e-culture: "Turtles Can Fly", King of Western Swing, Regional Events
March 10, 2005


IN THIS ISSUE

"Turtles Can Fly" Film Passes
Preventing Email Abuse
March Newsletter Topics
The King of Western Swing
Upcoming Houston Events
The Czech Cultural Center
Diverse New Orleans Events


We have film passes available for "Turtles Can Fly", the third feature from internationally acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Bahman Ghobadi ("A Time For Drunken Horses"). Written, directed and produced by Ghobadi, the film features of cast of local non-actor children.

"Turtles Can Fly" is set in Ghobadi's native Kurdistan on the eve of the American invasion of Iraq. Thirteen-year-old Soran (Soran Ebrahim) is known as "Satellite," for his installation of dishes and antennae for local villages looking for news of Saddam. He is the dynamic leader of the children, organizing the dangerous but necessary sweeping and clearing of the minefields. He then arranges trade-ins for the unexploded mines. The industrious Satellite falls for an unlikely orphan (Avaz Latif), a sad-faced girl traveling with her brother Henkov (Hirsh Feyssal), who appears to have the gift of clairvoyance. The siblings are care-taking a three-year-old, whose connection to the pair is discovered as harsh truths are unveiled.

The devastation to this land and its inhabitants is revealed in the matter-of-fact perspective of the children and is equally displayed with every poignant detail of its unbearable nature. The exquisitely haunting mountains play backdrop to violence and tragedy, but at the same time the heart and humor of the children is an undeniable force.

The free screening will take place on Wednesday March 16, 7:30pm, at Angelika Film Center in downtown. If you are interested in attending, please respond and include your Houston mail address. We will mail passes to the first 20 who respond. Each pass is good for two admissions. It is wise to arrive early since seating is limited.

If you are unable to respond before Monday, you may also choose to pick up the passes at the Ley Student Center at Rice University between Monday evening and Tuesday evening. Please respond for further details about that option, so that we can let you know if the passes have all been distributed.

http://www.ifcfilms.com

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Preventing Email Abuse

You may notice several changes to our e-culture newsletter. We will be changing the list designation from time to time, in order to stay a step ahead of spammers and others who try to capture email addresses for marketing or other purposes. We never keep email addresses on line, to prevent programs or viruses from collecting the addresses. And we try to prepare all of our communications in only a matter of minutes to lessen the chances of email addresses falling into other hands while mail is being sent. Changing the designation of the addresses we are using from time to time will further protect our subscribers. We recommend that others not keep email addresses on line or in address books and listservs, since those are vulnerable to "spam-bots" and other means of harvesting email addresses.

We receive thousands of requests by email each year seeking information or assistance and we respond to all that we can, while avoiding any suspicious attachments. Houston Institute for Culture will also not send any attachments that have not been requested. We take further precaution when checking any unsolicited email by using a Mac, which is less susceptible to email viruses than PCs.

Houston Institute for Culture email policy:
http://www.houstonculture.org/email/policies.html

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March Newsletter Topics

Watch for interesting topics in our March Newsletter, including:

Camp Experience: The Chiricahua Apache
Buffalo Soldiers and Victorio's War
Black Indians of New Orleans
St. Joseph's Day Altars
The Irish in Louisiana
The Irish in Mexico
The King of Western Swing

Also, attend an event commemorating the "King of Western Swing" during the 100 year anniversary celebration of the birth of Bob Wills. More details below.

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The King of Western Swing

March 12 Tribute to the King of Western Swing
Sons of Hermann Hall, Houston, Texas

The River Road Boys will be having a Tribute to the King of Western Swing, Bob Wills, for his 100th Birthday Anniversary Celebration on March 12. They are marking his March 6, 1905 birthday by having a Western Swing show and dance on Saturday, March 12, 2005 at The Sons of Hermann Hall, 120 Yale St., in Houston. Everyone is invited to come and join in this great tribute, featuring performances of Bob Wills' music. For more information or to make reservations please contact Clyde Brewer at 281-356-7174, or email RiverRoadBoys@ev1.net. Tickets are $8.00 at the door and the music starts at 8:30pm until midnight.

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Upcoming Houston Events

Daughters of the Dust
Presented by the UHCL Film and History Club in celebration of the newly formed Women's Studies Program.

