Last night's episode of Nashville Star Season 6 saw contestant Gabe Garcia survive another week, putting him among the top 6 of 12 finalists. By making it this far, Garcia has passed Melanie Torres' seventh-place finish in Season Four.

Jeff Sampson of BuddyTV.com said that Garcia's performance for the night lacked "stage charisma," but that the judges and audience loved him:

Gabe Garcia is safe and will be singing Keith Urban's “Somebody Like You.” He apparently took dance lessons so that he could loosen up more on stage. He sings well but still lacks stage charisma, in my opinion. The audience and judges loved him though.

Also, Gabe has created this new Facebook page for his fans.

Photo source: NashvilleStar.com

Labels: arts

"Bringing in some performing ability to go along with his great country singing" -BuddyTv.com

Gabe Garcia made it past the elimination round of tonight's Nashville Star on NBC. This puts Gabe into the top eight contestants; he needs to make it to the top six to pass Melanie Torres' seventh-place finish in Season Four. Beating John Arthur Martinez's second-place Season Two finish would give Garcia the top spot this year.

Read the full recap of tonight's episode at buddytv.com:

Gabe is naturally glad to see his family and comes on to perform “Wanted Dead or Alive” and “The Fireman.” The judges thought he was great, finally bringing in some performing ability to go along with his great country singing.

Labels: arts

The current incarnation of VisitMusicCity.com, the home page of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, prominently features a hair-wild Jaci Velasquez in mid-dance. The Christian/ Latin/ Pop crooner has been the face of the city's online efforts to welcome visitors for a few weeks now.

Jaci's 13th studio album, entitled Love Out Loud, was released in March. A recent interview with Jaci and her husband Nic is here.

Labels: arts, business

John Rich: "Your voice is pure, pure, pure, great country music."

The sixth season of Nashville Star (Mondays at 8pm on NBC) features Gabe Garcia of Lytle, Texas as one of the contestants. Nashville Star is a country music single-elimination competition similar to American Idol and ran on the USA Network from 2003-2007 before moving to NBC this year. Gabe has already survived two weeks of elimination, with the judges raving about his voice. Judge John Rich said, "your voice is pure, pure, pure, great country music right there."

Hispanic country music singers and Hispanic country music audiences have been the El Dorado of the country music business in recent years, with the great reward never quite materializing. Nashville Star has previously featured two Hispanic contestants (John Arthur Martinez finished second in Season 1 and Melanie Torres finished seventh in Season 4), and CMT's Gone Country show awarded Julio Iglesias Jr. its top spot earlier this year. In 2007, the corporate side of the business commissioned a report on the potential of the Hispanic market (see here for more details on all of the above).

From Gabe's Nashville Star profile:

Gabe is proud of his roots and wants to inspire other Hispanics to pursue a career in country music, just as Rick Trevino inspired him. The ultimate Tex-Mex cowboy, Gabe left San Antonio and his job of 10 years after his father passed away last October. He's now following his dream and he's not turning back. With his family's support, Gabe wants to be the next "Nashville Star" with his mother cheering him on from the audience.

From the comments on a YouTube video featuring Gabe's Nashville Star appearances:

this guy is gonna be great Cant wait to see his performance tonight on NBC !!!!! NASHVILLE STAR 6 ROCKS
...
Gabe is great!! I never knew this boy could sing! Ohhh wow!! They were all dancing to his music! cool
...
Truth be told. He's the best. He's down to earth and he just loves everybody. He's a good friend of mine and my favorite artist from South Texas as well. Rock on buddy.

From Gabe's web site:

Gabe Garcia sings with a maturity and sound far beyond his 28 years. As a '98 graduate of Lytle High School, it was evident Gabe and his aspiring voice would touch the hearts of country music fans throughout south and central Texas.

Raised in Lytle by Mr. and Mrs. Juan Garcia Sr. and brother Juan Jr., Gabriel was influenced early on by artists such as Merle Haggard, Rick Trevino, and George Strait. He has opened for various well known country artists such as Blackhawk, Sherrie Austin, Ray Price, Kitty Wells, Richochet, and even performed for George W. Bush.

Among the many of his local and state honors, Gabe and his band recently won the South Texas State Championship in the Colgate Country Showdown. In 1997 Gabe won the 1997 Y100 Battle of the Bands and was the featured performer two consecutive years at the National FFA Convention. According to Wiley Alexander, Gabe is a personable and super-talented icon who pays great tribute to country music.

Labels: arts

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.

From the Tennessean:

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.

From the Symphony:

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

Photo of Manuel Barrueco from Barrueco.com

Labels: argentina, arts, cuba, mexico, spain

The Nashville Opera Raise Your Glasses fundraising campaign prominently features Manuel, Nashville's Mexican-American tailor to the stars, in a variety of web ads and billboards.

Manuel recently turned 76 with a birthday bash covered by the Tennessean in this story and this set of photos.

From the birthday story:

Legendary couturier Manuel celebrated his 76th birthday with one of his famous all-day fiestas atop the mountain at his Triune-area home.

