Cine y Mas: November 2011

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

River City Youth Foundation is Host to 'Merry Memories' toy give away- find out how you can participate and help

For more information on how to donate to this worthy cause and/or volunteer, write to pr@rivercityyouth.org

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

An interview with David Hidalgo, featured artist for the upcoming 'Border Music' showcase at the Bass Concert Hall on the UT-Austin campus November 30

(L-R) Marc Ribot and David Hidalgo

California born and raised, David Hidalgo is best known for his musical history with Los Lobos, but he has multiple side projects including the Latin Playboys, Los Super Seven and Hounddog, just to name a few.

The 'Border Music' show has been performed internationally and now, it is making its U.S. debut in Austin, Texas at the Bass Concert Hall of the UT-Austin campus. I was able to interview David Hidalgo prior to the concert.

We discussed how this performance may be different from those conducted internationally. Hidalgo provided his perspective. "I have been with Los Lobos, Latin Playboys and other sister projects and Marc has different things, as in his work with the Cubanos Postizos. We will draw from it and old Mexican songs, for example, Paquita la del Barrio's song, "Rata de dos Patas." We laughed quite a bit after he said that, as I am familiar with that artist's style and song as it is a popular one. He added, "It will be a fun show." Then in a more serious note, he continued, "We have a loose outline. The band gets together the day before, but it remains loose and improvised. It also depends on how the audience responds. So yes, it will be different from shows in Germany, Italy and others.

I also asked as to what the audience could anticipate from the show. "Tell them to anticipate being surprised," he exclaimed, "as we will be too!" He explained since it is a loose framework for the show that is improvised, then it is like a "jam session. There will be a lot of guitar playing, bass and keyboards from New York, Latin, jazz classics, movie scores."
Speaking of movie scores, we did discuss films and music for film. I told him music is a very important part of a movie for me and how much I enjoy some of the music that accompanies films. "You know, many people overlook that in movies," Hidalgo stated, musing about how soundtracks are amazing. I did inquire about his participation in films with any of his movies. "Yes, and we have been commissioned to to write for films. This year, it was for the film 'Rango' (staring Johnny Depp as the voice of the main character.)"

The talented musician plays a variety of instruments and we started to discuss this. He explained that when he started with Los Lobos, the main instrument is the guitar, but when learning the older Mexican and/or folk music, including learning about mariachi music, he started to learn many other string instruments, patiently listing them all and how they were similar.

As for the accordeon, Hidalgo stated he "stumbled into it," as it was his brother in law that had bought a Horner with the intention of learning to play it during his retirement, "but he passed away. I had the accordeon and his wife gave it to me. I knew I had a purpose and I set out to learn it. I did not see anyone playing it- I learned by ear and learned the wrong way. It is too late now to go back, but I know I will never play like anyone from San Antonio, Texas!"

I tend not to agree with him, and assured him he gives it his own style.

We are in for a big night at the concert!

Liz Lopez

Austin Tejano Music Association hosts their meeting tonight

The Austin Tejano Music Coalition meets tonight at 6:30pm at the Parque Zaragoza, 2608 Gonzalez St. in Austin.

The meeting is open to the public and go by to meet the leadership, members and find out what events are being planned for December and the coming months.

For more information, visit http://www.austintejanomusic.org/

Reminder- 'Border Music' showcase hosted by Texas Performing Arts at Bass Concert Hall on November 30th- Win a Pair of Tickets!

Marc Ribot and David Hidalgo share the stage at a previous 'Border Music' presented internationally. They will make their U. S. debut in Austin, Texas at 8pm on Wednesday night as part of the ArtesAmericas program. Photo Credit: Michael Kneffel

Marc Ribot strums a tune

To win a pair of tickets submit your response by email to trueviewreviews2@gmail.com to the following questions. Clue: Information about this performance was posted in this blog earlier to help you respond. Please read the blog entry and visit www.TexasPerformingArts.org

1- Name at least two musical groups that David Hidalgo performs with?

2- Name two different musical artists that Marc Ribot has performed with in the past?

Thanks for participating in our contest and the selection will be made quickly in order to have the tickets available for the winner by Wednesday.

Liz

Cine Y Mas www.trueviewreviews.net

Tired of eating too much and laying around reading?

Hello readers,
I hope everyone had a restful and safe holiday this past weekend.
This really looked good last week, but too many of us had more than our share. There are plenty of things going on this week to wrap up November and loads of things to do in December that I will be reporting on here.

I did my share of reading and recyling this past week and it is time to catch up on all the happenings this week, plus it is time to prepare for all that December has to offer.

If you missed reading my previous entry in this blog, the Blue-ray and DVD release of the 50th Anniversary Edition of West Side Story was on November 15th from Twentieth Century Home Entertainment and it has some exciting features.
There was hundreds of hours of restoration and it is in 7.1 digital audio.

