Holiday happenings tomorrow, Saturday, December 13th, in the Metroplex, Texas

ALL these events and performances are going down tomorrow, Saturday, December 13th in the DFW. Lots to choose from, so get out there (carpooling and combining destinations in one trip is highly recommended)...


International Festival of Lights
East Fort Worth Montessori Academy
501 Oakland Blvd. - 817-496-3003

"a season celebration of peace through cultural diversity" from 4-8pm

featuring: PANTAGLEIZE student theater performance, international foods and music,
fair trade/student world market, sunset labyrinth walk, and drumming with Baba Kwasi

$5 admission includes light refreshments

_______

3rd Annual LATIN AMERICAN CHRISTMAS CONCERT / NAVIDAD LATINOAMERICANA

DFW International Community Alliance is proud to announce North Texas' third annual Navidad Latinoamericana with two concerts.
December 13 at 7:30 pm at Holy Trinity Church: 3811 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219

(to be presented a second time on the following Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 7:30 pm, at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church: 2800 Valwood Parkway--just east of Josey Lane--in Farmers Branch, TX 75234)

In Navidad Latinoamericana a variety of Latino musical ensembles present the inspiring traditional Christmas rhythms of villancicos, aguinaldos and posadas from Latin America and Spain. Tickets are $5 for adults and are available at the door. Children 10 and younger are FREE.

For more info.: www.dfwinternational.org
_______

Butterfly Connection presents
REINDEERS UNPLUGGED (a new play co-scripted by Rob Bosquez and Kate McDougall)

at the Rose Marine Theater
1440 N. Main St., 817-333-4028

Admission: $8-15 - starts probably at 7:30pm, but call first.
______



Sceneshop presents
A FIFTH OF CHRISTMAS (otherwise known as "Steve McGraw's Christmas for Grownups")

at Arts Fifth Avenue (1625 5th Avenue @ Allen St. - 817.923.9500)
8pm - $10 - not a family show - IF YOU'RE INTO CASH BARS AND RAUNCHY THEATRE FARE, then THIS is your show

_______


This gallery gift show promises to have some funky, crafty, hand-made schtuff that's a far cry from the generic crap for sale in all the shopping mauls. Check it out!

San Anto's CineFestival 2009 - call for entries - deadline Tomorrow!

31st Annual CineFestival Call for Entries
Deadline: Mon., Dec. 8, 2009


CineFestival en San Antonio, the nation’s oldest and longest-running Latino film festival, is seeking films for its 31st annual celebration, which will take place from February 5-8, 2009 at the historic Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center in San Antonio, Texas. The theme for this year's festival is “New World Onda: Building a Dynamic Media Society.”

CineFestival is seeking the best Latino features, shorts, documentaries, animation, experimental films and youth works for its 31th annual festival. The call for entries deadline is Monday, Dec. 8, 2008.

The four-day event, which kicks off on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009, will feature screenings, workshops, panel discussions, networking opportunities, gala celebrations and musical performances. Sunday will be a seniors and family-friendly film day. Innovative uses of new technology will also be highlighted through competitions, demonstrations of new cameras and software, and the involvement of youth filmmakers from video programs throughout San Antonio.

CineFestival will also feature the prestigious Premio Mesquite audience award and juried awards for Best Feature, Best Short, Best Experimental Film, Best South Texas First Film, and Best San Antonio Young Filmmaker.

CineFestival is ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS postmarked thru December 8th. For information on how to submit a film or to download the Call for Entries, visit the CineFestival Web site at cinefestivalsa.org. A link to the Withoutabox submission form can also be found at cinefestivalsa.org. For more information, contact Sandra Pena Sarmiento or Victor Payan at cine@cinefestivalsa.org.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1980 to preserve, promote and develop the arts and culture of the Chicano/Latino/Native American peoples for all ages and backgrounds through public and educational programming in six disciplines: dance, literature, media arts, theater arts, visual arts and music. For more information, visit www.guadalupeculturalarts.org or call 210-271-3151.


Links:

2009 CineFestival Homepage: http://www.cinefestivalsa.org
Downloadable Submission Form: http://www.cinefestivalsa.org/images/pdf/cf09_entry_form.pdf
Withoutabox.com Submission Page: http://www.withoutabox.com/login/6820

Deathlist Mag's usual suspects send up Beat poetry @ party this Sunday in Dallas

[I absolutely trust the DEATHLIST mag crew to always serve up something irreverent, sometimes distasteful, usually snarky, and NEVER dull! Joey Cloudy makes me snicker. If I can get there, I'm wearing something Beat-y.]

Beat Generation!

Host: Deathlist Mag
Location: Paperbacks Plus, 6115 La Vista Dr, Dallas, TX 75214
When: Sunday, November 16, 7:00PM
Phone: 214 827 4860

"I hope it is true that a man can die and yet not only live in others but give them life, and not only life, but that great consciousness of life." -Jack Kerouac

Free * Wild * Anticipated * Turtleneck-y * Wine-like * Non-rhymed * Pub(l)ic


Local Writers read their favorites of the Beat Generation

Readings by...Joey Cloudy, Opalina, Carlos, Johnny O, Gayle Bell, Mike Clay, and many more.

Music by Swirve (yay, Chris & Tamitha Curiel)!

Open House from 4-7pm today @ Studio 909, a new wellness center in FW

[On Arts Goggle night back in September--omigosh, is it already mid-November?--me and a friend stopped in at Studio 909 for a quick and friendly tour before closing time. It was too late to sample any of the healing demonstrations, but the kind couple who spoke with us welcomed us with glasses of complimentary wine and an invitation to return for a deeper immersion into their onda. Well, now that time has come, as the Studio 909 staff of healing practitioners and crafts-makers are hosting an Open House today, free and Open to all. Special reason to stop in: Mary Elizabeth, whom I just met a few days ago, is offering demos of Thai Massage. She's also going to be involved with V-Day FW in March 2009, as a coordinator of the event happening at Casa Manana. More to come on that...]


free * free * free * gratis * gratis * gratis * free * free * free

STUDIO 909 presents

an Autumn Open House at 909 West Magnolia Avenue (just a couple blocks west of Hemphill, stone's throw from Yucatan Tacos)

from 4pm to 7pm

w/

"Hors d'oeuvres and Delights" "Enjoy Free Samples and Demonstrations" of Feel Good Zaps * Quantum Biofeedback * Reiki * Thai Yoga Massage * Massage Therapy

"Door Prizes" and "Goody Bags"

STUDIO 909 - "creating wellness"
more info at 817.773.2264

TWU's SAY (Socially Aware Youth) host film & Iraq war veteran on Tuesday, Nov. 11th

Socially Aware Youth (SAY) at TWU present

FILM SCREENING AND GUEST SPEAKER DUSTIN ALAN PARKS, IRAQ WAR VET AND FOUNDER OF DFW FOR PEACE

When: Tuesday, November 11th (Veteran's Day), 2008, 6:00 PM
Where: Texas Womens University, CFO building, room 204
304 Administration Drive, Denton, TX 76204

Join Socially Aware Youth (SAY) at TWU for a free screening of the film "The Ground Truth"

With guest speaker: Dustin Alan Parks, former service member and veteran of the Iraq War, founder of DFW for Peace.

About the film "The Ground Truth":

"Hailed as "powerful" and "quietly unflinching," Patricia Foulkrod's searing documentary feature includes exclusive footage that will stir audiences. The filmmaker's subjects are patriotic young Americans - ordinary men and women who heeded the call for military service in Iraq - as they experience recruitment and training, combat, homecoming, and the struggle to reintegrate with families and communities. The terrible conflict in Iraq, depicted with ferocious honesty in the film, is a prelude for the even more challenging battles fought by the soldiers returning home – with personal demons, an uncomprehending public, and an indifferent government. As these battles take shape, each soldier becomes a new kind of hero, bearing witness and giving support to other veterans, and learning to fearlessly wield the most powerful weapon of all - the truth." -- IMDB


SAY (Socially Aware Youth) is a Texas Woman's University organization meant to raise awareness on current events, present new ideas, and educate each other in a discussion and/or debate.

Biweekly meetings will be held at TWU on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month.
Time: 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Location: ASB 304 (TWU)

Lacey Escalante: Group Coordinator
Sheri Carter: Secretary
Heidi Scalice: Treasurer
Christina Perez: Events Committee Chair
Kami Fletcher: Advisor

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about SAY, please contact Lacey Escalante at lshields@twu.edu

F6 Gallery in Arlington needs submissions for December show

"Call for artists, crafters, tshirt makers, etc, etc. We're now accepting submissions for our December show."

December show: The Gift Show
When: December 13th 8pm-midnight

What we’re looking for: small, affordable art (think Christmas gift-worthy), crafts (handmade goods, clothing, jewelry, accessories, etc), t-shirts (do you design/print t-shirts? Bring it on), other artsy merch.

Each Artist/vendor will have about 5 feet of space wide and up to 12 feet high to hang work either on the wall, or to bring their own table/booth and set up items for the show.

Deadline for submissions is: November 26th.

If you haven​’t shown​ at F6 Galle​ry befor​e,​ pleas​e send a brief​ bio and examp​les of your work to info@​f6gal​lery.​com.

If you have shown​ at F6 galle​ry,​ pleas​e send an email​ to info@​f6gal​lery.​com letting us know you are interested.

Space​ is limit​ed,​ and we’ll​ revie​w entri​es first​-come, first​-serve​!​

For more info about​ submi​tting​ work, go the FAQ page on the F6 Gallery​ website.

Other Arts presents master accordionist Guy Klucevsek on Saturday, Nov. 8th

Guy Klucevsek concert:
Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 2:00 PM
in the auditorium of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Please note that this is an AFTERNOON concert.