The event welcomed hundreds of friends, family and well-wishers, with impromptu performances from some of his singer-songwriter pals. Rosie Florez dedicated the tune "Hot Dog" to Manuel's daughter, Morelia,who also served as hostess and emcee for the event. Joshua Black Wilkins also performed, as did Danny Salazar, Rachel Rodriquez and Pino Squillace, who together roused the audience of margarita lovers with a bit of Latin flair.

From the Nashville Opera press release:

Nashville Opera ushered in a new era of drama, spectacle and artistic distinction today as the company unveiled plans for the Noah Liff Opera Center and the Fund for Artistic Excellence. The Opera's $12 million Raise Your Glasses capital campaign will fund the visionary $6 million opera center, the first-ever permanent home for the community-supported nonprofit organization, which has established a reputation for eminence in the 400-year-old art form here in the nation's Music City.

The Raise Your Glasses campaign, which has already garnered three-fourths of its $12 million goal, will also provide for the Fund for Artistic Excellence. The Fund will augment the organization's ability to expand its education and outreach programs and enhance the artistic quality of its productions.

Labels: arts, business, fashion, immigrants, mexico

Nashville-based Musico a Musico, which conducts musician training for Spanish-speaking Christians around the world, will be starting a Spanish-language Worshiping Arts Academy in Nashville in conjunction with the Allegro Institute.

From the Musico a Musico blog:

The registration started for the Allegro Institute in Nashville, TN, the classes are Schedule to start Saturday July 12. There are many already signed up, and many interested and planning on registering. In Nashville, Allegro Institute will start this with a very important partnership with Músico a Músico in the city of Nashville. MaM is a ministry dedicated to have Congresos of praise, worship, and arts in different cities in the Latin world. The Allegro Institute is joining efforts with MaM to start this program in Nashville. We believe that this union and the classes from Allegro Institute/Músico a Músico in the city of Nashville, TN will be the beginning of a long project for both institutions.

The Director of Instituto Allegro/Músico a Músico in Nashville is Rachel Vasquez who has been working hard to have every detail ready for the start of the classes.

Labels: arts, faith, spanish

Click here for the original story.

Labels: arts, events, immigrants, mexico

TPAC Education announced its 2008-2009 Season for Young People, featuring "a culturally diverse mix of music, theatre, comedy and dance for young people."

According to the press release, "Highlights of the upcoming annual season of TPAC Education’s “Humanities Outreach in Tennessee” (HOT) include the Fisk Jubilee Singers, Nashville Opera’s Amahl and the Night Visitors, two native North American works, Latino modern dance, and theatre from the United States, Canada, England, Italy and Scotland. During its 27th year, TPAC Education’s curriculum-based programs will serve up to 40,000 students from pre-school through high school, providing teachers with comprehensive resources."

“This year’s season is more diverse than any we’ve ever presented—a full spectrum of literature, history, art, and culture from around the world,” said Sherri Leathers, TPAC Education’s Director of Programming.

Luna Negra Dance Theater will perform October 29-31 and is described as a Chicago-based company dedicated to Latino choreography, featuring Hispanic artists and music.

TPAC Education supplies guidebooks for each production with lesson plan suggestions and study materials for use before and after the performance, identifying “learning links” to curriculum requirements, including history, literature, language arts, science and social studies. Post-performance discussions and in-school visits also may be scheduled.

Financial assistance is available to subsidize ticket and travel costs for eligible students and school systems.

For reservations or more information, visit www.tpac.org/education or call 615-687-4288.

Labels: arts, education, events

Música de le Gente / Music of the People Festival

American Roots Music Education and Metro Parks and Recreation celebrate the music of Mexican-Americans

A festive and FREE celebration of Mexican-American music will be presented by American Roots Music Education and Metro Parks and Recreation on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at the newly renovated Coleman Park Community Center.

Throughout the afternoon there will be lots of live music from local bands, including Ocho Treinta, Son Latino and Danny Salazar y Trova Urbana. At 5:00 pm the internationally renowned group from San Antonio, Texas, Los Texmaniacs, will perform.

Children can participate in crafts such as making paper flowers, cowboy hats, embossed tin boxes, lizard keychains and rhythm instruments. A children's folklorico group will perform at 3:30 and there will be lots of piñatas, an exhibit of visual art by Latino artists, and plenty of dancing. Food and drink will be available for sale from local vendors.

FREE and open to the public

Date: Saturday, May 31, 2008
Time: 12:00 - 6:30 PM
Location: Coleman Park Community Center
(corner of Nolensville Road and Thompson Lane), Nashville, TN
Good weather -- outside! Not-so-good weather -- in the gym!

Labels: arts, events, immigrants, mexico

"I no longer find my identity in my music anymore."

Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) artists Jaci Velasquez and Nic Gonzalez recently gave this joint interview to Christian Music Today. Velasquez is a popular CCM solo artist, and Gonzalez is the lead singer of the band Salvador.

The two married on December 17, 2006, and this interview focuses on how their relationship so far, dubbing them as "young Latin lovers." The couple lives in Nashville and gave birth to a son, Zealand David Gonzales, on November 3, 2007.

