John Leguizamo gets up close and personal with audiences in intimate venues across the country as he brings his newest one-man tour de force John Leguizamo LIVE! on the road.  About the evolution of his newest solo show, Leguizamo says, "Yo, wat up my peoples?  Wat’s crackin?  Me that’s what.  I'm coming to town with the latest installment of leguizamomania!  This one is for the ages don't miss it -- the first time civilian eyes will be viewing my new and latest and greatest show.  Help me help you get some anti-recession and anti-depression hilarity.”

In Leguizamo’s trademark live performance style, this piece explodes with energy taking audiences on a non-stop fever pitch adventure, as he heats up the stage with vivid accounts of where he’s been and the colorful characters who’ve shaped different facets of his life.  From his adolescent memories in Queens, New York, to the early days of his acting career and far beyond -- with stories of the outrageous 80’s avant-garde downtown theater scene and anecdotes from major movie sets and roles opposite some of Hollywood’s biggest film stars, John Leguizamo LIVE! is in turns uproarious and heartfelt, laying it bare for anyone willing to come along for the ride.    

Multi-faceted performer and Emmy Award winner John Leguizamo's notable career defies categorization.  Possessing boundless energy and creativity, Leguizamo's work spans the genres of film, theatre, television, literature and beyond.  As writer and performer, Leguizamo created the Off-Broadway sensation Mambo Mouth, in which he portrayed seven different characters (Obie, Outer Critics Circle, Vanguardia Awards).   

His second one-man show Spic-O-Rama enjoyed extended sold-out runs in Chicago and New York (Dramatists' Guild Hull-Warriner Award for Best American Play, Lucille Lortel Outstanding Achievement Award for Best Broadway Performance, Drama Desk Award for Best Solo Performance).  His third solo show Freak completed a successful run on Broadway in 1998.  A special presentation of Freak, directed by Spike Lee, aired on HBO (Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Music Program and nomination for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special).  In Fall 2001 Leguizamo returned to Broadway with Sexaholix...a Love Story, directed by Peter Askin (Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for "Outstanding Solo Performance" and Tony Award nomination for Best Special Theatrical Performance).  Sexaholix aired as an HBO Special in Spring 2002 and toured widely.  Other stage credits: A Midsummer Night's Dream and La Puta Vida at the New York Shakespeare Festival and Parting Gestures at INTAR.  Presently, Leguizamo delights younger fans as the voice of Syd in Ice Age 1, 2 and 3.  He has been seen in countless films including Love in the Time of Cholera opposite Javier Bardem and Benjamin Bratt, The Happening opposite Mark Wahlberg, Righteous Kill opposite Robert Deniro and Al Pacino, The Babysitters opposite Cynthia Nixon and The Take opposite Rosie Perez as well as Miracle at St. Anna, Land of the Dead, The Groomsmen, Lies & Alibis, Assault on Precinct 13, Sueno, Spin, Moulin Rouge, Summer of Sam, King of the Jungle, Spawn, William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet, Dr. Doolittle, Carlito's Way and Casualties of War. 

WestBeth Entertainment, Arnold Engelman—President, is a producing organization that for 30 years has successfully produced critically-acclaimed work in live entertainment.  Ongoing productions include An Evening Without Monty Python, starring Hank Azaria, Jane Leeves, Alan Tudyk, Rick Holmes, and Jim Piddock, Cinematic Titanic, a live version of Mystery Science Theatre 3000 by the original creators of the TV series, and Lewis Black’s 9 city Dual Citizenship Tour in Canada! WestBeth wrapped Eddie Izzard’s very successful 2008 American Tour STRIPPED that spanned 34 cities, with sold out performances from New York’s Radio City Music Hall to LA’s Kodak Center.  Past productions have included the sold-out national tours of Eddie Izzard’s Dress to Kill, Circle, and Sexie; Billy Connolly’s Too Old To Die Young (North American Tour); Lewis Black’s Nothing’s Sacred (Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall) and Red, White and Screwed (NY City Center); The Family Guy Live (NY, Los Angeles, Chicago) and Wigfield featuring Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris, and Paul Dinello (Off-Broadway, National Tour); Write Aid benefiting the members of the Writers Guild of America, featuring Eddie Izzard, Patton Oswalt, Sarah Silverman, and Tenacious D: featuring Jack Black and Kyle Gass (Los Angeles); and Good Medicine benefiting the Solidarity Fund with the cast of Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice (Los Angeles).  Not to mention, winding up 2007 with Margaret Cho’s critically-acclaimed show The Sensuous Woman in New York and the Los Angeles presentation of Eric Idle’s play What About Dick?     

Dates/venues for John Leguizamo LIVE! 

July 10 & 11: Long Wharf Theatre, 22 Sargent Drive, New Haven, CT

Performances 8:00 PM.  Box Office (203) 787-4282.

http://www.longwharf.org/tickets/ 

July 14-8: Berkeley Theatre, 26 Berkeley Street, Toronto

Just For Laughs Comedy Festival (Toronto)

Performances 8:00 PM. Box Office (Ticketmaster Toronto) (416) 872-1111

http://www.ticketmaster.ca

July 23 & 24: The Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 W. San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM

Performances 8:00 PM.  Box Office (505) 988-1234.

www.ticketssantafe.com 

July 31 & August 1: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN

Performances 8:00 PM.  Box Office (317) 635-5252.

www.irtlive.com 

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY, JUNE 15 AT 10:00 AM EST. 

