Category Archives: Events

Basque language film Loreak is in Albuquerque

Loreak_posterLoreak (Flowers in English) is the first Basque language film to be nominated for the Goya Award and the first Basque language film to be considered for an Oscar (in the Best Foreign Language film category). It was Spain’s selection for that Oscar, though it was, in the end, not nominated. However, these accolades highlight the reception this film has received.

Per Wikipedia, the plot of Loreak is:

Ane (played by Nagore Aranburu) is a woman in her early forties who does not feel fulfilled. Her life changes when she starts to receive bouquets of flowers at home anonymously, once a week. The lives of Lourdes (Itziar Ituño) and Tere (Itziar Aizpuru) are also altered by some mysterious flowers. A stranger leaves flowers every week in memory of someone who was important for them.

I have yet to see it, but Loreak is currently playing in various cities across the US (see their Facebook page for details), in the original Basque but with English subtitles. It is even in New Mexico, though I don’t think I’ll be able to see it this run.

If anyone does catch the film, please share your thoughts!

Isaba Emigrant Reunion

Last year, a group of descendants of emigrants from Isaba, Navarre, Spain met in Isaba with distant cousins they never knew they had.  They met with the descendants of those brothers and sisters of their ancestors who stayed in Isaba.  They saw the houses their ancestors came from, walked the same streets, and enjoyed the same way of life, though briefly, their ancestors enjoyed before trekking to the United States.

This time, it is New Mexico’s turn to host those whose ancestors stayed behind, to show them the land where those emigrants went to. From September 30 to October 3, a group of Basques from Isaba will visit New Mexico and learn about this distant land their cousins left for to search for a new life.  The schedule of events is below.  If you or anyone you know might be interested in participating, contact isabanewmexico@coac.net by June 30!

  • Sept 30: Conferences and institutional receptions at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque. Documentary film on Navarre and Isaba. Wine and cheese tasting from Navarre and Roncal.
  • Oct 1: Visit footsteps of Isaba emigrants in NM. Vaughn (Church, cemetery).  Descendants of emigrants’ ranches and cowboy food.
  • Oct 2: Balloon fiesta and trip to Santa Fe Plaza, Palace of the Governors, Rancho de las Golondrinas.
  • Oct 3: Visit to Acoma Pueblo and climb to top of Sandia Crest.

Euskara lesson: Aug 25

Probably the key identifying feature of the Basques is their language. It is what truly sets them apart. Taking some cues from other clubs, in particular Seattle and San Francisco, we would like to incorporate more Euskara into our activities. To this end, we will be providing basic language lessons.

The first language lesson will be on Aug 25. Put together by Blas and Karen, it will feature rudimentary vocabulary – words to get you by during your first trip to the Basque Country. If the interest holds, we will hold additional classes that delve a bit more into Euskara, at least as far as the knowledge of the instructors allows. Please contact nmee@buber.net if you are interested in participating.

The time and location will be announced soon!

Club picnic is Aug 21!

The annual NMEE picnic will be held on August 21, at the usual place in Hyde Park camp site #3.  We will have the traditional chorizo and potluck picnic.  We hope that everyone can make it to enjoy some Basque camaraderie and food!  More details as we get closer, but mark your calendars now!

Spring Potluck!

Our Spring potluck will be on April 3 from 4-7PM in Santa Fe.  This is a great opportunity for us to get together, rekindle old acquaintances, and enjoy some great food.  If you have any questions, just shoot an email to nmee@buber.net and all of your questions will be answered (within reason).

Oreka TX coming to New Mexico!

Since the 1960s, Basque folk music has seen a very exuberant revival, with the rediscovery of many traditional instruments.  Chief amongst those is the txalaparta, a device once used to communicate between the valleys, announcing weddings, deaths, and the completion of the latest sagardoa/cider batch.  Today, the txalaparta is central to a number of folk music groups, in particular the band Oreka TX.

Oreka TX has gained international fame for their skill with the txalaparta, a fame which brings them to New Mexico as part of a US tour.

On Saturday, September 25, Oreka TX will perform at Globalquerque!  For tickets and more information, check out Globalquerque’s website at 

http://www.globalquerque.com/

On Sunday, September 26, NMEE is extremely pleased to host Oreka TX for a free private event, including a live performance and then a video presentation of their travels performing with other folk groups around the world.  The venue is still being finalized; stay tuned.  Donations to help offset the costs are welcome.

UPDATE: The venue has been set.  The performance will be at Mike’s Music Exchange in Eldorado.  See their website for directions, or contact Blas at blas@buber.net.

For more information about the txalaparta, you can visit this Wikipedia article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Txalaparta

For more information about Oreka TX, you can visit their website at

http://www.nomadaktx.com/

Oreka TX to play at Globalquerque!

Oreka TX, a Basque folk music group specializing in the Txalaparta (see this Wikipedia article), will be playing Saturday, Sept 25, at Globalquerque!

From Globalquerque’s website:

oreka  txMost musical instruments are made to be played by only one musician at a time. But from Spain’s Basque Country comes an instrument built for two. The txalaparta, third cousin to the vibraphone, has entered world music circles through the efforts of the Basque duo Oreka Tx. Seeing their chosen instrument as a metaphor of musical encounters, their latest CD is a set of collaborations with musicians from India, Lapland, Mongolia and North Africa. The results are melodic, intriguing and organic, as if the duo has tapped into forgotten currents of culture that traveled the world’s trade routes in the early centuries of history.