From the interview:

Jaci, you've been at the top of the charts for a long time and a favorite in Christian pop. Have the aspirations changed for you now that you're a mother?

Velasquez: My career, my ministry is all important, though I no longer find my identity in my music anymore. My identity is now in my relationship with God and my two boys. That's what I love the most, though I still love making music. And Zealand loves me making music—[I could tell when] he was in my tummy making the [latest] record. He would wake up in my stomach, and to soothe him, I would have to sing. He would also get really upset if someone was singing off key on the TV or something. So I'd sing to him and it would soothe him and he'd listen to me. Now he's still the same way—when his mommy or his daddy sing, it soothes him. It's really sweet.

It made for a different experience making a record, putting things into perspective. It used to be that I would remember what was going on in my life by the record that I was doing at the time. The reality of it was [my life] was only based around that. Making music is a big part of my life, but it's just not my life.

Nic, you're a lifelong Austin boy. What was it like making the move to Nashville?

Gonzalez: I don't want to speak ill of Nashville because it's a good city, but it's not Austin. My wife lives here, and I love my wife, so that made it easy. It was easier for us because we both have careers here and she just happens to have a couple of things going on a little bit more than I do. I was able to live in Austin to hide away from all of it, but Jaci's face is a little more identified with this area. She works more out of here, so it only made sense [to make the move].

Labels: arts, business, faith

In the City of Sylvia sells out quickly

The Nashville Scene's recap of the first few days of the Nashville Film Festival ("NaFF") mentioned the popularity of a (barely) Spanish-language film:

It was a good sign when a near-wordless art film, Jose Luis Guerin’s gorgeous Spanish-language reverie In the City of Sylvia, sold out its one screening so fast it had to be moved to a larger auditorium.

Labels: arts, spanish

"Que Viva La Lucha," "The Mother Hen," "Cornered," "Two Embraces"

The Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NAHCC)* announced its sponsorship of the 2008 Cine Latino at the Nashville Film Festival (NaFF), which runs April 17 to 24 at the Green Hills Regal 16 Cinemas:

Ticket holders will be invited to attend a VIP party hosted by the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce with special guest "Que Viva La Lucha: Wrestling in Tijuana" director Gustavo Vazquez prior to the screening of the movie on Wednesday, April 23, 5-6:30pm. Admission to VIP reception is FREE to "Que Viva la Lucha" ticket holders and NAHCC members. Delicious coffee provided by Pallette Gallery 2119 Belcourt, Nashville, TN 37212

ANNOUNCING: "The Mother Hen" the new picture from local Hispanic filmmaker Carlos Griffin will be screened on April 22nd at 7:00PM, April 23rd. at 7:15 PM and on Thursday the 24th. at 2:30 and at 9:00PM.

Members and friends of the NAHCC can get a discount when ordering online at www.nashvillefilmfestival.org make sure to use the promo code available at the end of the NaFF video spot or on our website at: www.nashvillehispanicchamber.com

A search in the "Hispanic" category at the NaFF web site pulls up two additional films: "Cornered" (Sunday, Apr 20, 2008 5:30 PM) and "Two Embraces" (Thursday, Apr 17, 2008 8:00 PM).

Labels: arts, events

Fiesta Belmont, Nashville's Latin Music Street Fair, is scheduled for Saturday May 3, 2008 from 11AM-7PM at Belmont University's Center Campus at 17th Ave South & Wedgewood Blvd. For information about how to become a sponsor or how to have a booth at this event, call David Herrera at 615-460-6908 or visit www.latinstreetfair.com.

Labels: arts, events, food, music

Angry listeners don't see through prank and bemoan supposed change

A Nashville radio personality tested the limits of the April Fools' art form with a fake format change supposedly designed to attract Spanish-speaking listeners. CMT's Country Music Blog describes the April Fools' joke crafted by WSIX's Gerry House this year, which was that the country music station would try to broaden its listener base by playing some Spanish-language songs in the rotation.

After issuing the phony announcement and playing some songs en español, here is what happened:

House opened his phone lines and listeners started calling in. Did they ever. And most of them were angry. Angry that another culture was being "forced" on them. Vowed to leave the station and never return. Forget the fact that Spanish-language singers and writers are a big part of country music history. I guess House waited too long to remind his listeners that it was April Fool's Day. Oh - and then he played the new single by Gone Country winner Julio Iglesias Jr. and invited listeners to vote on that song.

This particular joke comes during an increasing push to fight negativity against Hispanics, African-Americans, immigrants, and/or Spanish-speakers (see this round-up or today's Tennessean story). According to this article about April Fools Day in the Altoona (PA) Mirror, an artful prank does two things: it builds comraderie, and it doesn't hurt anyone. Reader comments on the CMT Country Music blog post criticize both House and his listeners for the negativity generated by the stunt.

As the CMT blog points out, however, the fake news at the heart of the prank was not entirely unimaginable, since Spanish-language songs are a part of country music's past and present. See previous Hispanic Nashville Notebook stories on Freddy Fender and Julio Iglesia's Gone Country win.

