor People’s Campaign. In the midst of organizing the campaign, Dr. King was called away to help black sanitation workers on strike in Memphis, where he was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

‘Hoodwinked’

“Hoodwinked (Dispelling Myths about Blacks in America) is a searing documentary examining the role that myths, stereotypes and misrepresentations have played in the lives of the modern era African-American. The film features commentary and insights from key black leaders, activists and educators such as Dr. Steve Perry (CNN), Dr. Marc Lamont Hill (FOx & BET), Dr. Boyce Watkins, Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu and Dr. Ivory Toldson. A screening and discussion is Friday, Feb. 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Carver Carver Museum and Cultural Center.

Special featured guest will be Janks Morton, acclaimed minority education advocate and award-winning documentarian, with a special showing of the Best Documentary of 2007. For more information, call 512-797-6989

black banner day

The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center presents “Black Banner Day” on Friday, Feb. 7, from 6–8:30 p.m. The community is invited to participate in the ceremony at the center to herald in 2014 Black History Month. The new banner is unveiled at the front of the building in conjunction with this year’s theme: Civil Rights in America. Keynote speaker for the ceremony will be Jim Harrington, Texas Civil Rights Project Director and attorney.

UT Jazz orchestra

The UT Jazz Orchestra will be performing on Saturday, Feb. 8 in Bates Recital Hall as part of the annual Black History Month Concert. The ensemble will perform works of Duke Ellington, Oliver Nelson, Thad Jones, Charles Mingus, and John Clayton. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

nFbPA Looking onward and Upward

National Foreum for Black Public Administration and the Carver Museum and Cultural Center present “Looking Onward and Upward: Honoring the Civil Rights Act” on Thursday, Feb. 13, 6-9 p.m. The free event includes a short program with Dr. Edmund T. Gordon, Chair and Associate Professor of African and African Dispora Studies, UT-Austin. Live entertainment,

networking,, cash bar, hor d’oeuvres, followed by a sneak preview of the stage play “Picking Up the Pieces” by Jeanette W. Hill.

African American community Heritage Festival

The 15th annual Austin Heritage Festival is Saturday, Feb. 22,1-5 p.m. at Huston-Tillotson University (900 East Chicon Street). Now in its 15th year, the event will feature the irresistible sounds of the former lead R&B singer of Shalamar and successful Billboard chart soloist, Howard Hewett. Festivities include a bike ride, music, arts, crafts, a health fair, food and fun. The festival began in 2000, founded by State Representative Dawnna Dukes, who envisioned a family-friendly community celebration noting the contributions and achievements of African Americans. The former Boyd Vance, founder of Pro Arts Collective, joined her in this vision, which is now partnering with Women in Jazz, Mayor Pro-Tem Sheryl Cole, the City of Austin, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and Huston-Tillotson University to continue the tradition of celebrating Austin’s rich cultural history and diversity during Black History Month.

Austin Trailblazers brunch

On Saturday, Feb. 22, the Black Austin Democrats Political Action Committee is hosting the Austin Trailblazers Awards. They’re bringing veteran Democratic politico Donna Brazile to fire up the base. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at The Westin at The Domain, 11301 Domain Drive. The group is honoring Austin Trailblazers attorney

Machree Gibson, Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole, school board member Cheryl Bradley, and journalist Alberta Phillips Bledsoe. Funds raised will be used to increase canvassing and GOTV efforts in Travis County.

HTU blues and Jazz Valentine’s dance

Musicians and dancers will perform at Huston-Tillotson University’s Alumni Association Austin Chapter’s 26th Annual Blues and Jazz Fundraiser—A Valentine’s Day Dance—Sunday, Feb. 23, 4-8 p.m. at the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex (1156 Hargrave Street).  This year’s program features a special tribute to the late Volma Overton, one of this country’s most esteemed dancing activists, in addition to a dazzling array of blues and jazz musicians such as James Polk, Pam Hart, HT Elite Combo, Hot Wax, and the Austin Community College “Big Band.” The Step N Motion group will perform dances from the 1940s-1990s such as hop, swing, and stroll combinations with guests invited to wear their favorite era attire as they hit the dance floor. Tickets at Eventbrite.com, $25 pre sale; $30 at the door. For more information, call 512-472-6932.

‘Keys of Life’ black composers concert

George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center presents “Keys of Life Black Composers’ Recital,” featuring the music of Motown, Sunday, Feb. 23, 3-5 p.m. Piano recital with reception immediately following.

