¡Smithsonian con Sabor! Gala Celebrates the Smithsonian Latino Center's 10th Anniversary and Mexican Culture

Aug. 30, 2007 -- On Wednesday, Sept. 5, the Smithsonian Latino Center hosts its second annual benefit gala, ¡Smithsonian con Sabor! 2007. In keeping with the Center's tradition of highlighting a different Latin culture each year, the 2007 gala features the culture of Mexico. The gala—under the patronage of Mexican Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan and chaired by former first lady of Florida Columba Bush—includes a Legacy Awards Ceremony prominent individuals of Mexican descent whose contributions have had significant impact on American culture.

The Smithsonian Latino Center will recognize the achievements of the following Mexican and Mexican American artists, scholars and community leaders:

* Arts Advocacy—Guadalupe Rivera Marín, art historian and scholar; Richard "Cheech" Marin, actor and arts advocate
* Design—Enrique Norten, architect; David Rodríguez, fashion designer
* Emerging Talent—Alejandro Monteverde, film director; Eduardo Verástegui, actor
* Film—Arturo Ripstein, film director; Moctesuma Esparza, film producer
* Humanities—Tomás Ybarra-Frausto, scholar; Dana Gioia, poet and chairman of the National Endowment of the Arts
* Literature—Laura Esquivel, author; Luís Valdez, playwright
* Music—Los Tigres del Norte, Grammy award-winning band
* Visual Arts—Graciela Iturbide, photographer; Carmen Lomas Garza, artist

Civil rights leader Raul Yzaguirre—who chaired a task force calling for greater representation of Latinos at the Smithsonian, which led to the establishment of the Smithsonian Latino Center—will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement award.

With Anchorwomen María Elena Salinas acting as the mistress of ceremonies and Mexican cuisine created by guest chef Zarela Martinez, the ¡Smithsonian con Sabor! 2007 gala will feature performances by Los Tigres del Norte, Ozomatli, Nortec Collective, Ballet de Monterrey, Jimena and Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles. Special guests include Grammy-nominated composer Andres Levin, who will help emcee the entertainment portion of the event. Fundación Televisa is the lead sponsor of this year's gala.

Source: Smithsonian Institute

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