The Guadalajara Reporter
Guadalajara's Largest English Newspaper
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.
Super Bowl at Amsoc
The American Society is hosting a football fete this Sunday with its 60-inch TV the focal point along with snacks, chili an open bar and some friendly asides about who’s team will win. The doors open at 3 p.m. A cash bar will be open and a 70 peso donation will allow you to sample some snacks and enjoy a bowl of chili. Bring some snacks to share. Amsoc is located at San Francisco 3332 in Colonia Chapalita. Tel. 3121-2395.
Agave plants removed at Minerva
The field of agave that has graced Guadalajara’s Minerva traffic circle since 21011 now is just a memory. Jimadores harvested
980 Agave Azul plants for Tequila Herradura, which will replant some 25,000 ornamental bushes and flowers around the city’s guardian in the coming weeks.
French film fest
Movie buffs have until February 13 to catch free screenings of French films or until February 16 to watch them online. MyFrenchFilmFestival.com is designed to showcase upcoming talent. Ten features and ten shorts are in competition during the festival, and people are invited to leave their comments on the website.
The jury of directors and journalists will meet in Paris to vote for the winning films which will then be shown aboard Air France flights for six months.
Free screenings of selected films are taking place in the auditorium Alianza Francesa in Guadalajara, on Avenida Lopez Cotilla 1199, Colonia Americana. Films start at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Alternatively, you can access them online by creating an account and signing in at http://www.myfrenchfilmfestival.com.
French film screenings
Friday 23 January - “The Sadness Club”
Tuesday 27 January and Friday 30 January - “Hippocrates”
Tuesday 03 February and Friday 06 February – “A Place on Earth”
Tuesday 10 and Friday 13 February – “Breathe”
Keeping up with the Jones
If you’ve spent a mint restoring your colonial mansion, now is time to go for the gold. The City’s Urban Planning Commision (Coplaur) gives hefty cash prizes to the top winners of the 12th annual conservation and restoration of historic and architecturally notable homes. Last day to enter your castle is February 16. See www.coplaurguadalajara.gob.mx for more information.
New elderly center opens
The Vidavi Day Center for the Elderly opened in the Jardines del Sol neighborhood of Zapopan this week. The center uses the Hoffmann method to impart a personalized therapy that helps visitors in their physical, cognitive, social, and psycological well-being, focusing on preventative and rehabilitation.
“The center’s objective is to help the elderly maintain their independence,” said director Milka Dominguez. The center, located at Moctezuma 317, is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and can service up to 60 people per day. Transportation is available.
Tamal festival in Tlajomulco
Tamales made in the style of Oaxaca, Chiapas, Zacatecas and the Yucatan will share space with Jalisco’s own spicy corn cakes at the 2nd annual Feria del Tamal in San Juan Evangelista on the shores of Lake Cajititlan. Champurrado, atole, hot chocolate, cheeses, creams and salsas will also be sold. The good eating begins Saturday, January 31 beginning at 4 p.m. and Sunday, February 1 starting at 10 a.m.
