Surprise! NOW: Another Spanish-language Film Festival!

Yes, CineSeattle's production is just behind us and, again we have a local film festival with a focus on Spanish-language pieces--this time, from Spain. The below information regarding The Festival of New Spanish Cinema is direct from our friends at Spain Association of the Pacific Northwest:

Estimados Amigos de España
I wanted to let you know that we are collaborating with the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) presenting The Festival of New Spanish Cinema at SIFF Cinema October 15-21.

Now on its second run, the Festival of New Spanish Cinema continues its annual celebration of films, mainly premieres in the US.With films by such veterans as Juan Luis Iborra, Javier Fesser, and Gabriel Velázquez shown side-by-side with cutting-edge debut productions from the newest generation including Albert Arizza, Irene Cardona, David Planell, Santiago Zannou, and Miguelanxo Prado, there is much to relish in this year's festival. Presenting new and outrageous interpretations of classic genres including melodrama, thriller, and animation, this year's styles range from superb examples of Spain's offbeat thrillers like Ramirez, and the brutal, wrenching fairy tales Camino and The Sound of the Sea, to socially engaged cinema like A Fiancé for Yasmina or One-Armed Trick. You can view trailers from select films online by clicking here.

As an Amigo de España, you can enjoy tickets for all the movies shown during the Festival at a discount price - $8. In order to get the discount, you just need to mention that you are an “Amigo of the Spain Association of the Pacific Northwest” at the booth. It’s that easy!


Nos vemos en el cine!
SAPN
Amigos de España


The Festival of New Spanish Cinema
Opening Night FiestaThursday, October 15, 9:30pm (immediately following the Opening Night Film, Desperate Women)The Alki Room at Seattle CenterJoin us for a special celebration in honor of SIFF Cinema's presentation of The Festival of New Spanish Cinema. Enjoy Spanish music while sipping complimentary Freixenet Spanish Cava and nosh on paella prepared and served onsite by Taberna del Alabardero. Special guest Irene Cardona, director of A Fiance for Yasmina, is scheduled to attend.

Desperate Women(Enloquecidas)Thursday, October 15, 7:30pmSaturday, October 17, 12:00 NoonThe eagerly anticipated new film from writer-director Juan Luis Iborra (Km. 0, Mouth to Mouth) follows three women trying to track down a missing lover. Blanca meets the man of her dreams, falls in love and loses him, all in one week. Then, by chance a few months later, she and her aunt Barbara (Almodóvar favorite Verónica Forqué) find a portrait of him in the house of a charming old couple. The man is revealed to be their son-who is further revealed to be long dead. Determined to learn more about the mysterious man, Blanca and Barbara begin an unpredictable and hilarious investigation. This often outrageous thriller gathers three generations of the best Spanish female actresses and some of the rarer-seen odder areas of Madrid.

A Fiancé for Yasmina(Un Novio Para Yasmina)Friday, October 16, 7:00pmSunday, October 18, 2:30pmLola loves weddings, even though her own marriage is on the rocks. She suspects that her husband Jorge has fallen in love with Yasmina (brilliantly played by Moroccan actress Sanaa Alaoui), who is in need of a visa to stay in Spain. Meanwhile, Yasmina is in a hurry to marry Javi, who proves a master of foot shuffling in his reluctance to set a date. While Alfredo is against the marriage, he'd be ready to get married for friendship.... or for money. A tenderhearted romantic story, Fiancé charts the tangled imbroglio that arises when emotional dilemmas, star-crossed relationships, and the unpredictable effects of love bring mayhem upon a group of friends. A Fiancé for Yasmina is a fresh take on the ensemble drama that swept the awards at the Malaga Film Festival as Best Film, Best Actress, and & Audience Awards. Director Irene Cardona will be in attendance for a Q&A session following the October 16 screening.

Camino Saturday, October 17, 2:00pm, Wednesday, October 21, 8:00pm A daring, compulsively watchable melodrama against religious fundamentalism inspired by real events, Camino dances, stomps, and kicks the viewer's emotions while focused on an 11-year-old girl simultaneously faced with two completely new events in her life: falling in love and dying. On his third film Fesser (The Miracle of P. Tinto, Mortadelo & Filemon: The Big Adventure) once more offers a child's perspective on the adult world. Newcomer Camacho navigates the most sophisticated cinematic ordeals with courage and bravura. In the unpleasant role of her mother, Elias fearlessly brings the viewer face-to-face with extreme fanaticism. The uncompromising script is not anti-religious, though it successfully condemns the dehumanizing effects of religious extremism. It is earmarked for media attention thanks to its biting criticism of the controversial Opus Dei movement and Catholic fundamentalism in general. Widely acclaimed at its San Sebastian debut this year, the film won six Goya awards (Spanish Academy Awards) including Best Director, Best Film and Best Original Script. Above all, Camino intertwines melodrama, horror and animation in outrageous new ways to enrich us with what is one of the most powerful Spanish films of the decade.

