e-culture: MLK Events, More Houston Events
January 14, 2005


Martin Luther King Day celebrations and radio programs in Houston:

PARADES

Martin Luther King Jr. Grand Parade
Monday, January 17, 10:00am
Downtown Houston (in the vicinity of Minute Maid Park)

Black Heritage Society Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Monday, January 17, 2:00pm
Downtown Houston (in the vicinity of Minute Maid Park)


EVENTS

Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium
Featuring actor Danny Glover and Texas Friends of TransAfrica
Monday, January 17, 10:00am
Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Room 107
Texas Southern University
Call 713-313-6848

Freedom Rally and Tsunami Relief
Featuring Mariam Makeba
Monday, January 17, 5:00 - 9:00pm
George R. Brown Convention Center

Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration
Featuring "The Resurrection of Harriet Tubman" by Melissa Waddy-Thibodeaux and a performance by the Sandra Organ Dance Company. This event is free and open to the public.
January 17, 2005, 7:30pm
The Rothko Chapel
1409 Sul Ross Street
Houston, TX 77006
713-524-9839


RADIO PROGRAMS

KPFT, Pacifica, 90.1 FM, Open Journal
Tune in from 12 (noon) - 1:00pm to hear parade information and speeches by Dr. martin Luther King.

KTRU, Rice University Radio, 91.7 FM
Tune in at the top of each hour to hear speeches by Dr. martin Luther King.


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Houston Events

12th Iranian Film Festival
Presented by Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Presenting films from such directors as Abolfazl Jalili, Abbas Kiarostami, Hassan Yektapanah, and Seyyed Reza Mir-Karimi.

January 14-23
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
713-639-7515
for information and reservations
http://www.mfah.org

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The End of Suburbia

A fundraiser for Houston Global Awareness Collective and Houston Independent media Center, featuring kayumunggi and the Free Radicals, and a showing of the film The End of Suburbia.

Saturday, January 15, 8:00pm
Helios
411 Westheimer
713-522-9850
for information and reservations
http://www.houstonglobalawareness.org
http://www.houston.indymedia.org

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Charlie Clements

Charlie Clements, the president and CEO of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, will be in Houston to discuss the need for collaboration with partner organizations around the world and the issues that will demand the attention of human rights activists during the next decade. Clements has devoted the past three decades to social justice work, following his discharge from the U.S. Air Force for refusing to fly missions into Cambodia during the war that he felt was based on a lie, and after working as a physician with rural people in El Salvador and experiencing the effects of war and U.S. policy on those people. He founded the International Medical Relief Fund and the International Commission on Medical Neutrality. He also wrote the book "Witness to War" (Bantam, 1984).

Sunday, January 16, 7:00pm
Emerson Unitarian Church, Delaney Hall 1900 Bering Dr. (one block west of Chimney Rock, between Westheimer and San Felipe)

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Donna Perkins, exhibit closing party
Co-founding member of Voices Breaking Boundaries

Saturday, January 22, 5:00-7:00pm
VBB Shotgun House at Project Row Houses
2519 Holman Street
Houston, TX 77004
http://www.voicesbreakingboundaries.org

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"An Evening with Muzak 2" (Weirdo avant noizy show)

With Chuck Roast & Infant Mortality Rate, Organ Failure, Ruth Langston, Don Walsh & A Pink Cloud, Muzak, Moray Eels, Attic Ted, Aaron & Adam of Kairos, Krinkles, and Bully Pulpit.

Saturday, January 22, 9:30pm
Super Happy Funland
2610 Ashland Street
713-880-2100

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Sprout: A new surf film by Thomas Campbell
Programmed by John Jones

Aurora is pleased to present a new film by artist, skateboarder and 16 mm filmmaker Thomas Campbell. Following his 1999 film, The Seedling, Campbell dedicated over four years to filming surf icons who defy equipment-based categorization. In the resulting documentary Sprout, world-class surfers Joel Tudor, Dan Malloy, David Rastovich, Ozzie Wright, Skip Frye, Alex Knost, Rob Machado, CJ. Nelson, Kassia Meador, Belinda Baggs, Jimmy Gamboa travel wherever necessary and use whatever it takes to access a wave; longboards, shortboards, eggs, fishes, and bodyboards. In the process, Campbell also shoots some of the world's most beautiful beaches in New Zealand, Morocco, South Africa, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and California.

