"Nashville is at a crucial juncture in its history. We are not yet a truly diverse city,
but we are about to become one, and the real question is, Can we do it right?"
Symphony kicks off summer with sounds of Spain and Latin America
The Tennessean reported here that the Nashville Symphony and incoming director Giancarlo Guerrero will kick of the 2008 First Tennessee Summer Festival with a concert of Spanish Guitar, with an emphasis on "the traditions of Spain and Latin America," according to the Symphony.
Incoming music director Giancarlo Guerrero returns to town to lead a program of works by Latin composers, including Spaniards Manuel De Falla and Joaquín Rodrigo, Brazil's Heitor Villa-Lobos, Mexico's Silvestre Revueltas and Argentina's Alberto Ginastera.
The featured soloist is the Cuban-born guitarist Manuel Barrueco, who has lent his prodigious talents to all kinds of music, from the classic works of Bach and Mozart, to the jazz compositions of Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea, to the contemporary music of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. The emphasis here, however, will be on the alternately percussive and lulling sounds of his Latin heritage.
Friday June 13, 2008, 7:30 p.m.- Laura Turner Concert Hall
Saturday June 14, 2008, 7:30 p.m.- Laura Turner Concert Hall
Nashville Symphony Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor Manuel Barrueco, guitar
De Falla - El sombrero de Tres Picos (Three-Cornered Hat) No. 2 Rodrigo - Concierto de Aranjuez Villa-Lobos - Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4 Revueltas - Sensemaya Ginastera - Estancia: Four Dances
Manuel Barrueco is internationally recognized as a superior instrumentalist with a seductive sound and uncommon lyrical gifts. To kick off our next Summer Festival, Barrueco weaves together the traditions of Spain and Latin America for a night of música fantástica!
Summer Festival Feast Come early and enjoy a Summer Festival supper prepared by our award-winning chefs and accompanied by strolling musicians. The buffet, which is available for purchase at each event, has a sumptuous menu
Juan Pont Lezica is "Face of the Week" in Nolensville
Buenos Aires native is looking for studio space
Juan Pont Lezica was the "Face of the Week" on page 2 of the April 30 Brentwood Journal, which is a print mailer the Tennessean distributes to mailboxes in the Brentwood area.
The feature noted that Lezica was looking at the empty storefronts and vehicle traffic in historic Nolensville, with the possibility of relocating his photography business to the former Gifts by Marishell space. He commented on "the flavor of the countryside and kind of a vintage feel."
Lezica told the Brentwood Journal that he is from Buenos Aires, Argentina and has been in Middle Tennessee for 14 years. Lezica's web site showcases his portfolio and also tells the story of how he met his wife Kimberly in Madrid.
InsideVandy has this recap of a student's experience in Uruguay as a part of Vanderbilt Hillel's Alternative Spring Break, which immerses students in service. According to its web site, Vanderbilt Hillel is "the center of Jewish life at Vanderbilt, serving the religious, social, and educational needs of the undergraduate and graduate Jewish student communities."
Hillel has spent previous Spring Breaks in other Latin American countries, including Mexico (recap here and picture here), Cuba, and Argentina (video recap here).
Excerpts from the Uruguay recap:
We went to connect with the large Jewish population in Montevideo but also to somehow accomplish the arduous task of building four houses for four impoverished families before we left the country. ... My concept of poverty changed. The impoverished individuals I saw had family, community, love and hope. Families worked alongside one another and laughed.
Excerpts from the Mexico recap:
That is to say, what part, if any, of Judaism provides the impetus to want to help others? Students read a number of Jewish readings during the course of the week that dealt with such concepts as the significance that every human being is created in the image of G-d, the impact of globalization on the world community and the importance of action accompanying thought. ... To be a good person, it is important to give as much as you can and then give some more.
Warm Up with Tango Essentials Class + Dance/Social 'Milonga'
Thursday, February 28, 2008 - 7 to 9 PM ***18+ years old ONLY***
Saturday, March 8, 2008 - 8 to 10 PM ***BYOB*** 30 minute Essentials Argentine Tango Lesson@ every Dance/Social ('Milonga')
Get a taste of the 'Argentine Tango' in just 30 minutes. Led by Tango Nashville's Instructor Team. Then stay on to dance and socialize with beginners, intermediate and advance dancers alike.
Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes that slide easily (no rubber soles) with a closed heel (strap or full heel).
Schedule and Locations (PLEASE NOTE 2 DIFFERENT LOCATIONS):
Thursday, February 28, 2008 ***18+ years old ONLY*** 7:00 to 7:30 PM - Tango Essentials Lesson
7:30 to 9:00 PM - Dance/Social ('Milonga')
Ibiza Night Club
15128 Old Hickory Blvd., Nashville, TN 37211
(almost corner with Nolensville Pike, in the Hickory Trace Village strip mall where the Sherwin Williams store is).