More dates and venues to be announced soon!  For updates and more information, please visit www.JohnLeguizamo.com. 

Publicity Contacts: Bridget Klapinski / Beth Sorrell (212) 505-2900

 bklapinski@thekarpelgroup.com / bsorrell@thekarpelgroup.com  

With 21 million projected Latino internet users by 2010, Latinos are adopting social media as their primary source of communication, news and entertainment faster than any other group. Their buying power is projected to reach $1.3 Trillion by 2013.

This two-day event will provide a networking opportunity and conference presentation, bringing together the leading minds and innovators in social media and technology. Attendees will benefit by learning how to leverage their business and utilize new opportunities within social media to connect with the Hispanic market. All are welcome to learn, understand and support Latinos in the current dynamic social media environment.

The Latinos In Social Media Heritage Tour, will present these topics and more: Latest trends in social media and effective marketing strategies. Case studies of top brands/companies; challenges and obstacles. Developing social media technologies and trends Latino culture and demographics in the U.S. today

The Latinos in Social Media Heritage Tour schedule:

• Houston September 24, 2009-September 25, 2009
• New York October 1, 2009- October 2, 2009
• Orlando October 8, 2009-October 9, 2009

This summit is sponsored by major national corporations.

LatISM is using their Facebook group and Twitter to promote and update their members:

• http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=74697431599
• http://twitter.com/LatISM

More information about the conference can be found at: http://www.latism.org

Contact: lpagan@latism.org

“We are honored to produce an special event of this magnitude, that unites all of these amazing countries, socially, economically, and culturally. We are also extremely fortunate to have distinguished guest speakers such as two time Nobel Prize nominee and Health & Wellness expert, Dr. Joel Wallach, along with Mr. Patrick Reynolds, Executive Director for A Foundation for a Smoke Free America” said Ray Jelley, President of AyQueChevere Productions. “Times are tough, but what makes our event special is the fact that our admission is free, and our world “tastes” start at just $1.00. Throughout the festival there will be free entertainment and prize giveaways, and our restaurant and vendor partners will get a perfect chance to showcase their companies to an enormous crowd over 3 days, ” continued Jelley.

Nydia Paredes, Director of Sponsorship Sales for the Taste of the World Festival, added, “If four continents of food were not enough, our team also produces four talent competitions (The Next Superstar, Dancing with the Salsa Stars, The Next Celebrity Chef, and The Tru Chocolate Challenge). It truly is a remarkable event! You can experience an international journey filled with traditional foods, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, and so much more”. Paredes continues. “Our desire is to present an international experience that will enable any guest from any ethnic background to see, hear, and taste all of the beauty, tradition, and excitement that is characterized by the World’s culture, and to ultimately celebrate the very essence of diversity!”

As an added bonus this special event, which offers attendees menu choices starting at just $1 dollar, will also offer major prize giveaways that include roundtrip domestic airfares, TV’s, electronics and more. A separate VIP pass that provides special area access to this event for an entire day may be purchased in advance online at www.tasteoftheworldfestival.com for $25.00 per person. This Los Angeles Taste of the World festival is the first of six such events planned for major cities across the United States in 2009 and 2010.

For Sponsorship opportunities, please contact rjelley@tasteoftheworldfestival.com
For Restaurant & Vendor opportunities, please contact nydia@tasteoftheworldfestival.com
For Media & Press inquiries, please contact Attiana@tasteoftheworldfestival.com

About AyQueChevere Productions

AyQueChevere Productions is a privately held California Corporation specializing in event management
and production.

Using the theme “Creating Pathways to Reduce Health Disparities”, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses will highlight the diverse ways in which Hispanic nurses help to improve healthcare. From decreasing clinical errors due to language and racial barriers to increasing diversity at the senior nursing ranks, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses is creating a culture of retention.

On the first official day of the conference, Tuesday, July 21st, 2009 at 11:00am, the Commissioners Court of Bexar County will present a Proclamation to the National Association of Hispanic Nurses recognizing the week of July 20, 2009 through July 24, 2009 as “National Hispanic Nurses’ Week” in San Antonio, Texas.

###

About The National Association of Hispanic Nurses

The National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) was founded in 1975 by Ildaura Murillo-Rohde, PhD, RN, ND, FAAN. NAHN is designed and committed to improving the quality of health and nursing care of Hispanic consumers and toward providing equal access to educational, professional, and economic opportunities for Hispanic nurses. The current President of NAHN is Norma Martinez Rogers, PhD, RN, FAAN. Dr. Martinez Rogers is also the Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Nursing at the UT Health Science Center San Antonio. www.thehispanicnurses.org

Contact: Miriam ‘Mimi’ Gonzalez
Public Relations Chair
mimgonz@mail.com
Contact: Martita Mestey - iWeev
mmestey@iweev.com
312.296.3282 – 773.698.6600

Encuesta, Inc. today released a corporate video aimed at the public at large as part of its effort to thank Latinos for 20 years of participating in the survey research process. The video was released in both English and Spanish via YouTube and will also be aired on broadcast TV in select U.S. Hispanic markets.

The video was produced in-house with a limited budget and included the outside talent of a nationally renowned illustrator, voice over artist and animator.