Labels: arts, negativity, spanish

Judge John Rich: "About half my friends were Spanish kids - Mexican kids - and their first language was Spanish"

The Canadian Press is one of many international sources to report the newly minted Latin/country crossover star that is Julio Iglesias, Jr., who earned that title with his win of the Nashville-based reality show "Gone Country." Airing on CMT, the show featured an American-Idol-style showdown of various non-country artists taking a stab at country music, including Iglesias, Jr. On his way to victory, the Madrid-born, Miami-raised crooner stopped by Manuel's Nashville shop to pick up some bona fide country duds (episode info here).

Judge John Rich of Big & Rich said in his blog that he picked Iglesias because of his "X Factor" with both male and female fans, but also because of the missing Hispanic element in modern country music:

I think, that Julio Iglesias Jr. brings an element to country music that does not exist -- and that being the Spanish-English element. I remember growing up in Texas and hearing Johnny Rodriguez on my radio station, and about half my friends were Spanish kids -- Mexican kids -- and their first language was Spanish. They were all my buddies. I remember Johnny Rodriguez turning them on to country music. They liked it, but it wasn't something they completely related to until they saw Johnny Rodriguez.

Well, I think, it's been 30 years since that, and I think it's time we pay attention to that audience again. I see Spanish-speaking people coming to Big & Rich shows by the hundreds and thousands, depending on the part of the country that we're in, and right now, there's nobody in our format speaking to that audience.

Big & Rich have included bilingual Spanish/English raps on at least one album before, and Hispanic artists have done fairly well on at least other country music reality show - see John Arthur Martinez' second place finish and Melanie Torres' top-ten spot on Nashville Star. The country music industry has commissioned reports and engaging in soul-searching and head-scratching about what Hispanic interest in country music could mean for the business.

Julio Iglesias, Jr.'s winning Gone Country video performance, which includes bilingual English/Spanish lyrics, is here.

Labels: arts, business, english, immigrants, mexico, spain, spanish

Labels: argentina, arts, events, immigrants

Giancarlo Guerrero, Jose Feliciano, international "lucha libre" champion, Metro Schools among 2008 interviews

Airs on Telemundo Nashville

Episodes also available online

Nashville-based Spanish-language television show "Spanish-TV" announced its second season in this press release:

Second season of Spanish-TV

2008 brings exciting changes to Spanish-TV

Expanded segments on governments issues regarding the hispanic community, new sports segments including Spanish wrestling along with more entertainment and news segment. Airing weekly on Telemundo Nashville, Spanish-TV has become a hit in the Hispanic community.

Advertisers have been enthusiastic about the show's unique reach into our community and have committed to support our show in 2008.

The show’s Eye on Nashville segment continue its man-on-the-street interviews that feature a detailed look at our Hispanic heritage.

Episodes of Spanish-TV are thirty minutes long and are broadcast Saturday mornings at 10am via Comcast Cable Channels 246 and 611, on Charter Channel 24, or on the program's web site spanish-tvtucanal.com, under the link for "See the Show."

The Hispanic Nashville Notebook had previously reported here on a different locally-based Spanish-language TV show, Noticias Locales, aired on Telefutura and in conjunction with WTVF-Channel 5. At the time, Telemundo was looking for local content, which it appears to have found with Spanish-TV.

Labels: arts, business, costa rica, immigrants, nicaragua, spanish

Benefit concert follows jazz master class

Steve Smail, Web Site Manager and Geology and Film/Digital Video teacher at University School of Nashville, announced the upcoming performance of and jazz master class performance by the Gabriel Alegria Sextet:

Afro-Peruvian Jazz
with the Gabriel Alegria Sextet
at the University School of Nashville Auditorium

Tuesday, February 19th

Jazz Master Class: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Learn about Afro-Peruvian styles, instruments, and history with the band
Tickets $20/person (purchase in advance online, space is limited)

Benefit Concert: 7:30pm; Doors open at 6:30, food and drink available for purchase
Final performance of the US/Canadian Nuevo Mundo Tour
Tickets $5/person (purchase in advance online or at the door)

Both events are appropriate for all ages and open to the public. Proceeds fully benefit relief efforts for those affected by the August, 2007 Peruvian earthquake.

