October 4th is the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) Benefit Day

There is a variety of ways to contribute to this organization that helps musicians. All day long, there will be live music showcases and the HAAMbassadors will be on hand to accept the donations you can make. The public is invited to shop, eat and listen that day and make a difference.

For a list of the line up across town, visit http://hbd.myhaam.org/shows

Asi Es Amar is first single released from Oscar de la Rosa's Solo Project

This past July, Oscar de la Rosa released the single, Asi Es Amar, from his solo project. This is an extension of Oscar's talent and this music can be found on ITUNES.

He has not abandoned La Mafia, in fact, he continues as frontman and is performing on tour with the group starting this month. Vist their website to find out when they may be in or close to your fine city for a great concert.

Liz

Save the date for the HWNT State Conference in Austin

For details and registration information, visit www.hwnt.org

Joe Bravo celebrates 50 years in the industry with showcase in San Antonio

Tejano Music Idol Competition October 16th

This is an opportunity to spend an afternoon hearing some Tejano music by established perfomers as well as up and coming artists.

People across Texas have auditioned for the past few months and now the time has come for the final competition on October 16th at H&H Ballroom, 4404 Brandt Rd in Austin.

As you will see and hear that day, there are young people interested in continuing this genre of music that has been around for several decades.

Austin Tejano Music Coalition hosts a fundraising BBQ

This sounds like a great bargain to pay $5 for a BBQ plate with both chicken and sausage!!

Go by and pick up a plate at Capuchino's located about a mile or so east of IH 35. The cooks are good at their culinary craft and I was not disappointed with the well cooked and well served portions I had at a previous event.

Tejano music continues and with the efforts of the Austin Tejano Music Coalition, it is alive and well now as we look toward the future with the next generation of performers.

The CANTA auditions have finished and the final contest will be held on October 16th from 2-6pm at the H&H Ballroom on Brandt Rd. in Austin. $5 cover.

For more information, visit www.austintejanomusic.org

Vicente Fernandez on tour in Texas; San Antonio September 30th

The man who has been singing 'Volver Volver' since it was released in 1976, is on tour and comes through Texas this coming weekend.
He is scheduled to be in San Antonio at the AT&T Center on Friday, September 30th at 8pm, with actress and singer, Edith Marquez, opening up the show.

For many people, this is the man you want to listen to when you want to hear great mariachi music. I never tire and I have been listening to him since back in the day, alongside my mother as we would watch movies on television or at the theater in the Rio Grande Valley.

I have been to his concerts and the one in 2010 lasted 3 hours of non-stop musical entertainment. He does not stop and he wants to make sure his fans are completely satisfied by the time they leave.

Look to see what tickets you can find on http://www.attcenter.com/ and have the time of your life at the concert. His tour will also continue in Houston and Dallas.

See you there,
Liz

Este Vato (Austin) performs with Mexico's Molotov at Emo's East

What a fabulous show this is going to be on Thursday, September 29th in Austin, Texas!

I cannot stress enough that Este Vato from Austin is certainly going to warm up the crowd with their Latin Fusion sounds. If anyone missed them during the May 2011 Pachanga Fest here in Austin, then they missed a very lively and entertaining show with everyone shaking and moving to the English/spanish lyrics of cumbias, Hip Hop and rock. The price of admission is absolutely worth listening to an Austin based band, alongside Molotov, one of Mexico's well known groups.

Molotov formed in 1995 in Mexico City, be ready to listen to the lyrics of rap and Hip Hop that not only entertain, but reflect their views. The group is a four time Latin Grammy winner during their few years together, among the many other awards they have received.

Here are the details below:

Emo's East

2015 East Riverside Dr

Austin, TX

512.693.5667
http://www.emosaustin.com/

Fundraiser for Bastrop Wildfire Victims Sept 29th

Gift cards, checks and cash donations will be accepted at this fundraiser hosted by a multitude of organizations.

There is no fee to attend, but those who donate will receive the free drink ticket.

Club Roial, 120 W. 5th St. Austin

For more information, please call 512.481.1600

Crisol Danza Teatro makes U.S. Debut in Austin September 28th

Texas Performing Arts presents the U. S. premiere of Guadalajara, Mexico's Crisol Danza Teatro on Wednesday, September 28th at 8pm.
Crisol draws from a variety of acting and dancing techniques to create distinctly unique performances.

Crisol will perform the U. S. premiere of Clepsidra, Tiempo y Agua (Hourglass, Time and Water), a piece that explores the human condition from different stages of life.

For more information and video on Crisol, visit www.texasperformingarts.org/season/crisol

Photo Credit: Arturo Campos

Voces de Latinas Exhibit with Special Event October 1st

The Voces de Latinas exhibit that kicked off on Museum Day in Austin (September 25th) will have a variety of events in the community to celebrate the exhibit.

