The International Mariachi festival gala concert in Ajijic on September 1 not only pulled in a full house, but also gave the receptive audience a true sense of what the annual musical confab is all about.

A promising pianist from Ajijic is among four young Mexican musicians who will receive financial aid from VIVA la Musica to enhance their careers.

Begun in 2009 and approved in May of this year, the Pro-Auditorio Project raised more than one million pesos with cultural events and other fund-raisers, which are to be matched with equal funds from the federal and Jalisco governments.

After a four year hiatus, Guadalajara’s International Mariachi Festival returns to Lakeside next month with a special concert slated for Saturday, September 1, 7 p.m. at Ajijic’s Huerta de Serna Events Salon. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Chapala Red Cross.

Six of lakeside’s best known native artists will be featured exhibitors at the upcoming Expo Chapala Artesenal (ECA) arts and craft fair, opening Wednesday, August 15, Noon.

The Music Appreciation Society is up and running again with renewed interest and energy.