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

TACO BAr

Good Times at Güero’s For great tunes and great rita’s! Please join us for live music on our outside jardin stage, every Thursday through Sunday.

ThankS To The fanS & bandS who SuPPorT uS!!!

february Line-up ouTdoor ShowS are “weaTher PermiTTing”- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -SaT 2/01 The PauLa maya band (2:30), Son de rey (6:30)Sun 2/02 The reCouPeraTorS (3:00)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - wed 2/05 radio Show (6:00)Thu 2/06 LoS fLameS (6:30)fri 2/07 The bob fuenTeS Show (6:30)SaT 2/08 aL dreSSen (2:30), The TeXaS TyCoonS (6:30)Sun 2/09 bLue miST (3:00)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - wed 2/12 radio Show (6:00)Thu 2/13 erin JaimeS (6:30)fri 2/14 The bob fuenTeS Show (6:30)SaT 2/15 gruPo ChinamPa (2:30), Tiburon (6:30)Sun 2/16 miTCh webb (3:00)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - wed 2/19 radio Show (6:00)Thu 2/20 The banZai ProJeCT (6:30)fri 2/21 The bob fuenTeS Show (6:30)SaT 2/22 Jim STringer (2:30), eVe monSeeS (6:30)Sun 2/23 ChiCken STruT (3:00)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - wed 2/26 radio Show (6:00)Thu 2/27 mike miLLigan (6:30)fri 2/28 The bob fuenTeS Show (6:30)

The Howlin’ LoboBy Lobo corona

Gloria Trevi, Julio Iglesias touch down at AcL Live

ACL Live is rolling out the red carpet for two Latin music superstars this spring, Gloria Trevi and Julio Iglesias. Scheduling such acts is a smart play by ACL Live booking agents and a great nod to the city’s changing demographic make-up. Diversity in music is always a good thing and we tip our hats to the folks at the venue. However, in a few cases, such shows face a challenge when they draw large amounts of patrons from the half-million Hispanics residing in Central Texas. There’s still hesitation by some Latinos to attend major concerts in Austin but things are headed in the right direction.

Gloria Trevi performs Saturday, Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m. For a quarter century, the avant-garde artist has been hailed as the “Mexican Madonna.” She’s came to symbolize the new generation of Mexico with the release of her first title, “Que hago aqui?” Trevi has covered 300 songs while leaving her mark on Latin music. Loved, admired, and respected today across borders, Trevi made another leap forward with her September 2013 album, “De Pelicula,” which, as always, challenges the accepted rules of Latin music with her boundless talent.

Julio Iglesias performs at ACL Live on April 1, as tickets go on sale January 31. The Prince of Romance is known for his smoldering voice and  global hits among his 80 albums released in 14 languages, “All the Girls I’ve Loved Before,” “Amor,” and “Begin the Beguine.”

Lobo’s bITes

Latin Worldbeat Party at one2one barWobeon’s Latin Music Worldbeat Party on Thursday, Feb. 6, at One2One Bar will feature several great Latin American artists who will share their music traditions with the U.S. (El Salvador, Colombia and Mexico). Mauricio Callejas will start the evening off, followed by Huerta Culture, with Kiko Villamizar closing the night. The evening starts at 7:30pm with a DJ-spun-international-grooves-mixer. Just $5.

Trio Los Vigilantes Valentine’s day concert Trio Los Vigilantes has been advancing the Latin trio tradition for the past 15 years. Harkening back to La Época de Oro in Latin film, music and theater, the group draws inspiration from Trio Los Panchos, Los Trés Ases, Los Trés Reyes, as well as neoclassical and impressionist composers such as Debussy and Vaughan Williams. Trio Los Vigilantes stands as torchbearers for this style of music, and this Valentine’s Day, Friday Feb. 14, 8 p.m., they will unveil a new vision - the Golden Age Orchestra, at Stateside at The Paramount. Instead of their regular string quartet, they will bring an entire chamber orchestra to the stage. Expect an evening of romantic vocal harmonies soaring over lush strings in a setting of nostalgia that only a historic theater like the State can provide.

sXsW at esb-MAccThis year’s official Bellas Artes Alliance SxSW showcase, “Pan Americana Festival,” features headlining acts Nortec Collective Presents: Bostich