The Sound of the Sea(De Profundis)Saturday, October 17, 10:00amTuesday, October 20, 9:00pm Spanish graphic novelist Miguelanxo Prado, one of the best-known and important European comic authors, turns to animation with The Sound of the Sea, a simple and lyrical labor of love about freedom, passion, and loss. A woman plays the viola while her painter partner, fascinated by the sea, is away on a fishing boat. The boat is taken by a storm and, with a mermaid, he undertakes a dreamlike underwater journey through a series of evocative seascapes. The Sound of the Sea is a strange and fantastic history of love, attacking adults and infants alike. With themes brought to life by the digitization of thousands of the Helmer's oil paintings, drawings, and acrylics, it offers an ode to the ocean that feels like a return to the early principles of cartoon art. The unique film is a creative voyage of a painter, a game of metaphors, but ultimately an homage to the Sea (the real sea and its mythical qualities) that will stay with you.

The Shame(La Vergüenza)Saturday, October 17, 8:00pmMonday, October 19, 9:00pmThe feature directorial debut from the strongest emerging talent in Spain, award-winning writer David Planell boldly allows us a glimpse into the home of Pepe and Lucia, a modern and attractive couple with a big problem: they cannot handle Manu, their eight-year-old Peruvian adopted child. They soon realize the price they must pay if they want to go ahead with their brazen plan: to send him back. Planell, the director of the multi-award winning shorts (Ponys, Trivial) skillfully makes the jump from screenwriter to director, using this strong premise to tell a caustic, tender, and funny tale about doubts, paradoxes, and the wounds of an ashamed couple. The film was the top performer at this year's Malaga Film Festival.

Amateurs Sunday, October 18, 9:00pmTuesday, October 20, 7:00pm Julio Nieves is a 65-year-old foreman who has spent his entire life in the Madrid suburb of Vallecas. In the blink of an eye, he goes from contentedly facing his retirement alone to the possibility of companionship in the form of a 16-year-old girl from Marseille, who claims to be his daughter. But what if she's not his flesh and blood? And what if Nieves takes her in to ease the pain of his own solitude? How far can people go to avoid being alone?

Ramírez Friday, October 16, 9:15pmSunday, October 18, 7:00pm Ramírez is a confident loner whose fox-like ways and alluring face allows him to wander aimlessly through life. Despite a luxurious Madrid apartment and upper-middle-class status, he has chosen a life of crime. A drug dealer by day, and by night a dangerous hunter of anonymous women-objects of his perverse "artistic" tendencies. His character is shrouded in mystery although perhaps the key to unlocking it rests in his indifference to his bed-ridden mother. As his obsessions with one-night stands and photography crash together and in an unforgettable climax, he becomes a victim of his own heartlessness.

One-Armed Trick(El Truco del Manco) Monday, October 19, 7:00pm Santiago Zannou makes an impressive feature film debut in this winner of three Goya awards (Spanish Film Academy) including Best Debut Film, Best Acting, and Best Music. Paralyzed on half of his body from childhood, Cuajo has a single dream: to succeed in music. Together with his friend Adolfo, he attempts to set up a studio while gathering some of Barcelona's freshest hip-hop talent. One-Armed Trick features some of the hottest stars of Spanish rap-among them Elio Sagues, Ovone Candela, and La Mala Rodriguez and El Langui, lead singer of La Excepción, recently voted the best Spanish-language rappers on MTV.

Culture Shock: TIME

Punctuality can mean different things to different people, even in our own country. Heck, even within our own families. So imagine the culture shock of being an uber-punctual person and entering the traditionally slower clock of Latin culture! Or imagine the opportunities lost in the reverse situation.

In a class I took last quarter on negotiations, we role played in every class. The last one we had to do was an intercultural negotation between U.S. businesspeople and those from a make-believe country called Amazonia. I was on the U.S. side, and when we sat down to get started, we waited. And we waited. I thought, "Wow, our classmates sure don't care about this negotiation!" "They sure aren't respecting our time," our teammates said. And it got worse from there.

Well, what we didn't know upfront about this particular negotiation is that they were coached to, among other things, 1) not obey the clock, 2) not negotiate with women, and 3) talk about families, cars--anything but the business at hand. So you can imagine how this negotiation process went! Pretty quickly I saw what was happening--and applauded the Amazonia team's fabulous acting. But many U.S. teams never quite figured it out.

Last weekend I went to a quinceañera, celebrating the 15th birthday of the daughter of a friend of mine, from Mexico. It was to start at 5, so I arrived at 5:15. The next guest arrived around 6. Most were there by 7, but they continued to trickle in. That's the way it is.

But it's not that way in every situation and for every Latino.

I read an article in last Sunday's Seattle Times. "Mexicans know when they should be punctual and which things start punctually," for me was a helpful quote from the article. This one's worth a read.

Northwest Latinos Showcased by City of Seattle

Arte Para Todos - Art for All honors National Latino Heritage Month, Día de los Muertos

Pasting City press release:

Latino City Employees and Latino Cultural Magazine present the exhibition Arte Para Todos - Art for All at City Hall to celebrate National Latino Heritage Month (beginning Sept. 15) and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead, Nov. 2). The exhibition runs Sept. 9 to Oct. 31.

The exhibition features more than 50 artworks in a variety of media by eight Northwest Latino artists: Marcio Diaz, Isaac Hernández, Rene Julio, Hugo Ludeña, Jennifer Molina, Jaime Olaya, Jose Orantes and Blanca Santander. The works include color photographs of Latino life; landscape, portrait and abstract paintings in acrylic, oil, and egg tempera; and pastel and scratchboard drawings.