Blurb from Other Arts' director Herb Levy:

Guy Klucevsek (pronounced kloo-SEH-veck) has received international acclaim as one of the most original and unique artists in creative music. After years of study in the Pittsburgh and Los Angeles areas, Klucevsek first emerged to widespread notice as a recording artist in the mid-‘80s as a member of John Zorn-led ensembles. He has since performed in concert and on the recordings of such luminaries as Laurie Anderson, Anthony Braxton, Dave Douglas, Bill Frisell, Robin Holcomb, Kronos Quartet, Natalie Merchant, Pauline Oliveros, Present Music, Bobby Previte, Relâche Ensemble and many others. He has also produced a steady stream of albums as a soloist or leader (20 so far), beginning with 1987’s Scenes from a Mirage and extending through his upcoming 2009 release on Tzadik, Dancing on the Volcano. Sometimes described as a post-minimalist, Klucevsek’s musical palette encompasses classical, jazz, folk, and world music idioms while retaining an unmistakable singular identity, whether performing his own works or those by the many composers he has commissioned.

Without question, Klucevsek is a virtuoso, but his music never presents virtuosity as an end in itself, instead engaging listeners with its uncommon warmth, depth, beauty, and - yes - humor (might his album title Flying Vegetables of the Apocalypse provide a clue?). Klucevsek has also collaborated with numerous choreographers and theater artists including Ping Chong, David Dorfman, and Bebe Miller. His television and film credits include an appearance and performance on the long-running children’s series, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, and three John Williams scores for Steven Spielberg -- The Terminal, Munich, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Tickets for Guy Klucevsek are $20 for general admission; $15 for students and seniors, available at the door.

Other Arts thanks the Arts Council of Fort Worth; Meet the Composer; Canadian Consulate; Mor-Sel Foundation; Linden Realty, Periplum Artes de la Rosa; & individual donors for support of concerts in 2008.

For reservations, subscriptions, discount cards and more information about these & future concerts, please contact: otherarts@sbcglobal.net. Web site up soon at www.otherarts.org

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. HERB (Other Arts) BRINGS SOME OF THE BEST MUSIC (ONE COULD NOT OTHERWISE FIND) TO OUR METROPLEX STAGES IN WELL-PRODUCED CONCERTS THAT PUTS THE MUSICIAN AND HIS/HER MUSIC FIRST.

Call for Papers and Presentation Proposals: New Destinations in Oral History

Deadline is TODAY, Friday, November 7th - sorry for the late notice.
___________________________________________________________

CALL FOR PAPERS AND PRESENTATIONS
2009 Southwest Oral History Association Annual Meeting
Co-sponsored by USC LIBRARIES/Special Collections/"LA As Subject"
Doheny Memorial Library – USC & California African American Museum

“New Destinations in Oral History”
March 27-29, 2009

The Southwest Oral History Association in partnership with LA as Subject at USC and the California African American Museum invites proposals for papers/presentations for its 2009 annual meeting “New Destinations in Oral History,” to be held March 27-29 in Los Angeles. As the entertainment capital of the world and an important historical nexus, Los Angeles is an ideal place to explore the intersection of oral history, music, and other media from films to migration stories--to oral history in new technologies and spaces--to oral history as social networks. The conference program committee hopes to bring together oral historians, performing artists, filmmakers, scholars, students and other practitioners in a multi-disciplinary, multi-format conference that will highlight the multiplicity of work centered around oral history, entertainment, music and performance. Paper topics and sessions may deal with any aspect of oral history work including interviewing, processing, digital and archival collection methods, and the use of oral history in publications, exhibits, films, and readers’ theatre.

We encourage submissions from the Southwestern states represented in our organization: Arizona, California, Nevada and New Mexico and the U.S./Mexico border regions, as well as those outside the area researching southwestern topics using oral history methodology. The program committee invites proposals from oral history practitioners in a wide variety of disciplines including the humanities, social sciences and applied sciences. We hope to address how oral history is being used by academic and community scholars, museums, historical societies, libraries, teachers, independent researchers, and filmmakers. We are seeking a variety of sessions representing oral history work being conducted through traditional and non-traditional methods in the classroom, community, public and media settings. We would especially like to see proposals describing technology and innovative media, as well as proposals in International languages (note: SOHA can only accommodate a limited number of languages. If you submit a proposal for a panel/ roundtable in a language other than English, please be prepared to provide translation services).

General Information

Submission copies: All applicants must submit one copy of their proposal via email and one paper copy via snail mail at the address listed below. Please include a two sentence abstract and a two sentence biography with your e-mail submission.
Time segments: Plan for a 90 minute session with 5-10 minutes for introductions, 15-20 minutes for each presentation depending on number of participants, and 20-30 minutes for comments and discussion.
Submission descriptions: Include title and one page description of your presentation.
Resumes or CVs: No longer than one page.
Contact Information: Include name, address, affiliation (if any), phones, and email.

Registration: All participants must register and pay the registration fees. A few scholarships and awards are available. Check the web site at southwestoralhistory.org.

Panel Submissions: Submit panel title, and titles of individual papers. We suggest limiting presentations to three people plus the moderator. Presenters usually prepare papers/presentations and submit papers or summaries to the moderator in advance. Please include biographies of all presenters.
Roundtable Submissions: Submit panel title; a one page description of the panel discussion, and topics of individual presenters. Roundtables usually include 3-5 presenters, and a moderator/or commentator. A roundtable is a more informal approach, often with discussions going back and forth among the presenters during the presentation. Please include biographies of all presenters.
Single paper/presentation: Individual papers/presentations may be submitted. The program committee will compose sessions under shared themes for individual papers/presentations.
Creative Non-traditional proposals: These may involve music, drama or readers’ theatre, films, poster sessions or other creative means of presenting oral history projects. Please include biographies of all presenters.

Equipment Needs: Please state equipment needs. Participants may need to provide their own AV. SOHA will try to accommodate equipment requests but we cannot guarantee equipment.

Deadline: November 7, 2008
E-mail 1 electronic copy to:
(E-mail confirmation will be sent upon receipt)
Miguel Juárez, MLS, Program Chair
Migueljuarez.soha@gmail.com
If you have questions, call Miguel Juárez, SOHA ’09 Conference Chair at: 310-709-4608.

8th Annual South Dallas Dance Festival starts tonight

[I received the following announcement from the City of Dallas' Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) about a 4-day dance festival happening at one of my favorite cultural spots in Big D, the South Dallas Cultural Center near Fair Park.]



SOUTH DALLAS DANCE FESTIVAL STARTS TONIGHT!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9
THE 8th SOUTH DALLAS DANCE FESTIVAL : NEW GROWTH!
Beckles Dancing Company
ARGA NOVA DANCE and the South Dallas Cultural Center invite you to the 8th annual South Dallas Dance Festival (SDDF 8), New Growth!

Events will start tonight (Thursday) at 7 pm with a Roundtable discussion on the relevance of dance in various pursuits - health, religion, art, self-expression. The Festival continues Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm with performances. A Praise Dance showcase will close the Festival on Sunday at 3 pm.

On Saturday at 1 pm, a master class in African Dance with guest artist Michelle Gibson will enliven the festival as it does every year. Additional events include a film and a reception. SDDF 8 is supported in part by the South Dallas Cultural Center, City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs, the James and Gayle Halperin Foundation, the Star System of donors to ARGA NOVA DANCE. For further information, call 214-886-2321.

GUEST ARTIST BIO

Michelle Gibson, choreographer, instructor, and performing artist received her B.F.A in Dance from Tulane University. Michelle, a New Orleans native, has also studied at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, the American Dance Festival, Jacob's Pillow, and the Urban Bush Women's, "Walking with Pearl Primus" summer intensive. Her motion picture credits include having been cast as a featured dancer in the Academy Award nominated film, Interview With a Vampire, the Academy Award winning film, Ray, and the movie Just My Luck with Lindsay Lohan. Michelle's live performances include Confederacy of Dances, The Kid From Elysian Fields, tours in Germany, Japan, and Amsterdam, E- Women Network, LINKS Incorporated, Drum Café' and also performing at the UNCF's Patterson Research Institute Annual Conference. Michelle is the Founder and Artistic Director of Exhibit Dance Collective and her choreographic credits include Funk Nation, Bourbon Suite Women, Origins of Life, The River May Cry, Orumulia's Voices, Passions of Juno, A Creole Mass, and award nominated pieces Women's Evolution and Orisha Suite. Michelle has had the privilege of training under the direction of Ronald K. Brown, Sean Curran, Marlies Yearby, Max Luna, Alton Geno, Lula Elzy, Doug Varone, Baba Chuck Davis, Baba Richard Gonzales and Donald McKayle. Michelle is currently an artist in residence with the Ashe' Cultural Arts Center, choreographer for Six Flags/WOW Entertainment Dallas TX, member of Drum Café, and educator and instructor with the Dallas Independent School District teaching grades 9-12.

Participating companies are: A Dance Expression,Beckles Dancing Company, Dallas Black Dance Theatre II, Dallas Hispanic Dance, Ella Lois Hudson Ensemble, Khemetic Origins Rites of Passage Systems, Lisbon Elementary School "Character Counts" Dance Company, Mary Lois School of Dance Performing Company, Moving Canvas Dance Project, Tina Mullone, Muscle Memory Dance Theatre, ORIZON "O.P.T." ft. R3venge of the Nerdz, Pearl C. Anderson Dance Ensemble, Phase 2 Dance Ensemble, Second Generation Dance Company (from Houston), SDDF Scholarship 2008 Recipient Lauran Spencer, Jhon R. Stronks (from Houston),The Hockaday School Dance Department, and W. E. Greiner Dance.

