"Las Mujeres de la Caucus Chicana" presented by Voces Primeras

"Chicana Por Mi Raza" Digital Humanities Project - Liberating theCivil Rights Archive in the Digital Age

Linda Garcia Merchant sharing her film as a project of "Women's International History Month", with Ruth Mojica Hammer and Marta Cotera.

DOJ BLOCKS TEXAS VOTER ID BILL!

It is estimated that about 700,000 people in Texas don't have state issued ID cards.  These are mostly Hispanic, elderly, and minorities that don't have one.  These folks are mostly Democrat therefore the Texas Voter ID Bill disenfranchises a lot of Texans.  Texas is the 2nd state that DOJ blocks the voter ID legislation passed by legislature. 

Frontera Bugalu Dance Floor Packed

SXSW 2012: Hudsbeth County Border Check Reminder

SXSW is so under way. Hope that the Texas AFL-CIO union reminded traveling musicians, artists, movie industry that Snoop Dog and Willie Nelson are among the 'Stoner" Hall of Famers busted with P-O-T!

“Los Mas Chidos de la Frontera” hit SXSW Film Fest! Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Frontera Bugalu!

"Los Chidos" Film Premier with Musical Guests "Frontera Bugalu"

El Paso will showcase a group of “frontereňos” this weekend, when film director Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, holds the SXSW world premiere of “LOS CHIDOS” at the Paramount Theater, on Sunday March 11^th, 1:45-3:19 pm.  The official World Premiere “After Party” (Fiesta) will be held that evening at Sol y La Luna (600 E. 6^th Street) starting at 8pm where El Paso’s “FRONTERA BUGALU” will showcase their incredibly unique “border bugalu” sound.  Bring your dancing shoes!  This band will get the entire house rocking to the old sounds of rumbia, cumbia, ballads, and “bugalu”. And if you aren't in Austin, but know someone who is, tell them about this free El Paso showcase!

Mars Volta guitarist Omar Rodriguez Lopez of El Paso, debuts his satirical dark comedy in a narrative feature competition. "Los Chidos" his 5^th film, is set in a nameless (but familiar) roadside tire repair shop. The film has already been listed by IFC Films Jordan Hoffman, as one of the top 20 movies to see, and the Criterion Collection, has listed it in the top 10 movies to see during the world renowned pop culture film, music, and interactive festival. Hoffman says of Rodriguez-Lopez  “you may know him better as one of the two mad geniuses behind the psychedelic jam/doom-rock band The Mars Volta”.

Joshua Brunsting for Criterion Collection says of the film, “the premise is described as looking into the family’s “beautiful Latino traditions of misogyny and homophobia,” so the social satire/discussion should be absolutely brimming here”.  To have been listed by IFC Film and Criterion Collection’s as a “movie to see” is a big “sombrero off” to Omar Rodriguez-Lopez.

The “Playlist” review by Katie Walsh on blogs.indiewire.com states “the film was shot with a micro-budget and micro-crew in a Guadalajaran whorehouse and we've heard it bears a bit of an early John Waters-esque edge.”  (El Paso Times, maybe you can give Zahira Torres a creative assignment - this is big for El Pasoans to be honored like this). 

What I have learned from working on this movie "after party", is the brotherhood between Rodriguez-Lopez and Frontera Bugalu bassist Ramon Villa-Hernandez. The band’s next CD will be produced by Rodriguez-Lopez and his inclusion of the band in his movie premier, demonstrates the successful border hand of one brother pulling the other brothers (and sister) UP the creative ladder! Bien CHIDO! Looking forward to seeing the movie!

FRONTERA BUGALU  

At the request of Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, Frontera Bugalu will be the featured musical group to perform at the official World Premiere film “after party”.  The “fiesta” will be at Sol y La Luna restaurant, owned by the amazing Nilda De La Llata, who will also be hosting the “Launch Party for Viva Latino” later in the week (with special performance by Patricia Vonne – sister of filmmaker Robert Rodriguez).  If you are in Austin, you just gotta be there to grasp all the energy this band produces.  You will find yourself toe tapping, hips swaying from left to right in a rumbia motion, then “cha, cha, cha”  and before you know it you are “boogaloo dancing” the night away!! You won’t regret going!

