Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble and See-what Productions announce the World Premiere of Cherríe Moraga’s “Digging Up the Dirt” which opens Friday, July 30 and runs through Sunday, August 29, 2010.

The play contains Cherríe Moraga’s signature fashion in being brave with its Xicana feminist exploration of relationships to each other, our families, our art, and our communities. The play is intended for mature audiences and is not suitable for children. The production’s theatricality contains: strong language, partial nudity, and adult situations. As with any production at Breath of Fire Latina Theater there promises to be moments of unexpected humor and exquisite poetry.

The production is partially funded by a Ford Foundation grant from the National Association of Latino Arts & Culture Fund for the Arts. The Master Artist Grant was awarded to Moraga to formally mentor co-director, Adelina Anthony, and dramaturg, Virginia Grise.

Both artists are also performing the leading roles as “Poet” and “Zanzibar,” respectively.  Virginia Grise is an emerging Chicana playwright, whose play “blu” recently won the 2010 Yale Drama Series Award.

On July 30 there will be an Opening Night Performance and Reception*. Talk-back to follow the performance with playwright & directors. Special Guest Moderator, Dr. Tiffany Lopez. Dr. Lopez is an Associate Professor of the Department of English at the University of California, Riverside, where she teaches courses on Latina/o literature and cultural studies. She is also an Editor of Chicana/Latina Studies journal *Reception hors d’oevrves will be sponsored by www.Bistro400.com ( www.Bistro400.com )

Santa Ana’s Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble continues it tradition to support the work that enriches the lives in the visual and performing arts by creating opportunities and leadership roles for Latinas.

During the month of August the Esteemed Guest Moderators that have been scheduled are …

Saturday, August 14 – Diane Rodriguez

Sunday, August 15 – Dr. Jorge Huerta

Saturday, August 21 – Sharon Bridgforth

Sunday, August 22 – Felicas Montes with Celia Herrera Rodriguez

Friday, August 27 – Laurie Woolery

Show times: Friday’s and Saturday’s at 8pm and Sunday’s at 6pm.

Ticket Prices: $25-$10

Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com (subject to a processing fee)

Tickets at the door, ONLY cash or checks accepted.

Group Rates Available: info@breathoffire.org or 714.600.0129

www.breathoffire.org

Fire & Soul: L.A. Women Unite for 4th annual Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural on Sunday August 1, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ford Theatre in Hollywood. The renowned Northeast Valley Chicano arts and cultural center presents a powerhouse lineup of female performers for its annual benefit. Grammy-nominated vocalist-composer Perla Batalla was encouraged to go solo by artist singer Leonard Cohen, for whom she was a backup singer, to pursue her dream to blend her passion for Latin and North American musical traditions.

National Book Award finalist Wanda Coleman has been called the high priestess of LA poetry. Ceci Bastida combines the “smokiness of Juana Molina and the swaggering edge of Nelly Furtado. Performance artist Kristina Wong is known for delivering her comedy brutally and hilariously. The event will be hosted by Wendy Carrillo the “Knowledge is Power” host of Power 106.

Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural and Bookstore is a dream of community empowerment. Three San Fernando residents–Maria Trinidad Rodriguez, Enrique Sanchez, and Luis J. Rodriguez were able to open the doors to the public in 2001.

Providing access to great books on Xicano history and literature, young adult fiction, as well as indigenous, contemporary and social commentary issues, Spanish-language, and bilingual children’s books. There is also a space for community Open Mic nights, musical performances, theater and performance pieces, author readings and signings, documentaries and feature film presentations , and great dialogue on the pressing issues of the day.

Next door a Café was established as a non-profit wing for Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural a space where the community can dialogue, share ideas, organize, and get skillful in the various communicative and visual arts.

The benefit promises an evening that is as eclectic and vital as the Chicano arts & cultural center because Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore is a place that has been long overdue.

Para más información

http://www.tiachucha.com

http://fordtheatres.org/en/events/details/id/87

Media Arts Center San Diego promotes access to film and video as tools for community self-expression and social change and supports the professional development of media artists. On Sunday, August 1, 2010 at 2 p.m. they are holding a Fundraiser Benefit for SDSU’s Chicana/o Archive Project. The event is being co-sponsored by the Media Arts Center and SDSU Chicana/o Archives Project.

Supporting local filmmakers and honoring San Diego documentary filmmakers Laura Castañeda,  Isaac Artenstein, and Paul Espinosa by showing their historical documentary films. Some of the films will be followed by discussions by the artists themselves.

The organization was founded to challenge the historical exclusion of under-represented communities from the media field, and distorted images of these communities by mainstream media. Media Arts Center San Diego seeks to provide a forum for and promote the diversity of interests of the San Diego Border Region media artists through regular screenings, educational outreach, film distribution, film festivals, production and technical assistance, scholarships and fiscal sponsorships.

Donation at door $20

Sunday, August 1, 2010 at 2 p.m.