"Daughters of the Dust" tells the story of an African-American family that is preparing to leave behind friends, loved ones and an entire insulated way of life. The family is part of the Gullah people, who are the descendants of slaves that lived in relative isolation on the Sea Islands off the Georgia coast. Against the wishes of the family's matriarch, Nana, the younger generations struggle with their decision to leave, their rich Gullah heritage and African roots. A panel discussion will be held after the film.

Featuring Julie Dash, director, and Bell Hooks, the celebrated author.

$2.00
Friday, March 11, 7:00pm
UHCL Film and History Club
Room 1100, Student Services and Classroom Building
University of Houston - Clear Lake
2700 Bay Area Blvd.
Houston, TX, 77058

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The Hungry Stones
Dance-drama presented by Indo-American Association

Written and composed by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, The Hungry Stones is a theatrical blend of Kathak dance and literature. Set in the realm of fantasy, it is the story of unfulfilled passions and ungratified desires in which ancient stones remain alive as witness to history.

Set in colonial India, "The Hungry Stones" tells the tale of a newly appointed tax collector who is sent to a small town. Despite advice to the contrary, he chooses to move into a deserted Mughal palace. Once upon a time the palace had been churned by constant lust, by the flames of wild pleasures. Cursed by those passions, those vain desires, every stone now hungered and thirsted, striving to consume every soul that came near.

Legend has it that only one man ever escaped the grip of these hungry stones and he was driven mad. Will this new visitor be so lucky? The tax collector soon finds the dilapidated rooms and courtyards that appear so plain in daylight hours, begin to vibrate with the unfulfilled passions and dreams of the past as evening approaches. The stones have preserved an age of ungratified desires and as his curiosity turns to obsession, escape appears impossible.

Friday, March 11, 2005, 8pm
Stafford Centre for Performing Arts
10505 Cash Road at Murphy Road in Stafford, Texas
http://www.staffordcentre.com/location.htm
281-648-0422
http://www.iaahouston.com

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Huitzilopoxtli: The Day of the Sun

MECA presents the 2nd Annual Latino visual art and music showcase featuring artwork and musical performances by some of the brightest local Latino emerging artists. Nicknamed The Day of the Sun, this event has a focus on an illumination. Witness the enlightened works by such musicians as Texaztlan, Green Rhinos, Cuervo, Airline Farrell and works by visual artists George Manzur, Rene Cruz, Jannette Gonzalez, Daniel Soto, Raphael Villarreal, and Mario Jose Olvera.

$5
Friday, March 11, 7:00pm
713-802-9370
1900 Kane
http://www.meca-houston.org

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Diamond Way Retreat Project

Poissant Gallery will host an art exhibition to raise funds to preserve the culture and teachings of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. This important project will keep alive the spiritual legacy of the Buddhist teachings of Tibet, transmitted from teacher to student for over 2,000 years.

Friday, March 11, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Poissant Gallery
5102 Center Street
Email: houstonheights@diamondway.org
http://www.diamondway.org/retreatcenter

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Hong Kong Meets Houston

Featuring Jeffrey duıVallier dıAragon Aranita and Roy Hanscom. Curated by Zena- Stetka Howe and Don Stevenson.

Opening Reception: Friday, March 11, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Exhibition on view through April 22, 2005
Art League Houston
1953 Montrose Blvd.
Houston, TX 77006
713-523-9530
Email: alh@artleaguehouston.org
http://www.artleaguehouston.org/exhibitions.html

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Tour de Hood Bike Ride
Sponsored by Texas Southern University Wellness Program

This not the "Tour de France". It's Better! It is "Tour de Hood". Ride along and hear history of our city, while touring Third, Fourth and Fifth Wards. Save on gasoline and help save the environment, while you burn up some calories and stay healthy.

Bring your bike. Limited bikes are available on a first come basis.

Saturday, March 12th, 8:00am
Beginning at the intersection of Wheeler and Ennis Street
713-899-1961

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Gypsy Journeys
An Artistic Collaboration between Urban Gypsy and Gypsy Dance Theatre

Two of Houston's most inspired dance troupes, Urban Gypsy and Gypsy Dance Theatre, join together to bring you a very special weekend of live music, inventive dance, and satisfying family entertainment. There will be two shows only, following the gypsy trail, tracing the roots from India through Uzbekistan, Persia, Turkey, Egypt, North Africa, Spain, Greece, and more, all the way to America.

