Tlaquepaque happenings

To highlight the fact that shopping is not the only attraction to draw visitors to Tlaquepaque, city fathers have hired a world-famous classical ensemble, the Chamber Orchestra Kremlin, to give two free performances this weekend, as well as some workshops to budding local musicians next week.

Foodie group

A year ago a group of expats in Guadalajara decided to get together once a month for an informal themed pot-luck to share home-cooked entrees and desserts in the pleasant surroundings of the American Society (Amsoc).  No judges or competition were involved, just a community formed on the love of food and cooking. 

American School musical 

A troupe of 90 young performers are bringing the English musical “Honk!” to the stage of the American School of Guadalajara, highlighted by budding lyric soprano Maria Contreras and 13-year-old baritone Tim Willing — and by ASFG theater teacher Stacy Ohrt-Billingslea, who, though offstage, will have her directorial talents on display.

Birthday bash

At the grand old age of 473, Guadalajara could be forgiven for celebrating its birthday in sedate fashion.  

That’s not going to happen. A plethora of events will envelop the city center this weekend, culminating in a tropical dance festival Saturday evening in the Liberacion Plaza.

Art exhibition

Campeonato de Guadalajara is the name of an exhibition that unites ceramics, drawings, and canvases elaborated with diverse techniques as well as a video produced jointly by Marcel Dzama and Eduardo Sarabia. The two long-time friends had never collaborated so profoundly with another artist in an exhibition. The title of the exhibition came from their enthusiasm for chess. The forum is Travesia Cuatro, Avenida La Paz 2207. Tel. 3615-2694. Entrance is free and the show will be up through April.

Auntie Mame

The musical “Mame” will feature a stellar cast of singers and dancers including star of stage, television and movies, Itati Cantoral in the title role. The presentation has been getting rave reviews in Mexico City. Other performers include Dalilah Ponanco, Maria Filippini, Lorena Valazquez and Victor Noriega.