In PBS documentary "Not In My Town," people come together after tragedy
Patrice O'Neill's 'Not In Our Town: Light in the Darkness'"
In one night, violence left small town Patchouge, N.Y., changed forever. A series of attacks against Latino residents of the town eventually resulted in the death of Marcelo Lucero in 2008. Lucero, an Ecuadorian immigrant, had been a resident of Patchouge for 13 years.
The one night of violence sparked years of dialogue and change. Patrice O'Neill's "Not In Our Town: Light in the Darkness," follows the residents of Patchouge, focusing on Mayor Paul Pontiere and Jose Lucero, brother of Marcelo.
The film dives deep, extending beyond the murder into the past and the future. The town library is a focal point; weeks before Lucero's murder, the librarian discovers Latinos (who comprise 25 percent of Patchuoge's population) are staying away from the class out of fear of violence. In the weeks after the murder, the same librarian serves as a translator in vigils and rallies.
The film will be shown for free. After the film, a round-table discussion will be held with members of the Missouri/Southern Illinois Anti-Defamation League, Hispanic Leaders Group, and the U.S. Attorneys Hate Crimes Task Force.
Where: Missouri History Museum, Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 24
How much: Free
Event link: http://www.mohistory.org/node/7100
Also this weekend, the up-and-coming Donatello String Quartet plays for free at the Tavern of Fine Arts, Dafnis Prieto brings his jazz to St. Louis and Webster Groves' community theater revives an old broadway hit.
Donatello String Quartet
Where: Tavern of Fine Arts, 313 Belt Ave., St. Louis, 63112
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12
How much: Free
Event link: http://tavern-of-fine-arts.blogspot.com/
Dafnis Prieto Trio

Where: Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103
When: 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday, May 9-12
How much: $25 Wed/Thur, $30 Fri/Sat, $10 students
Event link: http://jazzstl.org/experience/artists/dafnis-prieto-trio/
Lend Me a Tenor

Where: Theatre Guild of Webster Groves, 517 Theater Ln., Webster Groves, 63119
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 11 and 12
How much: $15 general, $12 students/seniors
Event link: http://www.theaterguildwg.org/