Oreka Tx began traveling the world in 2004, using the txalaparta as their vehicle and home, meeting musicians and discovering the reality of far away peoples, from Mongolia to Sahara, from Lapland to India. During their travels, they compiled visual and audio materials with a clear goal in mind: to share this music, these sounds, these images, and these experiences. Their dream became a reality and the result was the astounding documentary, “Nömadak Tx,” which won multiple awards at international film festivals. Their touring show takes the film’s concept to the next level. With the film projected onto a giant screen behind them, the Oreka Tx Band is joined on stage by the Saharawi and Mongolian singers featured in “Nömadak Tx.” The soundtrack evolves from the blending of live and film music, and performance pieces emanate from an impossibly-expanded ensemble, the people on stage combined with the multitude of musicians all over the world on screen, an extravagant multi-ethnic sound montage. The screen itself becomes a huge window onto the world, through which the audience is offered a particularly intimate glimpse into lives, music and landscapes across the globe.

2010 NMEE Picnic this Sunday!

We hope you’ll join us at the New Mexico Euskal Etxea’s 2010 Picnic!

Sunday, September 5th, at 1PM

Hyde Park Campsite #3

$5 members/ $10 non-members/ kids 12 & under free

Chorizo & drinks provided

Please bring a dessert or side dish to share.

Directions from Albuquerque:

  • Take I-25 N to Santa Fe
  • Take exit for St. Francis Dr
  • Turn left at the 2nd Paseo de Peralta light (after Alameda)
  • Turn left at Bishop’s Lodge Rd
  • Turn right onto Artist Rd and then contniue onto NM-475/Hyde Park Rd
  • Campsite #3 will be on the right
  • (Distance from the right turn on Artist Rd to Hyde Park is approximately 7 miles)

Please, no glass on campgrounds, bring wine in your bota bag!

Tapas and Wine Night 2010!

Tapas and Wine Night 2010Announcing NMEE’s Fifth Tapas and Wine Night!

“…what an evening it was! The food was exceptional – they certainly lived up to their culinary heritage…” — Patty Karlovitz of “Local Flavor” magazine.

New Mexico Euskal Etxea’s Tapas and Wine Fundraiser is its premiere event! Featuring authentic Basque tapas/pintxos by renowned local chefs and caterers as well as wine from the world, including the Basque Country, the event is sure to excite your taste buds! While you sample the great food and drink, partake in our silent auction which features wonderful items from merchants and crafts-people, both local and national.

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

More information can be found on the Tapas and Wine Night 2010 page!

As we get closer to the date of the event, we will update the website with posts featuring both the tapas and the silent auction items.

All proceeds go towards NMEE’s goal of preserving and promoting the Basque culture in New Mexico.

NMEE is a 501c3 non-profit organization.

Election for 2010 NMEE Board of Directors

Dear Basque Club Members and Friends,

NMEE needs YOU, your ideas, and your enthusiasm for its 2010 Board of Directors!

Nominations may come from anyone interested in the club, and self-nomination is encouraged. Nomination forms may be sent by mail with the enclosed form, or you may email your nominations to lisa@buber.net. The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, August 25, 2009.

Any member of NMEE in good standing may run for office. Members in good standing as of Sept 1, 2009 will vote by numbered ballot mailed to each member’s address of record. Votes will be cast by mail in sealed envelopes, and votes will be opened and counted at the Meeting of the Membership in October (sorry mail only, no email for voting).

Per our bylaws, the 2009 Vice-President, Roger Martinez y Mondragon, will rotate into the position of 2010 President. We will elect a Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, and four Directors for the 2010 Board. Please see the attached document for more information on each of these roles.

Modifications to the club’s Bylaws may also be presented to the membership for approval. If you would like a suggest a Bylaw change, please contact a member of the 2009 Board as soon as possible since only changes approved by the Board by September 15, 2009 will be included in this year’s election.

Election 2009 Calendar of Events

AUG 10 Nomination forms sent via email to electronic distribution and by mail to members without email.

AUG 25 Deadline for nomination form submission to Election Coordinator

SEP 1 Deadline for membership in NMEE to run for office and/or vote in this election.

SEP 15 Deadline for Board approved bylaw changes.
(Note that you will have to submit bylaw change recommendations
to the Board for approval well ahead of this deadline.)

SEP 15 Deadline for nomination acceptance and written quote for ballot.

SEP 22 Ballots will be mailed to Members’ homes.

OCT 10 Deadline for Ballot submission (Mail in sealed envelope to Election Coordinator or bring it with you to the Meeting of the Membership.)

OCT 10 Votes will be counted at the Meeting of the Membership
(6pm – At the Home of Paul and Sherry Morrison.)

JAN 1, 2010 New Board of Directors begins its term

Please contact me with any questions or comments about the election. Also, I could use some assistance with the assembly and mailing of the ballots in mid September – Let me know if you are interested.

Kind regards,

Lisa Van De Graaff
2009 NMEE Election Coordinator
lisa@buber.net
505-670-9474