El Literati

Join Proyecto Latina @ Poetry Fest

2009-04-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

Saturday, April 25, 2009 @ 2:30 p.m. in the Video Theater

Its poetry month and we are taking the chisme box and our favorite Latina poets with us to the 10th annual Poetry Fest @ The Harold Washington Library.

Featured readers: Cristina Correa, Stephanie Gentry-Fernandez, Irasema Gonzalez, Diana Pando.

Poetry Fest is a free festival of poetry readings, workshops, performances and discussions, all under one roof.

Mangocentric Chicago

2009-04-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

One Book, One Chicago events are still ongoing. I hope you have had a chance to read or revist The House on Mango Street. Maybe you had the opportunity to see Sandra Cisneros read at the Harold Washington Library. Through my work with Proyecto Latina I had the exciting opportunity to interview her, that interview aired on Radio Arte tonight and will be posted here for folks that missed it. I hope you can join us this Monday, April 20th for Proyecto Latina, mangos are our theme and we are excited to have a preview of Tanya Saracho's musical adaptation of The House on Mango Street. Tanya also shares the art process of how she took a lyrical narrative and modified it for the stage.

PROYECTO LATINA READING SERIES
Monday, April 20, 7:00 p.m.
Radio Arte
1401 W. 18th St.
Mangos, Chismes y Mucho Más! This monthly reading series promotes and features emerging and established Latinas of all written and performance disciplines from Chicago. This month's event honors Sandra Cisneros and includes a sneak peak at Tanya Saracho's adaptation of The House on Mango Street. Proyecto Latina is a collaborative between Teatro Luna, Tianguis Books, and Mariposa Atomica Ink. For more information, go to www.proyectolatina.org.

Lecture: Mango Street Revisited-Youth, the Community/Barrio, and Immigration in Mexican Chicago
Tuesday, April 21, 6:00 p.m.
DePaul University-McGowan South Building
1110 W. Belden Ave., Room 108
Come to DePaul for a lecture by Juan Mora-Torres, Associate Professor in the Department of History. In the spring of 2006, over a million people, including large numbers of young people, marched in Chicago to demand civil rights for the undocumented population. This lecture/presentation revisits key themes in Sandra Cisneros' novel, The House on Mango Street - the meaning of community, the politics of the youth and issues of immigration in the making of contemporary Mexican Chicago.
Free and open to the public; no reservations required.

STAGED READING OF THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET
Monday, April 27, 7:00 p.m.
Steppenwolf Theatre - Upstairs theatre
1650 N. Halsted Ave.
This fall, Steppenwolf will present Sandra Cisneros' inimitable work about growing up Latina in Chicago. Adapted by Tanya Saracho, co-founder of Teatro Luna, this play will bring the world of Esperanza-her friends, family and neighbors, her dreams and her heartbreak-to vivid life on the stage. This reading presents Chicago actors performing scenes from the adaptation-in-progress.
Free event, reservations required! Call (312) 335-1650.

COMMUNITY FORUM ON IMMIGRATION
Wednesday, April 29, 7:00 p.m.
Chicago Public Library
Logan Square Branch
3030 W. Fullerton Ave.
Join fellow Chicagoans from all backgrounds for a "town hall" meeting on the topic of immigration. The evening will feature a short reading, input by local activists, and your conversation.
This program is presented as a partnership between the Chicago Public Library, The Guild Complex and Latinos Progresando.

I'll be leading a couple of Spanish language discussions for The House on Mango Street. You can join me at the West Belmon Branch this Tuesday, or in May at the Albany Park Branch. You can get the full list of Spanish language discussions in the One Book, One Chicago resource guide here.

Chicago reads The House on Mango Street

2009-03-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

The House on Mango Street was announced as the next pick for One Book, One Chicago earlier this week.

I have a well thumbed and authographed copy of this book already but I was delighted to get a copy of the new edition. It not only has a beautiful new cover but it also includes a moving introduction by Cisneros where she shares the story of writing this book and also on how she became a writer and the series of life events that led her to writing Mango Street. Plenty of food for thought in those first few pages.

I want you to also re-discover this book and I hope you have a chance to read the new introduction too. The Chicago Public Library has hooked up Proyecto Latina with FREE copies of The House on Mango Street so make sure to join us on March 16th, our feature will be the Vida Bella Ensemble with the Brown Girl Chronicles.

There's a calendar full of citywide events and you can get an electronic version of the resource guide here.

Also, you can catch up with me at a couple of events this Spring: I will be co-hosting Proyecto Latina in April and contributing on a panel on Latina Creativity in Chicago.

Panel Discussion: Celebrating Latina Creativity in Chicago
Thursday, April 2, 6:00 p.m.
DePaul University—John R. Cortelyou Commons Building
2324 N. Fremont St.
Join a distinguished panel of artists who will discuss the path of their own creative journeys, examine the ways in which their work has been influenced by Cisneros, and trace the dynamic relationship between artists and their communities. Panelists will include Professor Bibiana Suarez from the Department of Art, Media, and Design at DePaul University; Irasema Gonzalez, poet and founder of Tianguis Books; Coya Paz, co-founder of Teatro Luna and Visiting Multicultural Faculty in DePaul University’s Theatre School; and Tanya Saracho, co-founder of Teatro Luna who is adapting The House on Mango Street for the stage.
Co-sponsored by the Women’s Center at DePaul University. Free and open to the public; no reservations required.

PROYECTO LATINA READING SERIES
Monday, April 20, 7:00 p.m.
Radio Arte, 1401 W. 18th St.
Mangos, Chismes y Mucho Más! This monthly reading series promotes and features emerging and established Latinas of all written and performance disciplines from Chicago. This month’s event honors Sandra Cisneros and includes a sneak peak at Tanya Saracho's adaptation of The House on Mango Street. Proyecto Latina is a collaborative between Teatro Luna, Tianguis Books, and Mariposa Atomica Ink. For more information, go to www.proyectolatina.org.

The flow of spanglish & power of language

2009-02-23T18:09:00.000-08:00

It was exciting to see what people had to say about our first question. It got me thinking that as a bilingual educator-FOR LIFE-I am finding that language is very misunderstood. In these times of looking down upon Spanish, immigrants, ebonics, we often forget that each language is beautiful and evolving. It is ever reflective of our place and time in the world. Nancy enlightens us with her words, "...could the f word come from "fuck you" and could fuku americanus be really as simple as "fuck you americans". Maybe the fuck you was returned to a Dominican and since we all [know] the strength of the return Fuck you, it probably stuck as a damnation..who knows..I am still savoring on that." There is no right language or wrong language. There is however power in crafting a phenomenal message.

Junot does this exceptionally well. I get his FLOW! The flow of mixing languages, thoughts that communicate. As ixchel33 put it, ”Seamless is a good word, I hadn't even noticed that there were words in Spanish, I didn't bat an eye when I read them” Why? ‘Cause the message is clear...well, at least for bilingual/bicultural readers.

Maureen shares the perspective of a non-native speaker of Spanish, “ Diaz just puts in the Spanish and lets you deal with it.” Rich says, "I say, no italics for Sterling Brown*, no italics for Junot Diaz. We're knee-deep in the new American idiom, y'all. Whether or not some folks are ready to accept that, of course, is a whole other story." Language is powerful!

I remember when I first discovered that I spoke Spanglish in my early twenties. I looking up at the sky (or my brain) searching for the best word after speaking English that would describe my thinking. This word was in Spanish not English! Ah yes…perfect! Is that what Junot did as he wrote Oscar Wao? How beautiful to be able to do that with your mind. Have one powerful message using words from different languages.

Walter Mosley, author of Devil in a Blue Dress and Blonde Faith states that Wao “is a book that speaks in tongues”. In more ways than one! Not only is Junot speaking to us in ethnic tongues, his references of sci-fi and comic books are definitely specific to a segment of American pop-culture language, and he also speaks in the tongue of Latin American history. Maybe, just maybe this is why La Mujer Maravilla (Love your tag name!) says, " The language seems more authentic."

“I’ll think of African slaves screaming this curse word from the depths of their pain,” Jessica points out in reference to the word Fukú (Zafa! Just to be safe ;) Do you see the impact…the image…the context…the history that it brings? What a wonderful way to engage in history. Alejandra Ibañez captured my sentiments exactly, “It left me yearning to learn more about Dominican history.” I wonder if we can use this book with young people in high school?

*"In 1933 Sterling Brown published his first book of poetry Southern Road. It was a collection of poetry with rural themes and treated the simple lives of poor, black, country folk with poignancy and dignity. It also used authentic dialect and structures..." --from wikipedia

February highlights

2009-02-19T11:07:00.000-08:00

Its been a busy February on my end. I had told my friends that I was going to take the first part of the year slow, to transition into my new skin as an online retailer, but the Universe seems to have other plans and I've hit the ground running. The favorite part of my job is the wonderful opportunities to meet and hang out with some amazing people, this month I interviewed three amazing Latinas and walked away with gifts I can't wait to share with you. I'll be sharing more on that in the following days. In the meantime a preview:

Jenny Priego and me with Stephanie Elizondo Griest at the the reading of Mexican Enough this past February 7th. Check out my interview with Stephanie here.

A morning coffee and chat on the first day of AWP* with elena minor publisher of Palabra. I'll be airing and uploading that interview soon.

Michelle Otero author of Malinche's Daughter, featured at Proyecto Latina this past Monday. Couldn't miss the opportunity to interview Michelle either, that will also be aired and uploaded soon.

*I know AWP has passed, but Francisco Aragon summarized Latin@ participation at this years conference at the Letras Latinas Blog. He lists the following, "57 Latino and Latina poets, writers, teachers, other literary folk are taking part on 34 panels." You can get a more the four part breakdown on his blog.

The Dominican “F” word, can you even say it?

2009-02-05T09:39:00.000-08:00

"They say it came first from Africa, carried in the screams of the enslaved; that it was the death bane of the Tainos, uttered just as one world perished and another began; that it was a demon drawn into Creation through the nightmare door that was cracked open in the Antilles. Fukú Americanus, or more colloquially, fukú --generally a curse or doom of some kind; specifically the Curse and the Doom of the New World. "
--from the introduction to The brief and wondrous life of Oscar

All it took was the first sentence...of the introduction! Junot Diaz reached up from the page, placed a wizard's spell on my imagination. I devoured the book and lamented when life forced me to put it down. Being a bookworm was so much easier when I was a kid, when I could afford to spend an entire evening or weekend with my nose in a book.

We hope that you have read the introduction and chapter 1. If you are like me, you probably kept pressing forward. This is definitely a page turner. We plan on taking the book discussions a little slower to help us process the book. We ask for your patience since this is the first time we do this and we are learning as we go along.

Cynthia and I have met a couple of times to discuss our book club goals and timeline. During our meetings every time I say, fukú. Cynthia promptly follows up with a, zafa. This makes us laugh, a little nervously, after all we are Latinas, we can't help superstition. We might be Mexican but we understand Junot's reference, "to extraordinary tolerance for extreme phenomena." We take careful mental notes on antidotes and even begin to avoid saying fukú, instead call it the Dominican "f" word. So, our most pressing question right now is in the title of this blog post, can you even say it?

More food for thought. These questions are regarding language.
Spanish words and phrases appear unaccompanied by their English translations. What is the effect of this seamless blending of Spanish and English? What if Junot had stopped to provide translations at every turn? Why does Junot not italicize the Spanish words (the way foreign words are usually italicized in English-language text)? Are you bilingual? Do you italicize or resist?

We want you to hear from you, chime in via the comments, you can address one thought, or address multiple questions.*

*Cynthia and I are seeking to develop a safe place for honest and open dialogue. Language is powerful, let's exercise some tolerance and be open to opposing views and if debates arise let's do it respectfully.

"In praise of the chapbook"

2009-02-02T18:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Jack
by Scott Inguito
with an introduction by Craig Santos Perez

I got word from Momotombo Press publisher, Francisco Aragon that the following article appeared in the El Paso Times. For those new to the world of chapbooks, Daniel A. Olivas sums it up nicely in a short paragraph, "mini-collections of poetry, fiction or essays that can whet the appetite of adventurous readers." The article goes on to share the history of Momotombo Press, and also includes a great review on Momotombo's latest title, Dear Jack, a collection of experimental poems.

In praise of the chapbook
Independent press excels at creating small poetry samplers

Julia Alvarez @ Chicago Public Library

2009-02-02T17:30:00.000-08:00

Julia Alvarez, one of my favorite Latina writers will be reading from Return to Sender, her new book for young adults at the Chicago Public Library, Wed. February 04, 2009 @ 6:00 pm . I'm loving the whimsical bird that makes up part of the cover art of her new book.
event details

Oscar loved comics, I'm sure he would have made it out to Table Con

2009-01-28T12:06:00.000-08:00

Have you started reading The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, its our current bookclub pick? Have you discovered Oscar and his obsession for fantasy and sci-fi. The narrator describes him as the kind of kid, "...who loved comic books...knew more about the Marvel Universe than Stan Lee."

I'm a relative newbie to comics, well at least to the American comic book world. When I was a kid, a cousin from Mexico introduced me to Kaliman. A couple of years ago when my friend Liza was developing a character, for a Latina super hero in Teatro Luna's production of Lunaticas, she walked into Tianguis with a stack of comic books--they were a part of her research. I picked up a copy of Supergirl and was mesmerized. "Did you know Supergirl was Superman's cousin? That she killed her mother?" I paused to ask, it had elements of a good telenovela, no one had ever clued me in.

It was serendipity that just as I was reading about Oscar's adventures I came across, The Unbelieveable Laundry Detergent Man by Jose "Nino" Mesarina. Its a comic book and its hero is a boy as awkward as Oscar who gains special powers after being forced to drink a very potent laundry detergent.

Nino is currently busy with an event he has masterminded, and that he describes as a comic book convention with a twist--one table will feature an artist alley, vendors, guest speakers, original artwork, comic books, and even a gamers area.

Nino tells me, "Table con was an idea...since high school...It's the only Latino run comic book convention in Chicago."

Table Con takes place this weekend. Its free admission and held at Third Coast Comics, 6234 N. Broadway. You can get details at the myspace page for Table Con. I'll be swinging by to check out the comics and discover more about Latinos working in the comic book industry.