On Sunday - The Art of Praise Dance featuring: Beckles Dancing Company, Dallas Black Dance Theatre II, Dr. Cori D. Mooring, For His Glory Dance Ministry, Jubilee UMC Praise In Motion, Lisbon Developmental Dance Company, Ordered Steps Productions, The Men of Judah of Friendship West, Second Generation Dance Company (from Houston), and Friendship West Youth Praise Dance Community.

Thursday, Friday & Saturday November 6, 7 & 8, at 7 & 8:00 pm;
Sunday, November 9 at 3:00 pm.

Admission: $10; Seniors, Students, Members of Star System and
Dance Council $5; The Roundtable is FREE.

South Dallas Cultural Center located at 3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave.

Visit www.dallasculture.org/southDallasCulturalCenter.cfm or call 214/939-ARTS for more information.

what i feel @ once on this night of hope & optimism

hugs to all
from the north texas prairie,
feeling blissfully hopeful and lucky
(having just sidestepped two patrolling sqwad car chotas
as i sped happily away from my mama's home down
the avenue listening to steve miller 80s on the music radio,
for i suddenly somehow feel that i get to have the 80s back
as i lost them in 84 with the reagan years).
you can only know this bliss as a person of color
who has felt devalued through the haphazardly
implemented and foisted systemic devaluation of her
fellow brethren and sistren of color through the
decades of her life.
to have a black and a white family cheered on at the
podium at Grants Park on a night of ultimate hope
is the most amazing moment to witness in this ever-evolving
life of mine.

redefinition,
inversion, AND flipping of da quintessential
script are now mandates of the moment.

be loved, wherever you feel yourself to be:
atop a mountain, smiling in a valley,
cresting on the heart of hope.

peace be unto you, my dear comrade!

love,

T

Last Day for Early Voting - Friday, October 31st

Early Voting Ends Friday!
THE LAST DAY TO EARLY VOTE IS OCTOBER 31ST!
THE EARLY VOTING POLLS WILL BE OPEN FROM
7 A.M. UNTIL 7 P.M.


FOR MORE INFO: click here
or call Tarrant County Elections at 817.
831-VOTE.

If you wish to see the League of Women Voters' guide,
click here.



Avoid the lines VOTE EARLY! Take Your Voter Registration Card or ID!

Friday, October 31st - 7AM to 7PM

Vote at these locations / avoid Tuesday's long lines:

Diamond Hill Library, 1300 Northeast 35th Street 76106
Southside Community Center, 959 East Rosedale Street, 76104
Southwest Sub-Courthouse, 6551 Granbury Road, 76133
Tarrant County Plaza Building, 201 Burnett Street, 76102
Tarrant County Elections Office, 2700 Premier, 76111
Worth Heights Community Center, 3551 New York Avenue, 76110

_____________

Also, there's a party hosted by a party...

TARRANT COUNTY DEMOCRATIC Halloween PARTY
October 31st – Friday

The party will be at the RAHR BREWERY
--where 2 of the Presidential Debate parties were held--
at 701 Galveston Ave.
, Fort Worth, TX 76104
from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Halloween night.


Admission is free if you canvas for the Democratic Party
in costume earlier in the day, otherwise admission is $10,
which includes free beer, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.


FMI: Contact the office of Lon Burnam,
Texas State Representative - House District 90
(817) 924-2008 lon@lonburnam.com

___________________

NOW, the GOATS!!!

And, whether or not you consider yourself to be a
TYPICAL AMERICAN, there are countless ways you can get ACTIVATED within your community to practice democracy ALL YEAR, EVERY YEAR.

Gadabout Film Festival 2008 - 1919 Hemphill right now!

Fort Worth's infamous 1919 Hemphill performance/collectivist space is an annual stop for the Gadabout Film Festival, and it's just a hoot-n-holler. Lots of fun, greatly entertaining short films, and typically the touring folks bring all kinds of zines, stickers, buttons, hand-printed tees, posters, and more for you to buy. Open your mind and your wallet (if you want) at the same time...

Ramsey's gonna get me one of the JUST SEEDS two-color posters! Hurray for friends who don't work on Thursdays!

Run, walk, bicycle there NOW!
This is independent film making.
(Gadabout Film Festival)

This is independent history teaching.
(Just Seeds art show)

This is independent music production.
(Halo Fauna music jams)

This is GONNA BE FUN!!!

International Music & Poetry Festival - FW Public Library - 5-7pm on Friday, Oct. 24

I'll be doing a 20-minute set accompanied by my friend and guitarist Ramsey Sprague. Hope to see you there.

FREE AND OPEN TO YOU, ME, AND EVERYONE ELSE.

Please spread the word! Thanks.

GHETTO PLAINSMAN book party @ Spiral Diner on Monday, October 20th in FW

There had been at least two previous opportunities to hear local activist/writer Jarid Manos read from his first full-length publication, a memoir titled GHETTO PLAINSMAN (Temba House Press, 2007). (By the way, Jarid wants us all to be aware that he is not FROM the ghetto, but, rather, fell deeply into the ghetto as part of his path to adulthood and wholeness.) The first reading was at the Arlington coffee spot MochaLux, on a Saturday night. Needless to say, it was not the perfect venue and time for the launch of a quietly-probing revelatory work, read--as Jarid speaks--softly, hastily. I couldn't hear a word from where I sat, and decided to leave it at that.

The next time he gave a public reading from GHETTO PLAINSMAN, it was as the featured writer for the "Open Mic, Open Minds" series at 1919 Hemphill in February. I had to work that night, so I missed the reading, but heard it went well.

So--when I learned that Jarid was slated for a reading at the FWCAC (Fort Worth Community Arts Center) on Tuesday, March 11th, I knew not to miss this one. The FWCAC is a gallery space--a quiet non-smoking venue--so I hoped this environment would be a suitable backdrop for Jarid's unplugged presentation.

I arrived a bit late, as transportation was a bit challenging to secure, but Jarid happened to be taking a small break just after having started his reading. He stepped over to welcome me, as I rolled my wheelchair into place next to Gabriela and Tabalo, noticing that there were alot of familiar faces in the small audience of about 15 folks.

Temba House publisher Greg Johnson sat near the front, and kept offering suggestions for specific passages to read. Jarid paused thoughtfully between these passage readings to elaborate on certain points and to respond to any questions or comments.

As Jarid read aloud from his book, I felt as if a huge blanketing map of buffalo grass was unrolled over us, drawing us into a great plains ambience. The excerpts vividly described moments of Jarid standing--always alone, always questioning himself and the condition of his surroundings--amidst expanses of acreage pocketed with prairie dog holes, or on asphalt lots, sparkling with broken glass and seedy but amiable urban survivalists. I could feel myself there, standing in his jeans, in his wind-flapped flannel shirt with a broken arm in an itchy cast. I could feel myself there, commiserating with the earth, feeling depletion beneath my feet.

GHETTO PLAINSMAN reads as the soliloquy of a loner who, after descending into the deepest of hells, comes to relinquish his anguish in order to make pact with the land and its inhabitants--whether buffalo or bird, homeless derelict or drug-dazed passerby. This deal is a promise to self as well as to them. A promise to strive towards wholeness, recovery, reclamation, and a resurrection of sorts.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Booksigning party with Jarid Manos

MONDAY, October 20th

Spiral Diner - 1314 W. Magnolia Ave.

7PM.

Free and open to you and me and everyone else.

See you there.

Bring your copy of GHETTO PLAINSMAN for Jarid to sign, or buy one there at the Spiral Diner.

Sponsored by FW Weekly.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

///////////////////////

Jarid is a respected ally and comrade here in the 817, and as writer, I have to say that he has penned a wonderfully compelling memoir.

I got a migraine headache sitting up reading the proof copy of this book early last year--it was that good....i just couldn't
put it down...!



Poem #140 of 365

Jarid, I blame you for the headache,
if someone must be at fault,
for I sat and lay in bed reading
your manuscript at 5am today.

I got it from Greg yesterday
and didn't think I'd take the time
to get my eyes up in the book
because I've been so tired lately.

Yet, I woke up so early feeling good,
but didn't want to get dressed, so I
reached for GP and devoured it for
two hours straight.

I recall the various positions in bed. I shifted
with the book in hand to stay comfortable,
on my belly, on my back, sitting up,
but something locked in my neck.

And yet, I couldn't pull away, your story
answered questions and brought others,
so I flipped and turned here and there
to learn about you more.

And, too late, the pain started rising,
in my shoulders and my neck, so tight
and stiffened with contortions
was my body in reading repose.

When the headache came full force,
I cussed my curiosity and my
lascivious reading tenacity and
pressed my temples and walked
the floors, trying to come back
to my senses, get away from the pain.

I never recovered that day or night, though
I had brief spells of rest and latent ache. And
now I fear to resume the read, and Greg
thinks me superstitious, although I beg
to differ.

Lastly, I want to offer a back cover blurb:
"Reading this book gave me the worst
headache of this century, and it was
worth the pain."

Someone, though, please tell me how
it ends.



copyright 2007 tammy melody gomez

Recommended: for this weekend in D/FW

FRIDAY, October 17

Modern til Midnight - Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth - 7pm tonight. $15 a person, FREE for Modern Members. Gets you in for a last-chance glance at Kara Walkers Retrospective exhibit, as well as the Hubbard/Birchler "No Room to Answer" exhibit. Modern Cafe hours have been extended for this shindig, and beverage bars will be set up on the outdoor sculpture terrace.

