1 00:00:09,400 --> 00:00:10,919 We are getting deeper into the 2 00:00:10,920 --> 00:00:13,079 holiday season, and that brings flu 3 00:00:13,080 --> 00:00:14,999 season along with your Yuletide 4 00:00:15,000 --> 00:00:15,879 festivities. 5 00:00:15,880 --> 00:00:17,639 Medical experts are saying this flu 6 00:00:17,640 --> 00:00:19,319 season is gonna be an active one, 7 00:00:19,320 --> 00:00:20,679 and they're reminding folks to get 8 00:00:20,680 --> 00:00:22,839 their flu shot before sickness ruins 9 00:00:22,840 --> 00:00:24,199 your holiday plans. 10 00:00:24,200 --> 00:00:25,719 We've got more about that. 11 00:00:25,720 --> 00:00:27,719 Plus, the performance Black Divas 12 00:00:27,720 --> 00:00:28,758 is coming back to Austin this 13 00:00:28,759 --> 00:00:30,519 weekend. The piece of art focuses on 14 00:00:30,520 --> 00:00:32,279 black maternal health issues, and 15 00:00:32,280 --> 00:00:33,879 its creator made it because she 16 00:00:33,880 --> 00:00:35,159 didn't feel like there was any art 17 00:00:35,160 --> 00:00:36,599 to describe the struggle she was 18 00:00:36,600 --> 00:00:38,039 going through. We're gonna talk with 19 00:00:38,040 --> 00:00:39,959 her about the show's evolution and 20 00:00:39,960 --> 00:00:41,829 their upcoming performance. 21 00:00:41,830 --> 00:00:43,829 The Austin Signal is a production of 22 00:00:43,830 --> 00:00:45,909 K U T News, hosted by Jerry 23 00:00:45,910 --> 00:00:46,789 Quijano. 24 00:00:46,790 --> 00:00:48,389 And World Cup Soccer Action is 25 00:00:48,390 --> 00:00:49,829 coming to Texas next year. 26 00:00:49,830 --> 00:00:51,189 We'll soon get a better sense of 27 00:00:51,190 --> 00:00:52,789 which teams and stars will be 28 00:00:52,790 --> 00:00:54,709 visiting the Lone Star State. 29 00:00:54,710 --> 00:00:56,628 That is coming up next, and it's 30 00:00:56,629 --> 00:00:58,310 right here on Austin Signal. 31 00:01:08,530 --> 00:01:10,049 Howdy Austin, thank you for tuning 32 00:01:10,050 --> 00:01:12,049 in. This is Austin Signal here 33 00:01:12,050 --> 00:01:14,449 on Listener Powered Public Radio 34 00:01:14,450 --> 00:01:15,729 KUT News. 35 00:01:15,730 --> 00:01:16,689 Happy Thursday. 36 00:01:16,690 --> 00:01:18,289 I'm your host, Jerry Quijano. 37 00:01:18,290 --> 00:01:19,489 It's December 4th. 38 00:01:19,490 --> 00:01:20,849 Thank you for spending part of your 39 00:01:20,850 --> 00:01:21,729 day here with us. 40 00:01:21,730 --> 00:01:23,569 It's another chilly one here in the 41 00:01:23,570 --> 00:01:24,449 capital city. 42 00:01:24,450 --> 00:01:25,889 Our latest cold front is keeping 43 00:01:25,890 --> 00:01:27,889 temperatures in the 40s and low 50s 44 00:01:27,890 --> 00:01:29,649 today with on and off rain. 45 00:01:29,650 --> 00:01:31,729 It's an unusual day with the high 46 00:01:31,730 --> 00:01:33,729 temperature happening just after 47 00:01:33,730 --> 00:01:34,609 midnight. 48 00:01:34,610 --> 00:01:36,449 And it's another cloudy and cool day 49 00:01:36,450 --> 00:01:38,129 tomorrow before the sunshine makes a 50 00:01:38,130 --> 00:01:40,049 comeback and temperatures get up to 51 00:01:40,050 --> 00:01:42,369 around 70 degrees this weekend. 52 00:01:42,370 --> 00:01:43,569 Thank you for tuning in. 53 00:01:43,570 --> 00:01:45,889 Let's get into today's show. 54 00:01:45,890 --> 00:01:48,129 Well, we're about a month into flu 55 00:01:48,130 --> 00:01:50,209 season, and experts KUT News 56 00:01:50,210 --> 00:01:51,969 Spoke with say it's set to be an 57 00:01:51,970 --> 00:01:52,929 active season. 58 00:01:52,930 --> 00:01:54,129 And they're reminding folks that 59 00:01:54,130 --> 00:01:56,049 getting a flu shot ahead of the 60 00:01:56,050 --> 00:01:58,209 holiday time should be top 61 00:01:58,210 --> 00:01:59,169 of mind. 62 00:01:59,170 --> 00:02:00,288 For more about that, we're speaking 63 00:02:00,289 --> 00:02:01,969 with KUT's healthcare reporter, 64 00:02:01,970 --> 00:02:02,929 Olivia Aldridge. 65 00:02:02,930 --> 00:02:04,099 Olivia, thanks for being here. 66 00:02:04,100 --> 00:02:05,209 Hi, good to be here. 67 00:02:05,210 --> 00:02:07,049 So you have seen some 68 00:02:07,050 --> 00:02:08,888 early state medical data already. 69 00:02:08,889 --> 00:02:10,709 What is the number showing? 70 00:02:10,710 --> 00:02:11,909 Yep, right now it's kind of what 71 00:02:11,910 --> 00:02:13,189 you'd expect to see this time of 72 00:02:13,190 --> 00:02:15,109 year. Flu season typically starts 73 00:02:15,110 --> 00:02:16,789 in November, kind of peaks in 74 00:02:16,790 --> 00:02:18,709 December, January, February, 75 00:02:18,710 --> 00:02:20,549 and of course we're seeing an uptick 76 00:02:20,550 --> 00:02:22,389 in positive flu tests right now, 77 00:02:22,390 --> 00:02:24,149 more hospitalizations associated 78 00:02:24,150 --> 00:02:26,389 with flu as well, and also rising 79 00:02:26,390 --> 00:02:28,309 cases of other respiratory viruses 80 00:02:28,310 --> 00:02:30,069 like COVID and RSV. 81 00:02:30,070 --> 00:02:32,149 And those illnesses 82 00:02:32,150 --> 00:02:33,589 tend to pop up around this time, 83 00:02:33,590 --> 00:02:35,509 especially s the flu. 84 00:02:35,510 --> 00:02:37,108 But it's not just the symptoms that 85 00:02:37,109 --> 00:02:38,229 cause concern, it's the 86 00:02:38,230 --> 00:02:39,509 complications that come with it as 87 00:02:39,510 --> 00:02:40,789 well, especially among children, 88 00:02:40,790 --> 00:02:41,819 right? 89 00:02:41,820 --> 00:02:43,579 Right. So most people who get the 90 00:02:43,580 --> 00:02:45,179 flu, they're gonna have a crummy 91 00:02:45,180 --> 00:02:46,859 time, you know, fever, body aches, 92 00:02:46,860 --> 00:02:48,619 cough, runny nose, but they recover 93 00:02:48,620 --> 00:02:50,459 well, and it feels like a normal 94 00:02:50,460 --> 00:02:51,899 thing that happens once in a while, 95 00:02:51,900 --> 00:02:53,819 right? But major complications 96 00:02:53,820 --> 00:02:55,739 do happen, especially for 97 00:02:55,740 --> 00:02:57,339 older people, you know, the very 98 00:02:57,340 --> 00:02:59,339 young, pregnant people, people with 99 00:02:59,340 --> 00:03:00,939 underlying conditions. 