First 50 pages and your feedback.

2009-01-27T09:08:00.000-08:00

Next week, we will be ready to start discussing the first fifty pages, that is the intro and chapter one, of The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.

Cynthia and I worked on a tentative timeline together that would call for reading an average of 56 pages per week. Feedback on this reading load would be helpful, check out our poll on the top right hand side of this blog page and click on the answer that fits your profile best. None quite describe you or you want to elaborate with a comment or send us a message to info (at) tianguis (dot) biz.

What did she say?

2009-01-26T08:47:00.000-08:00

Below I've listed praise Stephanie's Elizondo Griest has garnered for her third book, Mexican Enough: My Life Between the Borderlands. She's gotten some exciting reviews from some of our favorite Latino authors, including Sandra Cisneros and Luis Alberto Urrea.

Read an excerpt of Stephanie's book here, and see why Luis Urrea said, 'No, you can't say that.' I am glad she did.

Make sure to join us for the reading and booksigning on Friday, Feb. 6th, 2009 @ 7 p.m. Event details here.

"Stephanie Elizondo Griest dances where others fear to tread. There were several places in this book where I said, 'No, you can't say that.' I am glad she did."

-- Luis Alberto Urrea, bestselling author of The Devil's Highway

"This is a travel journal for the new millennium, a biracial woman searching for herself among the complexities of the borderlands."

-- Sandra Cisneros, bestselling author of The House on Mango Street and Caramelo

"I can't think of anyone who does a better job of capturing the people and places that inhabit the soul of a country. She grants us access into the hidden corners of a Mexico we've only heard about, with her own brand of humor, spot-on wisdom, and heart."

-- Michelle Herrera Mulligan, editor of Juicy Mangos and Border-Line Personalities

"A revealing exposé of one woman's struggle to live between two cultures and two worlds, and yet not fully belong to either."

-- Teresa Rodriguez, author of The Daughters of Juárez

Memoir Writing Workshop w/ Ana Castillo

2009-01-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

"We’ll talk, we’ll laugh, we’ll cry. We’ll vent. We’ll write from our hearts and our minds. And then, we’ll learn to get rid of all the sentimentality and leave on the page what is important for the reader to know about your memoir."
-- A.C.

Ana Castillo is coming to Chicago on Friday, February 13th, 2009 and is offering a one-day Memoir Writing Workshop. For details and guidelines visit her website.

Acuerdos for the virtual bookclub (guidelines)

2009-01-19T11:30:00.000-08:00

In our quest to design one of the best experiences for the Tianguis Virtual Bookclub I've put together some guidelines that I use in my work as an assistant professor and consultant. When I use the Acuerdos (Agreements) in my work, I have found them to create magnificent experiences. They are also incredibly helpful when creating critical, absolutely thrilling dialogue!

The Acuerdos we will use are from "Los Cuatro Acuerdos (The Four Agreements)" by Don Miguel Ruiz. They are 4 agreements that are simple yet powerful.

1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Do your best.
3. Don't take it personal: -Be responsible for your own communication. (my elaboration)
4. Don't make assumptions: -Do assume good faith from everyone! (my elaboration)

****************************************************

What are they?
*They are system for integrity and R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
*Not a system of right and wrong.

How do we create them?
*We will get to know them as we use them.
*Pick the "one your with" to focus on for each discussion.

How will they really be effective?
*Grace of forgiveness...we are all learning how to make it a great literary experience.
*At times I will include quotes from inspirational cards Don Miguel has produced.

Let's get this party started! Literary love is in the house! (Yes I'm a Chicago 80's Baby :)

AWP events this February

2009-01-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

Below is the scoop for AWP & related events that I will be attending and participating in this February. I'll be part of a panel at the AWP conference about building literary communities in Chicago. You can also come by the book table and say hello at the fourth annual Con Tinta Celebration, and I'm honored for the opportunity to read with some amazing fellow poets at Palabra Pura's One Poem Festival.

February 12, 2009 @ 1:30 p.m.
Building, Breaking, Rebuilding: Six Chicago Literary Landscapers (Ellen Placey Wadey, Erin Teegarden, Krista Franklin, Joel Craig, Jennifer Karmin, Irasema Gonzalez) We are the bold sluggers who run Chicago's independent reading series. Set vividly against the established grid, we build literary communities in neighborhoods from the ground up. How are we thriving in the face of our challenges? Less like a panel and more like a virtual show-and-tell, organizers from a diverse group of popular, D-I-Y reading serieses discuss building, breaking from, and rebuilding Chicago's literary landscape.

Thursday, February 12, 2009 @ 6 p.m.
Con Tinta Celebration
An evening to celebrate the Chicano/Latino literary community. This year's Con Tinta Award recipient is Carlos Cortez, artist, poet, printmaker, photographer, songwriter and lifelong political activist. Special recognition will also be made to Patti Hartmann, editor of Camino del Sol Series at the University of Arizona Press. Literary tributes to Carlos Cortez will be made by Carlos Cumpian, Lisa Alvarado, and Ray Gonzalez. Held at COCO Restaurant, 2723 W. Divison, Chicago, IL. Free. Open buffet and cash bar.

Friday, February 13, 2009, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Palabra Pura, Special Edition: One Poem Festival
Following up on the multi-voiced reading hosted by ACENTOS in NYC last year during AWP, the Guild Complex, Letras Latinas, and Poetry Magazine will be hosting a "One Poem Festival" featuring an ample roster of Latino and Latina poets from Chicago and out of town, including: Lisa Alvarado, Carlos Cumpian, Silvia Curbelo, Gina Franco, Gabe Gomez, Irasema Gonzalez, Maurice Kilwein Guevara, Gabriela Jauregui, Olivia Maciel, Carl Marcum, Valerie Martínez, Orlando Ricardo Menes, Achy Obejas, Daniel A. Olivas, Johanny Vasquez Paz, Paul Martinez Pompa, Linda Rodríguez, Jacob Saenz, Jorge Sánchez, Juan Manuel Sanchez Rich Villar. Held at Jazz Showcase, 47 W. Polk St. Chicago, IL.

Reading: Mexican Enough by Stephanie Elizondo Griest

2009-01-16T09:37:00.000-08:00

We know its two weeks away, but we just finalized the date and venue for this reading and booksigning. Save the date and come out to join us.

Friday, February 6, 2009 @ 7 p.m.
Held @ Radio Arte, 1401 W. 18th St.
(Radio Arte is in Pilsen. A few blocks East of the CTA pink line stop and there is meter parking nearby.)
Free. Copies of Stephanie's books for sale.

MEXICAN ENOUGH: MY LIFE BETWEEN THE BORDERLINES
Washington Square Press, August 2008
As a biracial American, Stephanie Elizondo Griest has long struggled with her cultural identity, wondering if she is “Latina enough” to pursue race-based scholarships and the like. In 2005, she ventured to her mother’s native Mexico to do a little root-searching and improve her “Tarzan Lite” Spanish. She stumbled upon a burgeoning social movement that shook parts of the nation to its core. MEXICAN ENOUGH chronicles her journey, from the narco-infested border town of Nuevo Laredo to the highlands of Chiapas. She investigates the murder of a prominent gay activist, sneaks into prison to meet with resistance fighters, rallies with rebels in Oaxaca, and interviews scores of migrant workers and the families they were forced to leave behind. Travel companions include a Polish thief, a Border Patrol agent, and a Dominatrix. Part memoir, part journalistic reportage, MEXICAN ENOUGH illuminates how we cast off our identity in our youth, only to strive to find it again as adults—and the lessons to be learned along the way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: STEPHANIE ELIZONDO GRIEST
Stephanie Elizondo Griest has mingled with the Russian Mafiya, polished Chinese propaganda, and belly danced with Cuban rumba queens. These adventures inspired her award-winning memoir AROUND THE BLOC: MY LIFE IN MOSCOW, BEIJING, AND HAVANA (Villard/Random House, 2004) and guidebook 100 PLACES EVERY WOMAN SHOULD GO (Travelers’ Tales, 2007). She has explored five continents and once drove 45,000 miles across America in a Honda Hatchback named Bertha. A 2005-2006 Hodder Fellow at Princeton University, she recently won the Richard J. Margolis Award for Social Justice Reporting. Visit her website at www.aroundthebloc.com

Tianguis.biz

2009-01-14T08:46:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: Its back!

If you are having trouble logging into the Tianguis website this morning, we are having difficulty with our server. The problem is being addressed and we should be back up shortly.

The virtual book club picks its first read of 2009

2009-01-11T22:58:00.000-08:00

Cynthia and I took suggestions and we met last week to discuss the title recommendations. We decided on the book that seems to be on every one's mind (including my own) and that is Junot Diaz' pulitzer prize winning novel, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. Over the next several weeks we will be posting book club questions and leading discussions through posts on the blog--we encourage your participation via the comment feature.

For now go get your copy of the book. If you already own it/read it, I encourage you to revisit it and log on for the book club discussions. Look for the first book club questions to be posted next Monday (1/19/09).

book synopsis
Oscar is a sweet but disastrously overweight ghetto nerd who—from the New Jersey home he shares with his old world mother and rebellious sister—dreams of becoming the Dominican J.R.R. Tolkien and, most of all, finding love. But Oscar may never get what he wants. Blame the fukú—a curse that has haunted Oscar’s family for generations, following them on their epic journey from Santo Domingo to the USA. Encapsulating Dominican-American history, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao opens our eyes to an astonishing vision of the contemporary American experience and explores the endless human capacity to persevere—and risk it all—in the name of love.

reviews
"An extraordinarily vibrant book that's fueled by adrenaline-powered prose...[Junot Diaz has] written a book that decisively establishes him as one of contemporary fiction's most distinctive and irresistible new voices." --Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times

"Panoramic and yet achingly personal. It's impossible to categorize, which is a good thing. Diaz's novel is a hell of a book. It doesn't care about categories." --Los Angeles Times

"Superb, deliciously casual and vibrant, shot through with wit and insight. The great achievement of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is Diaz's ability to balance an intimate, multigenerational story of family tragedy...The past and the present remain equally in focus, equally immediate, and Diaz's acrobatic prose toggles artfully between realities, keeping us entralled with all."

New Year, new path for Tianguis

2009-01-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

photo credit: I design my own path by Cynthia Nambo

Feliz Año y Dia de los Reyes!

I hope you spent the holidays in good company. Aside from being at the store and helping customers pick out Christmas gifts, I made sure to schedule time to spend with my own family. Knowing that I was going to have to move did keep me too busy and I confess that it took a hot minute to get into the Christmas spirit. It finally sunk in when I was making tamales with my mother and getting to hang out with my precious loved ones was probably the best gift.
I know I did end 2008 on a bittersweet note, I always hate sharing bad news. I have received beautiful handwritten letters via snail mail, encouraging phone calls and email messages rooting me forward. Some beautiful customers and neighbors even made it a point to come by and say goodbye personally.

All that energy and hope, I gotta tell you that I am excited about the possibilities that 2009 will bring. I am brimming with ideas and can't wait to share them with you and have you along for the ride . It will be a time of transition and evolution for Tianguis--our biggest change will be going from a brick-and-mortar to an online business. Please be patient with us, our website and blog might look a little rough in the next few weeks but we ask that you please pardon the dust while we make our virtual renovations.

We do want to remind you to save-the-date and join us on Monday, January 19, 2009 @ 7 p.m. for the first Proyecto Latina of 2009--we will be celebrating our third anniversary and the launch of a fourth year with some special treats. Details coming soon.

Also, we invite you to join the discussion on the Tianguis Bookclub that is going on here, we already have a few book recommendations but we would love to have more before finalizing down to our first book of the year.

Tianguis is moving, make sure you know how to find us

2008-12-22T21:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

We hope this message finds you in good spirits and health. We have good and bad news...

The Bad News I want to assure you that we thought about this long and hard before deciding not to renew our lease, and so December 2008 will be the last month for our brick-and-mortar location at 2003 S. Damen Ave in Chicago.

The Good News We are still going to be around. For now we will be moving our operation fully online and we encourage you to stay connected via the following:

Tianguis.biz We recently introduced our Momotombo shop and we will continue as independent booksellers on our website. We will also continue to bring you the same gift merchandise that you were able to find at our store. Look for a complete website and online store overhaul in early 2009. We will also make sure to keep you posted!

Elliterati.com is our blog and we recommend that you add us to your RSS feed. We are going to be launching a virtual bookclub in early 2009 and managing it through this blog and we really want you to join us in the conversation. This is a good way to stay up-to-date with developments from us as well as stay informed about all things that are Latino+Literary.

Proyecto Latina This open mic and reading series has just completed its third year and is embarking on its fourth. We will continue with our 3rd Monday tradition bringing you the best work by Latinas, the chisme box and good vibes. I've been honored to be part of this wonderful collaborative with Teatro Luna and Mariposa Atomica Ink. And now there's a Proyecto Latina Radio show on Sundays at 6 p.m. and that airs on Radio Arte 90.5 FM, make sure to tune in.

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all the people, neighbors and organizations that supported my endeavors. The support that Tianguis receives is from a very diverse group of people that includes members of the community and people that come from far away places and make it a point to pay our humble dwellings a visit. I am also confident that in the next couple of years we will find ourselves with a new home to welcome you in. In the meantime, catch up with us online, on the radio or at Proyecto Latina readings.

Sincerely,
Irasema Gonzalez

Tianguis virtual bookclub, kicking-off the wishlist

2008-12-18T11:15:00.000-08:00

The bookclub at Tianguis is brewing and we are getting ready to launch it again at the beginning of 2009. I want to introduce my bookclub partner in crime, Cynthia Nambo. You will see her posting here with items pertaining to the bookclub.

Cynthia and I have been brainstorming recently on getting a virtual bookclub launched, and we will be managing that via El Literati. You will be able to read the book and participate from home as you like and as your time allows.

In the meantime we thought it would be cool to get a wish list started and throw out some ideas on our next book club pick. What book by a Latin@ do you think we should consider?

Chime in via the comment feature (look for that link below this line).

What are your thoughts on Malinche's Daughter?

