Dr.Daniel Kott, director of MECCA (Multi Ethnic Cultural Association of Central Texas)and Samatha Salvador (MECCA princess) were interviewed on the regional PBS network KNCT-TV for the August Hispanic Perspective program.

This program will be broadcast on Friday, August 6th at 8:30 PM and Sunday, August 8th at 10:00 AM. It will then be available for viewing on the KNCT-TV web site.

Samantha plays three instruments, dances, and sings in Spanish and English. She is presently learning how to play the piano accordion by taking lessons from Shelia Lee using the ooVoo, free Internet service. One other MECCA accordion student is located in Rockville, Maryland.

A discussion on the program included the MECCA activities for August and September. Dr.Kott will teach old time music in August at the Lions Park Senior Citizens Center which will include the accordion, fiddle, and guitar.

The use of the Internet for long distance learning was also discussed. MECCA is using ooVoo, youtube, the ning social network, and Ustream to instruct music and dance. Shelia Lee recently taught on Ustream from the Fairbanks Summer Alaska Festival. All sessions were recorded and are available. To stay informed of this new technology, email dfkott@aol.com for further information.

MECCA is preparing for a music/dance festival on Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 to celebrate Texas Independence Day (March 2). This will be a community wide event. Anyone with an interest in learning Texas/bluegrass/old-time music and dance can contact dfkott@aol.com or 254-526-9464.The music will be published in electronic print, audio, and video format. Instructional webinars will be transmitted starting in January 2011