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/