2008-12-11T22:52:00.000-08:00

Malinche's Daughter
by Michelle Otero
chapbook, 48 pages
$10.00

The feast day for Guadalupe is this Friday December 12th. Michelle Otero's book, Malinche's Daughter, features lovely cover art with the image of Guadalupe. Malinche's Daughter is a powerful and reflective memoir, about survival and healing that opens with Michelle's first visit to La Basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico City. The book is under 50 pages but it dishes out as much intensity as a novel, and you will definitely be thinking about it for some time after you read it.

Have you read Malinche's Daughter? Share your thoughts, through the comments feature on this blog.

What are your thoughts on From here you can almost see the end of the dessert?

2008-12-11T20:42:00.001-08:00

From here you can almost see the end of the desert
by Aaron Michael Morales
chapbook, 48 pages
$10.00

Aaron's book, From here you can almost see the end of the dessert, receives praise from Luis Alberto Urrea and Helena Maria Viramontes. However, I think another valuable endorsement for Aaron's book is Lucy, the customer who returned to Tianguis after reading the book and purchased multiple copies to give to her friends because she was so excited about the three stories in this chapbook that pack a spectacular fiction punch.

Have you read From here you can almost see the end of the dessert? Share your thoughts, through the comments feature.

Load up on your stocking stuffers w/ Momotombo Press!

2008-12-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

The Momotombo Press store @ Tianguis.biz is up!

This means that if you are not in our area,
buying Momotombo titles is only a click away.

Discover the titles at Momotombo Press,
they make great stocking stuffers.

Holy Quinceañera in Acentos Review

2008-12-04T15:52:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks back I shared that the latest issue of Palabra Magazine had arrived and that it featured some local talent. Now, I want to let you know that my good friend and Chicago area writer Liza Ann Acosta, has published her short story, "Holy Quinceañera" in the December issue of Acentos Review. (hint: go read it and then click on the back button. ;) Liza shared part of Ines' more grown-up adventures at Proyecto Latina when she featured last June.

Acentos Review is an online literary website that publishes poetry, fiction, memoir, interviews, translations, and artwork by emerging and established Latino/a writers. The reading period for their next issue opens December 15th, you can find information and submission guidelines on their website.

Adelita, pata de perro recap

2008-12-03T11:48:00.000-08:00

"My eyes were dazzled!"
--from the guestbook

Saturday, we go outselves to Tianguis bright and early to get the art up for the opening that evening. We tackled renegade frames, sequence garlands and added some decorative finishing touches to a statue of the virgin Mary that is part of the exhibit.

In the evening we were joined by friends and family to partake in a celebration of Jenny Priego's first public exhibit of her art work. There was her friend Grant, playing guitar, fresh flowers from Natalie, wine and cheese from mom, and most importantly lots of laughs by everyone.

It was such a great way to kick-off the holiday season. Jenny's photographs will be up through December. Swing by to check them out and share your thoughts in the guestbook.

Adelita: preview & interview

2008-11-24T15:54:00.000-08:00

Adelita, Pata de Perro
Listen to Jenny Priego's interview with Proyecto Latina Radio, which aired earlier this month where she talks about her art process and her upcoming show Adelita, pata de perro at Tianguis.

12 min, 29 sec

Copies of the latest issue of Palabra Magazine have arrived!

2008-11-18T11:50:00.000-08:00

This is Palabra's 4th issue and if you are new to Palabra, its a magazine of Chicano and Latino Literary Art, you can read more about them here. elena minor the editor of Palabra, would like to see more submissions of work from the Midwest, you can get the guidelines here.

And speaking of the country's heartland, I'm pretty excited because this issue includes familiar names from these parts. There are short stories from Paloma Martinez-Cruz and Aaron Michael Morales--both of which I had the pleasure of hearing at readings hosted at Tianguis. There is also new poetry from the most recent Montoya Prize recipient Paul Martinez-Pompa along with other Latino voices from the rest of the U.S.

Swing by Tianguis we have all four issues of Palabra available. Palabra Magazine, paperback, 116 pages, retail price $10.00.

Raw Silk Suture gets rave review

2008-11-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

"Raw Silk Suture" lives up to its name. This book is the marriage between that which aggravates and that which soothes the body and soul. There's no picking and choosing; there's only the dealing with all things beautiful and all things hurtful. It's called life, it's called survival: "Yes, / I am here, / even now."

The review for Lisa Alvarado's books appears here in ElPasotimes.com and is by Rigoberto Gonzalez.

Fronteras del Amor by Teatro Americano

2008-10-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

There are more than tacos cooking at Los Milagros Taqueria
Things heat up in the lives of the taqueria's young workers. Marisol is struggling for better life--for herself and family while being undocumented and taking care of her grandfather and kid brother; Raymundo got beat with the love stick and is sneaking around with the boss's daughter, Lucia ; and Cisco cannot seem to keep himself off the streets and get to work on time. These young adults are joined by luchadores, street kids, and has-been beauty queens all of which are looking for miracles and tortas at Los Milagros.

Join us as the kitchen gets too hot in this telenovela complete with commercials for the stage exploring the intersection of public health, immigration, and youth issues. Order up!

SAVE THE DATE:
Come see Teatro Americano Perform Fronteras del Amor @ DePaul University

Nov. 21 & 23 Cortelyou Commons Main Hall 2324 N. Freemont
November 22nd Student Center Room 120 2250 N Sheffield

6pm

Tickets $10

Directed by Ricardo Gamboa & Steven Beaudion
Developed & Written by Ricardo Gamboa & Steven Beaudion
with Francisco Javier Arrellano, Ashley Bland, Manuel Carnero, Angelica Delgado, Samanta Eimontaite, Julian Gallegos, Alejandra Garcia, Maybeth Gomez, Emmanuel Gutierrez, Hermelindo Hernandez, Unique Howard, Jennifer Idrovo, Chantal Kimbrough, Salvador Ledesma, Jacob Lopez, Xavier Lopez, Rolando Martinez, Veronika Miranda, Zulema Ortiz, Jilberto Popoca, Christy James Sanchez, Mario Sanchez, Sandra Sanchez and Manuel Saucedo

Teatro Americano will continue to offer performances in the coming months at local schools and community venues. For more information about how you can bring a performance to your school or organization, please contact Melissa Gonzalez, Director of Advocacy and Community Education, at (312) 850-9376 or melissa@latinospro.org .

Proyecto Latina's Radio Project

2008-10-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

What I am going to remember and probably miss most about this past summer are my Thursday evenings. These were the evenings dedicated to getting the Proyecto Latina Radio project off the ground. After closing shop I would meet up with my fellow co-producer Diana Pando and we would catch a quick bite to eat at either La Cebollita or Los Comales and then stroll over to the Radio Arte studios to meet up with our other team members: Yolanda Cardenas, Ericka Sanchez and Miranda Gonzalez. Jesus Ortiz, the host of the Urban Alternatives show at Radio Arte patiently guided us through weeks of radio training and tolerated my affinity for freestyle music while enlightening me with some knowledge of hip hop music.

We've been a little quiet about our little Sunday project because we are still refining our radio editing and producing skills. The goal of the radio show is to build upon Proyecto Latina and the programming that we have already been doing with our Open mic and reading series. So far we've had the pleasure of featuring work by local Latinas such as Lisa Alvarado, and Tanya Saracho as well as an interview with Mexican author Elena Poniatowska. We encourage you to tune in on Sundays from 6 to 7 p.m. If you are in the area you can probably pick up the frequency on your radio (90.5 FM) or you can tune into wrte.org to listen as it streams online.

We are working on uploading our radio archives so you can access them any time you like. More on this project coming soon...

Biblioburro

2008-10-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

Biblioburro The story of one man, two donkeys and 4,800 books.

From the Guild Complex: Palabra Pura

2008-10-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Palabra Pura, Frances Trevino and Tony del Valle
@ Decima Musa, 1901 S. Loomis, Chicago (Pilsen neighborhood)
Reading begins at 7:30 p.m.
Free admission. All ages. Books for sale.

Frances Treviño de Santos was first published by Pecan Grove Press in 1999 in a chapbook Mama & Other Tragedies. That same year, she was a fellow for the National Endowment for the Humanities for integrating U.S. Latino Literature in the secondary classroom. She is the recipient of the 2000 Premió Poesía Tejana Award for The Laughter of Doves, which was published through Wings Press. In 2001 she received a grant from the Alfredo Cisneros del Moral Foundation. Her current book of poems, Cayetana, is also published by Wings Press. From 1999-2002, she was a member of "Women of Ill-Repute: Refute!" - a performance group that deconstructed issues of culture and identity. Treviño de Santos teaches British Literature to high school students for the San Antonio Independent School district.

Tony del Valle is a published writer of fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry. For the past thirty years he performed as a singer, pianist and guitarist in a touring orchestra and recorded several albums of Latin music as composer, arranger, songwriter, and pianist. He also has taught music and visual arts in the Humboldt Park community where he painted various murals. He is currently seeking to publish a novel entitled The Royal Road, part of which has appeared in Chicago West Side Stories. Del Valle has presented his fiction, poetry, research, and music performances at various conferences, workshops and community events, and he continues his work as a professor of English.

I heart nuestro teatro....

2008-10-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

There is lots going on this fall in Latino theatre for the Chicagoland area. For me, these plays are just as important as the books that tell our stories. Show your support by attending, and helping pass the word along.

Kita y Fernanda
by Tanya Saracho
Kita y Fernanda is a look at class, immigration and women's friendships as it follows the lives of two girls growing up in the same household; one the privileged daughter of a rich Mexican family living in Texas the other Kita the child of an undocumented maid. Playing through October 26th at 16th Street Theatre in Berwyn.

Meet Juan(ito) Doe Directed by Ricardo Gamboa
Developed & Written by Ricardo Gamboa, Manuel Saucedo, Veronika Miranda, Alejandra Garcia and Mario Sanchez
Who is Juan Doe? An original ensemble devised piece by Teatro Americano exploring the realities of Latino youth in contemporary society composed from interviews, personal narratives and recent research. From gang violence to myspace, immigration to love and mix tapes, Teatro Americano has created a work that speaks to our collective and individual experiences as young Latinos. Juanito Doe is a busboy, gang member, a pregnant teen, an illegal student--Juanito Doe is you.

Saturday October 18th 7pm
Little Village Arts Festival
General Wood Boys & Girls Club
2950 W. 25th St
*Free event

Jarred: A Hoodoo Comedy
written by Tanya Saracho, directed by Belinda Cervantes & Tanya Saracho
In search for a cure to her heartbreak after a relationship turns sour, Alicia will try anything to mend her broken heart. When yoga, therapy, meditation (you name it she tried it) don't provide relief, her desperate search leads to a most unexpected practice: Magic. With the help of her friends, and three wise magi, Alicia mines the underworlds of Brujeria, Santeria and Hoodoo for folk magic recipes and ancient jar spells, in a frantic attempt to get her love back.

Begins October 31st, get tickets and details at here.
*Read my thoughts on the reading of Jarred, which I got to see this past summer at the Latino Theatre festival, better yet, see what the Chicago Tribune is saying about Tanya Saracho's work.

Turning three and giving thanks

2008-10-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

I have the nicest customers and neighbors. They look out for me. On days when I absentmindedly forget to turn on the open sign, I sometimes get a friendly call from my neighbors across the street to alert me. Last spring five customers and friends pitched in to treat me to a spa day. I've been given some more random things like a pine tree (that now resides in our back yard) and a usb full of music to play in the store. Oh, and our used book shelf (yes we have used books now) was started by very generous customer donations.

These acts of kindness always surprise and move me and leave me feeling all mushy and giddy and chocked up.

With that said, I want to share the following: A couple of Saturdays back Natalie, a neighbor that lives a few houses away and is a florist brought me flowers just because. I was touched and then she continued to surprise me with some very encouraging words, "Thank you for what you do."

Later that same day, Mari called me. She brought me tacos for lunch from La Internacional on 45th and Ashland. That lunch hit the spot. Yum. Go check out what her father's taqueria y carniceria has been doing so well for many, many years.

And if the universe had not indulged me enough, a few days later when I logged online I found a one line message from one of my favorite writers, "Thank you for all you do."

All unexpected gestures of kindness that humbled and filled up my soul with the good stuff. And now its my turn to send out a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all the people that have supported my venture and vision: Tianguis turns three this October!

Pregonando: Voicing Community

2008-10-04T11:22:00.000-07:00

This event opens TODAY. Its spearheaded by Giselle Mercier. Giselle will be the featured artist at Tianguis as part of the Pilsen Open Studios art walk later this month (details for that coming soon). I have also been asked to participate on the October 25th panel. Details below.

Pregonando*: Voicing Community
A multi-disciplinary exhibit highlighting the collective efforts of partnership building. From transnational to cross-city collaborations, the work of the cultural worker or community artist depends on the cultivation of reciprocal relationships amongst partners.

Join the Cuentos Fdtn., for a month of family workshops, film screenings and panel discussions that will transport us to the exemplary community-based work done in Chicago, Panama and Mexico.

Sat. October 4, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
Opening reception,

Sat. October 4 @ 7:30 p.m. & Sun. October 5 @ 4 p.m.
"Outside the Indigenous Lens" - Video Presentation by Chiapas Media Project/ Promedios,

Sat., October 11, 2008
Intergenerational Workshop - music and adornment

Saturday October 25, 2008
Closing & panel discussion and party with Nuestro Tambo

Participating artists and groups: Giselle Mercier*, Beth Massura,Tara Malik, Angel Nava, Lindsey Potter, Ashley Walls, Jesus Macarena-Avila, Gabi Nelson and Chiapas Media Project/Promedios. With performances by Ruben Gerena and Nuestro Tambo.

Held at Cuentos Foundation, 6321 N. Clark.

*In Spanish, the verb "pregonar" means to praise publicly and the person charged with this is the town crier or the "pregonero". The "pregon" or announcement is always urgent in nature and is loaded with collective community knowledge that is gained through daily experiences. This socially relevant proverb exalts "doing the right thing" or working ethically as we face day to day challenges.

Visit our table at Vive La Hispanidad celebration

2008-10-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

We have been invited to participate at the 4th Annual Vive La Hispanidad. If you are planning on attending make sure to stop by our table and say hello and check out the books and merchandise. We're sure its going to be a blast, the food and music lineup is fierce!