“We want to thank Hispanics nationwide for allowing us the privilege to enter their lives on a daily basis, all in an effort to have one person’s opinion represent that of thousands of members of their community” said Martin G. Cerda, Founder and President of Encuesta, Inc. “Latino participation in the survey research process helps advance public understanding of social and economic issues and helps influence government and corporate decision makers” added Cerda.

Founded in 1989, Encuesta, Inc. is a leading U.S. Hispanic market research and public opinion polling company that guides decision makers using proven quantitative and online qualitative research designs and insightful analysis. Backed by exceptional technical ability and highly experienced in-house resources, the company is known for its creative and reliable solutions. Encuesta, Inc. is also responsible for realizing the Americanos Poll®, a public opinion poll created in 2005 to help bridge the knowledge gap that exists regarding the U.S. Hispanic community.

Contact: Annelise McGuinness

Company Name: Encuesta, Inc.

Telephone: 305-661-1492

E-Mail: martin.cerda@encuesta.com

Corporate Website: encuesta.com

Video Links Website:

(English) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmtUsahy_jA

(Spanish) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0IJ_F_lKfY

CONVERGENCE MMIX, a mini festival within the Mission Creek Music And Arts Festival, will be presenting a series of 11 events starting July 15th through July 25th. These events will include the premier screening of the Brazilian documentary “Rhythmic Uprising,” an AlterLatino rock showcase, a celebration of South American café culture, and performances by international musical tastemakers and trendsetters Juan Son (former lead singer of Porter), Nacotheque and Pop Noir. Also just added, a Latin Surf Party with The Cuban Cowboys, The Graves Brothers Deluxe and Carne Cruda and a show curated by Catterina Tasso (The May Fire) featuring her new project “Tasso”

After an “ambitious” debut in 2008, CONVERGENCE 2009 returns to Mission Creek Music and Arts Festival with expanded programming and more exciting collaborations. CONVERGENCE 2009 will present, as always, a wide variety of music ranging from the progressive and experimental to the more traditional and familiar. And, for the first time this year, CONVERGENCE will be including film in its programming.

CONVERGENCE 2009 (produced by San Francisco-based Brown Note Productions) will feature special guest performers Juan Son, Nacotheque and Pop Noir. CONVERGENCE MMIX will also include an AlterLatino rock showcase with bands Dezu, Con of Man, Los Valengerg and InkBlots. And, in collaboration with Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, CONVERGENCE MMIX will present the premiere screening of the Brazilian documentary film, Rhythmic Uprising featuring local drumming groups. The South American Café Culture segment, presented at Peña Pachamama in North Beach, will feature a series of intimate music and dance performances featuring World Beat, Flamenco, Rumba and Samba. Additions (and any changes) to the line-up will be announced as they are confirmed. Doors for most shows are 8:00pm or 8:30pm and ticket prices run from FREE - $20.00.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS AND EVENTS

JUAN SON has established himself as one of the more extraordinary performers to come out of Mexico to date. Formerly the lead singer of the wildly popular band PORTER, JUAN SON now presents his first solo work Mermaid Sashimi. Mermaid Sashimi is composed of songs that were written before and during his time with Porter. Unlike the music that catapulted Porter’s performances before massive audiences at Coachella and Mexico’s Vive Latino, Mermaid Sashimi is a more organic approach at expression that strays from traditional guitar- and drum-driven beats. In this album, music samples created by ambient effects and sounds are enhanced by Juan Son’s trademark ethereal vocals. www.myspace.com/juansonmusic

NACOTHEQUE [NAKO-TEK] The name Nacotheque is made up of the words "Naco" (often used in Mexican Spanish to describe bad-mannered people and "Discotheque". Nominated by PAPER magazine as the "Best New Party of 2007" and dubbed as "NYC's hottest indie rock party en “Español" by URB magazine, Nacotheque has become one of the most unique events in New York City's underground scene. Nacotheque is an event where one thing is in common: all different types of people, regardless of gender, nationality, profession, or sexual orientation, can get together and all feel welcome. Nacotheque is beating the stereotype of parties that host Spanish-sung music and teaching people what else is out there in the Spanish-sung indie/underground music scene. www.nacotheque.com

POP NOIR Shimmering streams of chiming guitar cascade over deep, dark undercurrents of bass and drums ... it's a unique sound born in the drizzle of Manchester, England, and seasoned in the sunshine of Southern California, as were Joe and Luke McGarry, the 21-year-old British twins who head up Los Angeles indie dancerock trio Pop Noir. In 2004, the brothers debuted at a concert in an abandoned indoor skate park in Costa Mesa, California. Since then, they have played more than 170 shows, headlined L.A. landmarks The Viper Room and have played as far a field as London, Manchester and Paris. Along the way, they have acquired a loyal and rapidly expanding fan base. Luke, the younger by 45 minutes, plays bass and keyboards and takes main vocal duties, while guitarist Joe handles backing vocals and all the programming and production. Onstage, with an array of loop pedals and sequencers, anchored by the thundering drums of Chilean Nico Saavedra, Pop Noir delivers a stunning live performance that crackles with raw energy and pure electricity. www.popnoir.org

RHYTHMIC UPRISINGAround the world, the celebrated Afro-Brazilian region of Bahia is known for it's vibrant dance and music manifestations. This film takes a look behind the scenes of those grandiose carnaval spectacles to see how local cultural leaders utilize these arts to change lives.