On October 1st from 1pm to 3pm, the Ruiz Library is host to the "Voces de Latinas in words and music" panel session. Belinda Acosta will moderate the panelists, Teresa Palomo Acosta, Beatrice de la Garza and Myrna Cabello, with special guest, Josephine Lopez Rocha.

The event is free and open to the public.

For more infomation, please call 512.974.7498.

14th Annual La Pastorela Play for three weeks in December

The traditional yuletide play returns in December for three weeks, under the direction of Alex Pedemonte. Auditions have wrapped and rehearsal has started.

Help support the arts in Austin by your sponsorship to the Austin Latino Theater Alliance (ALTA). For more information about opportunities, write to lapastorelaaustin@gmail.com

Last Man Standing hosted by Jesse Rodriguez today

Go check this out today!!

Great youth and B-boy Battle opportunities, followed by this awesome line up at the Beauty Bar, 617 E. 7th from 10pm to 2am!!

Liz

Voces de Latinas 101 Women Photo Exhibit in Five Sites

Join the Austin History Center, the Austin Public Library and partners, The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, Mexic- Arte Museum and the Nettie Lee Benson Library Collection at the University of Texas at Austin as they feature the contributions, achievements and legacies of 101 local Latina women in a photo exhibit entitled 'Voces de Latinas: A Photo Exhibit in Five Parts.'

The exhibit offers a mosaic blending of images and biographical narratives of Latinas of the late 1800's to the present that represent all walks of life in five sites.

All Latinas in the exhibit were nominated by the community at large and the images and biographical information was donated to the Austin History Center by friends, family and other community individuals for use in the exhibit. The Austin History Center encourages the community to preserve and document the countless members of our community whose legacies deserve to be noted in the chronicles of Austin history for future generations.

The exhibit will open on September 25th with an opening reception at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center from 2-4pm at 600 River St. It is free and open to the public. The keynote speaker will be Marta Cotera.

For more information, please visit www.ci.austin.tx.us/macc/exhibits.htm

Opportunity to view El Infierno at Fantastic Fest 2011

This blockbuster from Mexico was excellent!
It was great to have the opportunity to meet the filmmaker and participate in the question and answer time provided.
Thanks to Cine las Americas for promoting this and making it accessible to film fans that otherwise may not have had the chance to view it.
Gracias,
Liz

IMMORTALS GODS and HEROES Art Exhibit reception today

Relativity Media is hosting the art gallery unveiling of their 'IMMORTALS Gods and Heroes Art from the Graphic Novel' in Austin during Fantastic Fest 2011. Austin is one of only three cities in the U. S. to have this opportunity to have the art exhibited.

Daniel Sharman, who performs the character Ares in the IMMORTALS film that will be released on November 11th, is in town to host and attend the event at Art on 5th Fine Art Gallery. It is located at 1501 W. 5th St. (78703) and the public is invited to attend the unveiling from 8-10pm.

I had the opportunity to interview Daniel Sharman this morning (24th) and I look forward to attending the gallery event this evening. The interview will follow soon and/or with the film release coming in the next few weeks.

For more information, visit http://www.arton5th.com/ and www.imdb.com/name/nm1528476/news

Rain A Tribute to the Beatles

Direct from Broadway, Rain- A Tibute to the Beatles, made its debut at the Long Center in Austin on the 20th of September where it will run until Sunday, the 25th. It has been said to be the next best thing to have seen the Beatles.

The show is presented by Broadway Across American, The Long Center and Texas Performing Arts.

You can't help but hear a Beatles song and immediately recall where you were back in time when it was first released, if you are of age to have been around when it was first released. Boomers will know, but so will their children and grandchildren, because it is music that has never died. It is a great concert to share with everyone in the family.

My guest said it provided her with memories of songs from her childhood. She also enjoyed the change in costume and background on the stage for the songs.

It is hard not to get involved in audience participation when so many around you are into the show. My guest also thought it was great audience participation, with people singing and dancing in their seats.

Overall, both of us recommend not missing this Broadway Across America show that came to Austin. You still have a chance this weekend.

The show on Friday the 23rd will be at 8pm, but on Saturday, the shows are at 2pm and 8pm and Sunday at 1pm and 7pm. Tickets are available at the Long Center Box office, www.longcenter.org or you can call 512.474.LONG (5664).

The Tejano Music Awards Winners Backstage

Elida Reyna swept the awards show with her varied nominations and awards she and the band took home to the Rio Grande Valley. The awards received were Song of the Year- Prefiero Morir; Female Vocalist of the Year; Entertainer of the Year and Vocal Duo of the Year for her song with Michael Salgado, Amor o Costumbre.