100 00:03:00,940 --> 00:03:03,019 I spoke to a local pediatrician, Dr. 101 00:03:03,020 --> 00:03:05,099 Jazmin Gonzalez, who actually 102 00:03:05,100 --> 00:03:06,539 earlier in her career, before 103 00:03:06,540 --> 00:03:08,379 joining Austin Regional Clinic where 104 00:03:08,380 --> 00:03:10,539 she is now, cared for two children 105 00:03:10,540 --> 00:03:12,059 who ended up dying after catching 106 00:03:12,060 --> 00:03:13,579 the flu. And here's what she said 107 00:03:13,580 --> 00:03:14,459 about that. 108 00:03:14,460 --> 00:03:16,139 I do share with parents those 109 00:03:16,140 --> 00:03:18,059 experiences, and I and I tell 110 00:03:18,060 --> 00:03:19,499 them honestly, you know, this is 111 00:03:19,500 --> 00:03:21,149 what I have seen and that's what I 112 00:03:21,150 --> 00:03:22,429 don't want to see for for your 113 00:03:22,430 --> 00:03:23,430 kiddos. 114 00:03:23,860 --> 00:03:25,139 Again, most folks are going to 115 00:03:25,140 --> 00:03:26,659 ultimately be okay, right? 116 00:03:26,660 --> 00:03:28,739 Especially healthy people, but she 117 00:03:28,740 --> 00:03:30,179 just encourages folks to take the 118 00:03:30,180 --> 00:03:31,699 precautions that they can and not 119 00:03:31,700 --> 00:03:33,299 forget that it can be a nasty 120 00:03:33,300 --> 00:03:35,139 illness as common as it is, and that 121 00:03:35,140 --> 00:03:36,689 means getting a flu shot. 122 00:03:36,690 --> 00:03:38,049 Well speaking of nasty illness, I 123 00:03:38,050 --> 00:03:39,889 feel as though since COVID 124 00:03:39,890 --> 00:03:41,249 there's been a lot of discussion 125 00:03:41,250 --> 00:03:43,089 about you know, oh this flu season 126 00:03:43,090 --> 00:03:45,328 seems particularly bad and confusion 127 00:03:45,329 --> 00:03:47,249 whether you have COVID or the flu. 128 00:03:47,250 --> 00:03:48,608 Oh what do we know about the strain 129 00:03:48,609 --> 00:03:49,969 of the flu right now that's going 130 00:03:49,970 --> 00:03:51,689 around here in Texas? 131 00:03:51,690 --> 00:03:53,609 Yeah, so so far the C D C 132 00:03:53,610 --> 00:03:55,849 is reporting a lot of H3N2. 133 00:03:55,850 --> 00:03:57,929 That's a subtype of influenza 134 00:03:57,930 --> 00:03:59,609 A. You know, there's influenza A and 135 00:03:59,610 --> 00:04:00,569 B. Mm-hmm. 136 00:04:00,570 --> 00:04:02,249 And in the UK, which is usually a 137 00:04:02,250 --> 00:04:04,009 little bit ahead of us with flu 138 00:04:04,010 --> 00:04:05,529 season, they're seeing a lot of this 139 00:04:05,530 --> 00:04:07,689 particular strain of H3N2 140 00:04:07,690 --> 00:04:09,609 called subclade K, 141 00:04:09,610 --> 00:04:10,729 which does look to be pretty 142 00:04:10,730 --> 00:04:12,169 contagious. It's getting people 143 00:04:12,170 --> 00:04:13,049 pretty sick. 144 00:04:13,050 --> 00:04:14,249 And that's one reason why health 145 00:04:14,250 --> 00:04:15,449 professionals are kind of thinking 146 00:04:15,450 --> 00:04:17,449 it'll be an active flu season. 147 00:04:17,450 --> 00:04:18,889 Newer variants like this can be 148 00:04:18,890 --> 00:04:20,409 better at getting around vaccine 149 00:04:20,410 --> 00:04:22,329 protections too, but there is some 150 00:04:22,330 --> 00:04:24,009 early research from the UK that does 151 00:04:24,010 --> 00:04:25,689 indicate that the flu shot is doing 152 00:04:25,690 --> 00:04:27,129 a pretty good job of preventing 153 00:04:27,130 --> 00:04:30,099 severe illness and hospitalizations. 154 00:04:30,100 --> 00:04:31,459 Okay, we're speaking with KUT's 155 00:04:31,460 --> 00:04:33,219 healthcare reporter Olivia Aldridge 156 00:04:33,220 --> 00:04:34,259 on Austin Signal. 157 00:04:34,260 --> 00:04:35,459 We're gonna switch gears a little 158 00:04:35,460 --> 00:04:36,739 bit to a story that you recently 159 00:04:36,740 --> 00:04:38,979 reported on for KUT dot org. 160 00:04:38,980 --> 00:04:40,179 That's about a study done by the 161 00:04:40,180 --> 00:04:41,699 city of Austin looking at the things 162 00:04:41,700 --> 00:04:43,459 that are straining the health and 163 00:04:43,460 --> 00:04:45,459 well being of Austinites. 164 00:04:45,460 --> 00:04:46,579 What are some of the factors 165 00:04:46,580 --> 00:04:47,619 identified by this study? 166 00:04:48,849 --> 00:04:49,889 Well, there were a lot of them. 167 00:04:49,890 --> 00:04:51,329 One of the big ones that I found 168 00:04:51,330 --> 00:04:53,329 interesting, was that 169 00:04:53,330 --> 00:04:55,168 was, you know, housing 170 00:04:55,169 --> 00:04:56,769 affordability and the cost of 171 00:04:56,770 --> 00:04:58,368 housing. 172 00:04:58,369 --> 00:05:00,209 APH kind of emphasized that 173 00:05:00,210 --> 00:05:02,048 high housing costs cause people 174 00:05:02,049 --> 00:05:03,968 to make difficult trade offs when 175 00:05:03,969 --> 00:05:05,488 they take up a disproportionate 176 00:05:05,489 --> 00:05:06,689 share of your income because then 177 00:05:06,690 --> 00:05:08,288 you're deciding between paying rent 178 00:05:08,289 --> 00:05:10,048 and prior prioritizing other 179 00:05:10,049 --> 00:05:11,649 essential needs like food or 180 00:05:11,650 --> 00:05:13,488 transportation and medical 181 00:05:13,489 --> 00:05:14,529 care sometimes. 182 00:05:14,530 --> 00:05:16,368 In Austin around thirty six 183 00:05:16,369 --> 00:05:18,048 percent of households are spending 184 00:05:18,049 --> 00:05:20,048 thirty percent of m or more of their 185 00:05:20,049 --> 00:05:21,549 income on housing. 186 00:05:21,550 --> 00:05:23,469 And we know housing costs are always 187 00:05:23,470 --> 00:05:25,469 a big deal here in Austin. 188 00:05:25,470 --> 00:05:27,149 It was also noted that communities 189 00:05:27,150 --> 00:05:28,829 of color are being particularly 190 00:05:28,830 --> 00:05:30,509 affected by these costs, correct? 191 00:05:31,590 --> 00:05:33,029 Yeah, and I think there are kind of 192 00:05:33,030 --> 00:05:34,949 some overlapping factors there, and 193 00:05:34,950 --> 00:05:36,309 I'd say it does relate to 194 00:05:36,310 --> 00:05:37,669 affordability again. 195 00:05:37,670 --> 00:05:39,829 With rising costs, families of color 196 00:05:39,830 --> 00:05:41,908 were most often being pushed 197 00:05:41,909 --> 00:05:43,908 into more affordable outlying 198 00:05:43,909 --> 00:05:45,908 areas like Flugerville, Del Valley, 199 00:05:45,909 --> 00:05:46,788 and Maynard. 200 00:05:46,789 --> 00:05:48,309 And these are often areas where 201 00:05:48,310 --> 00:05:50,389 there is sparser access to medical 202 00:05:50,390 --> 00:05:51,908 care. And maybe you have to drive 203 00:05:51,909 --> 00:05:53,348 further to reach the care that you 204 00:05:53,349 --> 00:05:55,109 need. But if you're lower income, 205 00:05:55,110 --> 00:05:56,468 maybe you don't have reliable 206 00:05:56,469 --> 00:05:57,829 transportation and that could be 207 00:05:57,830 --> 00:05:59,189 another barrier. 