Bahia boasts the largest concentration of African descendants outside of Africa. As shown in Rhythmic Uprising, Brazil's blacks have used Afro-Brazilian cultural conventions to maintain their African heritage and wage war on poverty, racism, and oppression over the last four centuries. As freed slave communities called 'quilombos' did during the time of slavery, cultural leaders featured in the film are dismissing the racist, unbalanced power structures of modern Brazilian society by organizing their own microcosms. They cultivate social institutions based on equality and African heritage that function as refuge for at-risk black youth. In contrast to larger Brazilian society, these groups empower and encourage their youth to pursue brighter futures. For more information about Rhythmic Uprising see the website www.rhythmicuprising.org.

PENA PACHAMAMA Since 1999 Pena Pachamama has served as a San Francisco based center for South American music, food, art and culture. As such, the Pena, or gathering place , has provided community members to experience musicians, dancers and composers who come together to celebrate the multiplicity of cultures of the Americas in a landmark location in the North Beach district of San Francisco. www.penapachamama.com

ALTERLATINO Concert promoter, radio host and ardent rockera, Alex Zepeda presents ALTERLATINO, a showcase of emerging Latin Alternative rock bands. ALTERLATINO is fueled by local band power and showcases the diversity found in the Latino rock scene in Northern California. Headling AlterLatino will be Inkblots, Con of Man, and Dezu. Openers will be Los Valenberg ,Qodice, Tierra y Fuego and Sagaval.

INKBLOTS are a four piece band stemming from Santa Ana, CA. Mixing a variety of styles from folk, blues, to good old fashioned rock and roll, Inkblots provide a sound that is both original and yet strangely familiar. Since their formation in 2005, Inkblots have released two EPs and, in late 2008, their first self titled full length album under Vacant Bunny Records. They have performed headlining shows in such famous venues as the Troubadour and Whiskey A-Go Go and under the same bill as such top acts as The International Noise Conspiracy and Nortec Collective. Inkblots has been featured in Vertigo Magazine, “Good Day Fresno” TV Show, Pirate Cat Radio 87.9FM in San Francisco, Generacion Radio, “Amplitud Alternativa” on 1270am KFUT in Palm Springs, , to name a few. Erin Dewitt of the OC Weekly wrote of the band “Samuel Munoz (vocals, guitar), brothers Jesus (guitar) and Irving Nunez (drums), and Bernardo Rodriguez Jr. (bass) play together with a solidity that surpasses the band's lifespan of less than three years. Munoz exhibits a distinct tone in his velvety drone, not unlike Paul Banks of Interpol, adding a layer of warmth to Inkblots' music. Their easy and cool feel is a level usually reserved for groups of a more mature caliber.”

DEZU is a ska/punk rock band from Stockon which was formed by Joaquin Oceguera, Cesar Ramirez, Christian Ibanez, Alex Carmona, Joey, Luke , and Alain Ramirez. Manu Chao, Che Sudaka, Sekta Core, and Jaguares have greatly influenced the band. The band has performed with international ska bands such as Panteon Rococo, Wisecracker from Germany, La Plebe, and more. Dezu has been featured in interviews with Pirate Cat Radio 87.9FM in San Francisco, Generacion Radio, 209 Vibe Magazine in Stockton, “Amplitud Alternativa” on 1270am KFUT in Palm Springs “La Huya” TV show in Fresno, and Otro Mundo TV on Comcast Cable. “Ciudad de Ciegos” (City of the Blind) is the name of Dezu’s first EP released in 2009. The title of the EP as well as the theme song refers to the thousands of unsolved femicides in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. “Ciudad de Ciegos” was released in February of 2009. Also, the song “Hormiguitas Negras” was included in the compilation “Ska Life Volume 4”.Dezu’s music resembles life: there is love, hate, unrest, happiness, and a plethora of other emotions. Dezu’s message is “that all of us possess the power to raise our voice against social injustice, to love, to enjoy life, and to overcome all hatred.”

CON OF MAN emerged from Woodland, California three years ago, Con of Man’s music draws from a variety of influences: from post-punk bands such as Joy Division and The Chameleons to current indie groups including The Strokes and Interpol. Con of Man possesses a charismatic lead vocalist in Ruben Garcia, the passionate drum beats of Cassidy Garcia, thundering bass lines by Roberto Villegas inspired by Peter Hook (Joy Division) and Simon Gallup (The Cure), and diverse guitar riffs ranging from dreamy to caustic by Jorge Villegas. Con of Man released their first demo in late 2008 with great acceptance and praise from fans and media in the Sacramento area. Con of Man has been featured in the Sacramento News & Review, Fringe Magazine, Alice & Kicking Magazine, XM Satellite Radio, Pirate Cat Radio 87.9fm, and Generacion Radio.The band will be traveling to Austin, Texas in the summer of 2009 to record their second EP, followed by a tour of the West Coast throughout the year. It is certain that the Con of Man will not remain a local band for long. This is a band that should be caught now.