Javier Hinojosa, from Texas Legend, won in the category of Best New Male Artist

The Hometown Boys won in the Album of the Year-Conjunto category for their CD, Simplemente El Jefe.


Other winners not pictured here are:

Male Vocalist of the Year- Jesse Turner (Grupo Siggno)

Best New Female Artist- Betty Barajas (Conjunto Baraja de Oro)

Best New Group of the Year- Badd Boyz del Valle

TMA Lifetime Achievement Award - Flaco Jimenez

Tejano Music Awards show held in San Antonio

The 31st Annual Tejano Music Awards show was held at the San Antonio Event Center on Saturday, September 10th, featuring a red carpet arrival for the artists at 5pm in the Texas heat and a full evening of award presentations and performances.

Hosting the show was actor/comedian Cleto Rodriguez and 'VAMOS' TV show hostess, Vanessa Macias, keeping the audience entertained.

TTMA 2011 Lifetime Achievement recipient, Janie Esparza, with her family prior to entering the awards show where she and recipient, Flaco Jimenez (not pictured), were recognized for their contributions to the industry.

Twelve nominees are placed on the general ballot and then the top five are selected after the voting period ends.

Shelly Lares with band members pose on red carpet

Song of the Year nominees are: AJ Castillo- Vuelve a Mi; Bobbie Pulido- Dias de Ayer; Elida Reyna y Avante- Prefiero Morir; Shelly Lares- Y Lo Nuestro Que; The Hometown Boys- La Botella

Elias Arrendondo on the red carpet

Male Vocalist of the Year nominees are: Bobby Pulido, Jesse Turner, Elias Arredondo, Jimmy Gonzalez and Gary Hobbs

Monica Castro on the red carpet

Female Vocalist of the Year nominees are: Elida Reyna, Shelly Lares, Monica Castro, Stefani Montiel and Patsy Torres

Entertainer of the Year nominees are: Bobby Pulido, Elida Reyna, Jay Perez, Jesse Turner and Shelly Lares

Album of the Year-Tejano nominees are: AJ Castillo- On My Way; Elida Reyna y Avante- Fantasia; Gary Hobbs- Aprendi A Volar; Jimmy Gonzalez y Mass-Mi Vida Sin Tu Amor; Shelly Lares- Mirando Adelante

Album of the Year-Conjunto nominees are: Carlos y los Cachorros- 180; Da Krazy Pimps- Los Reyes del Conjunto; David Farias- Seguire Mi Camino; Juan P. Moreno- Sabes Bien; The Hometown Boys- Simplemente El Jefe

Vocal Duo of the Year nominees are: David Farias & Chente Barrera- Vas A Pagar; Elida Reyna & Michael Salgado- Amor o Costumbre; Jerry Pena & Oscar Pena- Aunque Estes Con El; Marco Jaime & Ram Herrera- Tu Nuevo Querer; Raphael Rodriguez & J. R. Gomez- No Estas Sola

Best New Group of the Year nominees are: Badd Boyz del Valle, Grupo Maldad, Retono, Servando Ramos y Los Texas Outlaws and Texas Legend

Best New Male Artist nominees are: Artie Villarreal, Javier Hinojosa (Texas Legend), Mario Barajas (Conjunto Baraja de Oro), Rick Balderama and Steven Gonzales (Veronica y Avance)

Jessica Baeza is interviewed on the red carpet

Best New Female Artist nominees are: Anjelique, Betty Barajas, Ilyssa Saenz, Jessica Baeza and Tracy Perez

The 2011 Tejano Music Awards Red Carpet Arrivals

Javier Hinojosa, member of Texas Legand from the Rio Grande Valley and based in San Juan, is interviewed on the red carpet, accompanied by his father (left). Javier is nominated in the category of Best New Male artist and the band itself, Texas Legend, is a nominee in the category of Best New Group of the Year.

The line of artists from many cities in Texas and other U. S. states walked the red carpet to talk to the media and fans alike prior to the 7pm start of the awards show.

Jenne Celine Madrigal is a young teen already performing Tejano music and is making her mark in the industry with two CDs to her credit. Her trademark hat has earned her the title "La Princesita de Tejas."

Rick Balderama poses on the red carpet

Members of Grupo Maldad, who are one of the top five nominees for Best New Group of the Year

Tracy Perez, one of the top five nominees for Best New Female artist, waves to her fans from the red carpet. This is her third nomination for this award. Her new release, 'Through It All' is available from TNT Records.

Carlos y los Cachorros pose outside the San Antonio Event Center and their album 180 is one of the top five nominees in the Album of the Year- Conjunto category.