Diana Holland, Miguel Otero get "lust" taps from Scene
In this year's "Lust List," the Nashville Scene profiles Puerto Rico-born Miguel Otero of NPT and Argentina native Diana Holland of Hispanic Link Consulting and Tango Nashville. The Lust List is an annual cover story featuring locals who attracted the attention and affection of Music City's alt-weekly paper. There are 15 lustworthy honorees in 2008.
From the profile of Holland:
Her physical charms are well-matched by a sharp intellect and an even sharper tongue, both of which are put to good use at Hispanic Link Consulting, the private business she founded. But Holland is probably best known as the founder of Tango Nashville...
From the profile of Otero:
Sign us up! We’ll answer phones, we’ll scrub floors—hell, we’ll watch Bill Moyers if it means spending some time with NPT volunteer coordinator Miguel Otero.
Charlemos Spanish tonight, bilingual health volunteer Scarlett Martin to speak
Spanish conversation group meets across from Belcourt Theatre in Palette Gallery
Twice-monthly Spanish conversation group Charlemos Spanish announced tonight's meeting with speaker Scarlett Martin:
Volunteer interpreter of Spanish, Scarlett Martin, will talk about her work with Siloam Family Health Center at the Thursday 10 January meeting of Charlemos Spanish.
Sister Cities of Nashville’s Spanish conversation group, Charlemos Spanish, meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Palette Gallery and Cafe at 2119 Belcourt Avenue in Hillsboro Village. All levels of Spanish-speakers, from beginner to native, are invited. The event is free and open to the public.
Scarlett Martin is a bilingual mom and volunteer interpreter at Siloam Family Health Center (www.siloamhealth.org). In addition to having studied Spanish, Mrs. Martin and her family have spent one month per year in a Spanish-speaking country for the past ten years. Mrs. Martin became interpreting at Siloam in January 2006.
Siloam is a clinic for the uninsured whose purpose is to provide affordable, high-quality health care to those who slip through the cracks in the health care system because of time, money and language barriers. More than 79% of Siloam’s patients are refugees and immigrants representing 100 different homelands, and over 50% of the patients speak Spanish as their first language. All of the interpreters at Siloam, like Scarlett, are volunteers that donate their time and ability to serve the underserved of our community. Siloam’s mission is to share the love of Christ by serving those in need through health care. (See related stories here and here.)
“As many of the Spanish interpreters are students there is a constant turnover; volunteer coordinator, Beth Eichelberger, is always looking for volunteers”, said Elizabeth Worrell Braswell, president of Charlemos Spanish.
Charlemos Spanish was created in December 2006 by the Spanish Committee of Sister Cities of Nashville, a nonprofit organization, founded in 1990, dedicated to the promotion of global understanding through educational, professional and cultural exchanges.
Sister Cities of Nashville has selected two Spanish-speaking sister cities: Mendoza, Argentina, in the wine country of Argentina, and Girona, Spain, thirty minutes north of Barcelona. Nashville has developed successful student exchanges with both cities. Sister Cities is currently exploring a relationship with Chihuahua, Mexico.
Mayor Karl Dean is the Honorary Chair for Sister Cities of Nashville.
Charlemos Spanish is for persons who wish to:
* Speak Spanish on a regular basis * Make bilingual friends * Learn more about Hispanic culture.
The founder and president of Charlemos Spanish is Elizabeth Worrell Braswell. Ms. Braswell is an online Spanish instructor for Austin Peay State University and a board member of Sister Cities of Nashville.
National Association of Latino Arts and Culture recognizes Tango Nashville
Tango Nashville announced its recognition by The National Association of Latino Arts and Culture (NALAC) Fund for the Arts:
The National Association of Latino Arts and Culture (NALAC) selected Tango Nashville to receive $2,500 from the NALAC Fund for the Arts (NFA) for its 2007-2008 cycle for support general operating support and to build internal capacity for the organization. This is Tango Nashville’s first time applying to the NALAC Fund for the Arts.
Tango Nashville, the only Latino Performing Arts nonprofit organization in Tennessee, is dedicated to the education and entertainment of residents of Middle Tennessee in the art and culture of the Argentine Tango. A 4-year old organization, that became a nonprofit in May 2005, Tango Nashville offers classes, workshops, cultural programming and training, as well as live dance and music presentations. For more information on Tango Nashville, please visit www.tangonashville.com
“We are happy to support Tango Nashville through an NFA award and look forward to strengthening our support of the Latino arts community in Nashville. The NALAC Fund for the Arts successfully completed its third year funding cycle and will launch its fourth year effort in 2008. We are excited about the diverse group of supporters that have invested in the NFA to support the Latino arts sector. We will continue to grow the circle of stakeholders who are supporting Latino creative expression,” states Maria De Leon, Executive Director of NALAC
Funding for this grant award is supported in part by the Ford Foundation, JP Morgan Chase, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and Southwest Airlines through a grant from the NALAC Fund for the Arts. For more information on the NALAC Fund for the Arts, please visit www.nalac.org
Through the NALAC Fund for the Arts, NALAC has provided 128 grants totaling more than $379,000 to Latino artists, ensembles and small and mid-size Latino arts and culture organizations throughout the U.S.