Frontera Bugalu will be doing the “making the band” musicians circuit (a “frontera Diddy” version) driving from El Paso to perform Friday night in Marfa, Texas playing at “Padres Marfa”  starting at 9 pm, then driving to San Antonio on Saturday for a four band “Boneshakers Baile” with “Los De Esta Noche”, “Jinete”, “Minimal” and “FRONTERA BUGALU”, then heading to Austin for a nap and then to support the film premier of fellow hermano Paseno Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, before heading out to their own showcase at Sol y La Luna starting at 8 pm to midnight (and then an after party ”menudo” in an undisclosed place on the Eastside wink, wink).

This is not the first time Frontera Bugalu plays in Austin.  They found themselves a gig off SXSW 2011 Music festival playing in the East Side of town, the neighborhood known as the Barrio of Austin. But much like when the “Punks” crossed over “Los Lobos from East LA” to the other side of the tracks, “Frontera Bugalu” will be crossing IH-35 and playing on the West Side of 6^th Street this year!

Their musical influences draw from “todo frontera” including the pioneers of Latino music in Texas: Fito Olivares, Flaco Jimenez, Rigo Tovar, Selena, Freddy Fender, Don Tostis, Esteban Jordan, Narciso Martinez, Sunny and the Sunliners, Lydia Mendoza, y otros.

Frontera Bugalu forming in 2009, consists of a group of talented and dedicated border musicians: Kiko Rodriguez Accordionist/vocals - Grisel Rodriguez Vocals- Fabio López Percussion - Mykoy Nelson Drums - Joel Osvaldo Piano - Adrian Perez Harp - Ramón Villa Bass.

Kiko Rodriguez, a dedicated musician and social justice activist fronts the band mastering the accordion and song writing, vocalist Grisel Rodriguez brings great vocals and incredible stage presence “boogaloo sassy”, harpest Adrian Perez is going to knock people over and the rest of the band deserve your attendance and attention!

Dr. Roberto Avant-Mier, University of Texas–El Paso provided this review of their self-titled CD:   “Frontera Bugalú stands to redefine El Paso’s music… and why not Ciudad Juárez and elsewhere? As music fans know, music doesn’t respect borders very much. “Bugalú,” or Boogaloo in English, is a reference to a late 1960s/early 1970s music scene in New York City in which Puerto Ricans, Cubans and other Latinos blended Latin music (cha cha chá, mambo and son specifically) with mainstream R&B, soul music, and even a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll. And although “Bugalú” has virtually disappeared as a music style, Frontera Bugalú declares what their music is, where it comes from, and that they’re very much in tune with music history.

Listen to Frontera Bugalú and you’ll hear a generation that was raised on rock music and rock en español, but who were also listening to the Latin music of their parents and grandparents. When I listen to it, I imagine young people from El Paso (Kiko Rodríguez, Louie Sarellano, Ramón Villa-Hernández, Jesús Güereca, Mykol Nelson, Joel Osvaldo) and New Mexico (Amalia “Te” Castro) who were rocking out with their friends and cousins back in the day, but who were also probably singing and dancing to cumbias and Mexican music at their family parties – you know, the ones where Span-glish is everywhere, that have beer at kids’ birthday parties to go with the huge brinca brinca in the yard, and where tíos and tías end up dancing until late. Yes, that kind of party!”  http://www.fronterabugalu.com/Discos.html

And it’s going to be that kind of party!!

Celebramos "Los Mas Chidos de la Frontera” en Austin!  

Omar Rodriguez-Lopez y FRONTERA BUGALU! 

(DJ (B-DFX) from El Chuco will be on hand to spin classic Latin music from Mexico and Latin America before and after their sets.)

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http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_7951310

Can Marisa Marquez Make it Back to the Texas House? The Big "D" Question in the new "Yellow Dog District"

Dilemma: District 77, Democrats, Dean of Latinos in US legislatures. 

I saw the photos of Candidate for State Representative District 77 Aaron Barraza’s fundraiser last night and immediately received a text message about what was I going to do in the event that Former State Representative Joe Moody (District 78 now in District 77) enters the race.  I responded with a simple answer “when it happens…if it happens…we shall see!”