Live music line-up and schedule:

Baby Dee
7–7:40 pm

Stumptone
7:50–8:30 pm

Telegraph Canyon
8:50–9:30 pm

Mount Righteous
9:30–10:10 pm

Dove Hunter
10:10–10:50 pm

Mucca Pazza (large-scale puppet and stilt-walkers performance troupe from Brooklyn)
11 pm–midnight

_________________________

SATURDAY, October 18

* Free Day and Family Festival at the Kimbell - great opportunity to see the amazing "The Impressionists" exhibit (on loan from the Art Institute of Chicago) for FREE.

* Other Arts music event at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth - $20-25 per person, tickets at the door only.
8:00 PM

Animator Pierre Hebert and composer Bob Ostertag will perform a live animated film "Special Forces" in the auditorium of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. "Special Forces" is a recent work from 2007 inspired by the civilian victims of wars. Performing as Living Cinema, this duo has performed throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. None of the animation you see is pre-recorded; Hebert draws on blank paper and captures these images (sometimes augmented by newspaper photos) with a digital camera connected to a computer that processes the images into an evocative animated multi-media collage. Ostertag's accompanying score transforms sounds from computer games into an original score, also performed live. Living Cinema's work has developed enormously over the years, as has the software system they use for transforming still images into animation (Jitter).

from "Between Science and Garbage," loosely focused on the subject of recycling (2001)


Here is a youtube URL for a second excerpt from their first DVD "Between Science and Garbage."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVk0QqY9A6s

Tickets for "Special Forces" are $25, $20 for students and seniors, available at the door.
For more information: otherarts@sbcglobal.net

* Indie design house HOUSE OF DANG is celebrating their second year with a "2-Year Anniversary Party W/ Disqo Disco & DJ Schwa" - 219 Bryan Street Dallas, TX 75204. Call 214.827.1146 for more information. Throw your bicycle on the TRE and ride the train to Dallas. Biking to Bryan Street from Union Station ain't far at all. FREE.

State Senate District #10 Candidate's Forum - Thursday, October 16 in da Northside

The Chicano Luncheon meets this Thursday, October 16, 2008, from 12 noon to 1:p.m. at La Trinidad United Methodist Church (1300 Gould Avenue at Northside Drive) in Fort Worth.

Topic: State Senate District #10 Candidate's Forum
Guest Moderator, Edith Jones of the League of Women Voters
All three candidates confirmed: Wendy Davis, Kim Brimer & Richard Cross

Should be an informative Luncheon.
Open to the public - $6 includes a cheese enchilada plate, cup of iced tea, and dessert.

For more information, contact Renny Rosas at chicanoluncheon@gmail.com.

GREAT NEWS about the Chicano Luncheon:

You can now watch previous installments of the Chicano Luncheon, archived as video files on the City of Fort Worth website. Just type "Chicano Luncheon" in the search field for AVAILABLE VIDEOS, hit enter, and another window will open with the Chicano Luncheon selections from which to choose.

Thanks to Community Cable Television (CCT) producer Rick Leal for making these programs available online.

Second Tuesday Poetry Series - tonight at Benbrook Public Library

SECOND TUESDAY POETRY SERIES Presents
"Best Poems of the 20th Century"
featuring Dr. Jeffrey DeLotto.

7 p.m., Tuesday, October 14, 2008 

Benbrook Public Library
1065 Mercedes, Benbrook, TX 76126
817.249.6632

Go to www.benbrooklibrary.org for directions.
 
For this month's 2nd Tuesday Poetry Series, TWU's Dr. Jeffrey DeLotto will present his list of some of the most important poems for the 20th Century. Dr. DeLotto will discuss why he chose the poems, which will be read aloud by those in attendance.  All are welcome to bring their own 20th Century favorites to read and discuss as time allows,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
Dr. DeLotto's Top 10 List: 

"The Second Coming,"  - W.B. Yeats
"The Road Not Taken"  - Robert Frost
"The Idea of Order at Key West"  - Wallace Stevens
"In a Station of the Metro" - Ezra Pound
"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" - T.S. Eliot
"Dulce et decorum est" - Wilfred Owen
"Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" - Dylan Thomas
"A Far Cry from Africa," - Derek Walcott
"Daddy" - Sylvia Plath
"Like a Rolling Stone" - Bob Dylan
-----------------------------------------------

About Dr. Jeffrey DeLotto: A Virginia native who grew up in Miami, Florida, he earned his Ph.D. from Florida State University. He has taught at Texas Wesleyan University since 1983, previously having taught writing and literature at Yarmouk University (in Jordan) and Texas Tech University.  He also taught as a Fulbright Scholar during the 1992-93 academic year at the University of Plovdiv in Bulgaria.  His scholarly interests lie primarily in Nineteenth and Twentieth Century British  literature.
 
His poetry collections include Voices at the Door (Maverick Press) and most recently, Days of a Cameleon (Xlibris 2007) His work has been widely published in many journals and reviews, including the Taj Mahal Review and the Concho River Review. In addition to his involvement in Metroplex poetry societies, Dr. DeLotto enjoys sailing, herb gardening, and cooking.

Harvard Educational Review - Call for Proposals - due October 20th!

[The following anuncio came to me via Dr. Roberto Calderon's (UNT-Denton history professor) "historia" listserv.]

CFP l Harvard Educational Review l Symposium l Latino/a Students Undergraduate Experiences l Deadline: 10.20.08

Harvard Educational Review
Latino/a Students Undergraduate Experiences
Symposium in the Harvard Educational Review

Proposals due October 20, 2008

The editors of the Harvard Educational Review invite students, researchers, practitioners, administrators, and policymakers to submit proposals for manuscripts appropriate for publication in a forthcoming symposium that will focus on the undergraduate experiences of Latino/a students.

The symposium will focus on the experiences of Latino/as in higher education to call attention to the needs and interests of this growing population of students in the United States whose educational opportunities and successes will help determine the future of our nation. This symposium underscores our conviction that ensuring equality of opportunity as well as equality of success requires looking beyond the college gates to the experiences of students inside these institutions. We seek to inform educational policies, practices and future research that will help promote college access and persistence to degree for Latino/as as well as advance their individual development and learning.

We seek two types of submissions for this symposium:

Scholarly submissions may include qualitative or quantitative studies, theoretical pieces, or essays, and should not exceed 9,000 words. We ask scholars to include implications for policy and practice in post secondary education as well as K-12 schooling where applicable.

Personal essays by current or former Latino/a undergraduates should address important aspect(s) of their undergraduate experience, and should not exceed 3,000 words. We ask students to construct narratives that will be instructive to those wishing to have a positive impact on Latino/a student success.

We seek studies and commentaries on Latino/a students social and academic experiences in a variety of institutional contexts, including, but not limited to, two-or four-year institutions, Hispanic-serving institutions, historically black colleges, and predominantly white institutions.

Proposals of up to 500 words should be submitted, along with author CVs for scholarly submissions, by October 20, 2008 to HER_manuscripts@gse.harvard.edu. Authors whose proposals are accepted will be invited to submit full manuscripts for consideration by February 18, 2009. Please direct all queries to HER_manuscripts@gse.harvard.edu.

Laurie Anderson in Dallas, free stuff to do in FW--tonight

Of course, without a doubt, I'd love to be in the audience for Laurie Anderson's new show, presenting tonight at McFarlin Auditorium in Dallas. But I lack the bucks and the car to get me there. I hear that Lou Reed will be performing alongside Anderson too. Que lastima that I have to miss this one...read on for more, including notes on what I possibly may be doing tonight.


If you didn't know that Laurie Anderson is the first resident artist for NASA, or that she is shacking up with VU frontman Lou Reed, perhaps a little reading is in order...

ONE SHOW ONLY - TONIGHT - tickets no longer may be purchased online, but call the TITAS office directly at 214-528-5576 for ticket info.

LAURIE ANDERSON - presenting "Homeland"
When: Sunday, Oct. 12, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: McFarlin Memorial Auditorium (SMU), 6405 Boaz Lane, University Park
Cost: $14 - $59

Blurb from the online promo:

"One of the seminal artists of our time, Laurie Anderson's genre-crossing work encompasses performance, film, music, installation, writing, photography, and sculpture. 'Homeland' is a series of songs and stories that creates a poetic and political portrait of contemporary American culture. The stories and songs that make up Homeland are marked by a political urgency and, as with all of Anderson’s work, are personal and utterly unique. 'Homeland' is a tour de force of spoken word, music, and technology."
___________________________________

I've been an Evelyn Waugh fan since I was a high school kid who took a fancy to fancy uses of English. "Masterpiece Theater" never struck me as nerdcore--heck, that genre term didn't exist back then--I simply thought it good drama in impeccable British English. I remember, though, having to haggle with my family about commandeering our tv set (back then, most families only owned one per household) for 1-hour increments to be able to catch up on my favorite MT series episodes, of which "Brideshead Revisited" was one of the best. I guess that's probably when I was first introduced to (and temporarily fell for) Jeremy Irons, he the actor so often cast in roles of gloomy, doomed, unrequited lovers.

You can catch the latest adaptation of the Waugh classic at the Modern Art Museum today at 4:30pm. I'm definitely going to be there.

Later, there's one more presentation of the Fort Worth Theatre's adaptation of "Much Ado About Nothing" outside on the east-facing stage at Arts Fifth Avenue, 1628 5th Avenue, in the Fairmount Neighborhood, at 8pm. Free and family-friendly.

Finish off the night--you might see me--at the Chat Room Pub (out on Magnolia St.) for this week's (someone just told me this has been happening on Sundays) installment of "Bring Your Own Vinyl." One of the Chat's bartenders apparently brings his record-player and lets folks spin 3 of their pre-selected songs from vinyl lps (maybe 45s and 78s too, one wonders?) they bring in from their precious vintage collections. I think I'ma show up with a Nina Simone, Krzysztof Komeda, and Meat Puppets trio of songs tonight..
Chat Room Pub, Sundays, sometime around 7pm (so I've heard), FREE.