Voicing Resistance: The Latino Experience through the Arts and Media

2008-10-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

I've been invited to participate on a panel with three fellow Latinas. Details below:

Voicing Resistance: The Latino Experience through the Arts and Media
Monday, October 6th, 2008
7:00 - 9:00pm / Schmitt Academic Center (SAC) 154
2320 N. Kenmore Avenue

The panel features Chicago artists/activists who will discuss their work and the impact the visual and performing arts and the media have on Latino communities. The panelists will also examine the role of art and the media as a form of resistance within the Latino community.

Naomi Martinez is a Chicana artist who grew up in Logan Square in Chicago. Her world of original Monstrochika characters sprouted in 2000 and continues to evolve today. She has designed and hand sewn her own pouches and stuffed monstros while completing volume one of Monstrochika Comix. Martinez has collaborated with other local female graffiti artists on various murals and arts projects around the Chicago area. See: www.monstrochika.com

Marcela Munoz, born in Cartagena, Colombia, is a founding member and Managing Director of Aguijón Theater. As an actress and director she has worked with Aguijón Theater, Teatro Luna, Victory Gardens Theatre, the Goodman Theatre, and has participated in international theatre festivals in Peru, Argentina and Colombia.
See: www.aguijontheater.org/

Irasema González, Chicago poet, is a founding member of the Proyecto Latina reading series, a collaborative between Tianguis Books, Teatro Luna and Mariposa Atomica Ink. She is the owner of Tianguis Books, the “bookstore she always longed to walk into.” Her poems appeared in the anthology, Between the Heart and the Land. See: http://www.tianguis.biz/default.html

Yunuen Rodriguez, the first youth co-president of the board of Chicago-based Women & Girls CAN and a member of its youth-led initiative, Females United for Action, is an advocate for media justice, violence prevention and culture change that respects women and girls. She successfully led negotiations with a Chicago radio station to drop a sexually exploitive ad campaign and testified before the Federal Communications Commission about how women of color are portrayed in the media. See: www.myspace.com/femalesunitedforaction

For more information contact: The Women’s Center (773) 325-7558.

Mark your calendars: Lisa Alvarado reads @ Tianguis on 10/29

2008-10-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of attending Lisa Alvarado's national book release party for her new book Raw Silk Suture this past September. Lisa's poetry collection is powerful and as the title implies 'raw'. She delivered her delicate but intense gems beautifully. I'm excited to be having Lisa read at Tianguis later this month, mark your calendars and make sure to join us!

Wed. October 29, 2008 @ 7 p.m.
Lisa Alvarado reading from Raw Silk Suture
@ Tianguis, 2003 S. Damen.

The pinch me moment: Ana Castillo reads at Tianguis

2008-09-25T17:43:00.000-07:00

I had been preparing for last Friday night's reading for about a month--I was going through the motions at a pace that didn't allow me to really reflect on what was going to happen--but then Ana Castillo walked through our front door and that's when it really sunk in. Ana Castillo was reading at Tianguis! It was like when that special tia or the long lost cousin comes to visit and everyone gathers to anxiously wait and welcome their arrival. There was an energetic buzz that began building up in the store in the hours leading up to the reading because it was an honor, for me, my store and my customers to have an opportunity to share in such an intimate setting with a very talented writer--we all accepted the gift gratefully.

Ana read from her new book The Guardians, now out on paperback, and shared a poem from her poetry collection I ask the Impossible. There was a brief Q&A before folks lined up for the booksigning and picture taking.

A great big shout-out and thank you to all the wonderful folks that helped (behind-the-scenes) to make the evening a great success: Amanda Torres, Cristina Correa, Diana Pando, Liza Ann Acosta, Jenny Priego, Yolanda Cardenas, Isabel Garcia, Ellen Wadey, Radio Arte/Yollocalli Studios (for the use of their lovely red folding chairs) and to everyone who joined us. Look for more pictures of the evening on our myspace photo albums.

You can log on to Ana's blog to check out video from that evening that she has also posted.

Workshop with Taco Shop Poet, Tomas Riley

2008-09-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, September 18th, Tianguis hosted a poetry workshop led by Tomas Riley and sponsored by the Guild Complex. This is the second workshop of its kind (learn about the first one here), we love the creative energy this type of gathering brings to our space. We had some familiar faces amongst us, as well as newbies and some old students of Tomas Riley that joined us for the evening. We will keep you posted if similar opportunities become available in the future.

Proyecto Latina: September recap

2008-09-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

This last Monday we got together for our September '09 edition of Proyecto Latina: we had chismes, open mic and a featured reading by Achy Obejas. The Yollocalli Gallery at Radio Arte, where we hosted our event, is currently decked out in various shades of pink because their current exhibit is about the Quinceanera tradition. I thought it was pretty cool and appropriate that our open mic participants and Achy got to read with a Latina deity of sorts (a student piece) watching over them.

If you missed it, we just want to let you know that copies of Achy's latest titles, This is what happened in our other life and Havana Noir are still available at Tianguis. You can also catch Achy September 26th where she will be having a conversation with Junot Diaz at Instituto Cervantes.

A little bit of serendipity and a week full of all-stars

2008-09-09T18:35:00.000-07:00

It must have been a little bit of serendipity because these events kind of built up on our calendar before we realized what an amazing all-star line-up we had before us. So, we are excited and gearing up and we hope you can join us for one or two or ALL events!

Monday, September 15, 2008
Proyecto Latina welcomes back Achy Obejas. Join us for a reading, to check out her latest book and first published poetry collection, This is what happened in our other life. As usual open mic and chisme box will be in full force. Held at Radio Arte. Details here.

Thursday, September 18, 2008
Free poetry workshop with Tomas Riley at Tianguis. Free but space for this event is limited. RSVP required to info @ tianguis. biz. You can catch Tomas' at Palabra Pura on Wed. 9/17 where he will be one of two features.

Friday, September 19, 2009
Ana Castillo will read and sign copies of her latest novel, The Guardians (now available on paperback) at Tianguis. Free, arrive early, seating will be limited to first come first serve.

Saturday, September 20, 2009
This is a bonus event for us! We may not be hosting it but we are definitely supporters of Lisa Alvarado and her work. We will be joining her for the national book release party for her poetry collection: Raw Silk Suture. Event details.

You can find complete event details on our website: www.tianguis.biz.

Passing it along...CALLING ALL SPOKEN WORD POETS

2008-08-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

IMMIGRANT NATION: A human rights struggle for the new millennium is searching for spoken word poets for an independent upcoming documentary about the immigration movement. If you are a spoken word poet who has a piece about the immigration movement and are interested in being part of the independent documentary, we will be having auditions on September 5th-12th. Spoken word pieces will be used as a form of artistic involvement within the immigration movement. If you are unable to attend please submit a video link with your spoken word performance to immigrantnation08@gmail.com and a copy of your poem.

AUDITIONS
When: September 5th or September 12th

Where: Radioarte 90.5 FM corner of 18th street and Blue Island

Time: 4pm-7pm

If you are planning to attend please e-mail your name, title of piece, copy of poem, length of performance, and schedule time and date to immigrantnation08@gmail.com, Subject Title: AUDITION. Please be prepared to perform your piece in front of a camera.

If you would like more information please send your questions to immigrantnation08@gmail.com, Subject Title: QUESTION.

This is an independent community production so any assistance and contribution would be greatly appreciated. We need to create our own history and work as a community.

8.23.08: Defenders of Earth

2008-08-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

I'll be learning about energy healing on Saturday afternoon, but after we close shop on Saturday I will be heading to the Defenders of Earth Art show and Benefit.

We thought we should let all Montrochika fans know that Naomi Martinez--creator of all things Monstrochika and whose items can sometimes be found at Tianguis--has been working hard on this fundraiser for Connections for Abused women and their children. Naomi says, "Join us for an evening of good beats and urban art by various female artists coming together for a serious cause." Its a good opportunity to see what Naomi has been working on and check out the arts and crafts of some artist friends. Details below.

Al Son Que Me Toques Lorca

2008-08-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Al Son Que Me Toques, Lorca opened at the Goodman's Latino Theater Festival and is now playing through Aug. 31 at the Raven Theater, 6157 N. Clark St.

A musical allegory of Lorca's famous tragedy Blood Wedding, set in the colorful state of Veracruz, México. The poetry and passion of Lorca's classic Blood Wedding (Bodas de Sangre) is relocated from the picturesque realm of rural Spain to the vibrant and colorful world of Veracruz, México. Adapted and directed by Laura Crotte, a Teatro Vista member, Al son que me toques, Lorca is performed in Spanish. With traditional music and dance, this inspired adaptation emanates the energy and spirit of Veracruz, while remaining loyal to Lorca's famous tragedy. A Flor De Piel and former members of Sones de México provide the music.

AL SON QUE ME TOQUES, LORCA

Jueves y Viernes 8 pm
Sabados 7 pm y Domingos 6 pm

Entrada General $ 25.00
Estudiantes y Adultos Mayores $ 15.00
Grupos de más de 10 personas $ 10.00

RAVEN THEATRE
6157 N. CLARK (CLARK AND GRANVILLE)

www.moleculartistica.org
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/39713

Congratulations Paul...

2008-08-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

I got news a few days back that Paul Martinez-Pompa won the 2008 Andrés Montoya Poetry Prize. Kudos to Paul.

You can read more about Paul at the Latino Poetry Review the blog for Letras Latinas. There is an announcement of the prize that includes some words from this year's judge Martin Espada, and also a second entry with links to two interviews with Paul.

"jarred" in the most pleasant way

2008-08-14T06:48:00.000-07:00

If Tianguis was the bookstore I always wanted to walk into then Teatro Luna was the theatre company that I always wanted to find--and I thank my lucky stars that Tanya Saracho and Coya Paz found each other and then founded it. Its been a love affair for me since I first discovered Teatro Luna when I saw Generic Latina about seven years ago.

I went to see the reading for Jarred last night, its Teatro Luna's next productions--due to open this fall--and part of this years Latino Theatre Festival at the Goodman.

I was left "jarred"(in the most pleasant way). I can't wait for this production to open. Mark your calendars.

Jarred opens November 6th and I'm sure details will soon be posted at the Teatro Luna website soon.

Healing through Novelas

2008-08-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

Nothing like the word novela to pique my interest: I love to read them and watch them. Naturally its what caught my eye when I first heard about the radio and teatro novelas that Latinos Progresando and Radio Arte are working for their project SALUD, healing through the arts showcase. Some folks working on this project were in the store today and I got to hear snippets of the music that is part of the production, it was a pretty original and diverse selection. So, I'm definitely making plans to attend--that and I've seen Ricardo Gamboa's work before and I can't wait to see what he's whipping up this time around. Its this Friday, details below...

UPDATE:

I'm copying and pasting a portion of Ricky Gamboa's note on facebook, because I think he describes this Friday's production best...

"Since June 30, I have worked with 22 youth under the auspices of Teatro Americano of Latinos Progresando to create the premiere of a telenovela for the stage--a teatronovela--complete with commercials.

I brought my protege, Steven Beaudion, to the Monkeys and I kept him on my street team as my co-instructor and got Sadie Woods--if you know anything about nightlife beyond kiddie crack deejays at a billy dec club, you should know about her--she is deejaying all original compositions for the show.

The show is truly amazing and I cannot begin to even tell you the journey that me and these young people have been through, or at least not until the talkbalk. But I will tell you, there is acting talent on that stage from young people that rivals some of the most notable performers in the city and guest appearances from a doped up Hannah Montana and the debut of Border Runner Kicks--"the shoes to give immigrants a step up on border patrol." And like in all telenovelas: You will laugh. You will cry. You will want more. Seriously, its like going to see an awesome play in the city except actually relevant."

********************

SALUD

Healing Through the Arts Showcase

Friday, August 15th, 2008
5 p.m.-8 p.m.

Held at National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W 19th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60608

Forty of SALUD's vibrant and enthusiastic youth performers will showcase weeks of preparation and collaboration with original radionovelas and teatronovelas about immigration, health, and where the two topics converge. This free event will take place at the National Museum of Mexican Art on Friday, August 15th. Museum galleries and information booths hosted by local health- and youth-focused organizations will be open prior to the performance from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Food and beverages will be provided.

Please contact Melissa Gonzalez at 312.850.0572 or melissa@latinospro.org with any questions or concerns.

My neighbor's freedom project

2008-08-08T21:24:00.000-07:00

"Degrees of Freedom is a term used in statistics to describe how far a number is from the average; to describe how weird or how abnormal its placement is. There is freedom in not being afraid to be different. There is freedom in creativity. There is freedom in a life that does not fit inside of a box that goes beyond borders." --Angel Nava, The Degrees of Freedom Project

I'll be checking out the final exhibition for the Degrees of Freedom project this Saturday, August 9th. My wonderful neighbor Angel Nava has been sharing tid-bits about her work with me whenever she stops in to get an ice tea or say hello. And its all so intriguing to me, she's even brought her mom into town to help her build life-like cardboard appliances and other neat sculptures for the 700 square foot community maze that is part of this project.

What I appreciate most about Angel's art is its beauty and oozing optimism (have you seen the "when life gives you lemons make lemonade" piece that is currently residing in the back wall of our store?*), but my favorite part about Angle's art is the LARGE scale with which she does most pieces.

I'll be quick to close shop tomorrow afternoon because I'll be making my way down to the Degrees of Freedom project to catch it in its final hour.

THE DEGREES OF FREEDOM PROJECT final exhibition
Saturday, August 9, 2008 from NOON-6P.M.
The People's Music School Street Festival
931 W. Eastwood Ave.
Free family event.

More info: www.degreesoffreedomproject.com

*pictures coming soon.

A Journey in Nichos

2008-08-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

This past July 17th, Esmeralda Baltazar's farewell show, Paloma Libre in the Windy City, opened at Tianguis. This art show marks the end of Esmeralda's journey through Chicago and each nicho is representative of key moments of her life here. We were honored to have the opportunity to display Esmeralda's nichos which feature her trademark use of Homies.

You can learn more about Esmeralda and the show in this article that appeared in Extra News.

The show will run through August 17th. For the store schedule, check our website.