The “dilemma” in the Texas House race for District 77 just got more complicated.  I have been trying to be reflective and satirical in my blog writings to date, not repeat the same-ole-same ole, that other people in town write about in politics. To date I have based my analysis on data, personal opinion and not just because certain individuals are known political enemies.  In fact, I poked fun at County Judge Veronica Escobar and the faction she leads, and named them “The Veronicuns” for the cunning and deceptive political maneuvers that they have mastered while in office.  I am humored when I see the name pop over the internet all over the place….if the shoe fits wear it sista…just saying, and I put antlers on her head, to demonstrate how non-Democratic she really is and how she will make policy decisions based on what is best for her political faction, instead of what is best for the community and DEMOCRATS.  (They are a bunch of political bullies).


And so, the District Court has produced maps, opened filing dates, and thrown El Paso citizens around like a dust rag after a dust storm (and you know how dusty our houses get after our famous desert dust storms).  The Lower Valley, where El Paso’s original District seat was established was ripped from Congressional District 23 and awarded to a San Antonio congressman (will write more about this later).  And somewhat miraculously, Joe Moody’s residence now is located in Rep. Marisa’s Marquez district (really was it “miraculously“).  


DEMOCRATIC DISTRICT HISTORY
District 77 is a historic, Democratic district that was historically represented by former State Representative Paul Moreno.  He served for over 40 years as the representative of the Democratic District, and became the Dean of Latinos not only in Texas politics, serving the longest time in the Texas legislature, but also in US politics.  As I have stated in the past, I was involved in the race to crown the “Monstro” Marisa Marquez to replace the historical King and Kingmaker Paul Moreno (“Monstro” is a nickname she has earned in various circles mentioned by former staffers, Democratic wonks, political observers in Austin and El Paso, and yes me of course, because of her behavior).  I have also stated in a past blog, that I had the opportunity to apologize to Paul and believe that the issue is resolved between us (maybe not his family). I know he knows my words were sincere (and I paid the price too).  


I understood finally the significance of Paul Moreno sitting among the giants in Texas Latino politics.  Among his former deskmate and our colleague State Rep. Irma Rangel, among former Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez…among the giants.  And although, he did not have a stellar legislative record for filing and passing legislation, he had historic landmark floor speeches that he gave on the most controversial issues to face the legislature, and he was known to vote purely based on his Democratic conscience, never willing to cut a deal for the community or anyone, but stay truly focused on Democratic values.  He has his political shortcomings, his failures as a leader (as we all do), but he also should have had the right to exit as he wanted too.  And he didn’t. "Monstro" nor anyone in El Paso will take his place in US Latino politics as far as tenure, nor first of the firsts!


Paul Moreno, the legendary Paul Moreno, was just a boy from the Barrio, became a veteran after doing what that generation all did, go to war and defend our country with a bunch of homies from the barrio.  Back then they called themselves “vatos” or “carnal” and they watched each others back.  As they returned and resumed to find a place in their hometown, some went to college on GI bill, others moved away, started businesses, became plumbers electricians etc., Paul went into politics and was confined to a wheel chair after a swimming accident.  With his famed co-political rock star, Alicia Chacon (more on her in another blog), they created the legendary Paul Moreno/Alicia Chacon political era.  


And so “los vatos del Barrio” all watched the rise of just someone “from la Bowie” become a political war hero in POLITICS!  I think because Paul was who he was and he never forgot that, became the reason he was willing to die on the sword for Democratic issues. Paul didn’t just read about racism, he lived it, he didn’t read about the poll tax, he paid it, he didn’t just fight the “White political elite” structure of the era he and Alicia broke into it, they beat "them" at their own game and with “LA RAZA”.  He paid his dues, and there is an entire active voting generation out there not only in his District, but in El Paso, that know Paul Moreno - the Democratic GIANT!


DEE PROBLEM FOR MARISSA
And so the newest member of the “Veronicuns” State Representative Marisa Marquez has a huge problem with Democratic credentials and Democratic identity in a Democratic District, that was represented by the most Democratic State Representative to hold office in the Texas legislature in El Paso (Paul Moreno).  She didn't earn her political stripes, she bought them.  