LOS VALENBERG This San Francisco trio formed by Hermez Flores (vocals), Omar Prieto (bass), and Joshua Jones (drums) began their musical journey in 2005 with the purpose of exploring and learning-along with their fans- the meaning of music. Over time, Los Valenberg has included guests musicians Matt in the congas and Dolores Avila in the trumpet. Los Valenberg has been featured in several online radio interviews including Generacion Radio, Insane’s Radio, Inche Radio, as well as KSJS 90.5FM in San Jose, and “Amplitud Alternativa” 1270am KFUT in Palm Springs. This learning process has given Los Valenberg an imminent desire to acquire an original sound, a language that reflects what” we, as Los Valenberg, dream & feel about life and our music.” Their music combines a variety of rhythms including rock, ska, reggae,blues,and even metal. Los Valenberg define their sound as “something new & extravagant” A sound as eclectic as the city by the bay.

SAGAVAL is a grunge rock band based out of the San Francisco Bay area. Sagaval was started in the fall of 2002 by Al Dizon and Marck Raymundo who met up online. As the years passed, lead vocals and drummers kept changing but the two original members stuck together. Ricardo Vallin joined as the new drummer in March of 2008. Then in 2009 Diego Zegarra becomes the new lead vocalist and the journey continues. Sagaval is currently in the studio doing new recordings. Sagaval has been featured on the “Myxology” on Myx TV Channel in the US and the Philippines, Ex’Pression College’s private concert series in Emeryville , Generacion Radio, and Pirate Cat Radio 87.9 FM in San Francisco.

QODICE was born in Oakland, California on November 11, 2007. It started when friends Gerardo Romo (drums), Cesareo Garibay (guitar), Fernando Lazaro (guitar),Edwin Rodriguez (bass), Jesus Ruiz(keyboard & back-up vocals), and Raul Luna (vocals) decided to get together & share their desire to transmit their love and passion for music to their audience. After a year of growth and change, Qodice quickly moved on to writing their own material and has just released their first original demo. The name Qodice derives from the ancient Mexican indigenous scriptures of our ancestors. Just like the name says, it is up to our audience to decipher the message within our songs

TIERRA Y FUEGO is a band from Berkeley consisting of Isabel Espinoza (lead vocals), Gabriel Sandino (guitars), Rafael Turincio (bass and vocals) and Enrique Sepulveda (drums and percussion).Their music combines different styles of Latin American, reggae, pop and rock rhythms. Tierra y Fuego’s lyrics represent an allegory that is marked by a socially strong content and a humanly artistic point of view. It is the perfect blend between experience & freshness. Tierra y Fuego’s sound is very diverse, the vocal harmonies give grace and beauty to the interpretation, its rhythms invite dance and interaction.

THE GRAVES BROTHERS DELUXE Bela Lugosi and Elvis Presley both died on Stoo Odom's birthday. (This is true.) The GRAVES BROTHERS DELUXE, disembodied musical spirits from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, thus chose Odom eagerly when looking for host bodies to express themselves. New Orleans native/ bassist/ vocalist/ recovering archaeologist Odom shares the current possessée duties with San Franciscans Willy the Mailman and Marco Villalobos. www.myspace.com/thegravesbrothersdeluxe

THE CUBAN COWBOYS Que es/What is un Cuban Cowboy? A berry good question. The Cuban Cowboy is not a tipico cowboy in the mold of a cheesy-quesoso Hollywood Western. Horses? He has none. His bovine encounters are limited to the meat aisle. He (or she) sleeps on a mattress, rides a subway train, and owns no rifle. The Cuban Cowboy is a breed apart--a hy-breed. The tools of his trade are a musical instrument, a silvery tongue and a pair of twitchy hips. He is the bastard love-child of Ricky Ricardo and Tom Waits, Elvis eats azucar.

The musical estilo of The Cuban Cowboys is as itinerant as the elusive creatures who spawn it. A capricious mixture of tradition and revolt, it features tasty rhythmitos of Montuno and Guajira served up under swooning surf guitar and dark post-punk power chords. An occasional hillbilly root thrown in the pot not only justifies the wearing of cowboy hats, but also makes an excellent garnish.

Armed with intelligent lyrics and catchy mambo riffs The Cuban Cowboys swivel forth to enclose their audience en un rock 'n' roll abrazo: suave, firme y muy—¿como se dice?—SEXXAY.

Today the band is busy wreaking havoc on cultural assumptions and rocking their culos off along both U.S. coasts: spreading the word, playing the tunes, and promoting the traditional Cuban values of Ritmo, Amor, y el Consumption of Pork Products. The Cuban Cowboys may not know joo yet, but already they burn with lob for joo...www.myspace.com/cubancowboys

CARNE CRUDA Exploring the intersection of Surf and Latin music, Carne Cruda isn’t afraid to mash The Ventures against the Buena Vista Social Club and see what comes out. As reverb springs from the twangy guitar latin-funk horns blare against the rocking rhythm section causing dancefloors to explode from Oakland to Poland, from Cali, Colombia to California. The tongue-in-cheek humor of Carne Cruda’s lyrics and the good old-fashioned sense of fun that exudes from the stage has propelled Carne Cruda on four European tours and beyond, and the tight musicianship mixed with a playful attitude and rocking musical numbers has opened the doors to countless listeners around the world. Produced by four-time Grammy®-nominated producer Greg Landau, Carne Cruda is raw and rocking and coming your way. www.carnecruda.com

TASSO - Chilean singer/guitarist Cat Tasso teamed up with LA drummer Danny Hutchinson form this moody, raw, and intense rock and roll duo. Characterized by loud and aggressive playing, the pair is reminiscent of the show spirit and attitude of yesterday. Simplicity and raw energy give them their signature huge sound.