Abel López, Chair of the NALAC Board said, “NALAC’s support of Latino artists and organizations ensures that the nation’s cultural life is enriched and made vital through the diverse artistic and cultural expressions of our artists. We are pleased to support the creative process of Latino artists and organizations across the country that engage communities, stimulate ideas and local economies, and build audiences for all of the nation’s arts.”
This year, Tango Nashville also received funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission, the Metro Nashville Arts Commission and The Danner Foundation.
Tango started in Argentina in the late 1880’s as a result of the connection between locals and immigrants. Tango dance and music evolved to become an international phenomenon and language that connects cultures and individuals around the globe.
Just like the Tango dance and music, Tango Nashville continuous to evolve and to draw support and attention from local, regional and national organizations, businesses and individuals.
Supports Susan Gray School, for children with typical and also impaired development, economically and culturally diverse student body
International food, live international music and entertainment, special children’s activities and a silent auction
Argentina one of featured countriesVanderbilt University's Susan Gray School will host its Holidays Around the World celebration on December 1, according to this press release:
The public is invited to join over 200 children and their families at the Susan Gray School’s annual Holidays Around the World celebration Dec. 1.
The event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Junior League Conference Center, 2202 Crestmoor Road. Tickets are $75 for families and $30 for singles.
“This is an opportunity to celebrate the school’s diversity while learning about different cultures and their holidays. We encourage the Nashville community to come and share in the fun,” Ruth Wolery, Susan Gray School director, said.
The event will feature international food, live international music and entertainment, special children’s activities and a silent auction. Countries featured this year are Italy, Cambodia, Australia, China, the United States, Ghana, Haiti, Argentina and Japan. Vanderbilt head basketball coach Kevin Stallings is 2007 honorary event chair and star basketball player Shan Foster is the honorary student.
The Susan Gray School, located at the corner of 21st Avenue South and Edgehill Avenue, offers an early education program for children from birth to 5 years. The school serves typically developing children and children with various disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, failure to thrive, pre-maturity, Down syndrome and speech language delays. The school also serves an economically and culturally diverse population from around the world. It is affiliated with Vanderbilt's Peabody College of education and human development.
For more information about the event or to purchase tickets in advance, contact the Susan Gray School at 322-8200 or e-mail michelle.wyatt@vanderbilt.edu.
Learn more about the Susan Gray School at http://www.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/x441.xml.
Fabian Bedne elected to Executive Committee of Davidson County Democratic Party
Middle Tennessee Hispanic Democrats member Fabian Bedne has been elected to the Davidson County Democratic Party Executive Committee. Bedne, an architect and native of Argentina, was endorsed by the Tennessean in his failed bid for the Metro Council seat in District 31 earlier this year.
Bedne has appeared previously in the pages of HispanicNashville.com for his membership on the board of directors of Habitat for Humanity, his founding membership in the Nashville chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, his presidency of the political action committee (PAC) Tennessee Hispanic Voters Coalition, and his guest column about Cumberland Region Tomorrow, a growth planning group.
Diana Holland, Marcela Gomez named "Women of Influence"
South American natives recognized in nonprofit, entrepreneur categories
Last month, the Nashville Business Journal hosted the Women Of Influence Awards Banquet to "honor thirty amazing women who have led, inspired and influenced the lives of many people in Middle Tennessee."
Tango & Togas' - Our First Annual Fundraiser Sunday, August 19, 2007 6:30 to 9:00 PM The Parthenon @ Centennial Park West End Ave. & 25th. Ave. N Nashville, TN 37204
Tango Nashville is taking over The Parthenon this year for our first Annual Fundraiser: 'Tango & Togas'.
Dance at the feet of Athena in this beautiful venue and historic Nashville landmark. Tango Nashville's Troupe will entertain with live performances, and heavy hors d'oevres, wine, and champagne will be provided. A silent auction with luscious items will run from 7 to 8:30 pm.
Tickets must be purchased in advance (No tickets will be sold at the door) $40 per person ($25 are tax deductible) $70 per couple ($50 are tax deductible) Contributions are welcome for those unable to attend. **Cash, check or money order only** For reservations, purchasing tickets and/or contributions, please contact: Diana Holland, 615.889.3390, connect@tangonashville.com
We would like to thank our gracious and kind sponsors: La Hacienda Restaurant & Catering Lipman Brothers The Parthenon at Metro Parks
Argentine Native Wins US Army Recognition for Giving Back
On June 21, 2007, Ed Rufo, a native of Argentina who has lived in the US for over 30 years, received the US Army’s Community Service Excellence Award at the ACS Director’s Annual Award Dinner held at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa in the Walt Disney World Resort.