Arte Para Todos - Art for All spans the City Hall Lobby Gallery and the Anne Focke Gallery, on the L2 level of City Hall. City Hall is located at 600 Fourth Avenue and is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. For information, call (206) 684-7171 or visit www.seattle.gov/arts.

In conjunction with Arte Para Todos, a free concert featuring the acoustic Latin jazz of Carlos Cascante will take place 12 to 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1 at City Hall. An artist reception with light refreshments will follow from 1 to 2 p.m.

The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs promotes the value of arts and culture in communities throughout Seattle. The 16-member Seattle Arts Commission, citizen volunteers appointed by the mayor and City Council, supports the city agency.

*New* Local Spanish-Language News Online

This post is contributed by Intern Melissa Duque.

The Northwest now has a daily Spanish news website
… and I couldn’t be more excited.

I moved to the Northwest about a year ago, and over this past year I have been having trouble with my Spanish. I left a predominately Spanish-speaking community in Los Angeles to move to the Seattle area, where I have slowly begun to meet other Latinos.

My biggest issue hasn’t been speaking the language (a quick phone call to a friend or ordering in Spanish does the trick); it has been reading and comprehension that have caused me difficulties.

When it comes to getting my daily dose of news I watch local English-language television stations before my commute to get the weather and traffic. I get my national and international news from English-language broadcasts. Occasionally I will watch the local Spanish news station, Univisión, for international news but not for local.

I did try to read El Nuevo Herald from Miami for a couple of months, and although the celebrity news was great, the news stories weren’t relevant to me. Same goes for La Opinión from Los Angeles--lots of great information but not the stories I needed.

I am not like many of the local Latinos who go to small carnicerías (or "marquetas" as they call them) in the area, so I don’t have a chance to pick up “La Raza de Noroeste” but as of today I can go online to find daily Northwest news in Spanish at the publication's brand new site, Nuestro Noroeste.

The site is pretty easy to navigate and so far I like it. On my iPhone, it's a little difficult to navigate (really big photos) but on a desktop that's definitely visually appealing.

In the following weeks we shall see if this website becomes part of my morning ritual. For now, I will give it a chance. Let me know what you think about this new resource for Spanish speakers by leaving a comment.

¡POR FIN! Latino Film Festival in Seattle!

CineSeattle is bringing us our first-ever Seattle International Latino Film Festival, coming up later this month! Block out your calendar September 24-27 so you can see films brought to us from 11 different countries.

This is something various groups in Seattle have longed to do for years and years--and now CineSeattle is doing it! But they could use all of our help:

• Buy a pass - $150 for a four-day pass to all screenings! Great value!
• Volunteer - offer your time and volunteer during the festival!
• Donate - offer your money! Everyone likes cash, and we want to see this festival return next year.
• Spread the word - Tell all your Latinophile friends about this incredible festival. Share it on Facebook and Twitter; email your network.
• See a film - there are four theaters involved in this festival, and lots of variety among the screenings.

Check out this clip from local Spanish-language TV show Actitud Latina (which though is in Spanish, features several interviews in English).

For more details on the festival, visit the CineSeattle site.

Snacking Habits Among (Some) Latinos

CRUNCH, CRUNCH, CRUNCH ...

I just came across an interesting post that shared that Latinos snack differently than the general market.

My takeaways from this Mintel study were that 1) Latinos tend to reward their kids with salty snacks moreso than general market families, and 2) Latino adults tend to eat fewer snacks than general market adults.

But the most important line in the article was how Latinos don't necessary snack alike--and that as marketers we must subsegment to really learn our target's snacking practices.

Take a read.

Juanes en Cuba: Are you for it—or against it?

This is a post written by Intern Melissa Duque.

Grammy-winning Colombian rocker Juanes is set to perform on September 20th in Cuba for his Paz Sin Fronteras (Peace without Borders) concert.

The event has fueled both outrage and support from the Latino community.

Juanes has received death threats posted to his Twitter account, and yet his tweets are all about promoting peace and support for the event.

All this controversy about whether Juanes should perform in Cuba has me confused. I have read editorials for and against the concert and I have read articles about those who support and who are against it. I have listened to all the Cuban artists and as well as Latin artists who are for and against the performance.

I am still undecided.

Whether the event will bring about positive opportunities or not remains to be seen. All I know is that Juanes is a fantastic musician and I know whenever I listen to his lyrics I am always moved.
Read an article in Spanish from the Miami Herald about those who support the concert. The article talks about the positive message the concert will bring about and talks about the controversy the Pope had when he visited Cuba and how in the end it was a beneficial trip.

For an article in English from NBC Miami about the critics of the concert click here. In the article, critics are quoted as saying that the concert is a “pandering gesture to the Cuban government.”

Some quick disclaimers:

• I am not Cuban.
• I do not live in Miami
• I do not support Castro.
• I do love the music Juanes makes.
• I was listening to Para Tu Amor by Juanes while writing this.

Cultural Events from Centro Cultural Hispanic Americano

Here's the raw list from our friends at Centro Cultural Hispano Americano - so much to do around here!

