Hooray for VIVA!
A truly international quintet – clarinetist Xochitl Garcia and volinist Julio Serna of Mexico, cellist Laila Kannina of Latvia, violist Robert Nelson of the United States and violinist Robert Markus of Slovakia – did more than simple justice to the evening’s musical fare at the VIVA la Musica concert held last week at the Gonzalez Gallo Cultural Center in Chapala.
Works by Carl Maria von Weber and Johannes Brahms were played with supreme technicality augmented with rich musicality.
A note on the venue: The hall of the Gonzalez Gallo Cultural Center (old train station) is well proportioned and a pleasant experience with good art displayed around it. Acoustically, it leaves something to be desired.
Well done VIVA for going out on a limb to get your season going.
Speaking of acoustics
Pro-Auditorio, the non-profit organization formed to spearhead the upgrading of the interior of Auditorio de la Ribera del Lago, has received a schedule for the renovation from SEDEUR (Jalisco Department of Urban Development). Construction will start on October 17 with a target completion date of December 15.
After several delays, SEDUER has put the project on a fast-track bidding contract process using three invited contractors. The winning bid and bidder will be announced on October 1.
The work will concentrate primarily on the electrical and acoustical installations. New wiring is required for lighting in the auditorium seating area and for the powerful and more advanced stage lights. Double doors will be installed for entrances and exits to minimize the entry of sound from the exterior. New panels will be installed in the ceiling and the sides of the auditorium will be covered with sound-absorbing panels.
Pro-Auditorio del Lago de Chapala raised one million pesos toward the project between July 2011 and May 2012. The federal and state governments have also each provided a million pesos for the project.
Milo Needles
The Gecko Gallery owned by Daniel Palma, in conjunction with Alas a las Artes, is showcasing the work of artist Milo Needles through October 6.
An opening reception for “The Exhibition” takes place Friday, September 21, 5 p.m. at the gallery, located at Ocampo 61 in Ajijic.
The collection consists of Chinese ink and acrylic pieces, executed in an expressionist style and with a theme of social realism.
Needles studied at the University of the Americas, focusing on the styles and artists of Mexico.
The gallery’s regular hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pick-up choir
Those of you who have thought about singing in a choir but were afraid to commit can now sing out for one day.
Simply show up at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church on Sunday, September 23, 9:20 a.m. in the “choir room” (also known as the kitchen) to prepare an anthem for the 10 a.m. service. No robes, no commitments and maybe some harmony. Just show up and sing.
More singing
The “Fourth Sunday Sing,” when interested parties show up to hold forth, will be held at the Casa Nostra Assisted Living Home (Calle Margarita 8 in Riberas del Pilar) on Sunday, September 23. Everyone is encouraged to show up. Be there at 5 p.m. for the fun and the music.
Even more singing
Lakeside’s professionally directed Los Cantantes del Lago choir is on the lookout for more singers for their upcoming season – especially sopranos and tenors. If you’re interested contact Tim Welch at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (If you used the email published last week, try again.)
Getting naked
This weekend, the Naked Stage Readers’ Theatre opens “A Thousand Clowns” by Herb Gardner and directed by Liz White.
On Saturday, September 21 and Sunday, September 23, curtain is set for 4 p.m. The Naked Stage is located at Plaza de la Ribera at Rio Bravo 10-A in west Ajijic. The donation for the play is 80 pesos.
There will be a container on the box office table for donations to help the payment of medical bills for Tod Jonson, who recently suffered a heart attack.
Zombies needed
Get ready to set the world’s record for Zombie’s dancing to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Learn the dance and support Cruz Roja. Registration and dance clinic is held every Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. starting September 29 at the Ajijic Cultural Center on the Ajijic plaza. The big performance is set for October 27. For more information contact Elliot Joachim at Absolut Fenix, 766-1776.
The winner!
Congratulations to KiKi Kaye, who came up with some big wins in the recent American Art Awards.
One of her works, “Futuristic,” placed fifth in the Futurism category. Another, “www.Google Found You,” placed third in the Minimalism category. “Electronic Journey” tied for second place in the non-representational Sculpture category, where her “Majesty The Queen of Recycle” placed third. Her “Electric Journey” also placed second in the Shocking Sculpture category. She competed with artists from 22 countries.
Kaye opens a solo exhibition of her works on March 5, 2013 at the Ceres Gallery in New York City.
The big show
There is still space for artists who wish to participate in the Marcos Castellanos Street Art Festival being organized by artist Efren Gonzalez on October 13 and 14.
Painters, photographers, engravers, sculptors and potters and ceramicists are welcome. Entries pay 200 pesos for a space. A special place has been set aside for authors to sell their books. For more information call Gonzalez at 766-5381.