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A Message from Aita Antton
We were all very happy hear from Aita Antton this week. He posted a video on the Artzai Ona Facebook page to let us know how he’s doing, as well as explain his accident. We are hopeful that he will be able to celebrate mass soon and continue to send prayers and best wishes to him. Aita, segi hola hola.
Last Saturday's Events at the Cultural Center
The Basque Cultural Center was a hub of activity last Saturday, March 22nd the site of both a Bertsolari Saioa in honor of Johnny Curutchet, and later a concert by Bulego. The Bertsolari Saioa was an opportunity for bertsolaris from all over to thank Johnny for his contribution to this art form. Besides the bertsos performed in person, several bertsolaris also recorded tributes to Johnny that were enjoyed during lunch. You can view the program here and a YouTube video of the event is available here. NABO Vice-President, Philippe Acheritogaray, also presented Mary Curutchet with Johnny’s Al Erquiaga Bizi Emankorra award in recognition of Johnny’s contributions to Basque culture throughout Basque America. The Bertsolari Saioa included eight bertsolaris from the US and the Basque Country and all were simultaneously translated thanks to Xabi Paya, and Idoya Salaburu transcribed by Valerie Arrechea. The almost two-hour program was enjoyed by all.
Bulego then took the stage and played for an energized audience at 9pm. If you haven’t had a chance to see them yet, you can still catch them in Boise at the Basque Center as part of the Tree Fort Music Festival. On behalf of everyone at NABO, a huge Mila esker to Philippe Acheritogaray and all of the Basque organizations who participated in these activities. What a wonderful day! Please enjoy these photos also provided by Philippe.
BEO Mus Tournament
Our friends at the Basque Educational Organization will host their annual NABO Qualifying Mus Tournament this Sunday, March 30th at the Basque Cultural Center. Mus registration begins at 7:30am with play beginning at 8:15am. Lunch will be served at 12:30pm and the finals will begin at 2pm. Cost to participate is $40 per player. Lunch is a separate event at the Cultural Center so please call 650-583-8091 to make lunch reservations. For more information, or to register for the tournament, click here.
Picon Punch Bill and Mallea Recognition at Nevada Assembly
On Monday of this week, many gathered at the Nevada Assembly where Basque culture was featured as part of the bill to make the Picon Punch the state drink of Nevada. The Mendiko Euskaldun Cluba dancers were on hand, as well as JB Lekumberry who nominated Joxe Mallea for recognition, as well as being a proponent of the bill. Assembly member Bert Gurr, who is sponsoring the bill, presented Joxe with a certificate acknowledging his continued efforts to preserve the Basque heritage. To read more about the bill, click here. On behalf of everyone at NABO, Zorionak Joxe merezi duzu eta!
Reno Zazpiak Bat Mus and Potluck
The Reno Zazpiak Bat Basque Club will host its annual March Potluck and NABO Qualifying Mus Tournament this Saturday, March 29th at the American Legion Hall. Mus registration will begin at 8:00am with play beginning at 9:00am. Cost to play is $30 per player which includes morning coffee, and pastries and lunch. You must be a club member to participate, and dues can be paid at the door, $30 for singles and $50 for families. To register, please email renobasqueclub@gmail.com. Potluck festivities will begin at 11:00am with lunch being served at 12:30pm. Besides the promise of a great lunch, the afternoon will also include a cake walk for the kids, Bingo and a silent auction. For more information, including what dish to bring, click here.
More Than Sheepherders: The American Basques of Elko County, Nevada
We are pleased to announce that the book More Than Sheepherders: The American Basques of Elko County, Nevada by Joxe K. Mallea-Olaetxe and Jess Lopategui has been published by the University of Nevada Press. This book explores the history of Basques who came to the area and their impact on the area over the years, including the National Basque Festival. To learn more about the book or to purchase it, click here. Zorionak deneri!