+ Fussible (full band set) and Grammy nominated, Los Amigos Invisibles. Also, new this year is a BAA/ Universal Records collaboration to round out the line up with co-headlining and opening talent. The show is free to the public and accessible via shuttle bus from Sanchez Elementary, Martin Middle School and Fiesta Gardens.  Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15, 4 -11 p.m.

country Music FestivalStraight from the heart of Austin, the music of the iHeartRadio app will come to life with an extraordinary lineup including Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Eric Church, Lady Antebellum, Hunter Hayes, Carrie Underwood, Jake Owen and Dan + Shay, with more to be announced. The iHeartRadio Country Festival will be hosted by nationally-syndicated Country music personality Bobby Bones. Country music’s biggest superstars will hit the stage at the Frank Erwin Center on Saturday, March 29, to celebrate all things Country.

Texas Music Museum acquires Vose grand pianoTexas Music Museum of Austin received a donation of a Vose & Son Square Grand Piano recently. James Whiting Vose established the company in 1851 in Boston, which was full of craftsmen skilled in woodworking and piano building.

MAKInG TRAcKs

Gina chavez ‘up.rooted’ Release PartyAward-winning Austin singer/songwriter Gina Chavez will be throwing an official album release

Austin deejay R.J. Johnson rolls w/ changeBy Monica Peña

In high school, R.J. Johnson started going to Austin pawn shops looking for second hand mobile DJ equipment. “Some friends of mine at school happened to volunteer at my favorite radio station, KAZI 88.7 FM and so I asked them how I could get involved.”

That was 1984. Today, Johnson is the production manager at KAZI, handling an air shift every other Tuesday from 7-10 p.m., and runs Music4Life Media.

Born in Michigan, Johnson moved to Austin in 1981. In the years that followed he held roles as a professional life coach, trainer, producer, entrepreneur, musician, and audio engineer, assisting his clients in radio from making demos to looking for jobs, even help start stations.

After experiencing “workforce reduction”

with the State of Texas in 2005, Johnson took to spinning records as a vocation. “I decided to stay free and do what I always wanted to do,” said Johnson. “I am now in the process of launching my record label with my first single almost ready to be released.”

In his latest endeavor, Johnson has found an opportunity to work with music engineer, Steven Stanley. “He is one of my heroes,” explained Johnson. “I have been playing Stanley’s records for almost 30 years. I just love the sound of his mixes, he uses lots of effects and you can hear every instrument. He’s mixed almost all of the popular artists from Jamaica and I’m convinced he is a legend. I plan to go to Jamaica soon and work under him to help him expand his business and get the credit I think he deserves in the music industry.” 

Some challenges Johnson finds as a music entrepreneur specializing in international and pop music is keeping up with all of the demands of business. That and not working too hard. “You have to know sales, management, marketing and most of all just love people,” said

Johnson, who in 2006, took a class on entrepreneurship from a couple, Dana Minney and Sylvester Becker with Dana Lynn Media coaches. “I liked the class so much that I took it again and later also became a coach. I love to coach people so they can go for what they really want in life and business. A coach can give you feedback and then you decide what you want to do with it.”

Johnson enjoys the freedom to make his own schedule and traveling the world doing projects and speaking with other entrepreneurs such as those he met at the North Austin Influencers professional mixer in the Pearl Room of Blackfinn – The Ameripub on January 16. Other talents Johnson shares include recording for voice overs, music production, pod casting, and Web 2.0 consulting. His biggest triumph, though, was that “I beat cancer in 2007 and only missed one event while in treatment. Being in service for my clients is what got me through it. It really softened how I see the world. I just want to encourage everybody to follow their heart and passion. Whatever you love to do, somebody has a career doing that.”

sharon Jones & The dap Kings By Otis Lopez

Soul music veteran Sharon Jones went through a rough year of stops and starts in 2013 after being diagnosed with stage II pancreatic cancer. But after a successful operation and ongoing treatment, she’s back on stage strutting on the strength of the visceral rhythm of Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings’ highly anticipated fifth studio record, “Give the People What They Want.”

The lead singer and matriarch of the worlds’ #1 live soul act will appear at ACL Live on Wednesday, Feb. 26. The powerhouse band has claimed waves of admirers since 2010’s “I Learned the Hard Way” debuted at #16 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album chart, outselling its predecessor in only its first few months

For over a decade now, Jones and company have been largely responsible for spearheading a revivalist movement of 60s/70s–

era funk and soul music. “Give the People What They Want,” released on January 14, is poised to become not only an iconic album of a prolific band, but is vintage musical stew from the frontburner of old-school soul.