Online and Phone-in advance ticketing for both events:
USN Evening Classes - www.eveningclasses.org or 321.8019

"Smoldering jazz is kicked up with the intoxicating polyrhythms of coastal Peru as trumpeter and composer Gabriel Alegria continues to chart a fresh new idiom. Combining his own distinctive approach to the jazz trumpet with the rich heritage of Afro-Peruvian music, Alegria is joined by saxophonist Laurandrea Leguia, guitarist Yuri Juárez, bassist Joscha Oetz, drummer Hugo Alcazar and master percussionist Freddy “Huevito” Lobaton - who plays traditional instruments such as the cajón (box drum) and quijada (jaw bone) and adds spectacular passages of zapateo dancing."
www.gabrielalegria.com

University School of Nashville 2000 Edgehill Avenue 37212
Free parking available in the USN 19th Avenue parking lot
The sextet also performs at the Nashville Jazz Workshop on February 8th

Labels: arts, events, peru

Survivor of Guatemalan civil war

Coincides with art exhibit featuring late Ecuadorian activist Oswaldo Guayasamín

The Tennessean reports here that Rigoberta Menchu, winner of the 1992 Nobel Peace Prize, will be speaking Thursday night at 7pm at Benton Chapel at Vanderbilt University on the subject of "Healing Communities Torn by Racism and Violence." Menchu is a pioneer in bringing the plight of indigenous people to the international stage, having suffered through atrocities in her native country of Guatemala during that country's civil war.

From the Tennessean:

Now living in Guatemala City, Menchú was invited to speak at Vanderbilt in conjunction with an exhibit opening devoted to the late Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín. Like Menchú, Guayasamín was an outspoken champion of social justice, and the two became friends before he died in 1999. She remains committed to keeping his legacy alive.
...
For Nashville's Latino community, Menchú's appearance is of special significance, said Renata Soto, executive director of the local nonprofit agency Conexión Américas.

"It's very timely that she comes to Nashville as someone who has been speaking on behalf of the voiceless."
...
"Menchú's message is clear about the consequences of racism and injustice, and it brings attention to the fact that right here in our own community, we have a ways to go to achieve some of those ideals."

Over the past few days, at least two Nashville blogs have covered the 1999 controversy over Menchu's autobiography (here and here).

Photo: The Nobel Foundation

Labels: arts, ecuador, events, guatemala, justice

Whisky: 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes

Hijos de la Guerra: window into MS-13

“We want to reach out to members of the community who take an interest in foreign films, including immigrants to Middle Tennessee.”

Whisky and Hijos de la Guerra are two Latin American works among 14 foreign films to be screened for free during a foreign film series at Vanderbilt University every Wednesday evening until April 16 except for spring break. Two bonus screenings will occur on Mondays.

The International Lens series begins Wednesday, Jan. 23, with Milano Calibro 9, an Italian crime caper from 1972.

All films begin at 7 p.m. in Sarratt Cinema in the Sarratt Student Center on the Vanderbilt campus and are free and open to the public. Most will feature introductions by experts from Vanderbilt and other universities, and some will have discussion periods after the screenings.

“One of Vanderbilt’s missions is to make our students true global citizens,” said Sherif Barsoum, director of international student and scholar services. “One way to do that is through the lens of film.

“We also want to reach out to members of the community who take an interest in foreign films, including immigrants to Middle Tennessee.”

The series is sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Students and various departments at Vanderbilt collaborated to select the films and line up guest commentators. In some cases, the films are coordinated with the syllabuses of Vanderbilt courses and incorporated into classroom work.

“We hope these screenings complement the strong offerings at the Belcourt Theatre near Vanderbilt, with whom we continue to have a partnership,” said JoEl Logiudice, director of the office of arts and creative engagement.

The Latin American lineup for the International Lens series:

Wednesday, March 12, Hijos de la Guerra (2007) from the United Kingdom, directed by Alexandre Fuchs. Presented by the Center for Latin American and Iberian Studies. A documentary about the violent gang Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13.

Wednesday, April 16, Whiskey (2004) from Uruguay, directed by Juan Pablo Rebella and Pablo Stoll. Presented by the Spanish and Portuguese Department. One reviewer called it "one of the ten best South American movies in recent years" and "a film about Uruguay, represented here in Jacobo's character. This once prosperous country, nicknamed "the Switzerland of South America", is now a country in dire need of technological updating, of restoration of its architectural treasures, and of serious political planning and execution of its economic and social future, and is paying high stakes for decades of unrealistic labor legislation." -IMDB. As of January 23, Whisky's Rotten Tomatoes rating is a perfect 100%.

The full lineup is here.

Labels: arts, events, immigrants, uruguay

January 10 advance screening passes available to Hispanic Nashville Notebook readers

Opens at Belcourt January 11

The Orphanage, a Spanish film by Juan Antonio Bayona and presented by Guillermo del Toro, opens at the Belcourt Theatre on January 11, 2008. Free tickets are available for an advance screening on January 10.

For your tickets, e-mail the editor of the Hispanic Nashville Notebook.

The official synopsis of the film:

A woman discovers dark secrets hidden within her cherished childhood home in the supernatural drama THE ORPHANAGE, the feature film debut of acclaimed young Spanish director Juan Antonio Bayona. A superbly atmospheric and emotionally powerful tale of love, loss and guilt, The Orphanage is the first film ever to be presented by Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, who also produced. Bayona and the gifted first-time screenwriter Sergio Sánchez deliver an elegant, shivery ghost story in the tradition of such classics as The Innocents, The Haunting and The Others as they explore the shadowy places where human longing meets the unknown and unknowable. Anchoring the film is the fearless performance by its star, award-winning Spanish actress Belén Rueda (The Sea Inside), portraying a mother desperate to rescue her family from the nightmare into which she has unwittingly led them. The Orphanage is a film about the fragility of life, the agony of loss and the depth of a mother's love.

