Jessica Ramirez

Feature: Chicano Batman on what inspires their sound, touring Japan and returning to Austin

October 10, 2013 By Jessica Ramirez

Last year Chicano Batman had a brief encounter with the city of Austin. They enjoyed the city’s culture, vibe and of course the tacos! Now they are on a quest to bring their groovy-funky-psychedelic sounds to next year’s South By Southwest Festival (SXSW). I talked with Chicano Batman’s—bassist and songwriter—Eduardo Arenas to get the scoop on what influences their music, what’s in store for them and their upcoming tour in Japan.

Chicano Batman came together when members of the band met each other and bonded through their love of 1960s and 1970s music from the tropicalismo movement—much of where their sound comes from. The band’s name credit goes to Bardo Martinez—vocalist and guitarist—who also happens to be the artist of the bunch.

“He was drawing a Batman and then he added a little Latino mustache on him, you know, not a full mustache but the Latino whiskers we all get,” says Arenas. “He put a little cape on him with a muscle shirt and cutoff Dickies to make him look like a ’90s gangster. He was like ‘Hey check it out Chicano Batman’.”

ChicanoBatmanLogo — Chicano Batman logo.

Then came the band’s iconic logo, which is a combination of the Batman logo and the United Farm Workers logo.

“Some people think it’s cute, powerful or inspiring. Others think it’s an Aztec Batman because the blocks look like an Aztec pyramid,” says Arenas. “Whatever it is, we love all interpretations.”

Chicano Batman’s music is inspired by the older cumbias from the ’60s and ’70s. They try to emulate the nostalgic sound of vinyl with warm and fat tones. Through their music they try to recreate the aesthetic that inspires them.

“The way we fall in love with the music is through the way it sounds. Not a lot of people pay attention to the aesthetic of the sound nowadays,” says Arenas. “When we write our songs and when we play live we want a fat bass and a lot of reverb. Just like it was standard back in the day. We use instruments and techniques that we’ve inherited from that era to get the real sound.”

That being said Chicano Batman’s sound has evolved from the way it was when they first started out. According to Arenas, their first album was more free and open and “jammy”, whereas now they are more meticulous with their arrangements.

“Just like with every band and every relationship, we’re growing and we’re evolving,” says Arenas. “We’ll pick up gear along the way and we’ll use it on a song or two and experiment with it. We might even decide to not use it. It’s natural for us to go in the direction of ’70s sound because that is where our heart is but we try our best to sound modern and find what pleases the ear.”

The band recently applied to perform at SXSW so keep your fingers crossed. They are ready to share their music with a new audience that is ready for some culture and Austin might just be the place for them.

“We are excited about the possibility of getting to play in Austin because it is a crucial stepping stone for us,” says Arenas. “Some friends went out there last year and saw a lot of electronic music. It’s good to know that we’re not competing with any of that since we are bringing the original thing. I know there are people just waiting to hear and experience something different, something real.”

Interestingly enough the band has a following in Japan, which ultimately led to a tour there next month. It all began when Shin Miyata—founder

Chicano Batman photo by Jessica Augustine.

of Barrio Gold Records—saw them perform in Los Angeles. He enjoyed their music so much he offered to sell their albums at his store in Japan.

Believe it or not Japan has a niche Chicano scene complete with the soul, vibe and aesthetics of the culture. It could possibly be that Miyata’s passion for the Chicano culture and his mission to share it with everyone launched this scene in Japan. Thanks to Miyata, Chicano Batman was invited to tour in Japan on Nov. 6 through 13.

“It’ll be very fun for us to be a part of that experience because we’re hoping Chicano Batman can be the soundtrack to the scene over there,” says Arenas. “It’ll be like a warped reality on the other side of the world but as a band you can only hope to connect like that with fans in other places through your music.”

Before leaving to tour Japan, Chicano Batman took some time off from performing to work on a new full-length album. It’s been about five years since their debut album and Arenas says the albums in between have been more of appetizers to keep their fans from starving. The new long-play album—in the mixing stages right now—is expected to have 14 tracks inspired by soul, cumbia, funk, rancheras, salsa and Brazilian music.

The album will include music that was written as far as six years ago. It has taken a lot of time, work and sacrifice to cultivate the sound but musically they’ve only begun to scratch the surface. Arenas says the new music is very meaningful, honest and passionate.

“We’re paying homage to the same musical era that we grew up listening to—including the ruffled tuxedo shirts and bow ties,” says Arenas. “If we’re together 20 years from now, we’re going to be making absolutely beautiful music if we continue to commit to keeping old musical traditions alive.”

