Last night, we delivered the card that everyone at the festival signed for Chano. He was very appreciative and hopes to be back in action soon. (fb)

Many thanks to KUT for interviewing our own Piper LeMoine about how these NEA cuts are and will affect local events. "Rancho Alegre hosted its annual, free Conjunto music festival at the end of April, but in anticipation of cuts, the group reduced the number of musicians in what Chief Operating Officer Piper LeMoine ultimately was a 'disservice' to the community. The NEA canceled a $10,000 grant. 'These smaller events, these grassroots events, they are what give Austin its flavor,' LeMoine said. 'The smaller events that people here put their heart and soul into. We draw people from out of town too, we contribute to the local economy too, we employ people here, we employ musicians here, [and these cuts] are contributing to that loss of local flavor.'" (fb)