TODO AusTin // FEB 2014 // TODOAusTin.cOM 11

Bob Dylan once observed of Canada’s greatest singer-songwriter, Gordon Lightfoot, that when he heard one of his tunes he wished “it would last forever.” After 50 active years of hit song making and international album sales well into the multi-millions, the legendary artist is celebrating the milestone with a cross-country USA tour, “Gordon Lightfoot - 50 Years On The Carefree Highway,” that will visit ACL Live on Tue., Feb. 11.

Beginning in 1962 with the hit “(Remember Me) I’m the One,” Lightfoot’s recordings have charted internationally and won the admiration of numerous popular music legends, many of whom recorded his works, from Dylan and Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and Barbra Streisand. Most recently, Lightfoot was presented with the

Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Lightfoot’s song catalog is filled with sensitive, inventive storytelling, which combined with his beautiful voice, makes for immortal titles such as “Early Morning Rain,” “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Carefree Highway,” “Sundown,” “(That’s What You Get) For Lovin Me,” “The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald,” and “Rainy Day People,” to name a few.

The tour will feature his well-known hits as well as some deep album cuts for the die-hard fanatics, woven together with some of Lightfoot’s own behind the scenes stories and personal anecdotes taken from his 50-year musical career.

party and benefit concert on Saturday, Feb. 15 at Stateside at The Paramount for her new album “up.rooted.” With an all-star female lineup featuring indie-folk songstress, Amy Cook, and rising star, Emily Wolfe, the release party will benefit the Niña Arriba College Fund, an education fund that Chavez is building for impoverished young women in El Salvador. 

Doors are at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are $32 and can be purchased

via www.austintheatre.org

Ana Tijoux back with ‘Vengo’Ana Tijoux is back with a new album coming out

March 18. “Vengo” is the follow-up to Ana Tijoux’s

Grammy and Latin Grammy nominated sophomore

album “La Bala,” which was widely celebrated by

critics as one of the best albums of the year. Her new

single, “Vengo,” is available worlwide via iTunes. Tijoux

will perform this year at SxSW. 

Gordon Lightfoot celebrates 50thBy Mia Garcia

Gina Chavez

Ujima Magazine’s damita Miller-shanklinBy Monica Peña

Damita Miller-Shanklin is a native Austinite, born and raised, who over the last five years as founder and publisher of Ujima Magazine has helped promote positive images in the Black community. As Miller-Shanklin explains, the publication provides “resource information, collaborations and connections to help improve the lives of our readers.”

Miller-Shanklin is an individual who possesses unlimited energy that she uses to recognize and facilitate dialogue through Ujima Magazine, Ujima TV, KAZI FM 88.7 – where she acts as co-host of The Breakfast Club on Friday mornings – and also recently launched Ujima Sistah Radio Show on Blogtalk Radio.

The word Ujima is one of the seven Kwanza (an African American and Pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community, and culture) principles meaning collective work and responsibility. “The foundation of the magazine is to come together for a better community and be responsible for the future of it,” said Miller-Shanklin, a graduate of John H. Reagan High School in Northeast Austin. “We tell the stories of our ‘everyday’ hero. These individuals work to

inspire and give hope for a better future.”

A graduate from St. Edwards University with a B.A. in Social Work, Miller-Shanklin had a long career with Austin Travis County Integral Care where she served 17 years as a Service Coordinator and Service Coordinator Supervisor in the Developmental Disability Unit.

Through Ujima Magazine, Miller-Shanklin hopes the stories shared will be an influence for empowerment and inspiration. February and Black History Month offers her an annual opportunity to underscore her mission. “Black History Month is important to me because it allows for reflection upon the accomplishments and sacrifices that were made so I can be free today. Black history inspires me to document stories of people in our communities that continue the fight and struggle for equality, justice and inspiration.”

Miller-Shanklin will share more on the importance of Black History Month as highlighted member at this month’s North Austin Influencers professional mixer on Thursday, February 6, at Zed’s Restaurant. For more information and to register for the event, visit www.meetup.com/NORTH-AUSTIN-INFLUENCERS/. The monthly mixers welcome professionals from all areas of industry. The group is for individuals to continue learning in their profession or passions through connection building, self-improvement, using strategies for success, and experience sharing.

Tiny Taiga condensation

By Blake shanley

The sunshine feeds the seeds, which grow into

Tiny sprouts with roots.

