e-culture: Vicariously in Utah
November 09, 2001
IN THIS ISSUE
On November 7, a true American icon visited Houston. In his 80 plus years, Arnold Newman has made opportunities for himself, with his camera, creating important images of the Twentieth Century. He photographed international leaders, including Emperor Haile Selassie (Jah Ras Tafari), Shimone Peres and Yassar Arafat. But, he didn't just make the photographs. He asked Harry Truman why he dropped the Atomic Bomb; He wept with Anne Frank's father, Otto Frank, in Auschwitz; He portrayed Alfried Krupp in truly sinister light; He gained an all-access invitation to the Kennedy family; He witnessed the demise of Marilyn Monroe.
Arnold Newman made the family album, as he calls it, of great artists, like Gordon Parks, Georgia O'Keefe, Igor Stavinsky, I.M. Pei, Pablo Picasso and Man Ray, to mention just a few. Newman documented great thinkers and commentators, Langston Hughes, Elie Wiesel, Edward R. Murrow, Isaac Asimov, and many more.
Seeing Arnold Newman's images, as he recounts the creative documentation of an era, is a great and rare opportunity, indeed. He is, perhaps, a most important link between history, art, culture and media -- an artist who studied the times and a man we will study.
As I left the Museum of Fine Arts following the presentation, I couldn't imagine that there was anything happening in Houston at that moment which offered a more valuable experience than a personal showing of Arnold Newman's life work. I did not marvel at the large audience that filled the Brown Auditorium, since the value of this event was not in question. I felt sad for those who missed this great experience and that I could not recreate it for them.
I asked the age-old question: Is the audience 95 percent full or 5 percent empty. It was surely 5 percent empty, as the missed opportunities for some bothered me most. The few empty seats represented people I know who have been stricken with laziness, or whose lives outside the workplace closely resemble their work.
Participating in a great interpersonal or educational activity is like planting a seed. The experience results in opportunity, inspiration and, sometimes, great achievement. The ability to do what is not simply required, but what is desired, defines a person.
Unfortunately, the need to contemplate the workday ahead, or to unwind for several hours after work and through the weekend is a terrible condition that many Americans have developed. The lack of self-deliberation is the lack of growth, the withering of any seeds which were planted by new experiences. In the worst scenario, the idle time people throw away is often dominated by television, where advertisers and agencies plant their own seeds to establish public interests and generate support for mass ideology and all-important consumer confidence.
None of this would matter if we did not need new interests to stimulate and develop our minds. Independent organizations promote contemporary ideas and preserve traditional values, though it is usually more difficult for them to promote their activities than large arts organizations like the Museum of Fine Arts. If audiences do not come to events, such as Arnold Newman's presentation, the Asian American Festival or a drum demonstration by Babatunde Olatunji, and if organizers quit trying to make unique opportunities available to us, our interests will be almost entirely determined through sponsorship of mass media. It is the reason I cringe when twenty seats are empty at a great experience in the making, amidst a city of more than three million people.
I was once inspired by a tremendous advisor who wrote to me, "Good luck in whatever you are about." I was adventurous, as most are, but I often missed the meaning of my unique opportunities. At the time, I was merely seeking a way in and out of deepest Copper Canyon, but I learned to benefit greatly from deliberate actions and difficult challenges. Now I live for and truly appreciate all of the experiences available to me. I hope others will learn to plant more seeds to improve their lives.
View Arnold Newman's photographs:
http://www.liaisonphoto.com/newman.htm
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Your Words Go Here
We need more perspective -- more contributors to inform us about independent films, educational exhibits and interesting activities taking place around our city. Writers with specific interests can provide a valuable service by keeping us up to date with previews of great concert events, like the North Mississippi Allstars, as well as those rare worthwhile television programs, such as the American Roots Music series on PBS. We have a sizeable audience specifically interested in the things we cover. We welcome more involvement from members of that audience. More informative previews of the many community and cultural activities in the city will surely add to the success of the events by increasing participation.