When asked what his favorite part about creating music was, Arenas simply answered:

“The beautiful thing about writing and creating music is the way in which the lyrics, the melody and the rhythm that you put together speaks to people. Music moves people in an emotional and psychological way that sometimes words alone can’t.”

Chicano Batman’s most recent extended-play album Magma is out now. Their second full-length album will release internationally this fall and domestically next spring—hopefully around the same time they perform at SXSW. In the meantime take a little time to listen to their EP, Magma.

Feature: Eddie Gomez brings work ethic and compassion to L.A. singer-songwriter scene

September 3, 2013 By Jessica Ramirez

av-music-band-eddiegomez01 — “Every song I create, every song I write, has to make a statement in order for people to listen,” says Gomez.

Singer-songwriter Eddie Gomez is a rising star who just debuted his extended play album No to great reviews. The way he stumbled upon music, and what he plans to do with his talent and growing fame, is just as compelling as the music he creates.

It all started when his older brother taught him how to play the guitar at 14 years old in their hometown of Portland, Ore.

“I have a speech impediment,” says Gomez. “So when my brother encouraged me to do music, I realized I could use it as a type of therapy for the way I get caught up in my words. The more I did it, the more I fell in love with music.”

It was nine years ago that Gomez and his brother began the 14- to 18-hour trek from Portland to Los Angeles about four times a year to participate in songwriting competitions in the entertainment capital of the world.

“I had this crazy idea that if I won a songwriting competition, I would get this amazing record deal,” says Gomez. “I soon found out that it doesn’t work that way. When I did win one of these competitions—and not a big one by the way—I took it as a sign to move out here and pursue this wholeheartedly.”

Six years ago, after officially moving to Los Angeles, he played a show at a Starbucks. It was there he was introduced to music producer Bud’da Anderson—known for working with Aaliyah, Dr. Dre and Ice Cube. Anderson instantly became Gomez’ mentor.

av-music-band-eddiegomez02 — Gomez moved from Portland to L.A. to pursue music.

“I would go over to his house every day and read up on old music to see how it has evolved over the years; that is how I came to love all aspects and genres of music and songwriting.” says Gomez. “You can take something good from each genre; you just have to listen for it. I think that’s why my music sounds are so infused.”

Despite everything he was learning while living in Los Angeles, it took some time for Gomez to grow some tough skin.

“My biggest problem at first was that I was afraid to release my music because I thought it wasn’t good enough. My brother had to talk me out of it,” says Gomez. “He said, ‘If you’re going to keep doing that, then you might as well play your music in the garage. You have to willing to put yourself out there and see what feedback you get.’ After that, I knew I had to perform wherever I could, in front of whomever I could.”

Gomez performed every day in different places across L.A. He recalls that, at first, it was a tough crowd because people tend to think of street performers as background noise. Eventually he commanded their attention with the standard of music he performed. It was then that audiences became more receptive and supportive.

“Every song I create, every song I write, has to make a statement in order for people to listen,” says Gomez. “As a new artist, you have to show people what makes you the next best thing, so I try to put more focus on that in my music.”

After much hard work, he had the opportunity to collaborate with Captain Cuts—well-known producers that have worked with artists like Grouplove and Smallpools. As a result of that collaboration, record labels wanted to know who was behind the voice. It was then that Captain Cuts asked Gomez if he wanted to do an EP.

Since Captain Cuts is quite busy nowadays, Gomez’ six-track EP had to be completed in about eight to 10 studio sessions. According to Gomez, the work cycle was definitely hectic with the idea, the writing, the chorus and the recorded verses all done in roughly a 12-hour span.

“Every time I went in to the studio I had to have the song done by that day. It was done under pressure but they gave me a lot of creative control,” says Gomez. “The whole EP came about so naturally and I was very fortunate to have the full support of the producers. This process definitely helped me grow and realize that if this is the hardest it can get it’s not all that bad.”

Gomez says he treats his music career just like an athlete treats his athletic career: There is a lot of practice involved and even though there are bad games mixed in with the great ones, you always have to keep practicing, trying new things and perfecting your craft.

But for the up-and-coming artist, perfecting his craft and achieving a level of fame is not all he strives for.

