e-culture: Cinco de Mayo, Meet the Lasters, Dragon Boat Festival, More
May 5, 2005


IN THIS ISSUE

¡Viva Cinco de Mayo!
Meet the Lasters
Dragon Boat Festival
More Houston Events


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¡Viva Cinco de Mayo!

The 5th of May, Cinco de Mayo, celebrates the Mexican victory over occupying French troops at Puebla in 1862. Though greatly outnumbered by the well-trained French force, General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated the opportunistic French, who were seeking to regain influence in the Americas under Napoleon III. The victory ignited Mexico's campaign to expel the occupying forces.

The French had installed Ferdinand Maximilian von Hapsburg, a weak governor, who attempted to rule Mexico for three years. After French troops returned home, Benito Juarez triumphed over Maximilian's remaining loyalists and ordered his execution. Juarez presided over Mexico's government until his death in 1872.

Ignacio Zaragoza and Benito Juarez are honored among Mexico's greatest heroes. As well, Maximilian's influence and that of the French can still be found in much of Mexico's popular music and art.

Cinco de Mayo celebrations extend well beyond Mexico's borders into most Southern and Western states, and most American cities. Many Texans especially enjoy the annual Cinco de Mayo fiestas, which are traditionally celebrated with historic tales, folkloric dancing, mariachis and plentiful feasts.

Learn more about this historic struggle for freedom:
http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico/cincodemayo.html


There will be a celebration of Cinco de Mayo on Sunday, May 8 at Miller Outdoor Theater in Hermann Park. The 3:00pm event will feature artists from Mexico, mariachis, folkloric dances, and more.

Miller Outdoor Theater
100 Concert Drive
Houston, TX 77030
http://www.milleroutdoortheater.org

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Arte Publico Press and Voices Breaking Boundaries present an event of a serious nature on this Cinco de Mayo - an historical-fiction account of the murders in Juarez.

La Voz Femenina 4

La Voz Femenina 4, Voices Breaking Boundaries' annual team-up with Arte Publico Press, features a reading by Alicia Gaspar de Alba, author of a new mystery novel Desert Blood: The Juarez Murders. El Paso native Ivon Villa returns to her hometown to adopt the baby of a young Mexican woman to raise with her partner. Instead, she gets caught up in the conspiracy surrounding the killing and mutilation of young women along the Texas/Mexico border. Exploring queer issues, gender identity, and border culture, Gaspar de Alba offers a gripping mystery novel based on her extensive research into the real, ongoing crimes and the pervasive cover up. She is the author of various works of poetry, fiction and nonfiction. An Associate Professor of Chicana/o Studies and English at the University of California Los Angeles, Gaspar de Alba is a native of the El Paso/Juarez border.

Thursday, May 5, 6:00pm
Free admission; reception to follow
Brown Auditorium
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
1001 Bissonnet at Main
713-524-7821
Email: info@voicesbreakingboundaries.org

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Meet the Lasters

Talking about recycled art, in time for the Art Car Parade...

Grace Kelly and Charles Laster, from Crofton, Kentucky, will be joined by Houston artist Che Rickman in a presentation and discussion of recycled art.

We are featuring these art car artists' other art in honor of Houston's most eclectic and original art display - the Art Car Parade.

The Lasters will travel to Houston in their divine art car, the Rockin' Holly Roller, which features Johnny Cash, James Brown, Bill Monroe, Loretta Lynn, Elvis Presley, Al Green and more, with "Jesus in the front and the devil in the rear."

Veterans of visionary American folk art events, like the Orange Show's Art Car Parade, the Lasters have participated in legendary festivals like Kentuck in Tuscaloosa Alabama, and offered Recycled Art Workshops for kids and adults at many stops along the way. They recently joined the board of folk artist Reverend Howard Finster's Paradise Gardens in Summerville, Georgia. Finster was one of their heroes and offered them guidance through their struggles, even as the reverend himself was struggling.

The Lasters make art about things that inspire them: "If we are inspired by a musician or other artist, we make art about that."

The Lasters 3 - Their baby not yet one year old, and almost a veteran of two art car parades, has already stood on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and traveled over much of the southeastern United States.

The Lasters will have plenty to talk about (with images to show), along with Che Rickman, who creates art with the ancient spiritual roots of Mandalas from shredded consumer refuse. Che just received her MFA from the University of Houston, so the event is somewhat of a celebration for her.

This public art forum is presented through the generosity of The Artery, with the Houston Institute for Culture and KTRU, Rice University Radio.

Wednesday, May 11, 8:00pm
Donations accepted for the artists
The Artery
5401 Jackson at Prospect
http://www.arteryhouston.org

The Artery is an exceptional outdoor venue in the residential section two blocks northeast of the Children's Museum. In the event of rain, call 713-521-3686.


Learn more about The Lasters:
http://www.lastersartshack.com

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Dragon Boat Festival

The Texas Dragon Boat Association is honoring an ancient tradition this weekend with the 5th Annual Houston Dragon Boat Festival.

