“Becoming Basque” book launch and Noka concert with Mikel Markez

By A Basque in Boise May 30, 2014 Basque Museum, BSU, Diaspora, Idaho No Comments

Date: 06/6/14
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Basque Museum (611 W Grove St, Boise)

On Friday, June 6 at 5:30pm, join the Basque Museum in celebrating the release of the book “Becoming Basque – Ethnic Heritage on Boise’s Grove Street”. A project 9 months in the making, this book is part of the Investigate Boise’s Community Research Series by Boise State University. Students participated in a nine-credit field school for the study of municipal, civic and urban affairs. This year’s topic, about Basques in Boise, was guided by Dr. John Bieter, Dr. Dave Lachiondo, and Dr. John Ysursa, all faculty members of the Basque Studies Department at Boise State University. The Basque Museum Executive Director, Patty Miller was also an invaluable assistance during the process. They will be presenting their research in an informal setting, and will be on hand to answer questions and even sign the book if you would like to purchase it.

If you’d like to find out more about the book, local newspaper Boise Weekly ran a very interesting review of the book on May 28: Basque to the Future.

This latest publication from Boise State’s Center for Idaho History and Politics does include a definitive chronicle of the city’s Basque heritage. But it’s also an exploration of this city’s ethnic patchwork, and it delves into a current ripped-from-the-headlines downtown Boise controversy (BW, News, “The Centre Piece,” May 7, 2014). And, perhaps most importantly, it includes a long-overdue examination of the political turmoil and oppression that defined Spain and its Basque country through the latter half of the 20th century and how that turmoil affected Idaho.

After the book release and presentation, join the Basque Museum for a FREE concert featuring Noka with Mikel Markez. Noka, consisting of three women of Basque descent from Chino, California, will be visiting Boise with Basque Country music artist Mikel Markez. Their concert will start at 7:30 and is free and open to the public.

For more information please call the Basque Museum at (208) 577-2250.