His sister once told him, “To whom much is given, much is expected,” and since then he is mindful of that in all that he does. Instead of having a release party for his debut EP, Gomez partnered up with the PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center to put together a benefit concert on Oct. 9 in Los Angeles—venue still to be determined—in which all the donations go to the foundation. Additionally, 100 percent of the proceeds from his EP will also go directly to the PACER’s Center.

av-music-album-eddiegomez-no — 'No' is now available.

“When I was growing up I was bullied for my stutter and for being the odd guy, so I’ve always wanted to create something bigger than just the music,” says Gomez. “I think a lot of times people feel you have to be this big celebrity in order to make a difference, but it’s not like that at all. If you just put one foot in front of the other and try to make a difference people will take notice.”

Gomez is proof that good karma exists. Within 10 hours of releasing the first single “Someday” he received a call from Atlantic Records saying they wanted to meet him. Soon after, labels like Virgin Records, Warner Bros Records and several other independent labels followed suit.

“The industry has been very receptive of my work and very open-minded about how I view music and how I think creatively,” says Gomez. “Right now I’m just working hard at what I love doing because the more you do on your own, the more of an impact you’ll make. For me hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard. My work ethic is what distinguishes me from others doing what I do.”

Aside from his new EP and the benefit concert, Eddie Gomez is also finalizing a 20-show East Coast tour that is slated to start on Nov. 1. If all goes as planned, the tour will end in Texas, however, the dates, cities and venues have yet to be confirmed.

With his impressive work ethic, compassionate nature and unique talent this contemporary crooner is very likely to have a successful music career ahead of him. Gomez prefers to lay it all on the line so that others appreciate the music as much as he does.

“In order for people to take a hold of you as an artist you have to be transparent and give them the good with the bad,” says Gomez. “On this EP I sing from personal experience to show others I’m not perfect but I realize the mistakes I’ve made in life, in hopes that maybe they will learn from your mistakes.”

Eddie Gomez says that for “Someday” he wanted to go back in time all the way to the 30s where there were coalmines and real instruments. “I thought let’s just put a mic in the middle of the room and just start stomping and clapping. From there I started singing a chorus, then a verse and we just kept adding layers and layers.”

Interview: Irene Díaz, from Kickstarter to Latina indie darling on the rise

August 26, 2013 By Jessica Ramirez

When you look at singer-songwriter Irene Díaz you would never guess that such a big and soulful voice comes out of that petite figure, but trust me it does. We met up at the Downtown Rehearsal studio—east of downtown Los Angeles—where she told me all about the whirlwind of a life she’s had in the last three years and what is in store for her music career.

Díaz grew up performing at church and learning the piano. Yet, it wasn’t until she picked up her dad’s guitar at 16 years old that she started writing songs. For the songstress the songwriting goes hand-in-hand with the music and the instruments. Anytime she’s playing an instrument she’s thinking of songs to write.

“I love all of it, but what I wrote back then was really depressing,” the singer says as she laughs. “My writing has changed over time. I’ve found people that inspire me. The music I have right now is inspired by friends or experiences that I’ve had as a young adult.”

She admits that when she first started writing she would hide in her room and not share her music publicly. Even though music was a major part of her life, Díaz decided to pursue a higher education in an effort to find the career path for her.

“In school I was always trying to figure out what to do. Deep down I always wanted to do music but the music classes just weren’t as fulfilling for me,” says Díaz. “I realized then that I just really wanted to do music full time so I stopped going to school. It actually felt really good to make that decision. I didn’t know what I wanted to do when it came to school but I knew for certain that I wanted to do music.”

Since 2010 Díaz has tried to establish her career as a singer-songwriter and initially she had no clue where to begin.

“A big part of my collaborating and networking process was learning how to play, write, be creative and be free with the music and I couldn’t have done that without the help of the friends I’ve made along the way,” says Díaz. “In the beginning I would just go and be inspired and creative with them during their jam sessions. It helped me get out of my comfort zone.”

It took some time but she eventually broke out of that shell. In 2011 she met Carolyn Cardoza—her now ukuleleist and booking coordinator—who helped her alleviate some of the work involved in establishing a music career.

“When I met Carolyn a lot of things just started unfolding for me, since then a lot of doors have opened because I had someone to help me work everything out” says Díaz. “She introduced me to many people who helped me book shows, produce and do other creative things.”

Irene Diaz EP — 'I Love You Madly' is available now on Itunes and CD Baby.

Among those things was the planning and launch of a successful Kickstarter campaign in November 2012. When Irene Díaz started recording her extended play album “I Love You Madly” she decided it was a good time to start a campaign to help fund her project. After two months of pre-planning and some blood, sweat and tears, their Kickstarter was successful and they were on their way to having a finished product for supporters and fans to enjoy.