The historical significance of this event dates back to 277 B.C. Qu Yuan, a poet and the emperor's personal adviser during the Ch'u dynasty, criticized the emperor for ignoring his royal duties while indulging himself in earthly pleasures. In order to make the emperor see how grave the situation was, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Mi Lo River. The Chinese people were in awe of this martyr who patriotically gave his life for his country. They wrapped glutinous rice dumplings (zong-ze) in bamboo leaves and tossed them into the water to distract the fish. Colorful boats decorated with dragon heads were also sent out to look for their fallen hero. Every year this pageant is recreated on the fifth day of the fifth month and celebrated as a dragon boat festival.

5th Annual Houston Dragon Boat Festival

Saturday, May 7, 8:30am - 4:30pm
1000 Commerce St.
Allen's Landing, downtown

Learn more about dragon boat racing:
http://www.texasdragonboat.com

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More events will celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month throughout May:

Asian Pacific American Film Screenings
APAHA in collaboration with the Museum of Fine Arts and Asian Cinevision will host monthly film screenings at the Brown Auditorium.

May 14, 2005
1001 Bissonnet St
Houston, TX 77005

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Asian Pacific American Heritage Association 13th Anniversary Gala
APAHA celebrates the accomplishments of Houston's Asian and Pacific Americans.

May 20, 2005
Hilton Post Oak Hotel
2001 Post Oak Blvd
Houston, TX 77056

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Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration at the Houston's Children's Museum
Featuring cultural presentations, performances and activities like Vietnamese lantern making, Polynesian lai making and Indian tribal dances.

May 22, 11:00am - 5;00pm
1500 Binz
Houston, TX 77004


Contact the Asia Pacific American Heritage Association:
http://www.apaha.org

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Upcoming Houston Events

Please tell others about these Houston activities and recognize the hard work the organizers put into them. And stay tuned to the calendar for more upcoming events:
http://www.houstonculture.org/events

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Bolivia: Chaos or Birthing Pains in Bringing Forth a More Just Society

First Friday Forum presents "Bolivia: Chaos or Birthing Pains in Bringing Forth a More Just Society." Jason and Felicia Gehring, who will present the topic, are Maryknoll lay missioners who have lived for the past six years in El Alto outside of La Paz. They have witnessed a long succession of worker strikes and the expulsion of a president.

Friday, May 6, 7:30 p.m. social; 8 p.m. program
Maryknoll House
2360 Rice Blvd. (just west of Greenbriar)

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From Water to Justice: A Community Environmental Education Workshop
Sponsored by The Urban Planning and Environmental Policy Program at Texas Southern University

This community workshop is geared to grassroots education and empowerment. Covered will be topics like water quality, reducing flooding problems, improving neighborhood environment, and environmental justice.

Saturday, May 7, 9:00am
True Faith Ministry Baptist Church
5806 Hirsch
713-313-7772
Email: Rarscott@gmail.com

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Showcasing the Work of Pat Mora and Ethriam Cash Brammer
Inprint's Margaret Root Brown Family Literary Event

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a spirited reading by bilingual children's authors Pat Mora, author of The Bakery Lady/La senora de la panaderia, and Ethriam Cash Brammer, author of The Rowdy, Rowdy Ranch/Alla en El Rancho Grande. The readings will be followed by the Alley's touring production of John & Juan, a hilarious salute to the shared cultural history of Texas and Mexico.

Saturday, May 7, 11:00am
Alley Theatre
615 Texas Ave.
Houston, Texas 77002
713-521-2026
Email: inprint@airmail.net
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Historic Heights First Saturday ­ Small town cool - Heights Home and Garden Tour

Over 40 Heights area businesses host Historic Heights First Saturday every month for a celebration of the small town experience, including original art, historic trolley tours, antiques, shopping, and something for everyone ­ from beer and barbeque to cakes and tea. On First Saturday May 7, it's another big month, including Classic Cars, Art Festivals, and more.

Now with two Historic Heights Trolley Tours to carry residents and visitors around the neighborhood, there is lots of transportation between member businesses. Parking is easy and plentiful around the neighborhood. The Yale Street Arts Market, Houston's art hotspot, always features fine art in a festival atmosphere, live music and local restaurants that provide food, operating from 9 to 5. The new Indian Summer Lodge bills itself as the anti mall and retail sanctuary ­ always with visionary art and music features. Buchanan's Native Plants always features a popular speaker on gardening topics. Other businesses host artists and provide fun, festive food and entertainment. The events are scheduled to entertain residents and bring visitors to the neighborhood to share the best kept secrets of the Heights, the first residential area of Houston, home to more artists than any other area in Texas ­ unique Victorian architecture, loads of antiques, and unmatched shops and boutiques in the area.

Contact: Buchanan's Native Plants
713-861-5702
http://www.HeightsFirstSaturday.com

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Cinco de Mayo on Buffalo Bayou Festival

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Earth Day, explore the culture and heritage of life along Buffalo Bayou - The Endangered Species Media Project (ESMP) invites you to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Buffalo Bayou Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8, from 11:00am 6:00pm at Buffalo Bayou Park and the Downtown Aquarium. "Come Explore! and Learn the Lore!" for Buffalo Bayou, Houston's great waterway which is Free and open to the public at the Buffalo Bayou Park and the Downtown Aquarium.