We need some other help as well. You may have noticed that I'm a terrible speller, without the use of that newfangled spellcheck gadget on my computer, and, just like George W. Bush, I make up new words when necessary (after all, that is how new words get into the dictionary). But, an editor could fix all of that. Additionally, we have dozens of stories just waiting for a little research and editing.
A larger goal is to have editors take over different sections that closely match their interests. If you would like to help with these, or any other efforts, please contactMark@cultural-crossroads.com.
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Vicariously in Utah
Southern Utah may be more known to European tourists than it is to Americans. Vast open land, relatively untouched by today's standards, with dramatic and often surreal shapes and formations, offers the experience of a lifetime for many German and French tourists.
The recent history of southern Utah is somewhat simple, and it tells the story of America very clearly. Chief Ouray, Kit Carson, Brigham Young and John Wesley Powell are names most associated with the region, but their actions literally are the pages of American history. What you find there today, from Edward Abbey's Desert Solitaire and The Monkey Wrench Gang, to the changing population of Utah, to the controversial Glen Canyon Dam and the developing battle around Zion, is the modern reality of America.
We will travel to the canyonlands this winter. If you want to see what our exciting and educational adventures are all about, or if you want to learn more about what to do on your future trip to Utah, be sure to come by REI for a preview on November 12. We will cover many activities and interests, including hiking, boating, photography, geology, history, religion and culture.
Southern Utah, From A-Z
From Arches to Zion, we will explore the canyonlands of southern Utah. We will present day hikes for every level of ability, from the easy path to Delicate Arch through the narrows of the Fiery Furnace and up sheer canyon walls to Angels Landing. We will explore archaeology on the Cedar Mesa and boating on Lake Powell. In any season, the dramatic scenery and fascinating history of southern Utah offers something for everyone.
The slide presentation will take place on Monday, November 12, 2001 at 7:00pm at REI, which is located at 7951 Katy Freeway. Call 713-688-3500 for more information.
See the complete schedule of in-store events:
http://www.rei.com/storelocator/houston
We have photographs available and you may link them to emails and electronic newsletters.
Promotional Image 1: http://www.houstonculture.org/imgtrav/four.jpg
Promotional Image 2: http://www.houstonculture.org/imgtrav/zion.jpg
Upcoming Travel:
Our next trip will take us to Santa Fe for Christmas and on to southern Utah, December 23, 2001 through January 2, 2002.
Promotional Image: http://www.houstonculture.org/imgtrav/santafe.jpg
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Under the Wine and Stars
Don't forget the Wine Star Party, a wine and astronomy event, which is taking place at the Haak Vineyards and Winery on this Saturday, November 10, at 6:00pm. Several of us are planning to go early for a tour of the winery. Afterward, we will likely visit Angelo's Pizza and Pasta, 400 W. Bay Area Boulevard. Please call me, 713-521-3686. if you would like to visit the winery with us, or if you would like more information.
Bring a candle so you can find your way around the vineyard in the dark. Telescopes will be set up by an area astronomy group and you will likely see interesting things out there in the darkness. The moon should offer no competition for star gazers.
Haak Vineyards & Winery is located at 6310 Ave. T, Santa Fe, TX 77510.
More on Haak Vineyards and Winery:
http://www.haakwine.com
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Tales of the Damned
All Hallows' Eve was not twenty-four hours past and the fires that keep evil spirits away from Olde England were still burning when The Damned came to town. It was, as you might expect, the night of the full moon. With evil right out of the B movies lurking in Houston, a long dead musical tradition was revived.
Some traditions celebrate life, the beauty of color and nature, and the harvest cycle; This is not one of them. England's seminal punk band, The Damned, leads a cult following of music fans that demand high energy, vivid imagery and brutal honesty, though they can tolerate a certain amount of forgery if the source is intriguing and mysterious.