208 00:05:59,190 --> 00:06:00,709 So that's one piece of this. 209 00:06:00,710 --> 00:06:02,069 I will say that we're starting to 210 00:06:02,070 --> 00:06:03,908 see more investments from healthcare 211 00:06:03,909 --> 00:06:05,429 systems in some of these areas. 212 00:06:05,430 --> 00:06:07,429 So like Maynard, for instance, Saint 213 00:06:07,430 --> 00:06:09,349 David's just opened the city's 214 00:06:09,350 --> 00:06:11,829 first full service emergency room. 215 00:06:11,830 --> 00:06:13,189 So folks aren't having to drive 216 00:06:13,190 --> 00:06:14,549 twenty minutes or more to get to the 217 00:06:14,550 --> 00:06:15,299 ER anymore. 218 00:06:15,300 --> 00:06:16,659 I guess that makes sense as more and 219 00:06:16,660 --> 00:06:18,179 more people are having to move out 220 00:06:18,180 --> 00:06:19,539 of the city proper. 221 00:06:19,540 --> 00:06:21,059 Oh, you can read more about this 222 00:06:21,060 --> 00:06:23,699 story over at K U T.org. 223 00:06:23,700 --> 00:06:25,459 It's written by KUT's healthcare 224 00:06:25,460 --> 00:06:27,299 reporter Olivia Aldridge, who we've 225 00:06:27,300 --> 00:06:28,739 been speaking with, and we're gonna 226 00:06:28,740 --> 00:06:31,459 have a link to her reporting at KUT 227 00:06:31,460 --> 00:06:33,139 dot org slash signal. 228 00:06:33,140 --> 00:06:34,469 Olivia, thank you for joining us. 229 00:06:34,470 --> 00:06:35,470 Thanks, Jerry. 230 00:06:47,760 --> 00:06:48,719 Thank you for tuning in. 231 00:06:48,720 --> 00:06:50,559 This is Austin Signal. 232 00:06:50,560 --> 00:06:52,319 Well, we're about half a year away 233 00:06:52,320 --> 00:06:53,919 from the twenty twenty six World 234 00:06:53,920 --> 00:06:55,919 Cup, and after tomorrow we're gonna 235 00:06:55,920 --> 00:06:57,759 have a clearer idea of who 236 00:06:57,760 --> 00:06:59,359 will need to beat who in order to 237 00:06:59,360 --> 00:07:01,119 advance to the tournament final. 238 00:07:01,120 --> 00:07:02,319 Here to give us a rundown of what's 239 00:07:02,320 --> 00:07:04,159 going on is KUT's Juan Diego 240 00:07:04,160 --> 00:07:05,919 Garcia, one of the hosts of the 241 00:07:05,920 --> 00:07:07,359 podcast Vamos Verde. 242 00:07:07,360 --> 00:07:08,158 Howdy one. 243 00:07:08,159 --> 00:07:09,209 Always a pleasure, Jerry. 244 00:07:09,210 --> 00:07:10,728 We're glad to have you in because I 245 00:07:10,729 --> 00:07:12,249 need a little bit explain about 246 00:07:12,250 --> 00:07:13,529 what's happening with this World Cup 247 00:07:13,530 --> 00:07:14,408 draw. Okay. 248 00:07:14,409 --> 00:07:15,608 But first off, this is gonna be a 249 00:07:15,609 --> 00:07:17,529 big World Cup locally because 250 00:07:17,530 --> 00:07:19,729 of where it's happening, obviously. 251 00:07:19,730 --> 00:07:20,529 For those who don't know, who's 252 00:07:20,530 --> 00:07:21,668 hosting? 253 00:07:21,669 --> 00:07:23,509 Well the United States, Mexico, and 254 00:07:23,510 --> 00:07:25,509 Canada are all jointly hosting 255 00:07:25,510 --> 00:07:26,468 the tournament. 256 00:07:26,469 --> 00:07:28,149 There's gonna be sixteen host 257 00:07:28,150 --> 00:07:29,589 cities. Those are the cities where 258 00:07:29,590 --> 00:07:30,868 they host matches. 259 00:07:30,869 --> 00:07:32,228 Eleven of them are here in the 260 00:07:32,229 --> 00:07:33,229 United States. 261 00:07:38,970 --> 00:07:40,249 It is not one of those places. 262 00:07:40,250 --> 00:07:41,689 It's a little on the small side 263 00:07:41,690 --> 00:07:43,209 relative to some of the other 264 00:07:43,210 --> 00:07:44,649 stadiums that they're hosting in. 265 00:07:44,650 --> 00:07:46,329 They are actually gonna be hosting a 266 00:07:46,330 --> 00:07:47,609 lot of games in the big football 267 00:07:47,610 --> 00:07:48,649 stadiums. Okay. 268 00:07:48,650 --> 00:07:50,249 So you'll see games up in Dallas, 269 00:07:50,250 --> 00:07:52,249 you'll see games out in Houston. 270 00:07:52,250 --> 00:07:54,249 But Austin is a decent hub 271 00:07:54,250 --> 00:07:56,489 for access to the whole tournament. 272 00:07:56,490 --> 00:07:58,569 Alrighty, well that's good to know. 273 00:07:58,570 --> 00:08:00,168 I know this is where I start to get 274 00:08:00,169 --> 00:08:00,968 confused a little bit. 275 00:08:00,969 --> 00:08:02,329 This will be the twenty third World 276 00:08:02,330 --> 00:08:04,168 Cup competition and some things 277 00:08:04,169 --> 00:08:05,449 are changing with the format 278 00:08:05,450 --> 00:08:06,649 happening next year. What's gonna be 279 00:08:06,650 --> 00:08:07,650 different 280 00:08:08,120 --> 00:08:09,799 The main thing is, as you said, this 281 00:08:09,800 --> 00:08:10,679 is going to be a very big 282 00:08:10,680 --> 00:08:12,119 tournament. It's bigger than any 283 00:08:12,120 --> 00:08:13,879 other World Cup has been. 284 00:08:13,880 --> 00:08:15,639 They're expanding now to feature 285 00:08:15,640 --> 00:08:16,759 forty-eight nations. 286 00:08:16,760 --> 00:08:18,359 That's up from thirty-two. 287 00:08:18,360 --> 00:08:20,039 Those nations are being split into 288 00:08:20,040 --> 00:08:21,399 twelve groups of four. 289 00:08:21,400 --> 00:08:23,159 That's up from eight from the last 290 00:08:23,160 --> 00:08:23,959 edition. 291 00:08:23,960 --> 00:08:25,799 And just like in any 292 00:08:25,800 --> 00:08:27,559 other World Cup, the top two teams 293 00:08:27,560 --> 00:08:29,319 from each group will advance to the 294 00:08:29,320 --> 00:08:31,319 knockout stage, along with 295 00:08:31,320 --> 00:08:33,239 in this case, the eight best 296 00:08:33,240 --> 00:08:35,079 performing third place teams 297 00:08:35,080 --> 00:08:36,439 from the group stage. 298 00:08:36,440 --> 00:08:38,038 Meaning now instead of going into 299 00:08:38,039 --> 00:08:39,239 the round of sixteen, they're 300 00:08:39,240 --> 00:08:40,919 starting at the round of thirty-two 301 00:08:40,920 --> 00:08:42,209 from the knockout stage. 302 00:08:42,210 --> 00:08:43,969 And because there's going to be a 303 00:08:43,970 --> 00:08:45,809 few more groups, I'm wondering 304 00:08:45,810 --> 00:08:47,569 is that you know, one thing I do 305 00:08:47,570 --> 00:08:49,249 know about the World Cup is this 306 00:08:49,250 --> 00:08:50,689 group of death, this very, very 307 00:08:50,690 --> 00:08:52,529 competitive group, is that going 308 00:08:52,530 --> 00:08:54,369 to sort of dilute the power of 309 00:08:54,370 --> 00:08:55,649 a group of death, or are we still 310 00:08:55,650 --> 00:08:56,689 gonna have a group that's kind of 311 00:08:56,690 --> 00:08:57,188 low? 312 00:08:57,189 --> 00:08:58,489 Loaded with talent. 313 00:08:58,490 --> 00:08:59,849 That's a good question, Jerry. 