And one day into soaring trees.

Whose strong fingers and arms spread open to

reveal to us its fruits.

Which explode into nourishment and life inside

our Tiny mouths.

After which our happiness and health can

abound.

In turn our magic alights and stars shoot wildly

across our spirit sky.

Binding us Tiny dancers in a fancy footwork

across this connected earth.

So that love can penetrate its layers so deeply

and completely.

That only the most vibrant of flowers push their

faces up to the clouds.

To smile their Tiny reverence at

The enormous shining sky.

star Jones in Austin to Keynote Go Red for Women LuncheonBy Lisa Rodríguez

The 2014 Go Red for Women luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at the AT& T Conference Center, will focus on three areas to support the fight against heart disease in women; heightening awareness of the issue, creating a passionate call-to-action, and generating funds to support education and research. This year’s keynote will be Emmy award nominated TV host, Star Jones.

Attorney, best-selling author, and former New York City homicide prosecutor, who worked in television for over 20 years, Jones has offered a fresh perspective to the day’s most talked about crime and justice, political and sociological issues from the worlds of news, entertainment, politics and pop culture.  Best known to television viewers for her candor, confidence and uncanny ability to clarify muddy legal and social issues, Jones can presently be seen on CNN as the go-to news and legal analyst for “Piers Morgan Live” and on NBC’s Today Show as the veteran legal analyst.

Heavily involved in numerous philanthropic efforts, Jones can now add survivor and heart health advocate to her impressive list of credentials. In 2010, Jones underwent successful open heart surgery and in 2011 was named the American Heart Association’s National Volunteer; utilizing her name, voice, time and international media platform to combat cardio-vascular

disease, the nations’ number one killer and champion Heart Health in America.

Forty-one million American women are living with cardiovascular disease, and more than 450,000 women die of cardiovascular disease annually. Heart disease is 80 percent preventable. The organization’s Together Go Red event intends to encourage women to make lifesaving lifestyle changes or learn how their family history plays a role in their ongoing health.

Join business women and men from local companies, grandmothers, aunts, mothers and daughters from all walks of life who will make up more than 400 women who will be wearing red and learning how to take charge of their heart health. Education – and action – can save mothers, best friends and sisters everywhere. For ticket and event information visit: austingored.heart.org or call American Heart Association office at 512-338-2422.

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own Your Value and earn Your WorthBy Monica Peña

Are you ready to put an end to the self-sabotaging behavior that is preventing you from reaching your true financial potential? On February 20, North Austin Influencers will host a professional development with Megan Tull to help attendees reveal their true value and potential.

Other areas that will be covered will be: learn how to share your gifts with the world and be generously rewarded for your service; discover a process that enables you to connect with your clients on a deeper level, allowing you to gain their trust and propel them to take action and commit to working with you; discover how you can finally have a healthy and empowering relationship with money; be guided through how you can create a clear vision for your optimal life and business, allowing you to live out your purpose.

Tull  is an entrepreneur success strategist, and an in-demand certified  business and life  coach, speaker  and transformational leader, CEO and founder of Silverlining Concepts, LLC and forthcoming author of “The Passion Belief Method – Own Your Value and Earn Your Worth.” She

offers a life changing message showing her clients how to create the income they desire while living an authentic joyful life based on balance and self-care.  Tull’s audiences walk away with valuable information, strategies and tools that they can utilize immediately to improve their business and personal relationships and business skills  and leadership skills; taking themselves and their business to the next level.

For more details, visit: www.meetup.com/NORTH-AUSTIN-INFLUENCERS. Lunch is provided. 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. $10 prepaid before 10 a.m. day of the event; $15 at the door.

c A R I d A d

cAsA(court Appointed special Advocates) of Travis county

VoLUnTeeR sPoTLIGHT

elizabeth Guleke, may have one of the most fun jobs in Austin. She’s the owner of Sno-Beach Austin, where the native Austinite worked all through high school and summers during college before buying the business. Prior to becoming a sno-cone professional, Elizabeth got her bachelor’s degree in Polymer and Textile Chemistry from Clemson University. When not working, she loves being outdoors and especially spending time at the park with her dog, an English Mastiff that weighs 140 pounds. Elizabeth originally volunteered at Helping Hand Home where she developed a strong interest in helping kids in the child welfare system. Becoming a CASA volunteer was the perfect next step. “Having to be in court and deal with attorneys and judges has really built up my

confidence and public speaking ability,” says Elizabeth. “You’re starting off a relationship with a kid who may be sick of people coming into their life and telling them what’s best for them. The moment when everything changes and the kid accepts you – invites you to an honor roll lunch or Christmas play – and the feeling you’re really a part of their life is overwhelming. Seeing a kid do a complete 180 with our relationship, with their behavior, with everything going on in their life … that’s the most powerful thing.”