**********************************

"As a passionate collector of homies and a Chicana homie I have placed them in a position of artist, activist and/or educator, in order to remember my experience of leaving my own barrio. This series commemorates the learning opportunities and experiences the city of Chicago has offered me as a Chicana."
-Esmeralda Baltazar

Esmeralda Baltazar moved to Chicago from San Antonio Texas to study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she received a Bachelors in Fine Arts with a concentration in Art Education. Chicago has been her home for the past seven years and is the place where she has been able to establish her identity as an artist, educator and activist. She is the co-founder of the community-based organization, the Crib Collective, located in North Lawndale and Little Village that develops young people as leaders in their community. After six years of developing a youth leadership organization she is leaving Chicago for graduate studies at New York University to continue and further develop her work in Chicago.

07.23.08:Cohort Residency Reading

2008-07-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

SHERYL LUNA and DAWN LUNDY MARTIN
This WEDNESDAY, July 23
California Clipper, 1002 N. California, (Augusta and California), Chicago
Doors open at 8:00 p.m. Reading begins at 8:30 p.m.
Free admission. 21 and over show. You must have i.d.

What is a cohort residency you ask? The Guild Complex in partnership with Cave Canem and the Andres Montoya Prize of Letras Latinas has arranged for two premier poets -- one Latina, one African American -- to be placed in residency together at Ragdale. Our aim is to expand the diversity of residency programs, to open professional creative opportunities for writers of color, and to enrich the exchange between writers. Sheryl Luna read in our inaugural year of Palabra Pura. Her collection Pity the Drowned Horses was selected by Robert Vasquez for the 2004 Andres Montoya Prize and published by the University of Notre Dame Press. Dawn Lundy Martin is the winner of the 2006 Cave Canem Prize. Her collection of poetry A Gathering of Matter/A Matter of Gathering was selected by Carl Phillips and was published by the University of Georgia Press. You dont want to miss the inaugural reading of this groundbreaking collaboration.

The amazing transformations of Desiree Castro

2008-07-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

Desiree T. Castro piqued my interest when she sent word of her most recent project, The Cabrona Chronicles. The last time I had caught Desiree on stage she was in drag and playing Diego, a young boy in the men's bathroom with his dad learning about the rules of using the urinals. Next it was the solo piece that Desiree wrote for the Solo Tu show about motherhood.

Desiree explains that The Cabrona Chronicles is a piece about, "exploration of vital turning points in women's lives and those moments that trigger daughters to avenge their families, wives to leave their husbands, timid girls to have fist fights, students to discipline teachers, and grandmothers to mumble in their sleep,"Te estoy viendo cabrona."

I've had some of those turning points, so I can't wait to see Desiree at the next Proyecto Latina where she will be sharing excerpts from, The Cabrona Chronicles. Ginger Gallardo, Desiree's sister will be joining her with musical selections she's composed as part of the project.

This actress, writer, arts-educator, dancer and mother has a list of impressive accomplishments that include Teatro Luna's award winning show Machos and Solo Tu, she is also a company member for Barrel of Monkeys Theatre Company. You can read Desiree's complete bio here.

Come out and join us on Monday, June 21st at the Radio Arte studios, 1401 W. 18th Street, on the corner of 18th and Blue Island for this event. (Use the 18th street door.) Desiree will be our feature, there will be eight open mic slots and every one's favorite the chisme box.

Hosting our first poetry workshop

2008-06-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

Traffic

Sewer stink fills his lungs

tortillas on his face like a mask

candlewax drips over time like tears

rubber body suit melts into the grooves of the day

there is a red light behind his eyes

cry, cloaca, cry

what did you stop doing?

Listed above is the group poem that was written last Thursday when a small group of folks came together at Tianguis for a free poetry workshop with Naomi Ayala. The event was sponsored and made possible by the Guild Complex.

I can't begin to express how grateful and honored we felt for such a wonderful opportunity for both Tianguis and for the community members that got to participate. Naomi was a blast and we had so much fun, there were lots of laughs and jokes and ultimately we all walked out armed with a writing exercise and a new poem.

Stay tuned, because Ellen at the Guild Complex hinted about doing this again next fall. We will make sure to keep you posted.

May 21st: mojitos and mingling @ Cuatro

2008-05-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

When: Wednesday, May 21st.
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Cuatro, 2030 S Wabash Ave.

The wonderful women that serve on the Latina Leadership Council for the Chicago Foundation For Women are putting together a lovely event. Its an evening gathering open to everyone, come out for mojitos, do a little mingling and obtain information on the Latina Leadership Council.

Tianguis @ the Mexican & Latino Book Fair in Chicago

2008-05-13T20:39:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled to be taking part of this book fair, we invite you to look for the Tianguis booth on Saturday, May 17th and check out the most recent titles by Momotombo Press. The fair will be from Thurs., May 15th to Sun, May 18th but we will only be there one day. Held at University of Illinois at Chicago, Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted. This event is free and open to the public. Details here.

Extended Deadline for Anthology: May 30, 2008

2008-04-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

EXTENDED DEADLINE: May 30, 2008

Call for submissions for new anthology focusing on Mexicans/ Chicanos in Chicago and the Midwest.

Edited by: María A. Beltrán-Vocal, Paul Martínez Pompa,
and Irasema González

Abstract: This anthology explores the experience of Mexicans/Chicanos in Chicago and the Midwest through their writing. By telling the stories of Chicano lives’, we create history and provide a foundation for those attempting to understand the needs and experiences of Chicanos. We also provide direction for self-empowerment.

The purpose of this book is to record the social, cultural, political, literary experience of Chicanos/Mexicans from their own voice and perspective. This anthology will provide writers and scholars with first hand experience and perspective of Mexicans in Chicago and the Midwest. This anthology will provide Mexicans/Chicanos with the opportunity to explore the presence of Mexicans in Chicago and the Midwest from the end of the XIXth century to today. The writings will allow the reader to view the experience of workers in the railroads, the mills, and the activism of Mexicans in the sixties and seventies to the immigration marches in the XX1st centuries. These writings will give a new perspective of the presence and contributions of Mexicans in Chicago and the Midwest. It will examine the hardships, the struggles and triumphs of Chicanos/Mexicans and how their struggle has changed their perspective of life, politics, activism, education, and gender roles. We are accepting submissions in the forms of essay, poetry, short story, oral histories/testimonies, and autobiographies.

~~Postmarked deadline for submissions is Saturday,~~~~March 22^nd, 2008~~

Two hard copies of the article, including endnotes and bibliography

§ Submissions should be double spaced, follow MLA format and must not exceed 20 pages.

§ Poets may submit up to five poems

§ Writers may submit up to two short stories no longer than 20 pages

§ Autobiography/testimony, creative, non-fiction/memoir no longer than 20 pages

§ All contributors must submit a brief biography and professional affiliation.

Please send submissions to:

María A. Beltrán-Vocal
Department of Modern Languages
DePaul University
802 West Belden Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773)325-7000 ext. 51866

Catch us in the Chicago Journal

2008-03-06T08:46:00.000-08:00

This week's Chicago Journal includes a feature about Tianguis and Proyecto Latina. You can also read the article online here.

Proyecto Latina: Redeems and inspires

2008-03-03T08:58:00.001-08:00

I first met Josephine Gasca many years back when we both took a Latin American Literature class in college. When we received the syllabus Josephine thought to ask a very important question, "Why is there only one book by a Latina on the reading list?" We read many wonderful books that semester but only one was written by a female writer, with the exception of the authors we chose to write about for our independent projects. Our professor didn't budge and I hesitate to share what this individual answered, but I think you can probably guess what it sounded like. So, some ten years later, being a part of Proyecto Latina is a wonderful privilege and I value the opportunity to learn about and meet so many wonderful, established and emerging Latina writers--its complete redemption for having to sit through that awful class.

The third Monday of every month always inspires me, I would love to share that with you. So, I invite you to join us, Monday, March 17th, our feature is my old friend Josephine Gasca. I'm very excited about Josephine's feature because she will be reading and also doing belly dance performance for us. Remember that we will be meeting at Radio Arte, 1401 W. 18th St, on the corner of 18th and Blue Island. Open mic sign-up begins at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Josephine Gasca graduated from Columbia College with an MFA in Creative Writing. In Chicago, she helped run the family drywall business, raised an amazing daughter, taught in Columbia's Fiction Department and gathered enough material for several novels. She moved to the East Coast a little over four years ago to devote more time to her writing and artistic pursuits. Her teaching repertoire now includes dance. She writes and and book keeps by day and belly dances at night.

February recap: Our February feature was Liz Sandoval. Liz and everyone who joined us, including the Chicago Journal, were wonderful sports and didn't complain much about the last minute venue change. In case you were unable to join us, Liz read a powerful memoir piece, From Zero to Fucked in Six Seconds, that you can go read here- its posted under a different title, White Daisies.

VENUE UPDATE: PROYECTO LATINA TONIGHT!

2008-02-18T09:36:00.001-08:00

UPDATE:
Due to significant street closings along 18th street we will be holding February's Proyecto Latina--THAT'S TONIGHT!--at Tianguis, 2003 S. Damen.

Join us this President's Day, Monday, February 18th @ 7 p.m. Proyecto Latina's open mic series resumes after a brief winter break and 2nd anniversary celebration--we're back with amazing features, an open mic and everyone's favorite the chisme box.

This month's feature is Elizabeth (Liz) Sandoval. An amazing writer and performer. You can learn more about her here and find a link to hear a sample of her work here.

Proyecto Latina & Palabra Pura, both in Pilsen this February

2008-02-14T09:51:00.000-08:00

Proyecto Latina
Remember to join us this President's Day, Monday, February 18th @ 7 p.m. Proyecto Latina's open mic series resumes after a brief winter break and 2nd anniversary celebration--we're back with amazing features, an open mic and everyone's favorite the chisme box.

We have new things in the works with Proyecto Latina, including an awesome lineup of featured talent for the new year, art shows and a radio show! Stay tuned we will share details as they become available.

We will now be gathering at a new venue to better accommodate everyone: Radio Arte, 1401 W. 18th Street (On the corner of 18th and Blue Island. Across the street from the Lozano Library).

This month's feature:

Elizabeth (Liz) Sandoval is a Chicago-born writer/performer who's lived most of her life in Los Angeles--and has made her way back home to Chicago! You can get her full bio here, and you can get a preview of her work a humorous Valentine's piece on unrequited love--that aired on Chicago Public Radio last night here.

******************************************************************************
Palabra Pura
Wednesday, February 20th @ 8 p.m.
Palabra Pura is touring into Pilsen this month and holding its open mic at Decima Musa, 1901 S. Loomis. Their February features are Tim Hernandez from Boulder, CO, he will read from his book, Skin Tax, which won the American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation. Tim will read with Stephanie Gentry-Fernandez, who will just be completing her performance in the sold-out play Machos by Teatro Luna.

Lisa Alvarado has posted all the wonderful details on Tim and Stephanie over at La Bloga.

High wow factor for Momotombo's new release

2008-02-08T07:36:00.002-08:00

Aaron Michael Morales is the author of From here you can almost see the end of the desert, the newest title from Momotombo Press.

When the box of Aaron's new book arrived, I promptly grabbed a copy and read it. When I was done reading it, I raved to anyone who would listen about the amazing writing I had just encountered. Actually, I've revisited Aaron's book and I still find myself wondering about his characters.

I'm not the only one that felt this way, Luis Alberto Urrea gives Aaron's work an eloquent thumbs-up in the introduction, and there is even more praise by Helena María Viramontes on the back cover of this chapbook.

The book is available and on sale at Tianguis. You can swing by the store to pick it up or if you are outside our area you can order it online or by phone.

Even better, Aaron will be joining us at Tianguis, 2003 S. Damen, Chicago, for an author reading on Saturday, February 23rd @ 2 p.m. Space is limited and RSVP is not required but recommended. Its a wonderful opportunity where Aaron will personally share his stories and characters with everyone.

Resource: Youth Grant for Lawndale neighborhoods

2008-01-25T10:21:00.001-08:00

We got this message today from our friends over at the Crib Collective:

The Crib Collective's Youth Grant-Making Team is at it again!

If you are a young person or you know some young people that are trying to get a project off the ground, could currently be happening or could be a plan for something in the near future. We are giving up to $2500 to youth-led projects that benefit the Lawndale community, both North and South, that includes Little Village. I am attaching an application and I am available via email to answer any questions about it. The deadline is approaching soon, FEBRUARY 14TH!

Please feel free to forward this to your contacts especially any young leaders who could benefit from this oppurtunity.

Application, guidelines and contact info available here.

CELEBRATE WITH US! 2nd Anniversary Soiree

2007-12-28T14:45:00.000-08:00

Proyecto Latina is brewing a wonderful celebration event for the night of Saturday, January 19th. Stay tuned for a lovely and talented lineup--a best of Proyecto Latina features from the past two years. We are grateful to the help of our friends at Radio Art and Junior's Sports Bar.

UPDATE:
Its a night to put your pen and papelitos away, and instead whip out your dancing shoes, and open up to inspiration. Proyecto Latina invites you to join us and celebrate our 2nd Anniversary on Saturday, January 19th 2008 at Junior's Sports Bar, 2058 W. Cermak Rd. (In Pilsen and a couple of blocks away from Tianguis.) We're bringing back highlights--crowd favorites of course--from our past features list to help us mark this wonderful occassion with amazing words, music and dancing. And we are super excited to cap the night off with two Proyecto Latina newcomers our two featured DJ's to put more groove in our night: La Primitiva and Spacerwoman.*

We get started at 7 p.m. Free admission and antojitos (while they last).

Silvia Rivera	Amanda Torres
Wendy (Gwen) Vargas	The Luna Blues Machine
La Primitiva	Spacerwoman

We owe a very BIG thanks to Radio Arte and Junior's Sports Bar.

*No open mic for this January event. We will be bring back the open mic with the February edition of Proyecto Latina.

Featured titles to help fulfill your gift needs

2007-12-21T06:31:00.000-08:00

A thoughtfully selected book can add meaning to your gifts, take it to the next level and turn it into a keepsake by personalizing it with a short note, the finishing touch--a bookmark of course.

