Love has inspired poets and songwriters since the beginning of time. Unrequited love, lost love, or love that’s just a little bit off—these have given rise to some of the most beautiful, fun, and heartfelt songs ever written.

New music lover’s spot

A new music center has opened in Ajijic. Musicalerias Ajijic, located at Carretera Pte. 268-A (directly across from the French Bakery in West Ajijic), is Ajijic’s new go-to music store. It features professional recording facilities, a full inventory of instruments, accessories and teaching studios. Small group piano lessons (three students per group) will focus on Pop, Blues and Jazz. For more information, call Musicalerias manager Daniel Martinez at 331-447-4685, or drop by to check it out. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Ajijic has earned a reputation as a bustling mecca of artistic expression, and what could be more intriguing than discovering it has spawned exceptional talents that transcend generations.

Opera del Lago, a newly established opera organization dedicated to live opera performances around the Lake Chapala area, will present its inaugural project, “Beloved Opera Duets,” Thursday, July 31, and Sunday, August 3, 4 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church. Sopranos Margaret Stricklett and Janeene Williams, accompanied by pianist Robert Thieme and narrator Michael Atkinson, will bring opera duets from nine famous operas to life.

What exactly is a torch song? “There’s no hard and fast definition,” says Brian Mathers, co-creator with Amaranta Santos of “Eternal Flames,” an evening of torch songs at The BRAVO! Theatre. “So,” Mathers adds, “we decided to look for songs that were not just about unrequited love and lost love, but also about relationships where something is a little bit off or imbalanced.”

Bare Stage Theatre

Bare Stage Theatre’s “Ada and the Engine” by Lauren Gunderson opens Friday, June 27, 4 p.m. and runs through Sunday, June 29. Cast members are (L-R) Nathaniel Pusey, Mikhaila Molloy, Kathleen Morris and Don Beaudreau. Lynn Gutstadt directs. Tickets, 200 pesos, can be reserved at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">.