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If you’re like me, you like to get the

heck out of Dodge whenever the urge

strikes you. So this Valentine’s Day or

Spring Break, why not jump in your car

and travel! For all you adventure lovers

out there, head on down the road

to Corpus, San Antonio, Glen Rose,

Houston, etc. Here are some places to

stay with your Valentine.

TARPon Inn

The Tarpon Inn in Port Aransas is a great place that is spanking clean and free from telephones and the tube. It is in walking distance to restaurants and shops. After a long day at the beach, sit a spell in the rocker outside your room and listen to the seagulls. For dinner, dine at the Roosevelt Room for a gourmet meal that is fit for a king. The food may as well be from a fancy restaurant in a big city. At the pool, you will feel like you have flown to some tropical island far away. This is one place I stay at time & time again. www.thetarponinn.com

AnTHonY’s bY THe seAThis place is like your home away from home in Rockport. The two women that own it will make you feel right at ease with their yummy breakfast around a large dining room table in front of a sunlit window. You can’t go wrong with Anthony’s for a cozy, intimate wedding. This place is not far from the town for a day of shopping. Ask the sweet owners about preparing your romantic dinner for two complete with champagne. www.anthonysbythesea.com

seAsHeLL VILLAGe

Here’s a place to stay for pet owners in Port Aransas. The place has a little yard right outside your door. No need to walk the dog miles away in the dark at this retreat. This resort is sparkling clean and has nice fully stocked kitchens. Travelers are in walking distance to shops and restaurants, as well, so you won’t want to leave this place. Make this your headquarters when away from home. www.seashellvillage.com

HoLIdAY Inn sUnsPRee ResoRTsIf you like a view of the ocean, this is your resort to visit. Enjoy any meal at the Jolly Pelican Restaurant with a terrific view of the Gulf. Dive into the pool or sit in the sauna or hot tub. Parents can enjoy the gym while the kids play on the playground. www.holidayinn.com

HoLIdAY Inn eXPRess & sUITesCan you imagine being 1.5 blocks from the warm sand and water? Well don’t imagine, head to this hotel in Corpus Christi. Eat breakfast at the hot breakfast bar daily. Kids will enjoy the kiddie pool. Guests are not far from Mustang Island, either. You can never go wrong with Holiday Inn. www.hiexpressporta.com

besT WesTeRn oceAn VILLADine on a full complimentary breakfast at the Ocean Villa, daily. Stroll on over to the beach only three blocks away each morning. Swim in the pool while the kids play in the game room. For all you fishermen, you’re only minutes from fishing charters. No need to hop in the car, just walk on over to shops, restaurants, and snow cone stands. www.bestwestern.com/oceanvilla

AMeLIA’s LAndInG HoTeLEach room is a different era of aviation history and a complimentary breakfast is delivered each morning to your door. Take a dive in the pool or hot tub. If you are on business, work from your comfy bed with free Wi-Fi. Amelia’s is another squeaky clean hotel in my book. www.ameliaslanding.com

coMFoRT sUITesFor a very comfortable stay do what I do and stay at Comfort Suites in Corpus. Guests enjoy an ocean view balcony and a free full, hot breakfast. Take advantage of the business center, pool, fully-equipped kitchens, etc. The suites are always comfortable and clean. www.choicehotels.com

LA MAIson In MIdToWn

This urban bed and breakfast in central Houston is your escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. After a heavenly night at this B&B you won’t want to stay at any ordinary hotel ever again. This B&B is luxurious and very modern, yet upscale. Somehow you feel like you are in a lavish hotel in New York City but you’re in Texas. Guests can enjoy the afternoon happy hour and a delicious breakfast daily. www.lamaisonmidtown.com

