ASTERO
Kokein Tour to Include California and Idaho
The Basque rock band Kokein will tour California and Idaho starting next week with acoustic performances in Bakersfield (Sat March 21) and Chino (Sun March 22). Kokein will then play their full electric sets in Boise as part of the TreeFort Music Fest (Wed March 25 & Thu March 26) and will complete their tour with a concert at the Basque Cultural Center (Sat March 28). Kokein has been a driving force in the Basque music scene for 25 years. Founded in Eibar in 1999, the band began its journey singing exclusively in Euskara (Basque Language). Rock is Kokein's core, but their music is defined by a passionate refusal to stand still, and their albums blend rock with varied styles. For complete tour information, including how to RSVP, or purchase tickets, click here.
Elko Euzkaldunak Sheepherders Ball and Mus
Please join the Elko Euzkaldunak Basque Club this weekend for its annual Sheepherder’s Ball and NABO Qualifying Mus Tournament, on Saturday March 14th and Sunday March 15th respectively all at the Elko Euzkaldunak clubhouse. On Saturday, the festivities that are open to the public, begin at 5:30pm and cost to attend is $25 per person, which includes dinner, and live music. On Sunday, Mus registration begins at 7am with play beginning at 8am. Cost to participate is $25 for club members, and $60 for non-members, which includes lunch. For more information visit them on Facebook.
Celebrating Regina Bastida Aldecoa on International Women's Day
In honor of International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th, we are sharing a video of WWII Veteran Regina “Reggie” Bastida one of the last living WWII veterans of Basque origin at the age of 104. In this recently released video interview, she reflects on her life and on why the service of her generation must be remembered. “We want to remember our young men that went to war and gave their lives for our country,” she says.
Her testimony is part of the “Voices of a Generation” series supporting the creation of the National Basque WWII Veterans Memorial, a project led by the North American Basque Organizations (NABO). After more than a decade of research, the Sancho de Beurko Association has identified more than 2,150 Basque-American men and women who served during World War II across the United States and abroad. The memorial is planned for Heritage Park in Gardnerville, Nevada, with the goal of dedicating it before the end of 2026. On behalf of NABO, we thank Regina for sharing her testimony with us, offering a rare and powerful reminder of the people behind one of the most defining chapters of American history. Eskerrik Asko!
Bertsolari Saioa Held in San Francisco
Last weekend, the San Francisco Basque Club, in collaboration with NABO, hosted a Bertsolari Saioa that featured bertsolaris from the US and the Basque Country. As part of the event, Jeanette and Mike Bidart were awarded NABO’s Al Erquiaga Bizi Emankorra award, which was preceded by a video message from NABO President, Jean Flesher. Again, our thanks to the Bidarts for their years of contributions and great generosity towards bertsolaritza in the US. We would also like to thank Philippe Acheritogaray for sharing photos of the day, as well as a link to the entire performance for all to enjoy. Mila esker handi bat Philippe.
Susanville Picon Open
The Susanville Basque Club has also shared a Save the Date for this year’s Picon Open. It will be held on August 15, 2026. Please visit them on Facebook for more information soon to come.
03/12/2026