The award recognizes "outstanding" individuals and organizations that provide noteworthy volunteer services contributing to the mission of the Army and to the welfare of the Army’s family in their installations, and support the continued dedicated service to soldiers and families.
Ed Rufo, who currently resides in Clarksville, Tennessee, is President and CEO of Operation Eagle’s Nest (OEN), a nonprofit whose mission is to raise money to support organizations already set up to assist soldiers and their families. Those organizations include:
Army Emergency Relief (AER) Chaplains Tithes and Offerings Fund Operation Helping Hand Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Installation Morale Welfare and Recreation Fund (IMWRF) Family Readiness Center Family Readiness Groups Youth Sports Teen/Youth Programs Army Family Team Building Army Family Action Plan Installation Volunteer Program Little Soldier Tree Respite Child Care AUSA – Association of the United States Army Fort Campbell Officers Spouses Club Scholarship Fund
“Operation Eagle’s Nest has been a fountain of hope and support for so many families. Ed gives of this personal time to meet returning flights of Soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a very great and proud American”, says George Heath, Installation Public Affairs Officer at Fort Campbell.
OEN, now in its fourth year of operation, has facilitated more than $300,000 in donations to soldiers and families of Fort Campbell.
Upon presenting Ed Rufo with his award in Orlando, Delores F. Johnson, US Army National Director of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command in Washington D.C., said, “ Mr. Rufo is an invaluable asset to the Fort Campbell Community and to the Army as a whole. Ladies and Gentleman, there are other Ed Rufo’s in every community, all you need to do is go out and find them”.
“It's the dedication of soldiers serving and sacrificing that makes me feel so patriotic”, says Rufo. He's reminded of that every day, especially when he looks at a memorial bracelet given to him recently by Dana Lamberson, a soldier’s widow.
In 2003, at the onset of the Iraq war, Rufo met with other community and business leaders, including then-post commander Gen. David Petraeus, about ways they could support families while the soldiers were away. Many businesses were worried that Army spouses would leave the Fort Campbell area temporarily to go back home like they did in the early 1990s during the first Gulf War. That exodus hit the community and its businesses hard.
The soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and those of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, are known as “Screaming Eagles”. Thanks in part to Operation Eagle Nest and other projects, when about 15,000 soldiers of the 101st left for the Middle East in 2003, most families stayed in Fort Campbell knowing that their nest would be taken care of.
“What an epitome America is, that people from all over can come and truly embrace the strength of the American values”, says Lamberson, “And Ed did just that: he took it and went with it, with the added bonus of his poise, dignity and respect for the American way of life.”
Rufo is also General Manager of James Corlew Automotive Group in Clarksville, and has an extensive history of community service and involvement (please see below).
“I am humbled, honored and excited for such a distinguished recognition”, says Rufo, as he fights back a tear or two. “What a success story about a foreigner who believes in helping others.”
Community Involvements: - Past Chair, Integrity Institute Foundation, Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee, Inc., 2004 - 2006 - Past Chair, Board of Directors, Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee, Inc., 2005-2006 - Founder, President/CEO of “Operation Eagle’s Nest”, 2003 - Present - Board of Directors, Fort Campbell Historical Foundation - Wings of Liberty Military Museum 2004-2006 - Clarksville Economic Development Council for the Military Affairs Committee, Member 2001-2007 - Board of Directors, The United Way of Clarksville – Montgomery County, 2001-2006 - Chairman of the Clarksville Athena Award Committee, 2001-2007 - Board of Directors, Clarksville Economic Development Council, Chamber of Commerce 2005-2006 - Board of Directors, Association of United States Army (AUSA), 2005-2006 - Member of the Austin Peay State University Hispanic Cultural Center Advisory Committee 2005-2007 - Past Chairman, Board of Directors, Armed Services USA, YMCA, 2002-2005 - Co-Founder and Spearheaded the Automobile Dealers Business Code of Ethics Program, 2001
Recognitions, Acknowledgments: - Recipient, US Army Community Service Award for Excellence, 2007 - Recipient, Paul Harris Award, Rotary International for Public Service, 2005 - Recipient, U.S. House of Representatives, Special Congressional Recognition for Public Service, 2005 - Recipient, Secretary of the Army Public Service Award, 2005 - Recipient, Department of the Army Certificate for Patriotic Civilian Service Award, 2004 - Recipient, Artillery Guns Of Glory, 101st Airborne Division Air Assault and Fort Campbell, KY., 2004 - Ambassador of the Year, Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee, 2003 - Recipient, AUSA “Voice of the Army Presidential Award for Excellence”, 2003 - Recipient, “Reverentia Legum Award” in recognition for Ethics in the Marketplace, 2002
Tango Nashville will be holding workshops on Saturday, June 16, 2007. Workshops are progressive, i.e. you can take the beginners and then the intermedite one following it.