Following a long dirge of haunting organ music, the curtain opened to a vampire-like Dave Vanian posed rigidly in the middle of the darkened stage. His cool introduction, "Good evening, we are The Damned" is as iconic in some music circles as "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash." But, at that point, all civility is over. The Damned feel no obligation to worry for the safety of their audience, or that someone's feelings might get hurt.
The Damned are ingenious, though out of control at times, and they represent to the Higher Ed crowd what AC-DC means to the working man. Surprisingly, 25 years after the explosion of punk music and lifestyle in England, The Damned are still touring and releasing music. Vanian, who looks great for a man that spent the last decade in a wooden box, and Captain Sensible, who has returned a kinder, gentler Captain Sensible after a holiday in Monaco, have reunited and regained their rare form.
Though it seemed frivolous, we chased around for the opportunity to interview The Damned for most of the night and into the next day. By late morning, several members of The Damned appeared at the KTRU studio and we talked with Dave Vanian about the band's influences, Malcolm McLaren and other bad management punk bands suffer for, the role of the band in punk history, and the value of independent radio in America.
Following the interview, Vanian became interested in articles concerning last year's KTRU lockout and offered some candid insight.
Stay tuned for a transcript of the interview and the article, "Tales of the Damned," or "Noise is for Heroes."
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So Many Events, So Little Time
Please find more details about these events at http://www.houstonculture.org/events
Secret Wars
Group exhibition examining artistic dissent.
Through December 22
Artcar Museum
Dia de los Muertos Gala and Exhibit
Through November 17, 2001
Lawndale Art Center
Astronomy Party-Wine Star Party
A local Astronomy Club will set up telescopes for viewing.
November 10, 6:00pm
Haak Vineyards & Winery
Texas Championship Powwow
American Indian dancers will compete in eighteen categories.
Sat. November 10 and Sun. November 11
Traders Village
5th Annual Clear Lake Bob Marley Festival
National Reggae Festival Tour, arts, crafts, food, children's activities.
Sat. November 10 and Sun. November 11, Noon - 10:00pm
Clear Lake City Park Pavilion
Gypsy Caravan
Featuring Musafir, Esma Redzepova, Antonio Pipa Flamenco, Fanfare Ciocarlia.
Sunday, November 11, 2001, 5:00pm
Jones Hall
Southern Utah From A - Z
From Arches to Zion, explore the canyonlands of southern Utah. The dramatic scenery and fascinating history of southern Utah offers something for everyone.
Monday, November 12, 2001, 7:00pm
REI
Latino National Conversation
Book discussion - John Philip Santos memoir "Places Left Unfinished at The Time of Creation".
Nov 13, 2001, 7:00pm
Central Library (Concourse Room) and 5 other locations, including Carnegie, Morris Frank, Park Place Libraries
9th Annual Warehouse Art Crawl
Nov 17, 2001, 2:00pm - 9:00pm
Downtown Houston
Bere'sheet Ballet performing "I Can Hear God Singing"
Saturday, November 24th, 3:00pm and 8:00 p.m.
Jewish Community Center
Please find more details about these events at http://www.houstonculture.org/events
Send cultural and community calendar items for us to include on our web site and in our e-culture newsletter, and for us to provide to KTRU listeners, to info@houstonculture.org.
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For Immediate Release
The "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE" link features events or other items which are impendent. If you wish to participate in any of the opportunities posted here, please contact the organizers to confirm the information. Nearly all of the listings are provided by outside organizations and promoters.
Please send event and cultural news items to info@houstonculture.org as soon as you are able, so we can add them to our calendar, www.houstonculture.org/events and mention them to the listeners of KTRU, Rice University Radio, 91.7fm.