Night with Esther Marion, Rafael Vargas and Savannah Fuentes Every Thursday at Bilbao Restaurant and tapas bar from 8pm-10pm. No cover. 4500 9th Ave NESeattle, WA 98105-4737(206) 547-5034
====================================================================Arturo SandovalJune 25 – 28FROM: The Pacific Jazz Institute at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley2033 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98121RE: Performance at Dimitriou’s Jazz AlleyCOST: 28.50
====================================================================Carlos Ruiz ZafónFriday, June 26Come hear master storyteller Carlos Ruiz Zafón, author of the international phenomenon The Shadow of the Wind, read from his latest novel, The Angel's Game at 7 p.m.In the Microsoft Auditorium at the Central Library in SeattleEl Juego del Angel has been captivating readers.Now, thanks to Lucia Graves' translation, The Angel's Game (Doubleday) at last goes into English language readers' hands, as well. To learn more...View "The Angel's Game" in the catalog...
====================================================================Alma Villegas Quartet Friday, June 26, 2009 & Friday, July 10Join the Alma Villegas Quartet at the Cliff House. Built in 1925 and now under new ownership. This beautiful location offers great food, drinks and the most spectacular view of Mt Rainier and Tacoma across the water. Very Special Guest: Chris Blacker on Piano!Cliff House 6300 Marine View DrTacoma, WA 984228pm-11pm(253) 927-0400www.cliffhouserestaurant.com ====================================================================Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28, 2009 Flamenco Arts Northwest presents "Fiesta del Verano". La Peña Flamenca de Seattle, under the direction of Rubina Carmona, presents a two night concert series at the Ethnic Cultural Theatre, 3940 Brooklyn Ave. N.E. in Seattle, WA. La Peña comprises seventeen outstanding singers, dancers and musicians; emerging professionals in the Seattle flamenco community and advanced students of Rubina and Marcos Carmona. La Peña will feature an evening of flamenco music and dance, including several new works of choreography: Guajiras, Soleares, Livianas and Farruca. Showtimes are 8:00 p.m. each night. Free parking is available in the lot next to the theater.Tickets are $20 general admission; $15 for students and seniors, and can be obtained from Brown PaperTickets (www.brownpapertickets.com <http://www.brownpapertickets.com/>
====================================================================Eduardo Mendonça & Show BrazilInternational Friendship Festival Saturday, June 27 12:00pm – 12:45pm
Where 8511 38th Ave SW - Lakewood, WA (map)Description Brazilian Music with Eduardo Mendonça. Guest artist: Dora Oliveira (Dance).SeaTac International FestivalWhen Sat, June 27, 5pm – 6pmWhere 9408 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA (map)Description International Festival at Angle Lake Park in SeaTac. Eduardo Mendonça & Show Brazil! Brazilian Music. Featuring: Eduardo Mendonça (Guitar/Vocal and Percussion); David Pascal (Bass); Josh Wilson (Keyboard); Kohen Burrill (Drums and Back Vocals); and Nelson Bell (Trombone).
====================================================================House of TarabTraditional Arabic Music6.27.09 - 9pm-12:30amCasablanca Restaurant 113 Virgina StSeattle Wa 98101Live music and belly dancing with H.O.T Delilah and Laura RoseLot's of open dance! 21 and up$15 at the door - Full Bar- Full menu til close SA: RUMBEGGAE
====================================================================Correo Aereo,Sunday June 28th, - 2pm EVERETT WATERFRONT CONCERT At: City of Everett Waterfront Port Gardner Landing: 1700 W. Marine View Drive, Everett, WA. 98201Bring a blanket and a picinic!Monday, June 29th, - 6:30pmVASHON ISLAND CONCERT ON THE VILLAGE GREEN: On Vashon Hwy right before town (a Zing Go The Strings Concert Series, produced by Town Hall Seattle)====================================================================CINNAMON GIRL- AN EVENING OF ORIGINAL SONG W/ VICCI MARTINEZ, GABY MORENO & CELIA CHAVEZ Sunday, June 28 Genres: ACOUSTIC ROCK , SINGER-SONGWRITER , SOUL7:30 PM (All ages)$12 adv/ $15 dayTriple Door216 Union StreetSeattle, WA 98101Tickets 206.838.4333
==================================================================== NDSUNDAY NIGHT SALSA: RUMBEGGAESunday, June 28Genres: SALSAReturning FavoriteNo Cover9:00 PM (21+)Triple Door216 Union StreetSeattle, WA 98101Tickets 206.838.4333AL
====================================================================On Monday, June 29th 2009 at 7:00 p.m., Centro Cultural Hispano Americano is having an organizational meeting for the participation of the Hispanic/Latin American countries in the Torchlight Parade, which will take place on Saturday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. in SeattleIf you have a folkloric costume from your country and would like to be part of this effort, please come to Renton Community Center: 1715 SE Maple Valley Highway, Renton, WA 98057-3900 (Tel: 425-430-6700).You may also forward this message to people you know who may be interested.If you are part of a national organization (Chile, Peru, Nicaragua, etc.), please inform your organization the importance of your participation in the parade.Each participant:1. If you don’t have a folkloric costume, men can wear: black pants, white long sleeve shirt, handkerchiefs with the colors of the flag of the country representing, black comfortable shoes, straw hat (optional); women can wear: black skirt, white long sleeve blouse, handkerchiefs with the colors of the flag of the country representing, black comfortable shoes, straw hat (optional)2. Attend at least organizational meeting;3. Pay a $5.00 fee registrationNext meeting: Saturdays July 11 and 18 at Seaward Park in Seattle ====================================================================Latin Jazz Trio with Carlos Cascante Tuesday, June 30, 2009- 9:30 PMCellars Restaurant and Lounge2132 First Ave., Seattle, WA 98121