$15; two tickets for $25
March 12 and 13
Saturday night gala at 7:30pm; Sunday matinee at 2:00pm Talento Bilingue Theatre of Houston
333 S. Jensen Drive
Houston, TX 77003
http://www.urbangypsy.cc/index2.html

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The Truth About Islam

In an effort to open the doors of communication and understanding between us, we are opening the doors to our house of worship. Learn more about your Muslim friends and neighbors and what is likely the most misunderstood religion in the world today. Open to people of all faiths. Refreshments will be served.

Saturday, March 12, 2005
2:00pm - 5:00pm
AbuBakr as-Siddiq Mosque
8830 Old Galveston Road
Houston, TX 77034
713-397-9994

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Houston Feminist Roundtable

The Amazon Xociety is building on a previous project by taking the initiative in forming the Houston Feminist Roundtable to maximize the collective impact of feminist organizations here in Houston.

We would like to gather all the feminist organizations in Houston together to introduce themselves (delegates) and their organizations. We will work to collectively develop and then articulate an agenda for the Greater Houston area while building a culture of cooperation among our feminist organizations. We will work together to organize and mobilize the women of Houston and reverse the decline in women's activism.

If you would like for your feminist organization to participate in the Houston Feminist Roundtable, please contact us at xociety@yahoo.com with the following information: your name, your title, and your organization's name.

Refreshments will be provided.

Saturday, March 12, 10:00am - 1:00pm
McGovern-Stella Link Library
7405 Stella Link (between Bellaire and Beechnut)
Email: xociety@yahoo.com
http://www.angelfire.com/tx2/amazonsociety/roundtable.html

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Del Espadin Flamenco and Spanish Dance Pena Party
Enjoy authentic Flamenco dance, music and song from the heart of Spain

$3; Light refreshments provided
Saturday, March 12, 8:00pm-10:00pm
West University Dance Center
713-705-8701
http://www.flamencohouston.com

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Globalization Forum
Trans-Texas Corridor strategy meeting with Chris Sagstetter
Wednesday, March 16, 7:30pm
2360 Rice Blvd. (Four doors from Greenbriar)

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Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park

Houston's Memorial Park will be awash in color, music, vibrant entertainment and interactive art at the Bayou City Art Festival. The 33rd annual juried fine art event boasts 300 acclaimed artists from around the world, including Hungarian-born Agnes Rathonyi, selected the Spring 2005 festival's featured artist. Her painting "Inspirations" will grace the festival's commemorative poster.

There will be installation art, clay, drawing/pastel, fiber/textiles, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, watercolor and wood. Attendees will enjoy wine cafes, an interactive Creative Zone for children of all ages, restaurants, the Broadway in Houston's Broadway Café and the performing arts stage with ongoing multi-cultural musical and dance entertainment presented by the Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County.

The Festival's Creative Zone is an interactive area for children and adults to create their own individual take-home art projects. Fun-filled projects include costume photos, picture frame decorating; fancy pinwheels; rock painting; plant a flower; paper marbling; potato die stamping; wax hands; face painting; airbrush art; and giant bubbles. Five charity partners, Alley Theatre, Lawndale Arts Center, MECA, Museum of Fine Arts Houston and YMCA Downtown Youth and Urban Services, will oversee the area and benefit from donations made by the Creative Zone artists and their parents or guardians. Over the past 32 years, the Festival has raised more than $1.9 million for charity.

$8; free for children 12 and under
March 18-20, 10:00am to 6:00pm
Memorial Park
713-521-0133
http://www.bayoucityartfestival.com

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The Czech Cultural Center

The Czech Cultural Center Houston Celebrates Grand Opening/Dedication in the Museum District. Grand Opening Events continue...

Through April 10 - Czech Moravian emigree impressionist artist Kamil Kubik exhibit.

Friday, March 11 - 7:00 p.m. Prague Hall - Czech/Slovak Regional Dress collection program by Helene Baine Cincebeaux of Rochester, New York owner of the worldıs largest collection numbering over 5,000 authentic costumes.