And observing the local Democratic Party politics, the “Veronicuns” are clearly showing their “wolf in sheep’s clothes” Republican side to a very torn and beat up Democratic Party as a result of the current indictments, corruption scandals, and pending investigations.  There are Democrats in the party who want real Democrats to begin the healing process, not political factions that “run as Democrats” and then take their marching orders from the “mastas” of the community who don’t care about the El Paso Super Minority Majority! US - WE are the 82%!  Latinos, Hispanos, Xicanos, Indigenos, Mexican Americans!!  (Hey OCCUPY EL PASO.....what about us the 82%??)


Add to the complexity of the issue, the most beloved new, young, Democratic “rock star” from El Paso to emerge from Democratic royalty (Joe Moody - son of respected Judge Bill Moody and Maggie Moody) is now in “Monstro’s“ district.  He became the one that all Democratic leaders wanted to mentor, shelter, protect, and encourage.  I was one of those who wanted to make sure he didn’t do any of my mistakes, and always worked and encouraged him as he had the best “Democratic Freshman from El Paso” year any Democratic freshman has ever produced.  (He would later be punished by political factions, for not abandoning me in my race for District 76 by the Shapleighites and Veronicuns who did the minimal they could to save Moody in his race against the Republican Dee Margo, because they themselves are so self serving with their blunt nepotism and cronyism, even though they knew what an outstanding Democrat Moody was and how he had earned so much respect in one session).  


I posted on my blog, a photo that was sent to me of Paul Moreno with Aaron Barraza at a fundraiser at the home of Barraza.  The legend, with the young prodigy.  And most recently received word of the unverified commitment of Paul Moreno to remain not only supportive of Aaron Barraza's candidacy to be the young “Prince” of District 77, but to campaign for him regardless if Moody gets into the race.


Marisa Marquez on the other hand (the “MONSTRO”) has a questionable reputation with capitol and local staffers, sending them on wild "MORNING" goose chases "AFTER" a night on the town (allegedly), talking down to political operatives in Austin, lobbyists, shaking them down regarding their past relationship with me (I’m gone….I’m not relevant…you don’t have to do that “MONSTRO” you are only getting MORE enemies and verifying what everyone else is saying about you and that is you are an out of control MONSTRO).  Add to that, she had no Democratic credentials when she began, in fact Lilly Ruiz and I created them for her, Ruiz even forced her to go do the historic Hillary Clinton UTEP community "meet and greet" with a full stadium because she didn‘t want to go. I remember another time at “Monstros” house, Ruiz blocked the front door and forced her to go to her room and change clothes because she wanted to block walk in less than appropriate clothes for a candidate to the Texas legislature (it was comical then to witness). The truth, is the first week of the early vote, Lilly Ruiz quit and  I made her come back  because as I told her “it was my political capitol”.  It was the biggest mistake of my political career.


And so the Republican funded "Monstro Marquez", who bought her seat to the legislature with her Daddy’s big campaign loan, and then got big bucks and political campaign staff flown in from Austin from the Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR) who then primped, prepped, scripted, and funded the little “monstro” from Notre Dame.  Sad truth, Lilly and I finished the campaign the night of the election and never spoke to Monstro again!!


So, the “Monstro” has two REAL DEMOCRATS possibly running against her.  A young Hispanic UT grad, who went to Cathedral High School Aaron Barraza - the all American young man from El Paso who has the support and endorsement of the stalwart Democratic legend from El Paso Paul Moreno, (Moreno by the way, lost by about the same number of votes that I lost...the ole "what goes around comes around conspiracy theory" :-D).  And then you have the Democratic young, dynamite, beloved Joe Moody with full Democratic credentials, now in “Monstro’s” district.  


So the dilemma is grand.  District 77, the Democratic district, with the Democratic legend supporting the up and coming Aaron Barraza, and the Democratic Joe Moody with all his true Democratic credentials possibly entering the race in District 77 means....  


Means, the most perfect of storms!  Means to me that Marisa "Monstro" Marquez could possibly not even make a run-off.  And a run-off race for District 77 between Barraza and Moody means District 77 is back in true Democratic hands!  

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=MONSTRO

Urban Dictionary 1. "monstro" - large or exceptional.
                               "That bottle is monstro."
                               "Shut up bitch. I got a monstro headache."

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