FANCY GUEY Un DJ en Los Angeles de la música electrónica-pop en Espanol synth-electro Los Sonidos DeTune, DJ Residente de la fiesta que sigue quebrando records, Metropoli! En tan solo nueve meses de produccion lleva formando una historia que traspasara años, ya reconocida por la nueva generacion de fiesteros modernos como un evento en cual se escucha la mejor musica del nuevo movimiento y la nueva onda e indudablemente trayendo los mejores actos musicales al sur de California. Musica simplemente en Español, de todo el mundo! www.myspace.com/fancyguey

ABOUT THE PRODUCER AND CONVERGENCE

ANN BLANKENSHIP, founded Brown Note Productions in 2007. In 2008 she produced the first CONVERGENCE festival in partnership with the Mission Creek Music And Arts Festival. CONVERGENCE was established to further Blankenship's support of contemporary Latin-origin music. CONVERGENCE strives to support emerging Bay Area and international talent, to firmly establish continuous “indie-national" programming in the San Francisco Bay Area and to encourage collaborations and foster community between alternative and independent rock artists locally, nationally and internationally.

Brown Note Productions is pleased to partner with community organizations Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, La Pena Pachamama and Mission Creek Music & Arts Festival in presenting CONVERGENCE MMIX.

ABOUT MISSION CREEK MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL

MISSION CREEK MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL is an annual collaborative effort presented by a consortium of local independent concert promoters, musicians, artists, filmmakers, dancers and multi-media performance artists. Through this forum, MCMAF strives to foster community among local Bay Area artists; showcase emerging artists and musicians and bring innovative and diverse programming to a wider audience. The festival strives for ethical programming and sponsorship--selecting music and art in a fair and democratic way, and using green and sustainable technology wherever possible. Bay Area artist and musician, Jeff Ray, is the Founder and Executive Producer.

CALENDAR EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:

EVENT FAST FACTS

• Event: CONVERGENCE MMIX
• Venues: Pena Pachamama, Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, Bollyhood Café, The Blue Macaw and The Oakland Metro Opera House
• Dates: Wednesday July 15, 2008 through Saturday July 25, 2008
• Websites: CONVERGENCE >www.myspace.com/brownnoterocks and Mission Creek >www.mcmf.org
• CONVERGENCE MMIX Schedule: N.B Lineups are subject to change

CONVERGENCE MMIX INFO & CONTACTS:

• For CONVERGENCE MMIX information and updates please visit:
  • http://www.myspace.com/brownnoterocks
• CONVERGENCE MMIX
  • Ann Blankenship – Producer/Sponsorships
  • Cell (415) 244-8250 :: E-mail brownnoterock@earthlink.net
• CONVERGENCE MMIX Publicity
  • Ilka Erren Pardiñas
  • Tel (323) 667-1344 :: E-mail flypr@flypr.net
• CONVERGENCE MMIX Marketing
  • Christi Crowe
  • Tel (415) 566-8628 :: E-mail christi@flagmarketing.com

MISSION CREEK MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL INFO & CONTACTS:

• For Mission Creek Music And Arts Festival information and updates please visit:
  • http://www.mcmf.org/
• Jeff Ray - Founder/Executive Producer/Sponsorships :: >ray7@pacbell.net
• Neil Martinson – Co-Producer :: >herrneilson@gmail.com

For press materials or additional information on CONVERGENCE MMIX, Mission Creek Music And Arts Festival or any CONVERGENCE MMIX artists please contact Fly PR: T. (323) 667-1344 or flypr@flypr.net.

Toyota brings the connection between farmers and chefs to life while celebrating the cuisines of Latin America with los sabores del mercado VENZA, a single-day event on Saturday, June 20. This complimentary bilingual event takes place in San Antonio, Texas at the recently opened Pearl Farmers Market, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

At the Pearl Farmers Market event, located in the parking lot west of the Full Goods Building at 200 East Grayson Street and along the banks of the San Antonio River, 12 noted local Latino chefs, and chefs that specialize in Latin cuisine, will be paired with market farmers for a day that highlights the bounty of produce and locally-grown food available at Pearl Farmers Market. Each chef will prepare tastings inspired by Latin American cuisines, while also showcasing their partner farm’s fresh ingredients. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample the chefs’ creations while also learning more about the market vendors, their products, and how to buy and eat seasonally and locally. In addition to the day’s events, Toyota Venza is making a financial donation to Rio Perla Properties LP in support of the Pearl Farmers Market.

“los sabores del mercado VENZA compliments the market’s mission to build awareness of the importance of cooking with seasonal ingredients that are grown by local farmers,” said Tatum Evans, Market Director of Pearl Farmers Market. “The event will be a wondrous site featuring San Antonio chefs paired with local producers all highlighting Latin cuisine.”

The impressive panel of talented chefs includes Melissa Guerra of Melissa Guerra-Tienda de Cocina, Rene Fernandez of Azuca, Diana Barrios Trevino of La Hacienda de Los Barrios and Los Barrios Mexican, and James Sanchez of Acenar.

“For Texans, growing food is a vital part of our shared heritage,” said los sabores del mercado participant Melissa Guerra, owner of Melissa-Guerra-Tienda de Cocina. “Pearl Farmers Market is the new touch point for San Antonians to return to the farm freshness they remember, and to share that passion of farming and ranching with their children. As a storeowner at Pearl, it is exciting to be part of this downtown renaissance. It’s a new day for San Antonio as a world food destination!”