314 00:08:59,850 --> 00:09:01,769 I do think there is enough talent 315 00:09:01,770 --> 00:09:03,529 in this World Cup to where at least 316 00:09:03,530 --> 00:09:05,448 one group is going to jump 317 00:09:05,449 --> 00:09:07,289 out and say, I don't know if 318 00:09:07,290 --> 00:09:09,208 I want to be a part of this group 319 00:09:09,209 --> 00:09:11,369 if, say, I was a player. 320 00:09:11,370 --> 00:09:13,609 Just looking through the the pots 321 00:09:13,610 --> 00:09:15,688 that the groups will be drawn from. 322 00:09:15,689 --> 00:09:17,369 Obviously pot one has some of the 323 00:09:17,370 --> 00:09:19,769 big heavyweights from the FIFA 324 00:09:19,770 --> 00:09:21,529 rankings, all of the top teams, but 325 00:09:21,530 --> 00:09:24,409 pot two features some perennial 326 00:09:24,410 --> 00:09:26,249 deep runners in the World Cup, 327 00:09:26,250 --> 00:09:28,649 Croatia, Uruguay, Colombia's 328 00:09:28,650 --> 00:09:29,849 back in the tournament and they're 329 00:09:29,850 --> 00:09:31,688 on good form, Senegal. 330 00:09:31,689 --> 00:09:33,769 You've also got pot three with 331 00:09:33,770 --> 00:09:35,609 teams like Norway in there 332 00:09:35,610 --> 00:09:36,729 as well. 333 00:09:36,730 --> 00:09:38,009 You know, going all the way down to 334 00:09:38,010 --> 00:09:39,848 pot four, Ghana had a really good 335 00:09:39,849 --> 00:09:41,848 World Cup last time around. 336 00:09:41,849 --> 00:09:43,848 It wouldn't surprise me if any 337 00:09:43,849 --> 00:09:45,609 combination of some of those nations 338 00:09:45,610 --> 00:09:47,129 would strike fear into some of the 339 00:09:47,130 --> 00:09:48,119 favorites. 340 00:09:48,120 --> 00:09:49,689 Okay, well I wanna Ask about a team 341 00:09:49,690 --> 00:09:51,129 that I don't think is going to be a 342 00:09:51,130 --> 00:09:52,729 favorite, that is the United States. 343 00:09:52,730 --> 00:09:55,049 We are one of the host countries. 344 00:09:55,050 --> 00:09:56,489 There has been a lot of turnover 345 00:09:56,490 --> 00:09:57,769 with the United States national 346 00:09:57,770 --> 00:09:59,449 team. What's their form looking like 347 00:09:59,450 --> 00:10:00,979 heading into next year? 348 00:10:00,980 --> 00:10:02,338 Well they're on a bit of a winning 349 00:10:02,339 --> 00:10:03,139 streak. 350 00:10:03,140 --> 00:10:05,139 The caveat there is this happened 351 00:10:05,140 --> 00:10:06,719 in international friendlies. 352 00:10:06,720 --> 00:10:07,629 Okay. 353 00:10:07,630 --> 00:10:09,149 The last match they played with 354 00:10:09,150 --> 00:10:11,389 stakes was a loss to Mexico, 355 00:10:11,390 --> 00:10:13,708 two to one in the Gold Cup final. 356 00:10:13,709 --> 00:10:15,708 But coach Mauricio Pochetino, 357 00:10:15,709 --> 00:10:17,149 he's been experimenting a lot with 358 00:10:17,150 --> 00:10:18,828 the roster, calling up some younger 359 00:10:18,829 --> 00:10:20,188 players, trying to find the right 360 00:10:20,189 --> 00:10:22,188 balance, the right chemistry, 361 00:10:22,189 --> 00:10:24,188 and things seem to start 362 00:10:24,189 --> 00:10:26,029 to be gelling a little bit more 363 00:10:26,030 --> 00:10:27,869 of late than s 364 00:10:27,870 --> 00:10:29,549 sort of the rocky period earlier in 365 00:10:29,550 --> 00:10:30,849 his tenure as the manager. 366 00:10:30,850 --> 00:10:32,688 And for people who don't know, the 367 00:10:32,689 --> 00:10:34,578 US didn't really have to qualify 368 00:10:34,579 --> 00:10:35,759 for this World Cup, correct? 369 00:10:35,760 --> 00:10:37,438 That is correct. Host nations go 370 00:10:37,439 --> 00:10:38,879 straight into the tournament and 371 00:10:38,880 --> 00:10:40,719 they get drawn in pot one 372 00:10:40,720 --> 00:10:42,559 along with some of the top nations 373 00:10:42,560 --> 00:10:43,909 on the FIFA rankings. 374 00:10:43,910 --> 00:10:45,029 Okay, well at least they've had a 375 00:10:45,030 --> 00:10:46,869 little bit of a run of success as of 376 00:10:46,870 --> 00:10:49,109 late. Okay, well if not the US 377 00:10:49,110 --> 00:10:50,629 then who is looking like the 378 00:10:50,630 --> 00:10:51,829 favorites right now heading into 379 00:10:53,280 --> 00:10:54,479 They tend to be some of the 380 00:10:54,480 --> 00:10:56,318 perennial favorites for the World 381 00:10:56,319 --> 00:10:58,239 Cup. Out of Europe, I'm looking at 382 00:10:58,240 --> 00:11:00,078 France, Germany, Spain, and 383 00:11:00,079 --> 00:11:01,759 England. They all blitz their 384 00:11:01,760 --> 00:11:03,599 qualifying groups in the 385 00:11:03,600 --> 00:11:05,279 in the qualifying stage for the 386 00:11:05,280 --> 00:11:06,399 World Cup. 387 00:11:06,400 --> 00:11:07,919 Also from Europe, they could spring 388 00:11:07,920 --> 00:11:09,519 a surprise. Portugal and the 389 00:11:09,520 --> 00:11:10,799 Netherlands. 390 00:11:10,800 --> 00:11:12,879 From Latin America, Argentina 391 00:11:12,880 --> 00:11:14,879 look very strong with defending 392 00:11:14,880 --> 00:11:15,679 champions, right? 393 00:11:15,680 --> 00:11:16,479 Right, that is correct. 394 00:11:16,480 --> 00:11:18,479 And that is with and without Lionel 395 00:11:18,480 --> 00:11:20,559 Messi, so they won't necessarily 396 00:11:20,560 --> 00:11:21,679 have to rely on him. 397 00:11:21,680 --> 00:11:24,239 If he does play in the tournament, 398 00:11:24,240 --> 00:11:26,239 they could win it all by themselves. 399 00:11:26,240 --> 00:11:27,139 There's a lot to 400 00:11:27,140 --> 00:11:28,659 Take into consideration into who's 401 00:11:28,660 --> 00:11:29,859 going to be the favorite and who's 402 00:11:29,860 --> 00:11:31,379 going to win. And a big part of that 403 00:11:31,380 --> 00:11:33,539 will be tomorrow's World Cup draw. 404 00:11:33,540 --> 00:11:34,899 We have been speaking with K U T's 405 00:11:34,900 --> 00:11:36,819 Juan Diego Garcia, one of the hosts 406 00:11:36,820 --> 00:11:39,059 of the K U T podcast Vamos Verde, 407 00:11:39,060 --> 00:11:40,419 all about Austin FC. 408 00:11:40,420 --> 00:11:42,419 You can listen to the show at K U T 409 00:11:42,420 --> 00:11:44,179 K U T X dot studio. 410 00:11:44,180 --> 00:11:45,059 Thank you, Juan. 411 00:11:45,060 --> 00:11:46,060 Always a pleasure, Jerry. 412 00:11:47,700 --> 00:11:49,539 You are listening to Austin 413 00:11:49,540 --> 00:11:51,619 Signal here on community 414 00:11:51,620 --> 00:11:53,139 powered public radio. 415 00:11:53,140 --> 00:11:55,859 This is K U T News 90.5. 416 00:11:55,860 --> 00:11:57,699 We are on the KUT app 417 00:11:57,700 --> 00:11:58,659 and online. 