Two days of entertainment and interactive activities begin following LULAC's Cinco de Mayo Parade in Downtown Houston Saturday, May 7. Participants experience the richness of Mexican culture and the heritage associated with Buffalo Bayou. ESMPšs Earth Day 2005 event is officially sanctioned the Earth Day Network.

The event theme Come Explore! and Learn the Lore! invites participants to Come Explore! with a self-guided EcoTour in Buffalo Bayou Park on the North side of Buffalo Bayou just west of the Sabine Street Bridge at the Charles Tapley Tributary. (75 Sabine St. Houston TX 77007). ESMP, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership and Edie Morton of HISD, created this EcoTour experience for the public and more than 500 students, teachers and families from the Education Foundation of Harris County. Printed guides acquaint explorers with the natural spring fed wetlands above Buffalo Bayou.

Participants will Learn the Lore! at the Downtown Aquarium (410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002) with entertainment and interactive educational displays that present careers and educate about the careful works to protect wildlife, habitats and the Buffalo Bayou ecosystem. Create and enter a mask representing wildlife from Buffalo Bayou. Visitors will want to tour the Downtown Aquarium exhibits and stay for lunch.

Donations are appreciated and support ESMP's Buffalo Bayou, River of Dreams, a documentary project and book on the history of Buffalo Bayou. ESMP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in Houston in l989. ESMP seeks to promote a greater understanding of how the quality of human life is enhanced through the preservation of our wilderness and wildlife. More information on ESMP's projects can be found at: www.vanishingwildlife.com.

Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8, from 11:00am - 6:00pm
Free
Charles Tapley Tributary at Buffalo Bayou Park
Northwest entrance at Sabine Street Bridge
http://wwwbayoucitylive.com

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Tsunami Relief Fundraiser on Mother's Day
Join Sri Meenakshi Temple for an enchanting evening of classical Indian Fine Arts

Divya Unni - Classical Dance
Rajarajeshwary Bhat - Carnatic Vocal
Lalgudi Krishnan & Vijayalakshmi - Carnatic Violin Duet

The M A Center Houston and Swaralayam Arts Forum have planned a very special evening on May 8, 2005 at Sri Meenakshi Temple in Pearland, Texas. It features a unique fundraising program where 100% of the funds go directly to the affected Tsunami families through the untiring efforts of M A volunteers.

The fundraising program consists of an enchanting evening of Classical South Indian Fine Arts starting with the traditional lighting of the lamp (signifying the removal of ignorance through the light of knowledge) followed by Classical Dance and Classical (Carnatic) Music of South India.

Professional dancer Divya Unni will share with the audience three forms of Classical Dance - Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam and Kuchipudi. First expounded by Bharata in his Natya Shastra, the origins of Indian Classical dances dates back to the 2nd century BC.

-Bharatanatyam is an extremely precise dance style where a large repertoire of hand movements is used to convey moods and expressions and is always danced bent-kneed.

-Mohiniattam is a dance art form originating from the southwestern coastal state of Kerala developed in the 16th century AD by Mazhamangalam Narayanan Namboodiri. The theme of Mohiniattam is one of love and devotion to God.

-Kuchipudi is a dance-drama art form that originated from the southern central state of Andhra Pradesh in Telugu language developed in 1502 AD.

Carnatic Music's foundation of seven notes to the octave in a 12-pitch chromatic scale is a contribution to world music. Carnatic music is rooted in the Sama Veda ~ 4000 BC, evolved to the 7-note scale around 500 AD and established as a rigorous mathematical system by Venkatamakhi in the 17th century AD. Performing and recording artist Rajarajeshwary Bhat will share her melodious voice with the audience; the Carnatic Music forms Varnam, Kriti, Keerthana, Thillana and Bhajans in the languages Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi and Sanskrit.

The modern Violin finds its roots in the Ektar, a single string bowed instrument dating back to the beginnings of stringed music in India. Performing and recording Carnatic violinist siblings Lalgudi Krishnan and Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi will shed a new light on how the modern Italian violin has become integral to Carnatic music; from tuning, to bowing, to the mechanics of melody production. They make the bow dance and the violin sing through the enchanting Lalgudi bani (style).

Come help the Tsunami families, enjoy South Indian Classical Arts and get inspired, whetting your senses and artistic appetite. You will not only get informed but also get educated and expand your horizons about Indian fine arts culture in a leisurely evening. You also have an opportunity to explore and enjoy Indian sculptures at Sri Meenakshi Temple.

Sunday, May 8, 4:00 - 8:00pm
Sponsors: $25 - $100; College Students: $15; Children (under 18) Free
100% of the proceeds go to M A Center's Tsunami Relief efforts
Sri Meenakshi Temple - Kalyana Mandapam
17130 McLean Road
Pearland, Texas 77584-4630
http://www.meenakshi.org/index.php



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