Shoppers looking for an alternative to the Black Friday mobs at malls and shopping centers will find a unique selection of gifts at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center’s 29th International Peace Market or Mercado de Paz, held annually during Thanksgiving weekend. This year’s market will open on Friday, November 23 and continue through Sunday,…
A Queer Events Guide To Celebrating Halloween in San Antonio
Compiled by Sarah Martinez and Jessica Elizarraras of the San Antonio Current and Sam Sanchez of Out In SA. Here’s a list of Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos events sponsored by local LGBT businesses and organizations. From a kid’s costume contest, to a cemetery tour and a decadent Muertos drag show, there’s something for…
Noche Azul Concert to Highlight Music of Romani Culture
Fresh from her appearance at the Carver Center where she premiered her new album, singer Azul Barrientos will grace the stage of the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center on October 20 with a concert titled, “Caravana Gitana” (Gypsy Caravan) featuring music of the Romani culture. The Romani, often referred to as Gypsies, have their origins…
Noche Azul Concert Looks Toward Evening Sky for Inspiration
The moon will serve as the inspiration for this month’s concert by Azul Barrientos at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center where the singer will present Noche Azul: La Luna on November 11. Every month since 2007, Barrientos’ performances have showcased traditional Mexican music featuring a new theme with each concert and, over time, embracing…
Local Musician and Poet Lourdes Pérez Doesn’t Hold Back
It all started when she declared, “I have to sing” following a Mercedes Sosa concert at Bass Concert Hall in Austin in 1992. Lourdes Pérez, out poet, musician and activist, made the declaration to her now-wife and manager, Annette D’Armata. Now married for 27 years, they said they would give the music venture 100 percent…
Esperanza Center Hosts Screening of ‘Transvisible: Bamby Salcedo’s Story’
On Saturday, July 9, the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center will present a screening of Transvisible: Bamby Salcedo’s Story, a documentary film by Dante Alencastre. The film focuses on transactivist Bamby Salcedo, her struggles with homophobia and transphobia, and her rise to become president and founder of the Trans-latin@ Coalition in East Los Angeles. Salcedo’s…
The Esperanza Presents Lourdes Perez and May Nasr Together in Concert
After recording the popular Lebanese song Ounadikum (I call to you), queer Puerto Rican singer Lourdes Perez never imagined she would be forging a relationship with Lebanese singer May Nasr who eventually got wind of Perez’s version in 2006. For Nasr, the song provided relief after her country had been bombed during that same year.…
Las Tesoros Come Together This Weekend at Esperanza
In the 1950’s Rita Vidaurri, Beatriz Llamas, Blanca Rodriguez and the late Perla Tapatia each carved out successful careers for themselves as singers and entertainers touring throughout the US and Latin America. The four women thrived in a business and era dominated by sexism, racism, and homophobia. In 2006, the four women came together for…
Mercado de Paz slated for Thanksgiving weekend
Shoppers looking for an alternative to crowded malls and shopping centers will find a unique selection of gifts at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center’s 25th International Peace Market or Mercado de Paz, slated for Friday, November 28 and Saturday, November 29. For the past 25 years, visitors and local patrons have gathered for the…