418 00:11:58,660 --> 00:12:00,499 You can find more about us at K U 419 00:12:00,500 --> 00:12:03,219 T.orgslash Signal. 420 00:12:03,220 --> 00:12:04,579 Coming up, we're going to talk about 421 00:12:04,580 --> 00:12:06,499 the show Black Divas with its 422 00:12:06,500 --> 00:12:08,499 creator and talk about why she felt 423 00:12:08,500 --> 00:12:09,939 she needed to create this piece of 424 00:12:09,940 --> 00:12:12,099 art that wasn't out in the world. 425 00:12:12,100 --> 00:12:13,939 Come back in one minute and 426 00:12:13,940 --> 00:12:15,219 find out more about the story. 427 00:12:15,220 --> 00:12:16,340 This is Austin Signal. 428 00:12:29,400 --> 00:12:30,999 This is Austin Signal. 429 00:12:31,000 --> 00:12:32,000 Welcome back. 430 00:12:35,220 --> 00:12:37,299 We like to chat about the dresses 431 00:12:37,300 --> 00:12:38,819 that we'll wear tonight. 432 00:12:38,820 --> 00:12:41,059 We truda flat about her tresses 433 00:12:41,060 --> 00:12:42,659 and her neighbors' fight. 434 00:12:42,660 --> 00:12:44,339 Inconsequential things that men 435 00:12:44,340 --> 00:12:46,179 don't truly care to know. 436 00:12:46,180 --> 00:12:48,019 Become essential things that women 437 00:12:48,020 --> 00:12:49,578 find so happy. 438 00:12:49,579 --> 00:12:51,659 But just a game, we're all the same. 439 00:12:51,660 --> 00:12:53,499 It's just a game, we call it 440 00:12:53,500 --> 00:12:55,739 Girl Talk, Girl 441 00:12:55,740 --> 00:12:56,749 Talk. 442 00:12:56,750 --> 00:12:58,669 Okay. We are Tell me how about the 443 00:12:58,670 --> 00:13:00,349 ups and downs of a call I bring. 444 00:13:02,170 --> 00:13:03,529 Black Divas is a performance 445 00:13:03,530 --> 00:13:05,689 showcasing the musical artistry 446 00:13:05,690 --> 00:13:07,609 and connection of black women filmed 447 00:13:07,610 --> 00:13:08,489 here in Austin. 448 00:13:08,490 --> 00:13:10,569 The show spotlights opera, gospel, 449 00:13:10,570 --> 00:13:11,849 R and B and Dance. 450 00:13:11,850 --> 00:13:13,449 And we just heard a snippet from the 451 00:13:13,450 --> 00:13:15,209 2024 performance. 452 00:13:15,210 --> 00:13:17,049 Their next show is happening this 453 00:13:17,050 --> 00:13:18,969 Saturday, live at Austin PBS. 454 00:13:18,970 --> 00:13:20,889 It's called Black Divas, Her Life 455 00:13:20,890 --> 00:13:22,089 on Cloud Nine. 456 00:13:22,090 --> 00:13:23,369 For more, we are talking with the 457 00:13:23,370 --> 00:13:25,529 creator of Black Divas and show MC 458 00:13:25,530 --> 00:13:26,729 herself, Qi Data. 459 00:13:26,730 --> 00:13:27,849 Qi, thank you for joining us here on 460 00:13:27,850 --> 00:13:28,568 Austin Signal. 461 00:13:28,569 --> 00:13:29,688 Thank you for having me. 462 00:13:29,689 --> 00:13:30,329 Thank you. 463 00:13:30,330 --> 00:13:31,849 Well, you are an integral part of 464 00:13:31,850 --> 00:13:33,209 the Austin music scene and we're 465 00:13:33,210 --> 00:13:34,329 here to talk about your show Black 466 00:13:34,330 --> 00:13:36,009 Divas, but for our listeners who 467 00:13:36,010 --> 00:13:37,289 might not be familiar with the work 468 00:13:37,290 --> 00:13:38,729 that you've done, tell us a little 469 00:13:38,730 --> 00:13:40,089 bit about your story and your time 470 00:13:40,090 --> 00:13:41,069 here in Austin. 471 00:13:41,070 --> 00:13:42,909 Well, my husband and I, Shaka, 472 00:13:42,910 --> 00:13:44,669 which well, many, many people know 473 00:13:44,670 --> 00:13:47,149 who's the founder of DAWA. 474 00:13:47,150 --> 00:13:48,829 And we moved here about fifteen 475 00:13:48,830 --> 00:13:51,069 years ago. Very different Austin. 476 00:13:51,070 --> 00:13:52,669 But what we've always fallen in love 477 00:13:52,670 --> 00:13:54,669 here with Austin is the fraternity 478 00:13:54,670 --> 00:13:56,109 between musicians. 479 00:13:56,110 --> 00:13:57,389 You know, it's known as the live 480 00:13:57,390 --> 00:13:58,749 music capital of the world. 481 00:13:58,750 --> 00:14:00,429 And that's debatable for a lot of 482 00:14:00,430 --> 00:14:01,709 people across the country. 483 00:14:01,710 --> 00:14:03,549 But the truth of the matter is I've 484 00:14:03,550 --> 00:14:05,149 never felt such a camaraderie 485 00:14:05,150 --> 00:14:06,989 between musicians than I have 486 00:14:06,990 --> 00:14:08,429 while being here in Austin. 487 00:14:08,430 --> 00:14:10,269 So we made it our home and we've 488 00:14:10,270 --> 00:14:12,269 made history time and time again. 489 00:14:12,270 --> 00:14:14,429 First hip hop band to headline 490 00:14:14,430 --> 00:14:16,349 Blues on the Green, 491 00:14:16,350 --> 00:14:18,509 first hip hop band to be on Blues 492 00:14:18,510 --> 00:14:20,109 on the Green. And then also, you 493 00:14:20,110 --> 00:14:21,789 know, we were Band of the Year here 494 00:14:21,790 --> 00:14:23,229 three years consecutively. 495 00:14:23,230 --> 00:14:24,589 I was the first African American 496 00:14:24,590 --> 00:14:26,679 woman to win Band of the Year also. 497 00:14:26,680 --> 00:14:28,359 So a little bit of history there, 498 00:14:28,360 --> 00:14:30,519 just a little sprinkling of history. 499 00:14:30,520 --> 00:14:32,119 So where did you get the the idea to 500 00:14:32,120 --> 00:14:33,239 create Black Divos? 501 00:14:33,240 --> 00:14:34,149 Where did that come from? 502 00:14:34,150 --> 00:14:35,909 I definitely just felt like I had a 503 00:14:35,910 --> 00:14:37,829 ch well, I had a child 504 00:14:37,830 --> 00:14:39,349 about four years ago. 505 00:14:39,350 --> 00:14:41,029 Our our beautiful son, me and 506 00:14:41,030 --> 00:14:43,429 Shaka's beautiful son in Bele. 507 00:14:43,430 --> 00:14:45,109 Shout out in Bele. 508 00:14:45,110 --> 00:14:45,989 It's a beautiful girl. 509 00:14:45,990 --> 00:14:47,429 Oh yeah. Shaka came up with it. 510 00:14:47,430 --> 00:14:50,069 It means beyond in Kiswahili. 511 00:14:50,070 --> 00:14:52,069 And so I was going 512 00:14:52,070 --> 00:14:53,189 through that experience and just 513 00:14:53,190 --> 00:14:54,949 didn't feel like I had any art that 514 00:14:54,950 --> 00:14:56,069 spoke to my experience. 515 00:14:56,070 --> 00:14:57,029 And I'm an artist. 516 00:14:57,030 --> 00:14:58,789 I need that in order for me to 517 00:14:58,790 --> 00:15:00,629 travel or traverse something that I 518 00:15:00,630 --> 00:15:02,229 am growing through. 519 00:15:02,230 --> 00:15:04,229 So, yes, there's a lot of songs 520 00:15:04,230 --> 00:15:05,989 like that love your mama. 521 00:15:05,990 --> 00:15:07,669 And there are even songs about how I 522 00:15:07,670 --> 00:15:09,589 love my child, how I love becoming a 523 00:15:09,590 --> 00:15:10,469 mother. 