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e-culture: Accordion Kings Are Back, Asia's Architectural Heritage, Juneteenth
June 10, 2004
We've added National Geographic photographer Michael Lewis to an exciting roster of great visual communications presenters that will be in Houston next week. Lewis produces images for National Geographic Society publications. His work includes "Africa," a complimentary edition to the PBS series. He photographed in Ethiopia for "A Day in the Life of Africa" and in Colorado for "America 24/7". Lewis also teaches photography workshops in Africa.
Wednesday's topics focus on cultural and social documentary, with visual anthropologist Jerome Crowder, who will discuss his work in Peru, and photojournalist Ben DeSoto, who will discuss his long-term documentary project on urban poverty. Presenters Roger Wood, a Houston writer and professor of history, and James Fraher, a professional photographer living in Chicago, will present "Collaborating to Document a Blues Community," about the making of their book "Down in Houston: Bayou City Blues" (University of Texas Press, 2003). Several presenters will also discuss two powerful films, Alain Resnais' "Night and Fog" (1955) and "War Photographer" (2001), a modern documentary about James Nachtwey.
Thursday presenters at the Visual Communications Conference will focus on international subjects and current events, including Peggy Kelsey, Afghan Women's Project founder, and Suzanne Salvo, who photographs in Iraq and Nigeria. Monika Hallqvist will cover art directing books and cultural publications, "Centro Historico de la Ciudad de Mexico" and Visible Magazine, while Downs Matthews, founder of Polar Bears International, will discuss his expeditions into wild places such as the Amazon and Arctic.
Those are just a few of the visual communicators who will be part of a nationwide conference in Houston June 14 - 18. Anyone interested should contact conference host Mark Lacy at 713-743-8197, or email mark@houstonculture.org, for more information.
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The Accordion Kings and Queens
The Accordion Kings (and now Queens!) are back at Miller Outdoor Theater on Thursday, June 10 and Friday, June 11, 2004
With the renamed event, Accordion Kings and Queens, Texas Folklife Resources continues to identify and showcase the accordion and its master players; artists who are central to the culture of several Texas communities. Hear masters of various musical genres perform Czech Polka, Vallenato, Conjunto and Zydeco. Presented by Texas Folklife Resources:
http://www.texasfolklife.org
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Architectural Heritage of Asia
Bonnie Burnham: "The Challenges of Preserving the Architectural Heritage of Asia"
In Asia, more than anywhere else in the world, the forces of economic development and the traditions that have historically made up the region's way of life are in powerful opposition. By highlighting specific Asian heritage sites included in the World Monuments Watch, President Ms. Burnham, will discuss how private-sector efforts are affecting government policies toward heritage management and preservation in a way that generates new economic opportunities for communities.
June 16th 6:00 - 8:00pm
The Westin Galleria, 5060 W. Alabama, Houston
$10 members; $15 nonmembers; free students & teachers with ID
713-439-0051
E-mail: txcenter@asiasoc.org
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Celebrating Juneteenth in Houston
Celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, June 19th, beginning at 1:00pm, at the "Juneteenth Freedom Festival" at Miller Outdoor Theater in Hermann Park.
http://www.milleroutdoortheater.com
And, later celebrate Juneteenth at the historic El Dorado on Saturday, June 19th. Project Row Houses (www.projectrowhouses.org) will sponsor a "Juneteenth Dance" with many of Houston's legendary Blues musicians at the renovated El Dorado Ballroom in Third Ward, from 8:00pm to midnight on Saturday, June 19th.
Learn more about Juneteenth:
http://www.houstonculture.org/tour/texas3a.html
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Indigenous Identity in the Mexican Census
The Mexican Republic of the Twenty-First Century, boasting more than a 100 million inhabitants, has evolved from many indigenous nations five centuries ago into a single national entity, with Spanish as its primary language. But beneath the Spanish culture and language, the indigenous identity of the Mexican people is unmistakable. It is manifested in their appearance, their culture and spirituality and, to some extent, in their language and traditions. Few of the original Indian cultures still exist in their pure and untainted forms, but most are present in some form in various traditions, customs and religious practices.
Learn more about "Indigenous Identity in the Mexican Census" in our Hispanic Experience Section, and be sure to check back as we will prepare statistical charts in the upcoming weeks.
http://www.houstonculture.org/hispanic/census.html
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At the Aurora Picture Show
Thursday, June 10, 8pm & 10:30pm
Wild Style
Director Charlie Ahearn in person
Co-presented by Austin Film Society
Co-sponsored by Aerosol Warfare
For those craving the true roots of rap, Wild Style (1982) captured the hard core South Bronx scene at its birth. The stars of Wild Style form the pantheon of hip hop's pioneers: DJ's Grand Master Flash, Grand Wizard Theodore, D.St.; rappers Grand Master Caz and The Cold Crush Bros, The Chief Rocker Busy Bee, Double Trouble, Fantastic Freaks and RAMMELLZEE and bboy champions The Rock Steady Crew. Beat Music by legendary Blondie guitarist Chris Stein and Fred Brathwaite.
Wild Style stars the legendary subway artist LEE Quinones and the queen of the graffiti scene, Sandra PINK Fabara. Graffiti Masters DONDI, ZEPHYR and DAZE also bombed for the movie. FAB 5 FREDDY, who along with writer/producer/director Charlie Ahearn, helped create Wild Style, shines as the smooth hip hop impresario PHADE. Wild Style follows the outlaw artists through the train yards to the rap/breakdance clubs.
Charlie Ahearn is a filmmaker and the co-author with Jim Fricke of Yes Yes Ya'll (Da Capo Press), the first and only account of hip-hop's origins, told in the never-before-published words of its founders and stars and highlighted by hundreds of vintage photos and flyers. He lives in New York City.
See the Aurora Picture Show 2004 Summer Schedule:
http://www.houstonculture.org/temp/aurora2004.html
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Upcoming Volunteer Meeting
General Interest Meeting
Wednesday, June 23, 2004, 6:00pm
Napoli Flying Pizza (713-726-1166)
4820 West Bellfort (about one block east of South Post Oak)
The next meeting for volunteers or anyone interested will take place on Wednesday, June 23, 2004, at 6:00pm. We will discuss upcoming programs, including films, forums and cultural performances. The meeting will take place at Napoli Flying Pizza (713-726-1166), 4820 West Bellfort (about one block east of South Post Oak in the Meyer Park Shopping Center). Call 713-521-3686 for directions or more information.
Those with special physical or communication needs that may impact participation in this activity should contact Mark Lacy at 713-521-3686 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to discuss accommodations.
For agenda items and general interest meeting updates:
http://www.houstonculture.org/meeting
Thank you for supporting diverse activities in Houston.
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M a r k @houstonculture.org
Cultural and Community Organization Listings:
http://www.houstonculture.org/listings
2003 Report to Friends and Volunteers:
http://www.houstonculture.org/report
Support Houston Institute for Culture:
http://www.houstonculture.org/giving
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