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On March 12th the Mexican American Cultural Center along with the Tejano Genealogy Society, the Greater Southwest Austin Optimist Club, the Catholic War Veterans, the Tejanos in Action, and the American GI Forum presented film maker John Valadez in a reception with a viewing and lecture on the documentary of Felix Longoria at the Mexican American Cultural Center.
About the documentary: U.S. Army Private Felix Longoria sacrificed his life so that others could be free, yet those same freedoms he died fighting for were denied him in his home town of Three Rivers Texas. The Three Rivers soldier was killed in action in the Philippines. After the war his body was shipped to his home town and was refused admittance to the only funeral home in Three Rivers simply because he was an American of Mexican descent.
The Longoria Affair documentary film is available for sale on DVD, if you would like to have information on how to purchase the DVD, please contact Dan Arellano at Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin 512-826-7569 darellano@austin.rr.com For MACC events visit www.ci.austin.tx.us/macc
1st Annual Tequila Tasting at Mexic-Arte Museum
Many enjoyed a nice evening of relaxation with tequila shots and margarita mixes at Mexic-Arte Museum1st Annual Taste of Tequila. Taste Blanco, Reposado and Añejo varieties presented were sponsored by Pepe Zevada owner of Austin’s premium 100% agave Z-Tequila. Iron Cactus, known for creating bold, unique and flavored dished took part in the contemporary cuisine buffete provided at event. Guests were also delighted to view the premier of exclusive behind-the-scenes footage with Miss Universe, Ms. Ximena Navarrete and listened to the sounds of live music performance by Grupo Gruvo. Current Mexic-Arte’s exhibit Colors on Clay was displayed during event at their downtown location on 419 Congress Avenue. For more event information visit www.mexic-artemuseum.org.
Emilio Zamora’s book signing event at ACC’s Riverside Campus 
The Latino/Latin American Studies Center Austin Community College and the Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin presenteds a book signing and lecture event by the renowned author Dr Emilio Zamora. Dr. Zamora spoke on his new book"Claiming Rights and Righting Wrongs, Mexican Workers and Job Politicsduring WWII." Dr Zamora is a professor and teaches at the University of Texas at Austin with his specialty in Mexican American History.
National Hispanic Professionals Organizations of Austin mixer and membership drive at Mexitas 
Restaurant
'Toma Mi Corazon' La Peña's Art Exhibit and Silent AuctionSpecial coverage by Lee Brown and photos by Diane Revilla
On Saturday February 12, 2011, La Peña a Latino Arts Organization hosted their 19th Annual Art Exhibit and Silent Auction. Latino
artists put their hand-crafted hearts on the line for charity. This
year’s musical guest was a sister trio that pleased the crowd with
classic American and Spanish music. Their beautiful acoustic melodies
and bi-lingual songs pleased and delighted the crowd. When the sisters dedicated and then sang one of their songs to their mother, it was a touching and beautiful moment for everyone present. The simplistic but delicious food buffet of Mexican cuisine consisting of tamales, beans, salsa, rice and pasta received a positive response from the multi-cultural art aficionados.Cynthia Perez who is the founder of La Peña was very kind and helpful as she guided LA PRENSA staff through the display of hearts and introduced the individual artists of each of the hearts. "It is nice to see that so many talented artists are willing to give their time to give back to their community." Perez explained, "I am proud to be part of an organization that has done so much for the Latino arts". One of the many high points of the Auction was the "bitter sweet wonders and worries" Hearts that were created by children whose parents had cancer. Digit Cervan proudly showed us his heart that he carved out of wood and remembered the day that he met Cynthia outside of the La Peña. "I love art in every aspect. It shows my creativity by drawing the heart". Cervan who moved to Austin from Houston started volunteering at La Peña after meeting Cynthia. Cervan is currently going to culinary arts school and working with La Peña.Austin artist Martin Barrera and Veronica Castro de Barrera had no problem explaining their piece "Marte Y Venus." which was inspired by the "wounded state" of the wooden heart. Martin and Veronica worked on the heart together and also independently resulting in an art piece representing earth/water and wounds/healing. "I did most of the metal work while my husband did the wood work." Veronica explained. "Then we collaborated on the rest." Martin and Veronica are both Architects practicing in Austin. Javier Zomora was eager to show us his artwork "la tormenta." "This piece represents the struggles of love and how we must go through tempest to find ultimate love," Zomora explained. Judging by the positive reception to the beautiful display of hearts on the walls, the artists and La Peña should be justifiably proud of their work. ALMA's Tony "Ham" Guerrero tribute and the celebration of Tortilla Factory Legacy