Why vote?

WHY WOMEN SHOULD VOTE



This is the story of our Grandmothers and Great-grandmothers; they lived only 90 years ago.

Remember, it was not until 1920 that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.

The women were innocent and defenseless, but they were jailed nonetheless for picketing the White House, carrying signs demanding the right to vote.

And by the end of the night, they were barely alive. Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden's blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of 'obstructing sidewalk traffic.'

(Lucy Burns)
They beat Lucy Burns, chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping for air.

(Dora Lewis)
They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cellmate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.

Thus unfolded the 'Night of Terror' on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right to vote.

For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms.

(Alice Paul)
When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/suffrage/nwp/prisoners.pdf

So, refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because--why, exactly? We have carpool duties? We have to get to work? & Our vote doesn't matter? It's raining?

___

One woman's comments on documentary film on the suffragist movement:

"Last week, I went to a sparsely attended screening of HBO's new movie 'Iron Jawed Angels.' It is a graphic depiction of the battle these women waged so that I could pull the curtain at the polling booth and have my say. I am ashamed to say I needed the reminder.

All these years later, voter registration is still my passion. But the actual act of voting had become less personal for me, more rote. Frankly, voting often felt more like an obligation than a privilege. Sometimes it was inconvenient.

My friend Wendy, who is my age and studied women's history, saw the HBO movie, too. When she stopped by my desk to talk about it, she looked angry. She was--with herself. 'One thought kept coming back to me as I watched that movie,' she said.
'What would those women think of the way I use, or don't use, my right to vote? All of us take it for granted now, not just younger women, but those of us who did seek to learn.' The right to vote, she said, had become valuable to her 'all over again.'

HBO released the movie on video and DVD . I wish all history, social studies and government teachers would include the movie in their curriculum I want it shown on Bunco night, too, and anywhere else women gather. I realize this isn't our usual idea of socializing, but we are not voting in the numbers that we should be, and I think
a little shock therapy is in order.

It is jarring to watch Woodrow Wilson and his cronies try to persuade a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane so that she could be permanently institutionalized. And it is inspiring to watch the doctor refuse. Alice Paul was strong, he said, and brave. That didn't make her crazy.



The doctor admonished the men:
'Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity.'

Please, if you are so inclined, pass this on to all the women you know. We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so hard for b y these very courageous women. Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party - remember to vote.

History is being made."

TODAY is a good day to thank the beautiful people in my life--it's my birthday!

275 Reasons to Celebrate

1. Margie Gomez
2. Aristeo Gomez (QEPD)
3. Miranda Gomez
4. Ted Gomez
5. Breanna Herrera
6. Cecilia Epstein
7. Michelle Krupkin
8. Denise Douce
9. Debbie Reighn
10. David Kendall
11. Kendra Bochner
12. Liz Belile
13. Lorna Dee Cervantes
14. Patrisia Gonzalez
15. Roberto Rodriguez
16. Richard Loranger
17. Cecilia Gonzalez
18. Donna Hoffman
19. Ginger Webb (John too!)
20. Elaine Wolff
21. Ari Chagoya
22. Chandra Washington
23. Ernest Garcia
24. Sheelah Murthy
25. Patricia Greene
26. Rose Imperato
27. Nicholas Schriber
28. Rene Renteria
29. Raul R. Salinas
30. Radames Ortiz
31. Ray Santisteban
32. Tonantzin Canestaro-Garcia
33. Teresa Taylor
34. Diana Garcia
35. Allyson Lipkin
36. Irma Andrade
37. Andrea “Gaia” Melendez
38. Lydia Armendariz
39 Enrique Cabrera
40. Cesar Hernandez (Dulce too!)
41. BC Harrison
42. Jennifer Cardenas
43. Tamara Ford (Stan too!)
44. Frieda Werden
45. Julia Apodaca (Dani too!)
46. Lourdes Perez
47. Annette D’armata
48. Amanda Plaisance
49. Emily Kenyon
50. Brackin Firecracker
51. Aida Salazar (John too!)
52. Claudia Martinez
53. Maria Elena Fernandez
54. Diana Delgado
55. Cheri Popoff
56. Rod Lindsey
57. Mark Gee
58. Dave Haller
59. Danny Solis
60. Robert Karimi
61. Lisa Gill
62. Sarah West
63. Darryl Cropper
64. Astrid Zometa
65. Leticia Llinares Hernandez
66. Richard Ray Whitman
67. Kathianne Osborne
68. Tony Gilchriest
69. Mitch Rayes
70. Kenn Rodriguez
71. Mary Mier (Ron too!)
72. Eugene Jaceldo (and the other bros. Jaceldo)
73. Mariposa
74. SXIP
75. Andrew Baron
76. Sheila Contreras
77. Kamala Platt
78. Zeek Kruzich
79. Jordan Green
80. Teresa Marrero
81. Carol Pankratz
82. Kim DeLozier
83. Crystal Dozier
84. Greg Johnson
85. Rose Ann Meredith
86. Shani Abell
87. Jason Eklund
88. Kathy & Dani O’Brien
89. Kat Thornton (Ken too!)
90. Lisa Feather Wheeler
91. Violet Ramirez & family
92. Raul Avila
93. Clebo Rainey (Naomi too!)
94. Ricardo Garza
95. Gerald Youngblood
96. Da’Shade Moonbeam
97. Zell Miller
98. Rich Perin
99. Vicki Grise
100. Ana Sisnett
101. Bronmin Shumway (Kirk too!)
102. Chris & Tamitha Curiel
103. Karen X
104. Kelsie Torres Pelham (Derek too!)
105. Mitch Torres Parker (Bysshe too!)
106. Gabriela Lomonaco
107. Claudia Acosta
108. Natasha Carrizosa
109. Wendy Vestal
110. Devin Adams (QEPD)
111. Linda Curcio
112. ir’ene lara silva
113. Moises Silva
114. Diana Puma
115. Linus Strekfus
116. Andrea Griemel
117. Eduardo Garza
118. Irma Mayorga
119. Sandra Cisneros
120. Lisa Suarez
121. Rosie Gonzalez
122. Robert Tatum
123. Amalia Ortiz
124. Amelia Montes
125. Marisela Barrera
126. Laura Varela
127. Jane Madrigal
128. Rene Valdez
129. Jackie Cuevas (Jen too!)
130. Tony Diaz
131. Maria Limon
132. Anel Flores
133. Vicente Lozano
134. Anthony Flores
135. Anthony Douglas
136. AJ Houston
137. Gracey Tune
138. Will Richey
139. Zack Prince
140. Melissa Kane
141. Ruben Salazar
142. Jose Vargas
143. Ronald Shannon Jackson
144. Rajendra Narendra
145. Geetha Patil
146. Andrea Gonzalez
147. Bryce Milligan
148. Tim Cloward
149. Jennifer Hill
150. Lori Thomson
151. Junanne Peck
152. Kendall McCook (Ginny too!)
153. Kell Robertson
154. Marcos Flores (Sadanid too!)
155. Dagoberto Gilb
156. Shawn Truitt
157. Arleen Polite
158. Akwasi Evans
159. Mary Krenek
160. Doug Zachary
161. Carl Webb
162. Firesong
163. P.O. W. (Poet on Watch)
164. Peter Ortiz
165. Nailah Sankofa
166. Eva Lindsey
167. R.V. Adams
168. Valerie Bridgman-Davis
169. Phil West
170. Tchiya Amet
171. Torrence Gettrell
172. Pat Payne
173. Logan Phillips
174. Liliana Valenzuela
175. Shermakaye Bass
176. Luis Tames
177. Ben Olguin
178. Anita Pantin
179. Sherry Milam
180. Victoria Zapata Klein
181. Randy Koch
182. Sashua Muniz (where are you?)
183. David Moorman
184. Amanda Winters
185. Hillary Thomas
186. Debbie Ursini
187. Viola Valdez
188. Angelique (Jason too!)
189. Yvonne Duque
190. Natalia Dominguez
191. Rupert Gloria
192. Patricia Urbina (Donald too!)
193. Lupe Mendez
194. Yolanda Reyes
195. Alvaro Rios
196. Marco Iniguez (Brenda too!)
197. Manolo Callahan (Monica too!)
198. Rodney Garza (Dava too!)
199. Eli & Maria (the entire Madmedia crew)
200. Haldun Morgan
201. Jose Ruben de Leon
202. Pilar Rodriguez
203. Laney Yarber
204. Mav McNabb
205. Zoe Pardee
206. Judy Gordon
207. Christina Byrnes
208. m.m. harris
209. Machete
210. J.P. Markarian
211. Cri Rivera
212. Ramsey Sprague
213. Sahai
214. Gren
215. Rachella Parks Washington
216. Vik Bahl
217. Matt Stringer
218. Samira
219. Susan Libby
220. Mary Porter
221. Vicky Meek
222. Babs & Lama Tamang
223. Janne Bryan
224. Martha Whitehouse
225. Diane Wood
226. Karen Foley
227. John Singleton
228. Octavio Solis
229. W. Joe Hoppe
230. Norma Cantu
231. Heriberto G
232. Luis J. Rodriguez
233. Kazuko (where are you?)
234. Nadja Hamilton
235. Sylvia Orozco
236. Herlinda Zamora
237. Sonia Santana (Tom too!)
238. Robyn Medina Winnett
239. JoAnne Reyes-Boitel
240. Maria Solano
241. Clint Niosi
242. Rachel Loera
243. Nathan Kite
244. “big” Jerry of Tesuque Village Market
245. Lupe Cedillos
246. Lee Daniel
247. Rick Linklater
248. Bill Daniel
249. Emily (from Headlands Center for the Arts)
250. Ron (from UNL-Nebraska)
251. Quincy Miller
252. Emmet Campos
253. Isabella Russell-Ides
254. Al Santangelo (where are you?)
255. Vicki Monks
256. Joe Dale
257. Paul S. Flores
258. Marc Pinate
259. Brecht Andersch
260. Levi Romero
261. Pasha Allsup (QEPD)
262. David Zamora Casas
263. Sandra & Victor Payan
264. Francisco Aragon
265. Ken Hunt (QEPD)
266. She: Bike/Spoke/Love cast & crew
267. Dunya Dianne McPherson
268. Beatriz Terrazas
269. Michael “MD” Meyer (QEPD)
270. Rodrigo Pessoa
271. Layne Calabro
272. Lorenzo Thomas (QEPD)
273. Oscar Escalante
274. Michael Nye (Naomi too!)
275. Charles Dreyfus (Lila too!)