Below is our list of recommended titles that we know make ideal gifts, and which can all be found on our bookshelves:

Bless Me Ultima is our current bookclub selection, its a coming-of-age story appropriate for adults and young readers:

Ask A Mexican will draw in even the most hesitant reader on your list. We still have autographed copies available.

The Alchemist Chances are people who read this books got it as a gift and there is a high probability rate that they go on to share the gift with others.

More suggestions:

from l to r: Once Upon a Quinceanera by Julia Alvarez
Lucha Libre: The Man in the Silver Mask,
a bilingual cuento by Xavier Garza

I will never forget you: Frida Kahlo and Nickolas Murray
by Salomon Grimberg

from l to r: Nahui Olin by Adriana Malvido;
Las Soldaderas: Women of the Mexican Revolution by Elena Poniatowska

from l to r: Revolucion!: Cuban Poster Art by Lincoln Cushing
Mexican Calendar Girls by Angela Villalba

submission call:new anthology focus on Mexican/Chicanos in Chicago and Midwest

2007-12-18T17:21:00.001-08:00

Call for submissions for new anthology focusing on Mexicans/ Chicanos in Chicago and the Midwest.

Edited by: María A. Beltrán-Vocal, Paul Martínez Pompa,
and Irasema González

Abstract: This anthology explores the experience of Mexicans/Chicanos in Chicago and the Midwest through their writing. By telling the stories of Chicano lives’, we create history and provide a foundation for those attempting to understand the needs and experiences of Chicanos. We also provide direction for self-empowerment.

The purpose of this book is to record the social, cultural, political, literary experience of Chicanos/Mexicans from their own voice and perspective. This anthology will provide writers and scholars with first hand experience and perspective of Mexicans in Chicago and the Midwest. This anthology will provide Mexicans/Chicanos with the opportunity to explore the presence of Mexicans in Chicago and the Midwest from the end of the XIXth century to today. The writings will allow the reader to view the experience of workers in the railroads, the mills, and the activism of Mexicans in the sixties and seventies to the immigration marches in the XX1st centuries. These writings will give a new perspective of the presence and contributions of Mexicans in Chicago and the Midwest. It will examine the hardships, the struggles and triumphs of Chicanos/Mexicans and how their struggle has changed their perspective of life, politics, activism, education, and gender roles. We are accepting submissions in the forms of essay, poetry, short story, oral histories/testimonies, and autobiographies.

Postmarked deadline for submissions is Saturday, March 22^nd, 2008.

Two hard copies of the article, including endnotes and bibliography

§ Submissions should be double spaced, follow MLA format and must not exceed 20 pages.

§ Poets may submit up to five poems

§ Writers may submit up to two short stories no longer than 20 pages

§ Autobiography/testimony, creative, non-fiction/memoir no longer than 20 pages

§ All contributors must submit a brief biography and professional affiliation.

Please send submissions to:

María A. Beltrán-Vocal
Department of Modern Languages
DePaul University
802 West Belden Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773)325-7000 ext. 51866

December's Dynamic Duo: Ultima & Krista

2007-11-28T06:43:00.000-08:00

Bookclub now reading:
Bless Me Ultima

Art Feature:
Lucky Sevens, Art by Krista Franklin

Opens Friday, Dec. 7th @ 7 p.m.

Details: www.tianguis.biz

October review: Sor Juana, Open Studios & Proyecto Latina

2007-11-13T15:19:00.000-08:00

top: Amanda and Maritza. bottom: Felicia, Irasema, Silvia, Diana.

We know its a little overdue, but we did want to report on some memorable October events. After all October is the month that marked our 2nd anniversary. And we have gotten this far through a lot of hard work but also support from family and--new and old--friends.

The second weekend in October was a busy one for us. We got started with Entre Letras, Palabras y Cantos, an event that Proyecto Latina was invited to collaborate on, it was part of the Sor Juana Festival at the National Museum of Mexican Art. A very exciting night, we had several local Latinas that came out to strut their literary and musical talent including Stephanie Gentry-Fernandez, Maritza Cervantes, and Belinda Cervantes. (You can currently see all three in Teatro Luna's Macho's production.

The feature that night was Felicia Luna Lemus who read from her second novel, Like Son. Which was also one of our recent bookclub picks. I was pleasantly surprised when Felicia dropped by to check out the store before walking over to the museum for the reading. How often do you get a one-on-one with a writer that allows you the opportunity to share thoughts and ask questions about their book?

The weekend was also filled with Pilsen Open Studio activities, and we were delighted to host an eclectic mix of art by Naomi Martinez and Jose Arceo. On Monday we capped things off with our monthly open mic Proyecto Latina and our first Macho feature, Paul Martinez Pompa--the chisme box was hot as ever.

A heartfelt thanks to everyone that joined us, we value and appreciate the support very much. Get your calendars ready because we have some year-end and new year activities scheduled.

This November Teatro Luna presents Machos

2007-10-08T11:10:00.001-07:00

Teatro Luna, our co-collaborators for Proyecto Latina, have completed their next production. I'm super excited and can't wait to see Machos!

Tickets are already on sale and can be purchased directly from the Teatro Luna website.

MACHOS: Be a Man?...
Men. Women. Women dressed as men. Teatro Luna, Chicago's All-Latina Theater Company, announces the world premiere of MACHOS, an interview based play about contemporary masculinities. As always, Teatro Luna is cheeky, straightforward, and willing to ask even the most hard hitting questions: exactly how did you learn to use a urinal? MACHOS is presented In English with a sprinkle of Spanish.

Gallery: Antonio Pazaran

2007-09-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

We got new art up on our walls. Its the work of Antonio Pazaran and it all happened quite spontaneously which means it will only be here for a very short time. A couple of my favorite pieces are the calla lilly (below), part of the flores urbanas trio and the self-portrait (above).* If you're in the neighborhood make sure to swing by to check it out soon, Pilsen Open Studios is fast approaching and our walls will once again be transformed.

*Select original pieces for sale. Prints for sale on all pieces.

Save the date for Pilsen Open Studios

2007-09-07T15:58:00.000-07:00

Tianguis: books.tea.cultura is excited to be participating in Pilsen Open Studios, we will be featuring the artwork of Naomi Martinez and Jose Arceo. Mark your calendars and make sure to join us because we will also be celebrating our second anniversary with birthday cake. More details forthcoming.

Date: Saturday, October 13th and Sunday, October 14th
Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Tianguis, 2003 S. Damen, Chicago, IL 60608

Tianguis Bookclub news and more

2007-08-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

The fall brings exciting developments and it starts with our bookclub selection, Like Son by Felicia Luna Lemus. We invite you to read along with us and join us for the bookclub discussion on Wed, Oct. 3rd @ 7 p.m.

If you're sad that summer is ending, I think this is just the page turner to distract you. And if you can't get enough of Nahui Olin, after seeing the Frida Contemporaries exhibit, you will be as delighted as me to see how Felicia brings Nahui Olin to life on the pages of this captivating novel.

We are also reading this book in anticipation of the October 12th event, that will be part of the Sor Juana Festival: Entre Letras, Palabras y Cantos. Which will feature Chicago's local Mexicana poets open for acclaimed author Felicia Luna Lemus. These local poets include: Stephanie Gentry-Fernandez, Magda Banda, Yolanda Cardenas, and The Luna Blues Machine. This event is a collaborative between the National Museum of Mexican Art and Proyecto Latina*.

Like Son is available @ Tianguis and your local library.

About the book: Set amidst present-day New York, 1990s Los Angeles, and 1940s Mexico City, Like Son is the not-so-simple story of a father, a son, and the love-blindness shared between them. Frank Cruz is a post-punk, sardonic, thirty-year-old who unwittingly inherits his father's legacy. Born a bouncing baby girl named Francisca to parents tangled in a doomed love affair, Frank grows up in both the poorest barrios and poshest hills of Southern California. A defiant loner, Frank leaves home at the age of eighteen, but is later sucked back into helping his estranged and blind father navigate an untimely death. On his deathbed, Frank's father gives him a mysterious crumbling photograph of a woman with a stunning gaze: Nahui Olin, a fierce member of the early-20th-century Mexican avant-garde who once brought tragedy upon the Cruz family. Punctured to his core by Nahui, Frank takes her portrait and flees to New York City to start anew--this time for real. In September 2001 the New York skyline tumbles, and Frank finds himself smack in the middle of his predestined fate.

* Proyecto Latina is a seperate collaborative between the women of Tianguis, Teatro Luna and Mariposa Atomica Ink.

Recap on the Mexican invasion

2007-07-20T10:52:00.001-07:00

We were thrilled to host a reading for Gustavo Arellano, author of ¡Ask A Mexican! last Wed. He shared excerpts from his book as well as a few jokes, took questions during the Q&A before taking a seat to begin the booksigning. For us it was exciting to have Gustavo in the da house, and to see many familiar and new faces in the crowd. We are grateful for Gustavo's support, he reminded everyone of the importance of supporting independent bookstores and then put his money where his mouth is. That's him, Diana and Amanda looking joyous over the transaction.

He left autographed copies so that Chicago peeps that missed the reading could still get one--so get 'em while they last.

And one final thought: The ¡Ask A Mexican! column is not syndicated in Chicago. I think that should change, considering that Chicago is a city that hosts several Mexican enclaves. If you agree, consider writing the editors at your favorite local daily/weekly and asking them to syndicate.

The Mexican @ Tianguis

2007-07-06T21:12:00.000-07:00

UPDATE:
SLOTS FOR THE READING ARE ALL FILLED, BUT MAKE SURE TO JOIN US FOR THE BOOKSIGNING--THAT IS OPEN TO ALL.

BOOKSIGNING BEGINS AT 8 P.M.

Gustavo Arellano, author of ¡Ask a Mexican! will be doing a reading and booksigning at Tianguis. I almost fell out when this opportunity came up. It was a no-brainer, we gave a resounding yes. For reasons beyond his entertaining column and coming to read at our humble nook in Pilsen, Gustavo has made it on our list of favorite people ever.

If you're interested in joining us, here's the official scoop:

What: Reading and booksigning with Gustavo Arellano author of ¡Ask a Mexican!

When: Wed. July 18, 2007
Please note: Reading: 7 p.m. RSVP required. Space is limited.
Booksigning: 8 p.m.Open to all.

Where: Tianguis: books. tea. cultura, 2003 S. Damen.

How to rsvp: Call 312.492.8350 or email info@tianguis.biz

************************************************

Arellano on the Colbert Report

July events @ Tianguis

2007-06-16T07:01:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, July 11th @ 7 p.m.
Tianguis Bookclub A final opportunity to join the book club discussion on the award winning, and Pulitzer Prize finalist: The Devil's Highway by Luis Alberto Urrea. Free.

Thursday, July 12th @ 7 p.m.
Hooks and Needles Our stitching circle meets monthly on 2nd Thursdays. Open to everyone: Beginners and crochet/knitting veterans. Free.

Wednesday, July 18th @ 7 p.m.
Ask a Mexican! Gustavo Arellano author of the hilarious book Ask A Mexican returns to Chicago and will be doing a reading and book signing at Tianguis. RSVP required, space is limited.

Thursday, July 26th @ 7 p.m.
Reading featuring Raúl Niño and his exquisite new chapbook Book Of Mornings.

LUNATIC(A)S, Teatro Luna's new show

2007-06-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

Our friends over at Teatro Luna are once again doing what they do best. We went to see this show last Friday. I cried, I laughed, and laughed so hard I cried.

Don't miss the CRAZIEST show of the season! Teatro Luna's LUNATIC(A)S. That crazy stuff you don't want to admit you do? We'll confess it for you - you can just sit back and RELATE! I promise.

LUNATIC(A)S
June 7-July 15
@Chicago Dramatists
Thurs @ 7:30, Fri/Sat @8pm, Sun @ 3pm
$15 general admission/$10 students
For tickets and info call 773-878-LUNA or e-mail info@teatroluna.org

update: REVIEWS ARE IN!

Don't miss Teatro Luna's latest show, LUNATIC(A)S. Audiences love it and the critics do too! Here's a sampling of what they have to say:

JEFF RECOMMENDED

THE TRIBUNE:
Few theatrical endeavors capture the essence of the modern-day female better than Teatro Luna... This is chick lit without the bad writerly flourishes; Cosmo magazine without the quizzes or the how-to-please-your-man confections. Teatro Luna, of course, brings a funky Latina point of view to the table, and its shows are executed with a precision and liveliness that is hard to resist...the show as a whole contains some of the strongest observational humor you will find this side of "Sex and the City,"

TIME OUT CHICAGO
funny feministas....blistering, hilarious honesty about the everyday insanities they experience as women and as Latinas...

EPOCH TIMES
...this is pure comedy with a capital "C"."

Bookclub: The Devil's Highway, recap

2007-06-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

Our bookclub discussion for The Devil's Highway was last night. There will be one more opportunity to share thoughts on the book in July, stay tuned for the date and time.

For now, I want to take a quick moment and follow up on last night's book club discussion. We had a nice exchange of ideas, regarding the book and the immigration issues it touches on. Some shared personal stories, or family anecdotes, it was definitely a book that struck a chord with many. One participant said she appreciated how the book humanized the immigrants crossing and a few regretted not having a novel format because we were left wanting to know more. I wondered if perhaps this was Urrea's way of conveying that desperation and feeling of not knowing feelings that perhaps the families left behind still live with.

Different passages stood out for a few of us. For me it was page 32, its a meager list of effects found on the victims that reads like a poem, for another person it was the top of page 165 that names the GPS coordinates that identifies where the journey ends for some victims, for another person it was page 128 that describes how walkers strip nude to escape the heat and how the clothing is found,"eerily neat, carefully folded and left in nice little piles."

Did you read the book and didn't have an opportunity to join us? Are there any thoughts you would like to share before the next book club discussion. We encourage you to post a comment here or send it to info@tianguis.biz.

On La Bloga

2007-05-31T06:13:00.000-07:00

Lisa Alvarado, our featured performer for the next Proyecto Latina is the Thursday columnist for La Bloga. Her column today features Tianguis, Proyecto Latina and a profile on yours truly.