Labels: arts, events, spain, spanish

Nashville-based Músico a Músico announced a three-day Conference of Praise and Worshiping Arts, scheduled for April 24-26, 2008 at the Iglesia Una Esperanza Viva on Nolensville Road:

For the first time in over three years, Músico a Músico is again presenting a conference for worship musicians and artists in Nashville.

We will be presenting over sixty classes in two days. Classes on all worship instruments, voice, music theory, theology of worship, and worshiping arts including: mime, dance, drama and visual arts.

In the last several years Músico a Músico has presented over 18 international Congresos in six countries. Our conferences are always open to musicians from all churches. This event is endorsed by pastor’s organizations like The Operation Andrew Group and Uno en Cristo (Hispanic Pastor's Association) and Compañerismo Bautista Hispano de TN. (Hispanic Baptist Group)

Please see that your worship leaders, musicians and artists are encouraged to attend this conference, you’ll be glad you did!!

Dates: 24th to the 26 of April, 2008
Place: Iglesia Una Esperanza Viva
2417 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211 map

COST:
$25-before (payment must be received by 4 / 21.
$35-after the 21st and at the door.

G E N E R A L P R O G R A M :

Thursday 24, Opening Celebration, 7pm

Friday 25, Classes from 9am to 5pm
Celebration Concert 7pm (open to the public)

Saturday 26, Classes from 9am to 5pm & Breakfast for pastors at 8:00am & Closing Concert and impartation time 7pm

Músico’s Statement of Purpose:
“Our purpose is to train and inspire Latino worship musicians and artists to excel at their craft and to aid them to achieve a lifestyle of worship.”

For More Information:
Phone: 615.207.8800
Email: info@musicoamusico.org
or "Músico a Músico"
P.O. Box 158026
Nashville, TN 37215

www.MuSiCoAmUsIcO.org

Labels: arts, faith, spanish

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.

Labels: argentina, arts, immigrants

Thanks to Susan Adcock at Pitcherlady for capturing the sombrero-wearing Santa Claus above, from a window at the Las Americas Restaurant and Pupuseria on Nolensville Road. The accompanying post (here) tells a fine Nashville tale of cultures coming together.

Photo copyright Susan Adcock. Used by permission.

Labels: arts

From Cheekwood:

FESTIVAL OF THE HOLIDAYS CELEBRATES FOUR MULTI-CULTURAL HOLIDAY TRADITIONS AT CHEEKWOOD DECEMBER 10

From the Akiva School Choral Ensemble to Vanderbilt’s Victory A Capella Choir, Sunday, December 10 will be a day of sharing the unique traditions of four year-end holidays as Cheekwood hosts Festival of the Holidays with interactive multi-cultural activities on Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Navidad.

“This is a special part of our Season of Celebration events,” Jack Becker, Ph.D., president of Cheekwood “It is a wonderful time for families to learn about the year-end holiday traditions of others and do so with a grand variety of fun family activities, all in one afternoon.”

Activities, from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm, include everything from hands-on art projects to sampling foods and music associated with each tradition. All activities will be held in Cheekwood’s Botanic Hall. Cheekwood thanks CLARCOR, Inc. for their support of this event as the Patron of the Day.
Following are performance times:

1:15 pm – HANUKKAH Sababa
Akiva School Choral Ensemble

2:15 pm – NAVIDAD Aurelio Martinez & Jose Alegria
La Posada

3:15 pm – KWANZAA A Surprise Kwanzaa Performance

4:15 pm – CHRISTMAS The Victory A Capella Choir
Vanderbilt University

Interactive activities associated with each of the traditions include:

Kwanzaa: participants learn how to make Kwanzaa candles; sample foods such as Janita bread, sweet potatoes, and turnip greens, all associated with Kwanzaa. Sponsored by Pam Thompson & Friends and The Jack and Jill Club of Williamson county.

Hanukkah: participants learn how to make paper dreidels; and enjoy a treat of Sufganiyot and Chanukah gelt. Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee

Navidad: participants sample Atole (hot chocolate), Buñuelos (Traditional Colombian Christmas food); Tamales; and learn how to make Paper Nativities. Sponsored by Woodbine Community Group & Catholic Charities – Latino Services.

Christmas: activities include making Clothespin Reindeer; and participants will be able to sample Christmas cookies and holiday punch.

Cheekwood’s Season of Celebration 2006 runs through December 31 and is a children’s wonderland of decorations, storytelling, cookie decorating, and musical performances as Cheekwood celebrates Christmas around the world.

Cheekwood inspires and educates by making art, horticulture and nature accessible to a diverse community. Cheekwood is located at 1200 Forrest Park Drive in Nashville, 8 miles southwest of downtown Nashville. Open Tuesday – Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For further information call 615-356-8000 or visit www.cheekwood.org.

