Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos Celebration November 2nd

Manuel's Downtown is host to the Dia de los Muertos Celebration on Wednesday, November 2nd on South Congress, with a benefit for Mexic Arte Museum also located in downtown Austin.
The celebration is from 4-6 pm and there will be alter viewing uniquely set up for Steve Jobs, with special drinks and 1/2 price appetizers.
For more information, visit http://www.manuels.com/ and http://www.mexic-artemuseum.org/

Hispanic Women's Network of Texas Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The conference begins with a ribbon cutting on Friday, October 28th in downtown Austin at the Sheraton Hotel. For more information, visit www.hwnt.org

Teresa Lozano Long will be honored for her contribution to education and the arts during the conference.

Secretary of State Esperanza 'Hope' Andrade serves as an honorary Co-Chair for the 25th anniversary conference.

Amalia Rodriguez Mendoza will serve as an honorary Co-Chair for the 25th anniversary conference in Austin.

Fishbone at Emo's on October 27th

Following the documentary screening of 'Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone' during SXSW 2011, the theatrical release is at the Alamo Drafthouse, followed by the band's performance on the 27th in downtown Austin. Join them as they celebrate their 25th anniversary in the music industry.

October DVD releases continued

The digitally remastered film is now available on DVD on October 25th and should make for a good Halloween treat! For more information, visit www.blue-underground.com

Mar de Amores salio a la venta este mes.

Winnie the Pooh is now available on Blue-ray and DVD as of October 25th

Everyone's favorite pirate is now available on Blue-ray and DVD this month in stores.

Lucio Fulci's 'Zombie' has limited theatrical release in Austin

Blue Underground presents the digitally restored and remastered version of Lucio Fulci's 'Zombie' film in Austin with special screenings at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar on October 30th and at the Alamo Ritz in downtown Austin on October 31st. Visit http://drafthouse.com for theaters and showtimes for Austin dates and other cities are listed online at www.blue-underground.com/zombie/

Halloween and Dia de los Muertos Events are coming

4th Annual Spooktacular at The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum on Friday, October 28th from 6-9pm.
This family themed event is free and open to the public with live music, a parade, bag decorating and other fun activities. For more information, visit www.TheStoryofTexas.com

Free community workshop in San Antonio where you can learn to make mini papel picado, sugar skulls and paper flowers. This will be at the Casa de Cuentos, 801 South Colorado, in San Antonio and to make reservations, call 210-228-0201.

Dia de los Muertos at Market Square in downtown San Antonio on October 28th and 29th.

On Monday, October 31st, select theaters across the nation offer 'Paranormal Three and Bloody Mary Monday' events.
For movie listings visit www.movies.yahoo.com

Blue Jay Garden Coffeehouse and Eatery in Hutto host to live music and Halloween festivities

Santanarama showcase at Maria Maria Ocober 22nd

Austin Latino Music Association [ALMA] is host once again to the annual showcase that pays tribute to Carlos Santana. Don't miss this showcase featuring local bands and video footage of vintage Santana performances.

I attended the Carlos Santana show in September and it was awesome. I have attended this ALMA yearly event, so after watching Santana live at the Austin City Limits downtown, I am ready to hear a bit more of his great music.

Music starts at 9m and it is a bargain at $7 at the door.

Texas Killing Fields has limited release; arrives in Texas theaters on Friday, October 21st

' Texas Killing Fields' has played in New York and LA, but now arrives in Houston and Dallas on October 21st.

Houston is host to a special screening at 7:45pm on the 21st, featuring a Q & A after the screening with special guests, the Texas City detectives that inspired the film with their true stories, Mike Land and Brian Goetschius.

The screening with guests will take place exclusively at Regal Greenway 24 in Houston, Texas. Advance tickets are available on www.fandango.com

For more information on the film, visit www.texaskillingfields.com

Labios Rojos released in theaters on October 14th

This film starring Jorge Salinas and Silvia Navarro opened in theaters on October 14th with no press or promotional screenings, but I cannot miss seeing this actor that I have followed in both novelas and films. Look for the review to be posted soon.
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Se estreno esta pelicula en Austin el 14 de octubre sin aviso or mercadeo antemano, pero no me pierdo una con Jorge Salinas. Lea la critica pronto.

Liz

Emilio Estevez' film 'The Way' opens in Austin October 14th

I have already posted the review and interviews with Emilio Estevez and Martin Sheen for this film on the homepage of http://www.trueviewreviews.net/ . It is a wonderful film with a great script, outstanding performances and excellent cinematography. I attended the film screeings in Austin prior to the release and I did not tire of seeing it. I was truly honored to have had the opportunity to have met and interviewed the two gentlemen.

I am also very pleased with the song selection in the film, with music by Tyler Bates, and a few other artists sprinkled in such as James Taylor, Berroguetto, Alanis Morissette, Nick Drake and David Gray. The soundtrack is available on http://iTunes.com/us/album/the-way

Believe me, you will not be disappointed in either the film or the music.