Don't forget to wear comfortable clothing and shoes that slide easily with a closed-heel/strap in the heel.
Location for both workshops is: Global Education Center 4822 Charlotte Pike Nashville, TN 37209 **Entrance around alley in the back** For directions, please visit: http://www.globaleducationcenter.net/
Beginner Argentine Tango Workshop Saturday, June 16, 2007 1:00 to 2:30 PM Led by Instructors from Tango Nashville's Troupe, this workshop is geared especially to new dancers. It deals with connecting in Tango, and all the basic information needed to understand the Argentine Tango: lead, follow, walk, front and back cross. Price: $12 for Tango Nashville Members$15 for non-Tango Nashville Members.
Intermediate Argentine Tango Workshop Saturday, June 16, 2007 2:30 to 4:00 PM Led by Instructors from Tango Nashville's Troupe, this workshop is for dancers who already posess some experience in Argentine Tango and for more advanced levels who want to explore the fundamentals more deeply. Includes turns and "ochos." Price: $12 for Tango Nashville Members$15 for non-Tango Nashville Members.
Connect to Argentina this weekend: events in Nashville include Luis Palau, Tango Milonga, Fabian Bedne fundraiser
Bedne, Palau and tango all have roots in the South American nation
Other weekend events include dinner over Spanish, Charlemos party, CoverKinds Hispanic health care event, and El Trio de Hoy concert
Tango 'Milonga'
Thursday(Argentine Tango Social/Dance Gathering) Thursday, May 17, 2007 7:00 to 9:00 pm Ibiza Night Club 15128 Old Hickory Blvd., Nashville, TN 37211 (almost corner with Nolensville Pike, in the Hickory Trace Village strip mall where the Sherwin Williams store is). http://ibizanc.com
Practice and show off your Tango! Socialize and relax, while dancing to a great selection of Tango music.
Tickets are: $12 per person for non-Tango Nashville members $8 per person for Tango Nashville members ***CASH OR CHECK ONLY***
ThursdayA second dinner-and-conversation Spanish chat club has sprung out of the Charlemos Spanish group. A Charlemos y Comamos event is scheduled for this Thursday, May 15 at 7pm, at Nola Restaurant at 2912 West End Ave.
(The first formally organized dinner-and-conversation Spanish chat club in Nashville was the Nashville Spanish Language Meetup Group, organized by Leslee Rose. Boasting almost 200 members, this group meets every Tuesday night and coordinates their events at here.)
Luis Palau's Nashville CityFest
Saturday/SundayArgentina-born evangelist Luis Palau expects 70,000 attendees at a combination music/sports/entertainment/evangelism event in downtown Nashville at Riverfront Park.
SaturdayCelebrating international friendships and saying goodbye to Isabel de la Huerga and Ignacio Orviz.
5/19/07 8-midnight
Call 297-4239 or 202-0482 for more information, or e-mail elizworrell@comcast.net
CoverKids information at Hispanic community event
SaturdayOn May 19, learn more about and sign up for CoverKids, during an event at the Progreso Center, 2720 Nolensville Pike. The event is sponsored by the Hispanic Community Group of Tennessee. CoverKids provides comprehensive health insurance to uninsured children who do not qualify for TennCare.
Health Access America and Health Assist Tennessee, non-profit organizations working to reduce the number of uninsured, will have information, applications and representatives available to educate attendees about the program and assist them with the application. There will also be refreshments, door prizes and activities for children.
Those that wish to apply for CoverKids must bring some proof of total family income, such as a monthly check stub.
CoverKids offers health insurance coverage for children 18 years-old and younger, similar to the benefits offered to dependents of state employees. Emphasis is placed on preventive care and services most needed by children. In addition, there are no pre-existing condition exclusions.
The coverage features no monthly premiums, but each participant will pay reduced co-payments for services.
EVENT DETAILS: Hispanic Community Group of Tennessee CoverKids Event May 19, 2007 4:00pm -7:00pm Progreso Center 2720 Nolensville Pike Suite 210 Nashville, TN 37211
*Must bring proof of total family income
Fabian Bedne fundraiser
Sunday
"The friends of Fabian Bedne" Cordially invite you to attend our gala event
FUNDRAISER FOR THE FUTURE
On Sunday afternoon May, 20, 2007 From 3 to 8 p.M. At Club Ibiza
15128 Old Hickory Boulevard (615) 331-0382
RSVP Mary-LindenSalter at dosmulas@hotmail.com or Miguel Torres at ubqui2s@yahoo.com (615) 203-1885
Sunday"El Trio De Hoy will be in concert at Faith Outreach Church 731 Windermere Dr, Clarksville, Tn. The concert is on 20 May with doors opening at 5:30 and the concert starting at 6:30. For more information call 931-358-3010
Tango Nashville is hosting "Tango by Moonlight" at Centennial Park on May 5. The event was featured prominently in the regular Tennessean feature Ms. Cheap as an entertaining but inexpensive event.