"With Campbell's artful perspective on the diverse mix of surfers, locations and equipment, Sprout promises to deliver one of the most unique and unforgettable viewing experiences in surfing to date." -TransWorld Surf Magazine

Saturday, January 22, 8:00pm
Sunday, January 23, 3:00pm
Admission is $5, unless otherwise indicated
Aurora Picture Show
800 Aurora Street
Houston, Texas 77009
713-868-2101
http://www.aurorapictureshow.org


Aurora Presents: Charm
A film by Sarah Reed and Sadie Shaw

Charm is the debut full-length feature film by Sarah Reed and Sadie Shaw, collaborators in both film and music (Bonnot Gang, The Lies, and The Husbands). Reed and Shaw's film has all the classic hallmarks of the horror genre, including fear, sex, gore, and an anguished, attractive protagonist, but addresses the social alienation and a indifferent domestic environment that often drive violence. With beautiful, brutal and surreal imagery set to the sounds of The Need, Deerhoof, Aislers Set, Audrey Marrs (Bratmobile, Mocket) and Jon Nikki (Prima Donnas) as 27 Faces, Tim Green, Thrones, and Sara Lund (Unwound), Charm creates a visually stunning and emotionally charged viewing experience.

Mondays in January, 9:00pm
Dean's Credit Clothing
316 Main

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"An Evening of Music and Human Restoration"
Featuring performances by Space City Gamelan and Vani

Come together in music and help our friends in Asia as they begin the hard work of rebuilding their lives. We hope that you will join us for this special one night event. For directions and online tickets go to http://www.barnevelder.org . Seating is limited; please come early.

All proceeds go to the American Red Cross. This concert is made possible by the generous support of: KTRU 91.7 FM, Barnevelder Movement / Arts Complex, Saint Arnold Brewery, and the Indonesian Consulate.

January 23, 8:00 pm
$15 donation
Barnevelder Movement / Arts Complex
2201 Preston

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Houston Benefit Concert for Tsunami Victims
Presented by Indo-American Association (IAA) with collaborations with Consulate General of India, UNICEF, Asia Society, KUHF Radio, and International Association for Human Values, Interfaith Ministries

A complete instrumental concert presenting the two styles of Indian Classical Music, North Indian (Hindustani) and South Indian (Carnatic) in solo and in jugalbandi by world-renowned maestros in each style:Sitar Maestro, Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan and Sangeet Samrat Chitravina N. Ravikiran.

IAA is underwriting all the expenses of the concert so that every penny you contribute goes to help the Tsunami victims. Artists are waiving their fees and the Wortham Center in waiving the cost of the facility. You may choose the agency you want your tax-deductible contribution to go to: UNICEF, AMERICARES, AID INDIA, and International Association for Human Values.

Sunday, January 23, 6:00pm
Admission by donation.
Suggested levels: $30, $50, $100, $250
Wortham Center
281-648-0422 or 281-217-4220
http://www.iaahouston.com

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Shakuhachi & Koto Concert
Co-Sponsored by Asia Society and Japan American Society

Yoshio Kurahashi is known as the master of the Shakuhachi instrument in Japan. He has studied Shakuhachi since childhood under his father Yodo Kurahashi, who was the founder of the Mujuan Shakuhachi School. The Japanese Shakuhachi is an end-blown bamboo flute with a long history as a meditation tool. Be sure to attend this special one-and-only performance in Houston. The program is free of charge and open to the public.

Sunday, January 23, 2:00pm
Free, registration required
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
1001 Bissonnet
713-439-0265
Email: txcenter@asiasoc.org

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Hong Kong: The Premier Business Platform for China
Co-Sponsored by Greater Houston Partnership, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, City of Houston Mayor's Office, Hong Kong Association of Houston, Asia Society, Asian Chamber of Commerce

Hong Kong is a crucial and necessary business platform for companies wanting to do business in the Chinese mainland. Hong Kong brings vast experience and networks together with its position as a world-class business center to create unparalleled access to China for your company. In this informative seminar, speakers will discuss some of Hong Kong's most important advantages as your company's premier business platform for China. These advantages include a highly beneficial location at the doorstep of southern China's Pearl River Delta (PRD) and Hong Kong's global economic importance both as a production basin and as a regional headquarters location. Particular areas of focus at this seminar will be on IPR issues, business risk management, and logistics support.