The film opens in San Antonio on October 21st and visit www.santikos.com for details.
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Les recomendo mucho esta pelicula, la cual tiene estreno el 14 de octubre en Austin en el Teatro AMC Barton Creek. La semana que entra, se estrena en San Antonio en los cines Santikos Bijou.

Tiene un buen guion, actuacion, musica y cinematografia que es impresionante. Una gran obra de parte del cineasta Estevez y su padre, Martin Sheen (su nombre veridico es Ramon Estevez).

Visite www.santikos.com para detalles.

Dance with the One screening in Austin and San Antonio

'Dance with the One' was filmed in Austin and by the University of Texas at Austin students and alumni as a University of Texas Film Institute Production. The feature film made its premiere at the SXSW 2010 Film Festival in Austin.

The Texas Independent Film Network has collaborated with organizations to hold screenings of 'Dance with the One' in both Austin and San Antonio.
On Friday, October 14th, the Austin Film Society joined the Texas Independent Film Network and Screen Door Film to host the screening at the Austin Film Society's screening room, 1901 E. 51st St and it starts at 7:30pm. In attendance will be director Mike Dolan and actress Dana Wheeler-Nicholson. Visit http://www.austinfilm.org/

On Tuesday, October 18th, the Texas Independent Film Network and Santikos Bijou, in partnership with the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center (San Antonio) will be host to 'Dance with the One.'
The screening will be at 7:30pm at the Bijou Cinema Bistro, 4522 Fredricksburg in San Antonio. For more information, visit www.texasifn.com/sanantonio.html

Gabriel Luna stars as Nate Hitchins and is a native Austinite.

Nate (Gabriel Luna) sits with his brother in the film, "Sitter" (Mike Davis)

Nate (Luna) and Nikki Andrade (Xochitl Romero) in 'Dance with the One'

Fire Relief Concert set for October 17th in Austin

Monday evening should be crazy busy, buzzing with traffic a tons of music fans turn out for a one of a kind concert in efforts to provide support to families in need after the devastation from the wildfires here in Central Texas.

The concert starts at 6:30pm at the Erwin Center. The musical line up is fabulous, starting with George Strait, Dixie Chicks, Willie Nelson, Asleep at the Wheel, Lyle Lovett, Texas Tornadoes, just to name a few, along with many invited guests.

For tickets ranging from $25 to $250 for VIP extras, call 512.477.6060 or 1.800.982.2386 and try online at www.TexasBoxOffice.com

Del Castillo comes home to perform in Austin

Most die hard Del Castillo fans already know that they are home in Austin, Texas to perform at Antone's on October 15th, but just in case....they're here! They will be performing in San Antonio later in the month as well, so keep reading soon!
Liz

La Pena Gallery features photography by Farah M. Rivera

Photography by Farrah M. Rivera

Photography by Farah M. Rivera is showcased at La Pena Gallery in Austin and the opening reception is October 14th from 6-8pm.

Trio Valendoza will also perform during the reception, including food from Las Manitas Restaurant.

La Pena Gallery is located in downtown Austin, 221 South Congress Avenue

Blue Jay Garden in Hutto hosting live music for Old Tyme Days

Terezita Romo's new book 'Malaquias Montoya' released

The UCLA's Chicano Studies Resource Center Press has recently released Terezita Romo's book Malaquias Montoya as part of their award winning 'A Ver: Revisioning Art History Series.' The series is distributed by the University of Minnesota Press.

Although I did not receive a copy of the book to date for review, the book is described as the author discussing the life and work of the activist artist. Book signings to date have started this week at the Center for Contemporary Art. One is listed for October 12th, from 7-9pm and for details, visit www.ccasac.org

Other book signings are to follow across California for the next three months, but none that I was provided are in Texas (or specifically in Austin) so far. I will update you if there is news of the book tour coming to Austin or a city near you.

Liz

Dia de la Raza 2011 to be held October 12th

The Friends of the MACC and the United East Austin Coalition are host to the 26th annual Dia de la Raza celebration at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St in Austin. It is free and open to the public on October 12th, starting at 6.30pm.

The event will feature live Tejano music by local group, Ben Marines y Salaman, following the Awards of Excellence at 6:30pm and the Raza Awards at 8pm.

For more information, visit www.maccaustin.org or call the office at 512.974.3772.

Bastrop Wildfire Fundraiser for Valdez family a success

Gilbert Rivera, on the far right, is one of the fundraising coordinators and event planners. Raul Valdez is holding his granddaughter and wife, Alma is in turquoise, accompanied by two of their daughters and one grandson (unfortunately covered by the music stand as they stood on stage).

Susan Torres y Conjunto Clemencia performed during the Raul Valdez fundraiser. The talented musicians based in Austin got the evening started at 5pm and attendees at the event were spinning on the dancefloor in no time.

Conjunto Atzlan based in San Antonio and has an Austin connection with Austin based musicians, Clemencia Zapata and J J Barrera, kept up the conjunto sounds. Tejeda (accordeon) shouted from the stage, "Get up and dance! This is not a concert!" as he fanned the fire to the already hot ambiente at Jovita's that evening.