“Luckily we had friends who had already done their own Kickstarter campaigns,” says Cardoza. “We talked to them about what worked and didn’t work for them in order to get as much information beforehand.”

“There’s a ton of work and effort that goes into a campaign like this. Sometimes we were just like, ‘We’re never doing this again!’,” says Díaz laughing. “But it was all worth it in the end because I don’t see how this EP could’ve happened without the support of this campaign. This was great because people not only helped with funds but also because they believed in the project and to have people like that backing me showed me I was doing something right and that this is what I was meant to do.”

With the outpour of support Díaz successfully reached her goal of $8,000 in just two weeks. She surpassed it by raising $10,209 at the end of the campaign. Díaz has worked hard since December to make sure the content promised went out to the fans in a timely manner.

With “I Love You Madly”, Díaz says she wanted it to be a listening experience that flowed nicely.

“I like to transition from one song to the other,” says Díaz. “That way people don’t get taken out of the moment and they can let the musical experience take over.”

Complete with interludes this album is one in which you can just relax and listen to from beginning to end.

“You can just get wrapped up in Irene’s songs, even playing with her, you don’t want the music to stop,” says Cardoza. “You want to stay in that moment in time. It’s a musical experience that just leads you somewhere else. You get wrapped up in the performance and you’re not interrupted.”

This summer she performed in Philadelphia and at the Latin Alternative Music Conference, where she stunned concertgoers with her soulful voice. As a result of her talent, she was featured on National Public Radio’s “Alt Latino” and “All Things Considered” and on Mucho Music. Up until now, the success Irene Díaz has achieved was earned through diligence and as part of a natural development.

“We haven’t had a PR person, we don’t have someone funding everything and as of right now I kind of like that,” says Díaz. “It’s very much about the people who enjoy and share my music with others. I feel happy with the way things are just happening organically right now.”

Díaz is currently working on getting her music to more college radio stations, performing on the road, writing more music and of course building her fan base.

“We are planning a West Coast tour for the near future,” says Díaz. “We’re also looking into booking some dates during South By Southwest 2014. Ultimately, I want to perform in showcases in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas as part of a Southwest tour so that is all in the works.”

In the last three years Díaz has accomplished great things in her musical career. Still, she knows there is a ton left to do and is facing the future with excitement and passion.

“I really want to influence people to do things that they love. If you’ve specified or realized what you want to do then by all means go for it,” says Díaz. “Music is what I love to do because I’m always learning by doing but mostly because I get to create an enjoyable experience for me and my audience.”

Keep an eye out for Irene Díaz because this little lady will be coming to Austin in the near future. In the meantime, enjoy her soothing and soulful sounds in this official music video for “Crazy Love”.

Joey ‘Coco’ Diaz is Coming to Cap City This Weekend

April 29, 2013 By Jessica Ramirez

Joey-Coco-Diaz-small — Comedian and actor Joey Coco Diaz takes the stage at Cap City this weekend. Courtesy photo.

Cap City Comedy Club welcomes comedian and actor Joey Diaz to the stage this Thursday, May 2 through Saturday, May 4.

Diaz—who was born in Cuba—was raised in New Jersey and brings that Jersey flair to the comedic stage. He got his comedic start in prison—where he was serving time for aggravated robbery and kidnapping—when the projector broke during movie night and he decided to take the stage. After being released from jail Diaz started doing open mikes in Los Angeles where he became known for his tough-talking act.

He has been seen in small roles like those in Analyze That as well as bigger ones like his character Jhoey in the sitcom My Name Is Earl.

Diaz released his stand-up comedy album It’s Either You or the Priest last year. He also has his own—quite popular—podcast “The Church Of What’s Happening Now” in which he discusses thought-provoking topics and provides an uncensored opinion.

Tickets to see him this weekend at Cap City Comedy Club are $17 for general admission and $21 for reserved seating. All shows are ages 18 and up so if you want to have a rough and tough jolly-good-time make sure to get your tickets soon!

Comedy Central to Premiere New Hour-Long Special—Al Madrigal: Why Is The Rabbit Crying?

April 26, 2013 By Jessica Ramirez

You may remember Al Madrigal for his The Daily Show correspondent work. This month Madrigal is back on Comedy Central to debut his very first one-hour stand-up special titled Al Madrigal: Why Is The Rabbit Crying? tonight at 11 p.m. ET/PT.

