Oct. 8, 2012 - Cup of Culture Book Chat
• 3:15pm – University Student Union, Alhambra Room
All are welcome at this interactive discussion of the One Campus, One Book selection for 2012-13! The Cross Cultural Center's Cup of Culture series hosts an introduction to Skyhorse's novel, including selected readings from the book, conversation about Echo Park, and opportunities for further involvement in OCOB programs and events.
Oct. 17, 2012 - Panel Discussion: Exploring the Themes of The Madonnas of Echo Park
• 3:15pm – University Student Union Theatre
Join CSULA faculty in considering issues raised by Brando Skyhorse’s novel, including the cultural history of Echo Park, the effects of gentrification on local communities, and the dynamic identities of L.A. residents. Panelists include Dionne Espinoza (Chicano Studies, Liberal Studies, and Women's and Gender Studies), Linda Greenberg (English), Ali Modarres (Geosciences and the Environment), and Mark Wild (History).
Nov. 13, 2012 - Film Screening: Quinceañera
• 4:20pm – University Student Union Theatre
Like Skyhorse's novel, Quinceanera (2006) is set in Echo Park and examines the effects that neighborhood changes have on its long-term residents. CSULA professor John Ramirez (Television, Film & Media Studies) introduces this award-winning film. Free admission!
Directors Richard Glatzer & Wash Westmoreland will appear!
Jan. 10, 2013 - Independent Visions: Is It Really So Strange?
• 6:15pm – University Student Union Theater
Come to a screening of this documentary film, which explores an unexpected fan base of The Smiths and Morrissey: Latino youths in East Los Angeles. Making the connection between The Smiths' working-class, Manchester-raised, ethnic Irish experience and that of the sons and daughters of Mexican immigrants in Los Angeles, Is It Really So Strange? is the first documentary that allows the fans themselves to speak at length about their lives, their loves, and their brief encounters with their idol. Event sponsored by the Cross-Cultural Centers. Directed by William E. Jones, 2005, 80 minutes. Free admission!
Jan. 23, 2013 - Immigration, The Madonnas, and Politics with Angelica Salas
• 4:20pm – University Student Union Theater
"We slipped into this country like thieves, onto the land that was once ours." So begins The Madonnas of Echo Park, which considers the contributions made and challenges faced by immigrants to California. Students United to Reach Goals in Education (SURGE) presents Angelica Salas, Executive Director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), who will discuss the overlap of immigration and politics in the US. A student panel will also be on hand to highlight key immigrant issues in The Madonnas and describe how the novel relates to their personal lives. Come out ready to learn! Refreshments will be served.
Jan. 30, 2013 - Los Angeles as Literary Place & Provocateur
• 3:15pm – University Student Union Theater
Los Angeles serves as more than a setting for The Madonnas of Echo Park; it catalyzes significant plot turns and serves as a vital character in its own right. CSULA faculty consider the long tradition of L.A.’s influence on literature, film, and culture, with Mel Donalson (English Department) describing Los Angeles’s importance to his own novel, Communion; Bidhan Roy (English Department) considering the allure of Los Angeles to ex-pat authors such as Christopher Isherwood; and Kristiina Hackel (Television, Film, and Media Studies Department) assessing the impact of Los Angeles-as-place on television and film.
May 8th, 2013 - Author Appearance: Brando Skyhorse discusses The Madonnas of Echo Park
• 4:30pm – Golden Eagle Ballroom 1 & 2
Award-winning author Brando Skyhorse will read from and discuss his book The Madonnas of Echo Park. Learn about his journeys as a writer--from his childhood home in Echo Park, to the MFA Writers’ Workshop program at UC Irvine, to New York City's publishing industry--and preview his next work, a memoir slated for publication in Spring 2014. Event is free and open to the public!