Labels: arts, colombia, events, food

From the Nashville Symphony:

For our special Christmas concert, why not bring in the very man who gave us "Feliz Navidad," a holiday classic known around the world? Singer and guitarist José Feliciano also known for mega-hits "Light My Fire" and "Que Sera" - is widely recognized as the first major Latin artist to cross over into the English-speaking music market, paving the way for so many big-name talents who came later. His signature sound, familiar from nearly 70 albums he's recorded throughout his career, will make this holiday celebration truly unique.

Discounts available through the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce:

Click HERE to purchase tickets or call 615.687.6400. Please mention this announcement for a special 20% discount thanks to our NAHCC member Nashville Symphony www.nashvillesymphony.org

Labels: arts, chambers, events

The Vanderbilt Center of Latin American & Iberian Studies (CLAIS) will show the movie Balseros ("Rafters"), "a 2002 Spanish documentary about Cubans leaving during the Período Especial after the financial support of the former USSR stopped. In 1994, some 50,000 Cubans left the island, unimpeded by the Cuban government, using anything they could find or build to get to the nearest land in Florida. The seven Cuban protagonists in this feature length film represent, with their personal experiences, the thousands of people from all corners of the planet who leave their homes in search of a supposedly better future."

The film will be shown at 7pm Thursday, November 8, in Buttrick 102. More information here.

Labels: arts, cuba, events, immigrants

Free event to raise awareness of Hispanic women's heart disease

Joint effort of Nashville Public Television, Tango Nashville, American Heart Association

Dance performances and lessons, food, heart screenings

On November 10, Nashville Public Television teams up with the American Heart Association and Tango Nashville to raise awareness of women's heart disease in the Latino community.

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death for Hispanics. Heart disease and stroke are responsible for 32.2 percent of deaths in Hispanic females.

NPT INVITES COMMUNITY TO “TANGO WITH YOUR HEART”

WHO: Nashville Public Television, together with the American Heart Association and Tango Nashville

WHAT: "Tango with Your Heart" event. An evening of dance, food and fun for your heart; free tango lessons, heart healthy food and information, free heart screenings and fun giveaways!

WHERE: Ibiza Night Club 15128 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville. (615) 331-0382

WHEN: Saturday, November 10, 2007. 5:00-8:00 p.m.

WHY: To raise awareness of women's heart disease in the Latino community. See attached “Heart Disease and Stroke Facts for Hispanic Women.”

HOW: Free admission

“Tango With Your Heart” is made possible by a generous grant from WNET-NY and coincides with THE MYSTERIOUS HUMAN HEART, a four-part series by producer David Grubin that aired on NPT and PBS stations nationwide this Fall. “Tango with Your Heart” is sponsored by Nashville Public Television, American Heart Association, Tango Nashville, Ibiza Night Club Club, Monsal, WHEW La Ley 1380am, WKDA Latina 900am and OSHi International Flowers.

* * *

Nashville Public Television is available free and over the air to nearly 2.2 million people throughout the Middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky viewing area, and is watched by more than 600,000 households every week. The mission of NPT is to provide, through the power of traditional television and interactive telecommunications, high quality educational, cultural and civic experiences that address issues and concerns of the people of the Nashville region, and which thereby help improve the lives of those we serve.

Photo by Henrik Schröder. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Labels: arts, health

Free event features art, food, music, tours

The Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art will host its Eighth Annual Dia de los Muertos celebration next Saturday, October 27:

EL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS AT CHEEKWOOD ON OCTOBER 27, 2007
NASHVILLE, TN – The popular Latin American family celebration, El Dia de los Muertos, will be held at Cheekwood on Saturday, October 27 with activities including live performances, a Mexican marketplace, and interactive art activities for everyone.

Now in its eighth year at Cheekwood, the day-long celebration is a premiere community event for Nashville’s Hispanic population as well as for families throughout the area. Translated as “Day of the Dead,” El Dia de los Muertos is a uniquely Latin celebration of families as they honor their ancestors.

The festivities, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, include activities for families of all cultures to learn about this noted Latin-American tradition and participate in a wide range of activities conducted in both Spanish and English. Cheekwood members are free and regular gate fees apply to non-members.

The schedule includes live performances by Mariachis Alma de Mexico, Serenatta, Danny Salazar y los Cuatro, Grupo Folklorico Hispanoamericano, and Sixto Reyes & Miguel. Art projects include making painting gourds, decorating “the family tree,” making paper marigolds, crafting family journals, making calaveras masks, a “tombstone factory,” creating paper cut-outs, and Spanish Bingo. A unique feature this year, the Alma de Mexico Mariachis will lead 2 parades throughout the grounds during the festival. Cheekwood will also have a resource room which will feature various books, materials, and movies documenting the history and culture of the El Dia de los Muertos holiday.

Available in the Mexican Marketplace will be traditional food, sweets, and arts and crafts. Community altars will be displayed in Botanic Hall and there will be bilingual tours of Cheekwood’s Museum of Art given by Belmont University Spanish students.

