The here and now... and what and why

Complacency is a trap. At least that’s what I was thinking when I up and left the comfort of a Yankee prep school gig, where I taught music, amongst other things, for 28 years. There was also that life long career as a composer, musician and artist.

First, it was a year in St. Thomas, USVI, working as a reporter and shooting photography and then, a year in San Agustin Etla, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Time passed.
More time passed and a year back in the Athens of America followed by a hasty return to Oaxaca where it is all happening.
A couple of years in San Sebastian Etla and now, just down the road in San Pablo Etla. Life is good.

Click on an image to see it larger.
For additional photography please visit my flickr page.
You can find my music on Jango (World & latin - Worldbeat) and at iTunes and most online stores.
¡Soy consciente de todas las tradiciones del Internet!
If you are coming to Oaxaca, please contact me for tours or advice.

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo
The view from Corazon del Pueblo

The hereafter re me

My photo
Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
Musician, photographer, videographer, reporter, ex-officio teacher, now attempting to be a world traveler

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

A roof for the Guelaguetza

It seems like it is the same everywhere. Projects get started without input from residents, historians, experts and the loyal opposition. So it seems to be with the construction of a roof over the Guelaguetza stadium which overlooks the city. The Guelaguetza is the huge dance festival that takes place the last two Mondays in July. It is a very big deal, both culturally and economically. People sit and watch the regional dance for hours, many times under a strong sun.
The construction of the new roof has drawn criticism from different sources. Some say it violates traditions. Others say the design is not in keeping with the aesthetics of the venue. Most say it is SOP (standard operating procedure) for this government. Francisco Toledo, shaking his head, says it is a done deal, but worries that it will have an impact on many traditional businesses such as the hat makers from Juchitan in the Istmo. It is a huge covering, a synthetic membrane that will be able to stand the weather and will be supported by a metal structure. Here is the full story.

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