La Bloga is a blog that covers Chicana/Chicano Literature, Writers, Fiction, Children's Literature, News, Views, Reviews . My favorite feature is the extensive link list to author websites. No more wondering if your favorite Chicano author has a website. :)

Finally, make sure to mark your calendars and join us Monday, June 18th @ 7 p.m. for the next Proyecto Latina with Lisa Alvarado who will be sharing from a new body of work. As always there will be chismes and an open mic.

--Irasema Gonzalez

Tea Time: new hours and specials

2007-05-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

NEW HOURS:
Mon. through Sat.: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sun: 10a.m. to 5 p.m.

The tea bar is finally open. That means that in addition to tasty drinks, we are introducing new hours. Please note that we are now open earlier and on Sundays. And to celebrate we are featuring a morning special:

MORNING SPECIAL:

$1.00
small coffee/tea*
7 a.m.-9 a.m.
*(select tea options)

We have organic loose leaf teas --our current favorite is the King Crimson blend--and we can make it a hot or iced tea. Indulge in one of the chais, we have four flavors for choose from. And for a sweeter, hot weather treat, try one of our bubble teas--with or without tapioca pearls. And finally, we also have coffee, and we promise that we can make a mean cup of cafecito.

Our primary mission is to celebrate Latino literature from established authors but also to help nurture emerging voices that are also telling our stories. Buying a drink or snack at Tianguis is a great way to support and help the book selection grow.

We invite you to swing by next time you're in the neighborhood. We are conveniently located across the CTA Pink Line, Damen stop. We can make our space available after hours for meetings or other events, contact us for details.

New bookclub selection: The Devil's Highway

2007-05-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

The Devil's Highway by Luis Alberto Urrea is our next book club selection! It's the first book that we pick that I have not actually read first. But I think its a safe gamble since it's a national bestseller and a Pulitzer Prize finalist.

The book recounts a true story about a group of Mexican immigrants that got lost in May of 2004, along the Arizona desert on a deadly stretch known as The Devil's Highway or La Carretera del Diablo.

I'm already half-way through the first chapter. I've also thumbed through different parts of the book, including the table of contents, the interview and readers questions at the back of the book. One item that stands out is the timeline summarizing the deadly five day journey these men went on. It begins and ends during the month of May. I'm beginning to feel that perhaps the timing of this book as our book club selection for the month of May is serendipity. In the last couple of months, we had considered a couple of titles by Urrea and just recently and unaware of this coincidence picked The Devil's Highway. The thought of that timing coincidence lingered as I began to read the first few pages, making Urrea's descriptions of desert and desolation all the more surreal.

In light of the ongoing immigration debate we think its a timely read for individuals on both sides of the argument. At the interview at the back of the book, Urrea is asked about how he kept his account objective, he responds, "If I was going to write a book hoping to deal with this issue fairly, how could I write with prejudice...I have to trust my readers to make up their own minds. Even if that means reaching decisions I didn't intend for them to reach."

We invite you to read along with us. If you have already read this book, we encourage you to revisit it and share your thoughts with us. You can do this either through the comment feature on this blog or by joining our book club discussion. Immigration affects us all at many levels, we hope this book can help spark some healthy dialogue in our community and perhaps inspire action leading to changes that ensure that tragedies like this no longer occur.

There are four weeks to read the book. The next book club discussion gathering will be Wednesday, June 6th at 7 p.m. Can't wait to see you.

The Devil's Highway (Bay Back Books, 13.99) is for sale at Tianguis.

--Irasema Gonzalez

Monstrochikas have arrived!

2007-04-06T15:05:00.000-07:00

Three postcards to pick from, take some home, keep them around for when you need to write to a special friend or to frame and enjoy as art. On sale now@ Tianguis now.

To celebrate Naomi and her monstritos are scheduled to take Tianguis by storm--we will be hosting a special presentation of Naomi's artwork. Make sure to join us:

Friday, April 13th
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Held @ Tianguis, 2003 S. Damen

Naomi Martinez was born in 1977 and is an all-natural Chicago grown Xicana artist. Her interest in art began in high school with her discovery of her local graffiti art scene and the Mexican social muralist movement of her father’s native land. She learned painting and pottery skills as an Apprentice Artist at Gallery 37 with the Marwen Foundation. She later enrolled at Columbia College Chicago for acting and photography but with no major in mind soon dropped out. After her college experience she became a road trip enthusiast and even had a brief stint as a poet and Rock en Espanol band singer. She revisited painting and aerosol art in 2000. More recently she has designed and hand sewn Monstrochika pouches and stuffed monstros while completing volume one of Monstrochika Comix. She has also collaborated with other local women graffiti artists on various murals around the Chicago. Naomi is inspired by both nature and metropolis, graffiti, comics, her childhood in the city and her pets. She is currently a legal secretary by day and Monstro Factory worker by night. Visit Naomi's myspace.

Are you passionate about education?

2007-02-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

Big Picture High School in Back of the Yards needs your support to make a difference. Remember that it took complete community involvement to get the Little Village High School built. This time we need to come together to keep the Big Picture High School in the Back of the Yards open.

Tianguis has hosted internships for Big Picture High School students and we strongly support its mission and model. At Tianguis we value the work that Big Picture is doing with the young adults from Back of the Yards. The students are encouraged to think BIG, pursue higher education and learn through real life experiences.The loss of this school would be devastating to the Back of the Yards community and an injustice to the young people who reside in it.

To support Big Picture consider doing the following:

*This Wednesday, Feb. 28th, 2007. 10:30 a.m.:

A group of students, mentors and parents will be going in front of the Chicago Board of Education meeting. If you can join us at CPS Central Administration Building, 125 S. Clark Street, 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603 .

*Call the Board or Education. Its pretty easy, just dial, 773-553-1600, and ask to be transferred to the office of one of the board members, then leave a message with the assistant.

Sample message:
This message is for ____________________ I am a _____________________and I am calling to ask you to please support Big Picture High School in Back of the Yards. At Big Picture we have seen the:
*Personal and academic growth of each student.
*The teachers’ drive to develop strong relationships with their students
*Students’ readiness to pursue higher education.
*Consider adding any personal messages on why you feel it is important to keep Big Picture open in Back of the Yards.
*Finally, ask to please let Big Picture High School enroll freshman next year.

*Write a letter.

Take a moment to write of a letter support for the Big Picture High School in the Back of the Yards and mail it to:

Arne Duncan
Chief Executive Officer
CPS, Chicago Board of Education
125 S. Clark Street, 6th Floor
Chicago, IL 60603

Rufus Williams
Board President
Chicago Board of Education
125 S. Clark Street, 6th Floor
Chicago, IL 60603

Cynthia Barron
Area Instructional Officer
Area 25 Office
4655 S Dearborn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60609

or any of the other CPS board members.

Finally, do not hesitate to send messages of encouragement and support to the educators, parents, mentors and students at Big Picture High School. Their commitment and hard work is inspiring but the support of its community is crucial at this time.

info@bigpicturechicago.org

Big Picture High School
4946 S. Paulina
Chicago, IL 60609

Please repost, foward, and distribute to your contacts. We need all the support we can get.

A Blank Stare is Better than an Empty Chair

2007-02-24T12:48:00.000-08:00

A collection of stories written by Chicago native Michael Villarreal

Meztli Gallery
556 W. 18th Street, Chicago.

Tickets: $15 ($12 group/student)

Runs through April 8 (NO Performance Friday March 2)
Fridays and Saturdays: 7 p.m. Sundays: 3 p.m.

Everyone has a story. Some are romantic – some are tragic – some are funny. Our stories are the just about the only things we can truly call our own.

Villarreal explores the stories of six women of varying backgrounds and experiences. From Karyn’s sacrificial revelation to Dulce’s mysterious visitor, each of these characters offers a touching – often poignant view of life as seen through their eyes.

Cast includes: Niki Aquino, Diana Campos, Beatriz Jamaica, Venessa Ortega, Carrie Peters, Alicia Ponce, and Diana Shield. Music: Marcia Klatt and Waldo Ocana.

Info or rsvp: 866.811.4111, www.myspace.com/abstare, or www.theatermania.com.

Ending violence against women

2007-02-23T17:49:00.000-08:00

“What Will It Take?”
Town Hall series

6 - 8 p.m.

Thursday, March 1

Westside Technical Institute

2800 S. Western Ave., Chicago

Special performance by Professor Maria Beltran-Vocal,

author of “Troublemaker: Peleonera Poems”

Recently, we have seen a rise in such forms of violence against women and girls such as the murder of a Latina woman in Little Village and the sexual assaults of two young girls in the Back of the Yards, all of which impact whole families and communities—and we have a lot to talk about.

Join us. Share your concerns and help us find solutions.

“What Will It Take? Building the Safest State for All Women and Girls” is a yearlong statewide initiative of Chicago Foundation for Women. It is based on the idea that to find answers, you have to ask the question. The Town Hall series is part of that effort.

This second of nine town hall meetings held across the state is hosted by Chicago Foundation for Women’s Latina Leadership Council in conjunction with Mujeres Latinas en Acción, Latino Coalition for Violence Prevention, Amigas Latinas, Chicago Public Schools’ Girl’s Initiative, and Rape Victim Advocates.

Violence does not discriminate. It affects people no matter what your income, age, race sexual orientation or gender identity. But it disproportionately affects women and girls of color, immigrant women and girls and disabled women and girls.

· Because of language, cultural and financial barriers, immigrant women are more likely to be vulnerable to abuse.

· More than three women are killed each day by a husband or boyfriend.

· One in three girls is sexually abused before the age of 18.

· Lesbian, bisexual and transgender women have the same risk of intimate partner violence.

“Que se necesita?” Town Hall series

6 - 8 p.m.

Jueves, Marzo 1

Westside Technical Institute

2800 S. Western Ave., Chicago

Presentacion especial de la Profesora Maria Beltran-Vocal,

autora de “Troublemaker: Peleonera Poems”

Actualmente se han incrementado las formas de violencia en contra de las mujeres y ninas; como los recientes casos de la muerte de una Latina en la Villita y los ataques sexuales de dos ninas en el barrio “Back of the Yards”, hechos que han tenido un impacto importante en la comunidad y sus familias. Tenemos mucho que hablar acerca de este tema.

Unete y comparte tus inquietudes. Ayudanos a encontrar soluciones.

Que se necesita? Construir un Estado Seguro para todas las mujeres y ninas.

Es una iniciativa de la Fundacion de Mujeres de Chicago que se llevara a cabo durante todo el ano en el estado. Su fundamento esta basado en la idea de encontrar respuestas, tu tienes que hacer preguntas. Estas series son parte de ese esfuerzo.

Esta es la segunda de nueve reunions que realizara el Estado y esta auspiciada el Concilio de Liderazgo de Mujeres Latinas de la Fundacion de Mujeres de Chicago en union con mujeres Latinas en accion , la La Coalicion Latina para la prevencion de la violencia, Amigas Latinas, Iniciativa de Ninas de las Esculas Publicas de Chicago, Defensores de las victimas de violacion.

La violencia no discrimina. Afecta a toda la gente no importa su ingreso, edad, raza, orientacion sexual o genero. Pero afecta desproporcionadamente a las mujeres y ninas de color, mujeres inmigrantes y desabilitadas.

Las mujeres inmigrantes son mas vulnerables al abuso debido a las barreras economicas, de lenguaje y cultura.
Mas de tres mujeres son asesinadas diariamente por sus esposos y novios.
Una de cada tres ninas es sexualmente abusada antes de la edad de 18 anos.
Las mujeres lesbianas, bisexuales y transexuales corren el mismo riesgo de ser intimamente abusadas por sus parejas.

Palabra Pura

2007-02-20T12:44:00.000-08:00

A perfect excuse to start the weekend early. Grab the alcoholic concoction of choice, a chair and enjoy the show. The Guild Complex and its partners* put a lot of thought into this monthly bilingual poetry series.

Feature's for Wednesday, February 21st.

Fernando Olszanski and Carl Marcum

California Clipper
1002 N. California (California at Augusta), Chicago
Doors open 8:00 p.m.
Reading begins with an open mic at 8:30 p.m.

Free admission/Books for sale
21 and over show (don’t forget your i.d.)

Fernando Olszanski was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has lived in Ecuador, Europe, Japan and now in the United States. He is the author of the novel Rezos de marihuana and the book of poems Parte del polvo. He has received awards for his poetry, fiction and essays in Argentina, Spain and the US. He has published his work in The Barcelona Review and Nitecuento, in Spain; Franchachela and Las Letras in Argentina, contratiempo, The Cove, and Ventana Abierta in the US, as well as publications in Mexico, Chile, Ecuador and Colombia. Part of his work has been translated to Japanese. He is the Chief Editor of Revista Contratiempo.

Carl Marcum is the author of Cue Lazarus (University of Arizona Press, 2001), a second place co-winner for Best Poetry in 2002 for the Latino Literary Hall of Fame Awards. His honors include a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, a Wallace Stegner Fellowship, the D.H. Lawrence Fellowship from the University of New Mexico’s Taos Summer Writers’ Conference, and a recently awarded Illinois Arts Council Fellowship. A native of Arizona, he currently resides in Chicago and teaches creative writing and literature at DePaul
University.

*Letras Latinas of the Institute for Latino Studies at the University of Notre Dame and the Rafael Cintron Ortiz Cultural Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago. This series is also supported by contratiempo and Arena Cultural.

Let us be your cupid

2007-02-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is just couple of days away. In case you can't figure out what to get that special someone in your life. Allow us to suggest a few very original items all available at Tianguis.

Featuring Xochico's licensed Loteria t-shirts. They can convey just the right message.

Regalale La Luna,

La Rosa, (that will not wilt in a few days),

O dale un flechaso en El Corazon.

Blue Sky Creation's Valentine's Day Cards will add the finishing touch to any gift.

Our current book club selection, The Alchemist would make an inspirational gift to that special person in your life.

XOXO, Teatro Luna's Valentine's Party

2007-02-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

Tickets on sale @ Tianguis, 2003 S. Damen.

We hope you join us this weekend.

Featuring a special encore performance of S-e-x-Oh!, live music from The Luna Blues Machine and Nuestro Tambo

Saturday, February 10th, 7:30 p.m.
@ BOX CO, 4440 S. Ashland, 2nd Floor
$15 in advance/$20 at the door (suggested donation)

B.Y.O.B, bake sale, photo booth, and the chance to meet your secret admirer!