The Austin Latino Music Association in colaboration with the Texas Music Museum paid a tribute to legndary austinite singer and songwriter Tony “Ham” Guerrero. During the planning for this event, Mr. Guerrero was lying in a coma in the hospital after going through chronic cancer disease treatments followed by a heart stroke on January of this year. He passed away one day before the event took place on January 29th. Family members, fans and friends gathered for a huge tribute celebration of his life and contributions to Tejano Music on January 30th at H&H Ballroom. Several of his colegues participated in the line up of entertainers, including the tribute Tortilla Factory band, Ruben Ramos and the Mexican Revolution and many more. For more information on this event visit www.austinlatinomusic.com orwww.texasmusicmuseum.org 
Mexic-Arte’s Colors on Clay opening receptionOn January 28th Mexic-Arte Museum held opening reception for Colors on Clay on, an exhibit that will run from January 28th trhough March 27th. It featured a selection of brightly colored ceramic artwork decorated to reflect the imagery of Mexico and South Texas with depictions of every day culture and life. Generically referred to as “San José tiles,” the works were locally produced by small groups of artisans working in a succession of three workshops including Mexican Arts and Crafts, San Jose Potteries and Mission Crafts from 1931 to 1971. Event and exhibit took place at Mexic- Arte’s downtown location on 419 Congress Avenue, guests enjoyed especial flamenco performance by Flamencura and exquisite appetizers by La Sombra Bar and Grill. For more events info visit www.Mexic-ArteMuseum.org
Closing Reception for Mexican-American Firsts Trailblazers at Palmer Event Center
The Closing reception for the Mexican-American firsts Trailblazers of Austin and Travis county took place on Saturday January 29th at the Palmer Event Center Each each individual trailblazer was recognized by Mayor Pro Tem, Mike Martinez, as he announced their name and read a short biographical summary about their community contribution that lead them to become a trailblazer. The program schedule included Music by Gus Garcia Middle School Orchestra Directed by Mr. Juan Fiestas, welcome remarks by Gloria Espitia – Neighborhood Liaison to the Mexican American Community, Special Remarks & Recognition of Trailblazers, Mayor Pro Tem, Mike Martinez, Screening of Abriendo Brecha - Making our Way Documentary. Certificates of Appreciation – Martin Middle School Students/Camacho Activity Center/Gus Garcia Middle School. Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwelll special remarks to the Mexican-American Trailblazers and their families. Keynote Speaker was Dr. Emilio Zamora and Closing Remarks by Gloria Espitia. For more informationo on this event, you may contact Gloria Espita with the Austin History Center at gloria.espitia@ci.austin.tx.us or at ph. no. 512-974-7498. Christmas Tree Lighting at the Zilker Park
Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell and kids winners of the Zilker Holiday Tree Art contest flip the switch to light the Zilker Holiday Tree. They are joined by program emcee Quita Culperpper of KVUE news Austin.
Austin’s Chief of Police Art Acevedo in city's downtown parade
Austin’s Chief of Police Art Acevedo participated in the 22nd Annual Chuy’s Children giving to Children parade in downtown Austin last November 27. Operation Blue Santa which was started by APD provide assistance to and share the Christmas experience with less fortunate residents of Austin.
Tejano music band Los Texas Wranglers also participated in city's downtown parade
21th Annual Feast of Sharing Dinner at the Palmer Event Center
Friends, family members and neighbors came together to celebrate HEB’s 21th Annual Feast of Sharing Dinner at the Palmer Event Center last Tuesday, November 22. More then 13,000 showed at this year’s free turkey dinner event where everyone enjoyed a delicious thanksgiving meal as well as live music entertainment sponsored by H.E.B. stores of Austin. For more information on event visit www.heb.com.