In addition to the complimentary tastings, visitors will be able to sign up to receive a los sabores del mercado Guide to Eating Seasonally in San Antonio, a month-by-month book featuring seasonal fare and recipes by the participating chefs. The guide will be available in English and Spanish. Market goers will also be invited to pick up complimentary potted herb plant starts at the Mobile Garden Venza, and can enter for a chance to win a unique culinary prize package. Toyota will also provide interested visitors with the opportunity to take a ride in a 2009 Venza. People that experience a drive will take home a complimentary John Boos cutting board as a thank you gift.

“Venza is a vehicle purposely designed for the on-the-go lifestyle, built for those with an interest in experiencing new things," said Keith Dahl, Toyota National Manager of Engagement Marketing. "Farmers markets are an ideal venue to connect with this group, while at the same time providing Toyota an opportunity to give back to the communities where our customers live."

For more information on los sabores del mercado VENZA, or to schedule an interview with participating chefs and/or farmers, please contact Kirsten Graham at (206) 890-3435, or kirsten@kirstengrahampr.com.

ABOUT PEARL FARMERS MARKET

Launched in May of 2009, the Pearl Farmers Market is the perfect addition to Pearl, an emerging culinary and cultural destination and fast growing community located along the banks of the San Antonio River. Pearl Farmers Market is a ‘producers only’ market that provides fresh, local, and seasonal products from vendors located within a 150-mile radius of San Antonio. For more information, visit www.pearlfarmersmarket.com.

ABOUT TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution, and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus, and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus, and Scion dealers. Toyota directly employs over 36,000 people in the U.S. and sold more than 2.6 million vehicles in 2007. For more information about the company, please visit http://www.toyota.com/.

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ABOUT MELISSA GUERRA

Melissa Guerra, an 8th generation Texan, is the owner of Melissa Guerra - Tienda de Cocina, a catalog, website, and storefront in San Antonio dedicated to providing top quality Mexican kitchenware and ingredients to customers around the world. Guerra is a self-taught culinary expert and food historian specializing in Texas Regional and Mexican cuisine. Her cooking show, The Texas Provincial Kitchen aired on PBS and she was also featured as a culinary expert on the PBS reality show, Texas Ranch House. She is the author of, The Texas Provincial Kitchen Cookbook and Dishes from the Wild Horse Desert. To learn more, visit www.melissaguerra.com.

ABOUT RENE FERNANDEZ

Rene Fernandez is the chef/owner of Azuca Nuevo Latino Restaurant and Bar. Celebrating the vibrant lifestyles and cuisines of Latin America and the Caribbean, Azuca exudes flare as the first Nuevo Latino restaurant of San Antonio. For more information, visit www.azuca.net.

ABOUT DIANA BARRIOS TREVINO

Diana Barrios Trevino is a chef, cookbook author, and television personality. She has appeared on numerous local and national television programs and is considered the expert on Tex-Mex cuisine. LOS BARRIOS FAMILY COOKBOOK is in its sixth printing. The Barrios family has been creating authentic Tex-Mex cuisine in San Antonio since 1979. La Hacienda de Los Barrios and Los Barrios Mexican are revered for great food, friendly service, and an always-festive atmosphere. For more information, visit www.lhdlb.com.

ABOUT JAMES SANCHEZ

James Sanchez is the chef of Acenar, a contemporary Mexican restaurant and bar located along San Antonio’s picturesque Riverwalk. Acenar is known for creating classic Mexican dishes with a modern twist and innovative cocktails served in a hip and lively setting. To learn more, visit www.acenar.com.

Toyota trae la unión de chefs de nuestra comunidad con productores locales de verduras y frutas a un evento que celebra la cocina de Latinoamérica, “los sabores del mercado VENZA” es un evento único que tendrá lugar el sábado 20 de junio en San Antonio Texas en el nuevo Pearl Farmers Market de 9 a.m. a 1 p.m., éste será un acontecimiento gratuito y bilingüe para toda la familia.

Durante el evento en el Pearl Farmers Market, ubicado en el estacionamiento al oeste de Full Goods Building en 200 East Grayson Street a la orilla de río San Antonio, doce conocidos chefs hispanos y chefs que se especializan en la cocina latina se unirán con granjeros del mercado para un día especial que resalta la riqueza de productos que crecen localmente y que se ofrecen en el Pearl Farmers Market. Cada uno de los chefs hará degustación de platos inspirados en la cocina latinoamericana usando los ingredientes frescos de un granjero local. Los visitantes tendrán la oportunidad de probar las creaciones del chef mientras aprenden más acerca de los vendedores, sus productos además de cómo comprar y comer frutas y verduras de temporada que crecen localmente. Toyota Venza no sólo respalda este evento sino también estará dando una contribución económica a Rio Perla Properties LP como muestra de apoyo al Pearl Farmers Market.

Tatum Evans, directora de mercado de Pearl Farmers Market dice “los sabores del mercado VENZA complementa la misión del mercado de crear conciencia de la importancia de cocinar con ingredientes de la temporada que son cultivados por productores locales” y agrega “el evento será un lugar maravilloso que presentará chefs de San Antonio que junto a productores locales darán realce a la cocina latina”.