Award winning Dallas based Veronica y Avance pose on the red carpet. In 2010, they won the TMA Best New Group award. Steven Gonzales is nominated in the Best New Male artist category in 2011.

The 2011 Tejano Music Awards

This was a great musical showcase at the San Antonio Event Center on September 10th.

I took photos during the red carpet arrivals, met some new artists to interview and connected with some noted artists that continue to make their careers in this musical genre that transcends borders.

Photos and interviews to follow!

Liz

Michael Feinstein concert

What a truly wonderful show this was! I was transported by the music to another time.
The 17 piece band is absolutely awesome and it was amazing to watch them in their craft.

This is an fabulous way to kick off the Texas Performing Arts season!

Check out their upcoming shows as there are certainly some you do not want to miss.

Liz

Michael Feinstein’s Big Band Sinatra Project at Bass Concert Hall

Texas Performing Arts opens the 30th anniversary season with Michael Feinstein's performance of The Sinatra Project at the Bass Concert Hall on Thursday, September 8th at 8pm.

The evening of music backed by a 17 piece band will be based on Feinstein's hit album of the same name.

Feinstein is a five time Grammy nominated entertainer and this is a perfect time not to miss him while on tour through Austin. 'American Songbook', Feinstein's top rated, three part PBS documentary/reality series was recently released on DVD. www.shopPBS.org

For more information and to purchase tickets online for the September 8th performance, visit www.TexasPerformingArts.org or call 512.477.6060.

Dos Pocitos a new comedy by Raul Garza

Austin based playwright, Raul Garza, penned Dos Pocitos, a bilingual comedy that is running for the last weekend and ends today. Set in 2026, the land we now know as South Texas is a territory known as "Texaco" in the future.

Several in the cast are local actors cast in previous bilingual productions, including playwright/actor Rupert Reyes and Donato Rodriguez, but Marissa Castanon- Hernandez's character is the scene stealer for me. I do not have her biography to mention what other productions she has been a part of, as I do not recognize her from other recent productions in Austin. She is the one I was more engaged by in this script and for the most part, her lines seemed to have the audience laughing the most. I found some of the lines in her script humorous, but a few were very predictable and a stereotype of what a South Texas strong willed woman is thought to be. Some of those stereotypical lines begin to wear thin and lose their humor.

If an audience member does not have enough of a description of the characters ahead of time or perhaps misses something the actor states, there is opportunity for the audience to get lost. The disconnect I found was with the person who appeared out of nowhere to the two gentlemen conducting research and revisiting their past. Having missed any mention of a lost person previously by someone in the play, I did not remain engaged or understand why the two gentlemen proceeded to behave the way they did regarding his lack of response.

At times, different audience members laughed at lines that I (or others near me) did not find humorous, so the laughter was not consistent across all audience members as the humor may have been intended. It is not clear if this is something from the script or something the director had a hand in.

The play can be seen at the Salvage Vanguard Theater on Manor Road in Austin. Please arrive early to secure a seat, because a line does form for the small theater. It can be "hectic" in securing a seat close to the start of the show, but the experience should be a welcoming one by the folks in the lobby for everyone, especially patrons and producers of the arts who are making a contribution to support the arts in Austin, cash or check.

Liz Lopez
Cine y mas

Mighty Five’s Infinite Funk Odyssey

I had the opportunity to see this electro funk theatrical production at The Blue Theater last weekend and it continues this weekend only.

This interactive musical theater is a collaboration between the band Mighty Five (New York) and producer, co-writer, Austin based Xaq Webb of Rockus Entertainment. Not only does the audience watch a theater piece with musicians and dancers on stage, they are highly encouraged to dance with and among the stage dancers/actors who hit the floor during their performance.

I found the production fun and different, in that everyone in the theater can become a part of the production instead of just a spectator. Oftentimes I have been to a concert or musical when I wanted to get up and dance, but it is not allowed. I understand it can be intruding on someone else's enjoyment of the production when their view is blocked, but with the way the stage is set up at The Blue Theater, the seats were up high enough for those who did not partake of the dance party to continue to be a spectator with no interruption.

Some of the songs were easier to groove to, but others did not appeal to me to jump right in. Although this was my experience, it is not the same for others in attendance and they really immersed themselves in the dance and good time.

There is one scene that is very appealing and it is by one of the approximately eight or so dancers in the musical who absolutely stood out from the others. It was obvious to me she has an ability to dance from the way she moves and she later has a solo in the production where she is dressed in an all white outfit. She looked elegant and that portion of the performance is what I believe made the whole production move up a notch in reasons to attend and enjoy.

For more information, visit www.DimensionF.com

Liz Lopez
Cine y mas