Check out the current feature:
Voices Breaking Boundaries, a collective forum for artists from diverse perspectives, backgrounds and countries, continues its season with a literary reading and open mike at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 11 at DiverseWorks, 1117 East Freeway (downtown).
http://www.houstonculture.org/temp
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Avalanche of Inquiries
We are currently buried under an avalanche of inquiries, which include requests for information about events and festivals, opportunities for touring artists, research leads, genealogical sources, and historical information. The request topics range from veterans' issues and internship opportunities to cultural aspects of international business travel in Houston. We want to provide answers to these inquiries, but we need your assistance. In most cases, it is best for us to make referrals to helpful and reliable sources. Many of our newsletter subscribers and colleagues have the expertise to help our constituents. We simply need to know the kinds of requests you can help process, or sources you are aware of that can help.
When broken down into specific categories, requests within each category are rather infrequent. We spend a substantial amount of time trying to locate information and helpful experts to meet requests. In addition to handling the requests on a timely basis, as a long term project we want to create a resource, a sort of Experts Guide, to efficiently direct constituents to the information they are seeking.
If you are a resourceful and helpful person who would like to volunteer a little time to provide a valuable service, contact me, mark@cultural-crossroads.com.
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Thanks to Antique Europa
We want to thank Antique Europa for allowing us to conduct a Photography and Lighting Workshop in their space this past Sunday, November 4. The owner is a fascinating man who came from Mexico and built a successful auto repair business. His love for antiques led him to buy into the business. If you are in the area, stop by and see the vast collection of rare items that includes elaborate, hand-carved Black Oak furniture from nineteenth-century Italy.
Antique Europa is located at 12703 Cutten Road, Houston, TX 77066, slightly north of the Tomball Parkway/Beltway 8 intersection. For more information, call 281-397-9223.
http://www.houstonculture.org/fieldguide
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Real Sadness at Auburn
We have received several emails concerning racist events of October 31 at Auburn University. Rightfully so, the Black Fraternity Omega Psi Phi feels offended, as do most over the actions of two White Fraternities, in which the fraternities dressed as Klansmen, mocked the Black Fraternity, produced derogatory imagery and simulated a lynching.
Given that intelligent people are thought to be admitted to universities, and that the events of September 11 surely reminded Americans that issues of race are petty in the world we live in, one can only look at the recent events at Auburn University with disbelief.
In a letter to Omega Psi Phi, titled "I am angry," an Auburn student wrote, "...I am so outraged about this. I am ashamed that I go to this school now. Now I know why my parents did not raise me here. They warned me before I came to school here that I would be shocked by the ignorance of white people down here. I had never seen a confederate flag, except in history books. I was shocked to see people displaying them when I got to Auburn.... My parents raised me to never look at any other race as inferior or different from my own. I know that you are so mad about this, but I just want you to know that there are people out here who support you.... I just don't want to think about passing you on campus and feeling that you look at me like you look at the guys who did this."
The mission of the Houston Institute for Culture is to promote cultural and educational events to all members of the community. In the modern world, it seems many of the last issues of race are really lack of opportunity for cultural education and lack of interaction with people of different cultures. In Houston, we generally face broader issues than the historic issues of Black and White society in America. We aren't an organization that reacts to events such as those at Auburn by organizing local protests, though it is understandable that some of our constituents feel the need for this to relieve immense frustration.
The most effective action, in this case, is to contact the national chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity:
http://www.oppf.org
Also, contact the local chapter of Omega Psi Phi:
http://www.auburn.edu/student_info/greeks/omega_psi_phi
Official Auburn University reports can be found here:
http://www.auburn.edu/administration/univrel/news/archive/11_01news/11_01deltasig.html.
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What to do with VR
Institutions and organizations face a technological divide similar to that in the citizenry. It is based on similar economic and opportunistic factors. While some are ready for Virtual Reality, others are struggling to develop and manage the visual resources necessary for effective promotion, grant proposals and new media requirements.
We are developing a forum for arts, theater and cultural organizations to meet and discuss these issues in March. We will possibly organize a similar symposium for larger academic institutions in June at Kent State University. Many local organizations may benefit from those lectures and discussions as well.