J J Barrera and fellow musician add to the lively conjunto beat!

HAAM Day on October 4th fundraiser was a treat

Cerronato performed on October 4th at Jovitas as one of the myriad of musicians that participated in the fundraising day. At Jovita's, they were preceded by Trio Tres and followed by Ms. Lavelle White. This was an awesome music mid-afternoon/early evening showcase and it certainly prompted me to make my donation to the organization.

I was not able to get to all the other music available that day, including Myrna and the Bulldog, as well as the Texas Wranglers at Discount Electronics in south Austin.

For more information on how to give or how the organization benefits local musicians with affordable healthcare, visit www.haam.org

Girls Night Musical Fun at the Long Center

There was plenty of laughter to be had by all it seemed, short of rolling in the aisles of the theater. There seemed to be very few men in the audience, so the blown up plastic boy garnered lots of laughter as well. Wonder why?

The music was great and really got the audience to dance in their seats, especially with the great vocals.

After the show, I wonder how many invites will start to go out for a true girls night out in town or just a fun time at a friend's house catching up? My guest at the show said she is so inspired from the show, it made her feel like having a party.

I am certainly looking forward to catching up with at least two of my friends, as it has been a while. It is safer to spend the night, especially if someone enjoys a glass of wine or two.

Keep on the look out for more fun cultural events continuing this month at the Long Center.

Liz

Girls Night: The Musical for two nights only at the Long Center

Girls Night: The Musical has a two night run, October 7th and 8th, at the Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr in Austin. The performance begins at 8pm and it is suggested to arrive early to secure parking, and then your ticketed seats, in the beautiful Dell Hall.

The feel good comedy follows five girl friends on a wild night of fun at a karaoke bar. The 30 and 40 something year old women have been friends since their teens and have fun remembering the past, celebrating the present day life they have and are hopeful about their future.

Tickets start at $29 and are available by calling 512. 474.5664 or online http://www.thelongcenter.org/

Bastrop Wildfire fundraiser for Raul and Alma Valdez

Do not pass up this worthy cause on Sunday early evening!

Mira lo nuevo de Sofia Vergara

Por si acaso no se habian dado cuenta por la campana publicitaria en septiembre, Sofia Vergara tiene una nueva linea de ropa casual, carteras, joyas y zapatos.
Se que en la region de Centro Texas y San Antonio no tenemos tiendas KMart como antes, pero la coleccion Sofia by Sofia Vergara tambien esta disponible en linea. Yo se que la proxima vez que voy de viaje hacia el sur de Texas, McAllen y ciudades circumvecinos, voy en busqueda de lo nuevo de Sofia.

October starts off with a bang for video releases

Kate del Castillo protagoniza la telenovela La Reina del Sur, la cual esta disponible en el mercado a partir del 4 de octubre.

Fast Five is the fifth installment in the Fast and the Furious film series.
The first in the series is The Fast and the Furious (2001), followed by 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003); The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006) and Fast and Furious (2009).
Here is the link to the review that I wrote for Fast Five when it had the theatrical release in late April. It is rated PG-13, but it does have scenes of violence, strong language, sexual content to consider despite the rating it is given.
www.trueviewreviews.net/2011/04-2011/04-29-11-fastfive.htm

The Lion King is now available on 3D, but before the release on Blu-ray and DVD on October 4th, it was to have only had a two week theatrical release as of September 16th, but since it has been a tremendous success at the box office, I understand it was left in the theaters for a longer period of time.

Check your local theaters to see if one is still hosting it for the public.

'African Cats' was released in theaters on Earth Day, April 22nd, by Disneynature and it takes you into the heart of Africa.

An epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on earth, 'African Cats' captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna.
The educational materials for this film are materials aligned to National Science Education Standards and are available to download at disney.com/african cats.

BloodyDisgusting.com and The Collective partnered to release 'Phase 7' (Fase 7 in Spanish) on a nationwide level, after a July 13th theatrical release this past summer. It premiered in March at the SXSW 2011 Film Festival in Austin, then went on to multiple international film festivals.

The Argentine apocalyptic horror film is written and directed by Nicolas Goldbart and produced by Sebastian Aloi, as well as executive produced by Steven Schneider (Insidious and Paranormal Activity).

The film stars Daniel Hendler, Jazmin Stuart, Yayo Guridi and Federico Luppi.

Bonus features include deleted scenes and English dub option.

It is available on DVD, iTunes, TV Video on Demand and other platforms as of October 4th.

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Esta pelicula Argentina se estreno en marzo 2011 durante el Festival de Cine SXSW en Austin, luego participo en varios otros festivales al nivel internacional.

Se presento en los teatros en EU a partir del 13 de julio y ahora esta disponible en DVD, iTunes, TV Video on Demand entre otros.

'Fase 7' es escrita y dirijida por Nicolas Goldbart y producida por Sebastian Aloi y el productor ejecutivo es Steven Schneider (Insidious y Paranormal Activity).

Para mas informes, visite http://www.bloodydisgusting.com/