Barrio Station

2175 Newton Ave.

http://www.mediaartscenter.org

http://twitter.com/macsd

Iconic Human Rights Activist Dolores Huerta is being honored with a benefit concert “Weaving Movements Together” at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on August 13, 2010, beginning at 5:30pm – Weaving Movements Expo and then 7pm – the Performances.

The Concert will feature legendary special guest Carlos Santana co-hosted by Martin Sheen, Ed Begley Jr., Benjamin Bratt and others, including Special Musical Performances by Rapper-Activist Zack de la Rocha and World Music Singer-Songwriter Lila Downs all to celebrate Dolores Huerta’s 80th Birthday.

Internationally recognized for her role in promoting human rights for women, immigrants, workers and the gay community, Dolores Huerta, President of Dolores Huerta Foundation ( www.doloreshuerta.org ) and Co-founder of United Farm Workers of America, is celebrating her 80th birthday with an inspiring benefit concert to celebrate the victories of the past, address the challenges of the future, and collectively envision a better world.

“Weaving Movements Together,” which will be a live webcast over 25 simultaneous parties nationwide, will utilize social media to connect, inspire, and motivate communities to attain social justice. All of these individuals are coming together to help Dolores Huerta continue promoting unity among various progressive movements and to support her ongoing work throughout communities nationwide.

Para más información

www.doloreshuerta.org

www.facebook.com/doloreshuertafoundation

Mesmerized by the musical heritage of Nicaragua in 1999, guitarist, singer, and songwriter Marcelo Quinonez formed the band Cuchata. Integrating Afro-Latin traditions with modern elements of Rock, Hip-Hop, Dub, Ska and Afro-Beat, to create the hybrid sound that the band is known for.

Cuchata’s newest release is the band’s third CD, entitled “Amor, Cambio, Y La Verdad” we see Marcelo’s composing and writing talents become more focused. The track “ La Verdad” explores the truth of love, and how it’s the one thing that matters always. While the tracks “What am I doing” and “Losing it all” show case not only a smooth departure from the “ Latin” genre, but Marcelo’s seamless ability to jump from Cumbia, to Ska, to Hip-Hop.

Marcelo has poured his heart and soul into this CD. He plays the majority of the instruments on each track, writing and performing parts for bass, guitar, keys and vocals. He’s also invited many talented guests to help in creating this new and transformative sound.

“The truth of the matter is that I am a hybrid. I myself am a product of many cultures and influences. To deny any aspect of that, would be to deny a part of who I am. I swore to honor all my parts in this album, regardless of peoples expectations.” With this CD, Marcelo has elevated Cuchata to genre bending status and made a record that will speak to people universally about the themes of life and love that captivate us all, regardless of language, culture.

Cuchata’s music has been licensed for commercials, television shows, and feature films. Leading to Marcelo taking on new challenges and actively pursuing a career in film and television music as well as lending his talents to produce new artists.

Para más información

http://www.cuchata.com/

With no event too large or too small Yvonne Hernandez and Cynthia Contreras are ready to plan your event “However you’d like”.

Back in 2008 a business was born by partners Yvonne Hernandez and Cynthia Contreras determined to make their dream come true. Vintage Orchid Event Planning is that business reality of today. With a combined experience of over 10 years in coordinating memorable occasions of all types, they can make a vision into reality and can handle everything in where you end up being a guest at your own event!

Being bilingual has helped them plan many events such as quinceañeras, weddings, sweet sixteens, tea parties, birthdays, anniversaries, and other memorable events. They even do their best at reducing the carbon footprint of the event by considering eco-friendly ideas and “green” reusable/recyclable products as much as possible.

Maybe, you think you can’t afford an event planner. Both business women are quick to point out you may be spending more doing it yourself. Professional planers can make the most out your time and provide clever ways to make the most out of any budget.

Para más información

www.VintageOrchid.com

twitter.com/VintageOrchid

facebook.com/VintageOrchid

myspace.com/Vintage.Orchid

VintageOrchidInc.wordpress.com

The contributions to the Orange County Community Foundation’s ReachOut OC initiative has made a difference to thousands of our neighbors in need.

With compassionate and generous support from donors from Orange County and beyond, $655,000 was distributed on June 30, 2010 to 40 local nonprofit organizations providing food, shelter, job skills and mental health and medical care to vulnerable families and children impacted by the economic crisis.

Shelly Hoss President at Orange County Community Foundation wanted to share the impact of the gifts given. Each nonprofit organization receiving a ReachOut OC grant has countless stories about the individuals and families they serve. A ReachOut OC results video features donors and some stories as well as insights on how a program like ReachOut OC can make a difference, thanks to the support of caring people ready to make a difference.

