What better way to get in the groove of Mexico’s Cinco de Mayo holiday than to spend an afternoon getting your fill of tequila and mariachi music.
The Lake Chapala Society (LCS) will open its gates Friday, May 5, 3-6 p.m. to host a lively happening to help the local Mariachi Real de Axixic hit the road for a summer performance tour to Costa Rica.
Barely one year out of the gate, the ten-man band has already built up a sterling reputation for dazzling showmanship and recognition as lakeside’s best in the mariachi genre. The group is led by Daniel Medeles, the dynamic young blood from Ajijic’s most distinguished musical dynasty. Drawing on his own schooling in classical music, he tapped on a wide circle of friends and colleagues to bring together the area’s top talent to delight audiences with the country’s emblematic sounds.
The Cinco de Mayo bash will feature three sets by the Mariachi Real, with the guest appearance of popular Jocotepec vocalist Lola La Tequilera. In between, guests will have the opportunity to sample more than 15 tequila labels brought in by Vinos y Licores Paz and to learn the intricacies of proper tasting of the class firewater during a cata seminar.
Aside from those pleasures, the purpose of the event is to build a kitty to cover the band’s travel expenses for a two-week invitational gig in Costa Rica, culminating with a gala performance with the Orquesta Filarmonica Joven in San José.
General admission is 150 pesos per person, with tickets on sale at LCS, Centro Cultural de Ajijic, from any of the mariachi players and at the gate. LCS members pay 100 pesos for tickets purchased in advance.