The special was filmed at our very own Moody Theater and will showcase his comedic wit as he tells the true stories of Coach Frankie, the Cholo soccer dad and many others.

Madrigal has a list of network television credits including appearances on the late night circuit on shows like Conan, The Tonight Show and Chelsea Lately. HBO’s U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen has also named him “Best Stand-Up Comedian”.

To interact will all you fans, Madrigal will have an “Ask a Professional Comedian” session on Tumblr and will also live tweet the Comedy Central premiere from his Twitter account @almadrigal.

An extended and uncensored CD/DVD combo of the Al Madrigal: Why Is The Rabbit Crying? will be available on Tuesday, April 30. This edition will include material that is not seen in the broadcast and bonus features like Madrigal’s field specials from The Daily Show and many other appearances on Comedy Central.

In the meantime, enjoy clips from the special along with an excerpt from the DVD on Comedy Central.

The Crumbles will screen in Austin as part of the Awkward & Awesome Movie Tour

February 26, 2013 By Jessica Ramirez

The Texas bred CTB Productions and Los Angeles life and arts magazine Brooklyn & Boyle will host a premiere screening of the award-winning feature film The Crumbles this Friday, Mar. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Santa Cruz Center for Culture.

The film centers around a group of friends and their developing relationships as they start an indie alt-rock band that is breaking onto the music scene. The Crumbles is scored by Quetzal Flores, whose band received the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album. Screenwriter and director Akira Boch and co-producer Francisco Hernandez will be at the premiere screening ready to answer any questions you have for them in the post-screening question-and-answer session with the audience.

The Crumbles has won several awards including the Audience Award at the 2012 San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival. The film has been screened at numerous festivals—most recently the 35th Annual San Antonio Cinefestival—and now it has made its way to Austin right before South By Southwest kicks off. With all the creative talent, national attention and acclaim The Crumbles has garnered you won’t want to miss the screening this Friday, March 1 at the Santa Cruz Center for Culture—located at 1805 E. Seventh St. The reception will begin at 7 p.m. followed by the screening at 8 p.m. and the filmmakers’ Q-and-A session at 10 p.m. The screening is $5 and for $10 you have access to both the screening and the after-party, so don’t miss out! Details about the event can be found here.

Meanwhile check out the trailer to The Crumbles

Comedian Spotlight: Felipe Esparza on his childhood, auditions and upcoming comedy special

February 20, 2013 By Jessica Ramirez

felipe-courtesy photo — L.A. comedian Felipe Esparza will headline Cap City Comedy Club in Austin, Feb. 20-23.

Comedian Felipe Esparza—who will be headlining at the Cap City Comedy Club on Feb. 20 through 23—grew up in the diverse Boyle Heights neighborhood in Los Angeles. It was a place that resembled a fortress because of its barred up windows and doors. Esparza tells Austin Vida that in elementary school they often had to stay in for recess because there were shootings nearby or suspects on the loose.

“We would be locked up for hours,” says Esparza. “As a little kid, you don’t realize what’s going on, so we would be just indoors joking around. I remember in second grade, some of the other kids would tell me ‘you’re pretty funny, like a comedian,’ but I didn’t think much of it then.”

Later, comedy came back into his life when he was hanging out with friends and they listened to Bill Cosby’s To Russell, My Brother, Whom I Slept With for the first time. Esparza related to that comedy album because he shared a room with his brother and remembers the conversations and incidents that would take place there. He memorized that album entirely, but that didn’t inspire him to pursue a career in comedy.

In junior high, he related to the material on Richard Pryor’s That Nigger’s Crazy album because he also grew up in the projects. Then there was the time some of the neighbors were hanging out, doing drugs and listening to Eddie Murphy’s comedy, all while Esparza thought, “Who is this guy? He’s hilarious!”

Over and over, comedy kept appearing in his life, but it never occurred to Esparza that he could make a living out of it.

“In rehab we had to talk about our feelings, and every time I would share mine, it would come out as a punchline and everyone would laugh.” Felipe Esparza on discovering his comedic voice.

It wasn’t until after a stint in rehab that he realized comedy was his calling.

“In rehab we had to talk about our feelings, and every time I would share mine, it would come out as a punchline and everyone would laugh,” says Esparza. “I guess maybe it was my voice or the way I say things, but everyone would laugh.”

Once Esparza got out of rehab, he did an open mic in Hollywood at a place called the Natural Fudge Cafe—a healthy food restaurant that also endorsed and encouraged talent of all sorts.