About a year ago, after a night-time shift at the library, I sat down to relax with a bottle of Heinecken and started a list of all the good friends and companions and colleagues who've stuck with me and supported me & encouraged me & partied with me & created with me through the decades of my life.

I started this list as a sort of meditation, to remind myself of the wonderful gift of friendship that I have had with so many amazing people. Today, on my birthday (9/30), I am feeling so blessed and lucky to have had all of you in my life.

With many of these folks: I've traveled or hiked or biked; shared tables & conversation until the wee hours of the morning; collaborated and performed on stages from Madison to San Francisco; distilled life's lessons and exchanged recipes for survival; and corresponded via chapbooks, mixtapes, cd demos, long philosophical emails, and cut-up collages. I have spent the night in the homes of 74 of you folks, indulging in your amazing libraries of music and literature, and having curious adventures in your hood.

When I broke my left foot in February, some of you mailed me care packages (Jen and Jackie--thanks!); brought over home-cooked meals and wine (Kat & Ken--thanks!); carried me to and from work when I couldn't drive (Ramsey, Lila, Dani O--thanks!).

When I emerged from my 2.5 day bedroom closet ordeal in May, many of you emailed and phoned me with messages of concern, love, and disbelief. (I'm still sorting through the impact of that closeted experience--stay tuned for a book, movie, or stage show about this...definitely)

So, on this anniversay day of my birth, I want to say that I love you for caring, and I thank you for being my friend, colleague, and companion. You are my tribe.

And finally, cuz I AM a POET--a short poem:


FOR YOU HAIKU


friend power is strong

i have no need for candle

you have lit my path



LOVE AND PEACE to all, Tammy

Mama Calendar 2009: call for submissions

[Carl Webb passed this along via myspace; reply directly or send submissions to Coleen Murphy in NOLA at the address given below.]

Mama Calendar 2009: call for submissions

people, mothers, fathers, partners, kids, friends & allies, the mama calendar is what it is because of your words, pictures, dreams, visions, rants, raves, recipes, recipes for revolution.
send me your best stuff, by October 30, to the mama calendar

coleen murphy
PO box 741655
new orleans, LA
70174

coleen@bust.com

calendars will be available on November 15, 2008, in person at the New Orleans Bookfair and via email & the US mail for $12 a piece, payable by check, cash, money order or paypal.


advance orders are what make the calendar project possible. ask about wholesale pricing for orders of ten or more.





the mama calendar is a community building-consciousness raising resource by, of, about and for progressive, feminist, activist mothers and their families, friends & allies everywhere. it is a celebration and a call to action, a thing of beauty to last the year. edited by coleen murphy, the calendar features photos of mamas, babies, children, dads, and friends, as well as a guide to mama-made zines, alternative parenting resources, recipes, recipes for revolution, great dates in radical mama herstory, and the work of numerous artist/activist/mamas.
recent editions have featured ayun halliday, victoria law, laurel dykstra, sonja smith, trula breckenridge and heather cushman-dowdee, among others.


http://www. myspace. com/mamacalendar

The Spirited Woman video contest - submit by September 30th!

Susan Miller (astrologyzone.com) is promoting a video competition for women and the deadline for submissions is quickly approaching. A 2-minutes max video must be uploaded to YouTube by September 30th (Tuesday) to meet the deadline.

All you do is videotape yourself answering the following question: "Why are YOU a Spirited Woman?"

Short and sweet is what they want. Shoot on a cell phone with video capabilities if that's all you have to work with. You don't need any special equipment. Be spontaneous and speak from your heart!

All video entries which meet the stated criteria will be posted on The Spirited Woman website, so everyone can enjoy them.  

When you enter the Spirited Woman contest, your privacy will be protected. Your name will never be sold or given away, and you will not receive unwanted emails.

To find out how to become a contestant, go to the video contest link on THE SPIRITED WOMAN website.

Women writers: deadline approaches for 2009 Gift of Freedom Award

Gift of Freedom - The Award | A Room Of Her Own - A Foundation For Women Artists and Writers

Application Deadline - October 31, 2008

From the A ROOM OF HER OWN website: The biennial $50,000 Gift of Freedom award was created according to Virginia Woolf’s tenet that a woman must have a room of her own if she is to write.” That’s why multiple, smaller awards are not given: “Give her just a little bit, and she’s right back where she was a year from now,” says Darlene Chandler Bassett.

AROHO selects award recipients who not only demonstrate their talent, but also their motivation. These women must have solid creative goals and a specific project to accomplish during the two-year term of the grant. They should be able to show a track record of commitment to their art in addition to substantial efforts to be self-sufficient. In determining a recipient, we also consider the potential impact of the artist’s or writer’s proposed work on the broader community. We support women with a social, as well as an artistic vision.

Grant winners agree to a “moral” contract requiring them to commit to a specific goal resulting in a finished work. They receive mentorship and support throughout the grant period, and as a result give back to A Room of Her Own Foundation by going on to mentor successive Gift of Freedom recipients.
_________________________________________________
Don't postpone starting the application process; it's pretty extensive.
Good luck, women writers!

9 FREE events in DFW for you! Engage/participate/change!

ONE:

CITY TOUR FOR SOLAR
Solar energy demonstration. 10am-2pm Thursday (TODAY!)
Fort Worth Water Gardens, 1502 Commerce St, FW. Free.
415-994-1097.

TWO:

EDUCATOR EVENING IN THE FW CULTURAL DISTRICT
4-7pm Thursday (TODAY!)
FREE - no reservation required.

Be sure to come out on Thursday, September 25, from 4-7 p.m for a fun-filled evening as the Cultural District opens its doors to educators. No reservation required.

-Explore ideas for using primary sources to support TEKS
-View current exhibitions & preview upcoming exhibitions
-Network with colleagues & enjoy light refreshments
-Learn about programs for teachers & students
-Receive free resources for your classroom

Participating museums: Amon Carter Museum, National Archives & Records Administration Southwest Region (NARA), Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, Texas Civil War Museum, Kimbell Art Museum, Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT), Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, National Cowboys of Color Museum & Hall of Fame, Tour & Visitor Center, Bureau of Engraving & Printing-Western Currency Facility, Fort Worth Zoo, National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, Fort Worth Museum of Science & History, and the Sid Richardson Museum.

(Lori Thompson of the Fire House Gallery goes to this annually and has picked up some great free resources--giveaways, for
instance, from the Kimbell Museum gift shop...)

THREE:

Activate yourself, speak out against urban gas drilling dangers! Meet folks who work hard for our community, without the $$ and prestige of elected officials who work against our community.



WHAT: Just say, "WHOA!!" MORATORIUM RALLY!

PURPOSE: Calling for a ONE YEAR MORATORIUM on the City of Ft. Worth issuing any new gas drilling permits or any pipeline activity/placement until the City of Ft. Worth has a master plan and Gas Drilling Ordinance which specifically addresses the issues of public safety, environmental, property rights, and adheres to current zoning regulations. Ft. Worth is a Home Rule City, and the City Council has the power and authority to enact such an Ordinance to protect our citizens.


Thursday: Sept.
25, 2008
5:00 p.m.
- begin gathering
5:30 p.m.
- 6:30 pm - MORATORIUM RALLY
(Rally held prior to the City of Ft.
Worth's "Let's Talk" event)

WHERE: On public property in front of the Will Rogers Memorial Center Auditorium:
3401 W. Lancaster Avenue - Ft.
Worth

BRING: 1.
Posters, Banners, signs
2.
Cameras - Video & Digital
3.
Friends, Family and Neighbors!

For more information please go to:
www. fw-CREDO. com




FOUR:

Share your IDEAS & DREAMS in this CITY-WIDE conversation!

“LET’S TALK FORT WORTH”
JUEVES 25 DE SEPTIEMBRE - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER, 25TH
(TONIGHT!) 6:30pm
Will Rogers Memorial Center Auditorium

Get more info here or dial up the TalkLine at 817.392.2008 (leave yr comments here if you cannot attend).


FIVE:

Friday, September 26, 2008 (TOMORROW!)
 
In observance of Hispanic Heritage month, the Postal Service will host a special stamp unveiling ceremony on Friday, September 26, 2008 at 2PM at the beautiful Dallas Latino Cultural Center.  The program will feature guest speaker Otis Gray and a performance by the DFW Latin Jazz All Stars that will bring the stamp to life!   

Refreshments will be served.  Commemorative items & Latin Jazz stamps will be available for sale before and after the ceremony. 