The release contains many, many special features, including the four trailers, from origina to animated. Lyricist Stephen Sondheim provides a song specific commentary for a myriad of greats including Maria, America, Tonight and so many other favorites of this multi-award winning film.

Follow this blog and see what is happening in music, cine, DVDs y mucho mas.

Liz

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

San Antonio theaters features Mommy Matinees- Wednesdays at 11am

Wednesday, November 23rd is 'The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1' and the 30th is 'The Muppets' at 11am.

22nd Annual Mercado de Paz/Peace Market in San Antonio November 25th and 26th

The 22nd annual Mercado de Paz/Peace Market is held at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, 922 San Pedro in San Antonio, 78212 from 10a-6pm each day. The mercado/market features artesians, vendors, visual artists, food and live music.
They are accepting voluteers for varied shifts to work each day, as well as food donations to sell during the market.
For more information, call 210-228-0201 and visit www.esperanzacenter.org

There are a variety of local and international artisians hosting a booth at the mercado who feature their craft each year.

A vendor from a past mercado

An artist features her work at the mercado

There will be a variety of food items available for purchase at the mercado from restaurants and others.

Well known and celebrated musician, Eva Ibarra from San Antonio, featured at a mercado.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Martin Scorsese's 'HUGO' opens November 23rd

Do not miss this fabulous film and read the complete reviews on www.trueviewreviews.net

Arthur Christmas features Justin Bieber video and song

Justin Bieber fans are going to enjoy his latest release, "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" when they see the film, 'Arthur Christmas' that opens on Wednesday, November 23rd.
When I went to the screening recently, viewers were treated to the whole video of this song before the movie started. The album "Under the Mistletoe" is available in stores now.

Friday, November 18, 2011

La Mafia and Elida Reyna joined by Mazz and David Lee Garza y los Musicales en Austin today for a spectacular night of music

International award winning artists from Houston, La Mafia, will be performing their hits from past and current releases. Photo courtesy of La Mafia website.

Elida Reyna flanked by her talented musical group in San Antonio where they won multiple awards at the Tejano Music Awards. [Photo credit by Liz Lopez of Austin]

If you are member of the Descuento Libre, you saw the deep discount available last week for tickets to this show. Try your hand at the door of the North Austin Events Center on the 18th of November and dance away!

HAPPY FEET TWO - Clips y Trailers

Aqui tenemos unos clips y trailers para la nueva pelicula HAPPY FEET TWO

Tres Amigos – Clip
www.ladb.tv
When using LADB.TV, Recommendamos usando FireFox.

Use this login info:
Nombre de usario (username): ramon.amigo
Contrasena (Password): friend

Trailer en espanol
http://secure.ladb.com/
UN:happyfeetspanish@ladb.com
PW:f88t&$

Mia Maestro se une al elenco de 'TheTwilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1' y su cancion 'Lllovera' destacada en la banda sonora

Mia Maestro, nativa de Argentina, no solo es actriz, pero es cantautora con mucho orgullo por tener su cancion destacada en la banda sonora de esta cinta muy anticipada por los fans.

Cuando vean las escenas de Bella y Edward en su luna de miel, escucha muy atentamente por la cancion de Mia Maestro, quien tambien se unio al elenco como Carmen.

Para la critica y entrevista completa, visite www.trueviewreviews.net

'Happy Feet Two'- Pinguinos con Sabor Latino

No se pierda esta muy divertida cinta que se estrena en el teatro hoy, 18 de noviembre!
Es muy buena para toda su familia y muy recomendada.
Disponible en 3D y en IMAX en ciertas ciudades que tienen salon de cine, tal como en el Museo Bob Bullock de Austin y hay cinco cines IMAX en San Antonio.
El nuevo elenco de esta cinta incluye la voz de Sofia Vergara como 'Carmen' y el joven rapero, Benjamin Lil P Nut Flores, como 'Atticus', entre otros muy destacados artists de cine y musica.

Para leer la critica en espanol completa, visite www.trueviewreviews.net y busque la pagina 'Cine y mas'. Sobre detalles de la cinta, visite www.happyfeettwo.com

Las Comadres is host to an Expo and Fair on November 26th

Goodwill Industries of Central Texas

1015 Norwood Park Blvd (183 and IH 35 area)

Austin, Texas 78753

10am to 5pm

The festive and family friendly Expo will also feature authors and artists as well.