524 00:15:10,470 --> 00:15:12,869 But I didn't feel like this 525 00:15:12,870 --> 00:15:14,869 gargantuan event that 526 00:15:14,870 --> 00:15:16,789 was the gargantuan event I was 527 00:15:16,790 --> 00:15:18,629 experiencing that spoke to all the 528 00:15:18,630 --> 00:15:20,469 hills and valleys and crevices 529 00:15:20,470 --> 00:15:22,549 of what it means to cross 530 00:15:22,550 --> 00:15:24,549 this threshold into into what 531 00:15:24,550 --> 00:15:26,389 you call becoming a mother. 532 00:15:26,390 --> 00:15:28,069 So I needed that. 533 00:15:28,070 --> 00:15:29,749 And there were so many avenues of it 534 00:15:29,750 --> 00:15:30,789 that weren't being spoken to. 535 00:15:30,790 --> 00:15:32,069 No one told me being mother was 536 00:15:32,070 --> 00:15:32,869 glamorous. 537 00:15:32,870 --> 00:15:34,149 Like everyone's like, it's horrible. 538 00:15:34,150 --> 00:15:35,509 This isn't that and it is all these 539 00:15:35,510 --> 00:15:36,629 things. Yeah, sure. 540 00:15:36,630 --> 00:15:38,949 But it's glamorous and it's humorous 541 00:15:38,950 --> 00:15:41,429 and it needs community. 542 00:15:41,430 --> 00:15:43,429 And so that was pri that 543 00:15:43,430 --> 00:15:45,269 was primarily why I felt like 544 00:15:45,270 --> 00:15:47,139 it was urgent to create it. 545 00:15:47,140 --> 00:15:48,738 Did you feel like this was the first 546 00:15:48,739 --> 00:15:50,179 experience that you ever had in your 547 00:15:50,180 --> 00:15:52,019 life where there wasn't a piece of 548 00:15:52,020 --> 00:15:53,698 art that could accompany you through 549 00:15:53,699 --> 00:15:55,218 it? It seems like art and music is 550 00:15:55,219 --> 00:15:56,419 such a big part of your life. 551 00:15:56,420 --> 00:15:57,698 Was this the first time you felt 552 00:15:57,699 --> 00:15:59,618 kind of lacking for something 553 00:15:59,619 --> 00:16:00,660 that could you could latch onto? 554 00:16:00,661 --> 00:16:01,759 To this degree, yeah. 555 00:16:01,760 --> 00:16:02,719 To this degree. 556 00:16:02,720 --> 00:16:04,319 I feel like, you know, being African 557 00:16:04,320 --> 00:16:05,759 American, trying to find 558 00:16:05,760 --> 00:16:07,359 representation growing up, being 559 00:16:07,360 --> 00:16:09,119 black and brown is always there's 560 00:16:09,120 --> 00:16:11,039 always that seeking. 561 00:16:11,040 --> 00:16:12,799 But you I I also grew up in a 562 00:16:12,800 --> 00:16:14,959 Caribbean enclave in a Caribbean 563 00:16:14,960 --> 00:16:16,639 community. So there was always some 564 00:16:16,640 --> 00:16:18,079 form of representation for me 565 00:16:18,080 --> 00:16:20,639 personally of something. 566 00:16:20,640 --> 00:16:22,559 So but this, I 567 00:16:22,560 --> 00:16:24,239 don't know. Like it just felt like 568 00:16:24,240 --> 00:16:27,359 motherhood was just always 569 00:16:27,360 --> 00:16:28,360 c 570 00:16:29,360 --> 00:16:31,279 I don't know, corraled 571 00:16:31,280 --> 00:16:32,959 into this other thing that no one 572 00:16:32,960 --> 00:16:33,759 talks about. 573 00:16:33,760 --> 00:16:35,679 And I feel like we're in 574 00:16:35,680 --> 00:16:37,679 this era where people 575 00:16:37,680 --> 00:16:38,559 want more of that. 576 00:16:38,560 --> 00:16:39,919 They want to talk more about the 577 00:16:39,920 --> 00:16:40,959 reality of it. 578 00:16:40,960 --> 00:16:42,799 And I I because people know 579 00:16:42,800 --> 00:16:44,079 me as the priestess of the party, 580 00:16:44,080 --> 00:16:45,919 I'm like, there's also a party here. 581 00:16:45,920 --> 00:16:47,839 Like it's up to me to uncover 582 00:16:47,840 --> 00:16:49,599 that. And so it that that's 583 00:16:49,600 --> 00:16:51,039 imperative to me. Like I've even had 584 00:16:51,040 --> 00:16:52,799 dreams of like, what if we had dance 585 00:16:52,800 --> 00:16:54,559 parties at the grocery store? 586 00:16:54,560 --> 00:16:55,560 Like 587 00:16:56,720 --> 00:16:58,319 that's imperative to me. 588 00:16:58,320 --> 00:16:59,999 Like that there you're you're we're 589 00:17:00,000 --> 00:17:01,679 all gonna we're all marching towards 590 00:17:01,680 --> 00:17:03,199 the exit in some way, shape, or 591 00:17:03,200 --> 00:17:05,039 form. Let's just you just let's make 592 00:17:05,040 --> 00:17:06,588 sure we have a party too. 593 00:17:06,589 --> 00:17:08,108 So tell us a little bit about the we 594 00:17:08,109 --> 00:17:09,388 heard a snippet from the twenty 595 00:17:09,389 --> 00:17:10,348 twenty four performance. 596 00:17:10,349 --> 00:17:12,098 When did you first start this show? 597 00:17:12,099 --> 00:17:13,779 I actually started it in twenty 598 00:17:13,780 --> 00:17:14,979 twenty three. 599 00:17:14,980 --> 00:17:17,299 That was with KMFA 600 00:17:17,300 --> 00:17:19,138 and we at their studio and 601 00:17:19,139 --> 00:17:21,699 so it was just me, 602 00:17:21,700 --> 00:17:23,459 my associate producer Janine Henry. 603 00:17:23,460 --> 00:17:24,899 Shout out Janine Henry and the Ford 604 00:17:24,900 --> 00:17:26,419 Divas. So we didn't have too much of 605 00:17:26,420 --> 00:17:28,579 a team at that point. 606 00:17:28,580 --> 00:17:30,179 And it was just a hit. 607 00:17:30,180 --> 00:17:32,099 People felt beautiful about it 608 00:17:32,100 --> 00:17:33,939 and I recorded it on my own 609 00:17:33,940 --> 00:17:36,019 on some multicam and 610 00:17:36,020 --> 00:17:37,939 I was just in my heart I could feel 611 00:17:37,940 --> 00:17:39,539 it. I was like, This is a T V show. 612 00:17:39,540 --> 00:17:40,899 I don't know what that means. 613 00:17:40,900 --> 00:17:42,739 I don't know how to get there. 614 00:17:42,740 --> 00:17:44,499 And then the opportunity came to 615 00:17:44,500 --> 00:17:46,969 present and pitch it and it worked. 616 00:17:46,970 --> 00:17:48,329 So it turned from this performance, 617 00:17:48,330 --> 00:17:50,089 live performance into a T V show. 618 00:17:50,090 --> 00:17:51,929 What other ways have you seen your 619 00:17:51,930 --> 00:17:53,769 your art evolve in the 620 00:17:53,770 --> 00:17:54,889 different iterations that you've 621 00:17:54,890 --> 00:17:55,759 made? 622 00:17:55,760 --> 00:17:57,759 I mean, I mean geez. 623 00:17:57,760 --> 00:18:00,479 I you know, coming here to Austin 624 00:18:00,480 --> 00:18:02,479 and altering the landscape in 625 00:18:02,480 --> 00:18:03,519 many, many ways. 626 00:18:03,520 --> 00:18:05,359 I think being a person of color 627 00:18:05,360 --> 00:18:06,799 and altering the music landscape 628 00:18:06,800 --> 00:18:09,279 here is pretty significant job. 629 00:18:09,280 --> 00:18:11,199 And Shaka has done so 630 00:18:11,200 --> 00:18:13,359 much advocacy work around that. 631 00:18:13,360 --> 00:18:15,199 And so it's always been that. 632 00:18:15,200 --> 00:18:16,479 I think that's what art is about. 