====================================================================CallejónEvery Thursday-Sunday at 7:30pm$6 child/$12 adult Callejón, an original bilingual musical with Teatro Del Milenio of Peru.Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center 104 17th Ave. S, Seattle 98144 (17th & Yesler) (206) 684-4710www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/13777 <http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/13777> ====================================================================Miho and Diego Duo July, 5 2009 02:00 PM - Tanabata Event Quenas, marimbas. A fusion of Latin American music with International rhythms1502 Lake Washington Blvd, Seattle, Washington 98144 - Adults 18-64: $5
====================================================================Eduardo Mendonça & Show Brazil2009 "Spirit of Liberty Award"Saturday, July 4 -12:00pm – 1pmWhere Seattle Center - Seattle, WA (map)DescriptionEduardo Mendonça will be receiving the 2009 "Spirit of Liberty Award". On Saturday, July 4th, the Ethnic Heritage Council honors the naturalized citizen Eduardo Mendonça who has made outstanding contribution to his adopted country, the U.S.A., while maintaining his ethnic heritage. Congressman Jim McDermott will present the 2009 “Spirit of Liberty Award” to Mendonça of the Brazilian community. Eduardo Mendonça is the first Brazilian and South American representative to receive this award. The 2009 “Spirit of Liberty Award” will occur during the 25th Annual Naturalization Ceremony at Seattle Center, from 12 noon to 1 pm, with a concert of festive selections beginning at 11 am by William Blayney and the Greenwood Concert Band. Over 500 people, from more than 75 countries, will be sworn in by a U.S. District Court Judge, as new citizens of the United States of America. Cultural SundaysWhen Sun, July 5, 1pm – 2pmWhere The Children's Museum - 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109 (map)Description Eduardo Mendonça will be introducing museum visitors of all ages to the culture and customs from Brazil by presenting Brazilian songs and rhythms.Third Place BooksWhen Fri, July 10, 7:30pm – 9:45pmWhere 17171 Bothell Way NE - Lake Forest Park, WA 98155 (map)Description Third Place Books is a general interest bookstore with over 200,000 New, Used, and Bargain Books. Eduardo Mendonça will be perfroming original tunes, Bossa-Nova, MPB (Brazilian Popular Music), and meny other Brazilian music styles. David Pascal on Bass, and Kohen Burrill on drums.
====================================================================Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 7:30pmSeattle Theatre Group (STG) presents 11th Annual DANCE This performance -A cross-cultural collaboration of professional artists and young dancersProgram includes step, modern, acrobatics and traditional dance from Mexico, Africa, the Middle East and Asia featuring over 120 performersThe Mexican groups in the program are: Joyas Mestizas, Mariachi Quinto Sol, Zangoloteo At The Paramount Theatr: 911 Pine Street, Seattle. Tickets are $23.00 in advance (not including fees) and are available online at www.stgpresents.org, by phone at (877)STG-4TIX or (877)784-4849
====================================================================House of TarabTraditional Arabic Music7.11.09 2:15pm - 3:15pmH.O.T Performs with DelilahMercer Island Summer Celebration! Festival Windermere Entertainment StageMercerdale Park - 3249 78th ave SE, Mercer Island Wa 98040
====================================================================AY Salsa in the City with Orchestra ZarabandaFriday, July 17, 2009 at 7:30 PMSeattle Symphony is throwing a party ˜ and you're invited! Dance the night away to the sounds of hot Cuban salsa with Orchestra Zarabanda and experience Benaroya Hall's stunning Grand Lobby in a whole new way.This event is held in Benaroya Hall's Grand Lobby, NOT the Recital Hall. Tickets are general admission.TICKETS: $10 in advance / $12 at the door This event is held in Benaroya Hall's Grand LobbyPurchase online at www.seattlesymphony.org
====================================================================Miami Nights Every FRIDAY night at Rock Salt Café 1232 Westlake Ave. N. - Seattle, WA 98109 - 206-284-1047 In one room we offer the Northwest's hottest mix ofSalsa, Merengue, & Bachata Mixed by DJ MannyIn our second room dance to the latest and classic chart topping music hits in Reggaeton & Top 40 Mixed by DJ Mauro
==================================================================== THIS CALENDAR IS A COPYRIGHT OF CENTRO CULTURAL HISPANO AMERICANO, A 501(c)(3). PLEASE GIVE PROPER CREDITThis is protected by copyright and trademark laws Under US and International law. All rights reserved.© 2000-2009 CCHA