If you are interested in this and other events, visit www.lascomadres.org

Gina Chavez and Paul Finley take the stage November 19th

Here is a great acoustic set for Gina Chavez coming up this weekend, Saturday, November 19th.
Blackerby Recital Hall, 1111 W. Anderson Lane, Austin TX 78757
7:30pm to 10pm
$7 at the door
www.ginachavez.com for more information on the artist

Blue Jay Garden in Hutto features great food and free live music on the weekends

Don't miss the November Soup and Sandwich special going on now!
For details about this and other events, visit www.bluejaygarden.com

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

The Littlest Angel on DVD adapted from Children's Classic Book

The brand new feature length film from Anchor Bay Entertainment is available today, November 15th in retail stores. It is based on the 15th best selling book of all time and reimagined for children of all ages to enjoy for 83 minutes.

For more information about the movie, visit www.thelittlestangelmovie.com

Texas Performing Arts -Artes Americas program presents the U. S. Premiere of the 'Border Music' concert on November 30th at Bass Concert Hall

David Hidalgo (photo credit: Michael Kneffe)

Texas Performing Arts - Artes Americas program presents the U. S. Premiere of 'Border Music' featuring guitarists, David Hidalgo (Los Lobos/ Latin Playboys), along with Marc Ribot (Tom Waits/Elvis Costello) with Brad Jones (bass), Cougar Estrada (drums) and Anthony Coleman (keyboards) on Wednesday, November 30th, 8pm at the Bass Concert Hall.

It is presented in partnership with the Jewish Community Center of Austin and the Austin Guitar Society.

Each of the guitarists come from different sides of Latin music, but together will present an unforgettable concert; David Hidalgo has roots in Mexican and Tex-Mex styles, Ribot with his Cuban dance music. Jones and Coleman are both from the original Cubanos Postizos group and Estrada drums for Los Lobos.

The Artes Americas program, in partnership with the Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies at UT-Austin, promotes cultural dialogue in the Americas thru the performing arts.

For information about the performance and tickets, visit http://www.texasperformingarts.org/

Marc Ribot is a talented musician with a history of performing with many great musical artists.

'Luna Negra' Dance Theater performance at UT Bass Concert Hall at November 18th

The Texas Performing Arts 'ArtesAmericas' program is host to Chicago's Luna Negra Dance Theater performance at 8pm at the Bass Concert Hall.
The production features original contemporary dances, featuring Latin and Afro-Carribean forms and rhythms.
Their debut will be a collaboration of visual and media artists, musicians and composers.
For more information on the company and the performance, visit http://www.texasperformingarts.org/ and ticket information is available there online or call (512) 477-6060.

Photo credit: Kristie Kahns

West Side Story: 50th Anniversary Edition Blue-ray and DVD now available

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment presents the Academy Award winning film 'West Side Story' debut in Blue-ray format in stores on November 15th as 'West Side Story: 50th Anniversary Edition.'
The Limited Edition 4-Disc Boxed Set, a collector's dream, includes a two disc Blue-ray, newly restored DVD and a tribute CD along with photo book and other collectibles.

The film won ten Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Directing and Best Scoring of a Musical Picture. The film took home more awards for a movie-musical in the history of cinema.
'West Side Story: 50th Anniversary Edition' features hundreds of hours of restoration, new 7.1 digital audio and a collection of bonus features of songs and dances.
Blue-ray special features includes 'Pow! The Dances of West Side Story,' 'A Place for Us- West Side Story's Legacy,' Song Specific commentary by lyricist Stephen Sondheim, trailers and more.
The film features ten different languages to chose from for sub-titles, aside from English.

Rita Moreno, Best Supporting Actress winner, is as stunning as ever!

Iconic dances from the award winnng musical film.

Fans of West Side Story will never forget this beautiful scene and the song the two young people, Tony (Richard Beymer) and Maria (Natalie Wood) sang to each other. This is unforgetable.

Amazing and unforgetable dance scenes.

The Jets and the Sharks during 1950's New York.

Austin Music Foundation hosts workshop November 16th

For more information about the workshop speakers and how to register, visit www.austinmusicfoundation.org

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

San Antonio viewers: Today is the last day to use this coupon

This coupon is good at the Santikos Rialto when you see either of these two films, Tower Heist and A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas (3D). Check theater listings at www.movietickets.com

'The Skin I Live In'/'La Piel Que Habito' by Pedro Almodovar at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar with special menu of Tapas and Wine

The special tapas menu and wines will be featured during the first two weeks the film is offered at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar.
For information on the film and tickets, visit http://drafthouse.com/movies/the_skin_i_live_in

Cine las Americas International Film Festival Call for Entries

For submission deadlines and entry fees, visit www.cinelasamericas.org

Central Texas Wildfire Benefit Fest Nov 26th at the Long Center

Omar and the Howlers, Fastball, Vitera, Frank Gomez and many more musicians from 2 to 10pm. Tickets range from $25 General Admission to $100 VIP tickets.