What:           Latin Jazz Stamp Ceremony
When:           Friday, September 26, 2008, 2PM-3PM
Where:  Latino Cultural Center
                2600 Live Oak St.
                Dallas, TX  75204

The stamp unveiling ceremony is free and open to the public.  Please RSVP for reserve seating. 
Contact: Martina M. Jubera at 972.393.6185 for more info.

SIX:

Friday, September 26th @ 6:30pm (TOMORROW!)

The first Presidential Debate is this Friday.  The Tarrant Obama Campaign is organizing a watch party at the Rahr Brewery
(701 Galveston Ave., Fort Worth, TX  76104), starting at 6:30 pm.  U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Rick Noriega will be at this family-friendly event and food will be available at cost.  
 
You may have heard the John McCain is trying to call off the debate. Even if this is to happen the Obama Campaign folks would still love for you to come down, socialize with your neighbors, and meet the next U.S. Senator from Texas.

RAHR BREWERY, FREE ADMISSION, FRIDAY @ 6:30PM.


SEVEN:
 
Saturday, September 27th @ 9am - Election Campaigning

Saturday morning, the Tarrant County Democratic Party is organizing a mega-walk of District 90, they will be serving breakfast at their office (3004 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth, TX  76107) at 9:00 a.m., training will begin at 9:15 a.m., and when you are done walking, you can meet back at the office for a catered lunch.  

Free breakfast/lunch. Meet other Obama supporters in FW.


EIGHT:

ALL DAY, Saturday, September 27th, in the Museum District!

Free admission to most museums AND free performances and scheduled activities for children and adults.

More info here.

(As part of the DAY IN THE DISTRICT festivities, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, will present a morning program
for only 5 bucks--evening show tickets are $15)

Dancing Beyond Borders - by the Dallas Black Dance Theatre
Saturday, September 27th
W.E. Scott Theater, Fort Worth, TX
** student matinee at 10:15am for only 5 bucks **


NINE:

HEAVY HITTERS art exhibit
Opening: Saturday, September 27, 2008, 8pm-Midnight

F6 GALLERY

F6 Gallery is back after a hot and humid summer off, with a new show (one night only!) called the Heavy Hitters art exhibition.
Artists are showing what they’ve got, back in the ring!

The artists are: Jeremy Gabriel, Hatziel Flores, Ray Albarez, Kerrie Conover, David Yubeta, Kate Stipp, Jill O’brien,
Jessica Greene, Angel Martinez, Pete a.s.k., Ucron i.c., Minus i.c., Jeremy Joel, Francisco Moreno, Benjamin Purvis,
Adrian Venegas, David Martinez, Eddie Mendiola, Athena Hardison, Jace Hudson, Evita Cortez, Katie Nixon, Levi Leddy,
Orlando Ramos, Smike, Beau Ethridge, Jon Ramon, Brandy Powell, Ethan Klenk, Gregory P. Rodriguez, and Andrea Gonzales.

This mixed media show includes sculpture, photography, painting, graffiti murals, installation works, and printmaking.

Music at the show will be provided by DJ S.O.I, DJ Vomit, and DJ Hazardous Beats.

info@f6gallery.com -- (Best Gallery - Critic's Choice - FW Weekly Best of 2008)



See you soon & around.

Today's gig at Tarrant County College - South Campus - in FW

I arrived at about 9:55am for a 10am scheduled appearance on-campus at the "Student Living Room" at TCC-South. Fortunately, the students didn't actually come in until 10:15am, so I had some time to prep the dvds, digital projector, my notes. The first session drew about 120 students (and some faculty members). Right off the bat, a student had questions about my "male chivalry" poem; this is a piece that leaves some people scratching their heads, which is cool. A little discussion about it ensued, and it tapered off when I made a joke about men eyeing women's asses when they hold the door open for them (and how men's motivations are not always gentlemenly, no matter the honor of the gesture). Showed both clips from "She: Bike/Spoke/Love" and the Ray Santisteban video adaptation of my "On Language" poem. The students positively responded to these with applause and laughter. After that session, I was approached by a number of students who asked where I "hang out" and how they could be in touch with me. (Hopefully, a few of you have found me here on myspace...) I really enjoyed meeting a very earnest student named Danielle who told that she plays guitar. Also, visual artist Jeremy shared a few ph.numbers with me for possible collaborative purposes. He's going to be at the big F6 Gallery "Heavy Hitters" show this weekend with some new art, and I mentioned that I already have plans to be there. I love seeing new connections forming with cool folks, fresh faces with stuff to share.

The second session was smaller, maybe about 80 students attended. I was a bit more alert (I'm not a morning person) and lively in this presentation, performing a coupla my "slam-type" poems for the crowd. A young woman asked me if I could freestyle, and I sidestepped that one by singing a melody that came to me in a dream--a melody that might be the chorus for a hiphop number. I kept encouraging the students to get involved in the community beyond the campus, to get out and experience culture (of any kind), and to learn their world with curious mindsets.

The administrative staff who coordinated my visit seemed very appreciative of what I had to offer the students this morning, and have invited me back to TCC-South for a future roundtable or symposium on race relations. I look forward to that event, and hope to forge a longlasting relationship with that academic institution.

Pulitzer Prize writer Junot Diaz in Dallas on Sunday, Sept. 14th

My huge literary crush, JUNOT DIAZ--the papi' chulo of letras Dominicanas--is coming to Dallas next weekend. Go see him w/ me!!




JUNOT DIAZ started out, in the 1990s, publishing short stories here and there (New Yorker, Paris Review), and then in 1997 his first short story collection DROWN (which i love!) was published by Riverhead/Penguin to great acclaim. DROWN was sold for translational rights to over fifteen countries, was a national bestseller, and was nominated for Quality Paperback Book Club's "New Voices" award in 1997.

Diaz was the only writer chosen by Newsweek as one of the 10 "New Faces of 1996." In 1999, the New Yorker named him one of the top “20 Writers for the 21st Century.”

After all the DROWN acclaim and hoopla, he practically disappeared from the universe--but actually he was busy teaching (at MIT, no less) and writing what we anticipated would be his first novel.

And guess what?

For eleven years he held us off with bated breath (ours not his), until the point--2007--when he published his finally completed FIRST novel--which is titled THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO--and then what happens to this writer with a charmed life?

He gets the freakin' PULITZER for his first novel!!!!

THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO has gone on to win the National Book Critics Circle award for fiction and has
also been optioned by Miramax Films.

Here's more info on the reading/interview, which is being taped for KERA radio broadcast.

Lastly, here are links to a great interview Junot did with BOOKSLUT in 07; an extensive bio; and a really dope article on the political angles of the novel.

C'mon bookwormy literatontos, join me on Sunday, September 14th at the DMA (Dallas Museum of Art) from 2-4pm!

Call to action - Women Say No Palin

[The following call to action came to me via Liliana Valenzuela, writer and translator.]

"We are writing to you because of the fury and dread we have felt since the announcement of Sarah Palin as the Vice-Presidential candidate for the Republican Party. We believe that this terrible decision has surpassed mere partisanship, and that it is a dangerous farce--on the part of a pandering and rudderless Presidential candidate--that has a real possibility of becoming fact.

Perhaps like us, as American women, you share the fear of what Ms. Palin and her professed beliefs and proven record could lead to for ourselves and for our present or future daughters. To date, she is against sex education, birth control, the pro-choice platform, environmental protection, alternative energy development, freedom of speech (as mayor she wanted to ban books and attempted to fire the librarian who stood against her), gun control, the separation of church and state, and polar bears. To say nothing of her complete lack of real preparation to become the second-most-powerful person on the planet.

We want to clarify that we are not against Sarah Palin as a woman, a mother, or, for that matter, a parent of a pregnant teenager, but solely as a rash, incompetent, and all together devastating choice for Vice President. Ms.Palin's political views are in every way a slap in the face to the accomplishments that our mothers and grandmothers and great-grandmothers so fiercely fought for, and that we've so demonstrably benefited from.

*First and foremost, Ms. Palin does not represent us. She does not demonstrate or uphold our interests as American women. It is presumed that the inclusion of a woman on the Republican ticket could win over women voters. We want to disagree, publicly.*

*Therefore, we invite you to compose a short, succinct message about why you, as a woman living in this country, do not support this candidate as second-in-command for our nation. Email it to us at: womensaynopalin@gmail.com. *

Please include your name (last initial is fine), age, and place of residence. We will post your responses on a blog called 'Women Against Sarah Palin,' which we intend to publicize as widely as possible. Please send us your reply at your earliest convenience--the greater the volume of responses we receive, the stronger our message will be.

Thank you for your time and action.

*VIVA!*

Sincerely,


Quinn Latimer and Lyra Kilston
New York, NY
womensaynopalin@gmail.com

***PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY!* If you send this to 20 women in the next hour, you could be blessed with a country that takes your concerns seriously. Stranger things have happened."

Hispanic Heritage Month performances @ TCC-South Campus

I’m featuring twice at TCC-South Campus this month, so come check me out or tell a friend who might be a TCC-South Campus student or faculty member.

I'm one of the featured performers at the Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off celebration on Wednesday, September 10th, which goes from 11am to 1pm. Free & open to the public. Also featuring performances by Latin Express and Velocity Dance Company. Thanks to Ramsey Sprague for playing guitar as part of my poetry set.

September 10th - Wednesday - my first gig at TCC this month

I'll return to TCC-South Campus on Monday, September 22nd for a poetry performance intensive in the "Student Living Room" from 10am-12noon.

September 22nd - Monday - my second gig at TCC this month

Spread the word!

