Every Day is Magic: Ada Limón

In her 2015 collection, Bright Dead Things, a National Book Award finalist for poetry, Ada Limón writes of moving to Kentucky: “Confession: I did not want to live here.” It’s perhaps not a surprising sentiment coming from a coastally oriented person who was raised in Northern California, attended college in Seattle, and then spent over a decade in New York City.

 

But Limón and her husband, Lucas, have been in Lexington for seven years now and the effects of settling into this place are noticeable in her new book, The Carrying (Milkweed, Aug.). It’s a phenomenally lively and attentive collection replete with the trappings of living a little closer to nature. While Bright Dead Things is marked by a preponderance of light, such as images of fireflies and neon signs, The Carrying features numerous appearances by various trees, birds, and beetles. Limón also demonstrates a greater willingness to be explicit in naming colors, particularly green. “It’s crazy green, the whole book,” she says. “Lexington is the greenest place I’ve ever lived.” Similarly, where in Bright Dead Things, Limón tells a lot of stories and anecdotes, in The Carrying she is very present in her thoughts and experiences.

As it turns out, these shifts in focus have another, altogether unexpected source. While putting Bright Dead Things together, Limón was diagnosed with chronic vestibular neuronitis, which can cause bouts of vertigo. “If I’m really having vertigo, it’s pretty intense and I really have to focus,”
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Arts & Entertainment

Funds forNGOs Grants and Resources for Sustainability. Discover the Best Funding Opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean This June!

“…Latin America Professional Award
Deadline: 10 January 2025
Set up to celebrate dynamic and inspiring photographic work currently created in Latin America, the World Photography Organisation and Sony Latin America created the Latin America Professional Award…[more]…”

https://www2.fundsforngos.org/listing/discover-the-best-funding-opportunities-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean-this-june/

New student-created musical ‘DayDreamer’ fuses fantasy and Mexican culture

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“…The musical, which will be performed as a stage reading at Macgowan Hall from May 24 through May 26, delivers a Mexican-inspired fantasy that tells the story of a teenage protagonist with fire powers who ventures on a quest to find her missing mother and defeat an ancient evil who has stolen the sun. Mario Vega, a graduate student in fine arts in the Department of Theater, Film and Television, said he developed “DayDreamer” with San Diego State University alumnus Eliza Vedar two years ago, and has since been workshopping it to fulfill their vision of an empowering and engaging musical that utilizes both fantasy and cultural elements…”

https://dailybruin.com/2024/05/23/new-student-created-musical-daydreamer-fuses-fantasy-and-mexican-culture

 

Mexican-American choreographer reborn in challenging Madrid residency

“Atanta-based choreographer Angelita Itzanami Andrade spent last fall in a three-month scholarship residency with Madrid-based Descalzinha Danza. Though she knew the move would push her beyond her personal and professional comfort zones, Itzanami Andrade said she was nonetheless surprised by how the experience contributed to her evolving identity as a Mexican-American Latina artist.

When ArtsATL caught up with her in the studio recently, she and her company, SOMOS, were rehearsing for their second season performance, veintetré​s, which will premiere on May 4 at the Kennesaw State University Dance Theater (Marietta campus)…”

https://www.artsatl.org/mexican-american-choreographer-reborn-in-challenging-madrid-residency/

East Village Mexican-American cocktail bar Superbueno crowned best in the U.S.

“…The cocktail menu features distinct creations inspired by Mexican cuisine, like the fan-favorite Green Mango Martini (tequila, mango eau de vie, sauternes, green mango, and honey), the Vodka Y Soda (vodka, guava, pasilla, soda), and the Mushroom Margarita (mezcal, Cointreau, huitlacoche, lime, and lava salt)…”

https://www.6sqft.com/east-village-mexican-american-cocktail-bar-superbueno-crowned-best-in-the-us/

Pioneering translation’s artistry

“My book ‘The Subversive Scribe: Translating Latin American Fiction’ (Graywolf Press, 1991, Dalkey Archive, 2009) by tracing the process of translating, explicitly shows readers how translation is a creative act and defines what a translator is, and why a translator needs to be linguist, literary critic and poet or novelist all in one,” said Levine, UC Santa Barbara distinguished professor emerita of Latin American literature. “Basically, our concepts of authorship and originality are inadequate to grasp what a translator does.”

https://news.ucsb.edu/2024/021436/pioneering-translations-artistry?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Pioneering%20translation%E2%80%99s%20artistry&utm_campaign=April%2016%2C%202024

 

Latin America Professional Award Winners & Shortlist 2024

“Congratulations to Ernesto Benavides (1st Place), Ivan Valencia (2nd Place) Nico Muñoz (3rd Place), The winners and the shortlist of the Latin America Professional Award have been revealed. The initiative, set up in collaboration with Sony Latin America, celebrates dynamic and inspiring photographic work currently created in the region.”

https://www.worldphoto.org/latin-america-professional-award-winners-shortlist-2024

Who Is Adan Banuelos, Bella Hadid’s Boyfriend and Professional Horseback Rider?

