ASTERO

Bertsolari Saioa and Concert in San Francisco

Xalbador Gororatuz | Remembering Xalbador

2026 will mark the 50th anniversary of the passing of Xalbador (Fernando Aire Etxart, 1920–1976), who was a beloved Basque bertsolari and shepherd from Urepele in the Aldudes Valley, Baxe Nafarroa (Northern Basque Country). Known for his profound, heartfelt improvised verses on rural life, nature, and faith, he is considered one of the most iconic figures in modern Basque literature and improvised poetry. Please click here to read more about Xalbador.

On Saturday, October 24th, 5:00pm, the San Francisco Basque Club and the North American Basque Organization will host a full Bertsolari event, featuring renowned bertsolaris Andoni Egaña & Sebastian Lizaso along with the U.S. based Bertsolaris and with the Basque folk singers Aire Ahizpak, who are the granddaughters of Xalbador and who will bring his bertsos to life. The improvised versus will be translated into English in real time on an adjacent screen. The bertsolari saioa will be livestreamed here. For more information, please visit the Cultural Center’s website, and click on events.

Aire Ahizpak Dinner Concert
As part of the Bertsolari Saioa – Xalbador Gogoratuz on Saturday, October 24th, Aire Ahizpak (the Aire sisters - Miren, Amaia & Paxkalin Aire) will perform a special dinner concert (7:30pm) with their accordionist Sebastien Desgrans. This folk singing trio from Urepele have been performing together since 1992 and have produced two CDs – Bidexka (2014) and Eskerrak Bizitza (2025). To read more about Aire Ahizpak, please click here. The dinner concert will follow the Bertsolari event that honors Xalbador. To RSVP for the dinner - $70 - please contact Philippe Acheritogaray or at (707) 582-0205 by October 16th. Dinner tickets can also be purchased online by clicking here. More information on this event is also available here.

Iparreko Ibarra Besta, Kantari Eguna & Fall NABO Meeting

The Iparreko Ibarra Basque Club will celebrate its 22nd Annual Besta this Saturday, October 10th in conjunction with NABO’s Fall Meeting. Festivities will take place at McBean Hall in Lincoln, California and will begin with a Mus Tournament registration at 8am. A Tri-Tip Sandwich lunch will be served at noon, and NABO’s Kantari Eguna and dance performances will begin at 1pm. There will be a weight carrying competition at 4pm and a BBQ Lamb & Chicken Dinner will be served at 6pm. A public dance will follow to the tunes of Izen Gabe. To make your dinner reservations, or sign up to participate in Kantari Eguna, click here. For questions about the Mus Tournament, email Danielle Negueloua.

Lagun Onak Las Vegas to Celebrate 45th Anniversary

Please join the Lagun Onak Las Vegas Basque Club this Sunday to celebrate its 45th Anniversary! The festivities will take place at the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park (6375 Hwy 159, Blue Diamond, NV) Group Area from 10am-5pm. The day will begin with Mass at 11am with music provided by Joseba Etxarri. After mass, lunch will be served around 1pm and will include traditional Basque paella, chicken, salad, chorizo and dessert. The meal is $25 per person, $15 for kids 12 & under, and attendees are asked to bring their own refreshments. For more information, visit them on Facebook.