Inn on THe RIVeR

If you want to go on a safari to Fossil Rim, then reserve a night at Inn on the River in Glen Rose. For lunch or dinner, dine at the Riverhouse Grill. The food is exquisite and not far from the heavenly Inn. Swim in the private pool or bask in the sun on the hill. This lovely inn serves both breakfast and dinner. I highly recommend this Inn for anyone heading to Glen Rose for an African/Texas safari. www.innontheriver.com, www.fossilrim.org

sAn AnTonIo boTAnIcAL GARdens

If you are traveling back towards Austin, first stop on over in San Antonio and don’t just buy your Valentine flowers, take her to see some of the most beautiful florae at Botanical Gardens.  The garden is a 38-acre urban oasis. See the array of beautiful colors, explore the exotic plants and hike along the Texas native trail. For lunch, dine at Ann Marie’s Carriage House & Bistro. Choose from salads, sandwiches, quiche, soups and yummy desserts. www.sabot.org

eL TRoPIcAnoFor a real Latin lovers vacation, spend the night at El Tropicano on the Riverwalk.  Once inside, the lobby you are greeted by the sounds of Latin Salsa sounding music. The hotel offers great breakfast buffets and a wonderful coffee bar for your afternoon pick me up. The hotel is also in walking distance to downtown. Swim in the pool or work out in the fitness center. This hotel is a favorite of mine time and time again. The service is stupendous and it is another old faithful in my book. So this Valentine’s Day spend the evening with your love at this haven. www.holidayinn.com/eltropicano

LUcIAno’sFor a romantic Valentine dinner while in San Antonio, eat at Luciano’s on the Riverwalk. Luciano’s is like no other restaurant on the river. With all the gorgeous archways and columns you will feel like you have left Texas. The food is really Italian and owned by real Italians. I know, I am Italian. I have been eating at Luciano’s in the mall and now on the river for years. The restaurant has been earned awards for the best Italian food in the Alamo City. Once you try the food you may find yourself driving to San Antonio just to eat there every chance you get. The owners make you feel like family. www.lucianorestaurants.com

THe PoMeGRAnATeIf you like fancy cafes, then this restaurant will be sure to delight all your senses. Choose from one of the healthy salads, quiche, crab cakes, crepes or soups. Desserts are so good you could go back just for seconds. Try the Creme Brulee, Banana Fosters, or Strawberry Shortcake. I can’t wait for my birthday to return here. The cafe is located in the shops at Artisan Alley. thepomegranatesA.com

Now if you are back in Austin, or never left, and you’re looking for something to do with your Valentine, try some of these places for a night of fun: ACL Live for a concert you won’t forget. Many locals have yet to venture into the building but February is a good month to make the trek. I’ll always remember seeing Gladys Knight and Earth Wind & Fire. If a smaller show is more your style, head to the City Theater, Paradox Players, or spend the evening at a concert put on by the Balcones Community Orchestra. Don’t let this Valentine’s Day go by and not do something special whether it’s in town or out of town. It’s only once a year for goodness sakes, so don’t be cheap and just buy an ordinary tiny box of chocolate (especially the ones with just four pieces in it). Who wants that? If that’s all you have to offer, you won’t be my Valentine, that’s for sure. And for the singles, don’t forget that you can be your own Valentine and have fun doing nothing by yourself.

Valentine’s day excursionsBy Rose Di Grazia

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the Glass ProjectL o n G c e n T e R d e L L H A L L

By caitlin Moore

This month Ballet Austin presents “The Glass Project,” Artistic Director Stephen Mills’ third composer-inspired production following “The Bach Project” (2010) and “The Mozart Project” (2011). Focusing on three pieces written by revered and prolific composer Philip Glass, the program has been much anticipated by dance and modern music lovers alike.

The featured works of “The Glass Project” include “Angel of My Nature,” “Liminal Glam” and “CARBON53”; all are original works choreographed by Mills. “Angel of My Nature” combines the music of Glass and Johann Sebastian Bach and was first performed by Ballet Austin in 2010’s “Truth and Beauty/The Bach Project.” “Liminal Glam” premiered on the Austin stage in 2008, and this will be the world premiere of “CARBON53.”

Mills, who considers Glass to be a Classicist rather than a minimalist (as he’s often described), finds inspiration in the composer’s “rhythmic, pulsating, anxious and hopeful” world view. Known for his operas, symphonies, film scores, solo works, and his work in the Philip Glass Ensemble, which he founded, Glass is one of the most well-known and influential composers working today.

In his previous composer-centric projects, Mills found ways to highlight the strengths and beauty of often well-known musical creations through modern stagings and physical movement. Using an organic creative process that relies on input from the musicians and dancers involved, these past works have been stark, moving, and impressive. If Mills brings as much passion and intellect to the stage with “The Glass Project,” this experience is sure to be a memorable one, as well.