Tango by Moonlight Saturday, May 5, 2007 7:00 to 10:00 PM
Contact Diana Holland, President connect@tangonashville.com 615.889.3390
Centennial Park, Event Shelter West End Ave. and 25th. Ave. N Nashville, TN 37204 Description:
FREE!! - RAIN OR SHINE (Event Shelter is covered)
Come out and enjoy a MAGICAL night with Tango Nashville, featuring:
- Tango Live music by Tango Trio PAD - Tango Live dance performances by Tango Nashville’s Troupe - An Introduction to Argentine Tango lesson by Tango Nashville’s own Artistic Director, MariaPia De Pasquale.
We will also have door prizes and Latin music with plenty of dance time!
Bring your packed dinner and relax under a full lit moon with friends and family.
"Parishioners who yearned to hear the word of God in their native language"
The Tennessean reported in this story that Sumner County Catholic churches are supportive of a groundswell in demand for Spanish-speaking mass and religious gatherings in various churches. The article lists three specific congregations and cites one reverend who visits five Spanish-speaking communities weekly.
"Diorka Ortega, a Cuban from West Palm Beach, Fla., said the idea for a Spanish-language Mass at Our Lady of the Lake started with a few parishioners who yearned to hear the word of God in their native language."
"'We had seven families that got together and proposed it to Father Bevington and the congregation. Everyone was so supportive,' said Ortega, who serves as the coordinator for the church's Hispanic ministry."
"Ortega said that the Spanish-language Mass began at Our Lady of the Lake about a year ago, with about 30 in attendance. 'Now, we have about 200 people who attend on a regular basis,' she said. Ortega attributed the rapid rise to word of mouth in a close-knit Hispanic community."
"She said that the Hispanic parishioners 'come from all over Latin America … Panama, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina and Peru. (Hispanics) are a growing part of the population, and there's a real need for spiritual enhancement in their lives,' Ortega said."
Music is the star in Latino Film Series at Nashville Film Festival April 23-26
Mariachi, tango, and violin featured in three Latino films
Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber sponsors
Discount for Hispanic Nashville Notebook readersThe Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce* (NAHCC) announced its sponsorship of the NaFF Latino Film Series, which features musical themes in films from the U.S., Mexico, and Argentina. Descriptions of the films are below.
The NAHCC is also offering its festival discount to readers of the Hispanic Nashville Notebook. To get a $2 per-ticket-discount on any of the 240 film screenings and a $5 per-ticket-discount to any of the panels and workshops at the Nashville Film Festival, go to www.nashvillefilmfestival.org, select the tickets you want to buy, and in the checkout process, enter the promo code NaFF
NaFF Latino Film Series
COMPANERAS (80 min.) An intimate profile of America's first all-female mariachi band: Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles. Taking on a male-dominated culture and musical tradition, this group shatters stereotypes while expanding the popularity of mariachi music. USA, directed by Liz Massie and Matthew Buzzell. Monday, April 23, 7:30pm and Tuesday, April 24, 2:30pm. Directors in person.
THE VIOLIN (106 min.) This award winning Mexican film is a tender and tense drama about a rebel army, the military, and a gentle, elderly violin-playing peasant’s attempt to outwit the commander in order to smuggle out ammunition. Mexico, directed by Francisco Vargas, Tuesday, April 24, 7:00pm.
El ULTIMO BANDONEON (94 min.) Simply infectious documentary about the tango, (the bandoneon (the accordion-type instrument that makes the tango the tango) and its players who go to great pains to play the music right. Argentina, directed by Alejandro Salderam who will appear in person. Wednesday, April 25, 7:00pm and Thursday, April 26, 2:00pm. Sponsored by Tango Nashville www.tangonashville.com
*Hispanic Chamber 101: There are four Hispanic chambers of commerce in Middle Tennessee: the first three are the Franklin Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Tennessee Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The Tennessean profiled these three chambers in this article in June 2006. A fourth chamber was incorporated last year (the Middle Tennessee Hispanic Chamber of Commerce) but no activities have been announced.
Tango and a Movie at the Nashville Film Festival Wednesday, April 25
Argentinean director Alejandro Saderman presents "El ultimo bandoneon"
Live tango presentation to accompany film
Nashville director Yuri Cunza circulates Under the Skin teaserThe Tennessean reported here on the Nashville Film Festival and the upcoming appearance of Argentinean director Alejandro Saderman to present his film "El ultimo bandoneon."