We want to include in the agenda the most pressing visual communications issues organizations face. If you have ideas or concerns, please contact me. It is a great time to be included in the planning, as we are just now examining the broad topics, such as costs, digital imaging, archive management and the new HDTV format.
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KTRU Builds Houses
A couple of us joined forces with a dozen KTRU DJs to help build a Habitat for Humanity home on Saturday, November 3. In just three hours we were able to provide a family's future home with a roof. Feeling positive just after the experience, Preetha, our most gung ho nail-driving, board-cutting volunteer, was ready to build some more houses. She will need a little help though. You can participate in the next HIFC or KTRU project by contacting Sahn@houstonculture.org, or by calling 713-521-3686.
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Ready for the Holidays
The holiday season in our region, from Oklahoma to Tamaulipas and New Mexico to Louisiana, is quite unique. It's much more than the usual Burritos Christmas (with red and green chiles) and Czech-Mex Kolaches. The events and traditions are fantastic, from bonfires on the bayous to luminarias lining the rooftops. We will provide an e-culture update on holiday festivities by November 30.
The Status of the Jornada
The little boat, Jornada de Cabeza de Vaca, will be in action at the end of this month, on both the Cane River and the mighty Mississippi. We have a plan in the works to cover some of Amistad Reservoir and Seminole Canyon very soon. The evidence of prehistoric Native American culture found there may interest some of you. Please contact me if you want to join this adventure.
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Deadlines and Opportunities
14th Annual International Folk Alliance Conference
The deadline to register for the February 21-24, 2002 conference, to be held in Jacksonville, Florida is November 15, 2001. Late registration is more costly. This event will be held in conjunction with the Network of Cultural Centers of Color. Register on line at http://www.folk.org.
Mondays on KTRU
Remember to send December educational and community cultural event information to info@houstonculture.org by Noon on Monday. Sooner is always better. We will include the listings on our web site and in our e-culture newsletter, and provide the information to KTRU listeners.
The KTRU World Music Show can be heard on Monday evenings, 7:00pm to 9:00pm, followed by the Americana Show, on 91.7fm.
A complete listing of special programming on KTRU:
http://www.houstonculture.org/world/shows.html
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Urgent Call for Texas Music
From the desk of Susan Vogelfang:
I am producing an Imax movie for the new Texas State History Museum in Austin. I wonder if you would be able to help in a song search. The Director and I are looking for a truly passionate song about Texas land or Texas as a land... along those lines.
Please pass along any suggestions to me, Mark@cultural-crossroads.com, quickly. I will collect them and send them on, with your name and contact information of course.
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Bigger Than Texas
Is there anything bigger in college football than Texas vs. Oklahoma, or L.S.U. vs. Ole Miss? Of course there is -- the Bayou Classic. It isn't all about football when Grambling and Southern meet in the New Orleans Superdome each November. These two historic Louisiana universities present two of America's finest marching bands in the Battle of the Bands, an event that is a spectacle in itself.
In the era of the Big Business Bowls, tradition is difficult to recognize. Eddie Robinson, who retired only a few short years ago, has been a man of genuine commitment at Grambling State University, where he coached 56 years and remained married even longer.
Be sure to catch the Bayou Classic (Saturday, November 24, 1:00pm) and the Battle of the Bands (Saturday, November 24, 7:00pm), best seen in New Orleans, but probably coming to a cable channel near you.
Southern University Marching Band:
http://www.subr.edu/marchingband
Grambling State University Marching Band:
http://www.gram.edu/htm_files/tiger_marching_band.htm
I hope to see you at a great cultural event soon.
Mark
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M A R K L A C Y / mark@cultural-crossroads.com
Houston Institute for Culture
http://www.houstonculture.org
World Music on KTRU
http://www.houstonculture.org/world
Read Cabeza de Vaca On Line
http://www.houstonculture.org/spanish
Our Educational Youth Camp
http://www.houstonculture.org/camp
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