“The Glass Project” will take place Feb. 14, 15 and 16. Tickets range from $12 to $75 and are available at balletaustin.org.

bridGe2bridGeFrom Montopolis bridge to 360 bridge, everything Austin

Andrea Ariel Dance Theatre presents “The bowie Project,” a rock & roll soundpainting experience and look at identity through the music of David Bowie, Jan. 30-Feb. 2, at Stateside at the Paramount. The show explores this theme in an experimental mash-up of live music (with Super Creeps), theater and dance, creating an exciting, unpredictable theatrical and musical experience. austintheatre.org

The Blanton Museum of Art is currently exhibiting a selection of objects that illuminate the lifestyle, technological achievements and ideology of pre-Inka cultures among the coastal Andes of South America. “between Mountains and sea: Arts of the Ancient Andes” features 80 extraordinary works, ranging from intricately woven textiles to painted ceramic vessels and modeled effigies. blantonmuseum.org

Direct from China, the astounding Peking Acrobats have been thrilling audiences around the world with their breathtaking, gravity-defying showmanship. Rooted in ancient Chinese traditions, yet totally mesmerizing to contemporary audiences, their spectacular routines are guaranteed to thrill audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Sunday, Feb. 9, 3 p.m. in Dell Hall. thelongcenter.org The National Theatre of Scotland’s “The strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart” promises an evening of anarchic theatre, live music, and strange goings-on, Feb. 11-15, at Bass Concert Hall. Indulge in magical moments, devilish encounters, wittily wild karaoke, supernatural storytelling, music and theatre inspired by Border Ballads, Robert Burns, and the poems of Robert Service. texasperformingarts.org Austin Shakespeare presents “othello,” Feb. 13-Mar. 1, in the Long Center’s Rollins Studio Theatre. It’s the tale of a hero lured into jealousy by doubts, manipulated by perhaps the greatest villain in the Shakespeare canon: Iago. Discover a war hero in love with a young admirer, Desdemona. See how Lago, step by step, tricks all those who surround him to trap Othello. thelongcenter.org

cirque de L’amour II fills Marchesa Hall & Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m.-4 a.m., with the psychedelic downtempo, Psybient music project, Shpongle, Quixotic Fusion (dance, aerial acrobatics, projection mapping, high fashion, live music), the live electronics and violin of Govinda Music and the sounds of Mochipet. Plus Cirque performances, live art installations and more. loop1music.com

West by West campus, Feb. 22-23, is a throwback to a time when Austin’s music and film communities mind-melded with students in the university district. Today, four stages showcase local music at a slew of student housing co-operatives around 21st and Rio Grande streets. 21st Street Co-op acts as home base, with Eden House, French House and Marjorie~Daw also playing host. westbywestcampus.com

c e L e b R A T I n G d I V e R s I T Y

c H I n e s e L U n A R n e W Y e A R

c H I n A T o W n c e n T e R

Chinatown Center is proud to celebrate Chinese New Year - The Year of the Horse on Sunday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., at 10901 N. Lamar Blvd.

The event is sponsored by Greater Austin Area McDonald’s and MT Supermarket. Festivities will include family friendly fun, from face-painting and a rock climbing wall to Kiwi the Clown. As always, the most anticipated entertainers, the Dragon and Lion Dance Teams, will perform throughout the day.

The schedule of events is set to kick-off at 10 a.m. with community entertainment and the Thien Hau/Linh Son Lion Dance Team performing at the Chinatown Center pagoda. Also, accompanying the dragon dances will be martial arts performances, cultural dances and firecrackers displays. The teams will then continue the celebration from 12-3 p.m. to dance and bring good fortune to individual stores in the center. Festivities will carry on throughout the afternoon from 3-6 p.m. with Texas Dragon and Lion Dance Team and Summitt Dragon Dance to spread even more good fortune and continue bringing in the New Year.

A community resource fair is another popular feature. Admission to the community resource fair will be free but some activities may have their own fees so bringing cash is recommended. Free parking is available and is on a first-come, first-serve basis; carpooling is encouraged.

Chinatown Center is the place to be for Chinese New Year, where the Austin community and Asian culture collide for the perfect affair of authentic entertainment, food, tradition and excitement. There is simply no better way to celebrate The Year of the Horse. To see the latest schedule, go to www.chinatownaustin.com

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