Texas State Representative Eddie Rodriguez at reelection Campaign fundraiser
On Thursday Sept. 25, State Representative Eddie Rodriguez held an Early Vote and Launch Party fundraiser at Nueveo Leon Restaurant in East Austin. Friends and community members were present to show strong support for the reelection of State Representative Eddie Rodriguez, District 51. One of the emcees/presenters at the fundraiser event was former Texas State Senator Gonzalo Barrientos who expressed his support and praised the orderly manner in which Rodriguez has served in the Texas Legislature’s seat. Visit www.EddieforTexas.com for more campaign information.
Primero Health "Feria de La Cultura" first annual kick off event at Fiesta Gardens
Primero Health "Feria de la Cultura" kicked off with their first annual event last Sunday, Sept. 26 with a nice evening reception party at a very well known East Austin’s community Fiesta Gardens building and party hall room. Paul Tovar event coordinator was happy to see the support for the prosperity of Hispanic health in Austin from many interested members, including the presence of our Congressman Lloyd Doggett, the Hispanic Physicians Association, longtime East Austin advocate groups and many other gathered at event. Added to the event was a complimentary dinner plate and music entertainment by Austin’s Mariachi Estrella. (www.austinmariachi.com) For more information on the event visit www.primerohealth.org
Talented Houston bassist player Nick Gaitan gave a fantastic performance at Jovitas
Also knowna as "The Umbrella Man’ Nick Gaitan from Houston visited and performed his talented music sounds to friends and fans at Jovitas Austin Music Venue on Friday, August 20. Many were stunned and entertained by his performance styles:charisma, magnetic attraction and unique style of playing his bass instrument. His friends from LUPE’s Art, an Austin Latino Artist organization (www.lupearte.org) attended event and helped the band with its CD sales and promotion at this south Austin music venue. For more information on events at Jovita’s visit www.jovitas.com
Austin Artist painting and photo artwork exhibition at La Peña 
Downtown Art Gallery, La Peña was host of an exhibition reception party for David de Lara’s "Dessonance", a collection of paintings and photo based artwork exhibition . For the past decade David has created portraits and figurative work of women. The women in his paintings and drawings are usually not based on anyone in particular and are used like dolls to symbolize the human condition. The images of the women he photographs are often distorted digitally or by hand to blur the line between the reality and surrealism of life. You may view more of De Lara’s art work ww.lostdreams.org or visit www.lapena-austin.org for more art exhibits info La Peña Gallery.
MECA's 4th Annual Multi-Cultural Career and Opportunity Expo
Lot’s of jobs at MECA’s Multi-Cultural Career & Opportunities Expo’s 4th Year Celebration. The Multi-Ethnic Chamber Alliance composed of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Austin African-American Chamber of Commerce and the Asian-American Chamber of commerce of Austin hosted its 4th annual Multi-Cultural Career and opportunity expo at the Crown Plaza Hotel in North Austin on August 6. The event consisted of a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by expo exhibitions of vendors with job hunting techniques, resume development training sessions, interview skills sessions, import/export training and employers with many job opportunities at hand. For more information on this event visit the www.gahcc.orgLos Texas Wranglers Entertainment at NPCMA fundraiser
Los Texas Wranglers an Austin-based tejano and conjunto music band participated in the lineup of the Puro Conjunto Music Association (NPCMA) music and dance BBQ plate fundraiser event that took place at the Moose Lodge on August 8. Nikky Lopez one of the lead voices of the band delighted the public with her very unique entertaining style and her high energy stage precense and voice. She sang romantic and dancing songs to the public. The overall high energy band currently participate in venues and concerts in Austin and Central Texas areas, their events bring many of the tejano/conjunto music fans together for family and evening parties. One of of their well known evening event is called the"Tardeada", which means evening party in English, it has been hosted at the Little Mexico Restaurant in south Austinin past events. The Texas Wranglers have recently been nomitated for best New Artist at the TTMA’s 2010 Tejano Music Awards and are Austin Award winners of SXSW and the Austin Chronicle sponsored events. To find out more about their events visit their website at www.iconjunto.com Mexic-Arte’s Young Latino Artist Exhibition Reception