Tianguis in the Press

2007-02-05T14:32:00.000-08:00

We just came across the following article, New Businesses for the New Year. We thought it was a story that never hit the presses so we were pleasantly surprised to find it online.

Writing our stories

2007-02-04T18:55:00.000-08:00

Pushing, featuring, and celebrating books and literature by Latino, Latin-American, and Hispanic authors is part of the mission behind our business. So is nurturing future poetas y escritores, so we thought we'd share this submission calendar with you. All perfect excuses to polish up those cuentitos you've had brewing and get 'em out there.

Feeling a bit stumped when you crack open your journal? Feeling cheated by the muses when it comes to your fair share of creativity? Its okay, it happens to all of us sometimes. I recommend Demetria Martinez's, Confessions of a Berlitz-Tape Chicana to help shake you out of it. I was hooked and inspired before I even finished with the book's first sentence, "A long time ago I learned that if I were to stay sane, I had to jot down notes in the margins of the official story." Its a collection of essays, newspaper columns, speeches and poems and scattered throughout you will find little golden nuggets of info that any Latin@ writer will appreciate, along with small glimpses into Demetria's writing process. Our favorite is the essay, Sweet Revenge, where Demetria states that, "The best revenge is a book of poems." We agree and think that you can throw novels, memoirs, short story collections, etc into that mix.

I want to encourage you to write down your own official stories. Even if in the end they are only for you to read. If the desire is in you, its for good reason. You never know who your words may touch. We promise to make room on our shelves for your publications.

New Literary Series

2007-01-29T15:32:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Literary Series curated by Achy Obejas with

*David Driscoll
*Bayo Ojikutu
*Coya Paz
* Srikanth Reddy

7 p.m. $5 suggested donation (18 & Over)
@ the Hothouse. Event details.

Call for submissions: Full length stage plays

2007-01-28T14:15:00.000-08:00

8th ANNUAL METLIFE 
NUESTRAS VOCES
National Playwriting Competition 2007

Deadline:  Friday, June 1, 2007.

For submission guidelines.

Luis Urrea keynote @ Loyola conference

2007-01-18T11:42:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 24, 2007
Loyola University Chicago’s Water Tower Campus
Luis Urrea is the scheduled keynote speaker for "A Calling to Justice: An Interdisciplinary Academic Conference, exploring Social Justice in the Professions and Disciplines." The event is open to the public and hosted by Loyola University Chicago. Cost: $25. Registration deadline: Wednesday, Feb. 21. For details and registration info: Michael Maher, mmaher at luc dot edu or 312.915.7727.

Luis Alberto Urrea, member of the Latino Literature Hall of Fame, is a prolific and acclaimed writer who uses his dual-culture life experiences to explore greater themes of love, loss and triumph. The Devil's Highway, his 2004 non-fiction account of a group of Mexican immigrants lost in the Arizona desert, won the 2004 Lannan Literary Award and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Urrea's most recent book, The Hummingbird's Daughter, tells the story of Teresa Urrea, sometimes known as “The Saint of Cabora” and “The Mexican Joan of Arc.” Urrea is a professor of creative writing at the University of Illinois-Chicago. For his complete bio, blog, and related information: www.luisurrea.com.

Radioarte wants your opinions

2007-01-17T10:57:00.000-08:00

details: www.wrte.org.

Have you visited Tianguis yet?

2007-01-16T13:12:00.000-08:00

If you've never been to our store or have been meaning to swing by but haven't gotten a chance, in an effort to entice you, we're posting a picture and a great review that Diana Pando posted over at Botanas: Art, Culture and other Rants.

Yesterday, I walked through Pilsen anxious to check out Tianguis Bookstore’s new location. I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. The store is in a great and convenient location right across the street from the Damen pink line station, the #50 Damen bus stop and right around the corner from the National Museum of Mexican Art.

If you are addicted to books,like I am, you will ABSOLUTELY ADORE this gem of a place. The moment you walk in your eyes will feast on a variety of books all standing neatly on shelves. From Neruda to Marquez to more contemporary writers there is something for everyone. The store also has a selection of T-shirts with la Chilindrina and el Chavo del Ocho on them, sassy milagrito bracelets by Patricia Carlos and new minature paintings by artist Luis DeLaTorre.

The place oozes with creativity, good vibes and best of all books galore. It’s also the perfect place for a cup of tea. Make mine de manzanillo please. The tea bar is coming in February, hurray! I’m hoping to be spending quality time in the writing/reading nook of the store.

Click here to read complete entry.

Submission Call: Stories of Hope and Survival

2007-01-16T12:09:00.000-08:00

Portraits: Stories of Hope and Survival

Deadline: Feb. 28, 2007

“What Will It Take? Building the Safest State for All Women and Girls” is a year-long, anti-violence initiative headed by Chicago Foundation for Women. It is an effort to bring awareness to violence against women and girls, in all its forms, including: domestic violence, sexual assault, bullying, street harassment, prostitution, elder abuse and incest, as well as women and girls who are “trafficked” for sexual or labor exploitation.

While violence against women and girls affects all of us, too few people talk about it. And too often, the stories become invisible. “Portraits: Stories of Hope and Survival” is an effort to give a voice to those stories. We want to reflect the voices of people who have survived, family and friends who have lived through violence and those who may not have been able to talk about violence until now. We will collect original essays, stories, poems and observations about violence against women and girls. Some of the stories will be put on our website, some may be used for a theatrical production and some may be put in a book, a collection outlining the yearlong effort. (We are asking writers to give us limited use rights, since any profits from these efforts will be put back into community grants.)

Click here for submission guidelines.

Texas, here they come!

2007-01-11T19:29:00.000-08:00

"Hola to our Texas friends! Please SAVE THE DATE(S) : January 24-29th. Teatro Luna will be in San Antonio performing S-e-x-Oh! at the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center on Friday and Saturday night and showing a Probadita of our MACHOS show on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. MACHOS will be FREE and S-e-x-Oh! will be about $10 (I think). Times TBA, but PLEASE spread the word. We'd love to see you and your friends and your family and your neighbors and your coworkers there!" --Teatro Luna

For more info: www.teatroluna.org or myspace.com/teatroluna

Pilsen: Paid art internships

2007-01-11T18:51:00.000-08:00

WHAT IS INSTALLATION ART?
Spring Session 2007
Feb. 6th - Apr. 20th, 2007: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 3:30pm - 6:30pm
This is a Yollocalli Arts Reach and After School Matters Paid Arts Internship for youth ages 14-21.

For more info or to apply: www.afterschoolmatters.org

Registration and Portfolio review @ Yollocalli, Jan. 15th-19th, 3-5 p.m.
Please bring your school or photo ID, a social security card or ITIN#, and any artwork you have created (sketchbook, slides, photos, drawings in your notebook, etc.) for your portfolio review.

For more information, please write to info@yollocalli.org or call 312.455.9652, ext.204.

************

MURAL CLASS
Spring Session 2007
Feb. 6th - Apr. 20th, 2007, Tues., Wed., and Thur. 3:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
A Yollocalli Arts Reach, After School Matters, and Rauner Family YMCA Paid Arts Internship for youth ages 14-21. Continuing the work from the Fall session, you will help create four new murals for the walls of the Rauner Family YMCA.

For more info or to apply: www.afterschoolmatters.org

Registration and portfolio review from Jan 15th-19th, 3:45-6:45 p.m. @ The Rauner Family YMCA, 2700 S. Western Ave. Please bring your school or photo ID, a social security card or ITIN# and any artwork you have created (sketchbook, slides, photos, drawings in your notebook, etc.) for your portfolio review.

For more information, please write to info@yollocalli.org or call 312.455.9652, ext.200.

Proyecto Latina: Featuring Diane Herrera

2007-01-10T15:39:00.000-08:00

We are anticipating the first Proyecto Latina of 2007, our initiative will be completing its first year this month. Diane Herrera will be kicking things off for us, she is our featured performer this January 15th. Join us, its a great way to end the Martin Luther King holiday and long weekend.

If you've attended any Teatro Luna or Salsation shows you might be familiar with Diane's work. Although, I only met her recently I still recall her character Patty from a Salsation show I attended a few years back. We recently asked Diane to answer a few questions because our inquisitive (i.e. nosey) minds wanted to know more.

When did you first figure out that you wanted to be a writer and/or peformer?
I was in college studying general theatre studies--my ultimate goal was to be a professional director. One day I was told by a friend that I could join this playwriting workshop class. The catch was that even though I was only performing the playwrights' works, I had to write six line scenes for every class. I started having fun with it, and my teacher told me I should switch to a playwriting major. I ignored him for the quarter, but he wore me down and I finally took playwriting class...and that's where I fell in love with the process of creating characters and situations and seeing them onstage, and seeing how the audience reacts to them.

Performing--that's a little different. I always loved performing, but I wasn't very much encouraged by teachers or peers. So I didn't pursue it much, just took classes here and there in college. I started taking 2nd City classes after college because I went to this seminar where Jeffrey Sweet was speaking, and he said that when you have writer's block the best cure is to improvise. So I started the improv classes and I was hooked. I kept getting opportunities to perform here and there...one thing lead to another and here I am today!

What gets your creativity going?
Sometimes it's something I'll see or read--other times it's just an idea that strikes me that I have to write out. A lot of times it's something that has happened to me or my loved ones in real life. Sometimes it's a simple as a deadline to get my creativity going! ;)

What is the one question you wished we had asked?
What is my favorite food? Right now it's ice cream. : )

Sad news from Tia Chucha

2007-01-10T10:42:00.000-08:00

Luis J. Rodriguez, Xicano author and also co-founder and creative director of Tia Chucha Cafe and Cultural Center in California, announced via an e-mail that the bookstore, cafe, performance and cultural center is being forced to move from its current location. Shortly after the holidays Tia Chucha was served with a notice that would force them to move by the end of February. Sadly, they are scheduled to be replaced by high-tech laundrymat that is apparently investing $8 million in the strip mall, something any independent bookstore or small business would be hard pressed to compete with.

Rodriguez says, "This is a time to come together, strategize, and work to keep Tia Chucha's viable as a cultural center while we explore our options. We will not give up."

Tia Chucha has placed a call for support. To read Rodriguez' complete message and to find out how one can support visit: www.tiachucha.com.

Dia de Reyes and Childhood Illusions

2007-01-06T09:23:00.000-08:00

by Liza Ann Acosta

Ayrin had whispered to me while we knelt on the the ground and pulled grass to fill our shoeboxes--"I saw the gifts in the closet. The Three Kings are our parents. They are not real." I countered, "Yes, the are! They are in the Bible!" "Si, I know, but they don't come to our houses bringing gifts. But anyway, keep it a secret because Lyma and Javi still believe." I almost cried. I looked at the half empty shoebox wondering where the grass that the horses of the Three Kings were supposed to eat went every year. I had stopped believing in Santa Claus when I saw my mom put the gift under my bed weeks earlier. But I held on to the Three Kings, because at least there was evidence of their existence in the gospels. My dad stood nearby talking loudly to the adult neighbors watching our grass collecting about the approach of the Kings. He pointed to three bright stars and said, "They are close, look, the three stars are getting brighter tonight." I looked up and wondered if Ayrin was right. I was very sad and disappointed. Ayrin would not lie to me.

Morning came and my mom woke me up. "Lisita, the Three Kings came!" I did not rush to the tree as I usually did, my innocent belief snatched at dusk, so I was in no hurry to see gifts bought and wrapped by my parents. But I heard clanging and the voice of my father outside talking to no one about "how careless this year they were." I looked at my mom who shrugged and said, "he has been cleaning for a while now. Open your gifts! The Three Kings came!" Confused and hopeful I started unwrapping the first gift when my dad came in dramatically sweeping his brow of sweat. "Those Three Kings Horses were very messy this year. Leaving all that grass half eaten and strewn about the front. Los Reyes even forgot to close the front gates!" He gestured about putting away a broom and a dustpan. I looked under the tree and saw a few blades of grass still there. "I am going to be sweeping grass for a good month now. What carelessness!" he said and I thought he was really mad at the Kings for a moment. "So, did they bring you what you wanted?"

I don't even remember what the gifts were. All I know was that my parents gave me back the illusion of that day when the wisemen came from the East bearing the gift of faith to all of us, traveling from very far to see the baby who they believed would bring peace to a very troubled planet. I still hang on to that illusion.

Today is January 6th, the day of the Epiphany. Feliz Dia de Reyes! Or like my mom prefers to say now: JAPITRIKINDEI!

About our contributor: Liza Ann Acosta hails from Puerto Rico. She currently resides in Chicago and is a professor at North Park University. Last year was her first Christmas in the states, she was saddened that the celebrations ended so soon. So this year she has returned to ensure that she can properly observe and celebrate one of her favorite holidays: El Dia de Reyes.

Presenting El Literati

2006-12-29T10:21:00.000-08:00

Welcome to El Literati the blog for our brick and mortar store, Tianguis, which resides in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. El Literati is meant to help us push forward with our mission, and also serve as a place to document ideas, events, chisme, and a platform for a dialogue about Latino books, literature, writing and culture.

Tianguis marked its first year in business this December. But its a concept I was already thinking and talking about back in 2000--perhaps even earlier. There's a sweet article that appears in La Raza this week about us. So, if your just discovering us, its a good way to understand what we're all about. Its in Spanish and there are a few logistical errors: my mother- in-law is in fact from Oaxaca but did in fact live in el DF for some time, hence the confusion and error in the article. And yes, I did break my foot while I was walking...and reading. A habit I first developed when I couldn't put down Love in the Time of Cholera, by none other than Mr. Garcia Marquez. These days I practice more self-control and am guarded against such hazardous multi-tasking.

We hope you will come along for the ride and join us in 2007 and beyond. We're excited about adding El Literati, we will also be featuring written work by other contributors. I'm currently tapping into my circle of contacts but I know the world is big and Latino writers are abundant. If you are interested in submitting a written contribution for El Literati drop me a line at info at tianguis dot biz. Remember to bookmark us or add us to your blogroll if you wanna keep up with the updates on this blog.

We wish you a lot of love, peace, health and prosperity in 2007.

Happy New Year!
Irasema Gonzalez