ASTERO
BEO Scholarship Program
The Basque Educational Organization is once again excited to announce that its scholarship program is open and currently accepting applications. This scholarship is open to all students currently enrolled in a US affiliated accredited college or university, including incoming freshmen. There are three scholarships available in the amounts of $2,000, $1,500, and $1,000 respectively. For complete information on the program, and how to apply, visit their website.
Bertsolaritza News
Todor Azurtza, teacher of the Bertsolaritzari Arnasa Berritu Amerikan program, has provided us the following text to update us on the latest program events. Mila esker Todor!
Bertsolaritza in North America: The Birth of a New Generation of Improvisers
Bertsolaritza is an extraordinary celebration of the Basque language and, by extension, Basque culture and identity. This ancestral oral Basque tradition, sometimes likened to a cappella rap, is an artistic form of sung, measured, and rhymed communication performed in Euskara (Basque language). Concerned about its disappearance, in 2022, NABO implemented a new initiative to promote and preserve it in North America through the organization of bertso events and the establishment of a bertso school:
- Bertso events expose our community to bertsolaritza, aiming to cultivate a new generation of enthusiasts, both listeners and singers, to keep the tradition alive.
- The bertso school aims to cultivate a new generation of US-based bertsolaris and to provide opportunities for existing ones to hone their craft.
Since the inception of this initiative, we have witnessed various bertsolari events, where many renowned champions from the Basque Country (such as Nerea Ibarzabal, Maddalen Arzallus, Sebastian Lizaso, Aitor Mendiluze, Xabi Paya, Xabier Euskitze) performed alongside local bertsolaris (like Martin Goicoechea, Johnny Curutchet, Jesus Goñi, Todor Azurtza).
Can we cultivate bertsolaris in North America? This was one of the unknowns and challenges of the Arnas Berri bertso school. And, after 1½ years, the answer is a resounding YES, WE CAN! At the bertso event held in San Francisco in March, two bertso school students, Nerea Ezeiza (New York) and Oier Pastor (San Francisco), performed successfully in front of the audience, pleasantly surprising both the public and the Basque Country-based champions they sang with. Congratulations, Nerea and Oier! You have proven that with lots of motivation, hard work, and commitment, nothing is impossible!
You can view the San Francisco event here: San Francisco Event YouTube Link
Other bertso events held in North America can be found here (with English translations): Arnas Berri Bertso Eskola YouTube Channel. If you want to learn more about bertsolaritza, are interested in attending the school, or want bertsolaris to perform at your Basque Festivals, contact arnasberri@gmail.com.
Jackson Mountain Homemakers 8th annual Basque Dinner
Please join the Jackson Mountain Homemakers this weekend in Orovada for its 8th annual Basque Dinner at the Orovada Community Hall. This annual event raises funds to support local rural communities and families by assisting local schools, helping students with education, financial assistance for individuals with health issues and supporting various other causes/activities.The event begins at 5pm and includes a menu of lamb stew, chorizo, Basque beans, potatoes, salad, bread, wine, rice pudding, bread pudding, flan, and brownies. Cost of the meal is $15.00 for those 13 and older, $8.00 for those between the ages of 6-12 and children 5 and under eat for free. The evening will also include entertainment provided by the Winnemucca Irrintzi Dancers, raffles and a live auction. For more information, or to see the wonderful items available for bidding, visit them on Facebook.
Itxaso Alde Mus Tournament
The Ventura County Itxaso Alde Basque Club will host its annual NABO Qualifying Mus Tournament on Saturday, April 20th, at the Centro Basco in Chino. Mus registration will start at 8:30 a.m. with play beginning a little after 9:00 a.m. Cost to play is $70 per player, which includes lunch and member dues. For more information email Pello Urrutia.
4/18/2024
