San Francisco, CA, USA. NABO, the Federation of Basque Entities in North America will celebrate on March 14th in San Francisco an “Omenadli Berezia” (special tribute) to bertsolaris who have kept the Bertsolaritza bonfire alive in the US. Honorees include the five Bertsolaris who have contributed most to the perpetuation of this form or oral literature over the years performing at numerous events and Basque festivals in the US Basque Diaspora.
The Bertsolaris to be honored are Gratien Alfaro, Jesus Arriada and Johnny Curutchet from California in the Bay Area, Martin Goicoechea from Rock Springs, Wyoming and Jesus Goñi from Reno, Nevada. Traveling expressly from the Basque Country to participate in the event are Sebastian Lizaso and Aitor Mendiluze, along with Xabier Paya who will provide simultaneous Basque-English translations, with Franxua Bidaurreta serving as the gai-jartzaile, or the person assigning the topics. Joxe Mallea, bertsozalea will also be in attendance providing a special introduction.
The program will begin at 4pm and will run for approximately 90 minutes. The event will be entirely in Euskera although Basque-English translation will be provided for non-Basque speaking audience members. The bertso-saioa will be followed by an aperitif at 6pm and dinner at 7pm.
Accordionist, Mercedes Mendive, from Elko, Nevada will provide entertainment.
Cost of the meal is $50 and deadline to RSVP is today, March 5th. To RSVP email Kate Camino (info@nabasque.eus) or by calling +q 775-241-3752. More information here.
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