Wednesday, Jan. 26, 8:30 - 11:00am
Free, registration required
Doubletree Hotel at Allen Center (LaSalle Room)
400 Dallas St.
Houston, TX
713-844-0238
Email: mcasas@houston.org

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Understanding the Tsunami
Co-Sponsored with Consulate General of Indonesia

The tragic natural disaster that struck Asia on December 26, 2004 knows no borders. As we mourn the countless victims and families affected by this disaster, we also recognize a need and an opportunity to raise the global awareness among our students. Asia Society is creating programs and teaching materials that will deepen teachers and student's understanding of the cultures and peoples of the region and keep a focus on the long process of reconstructing homes, schools, clinics and economies -- after the media have turned their attention elsewhere and the cameras have left. THIS PROGRAM IS FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ONLY. When registering for this event, please name the educational institution that you are affiliated with.

Saturday, January 29, 2005 8:30 - 1:00 pm
Reservation Required
Consulate General of Indonesia
10900 Richmond Avenue
713-439-0265
Email: txcenter@asiasoc.org

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Careers Representing America: The US Foreign Service Want You!
Co-Sponsors: Asia Society Young Professionals, Houston World Affairs Council Young Professionals Group, Center for International Studies at University of St. Thomas

Ambassador Larry Napper, a Senior Foreign Service Officer in the US State Department, is serving as Diplomat in Residence (DIR) at the University of Houston. The DIR Program was put in place to recruit the best and the brightest to represent America's rich diversity to the world. Ambassador Napper will give a presentation on careers in the State Department, what options are available for serving on diplomatic missions overseas, and the role of Foreign Service officers in shaping and implementing US foreign policy.

Thursday, February 3, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Free, reservation required
Ahern Room, Crooker Center
3909 Graustark
University of St. Thomas
713-439-0265
http://www.asyptexas.org/events/registration

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High Voltage: Five Years of Fire
Presented by Voices Breaking Boundaries

Voices Breaking Boundaries (VBB) celebrates its five-year anniversary on Thursday, February 3, 2005 with performances by three of its founding members, Marcela Descalzi, Donna Perkins and Sehba Sarwar, along with three more women who have shaped this dynamic multi-arts organization. High Voltage features a reading and book signing by Sehba Sarwar who will present her first novel, Black Wings. As always, the evening offers a rich palette of stories: seasoned educator and traveler Marcela Descalzi will read travel writings from her latest visit to Tibet, recent college graduate Shannon Garth-Rhodes will share work about her transition from student to professional, and retired art teacher Donna Perkins will offer sensual poetry. Michelle Chen's presentation will combine piano and cello to introduce a new way of experiencing music.

"We are excited to celebrate our five year anniversary by presenting women artists who are never afraid to speak out," says Board Member Nusrat Malik, who is emceeing the evening. "VBB began five years ago so that artists‹of all ages and backgrounds, from around the world and from Houston‹could converge and share their experiences with each other and with an audience that was eager to embrace a rich texture of voices. High Voltage captures the fiery energy that has made VBB one of Houston¹s most dynamic organizations."

Thursday, February 3, 8:00pm
General admission $6 (50% goes to tsunami aid through Via Campasina)
DiverseWorks Artspace
1117 East Freeway
Houston, TX 77002
http://www.voicesbreakingboundaries.org

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"U.S.-Asia Relations: The Next Four Years"
Ambassadors' Forum and Corporate Conference

Keynote Addresses: Ambassador Marie T. Huhtala - Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, US Department of State.

Ambassadors' Forum: Afghanistan - H. E. Said Jawad; Nepal - H. E. Kedar B. Shrestha; Kyrgyzstan - H. E. Baktybek Abdrisaev; Mongolia - H. E. Ravdan Bold; China - H. E. Yang Jiechi (Tentative); Pakistan - H.E. Jehangir Karamat (Tentative); Vietnam - Counselor Vu Dang Dzung, Deputy Chief of the Mission.

Business Conference: Gowher Rizvi - Kennedy School, Harvard; Tom Hubbard - Former US Ambassador to Korea and Philippines; Roger Nanney - Deloitte & Touche, Managing Partner for the Mid America Region; Larry C. Napper, Former US Ambassador to Kazahkstan; Diplomat in Residence, Houston, Texas; David W. Spence - Managing Director, Regulatory and Industry Affairs, FedEx; more.