"Also attending, for the screening of his documentary El Ultimo Bandoneon, will be Argentine director Alejandro Saderman."
"For the screening of Saderman's film, for example, Tango Nashville, a nonprofit committed to spreading the word about Argentine art and culture, will offer a demonstration of the tango dancing that figures prominently in the film."
The announcement from Tango Nashville follows:
'Tango & a Movie' at the Nashville Film Festival Wednesday, April 25, 2007 5:00 to 6:30 PM: MEMBERS ONLY Reception at the Nashville Film Festival In partnership with the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Nashville Film Festival. 7:00 to 9:00 PM: Movie Screening followed by a Q & A Alejandro Saderman, Director of the movie 'El ultimo bandoneon' (The Last Bandoneon), will fly up from Argentina to present the movie that will be screened following the reception. Click on this link to take a sneak peak of the movie: http://www.elultimobandoneon.com.ar We will also have a Trivia Contest about the movie. Prizes include passes to ‘Milongas' and to this summer's Tango workshops. Stay tuned for more information coming soon!
Another film of interest to Hispanic Nashville is Under the Skin, a movie by Nashvillian Yuri Cunza. Made in 2001 and focusing on newcomers to Nashville, the film has been getting attention lately in the context of the national discussion about immigrants. Cunza made the first few minutes of the film available on YouTube and has been instrumental in bringing Hispanic films to the Nashville Film Festival.
Fabian Bedne holds fundraiser tonight for Metro Council run
Miguel Torres sent this invitation to a fundraiser for Metro Council candidate Fabian Bedne:
We would like to make sure everyone knows that Fabian Bedne is a candidate for Metro Council. Fabian was a founding board member for National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) chapter in Middle Tennessee and was integral in its formation and structure. He was our Secretary and worked endless hours for the organization. He has a strong heart for helping the Latino community.
Bedne is a native of Argentina and has a background in architecture.
NEW Argentine Tango BEGINNER Classes Start date: Wednesday, March 7, 2007 End date: Wednesday, April 11, 2007 Time: 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM $75 per person, for all 6 classes Location: Centennial Activity Arts Center
Work out and show off to others as you learn how to dance Argentine Tango...be on the cutting edge of this global trend!
For more information on location and registration, please click here
Check the UPDATES below & Save these Dates!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007 'Tango & a Movie' MEMBERS ONLY Reception at the Nashville Film Festival in partnership with the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Alejandro Saderman, Director of the movie 'El ultimo bandoneon' (The Last Bandoneon), will fly up from Argentina to present the movie that will be screened following the reception. Click on this link to take a sneak peak of the movie: http://www.elultimobandoneon.com.ar
Saturday, May 5, 2007 'Tango by Moonlight'
May 22, 2007 'Tango & Romance' at the Nashville City Club
Participants will draw and paint tango dancers, enjoy live performance, visit downtown galleries
'Tango & Art' Saturday, February 3, 2007 4:30 to 6 pm studio time, with Downtown Art Gallery openings to follow Tennessee Art League 808 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203
Warm your heart this winter as you experience the versatility and passion of Tango. Join in an evening of fun as Tango Nashville and the Tennessee Art League present 'Tango & Art'. This open level workshop will begin with a studio opportunity to draw and paint a Tango couple, dressed in Tango attire and striking poses typical of this dance. Instructor: Jim Hsieh.
Following the studio workshop, you will be treated to wine and refreshments while the Tango dancers perform live in the galleries. Continue the evening with a self-guided tour, by shuttle, of various Downtown Gallery openings.
Medieval Spain, Argentine Tango, border ballads, and immigration forum: a busy week in Hispanic Nashville
Monday: immigration forum at University School of Nashville
"Making sense of the debate"
Monday, January 22, from 7 – 9 p.m.
University School of Nashville Auditorium 2000 Edgehill Avenue Nashville, TN 37212
Please join us for an educational forum designed to illuminate the complex and emotionally-charged rhetoric surrounding the immigration debate. This session will center on a thoughtful and constructive conversation on immigration and the positive steps that can be taken to address the problems associated with illegal immigration. The forum will address:
· the history of immigration in America
· the influence immigration has had on the democratic process
· current trends in immigration in Nashville, Tennessee, and the nation
· the impact of immigration on the US economy
· the national and local legislation being proposed
· alternative solutions to the problems and challenges at hand
Presenters include Dr. Katharine Donato (Vanderbilt Professor of Sociology), Stephen Fotopulos (Policy Director – Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition), Tom Negri (Tennessee Hotel Association/General Manager Loews Vanderbilt Hotel), and members of the immigrant community. The panel discussion and audience participation will be moderated by Caroline Blackwell, Director of Multicultural Affairs, University School of Nashville.