Downtown - Mexic-Arte is currently hosting the 15th Young Latino Artists (YLA): Consensus of Taste exhitition (by Curator-Claudia Zapata, M.A.) which features the current visual artwork of artists from the past fourteen YLA exhibitions. This year’s reception was held at their downtown location on Friday, July 16, where many of the artist gathered and spoke about their own art exhibit with public and friends. Sylvia Orozco, the Museum’s Co-Founder and Executive Director, originally based the YLA exhibition concept and structure after Mexico’s El Encuentro Nacional de Arte Joven (ENAJ), an annual exhibition of selected artists 30 years old and younger working in all forms of media. For more informationo on this exhibition visit http://www.mexci-artemuseum.org
Accordion player AJ Castillo and the A-T Boyz at Austin Tejano music Radio station weekly event
North - On Wednesday evenings, the Austin Tejano Music Radio station 95.1 FM is host to weekly radio/music events at the Baby-Acapulco Restaurant on IH35/290 in north Austin. The events brings d.j. music/entertainment, live music, and prizes. Fans and guests can participate with d.j.’s trivia games and win cd, event passes and gifts offered by radio station event. In last week’s event they enjoyed the visit of Tejano music singer and accordiion player A.J. Castillo and Latin/Reggaeton music band The A-T Boyz. AJ Castillo signed poster & posed for photos with the public, his group also sold artist t-shirts and cds. The A-T Boyz, a young kids group band delighted the audience with thier entertianing Latin/Reggaeton and Hip Pop music performances and their great connection with the public.Austin Tejano/R&B Lead Singer Birthday Bash at Nuevo Leon Restaurant
Central East Austin - Tejano/R&B Music Austin Band lead singer Frank Gomez celebrated his birthday with a huge party bash on the backyard of Nuevo Leon Restaurant at its Central Austin Location on East 6th Street. Many enjoyed the fabulous music played by the Frank Gomez band, drank lots of margarita mixes and danced to the band’s music. The Frank Gomez band is best known for their musical diversity, genres represented include classic rock, old school R&B, soul, disco, funk, country, Texas blues and latin music. The band is also known for their own original compositions included in their latest CD "Under the Influence" which has received airplay worldwide. The event was sponsored by Nuevo Leon Restaurant, Mike’s Formal Wear and Big Boys Collision Center. To know more about the Frank Gomez band visit www.FrankGomez.comPress Conference at Push-Up Foundation
East Cesar Chavez St. - On Wednesday, July 27 the Push-Up foundation held a press conference at its east Austin location on Cesar Chavez Street with members of the Austin media . Many gathered to hear what they had to say about the importance of thier organization, which has helped inmate individuals to get ahead with a normal life through their transitional housing and treatment programs. The foundation is currentently going through an appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision to approve a conditional use site plan for their 1711 East Cesar Chavez location. The council will set a public hearing on this appeal on Aug. 19 at 4:00 pm.at the Austin City Hall - 301 W. 2nd St. For more information on the Push-Up foundation and to help someone’s life, you may call Ben Ogbodiegwu or Audra Mills at 512-480-8369.
Tejano Music Legends inducted in Austin Music Memorial ceremony at the Long Center
Family and friends of Tejano Music Legends gathered at the Austin Music Memorial ceremony that took place last Sunday July 11 at the Long Center. This year’s Tejano music inductees were tejano music legend Luis "Louie" Guerrero and Austin radio announcer Lalo Campos. Holding the honored plaque on picture is Sergio Guerrero son of inductee Luis "Louie" Guerrero, along with brothers (l) Louie Jr. Guerrero and (r) Ramon Guerrero. Plaques will be at display on the City Terrace at the Long Center and will be accessible to the public 24 hours a day. Sergio Guerrero is also a board member of the Austin Latino Music Association (ALMA), an organization that produces various latino music events by local musician. For more information in the Austin Music Memorial and to see a complete list of 2010 inductees, please visit city’s website at www.ci.austin.tx.us/music/memorial.
The Mexican-American Cultural Center hosted the 2010 Trail of Tejano Legends, a tejano music tribute event presented by the Austin Latino Music Association (ALMA). The event is a project that provides recognition to several local Latino musicians who were an integral part of Austin’s music scene in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Everyone enjoyed a nice evening with friends, fun and music. Photo is lead singer of "Badd Meddizine", a Tejano /R&B music band that participated in this year’s event. Other live music at event was performed by Mariachi Jalisco and Alfonso Ramos y su Orquestra. Visit www.austinlatinomusic.com more information on ALMA’s upcoming tejano tribute events.