Shortly after Bella Hadid decided to ditch the Paris Fashion Week runway in favor of a Texas equestrian competition, fans started speculating about the model’s rumored new beau. So, who is Bella Hadid’s boyfriend? Turns out, he’s a cowboy.

In February, Hadid seemed to publicly confirm her relationship with Adan Banuelos, a professional horseback rider. On Valentine’s Day, the model posted a photo of the pair lovingly looking into each other’s eyes in a since-vanished Instagram story…”

https://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity/bella-hadid-boyfriend-adan-banuelos/

Flecha Azul Tequila Leads the Additive-Free Tequila Movement Abroad Launching in Australia

“Founded by Mexican-American professional golfer Abraham Ancer and Mexican entrepreneur Aron Marquez and backed by entrepreneur, actor, and producer Mark Wahlberg, the tequila is crafted from 100% Blue Weber Agave that is always harvested at full maturity and produced according to traditional methods at Orendain Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico.

“I’m here to shine the spotlight on the guys who are authentically creating additive-free tequila that’s of real quality and is true to its Mexican roots. Over my next few months in Australia, I look forward to dropping into local liquor stores, having a drink at some of Sydney’s best tequila bars and signing plenty…”

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240313591138/en/Flecha-Azul-Tequila-Leads-the-Additive-Free-Tequila-Movement-Abroad-Launching-in-Australia

Meet the Jury for PhotoVogue and Vogue Mexico’s 2024 Open Call: Latin American Panorama

“Meet the Jury of Our Regional Open Call: Latin American Panorama. Vogue Mexico and Condé Nast staff, alongside experts from the international visual community with diverse backgrounds, will be reviewing your submissions!

This Open Call is open to everyone who identifies as Latin American, whether you’re based in the region or living abroad. The sole requirement is that applicants must be at least 18 years old…”

https://www.vogue.com/article/photovogue-local-open-call-2024-latinamerican-panorama-the-jury

Edinboro welcomes Mexican-American artist as juror for annual Spring Show

‘Following the success of 2023’s 100th Spring Show, the Erie Art Museum and PennWest’s Art Department will once again partner to promote and award local artists for their work.

Edinboro’s art community and the Erie region are invited to the Nicole & Harry Martin Spring Show – which runs from March 15 through Aug. 9.

This year, Tanya Aguiñiga – a binational award-winning artist, designer and craftsperson – was selected as the official juror for the show.

Aguiñiga is scheduled to present at the Erie Art Museum and Edinboro’s campus during March. She will be meeting with students on Wednesday, March 13, and Thursday, March 14 – with a keynote lecture at 6 p.m., March 13, in the Dr. William P. Alexander Music Center’s recital hall…”

https://www.pennwest.edu/news/art-spring-show-edinboro-2024

Who is Bella Hadid’s Mexican-American boyfriend Adan Banuelos?

“Bella Hadid has gone social media official with her boyfriend, and people have questions, like ‘who is he?’ On Friday, the model shared a gallery of photos from her birthday on October 9 that appeared to be rodeo-themed. In the mix was a tender PDA moment with Adan Banuelos…”

https://www.hola.com/us/celebrities/20240219356205/who-is-bella-hadids-mexican-american-boyfriend-adan-banuelos-all-about-the-cowboy/

Peso Pluma, Karol G, Gaby Moreno, Natalia Lafourcade & More Latin Winners at the 2024 Grammys

“…There, Peso Pluma, who was not nominated for the 2023 Latin Grammys, became a Grammy-winning artist when he received the award for best música mexicana álbum (including tejano) for Génesis.

The Mexican star was not there to accept his golden gramophone for the set — which shook the music world with hits such as “Rosa Pastel” with Jasiel Núñez and “Lady Gaga” with Gabito Ballesteros and Junior H and…”

https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/2024-grammys-latin-winners-list-1235597719/

The Mexican American

“I had gone through school from the first grade through law school speaking English, learning at an early age that Spanish was not to be used in school. Then, as I started my law practice, my first clients were Spanish speaking. I had to try and relearn the language we had spoken at home when I was an infant. Soon, young Chicano teachers and students challenged the Los Angeles District’s racist tactics of stripping children of their heritage, language, and culture. The accusation and the public debate that followed caused many of us to ask “What am I?”…”

https://www.languagemagazine.com/2024/01/16/the-mexican-american/

Mexican professional dancer reunites with his mom after more than 20 years separated

“Daniel Zapata Colón had not seen his mother since he was a young boy in Acapulco, Mexico. She had left for the U.S. in 1999, hoping the move would lead to a better life for her son.