“I remember my first time performing I didn’t know how to dress like a comedian so I went in there dressed as an ’80s comic,” says Esparza. “I didn’t even have my long hair, I was bald! I looked like Uncle Fester doing comedy.”

There, Esparza met and networked with comedians like Alonzo Bodden—season three winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing—and Jamie Kennedy—known for Malibu’s Most Wanted.

“I wanted to be Felipe Esparza,” says Esparza. “That was my goal. I just wanted to be successful being me but I didn’t know how to do that.”

Eventually, Esparza earned a spot on season seven of Last Comic Standing in 2010. He went on to win the competition, establishing his career as a stand-up comic. A year later—and after hogging up several hour-long shows at open mic competitions— he performed his first one-hour special for Showtime.

“My one-hour special was my favorite moment in my career because it was all my material that I had been working on for years,” says Esparza.

“The problem is [television producers] don’t know how write for Mexicans on television without being stereotypical. Just put me in there. Just pretend I’m white and don’t crack any jokes about my culture.” Felipe Esparza on being Latino and auditioning for acting gigs.

Now, Esparza is busy trying to work on his acting career or as he says—getting better at lying. In an effort to get more national exposure, he is auditioning for shows like Adult Swim’s The Eric Andre Show and the CBS hit sitcom Two Broke Girls as a new waiter, cook or maybe a love interest…if he shaves.

“The problem is [television producers] don’t know how write for Mexicans on television without being stereotypical. Just put me in there. Just pretend I’m white and don’t crack any jokes about my culture,” says Esparza laughing. “It’s not hard to write a part for a Mexican. Just write him in. What we need to do, is just start sneaking into movies,” he says jokingly. “If it’s a Star Trek movie and they call out Captain Kirk I’ll just show up and say ‘What’s up fool?’ or on X Men I’ll show up as a fat Wolverine.”

Despite a tough audition process, he has appeared in several films. Esparza starred in I’m Not Like That No More—based on his comedy—alongside comedian and actor Paul Rodriguez. In Taco Shop—set to release this year—he improvised all his lines as a brain-damaged ex-wrestler, so hilarity is likely to ensue.

Aside from auditions and touring, Esparza is hard at work writing a new one-hour special possibly titled Broken English—”in reference to my father,” says Esparza laughing. This all-new, never-before-seen material will be performed here in Austin in preparation for this new special.

“This time my comedy will focus on how I got to this country and how I was raised,” says Esparza. “For example, as Mexicans we can’t help it that we’re overdressed for everything. We can’t help it that right now I’m wearing dress shoes at a soccer game. Do you know why we dress like this? Because my dad never told us where the hell we were going after church!”

Esparza’s experiences and the way he was raised have shaped him and his comedic career in ways that his audience can relate to. He has accomplished many things in the entertainment industry by simply being himself.

“If you’re going to be a comedian and you’re Latino, read a lot and be original,” says Esparza. “Don’t do George Lopez jokes; get your own jokes.”

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Felipe Esparza will perform Feb. 20 through Feb. 23 at the Cap City Comedy Club, located at 8120 Research Blvd. All shows are for ages 18 and up. Tickets are on sale now for $9 general admission and $13 reserved seating. His comedy special They’re Not Gonna Laugh At You is available on Netflix.

Comedy Central

[1/27] Preview: ‘Bay of All Saints’ at Alamo Drafthouse Village

January 27, 2013 By Jessica Ramirez

Bay of All Saints—the 2012 South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival Audience Award Winner for Best Documentary Feature — will be screening as part of the Cine Las Americas Signature Series on Jan. 27.

This award-winning documentary focuses on the lives and stories of three single mothers as they face harsh living conditions in their palafitas—shacks on stilts—on the bay in Bahia, Brazil. Bay of All Saints provides a momentary look at the problems of urban poverty on the bay, the sacrifices made for survival, the burden of life on the bay, and what causes these women to rise up and fight for what they deserve.

Director Annie Eastman filmed Bay of All Saints over six years initially because she heard news that the government was planning an urban-renewal project. She wanted to film and document the effects it would have on the already deprived community. Instead of being a more investigative film, she sought to create a documentary that made the audience “feel for these people and this place, simply because they are worth feeling for.”

The Bay of All Saints screening will be at the Alamo Drafthouse Village at 2700 W. Anderson Lane on Sunday, Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. The screening will be followed by a Q-and-A session with director Annie Eastman.