To keep up to date on news related to ReachOut OC or other Orange County Community Foundation programs, we invite you to visit  www.oc-cf.org

Actriz Alice Braga who plays “Isabelle” in the high-octane fanboy film of the summer ‘Predators’ (July 9, 2010) takes on a role usually reserved for men. At first glance this beautiful and talented actress from one of our Latino Films of the Decade – City of God ( Click here for our top four films ) has transformed herself for the role in the Robert Rodriguez (El Marachi, SpyKids) produced film. The 20th Century Fox film has an all-star cast that are a group of elite warrior-types who are being hunted by members of a race of merciless alien trackers called Predators.

Walton Goggins is the loose canon of the group and Oleg Taktarov is a former Russian special ops agent. It also stars regular Robert Rodriguez actor Danny Trejo as a hardened warrior.  Trejo will return to the screen later this year in the gory-action fest “Machete”. Oscar®-winner Adrien Brody becomes the leader a known hunter of men now facing off against one of sci-fi’s titular characters the “Predators”.

Also one of my all time favorite actors Laurence Fishburne is also in Predators. Mr. Fishburne is currently onstage as the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall ‘Thurgood’ at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles until August 8, 2010. ( http://www.geffenplayhouse.com/thurgood )

As for Alice Braga, already fixture of Brazilian cinema, captured Hollywood’s attention  starring opposite Chiwetel Ejiofor in David Mamet’s “Redbelt” for Sony Pictures Classics and Will Smith in the record-breaking film “I Am Legend” which was based on the novel by Richard Matheson.

She also re-teamed with her “City of God” director Fernando Meirelles, co-starring in “Blindness,” a film based on a novel by Nobel Prize winner Jose Saramago. The film tells the story of a doctor’s wife who becomes the only person with the ability to see after an entire town is struck with a mysterious case of sudden blindness.

In “Predators” she is “Isabelle” the lone woman of the chosen group, with IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) knowledge and sniper skills realizing she has been left as prey on a distant planet. Long rifles and kill shots are her signature gifts but a large mistake from her past has haunted her. If she survives she hopes there will be redemption.

Predators is rating a whopping 71% fresh on www.rottentomatoes.com which hopefully means we will be seeing more of Alice Braga in the future.

Para más información

http://www.predators-movie.com/

Alcie Braga web exclusive

http://www.predators-movie.com/main.html#/videos/4

Fan website

http://alice-braga.com/

Summer Skate Camp is running during the months of July and August through the OC Skateboarding School at Volcom Indoor in Costa Mesa. They are offering the Summer Skate Camp, Private Lessons and a Beginners Intro Class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

From beginners, intermediate skateboarders and those ready to move to the next level – OC Skateboarding School is looking to provide a safe and fun environment for all.

OC Skateboarding School is dedicated to making skateboarding a mainstay in the community. Along with local parents and community members their goal is promote the respected attributes of the sport. The end goal is to focus personal achievement, a healthy lifestyle, and environmental stewardship.

Para más información y registracion

Contact Mike Ogas

www.ocskateboardingschool.com

Gracias Armando

Announcing the 5th Annual Belen Project August 2-16, 2010 and the Clowning and Performing tour in Costa Rica September 6-10, 2010 sponsored by Gesundheit! Six years ago, Gesundheit! and Bolaroja clowns, in a meeting with Belen citizens, conceived the Belen Project, a collaborative effort to energize residents in achieving their dreams for a healthier, happier community. From the original decision to paint every house in Lower Belen, the project has evolved to include workshops for children in art, dance and music; mural painting; community health outreach programs; parades, and, last year, the purchase of a community center, Belen’s first.

This year will continue the work of previous years activities and community health outreach. Plans for this year include renovations of Belen’s Community Center. Read more and register: http://www.patchadams.org/peru-2010

As for Costa Rica September 6-10, 2010 Gesundheit! Institute and the School for Designing a Society invite you to participate in Clowning and Performing, a tour in Costa Rica. This 5-day trip with Patch Adams MD provides participants with daily experiences in hands-on care, using clowning, performance, humor and play in hospitals, nursing homes, public parks and streets. The aim is for you to practice some joy-bringing skills in a conducive setting, and bring these skills back home to your everyday life and work.

The trip is for both beginning clowns and performers, and the more advanced ones. Their slogan is a reminder of their mission “Let’s open our hearts—and look inside!” Read more and register: http://www.patchadams.org/clowning-performing-costa-rica

For 35 years, Dr. Patch Adams and the Gesundheit Institute have worked on a model of health care that puts care at the center of health. Gesundheit has launched a grassroots campaign to raise enough funds to create a Teaching Center and Clinic where health care practitioners will gather to further ideas and strategies for changing the health care system.

In 1998, Universal Studios released the movie “Patch Adams” starring Robin Williams, based on Patch Adams’s book Gesundheit. At the end of the film, Universal Studios inserted the inaccurate statement that Gesundheit had already built its free hospital. While this false claim hindered Gesundheit’s ability to fundraise for the free hospital, the movie itself raised visibility and helped launch a decade of teaching and Global Outreach.

Para más información

http://www.patchadams.org/news

http://www.patchadams.org/peru-2010

http://www.patchadams.org/clowning-performing-costa-rica