Astero
The Passing of Jean Haritschelhar
As many of you may already know Jean Haritschelhar passed away on September 1st at the age of 90 in the Basque Country. His attributes are many including, serving as Baigorri's Mayor, serving as the director of the Basque Museum in Baiona for 27 years, as well as being part of the Basque Language Academy (Euskaltzaindia) since 1962, including having served 16 years as its president. He was also the first to teach Basque at the University of Bordeaux. I was fortunate enough to meet Jean in Buffalo, Wyoming in 1997 when the local radio station, KBBS and its Basque Program, were inducted into the Society of Basque Studies in America's Hall of Fame. He brought along Medals of Honor for the inductees from Euskaltzaindia in recognition of their efforts to perpetuate and promote the Basque language abroad. He also participated in the inauguration of Euskaldun Kalea which is still a testament to the Basques who came to that area. At the time I had no idea what a great or influential man he was, or all the roles he had played throughout his life, but I have never forgotten his generosity and kindness. His funeral took place last Wednesday in Baigorri. The church was overflowing and folks from every walk of life including family, friends, and celebrities, as well as representatives from every political party. A fitting farewell for a man who always considered himself Basque first. Goian Bego. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gLdma6ZUOY
Basque Classes at the SFBCC
Anyone in the Bay Area interested in learning Basque, here is your chance. Euskara classes will begin soon at the San Francisco Basque Cultural Center. Classes are taught by Anton Inarra and will take place on Thursdays from 7-9pm. There are Beginners and Advanced classes in a "fun and practical environment." If you are interested please contact: euskara@SFBCC.us.
Kalakan's Upcoming Tour
If you haven't heard, Kalakan will tour US Basque clubs from September 27-October 13th. We are so excited that this tour has finally come to fruition after being delayed by the MDNA tour! Here is a complete list of performance dates and venues. Please contact the hosting clubs for more information. If you have never heard them, search Kalakan on Youtube. You won't regret it!
9/28 – Mt Home, Idaho - Club potluck then to play from 6-8pm at the Little Carnas Inn at a fundraiser to support those affected by recent fires that have devastated that area.
9/29 – Ontario, Oregon – San Miguel Jaia celebration. Festivities begin at 1:30pm with a procession from Moore Park (corner of Oregon & SW 1st Ave) to the Basque Center. Kalakan concert at 5pm (www.ontariobasqueclub.org)
9/30 – Boise State University – Main Quad – open house from 10am –noon
10/2 – Concert at UNR's Nightingale Hall – 7-9pm (basque@unr.edu basque.unr.edu)
10/4 – Dinner/Concert at the San Francisco Basque Cultural Center from 8-10pm
10/5 – Concert in Bakersfield Kern County Basque Club (2301 South Union Ave.) 6:30pm – aperitif concert to follow at 8pm – kcbasqueclub.com
10/6 – Concert in Chino – Lunch performance at the Basque Club
10/11 – Euskal Etxea of NY (307 Eckford Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222) at 7pm
10/13 – Performance Centennial Gala at the Midtown Loft (267 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016) at 9pm