2009 Texas Poetry Calendar poets - tomorrow at Benbrook Public Library

[This was passed along by Susan Vogel Taylor, the pompom girl for local readings by local poets. Poetry Calendar co-editors Cindy Huyser and Scott Wiggerman will be coming in from Austin to co-host this event. I've worked with both Cindy and Scott--back in the 90s in Austin--and they are great people as well as dedicated hard-working poets. Recommended.]

** The 2nd Tuesday Poetry Series is proud to present readings from the 2009 Texas Poetry Calendar **

7 p.m. - Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Benbrook Public Library - 1065 Mercedes, Benbrook, TX 76126
Phone: 817.249.6632

Go to www.benbrooklibrary.org for directions.

The 2009 Texas Poetry Calendar is now in its eleventh year of publication. Scott Wiggerman and David Meischen, co-owners and publishers of Dos Gatos Press, have been publishing the Calendar for the past four years. Dos Gatos is a small non-profit press "dedicated to the promotion of Texas poetry and poets."

Cindy Huyser and Scott Wiggerman edited the Calendar, and will host Tuesday night's reading.

Featured Poets:

Alan Gann, of Plano, teaches creative writing workshops in at-risk schools and sexuality education at his local Unitarian Universalist church. A long-time member of the Dallas Poets Community, he is one of the readers for their literary journal, Illya's Honey. His poetry has been published in such journals as Borderlands and the Red River Review, and he has work forthcoming in Sentence, Main Street Rag, and Trillium.

Michelle Hartman, of Euless, has had poems published in Illya's Honey, Red River Review, Sojourn, decant, and the anthology The Weight of Addition, and has a poem forthcoming in Concho River Review.

J. Paul Holcomb, the "Poet from Double Oak," has written two books of poetry: Looking for Love in the Telecom Corridor, which won the Edwin Eakin Memorial Book Award in 2004, and Love, or Something Like It, which won the 1997 Lucidity Chapbook Award. He is a past president of the Poetry Society of Texas and of the Fort Worth Poetry Society. He has published widely, including in New Texas, Windhover, DFW Poetry Review, the Concho River Review, and the Journal of Poetry Therapy.

Ann Howells, of Carrollton, is the treasurer of the Dallas Poets Community and managing editor of its journal, Illya's Honey. She has been named a "distinguished poet of Dallas" by the Dallas Public Library, has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and published one chapbook, Black Crow in Flight, available through Main Street Rag. Recent work has appeared in Barbaric Yawp, Plainsongs, and Sentence.

Marilyn Komechak, of Fort Worth, a finalist in the Living Room Theatre of Salado, is a writer in many fields. Her children's book, Paisano Pete, won Oklahoma Writers' Federation's "Best Juvenile Book." She co-authored a screenplay based on the book, which won first place in the OWFI's Script/Movie/TV division in 2007, as well as a first place in poetry.

Carolyn Thorman, of Houston, with degrees in Law and Anthropology, moved from West Virginia to Houston two years ago and now divides her time between homes in Clear Lake and Manilva, Spain. She has received grants from the Maryland State Arts Council and has taught fiction at the Writers Center in Washington, D.C. Her poetry has appeared in such journals as the Cincinnati Review, the Piedmont Literary Review, and Pittsburgh Magazine.

Sylvia R. Vaughn, of Plano, has a degree in journalism from SMU, and has worked as a reporter, editor, and news director for the Grand Prairie Daily News. Her poems have appeared in Illya's Honey and the Red River Review, and her poem "Communion" won first place in the Richardson Public Library's Poetry Competition in 2007. In addition, her play La Tamalada was produced in Fort Worth, and two others have had staged readings.


The Editors

Cindy Huyser is a poet, computer programmer, and former power plant operator. A native of Detroit, Michigan, she has lived in Austin, Texas, for most of her adult life. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including The Comstock Review, Borderlands: Texas Poetry Review, Wild Plum, each of AIPF's Di-Verse-City anthologies, and Layers (Plain View Press, 1994).

Scott Wiggerman is the author of Vegetables and Other Relationships and editor of the Texas Poetry Calendar. His work has appeared in such journals as Borderlands: Texas Poetry Review, Poesia, Contemporary Sonnet, Visions International, Spillway, Sojourn, and the Paterson Literary Review; and books like The Weight of Addition and Poem, Revised. He has spent much of 2008 preparing and editing Big Land, Big Sky, Big Hair: Best of the Texas Poetry Calendar.

Vote now - Fort Worth Weekly BEST OF 2008 - survey online!

I just realized that my production of SHE: BIKE/SPOKE/LOVE can be nominated in the FORT WORTH WEEKLY'S BEST OF 2008
survey.

If you want to, you can write in/nominate this play as the best "Production Staged by Local Theater" in the CULTURE category.

(The previous BEST OF survey was taken BEFORE we premiered the play, so this would be the year to nominate it.)

Tell your friends to vote!! Spread the word!!

Be sure to vote in at least 15 categories. (That's one of the main rules.) For your convenience, here's the online ballot


The play was a SOUND CULTURE PRODUCTION, and it played at the SANDERS THEATRE. (in case you forgot the names...)

If you don't want to mess with this or think the Weekly's BEST OF bidness is total b.s., I won't have hard feelings...

...at least I don't think I will.

hehehehehe.

Dancing IS sustainable...

Dance, when you're broken open.
Dance, if you've torn the bandage off.
Dance in the middle of the fighting.
Dance in your blood.
Dance, when you're perfectly free.

-- Jelaluddin Rumi (13th century poet)

Palabrazos '08 archival footage of my poem "Quetzal Feathers"

Ole "Shaky Leg Sanchez" aka Cesar Hernandez just put up this clip from the footage he shot at the first annual Palabrazos festival, which happened in Fort Worth in early May. (I didn't post the planned afterglow report because about 40 hours after the festival ended, I accidentally locked myself in my bedroom closet for two and a half days. No lie. So, my reporting schedule got a bit thrown off, to say the least...)

Palabrazos '08

Get plugged in to these great new projects!

[Austin friend and documentary filmmaker Andrea Melendez sent along the following call for interns to help with her Blueprint Schools Documentary Project.]

Contact Andrea directly at andrea@blueprintschools.com.

The Blueprint Schools Documentary Project is seeking interns for a documentary on school reform in east Austin, Texas.

The film is in the production phase and will be gathering data and filming this semester through the early fall, then will enter into post-production. The internship does not provide a financial stipend. You will receive credit in the documentary, a copy of the DVD, and possible co-authorship on any published writing depending on the level of involvement.

We are seeking 3 interns/research associates (undergraduate/graduate/grade school and or those not currently in school) whose work will involve the following but not limited to:

-research on the history of school reform in east Austin
-research on the history of school reform nationwide and in Texas
-quantitative analysis of TEA (Texas Education Agency) data of blueprint schools
-help with intersections of discussion
-production help for video shoots
-assistance with graphic production
-reviewers of relevant research writings
-transcription
-translation-logging
-editing, graphic art production

If interested, please contact Andrea at: andrea@blueprintschools.com

and send a bio or resume along with a short description of your interests in the film.

More information on the project can be found here.
________________________________
[The following casting call was sent by Yvonne Duque, who is back on the job after birthing her beautiful new daughter, Gabriela.. congrats again to Yvonne and Carlos!]

Teatro de la Rosa Auditions Calling all Actors!!!

Teatro de la Rosa announces auditions for upcoming production.
Audition dates: Sunday, September 7, 2008 4:00 – 6:00 and Monday OR September 8, 2008 7:00 – 9:00.
READING FROM THE SCRIPT.
At the Rose Marine Theater
Bilingual adaptation of William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream".
Play will be set in and around the culture of Veracruz Mexico .
Seeking male and female actors ages 12 and up.
Play will feature some Spanish, but all ethnicities encouraged to audition.
Rehearsals will take place at the Rose Marine Theater.
Performance dates: November 7 – 23, 2008 Friday & Saturday at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:00 at the Rose Marine Theater.
Directed by Yvonne Duque.
Special appearance by Ballet Folklorico Azteca.
Contact us at 817.624.8333 for further information!

Yvonne Duque
Artistic Director
Teatro de la Rosa
c/o Rose Marine Theater
1440 N. Main Street
Fort Worth, TX 76164
817.624.8333 - Phone
817.624.8258 - Fax
www.rosemarinetheater.com
______________________________

[Geovanny Salas of Cineastas Pictures sent along the following call for actors.]

Cineastas Pictures & Nueva York Films
Presents
"LENT"

Casting Call
(non-union)

Directors: Anthony Limongi and Juan Caceres (The Startup)
Writer: Anthony Limongi
Producers: Juan Caceres (The Startup) and
Geovanny Salas (Art House Film)
Cast: Dennis Torres (Hero The Great)
Genre: Short Comedy

Synopsis:
Lent is the forty-day liturgical season of fasting and prayer before Easter. For Usmail, a hormonal 15 years old, this couldn't be any truer. After an unfortunate incident, Usmail decides to reflect on himself and his bad habits.

Character Descriptions:

MOM:
Latina/Late 30's - Early 40's. Very firm and strong Latina mother.

DAD:
Latino Late 30's - Early 40's. The complete opposite of a stereotypical Latino man. Sheepish and quiet. Not very boisterous. Worries a lot about his son.

PAUL:
Any ethnicity - must be able to play ages 14-17. High school sophomore. Makes lewd jokes/comments. It's clear he hasn't matured yet.

FAUSTO:
Latino - must be able to play ages 14-17. A skinny, scrawny looking kid. Tries too hard to be gangsta.

Production Date: Fall 2008

Location: New York

Contact:
anthony_limongi@yahoo.com

Geovanny Salas
Founder | Producer
Cineastas Pictures
www.CineastasPictures.com