The forum is being sponsored by University School of Nashville’s Office of Multicultural Affairs in partnership with the Coalition for Education and Informed Conversation on Immigration.
Catholic Charities, Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation, Conexion Americas, Fisk University Race Relations Institute, Franklin Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Jewish Family Service, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Nashville Human Relations Commission, Nashville Peace and Justice Center, National Conference of Community and Justice—Middle Tennessee, Scarritt-Bennett Center, Tennessee AFL-CIO, Tennessee Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Tennessee Hispanic Voters Coalition, Tennessee Hotel and Lodging Association, Tennessee Human Rights Commission, TN Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, Woodbine Community Organization
For more information about this event, contact Caroline Blackwell at (615) 277-7480 or at cblackwell@usn.org. The forum is free and open to public.
Thursday: Border-crossing composer drives story in "Al Otro Lado," showing at Vanderbilt
As movingly chronicled in "Al Otro Lado," Natalia Almada's debut feature, the border is a place where one people's dreams collide with another people's politics, and the 200-year-old tradition of corrido music vibrantly chronicles it all. In fact, if you really want to understand what is happening on the U.S./Mexico border, listen to the corridos, troubadour-like ballads that have become the voice of people whose views are rarely heard in mainstream media.
A discussion of the film with director Natalia Almada will follow the screening.
Thursday: Tango Nashville's second monthly Milonga
A new twist for dance group
Tango Nashville is already on the dance floor in 2007, having held beginner, intermediate and advanced classes and one Milonga already. The group has will hold its second January Milonga this Thursday, January 25 and has announced various special events for dance-minded Nashvillians this year:
NEW in 2007: TWO Monthly 'Milongas'!! New: 2nd. Sunday of each month: 4 to 6 pm As always: 4th. Thursday of each month: 7 to 9 pm
By popular demand, we have added a new date and time to share your Tango spirit and moves! Here's the skinny for January 2007:
Thursday, January 25, 2007 7 to 9 pm Ibiza Night Club 15128 Old Hickory Blvd., Nashville, TN 37211 (almost corner with Nolensville Pike, in the Hickory Trace Village strip mall where the Sherwin Williams store is). http://ibizanc.com Practice and show off your Tango! Socialize and relax, while dancing to a great selection of Tango music. Tickets are: $12 per person for non-Tango Nashville members $8 per person for Tango Nashville members CASH OR CHECK ONLY
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SAVE THESE DATES!!
Saturday, February 3, 2007 4:30 to 7:30 pm 'Tango & Art', in partnership with the Tennessee Art League
Tuesday, April 24, 2007 6:30 to 8:30 pm 'Tango & Romance' @ the Nashville City Club
Thursday: Austin Peay Spanish Professor Dr. Miguel Ruiz-Aviles speaks at Charlemos Spanish on "Medieval Spain: Model of Tolerance"
Dr. Miguel R. Ruiz-Avilés will speak, in Spanish, on Medieval Spain as a model of religious tolerance for the present day at Charlemos Spanish on Thursday 25 January. Charlemos Spanish meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Palette Gallery and Cafe at 2119 Belcourt Avenue in Hillsboro Village. The event is free and open to the public.
Dr. Ruiz is an Associate Professor of Spanish; the Director of the Hispanic Cultural Center; and the Coordinator of the Study Abroad Program in Spain for the Department of Languages and Literature at Austin Peay State University. He is originally from Puerto Rico.
“Miguel has some very interesting ideas and is a dynamic speaker”, said Charlemos president, Elizabeth Worrell Braswell. “This is an opportunity to hear about one of the most fascinating periods of Spanish history, from an expert”, added Braswell.
“In 711, Spain began the first European renaissance. Jews, Muslims and Christians were allowed, for the most part, to freely practice their religions and many Jews and Christians held important post in the Moorish government of the time. Today, when we are looking for political, military or social solutions to the problems in the Middle East, Spain could very well serve as a model that needs to be studied in more depth”, explained Miguel.
Charlemos Spanish is a social conversation group, for all levels of Spanish-speakers, created in December 2006 by the Spanish Committee of Sister Cities of Nashville, a nonprofit organization, founded in 1990, dedicated to the promotion of global understanding through educational, professional and cultural exchanges.
Mayor Bill Purcell is the Honorary Chair for Sister Cities of Nashville.
Charlemos Spanish is for persons who wish to: * Speak Spanish on a regular basis * Make bilingual friends * Learn more about Hispanic culture.
Founding members of Charlemos Spanish include— * Claudia Villavicencio, Spanish teacher at MBA, Montgomery Bell Academy * Kim Sorensen, Online Producer at CMT, Country Music Television * Diana Holland, President of Tango Nashville, and a Hispanic cross-cultural consultant * Elizabeth Worrell Braswell, online Spanish instructor for Austin Peay State University, president of Charlemos Spanish.