633 00:18:16,480 --> 00:18:17,999 It's about this evolution, 634 00:18:18,000 --> 00:18:20,159 documenting it in this non 635 00:18:20,160 --> 00:18:22,159 maybe non clinical way, 636 00:18:22,160 --> 00:18:24,159 you know, in this more a atmospheric 637 00:18:24,160 --> 00:18:26,239 way. And so that's always 638 00:18:26,240 --> 00:18:28,239 w what I've known is that art is 639 00:18:28,240 --> 00:18:30,079 going to evolve and it's there for 640 00:18:30,080 --> 00:18:31,920 you to help you evolve, 641 00:18:33,120 --> 00:18:35,039 in an organic capacity. 642 00:18:35,040 --> 00:18:36,719 So yeah, it's always been there, I 643 00:18:36,720 --> 00:18:37,459 think. 644 00:18:37,460 --> 00:18:38,819 Okay, well let's we are talking with 645 00:18:38,820 --> 00:18:40,659 Qi Data, the creator of 646 00:18:40,660 --> 00:18:42,579 the Black Divas performance, 647 00:18:42,580 --> 00:18:43,939 which is happening this Saturday. 648 00:18:43,940 --> 00:18:45,379 Let's hear a little bit more from 649 00:18:45,380 --> 00:18:46,380 their performance. 650 00:19:10,810 --> 00:19:12,649 That's really beautiful, but it's so 651 00:19:12,650 --> 00:19:14,009 different from what we heard in the 652 00:19:14,010 --> 00:19:14,889 first clip, you know? 653 00:19:14,890 --> 00:19:16,649 What so how how do you find ways to 654 00:19:16,650 --> 00:19:17,849 fit so many things? 655 00:19:17,850 --> 00:19:19,769 The crowd goes while I really 656 00:19:19,770 --> 00:19:21,049 spoke over that. I really killed 657 00:19:21,050 --> 00:19:21,789 that moment. 658 00:19:21,790 --> 00:19:22,089 Okay. 659 00:19:22,090 --> 00:19:23,849 How do you find ways to to to work I 660 00:19:23,850 --> 00:19:25,769 mean I mean w how how do you create 661 00:19:25,770 --> 00:19:27,138 the show? How do you start with it? 662 00:19:27,139 --> 00:19:29,059 So I think one of the hallmarks 663 00:19:29,060 --> 00:19:31,219 for myself and even with Shaka 664 00:19:31,220 --> 00:19:32,739 is that we probably create some of 665 00:19:32,740 --> 00:19:34,979 the most intersectional events 666 00:19:34,980 --> 00:19:36,979 in the city and have for a very long 667 00:19:36,980 --> 00:19:38,739 time. People know us for that. 668 00:19:38,740 --> 00:19:40,339 So you'll come to our events and see 669 00:19:40,340 --> 00:19:42,339 young, old, you know, all kinds 670 00:19:42,340 --> 00:19:44,739 of class differences, et cetera. 671 00:19:44,740 --> 00:19:46,898 And so for me, 672 00:19:46,899 --> 00:19:48,739 one of my skills is just finding the 673 00:19:48,740 --> 00:19:50,658 thread that seams all 674 00:19:50,659 --> 00:19:51,459 of it together. 675 00:19:51,460 --> 00:19:52,499 You know, it could be a different 676 00:19:52,500 --> 00:19:53,779 patch of cloth here and a different 677 00:19:53,780 --> 00:19:55,378 patch of cloth there, but there's a 678 00:19:55,379 --> 00:19:57,459 thread that can hold them delicately 679 00:19:57,460 --> 00:19:59,219 and also hold something that's 680 00:19:59,220 --> 00:20:01,059 rougher, like wool, you know, with 681 00:20:01,060 --> 00:20:03,138 strength. So it's about finding 682 00:20:03,139 --> 00:20:04,658 that thread being that thread. 683 00:20:04,659 --> 00:20:06,739 And so I think also for me, when 684 00:20:06,740 --> 00:20:08,178 I think about classical music 685 00:20:08,179 --> 00:20:10,019 specifically, when I brought this 686 00:20:10,020 --> 00:20:12,099 a couple years ago to the 687 00:20:12,100 --> 00:20:13,939 public here, there were so many 688 00:20:13,940 --> 00:20:15,459 people of color that were like, you 689 00:20:15,460 --> 00:20:16,819 know, I actually really love 690 00:20:16,820 --> 00:20:18,658 classical music and I never 691 00:20:18,659 --> 00:20:20,499 get to experience it with my 692 00:20:20,500 --> 00:20:22,099 community. 693 00:20:22,100 --> 00:20:24,099 Or it's commonly just kind 694 00:20:24,100 --> 00:20:26,339 of like not given this 695 00:20:26,340 --> 00:20:28,178 space that feels so 696 00:20:28,179 --> 00:20:29,378 free. You know what I mean? 697 00:20:29,379 --> 00:20:31,138 It can be conservative. 698 00:20:31,139 --> 00:20:33,059 And I'm like, well, why can't it be 699 00:20:33,060 --> 00:20:35,059 feel free and have all 700 00:20:35,060 --> 00:20:36,898 these fun, frilly edges 701 00:20:36,899 --> 00:20:39,219 and also highlight this excellence 702 00:20:39,220 --> 00:20:40,579 in musicianship? 703 00:20:40,580 --> 00:20:42,499 So for me, a lot a number 704 00:20:42,500 --> 00:20:44,019 of the women in the production are 705 00:20:44,020 --> 00:20:45,619 classically trained and they're also 706 00:20:45,620 --> 00:20:47,699 contemporary vocalists 707 00:20:47,700 --> 00:20:49,619 also. So the mashup just seemed 708 00:20:49,620 --> 00:20:50,898 natural to me. I've seen most of 709 00:20:50,899 --> 00:20:52,499 these women in the wild. 710 00:20:52,500 --> 00:20:54,229 Shout out to Icy. 711 00:20:54,230 --> 00:20:56,309 Monroe, Anitra Coulter 712 00:20:56,310 --> 00:20:58,229 Blunt, Andrea Bridgman, and 713 00:20:58,230 --> 00:21:00,309 Craven Rowry who have been putting 714 00:21:00,310 --> 00:21:02,229 in so much work in the community 715 00:21:02,230 --> 00:21:03,189 for a long time. 716 00:21:03,190 --> 00:21:04,629 And I think that's also part of my 717 00:21:04,630 --> 00:21:06,389 mission is like there are black 718 00:21:06,390 --> 00:21:08,229 women I know personally who 719 00:21:08,230 --> 00:21:09,829 may not get the highlight that they 720 00:21:09,830 --> 00:21:11,669 deserve. I'm like, they deserve to 721 00:21:11,670 --> 00:21:12,549 be on television. 722 00:21:12,550 --> 00:21:14,469 They deserve, to make sure 723 00:21:14,470 --> 00:21:15,829 that they're spotlighted because 724 00:21:15,830 --> 00:21:16,789 they've been putting in work. 725 00:21:16,790 --> 00:21:18,469 It's excellent work and they're and 726 00:21:18,470 --> 00:21:20,589 they put service into the community. 727 00:21:20,590 --> 00:21:22,029 Now we have a story about Qi over at 728 00:21:22,030 --> 00:21:23,148 K U T.org. 729 00:21:23,149 --> 00:21:24,428 It's got some really awesome photos 730 00:21:24,429 --> 00:21:25,869 from a rehearsal that y'all had 731 00:21:25,870 --> 00:21:26,989 recently. It looks like you're 732 00:21:26,990 --> 00:21:28,188 having the time of your life. 733 00:21:28,189 --> 00:21:29,708 You know, people are laughing and 734 00:21:29,709 --> 00:21:30,749 smiling. 