Help For the Urban Poor in Bogotá Has Local Connection

Have you heard of the Mary J. McCormick Foundation?

I hadn't, but we've been working with Carol McCormick at Columbia Valley Community Health in Wenatchee, and she mentioned this organization, which supports basic need programs providing services to the urban poor in Bogotá, Colombia.

What's her connection? Her own mother founded it.

Here's an excerpt of Mary McCormick's story, straight from the nonprofit organization's website:

In 1968, at 56 years of age, a native Wisconsinite and widow, Mary McCormick, traveled to Bogotá, Colombia to work as a Papal volunteer among the urban poor of that city. She was guided by the principles of the beatitudes. Her mission was to last one year. A one-year commitment became twenty-six dedicated and life-affirming years. Mary's life was touched and changed by her work as she touched and changed the lives of thousands of others.

Through Mary's hard work and the dedication of many volunteers, barrios with no infrastructure have been transformed into communities with water, electricity and paved streets. An association of volunteers was formed and began offering building loans, teaching nutrition, visiting the sick and the incarcerated. In 1972 Mary started hydroponics gardening and a milk program for pregnant or lactating mothers and children up to the age of three. This program, still in existence, began two years before the Women, Infant and Child (WIC) program began in the United States.

We urge everyone who has ties to Colombia or to South America--and everyone who realizes what fortune they have to live in the United States where access to basic services is just assumed--to consider donating their time and other resources to this nonprofit that is doing so much to continually help elevate the Bogotá community.

Learn more about this fantastic organization at the official site.

FREE: Early Literacy Parties in Spanish

For Hispanic parents and caregivers of preschool-aged children:
Now through King County Library System Foundation, they're offering series of eight weekly workshops for Spanish-speaking families. Learn how to prepare children for Kindergarten. This program is FREE and conducted entirely in Spanish.

It's offered at various locations:

• Burien Library
• Boulevard Park Library
• Federal Way 320th Library
• Richmond Beach Library
• Bellevue Regional Library
• Covington Library

If you'd like me to send you a bilingual PDF with all the details, please email me at lauri@conexion-marketing.com and I'll get it out to you!

Spread the word!

The Running of the Bulls ... in Seattle?

Ever been to Txori? It's a cute little tapas bar in Belltown owned by the same people who brought you the famous Harvest Vine basque restaurant in Madison Valley. It's really authentic, and the food is amazing.

You've probably heard of the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. Every day Spaniards throughout the rest of the country turn on their televisions to see who's going to make it through the winding streets without falling or getting going gored before entering the plaza, the finish line. I remember watching that each morning and the thrill of it all. Never saw it live, though. Here's our chance!

Txori is back with their Seattle version of the Running of the Bulls event, and it's a hoot! I'm copying and pasting their announcement below. If you go, please comment and tell us about your experience!

The Running of the Bulls

returns to Seattle . . .
The Festival of San Fermin is a time-honored tradition in the Basque country. You can be part of the celebration by joining us for the 2nd Annual Festival of San Fermin at Txori, July 6 through the 14th.

No San Fermin Festival would be complete without the adrenaline rush of Running with the Bulls. Join us Tuesday, July 7th at 8:00pm, and be part of our very own encierro , where human-powered “bulls” will chase participants through the alleyways of Belltown. A $20 entry fee guarantees you a spot in the Run as well as a souvenir t-shirt (with the above design). Those who arrive early will have a chance to vote on their favorite bull. We ask that you wear your best Running of the Bulls outfit (white pants, a red cap or scarf, maybe even a red sash around the waist), put on your new t-shirt, and get ready to run…

Joining us in our run, each with a bull of their own creation will be Tom Douglas Restaurants, Olivar, La Taverna del Alabardero, Seattle Food Tours, The Harvest Vine and BLA Architects.
Last year’s event was a big success, but with more bulls and more thrill seekers like yourself, this year will surely bring more laughs and excitement. If that isn’t reason enough, all the proceeds from the event will benefit the Puget Sound Blood Bank.

Call or stop by to sign up: 206-204-9771

Click here to see images of last year's fiesta. Or here to find out more about San Fermin in Pamplona, Spain.

Txoko Dinner
If Running with the Bulls isn’t for you, we are offering additional events to help Seattle celebrate

the Festival of San Fermin.

On the eve of the Run, Carolin will be hosting a Txoko Communal Dinner Monday, July 6th at 6:30pm. This special four-course dinner will be served at communal dining tables, offering guests the opportunity to experience Basque dining in a fun, familial setting. The dinner is $45 per person plus beverages, tax and gratuity. This dinner sold out quickly last year. Reservations are recommended.

Pintxo Recipe Competition
On Wednesday, July 8th through Friday, July 11th the festivities continue with the 2nd Annual Pintxo Recipe Competition. Submit your favorite pintxo recipe to the kitchen at Txori by July 1st. Come in on the 8th through the 11th to try the three finalists and vote for your favorite. The winner will be announced on Saturday, July 12th at 8:00pm . The winner will receive a basket of prizes as well as be immortalized by a plaque on our pintxo bar.

Email your recipes to info@txoribar.com or mail to 2207 2nd Ave, Seattle, 98121.

Gestures Are Not Universal!

So something just occurred to me.

The other day I was at my favorite coffeehouse (Bauhaus on East Pine and Melrose) where they know my name, my coffee drink (short americano with the less-hot water and room), my boyfriend's coffee drink, where I live, etcetera.

I was standing in line when the barista saw me in line without my boyfriend, and asked, "The regular?" I nodded and held up two fingers. She questioned it but I again nodded.

They served me TWO short americanos. I was baffled, because I thought I had clearly ordered both my coffee drink and my boyfriend's.

I had been thinking and gesturing in Spanish, when "los dos" ("the two," literally) means "both." Instead what I had done by holding up two fingers to non-Latinos was say "Yes, my regular, TWO of them." At the time, I was baffled that they didn't automatically get what I meant.

It just now dawned on me that I had been thinking in Spanish and communicating to non-Latinos, so the message encoding-decoding process was all wrong.

Who's your audience? If you don't know your audience, don't assume your message will be understood the way you mean it.