Friday, March 11 - 8:30 p.m. Prague Hall - Jozef Ivaska and son, Jozef Jr. - International Opera Stars and Folk singers from Slovakia and Vienna. Reception to follow. RSVP

Saturday, March 12 - 7:00 p.m. Prague Hall - Jitka Frankova in concert of Czech composers. Reception to follow. (Jitka is from Ceske Budejovice in the Czech Republic, an internationally acclaimed pianist in Houston by invitation of the Rice Shepherd School of Music and currently completing her Doctoral program.) RSVP

Friday, March 18 - 7:00 p.m. Garnet exhibit. Reception. RSVP

Saturday, March 19 - 6:00 p.m. Prague Hall - Annual Members and Friends Meeting and Dinner.

Dedication/Grand Opening/Concert $10.00 donation appreciated.

713-528-2060
Email: czech@czechcenter.org
http://www.czechcenter.org

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Diverse New Orleans Events

March is an excellent time of year to participate in multicultural activities in New Orleans and southeast Louisiana. Many are listed below.

Calling of the Tribes Pow-Wow
March 18-20, 2005
Grand Bois Park, Bourg, LA. (near Houma)
504-879-2373


St Patrick's Day, St Joseph's Day and Related Events in the New Orleans vicinity:

St. Patrick's Day Parade (March 11)
The annual parade through the French Quarter at Mollys at the Market, the home and host of Halloween and St. Patrick's Day parades. 5:00pm. New Orleans, LA
504-525-5169

Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Parade (March 12)
Sponsored by the Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Club
The parade starts at Jackson Avenue and Magazine Street and proceeds lakebound on Jackson Avenue (with traffic) to St. Charles Avenue. It will continue uptown on St. Charles Avenue (against traffic) to Louisiana Avenue. From there, it will proceed down Louisiana Avenue (with traffic) to Magazine Street and from Magazine Street (with traffic) to Jackson Avenue, where it will end. Irish Channel, 12:30pm.


Wearin' of the Green Parade (March 12)
Catch a Louisiana-style St. Patrick's Day Parade complete with more than 55 floats, marching bands, bagpipers, beads, cups, and throws. The three quarter mile parade is painted with green shamrocks. Parade route begins at the corner of Hundred Oaks and South Acadian Thruway (by Catholic Life Center); takes right on Eugene; takes left on Terrace; takes final left on Perkins Road and continues down over the overpass ending just under the interstate. All floats continue to roll through the intersection at Lee Drive though the parade has ended. Begins at 10:00am. Baton Rouge, LA


St. Bernard Irish-Italian-Islenos Community Parade (March 13)
Parade features over 2000 members in over 50 floats, throwing potatoes, cabbage, carrots, fava beans, dolls, beads, doubloons and more. Chalmette, 12:00 (Noon)
504-279-8544


St. Patrick's Parade of Jefferson (March 13)
Parade begins at Archbishop Rummel High school, 1901 Severn Ave. Metairie, 12:00 noon.


Downtown Irish Club Parade (March 17)
The 28th annual downtown St. Patrick's Day parade begins on the corner of Burgundy and Piety in the Bywater, proceeds roughly up Royal, across Esplande to Decatur, up Bienville to Bourbon. Bywater/French Quarter, 6:30pm


St. Patrick's Day Block Party (March 17)
Parasol's Bar, 3rd Street at Constance, Irish Channel, 12:00pm to 5:00pm


Italian-American Marching Club's St. Joseph Day Parade (March 19)
The annual walking parade follows its traditional route through the French Quarter. French Quarter, 5:00pm
504-561-1006


Los Islenos Fiesta 2005 (March 19-20)
Los Islenos Heritage and Cultural Society Ducros- Islenos Museum Complex, 1345-57 Bayou Road, St. Bernard; (Saturday, 11:00am Opening Ceremony - 7:00pm) (Sunday , 11:00am - 6:00pm)
504-682-0862
http://www.losislenos.org


Irish-Italian Parade (March 20)
Parade beings at Cleaview Shopping Center (Veterans @ Causeway) and rolls along Veterans Blvd. Metairie, noon.
504-616-4930 or 504-362-7700


Super Sunday (March 20)
The Mardi Gras Indians make their appearance around St. Joseph's Day. Generally, the processions begin around Bayou St. John & Esplanade Ave. and Washington & LaSalle streets.


Thank you for supporting great educational and cultural activities.

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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