735 00:21:30,750 --> 00:21:32,188 What sort of magic do you get to 736 00:21:32,189 --> 00:21:34,188 create? I I feel like you're you get 737 00:21:34,189 --> 00:21:36,109 to bring the the art to life every 738 00:21:36,110 --> 00:21:37,819 time in this rehearsal space, right? 739 00:21:37,820 --> 00:21:39,739 Yeah, and you fine-tune it. 740 00:21:39,740 --> 00:21:41,819 And it's a it's an opportunity for 741 00:21:41,820 --> 00:21:43,658 me to curate not just 742 00:21:43,659 --> 00:21:45,658 the overall show, but 743 00:21:45,659 --> 00:21:47,739 also the internal environment 744 00:21:47,740 --> 00:21:48,938 of each artist as they're 745 00:21:48,939 --> 00:21:50,219 approaching the music. 746 00:21:50,220 --> 00:21:52,539 So and then putting it all together. 747 00:21:52,540 --> 00:21:54,378 That's all very important to me. 748 00:21:54,379 --> 00:21:56,059 And so as they, you know, as I said, 749 00:21:56,060 --> 00:21:57,178 I'm the priestess of the party. 750 00:21:57,179 --> 00:21:58,059 So it doesn't matter what 751 00:21:58,060 --> 00:21:59,898 environment I'm in, I 752 00:21:59,899 --> 00:22:02,459 have these, I'm multi-sensory, 753 00:22:02,460 --> 00:22:04,539 you know, I'm very open. 754 00:22:04,540 --> 00:22:06,219 I've learned to master what it means 755 00:22:06,220 --> 00:22:08,299 to be very open and not feel 756 00:22:08,300 --> 00:22:10,378 overwhelmed by that, 757 00:22:10,379 --> 00:22:11,658 and be careful about what I'm 758 00:22:11,659 --> 00:22:12,459 letting in. 759 00:22:12,460 --> 00:22:14,699 But it allows me to kind of like 760 00:22:14,700 --> 00:22:16,619 feel you know, what's going 761 00:22:16,620 --> 00:22:18,138 on inside, what's going on outside, 762 00:22:18,139 --> 00:22:19,499 what's going on on top, what's going 763 00:22:19,500 --> 00:22:21,339 on on the bottom, and how does it 764 00:22:21,340 --> 00:22:22,938 all pulsate together, just like 765 00:22:22,939 --> 00:22:24,219 music, just like a beat, you know 766 00:22:24,220 --> 00:22:26,378 what I mean? What how does this 767 00:22:26,379 --> 00:22:28,299 you know, frequency carry on top 768 00:22:28,300 --> 00:22:29,979 of this bass, etc.? 769 00:22:29,980 --> 00:22:31,979 So it it just happens in 770 00:22:31,980 --> 00:22:33,898 the in a in another type of 771 00:22:33,899 --> 00:22:35,579 atmosphere. So I'm always there 772 00:22:35,580 --> 00:22:36,859 feeling that when I'm walking 773 00:22:36,860 --> 00:22:38,859 around, when I'm in, you know, shaka 774 00:22:38,860 --> 00:22:39,819 just is like this chick's 775 00:22:39,820 --> 00:22:41,019 imagination just be going off. 776 00:22:41,020 --> 00:22:42,020 Can we just 777 00:22:43,230 --> 00:22:44,989 She he loves it and also it's just 778 00:22:44,990 --> 00:22:47,229 like practicalities, man. 779 00:22:47,230 --> 00:22:48,829 So it's it situates itself 780 00:22:48,830 --> 00:22:50,109 beautifully and I think that's why 781 00:22:50,110 --> 00:22:51,630 we're great partners, but also 782 00:22:52,670 --> 00:22:54,589 that's how I I I 783 00:22:54,590 --> 00:22:56,509 enter and work through any space 784 00:22:56,510 --> 00:22:57,929 that I'm conducting. 785 00:22:57,930 --> 00:22:59,529 Well, we have about a minute left in 786 00:22:59,530 --> 00:23:00,889 the show, so why don't you tell 787 00:23:00,890 --> 00:23:02,089 people about the performance 788 00:23:02,090 --> 00:23:02,969 happening this Saturday? 789 00:23:02,970 --> 00:23:04,009 I know you've got a special guest 790 00:23:04,010 --> 00:23:05,089 joining you this time, right? 791 00:23:05,090 --> 00:23:06,769 Yeah. So this time we're bringing in 792 00:23:06,770 --> 00:23:08,609 Kiki Wyatt, who is a 793 00:23:08,610 --> 00:23:09,729 master vocalist. 794 00:23:09,730 --> 00:23:11,169 She's your favorite vocalist, 795 00:23:11,170 --> 00:23:11,969 favorite vocalist. 796 00:23:11,970 --> 00:23:13,409 There's this whole story about Patty 797 00:23:13,410 --> 00:23:14,689 LaBelle calling her up and being 798 00:23:14,690 --> 00:23:16,449 like, I can't sing my song anymore 799 00:23:16,450 --> 00:23:17,729 because you sing it and everybody 800 00:23:17,730 --> 00:23:19,349 wants it sung the way you sing it. 801 00:23:19,350 --> 00:23:20,219 Yeah. 802 00:23:20,220 --> 00:23:22,059 And so she's going to be entering. 803 00:23:22,060 --> 00:23:23,979 She's also a mother of 11, and she's 804 00:23:23,980 --> 00:23:25,819 also a you know television 805 00:23:25,820 --> 00:23:27,899 star. So it all kind of lined up 806 00:23:27,900 --> 00:23:29,819 and synced up with the project just 807 00:23:29,820 --> 00:23:32,299 right. And it's gonna be at PBS 808 00:23:32,300 --> 00:23:34,139 Studios, Highland 809 00:23:34,140 --> 00:23:35,979 Land Highland Drive 810 00:23:35,980 --> 00:23:38,059 campus, and it's at 6 p.m. 811 00:23:38,060 --> 00:23:39,979 Cocktail hour, studio doors close 812 00:23:39,980 --> 00:23:41,579 at seven, and then we have a great 813 00:23:41,580 --> 00:23:43,819 show with our vocalist, full 814 00:23:43,820 --> 00:23:45,259 band. It's a you know, it's 815 00:23:45,260 --> 00:23:46,139 fantastic for me. 816 00:23:46,140 --> 00:23:48,139 It is an all black cast being 817 00:23:48,140 --> 00:23:50,779 syndicated out of Austin, Texas. 818 00:23:50,780 --> 00:23:52,128 Come on. 819 00:23:52,129 --> 00:23:53,888 What more needs to be said, right? 820 00:23:53,889 --> 00:23:55,729 We have been speaking with Qi Data 821 00:23:55,730 --> 00:23:57,809 of Black Divas, the creator of Black 822 00:23:57,810 --> 00:23:59,489 Divas, the twenty twenty five 823 00:23:59,490 --> 00:24:01,168 performance again this Saturday, 824 00:24:01,169 --> 00:24:03,249 taping live at Austin PBS. 825 00:24:03,250 --> 00:24:04,849 We'll have a link to that and more 826 00:24:04,850 --> 00:24:05,809 in the show notes. 827 00:24:05,810 --> 00:24:07,009 Qi, thank you for your time and good 828 00:24:07,010 --> 00:24:08,049 luck this Saturday. 829 00:24:08,050 --> 00:24:08,928 Thank you. 830 00:24:08,929 --> 00:24:10,369 And thank you to everyone out there 831 00:24:10,370 --> 00:24:12,529 for tuning in to Austin Signal. 832 00:24:12,530 --> 00:24:14,609 Kristen Cabrera is our managing 833 00:24:14,610 --> 00:24:16,529 producer. Rayna Sevilla is 834 00:24:16,530 --> 00:24:17,729 our technical director. 835 00:24:17,730 --> 00:24:19,648 And I'm your host, Jerry Quijano. 836 00:24:19,649 --> 00:24:21,569 We will have more Austin Signal for 837 00:24:21,570 --> 00:24:22,688 you tomorrow. 838 00:24:22,689 --> 00:24:23,689 Have a great day.