“I had to build a future for him and that was why we decided to come,” Araceli Colón, Daniel’s mother, told Telemundo Arizona in Spanish.

But their more than 20-year separation came to an end last week when Daniel, a professional dancer, came to the U.S. to compete in a Latin dance championship. It was also the perfect opportunity to stop by Phoenix, where his mother lives, and give her the hug he had long yearned for…”

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/mexican-professional-dancer-daniel-zapata-colon-reunites-mom-20-yrs-rcna136172

 

The Mexican American

“I had gone through school from the first grade through law school speaking English, learning at an early age that Spanish was not to be used in school. Then, as I started my law practice, my first clients were Spanish speaking. I had to try and relearn the language we had spoken at home when I was an infant. Soon, young Chicano teachers and students challenged the Los Angeles District’s racist tactics of stripping children of their heritage, language, and culture. The accusation and the public debate that followed caused many of us to ask “What am I?”…”

https://www.languagemagazine.com/2024/01/16/the-mexican-american/

 

A Philly dance group is helping Mexican American children connect to their roots

“Andrea Garcia was a professional folklore dancer in her native Mexico. But, after moving to Philly in 2016, she became a domestic worker. As a way to help her three kids connect with their Mexican identity and take a break from electronics, she cocreated Ñuuxakun in 2021. The dance group offers a bilingual and bicultural experience for kids in South Philadelphia, and has developed a following over the last year, with several forthcoming holiday performances…”

https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-dance-group-nuuxakun-20231216.html

UK DMA student elevating opportunities for Mexican, Mexican American compose

“LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 21, 2023) — Juan Saldivar Jr., D.M.A. student in the University of Kentucky School of Musicis elevating opportunities for Mexican and Mexican American composers through a new initiative.

Saldivar, a native of border town Laredo, Texas, co-founded the trombone duo, Border Bones, with friend Alex Lopez Velarde, principal trombonist of the Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Mexico. Through Border Bones, Saldivar and Velarde aim to increase trombone duet repertoire from rising marginalized and underrepresented composers…”

http://uknow.uky.edu/arts-culture/uk-dma-student-elevating-opportunities-mexican-mexican-american-composers

CWC Global: Corazón Azul

“Science-fiction drama Corazón Azul (2021) immerses viewers in an alternate reality where Fidel Castro—one of the foremost leaders of the Cuban Revolution and long-time President of the post-revolutionary Cuban state—uses genetic engineering to build a new kind of man and save his socialist utopia. Castro’s brazen experiment, however, eventually fails as these new beings prove to be highly intelligent but also cruel and uncontrollable. Rejected by their creators, a group of these engineered outcasts organizes a series of terrorist actions and sows chaos across the island. Along the way, one of its members, Elena (Lynn Cruz), traces the origin of her genes and begins a journey to try to discover her humanity.”

https://www.campuscalendar.ucsb.edu/event/cwc_global_corazon_azul?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=CWC%20Global%3A%20Coraz%C3%B3n%20Azul&utm_campaign=November%2014%2C%202023

Mario Lopez set the doubters straight — he’s Mexican American In a video, the longtime Access Hollywood co-host seemed surprised that people were questioning his Latino heritage after seeing him on videos discussing Mexican dishes.

“Mario Lopez just wanted to show us how yummy his mariscos (shrimps) with mayonnaise were, but instead he shocked a few fans with this reality: He’s Mexican American!

In a video he posted on social media, the longtime “Access Hollywood” co-host noticed he was trending. When Lopez investigated why, he learned some people were shocked to find out he was of Mexican descent when they saw him on videos discussing his favorite dishes, using slang of the raza, or culture…”

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/mario-lopez-set-doubters-straight-he-is-mexican-rcna124659

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Poem
“…And would it have been worth it, after all,
Would it have been worth while,
After the sunsets and the dooryards and the sprinkled streets,
After the novels, after the teacups, after the skirts that trail along the floor—
And this, and so much more?—
It is impossible to say just what I mean!
But as if a magic lantern threw the nerves in patterns on a screen:
Would it have been worth while…”

T.S. Eliot
The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

Mexican American Proarchive Annual Report for 2022

The American Community Survey is an annual survey administered by the federal government to help local officials and community leaders and businesses understand the changes that take place in their communities. It includes percentages of our population’s graduate school attainment and the employment of Mexican Americans in various occupations.  These important factors influence the allocation of federal resources. Mexican American Proarchives uses the data provided by the American Community Survey to better understand how Mexican Americans compare to the general population.

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