Friday, February 11, 8:00am - 2:00pm
$75: Forum and Luncheon for Asia Society Members
$100: Forum and Luncheon for Non Members
InterContinental Hotel
Contact:
Asia Society Texas
Phone: 713.439.0051
Email: txcenter@asiasoc.org

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If you happen to be in the Los Angeles area:

Immersed Remains: Towns Submerged in America
Presented by The Center for Land Use Interpretation

Elbowoods, North Dakota; Kennett, California; Enfield, Massachusetts; Neversink, New York; Butler, Tennessee; St. Thomas, Nevada. Each of these towns represents a different element of America's development. Yet they all share the same fate: they, and hundreds of other communities like them, were vacated, demolished and flooded to make way for dams and reservoirs. Yet their remnants persist, preserved underwater, and sometimes emerge, as reminders of what was not allowed to be.

Exhibit opens Friday, January 21, 2005; Reception on Friday, February 4 at 7:30pm
More info: http://www.clui.org/clui_4_1/ondisplay/submerged

Also new at the Center:
An interactive version (CD-R) of the Nevada Test Site Guide:
http://www.clui.org/clui_4_1/shop/index.html

The Center for Land Use Interpretation
9331 Venice Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
310-839-5722
http://www.clui.org



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Upcoming Travel Dates

DC Latino Music Initiative and NYC Adventure, June 25 - July 4, 2005

We are currently arranging our travel to Washington, DC and New York City for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, one of the best festival in the U.S. It is important to make decisions very quickly on this trip at this time of year in order to get the airfare and Amtrak tickets at decent prices. Let me know if you are interested so we can make the necessary arrangements.

We will set out for a Manhattan and Staten Island tour book-ended by two weekend adventures to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and great museums on the National Mall. We will enjoy two weekends in Washington, DC during the Smithsonian Folklife Festival Latino Music Initiative, visit the National Museum of the American Indian, take in a DC United soccer match (schedule permitting), and Caribbean Carnival in the nation's capitol. Taking the Amtrak to New York, we will tour the historic Lower East Side, enjoy international restaurants and traditional delis, hear Puerto Rican plena and bomba music in the parks, and enjoy some Italian traditions on Staten Island.

What we will do:

-Attend Smithsonian Folklife Festival (this year focusing on "Nuestra Musica: Music in Latino cultures", and the nation of "Oman: Desert, Oases, and Sea", as well as "Forest Service, Culture, and Community", and "Food Culture USA". Even though we will be there for two weekends, you will wish you could stay longer.
http://www.folklife.si.edu/festival/2005

-Visit museums in Washington, DC, including the National Museum of the American Indian, many other Smithsonian museums, and some very interesting historic sites.

-Attend Caribbean Carnival, a huge celebration near Howard University. http://www.houstonculture.org/cultures/caribbean/carnival.html

-Commute on Amtrak to New York City, where we will stay in a hotel between Union Square and Gramercy Park. We will base ourselves between Midtown and East Village, and tour the Lower East Side.

Museum options in DC:
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History
- Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
- Library of Congress and Department of the Interior
- Tours of Woodrow Wilson House and Christian Heurich House
- Frederick Douglas House National Landmark and African American history museums
- Immigrant community businesses in Adams Morgan and Mount Pleasant
- Organization of American States Art Museum of the Americas
- National Geographic Explorers Gallery
- The Smithsonian Freed, Sackler and International Art Galleries
- The National Mall, including the Roosevelt and Jefferson Memorials
- The C&O Canal National Historic Park, Georgetown, and more


Additional upcoming adventures:

Multicultural New Orleans, March 16 - 20, 2005
West Indian Celebration and NYC Adventure, September 1 - 6, 2005
El Dia de los Muertos, October 28 - November 4, 2005



Please contact us at info@houstonculture.org if you are interested in these educational adventures. We must reserve lodging early, particularly with the New York City trips, to get the best possible rates.

We will publish more trip details and itinerary information in upcoming newsletters.



Thank you for supporting diverse activities in Houston.

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M  a  r  k @houstonculture.org


Traditions of Mexico:
http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico

Latino Music Initiative:
http://www.houstonculture.org/musica

Texas-Mexico Border Issues:
http://www.houstonculture.org/border