Este panel de talentosos chefs incluye a Melissa Guerra de Melissa Guerra-Tienda de Cocina, René Fernández de Azuca, Diana Barrios Trevino de La Hacienda de Los Barrios y Los Barrios Mexican, además de James Sanchez de Acenar,

“Para nosotros los tejanos, cultivar nuestra comida es parte vital de nuestra herencia” nos dice Melissa Guerra dueña de Tienda de Cocina y participante de “los sabores del mercado VENZA” y agrega, “El Pearl Farmers Market es la oportunidad que tienen los habitantes de San Antonio de volver a disfrutar como antes la frescura de los productos, y poder compartir su pasión por la agricultura y la ganadería con sus hijos. Como propietaria de una tienda en el Pearl, me emociona ser parte del renacimiento del centro de la ciudad, este es un nuevo día para San Antonio como ¡destino gastronómico del mundo!”.

Además de la degustación gratuita, los visitantes tendrán la oportunidad de inscribirse para recibir una guía de cómo comer de acuerdo a los productos de la temporada en San Antonia. Un libro que presenta mes a mes frutas y verduras de la temporada acompañadas de recetas de los chefs participantes, y que estará disponible en español e inglés. También se invitará a los visitantes a llevarse como regalo una maceta con una plantita en el Jardín móvil de Venza y a ingresar al sorteo para ganar un paquete culinario. Toyota también dará la oportunidad de conducir un Venza 2009 a aquellos que estén interesados, quienes recibirán como regalo de agradecimiento una tabla de picar de la afamada marca John Boos.

“Venza es un vehículo diseñado para un estilo de vida activo, construido para aquellos interesados en experimentar cosas nuevas” dijo Keith Dahl, gerente nacional de Mercadotecnia y Promociones de Toyota “los mercados de agricultores son el lugar ideal para conectarse con este grupo de personas, al mismo tiempo da aToyota la oportunidad de hacer algo por la comunidad donde viven nuestros clientes”.

Para más información acerca de “los sabores del mercado VENZA” o para coordinar una entrevista con los chefs y/o agricultores participantes, por favor de comunicarse con Gigi Basaure al (206) 621-2185 o info@conexion-marketing.com.

ACERCA DEL PEARL FARMERS MARKET

Abierto en mayo del 2009 el Pearl Farmers Market es la perfecta adición a la Perla, un destino culinario y cultural emergente y de rápido crecimiento ubicado en la orilla del río San Antonio. El Pearl Farmers Market es un mercado que ofrece productos frescos, locales y de temporada directamente de productores a consumidores, productores que viven dentro de un radio de 150 millas alrededor de San Antonio. Para mayor información visite www.pearlfarmersmarket.com (en inglés).

ACERCA DE TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. es la división de mercadotecnia, ventas, distribución, y servicio al consumidor de Toyota, Lexus y Scion. Establecida en 1957, TMS mercadea productos y servicios a través de una red de más de 1,400 representantes de Toyota, Lexus y Scion. Toyota emplea directamente a más de 36,000 personas en los Estados Unidos y ha vendido más de 2.6 millones de vehículos en 2007. Para mayor información acerca de la compañía por favor visite www.toyota.com/espanol/.

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ACERCA DE MELISSA GUERRA

Melissa Guerra es una tejana de octava generación y propietaria de Melissa Guerra-Tienda de Cocina, un catálogo, sitio web, y tienda en San Antonio dedicada a proveer utensilios de cocina e ingredientes mexicanos de alta calidad a clientes en todo el mundo, Melissa es una experta culinaria autodidacta e historiadora de la comida especializada en la cocina regional tejana y mexicana. Su programa de cocina para televisión The Texas Provincial Kitchen fue emitido en PBS donde también fue invitada como experta culinaria en el programa Texas Ranch House. Ella es la autora del libro de cocina The Texas Provincial Kitchen Cookbook y Dishes from the Wild Horse Desert. Para mayor información visite www.melissaguerra.com (en inglés).

ACERCA DE RENÉ FERNÁNDEZ

René Fernández es el chef y propietario de Azuca Nuevo Latino Restaurant and Bar. Celebrando el estilo de vida vibrante y los diferentes tipos de cocina de Latinoamérica y el Caribe, Azuca emana la magia de ser el primer Nuevo Latino restaurant de San Antonio. Para mayor información visite www.azuca.net (en inglés).

ACERCA DE DIANA BARRIOS TREVINO

Diana Barrios Trevino es chef, autora de libros de cocina, y personalidad de la televisión habiéndose presentado en numerosos programas locales y nacionales, es considerada una experta en la cocina Tex-Mex. Su libro LOS BARRIOS FAMILY COOKBOOK se encuentra en su sexta edición, la familia Barrios ha estado creando auténtica cocina Tex-Mex en San Antonio desde 1979. La Hacienda de Los Barrios y Los Barrios Mexican son conocidos por su excelente comida, servicio amigable y su ambiente siempre festivo. Para mayor información visite www.lhdlb.com (en inglés).

ACERCA DE JAMES SANCHEZ

James Sanchez es el chef de Acenar, un restaurante y bar de cocina mexicana contemporánea ubicado a orillas del pintoresco paseo del río San Antonio, Acenar es conocido por crear platillos clásicos mexicanos con un toque moderno y por sus innovadores cocteles servidos en un ambiente muy divertido y a la moda. Para mayor información visite www.acenar.com (en inglés).