Labels: arts, education, events, food, mexico

Dalia Garcia, Richie Flores, Jesus Diaz, Lalo Davila, Glen Caruba, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez

MTSU tonight

"Cuban Fire" tomorrow: joint performance with Nashville Jazz Orchestra at Vanderbilt

Eric Moreno, president of the Hispanic Student Association at MTSU, wrote in to mention "several events going on involving a Salsa Band headed up by MTSU's own Lalo Davila, [in] which he is featuring very famous percussionists who have played with several amazing acts throughout the Latin music industry. He will be hosting a tribute to Celia Cruz and Tito Puente in a concert in Murfreesboro." The music comes to Murfreesboro tonight and to Nashville tomorrow night.

The MTSU tribute is tonight, Thursday October 18, at 9pm at Sweetwater. There is a $7 cover charge and no one under 21 will be admitted.

Details of the Nashville event are below:

A NIGHT OF EXPLOSIVE SALSA AND JAZZ
NASHVILLE JAZZ ORCHESTRA PLAYS "CUBAN FIRE" OCT. 19
WITH GUEST ARTISTS RICHIE FLORES, JESUS DIAZ, DALIA GARCIA AND SPECIAL GUEST HORACIO “EL NEGRO” HERNANDEZ

The Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University will host "CUBAN FIRE", a night of explosive salsa and jazz by the NASHVILLE JAZZ ORCHESTRA in the Martha Rivers Ingram Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, Oct. 19, 2007, at 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Both concerts will feature the classic Latin jazz music of Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Arturo Sandoval, and others climaxed by selections from Stan Kenton's famous 1956 Latin jazz opus "Cuban Fire Suite". A special 27-piece edition of the NJO, led by Director JIM WILLIAMSON will take the stage, including vocals by DALIA GARCIA, and guest percussionists Pearl Recording Artists RICHIE FLORES, JESUS DIAZ, LALO DAVILA, GLEN CARUBA, and HORACIO “EL NEGRO” HERNANDEZ, acknowledged as the top Latin drumset player in the world today. With NJO drummer Bob Mater also being a Pearl Recording Artist, the NJO will have an all-Pearl percussion section, and Pearl Drums USA will be a co-sponsor for this event. Guest conductor for the "Cuban Fire Suite" will be ROBIN P. FOUNTAIN, Professor of Conducting at Blair School of Music where the NJO is "Artist in Residence". Admission to either concert is $20 general admission, $15 for seniors, VU faculty and staff, and $10 for students. Tickets are available from Blair or band members; or at the Ingram Center box office the night of the performance.

THE ARTISTS

HORACIO HERNANDEZ, given the name “El Negro” at birth, was already a master studio and touring percussionist in his native Havana when he escaped Cuba to live in Italy in 1995. Two years later he came to the US, where top Latin jazz musicians like Paquito D’Rivera and Michel Camilo began using him. Word quickly spread of his explosive virtuosity in both Latin and jazz idioms, and he has worked non-stop since. From the Latin sounds of Santana, Los Hombres Caliente, and Tito Puente, to the pop of Paul Simon, to the progressive jazz of Dizzy Gillespie and Joanne Brackeen, Horacio’s universal percussive abilities have already made him a drum legend with dozens of videos, books, and articles published about him. www.elnegro.com

RICHIE FLORES was born in Brooklyn but raised in Puerto Rico, and began playing congas at the age of 5. In a few years he was playing with top groups like El Gran Combo and Batacumbele. Moving back to New York, he joined Eddie Palmieri at the age of 17. He also works with David Sanchez, Dave Samuels, and a host of Latin Jazz greats.

JESUS DIAZ arrived in the San Francisco bay area from Cuba in 1980. His talent as percussionist, arranger, and vocalist have kept him working with top artists like Carlos Santana, Dizzy Gillespie, Pete Escovedo & Sheila E, and the Caribbean Jazz Project ever since. As an educator, he does numerous clinics and workshops, and has several instructional videos and books as a member of "Talking Drums". www.bombomusic.com

From Nashville, Pearl Recording Artists LALO DAVILA and GLEN CARUBA will complete the expanded percussion section. Davila is co-leader and vocalist of Music City's popular Latin jazz band, "Orkesta Eme Pe", Director of Percussion Studies at MTSU, and leader of the MTSU Salsa Band and Percussion Ensemble. Caruba is a percussionist and teacher, author of several books and DVDs, and has worked with Jimmy Buffet, Barry Manilow, the Mavericks, and "Orkesta Eme Pe". www.lalodavila.com www.pearldrums.com

DALIA GARCIA, from Madrid, Spain, is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress. After being crowned Miss South Carolina, she toured for 8 years with Julio Iglesias, performing in 8 of his videos, and appeared in the movie "Lycanthrope". Her singing and songwriting has dominated several charts on MP3.com, and she appears across the US with Al Delory & Salsa En Nashville, and others. www.daliamusic.com

THE MUSIC

STAN KENTON led one of the most famous jazz big bands from 1941 to 1979. One of its seminal works was the 1956 "Cuban Fire Suite" by composer Johnny Richards. At the time, the marriage of American swing music and traditional Afro-Cuban music into a