ARTE PROFUNDO FLAMENCO

¡Olé!

One Night Only - Guitarist Rafael Vargas and Dancer Esther Marion are proud to bring Special Guest Singer Jesus Montoya from Sevilla (ahhh, Sevilla) to Seattle in a beautiful Flamenco Show! They will be joined by Guitarist Mark Ferguson and Dancer Savannah Fuentes.

WHEN: June 12th, 8pm

WHERE: Columbia City Theater, 4916 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle

Tickets: $20 at Brown Paper Tickets.

For more information, see the Arte Profundo Flamenco blog.

This event is sponsored by Centro Cultural Hispano Americano.

June 27 - Kent International Festival

Did you know about this event?

Here's info from the Kent Reporter:

The Kent International Festival is a celebration of the cultural diversity
represented in the community and its residents. With over 120 languages spoken in the Kent School District, the Puget Sound area is a top choice for new immigrants. In response to this local growth, Kent4Health, a group of residents and businesses that encourage healthy choices for physical, mental, spiritual and environmental wellness, is organizing this event to showcase the region’s talent. The Festival will incorporate ethnic dance, musical performances, spectacular native attire, arts and crafts booths and delicious authentic cuisine.

The event will take place at the Kent Town Square Plaza. For details on the event, see the Kent International Festival site.

Also, the Kent Reporter is creating an event insert for its weekly publication that will also be handed out at the festival. If you'd like to advertise, contact Carol Bower at 253-872-6681 or email cbower@kentreporter.com.

Devil's Dance Parade - FREE - May 29th

Photo courtesy of Latino Cultural magazine

Get set for a free cultural event in the heart of White Center!

It's the Devil's Dance Parade!

WHEN: Friday, May 29, 6pm

WHERE: The parade begins at El Paisano, on the corner of 15th Ave. SW and Roxbury, proceeds to La Fondita at SW 98th St., and then to Full Tilt Ice Cream at 9629 16th Avenue SW then to the Triangle at Roxbury/16th Ave. SW/Delridge and then from there to Cafe Rozella for a Muscial Performance. (Check out more on Cafe Rozella at this blog.)



Check out the local press and more details on the origins of the event and music you'll experience!

At Seattle U - Reading by Norma Cantú

Public Reading by Norma Cantú of the University of Texas at San Antonio

WHEN: Wednesday, May 20, 7pm
WHERE: Seattle University School of Law, 2nd Floor Gallery

All are welcome to a talk and reading, given by Norma Cantú of University of Texas at San Antonio. Cantú’s teaching and research interests include Chicano/a literature, U.S. Latina/o literature, creative writing, border studies, women’s studies, and folklore. The 2007-09 Wismer Professor, Gabriella Gutiérrez y Muhs of the Department of Modern Languages and Women's Studies extends this invitation to all to join us at this event to honor this renowned Chicana author.

Super-Calendar from Centro Cultural Hispano Americano

¡Hola! Below is the calendar straight from Centro Cultural Hispano Americano - you may be interested in some of our community's many cultural goings-on! Take a look!

Marcio Diaz Art Exhibit
PUBLIC RECEPTION - FIRST THURSDAY, MAY 7TH 6-8PM
Benham Gallery will host patrons of The 5th Avenue (Marcio Diaz incorporates this neoimpressionist approach with a Latino palette in his most recent works ==============

Cuban Virtuoso Hilario Duran in concert, together with the Duran/Schloss/Mitri Trio and Charanga DanzonFriday, May 8, 2009 at 8 p.m.Town Hall Seattle (8th and Seneca)All ages welcome. Advance tickets $10-28 (group discounts available). Tickets at the door will be an additional $5 per ticket.Tickets and details at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/60293
A rare opportunity to see Cuban virtuoso Hilario Duran in concert with the Duran/Schloss/Mitri Trio and Seattle's own Cuban music ensemble Charanga Danzon at Town Hall Seattle.

Savannah Fuentes brings you Flamenco de Noche this Saturday, May 9
One night only at the Rendezvous Jewelbox Theatre 2322 2nd ave 98121
Guitarist Mark Ferguson and singer/dancer Stepahanie Pedraza will be making their first public appearance in Seattle.They will be joined by Esther Marion, Rafael Vargas, and Savannah Fuentes

ART EXHIBIT OFFERINGS By Blanca Santander May 17 -July 5, 2009
Artist Reception: Thursday, May 28, 2009 - 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.At C Art Gallery: 855 Hiawatha Place, Seattle, WASponsored by Centro Cultural Hispano Americano

Eduardo Mendonça and Show Brazil Sunday, May 24 - 8:45pm
Northwest Folklife FestivalSun, May 24, 8:45pm – 9:15pmSeattle Center - Seattle, WABrazil Show at the Mural Amphitheater Eduardo Mendonça & Show Brazil! Brazilian Music and Dance

Trio da Paz May 28-30, 2009
$24.50
The Pacific Jazz Institute and Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley presents Brazilian jazz with Trio da Paz, for three nights. Band members are Romero Lubambo (guitar), Nilson Matta (bass), Duduka Da Fonseca (percussionist/drummer). Set times Thursday – Saturday at 7:30pm and 9:30pm. Doors open at 6pm on Thursday and 5:30pm on Saturday.Featuring three of Brazil’s most in-demand musicians, Trio da Paz updates the infectious spirit of jazz-oriented Brazilian music.

On Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009 at 7:00 p.m., Centro Cultural Hispano Americano is having an organizational meeting for the participation of the Hispanic/Latin American countries in the Torchlight Parade, which will take place on Saturday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m. in SeattleIf you have a folkloric costume from your country and would like to be part of this effort, please come to Seamar Clinic, located at 1040 S. Henderson, Seattle, WA 98108.
Next meetings: Tuesdays June 2nd, 16, 30 at 7:00 p.m. At Sea Mar Clinic; and Saturdays July 11 and 14 at Seaward Park in Seattle.

Join WESITO & FRIENDS in Concert Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 2:00pm
Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall, Benaroya Hall Downtown Seattle at Third and Union
Wesito & Friends brings to life the essence of the Golden Age of Latin music by great artists such as Los Panchos, Carlos Gardel, Celia Cruz, Lucho Bermudez, Compay Segundo and more!WESITO & FRIENDS
Wesley Dyring, viola, violin & director; Jeannie Wells Yablonsky, violin; Kevin Krentz, cello; Zartouhi Dambourian-Eby, flute & piccolo; Joe Kaufman, bass; Peter Caruso, requinto & guitars; Michael Nicolella, guitar; Fred Hoadley, piano & tres; Alexander Dyring, tiple colombiano & percussion; Diego Coy, quena & percussion; Pedro Vargas & Ricardo Guity, percussionTickets starting at $19.Purchase online at www.seattlesymphony.org <http://www.seattlesymphony.org/symphony/buy/single/production.aspx?id=7487&src=t&dateid=7487> or by calling (206) 215-4747.

ARTE PROFUNDO FLAMENCOFRIDAY JUNE 12th, 8pmTickets: $ 20 at www.brownpapertickets.comhttp:/arteprofundoflamenco.blogspot.com
Special guest from SEVILLA
Singer : JESUS MONTOYA
Dance: ESTHER MARION SAVANNAH FUENTES
Guitar: RAFAEL VARGAS and MARK FERGUSON
At Columbia City Theater: 4916 Rainier Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98118
Sponsored by Centro Cultural Hispano Americano

Eduardo Mendonça and Show BrazilSaturday, June 27 - 5:00pm
SeaTac International Festival
Sat, June 27, 5pm – 6pm9408 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA
International Festival at Angle Lake Park in SeaTac. Eduardo Mendonça & Show Brazil! Brazilian Music. Featuring: Eduardo Mendonça (Guitar/Vocal and Percussion); David Pascal (Bass); Josh Wilson (Keyboard); Kohen Burrill (Drums and Back Vocals); and Nelson Bell (Trombone).

This Calendar is exclusively created by Centro Cultural Hispano Americano, a 501c3 corporation. Please give proper credit. www.centroculturalha.org

Lecture at the UW: The State of Hispanic Literature

Attend a FREE event next week:
The State of Hispanic Literature in the United States with Ronaldo Hinojosa-Smith.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 12, 5:30 - 7:00pm
WHERE: Physics-Astronomy Building Auditorium, 3910 15th Ave NE, on the University of Washington Campus, Seattle

A reception will follow. This is the second lecture in the series in the United States. This event is organized by the Spanish and Portuguese Studies Department at the University of Washington and the Instituto Cervantes.

Girl Scout Latina Twilight Camp - First Time This Summer!

What a neat idea! Read this announcement our friends at Girl Scouts of Western Washington:

Join us during the summer of 2009 for the first Girl Scout Latina Twilight Camp “En busca del Dorado.” We offer a twilight camp where Latina girls and adult volunteers can come together to recognize the diversity of Latin-American cultures and learn about outdoor activities in Girl Scouts. This camp is going to be done mostly in Spanish.

WHO: Elementary School girls
WHEN: July 6-10 from 4-8 pm
WHERE: Redmond, WA Redmond- Woodinville Road (202)
HOW MUCH:$75 per girl. Siblings: the first one pays $30 and the second full price $75
The price includes activities, snacks, insurance, shirt, badge and lots of fun!

Financial Assistance is available through Girl Scouts of Western Washington; applications for financial assistance are due on May 30. (Please request a financial assistance form)

Camp registrations open on April 25 and closes to June 5. All placements will be first come, first serve. Confirmation notices will be e-mailed or mailed upon receipt of registrations. Please contact us to get a registration form.

We are looking for volunteers!!! All volunteers would receive training before camp, and the daughters of FULL TIME volunteers will pay only $30!!.

If you want to request a registration form, to volunteer, to participate, or for further information on the program, please contact the organization's Latina Program Coordinator María Alejandra Gómez at latinacamp@yahoo.com or mariaag@girlscoutsww.org or call 425-614-1126 or 206-399-4612.

Everyone is going to have fun! See website for more!

Take That, Via!

On my walk into work this morning, I passed a taxi cab with a top displaying a Nescafé ad that read something like the following:

We Were Doing Instant
Before a Small Became a Tall

Loved it! Funny, if you think Starbucks is everywhere, you should meet Nescafé. It's global, and it's beloved. Just not in the U.S. it seems.

Even right here in the Seattle area, when asked about top-of-mind coffe brands more of our Latino study respondents mentioned Nescafé first (154 respondents), followed by Starbucks (89) and Folgers (47).