Singing for the brain begins at LCS
A weekly sing-along will begin Monday, January 16, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the gazebo at the Lake Chapala Society.
Besides the pleasure it gives you, singing activates six different parts of the brain and music as therapy has been proven beneficial to those who have neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke and dementia. Though “Singing for the Brain” is not music therapy, it can be considered exercise to activate the brain while you have fun.
The songs will be old and familiar ones spanning several decades. Lyrics will be available to those who can’t remember all the lines of the songs. Since the main purpose of the singing is to give the brain a workout, a good voice is not a requirement.
Everyone is welcome to come and sing along. For questions contact Antonia Zivot at 766-3359 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Malt Shop Memories
(L-R) Rick Pritchard, Donna Pritchard, Ann Loebahc and Joe Loebach will star in My, My, How Nice Production’s musical, “Malt Shop Memories” on January 12 and 13 at Plaza de la Ribera, Rio Bravo 10 in Ajijic. The couples (known as the “Satiniques) have sold out shows of their 50s and 60s music around Canada. Get tickets at Diane Pearl’s or at the door.
Going baroque
Lakesiders are organizing a four-day trip to attend the four concerts and related events at the annual San Miguel de Allende Baroque Music Festival, to be held this year March 21-24.
The first event will be held in a private home and will feature an evening with Israeli piano virtuoso Michael Tsalka, who will explain the evolution of keyboard instruments.
Other concerts consist of Bach cantatas and Handel arias. The final recital will be Italian baroque music with the Academia Bizantina from Italy.
The package is priced at 5,000 pesos. It includes four nights in double accommodations at the Best Western, tickets to four concerts and pre-concert chats, and round trip transportation in a deluxe 16-passenger vehicle.
Since the trip is limited to 16 participants, contact Marshall Krantz at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Joyce Lawrence at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. A deposit of 3,000 pesos is due by February 10 and the remainder due by March 10.
Art sale
Ken Gosh will open his El Gallo Gallery at Guadalupe Victoria 30 in Ajijic for a “Going Out for Business Sale” on January 7, 8 and 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Among the art featured in the sale will be paintings by nine local starving artists.
By the way, Gosh is willing to take on more students for his watercolor painting classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Reach him at (376) 766-4171.
Collum organization
The founders of the Jim Collum Education organization will hold a meeting on Monday, January 9, 2 p.m. at the Lake Chapala Society. They are soliciting volunteers who are willing to give their time and talent to continue the program that was the wish of the departed Collum.
Besides helping local kids stay in school, the program has provided writers another and broader outlet for their work to be read and to provide another opportunity for local thespians.
Interested parties should bring their ideas and enthusiasm to the meeting. Contact Larry Reeves at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions.
Continuing
The art exhibition opening in conjunction with the “Malt Shoppe Memories” musical at the San Pedro Gallery (formerly Sol y Luna) will continue on Thursday and Friday, January 12 and 13. Participating artists include Dan Noll, Jesus Lopez Vega, Dona Johnson, Kathy Fallon, Linzy Roberts, Emily Allen, Kathy Kinney, Susan Smith, Bobbi Rush, and Kitt and Bill “Chente” Vincent.
The restaurant and gallery will be offering malts, ice cream floats, sloppy Joes, burgers and hot dogs on show nights, in addition to the two-for-one dinners from the regular menu.
Auditions
Lakeside Little Theatre (LLT) will hold auditions Friday and Saturday, January 13 and 14. Registration is at 9:30 a.m. with auditions beginning at 10 a.m. (sharp). The play is “Sex Please, We’re Sixty,” written by Michael and Susan Parker and directed by Pat Carroll.
Carroll will be looking for four women and two men. Performances are scheduled for April 7 to April 15. For scripts and information contact Carroll at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Lakeside Little Theatre encourages and welcomes everyone interested in acting, new or experienced, to attend auditions for any of this season’s plays. A membership fee of 100 pesos is required to audition and may be purchased at audition registration.
Chucho Lopez
Music lovers are getting a break. Tickets prices for the Chucho Lopez concert on January 14, 7 p.m. at Auditorio de la Ribera del Lago have been reduced.
The cost is 250 pesos for advanced sales and 300 pesos at the door. They are on sale at La Nueva Posada, Jardin Restaurant, Tony’s Restaurant and the Lake Chapala Society.
Those who have already purchased their tickets will receive 50-peso refunds on the day of the event at the auditorium. If you haven’t purchased tickets yet … you really need to do so. Lopez and his band are sure to provide the best in the “big band” sound.
Orchestra
The Orquesta Sinfonica de San Luis Potosi, directed by Jose Miramontes, performs on Thursday, January 19, 7:30 p.m. at Auditorio de la Ribera del Lago in La Floresta.
Presented by MAS Musica (Music Appreciation Society), the program includes Grieg’s “Holberg Suite,” Elgar’s “Serenade in E minor, Opus 20,” Stravinsky’s “Pulcinella Suite” and Mozart’s “Divertimento in D Major, K 136.”
Tickets are 350 pesos each and will be on sale from January 9-19, 10 a.m. to noon, Monday through Saturday at the Lake Chapala Society. They may also be purchased at Charter Club Tours in Plaza Montana and look for the new location on the Ajijic Plaza.
Writer
Dr. Gary Fuller will give a lecture entitled “Middle East Terrorism and You” at the American Legion Post Seven in Chapala on Thursday, January 19, 10 a.m.
His talk will illustrate how the seemingly remote events of terrorism in the Middle East affect our daily lives.
After the lecture, he will sign copies of his newly published book, “Lethal Conspiracy.”
The book is fictional but based on factual intelligence agencies, programs and many actual events.
The Ladies’ Auxiliary will serve cookies and bars. Admission is free.
The opera
VIVA la Musica! will be running Saturday buses to each of the operas being simulcast by the New York Metropolitan Opera at the Teatro Diana in Guadalajara. The first, “The Enchanted Island,” is on January 21, 11:55 a.m.
Wagner’s “Twilight of the Gods” is on February 11. Verdi’s “Ernani” on February 25. Massanet’s “Manon” on April 21 and “La Traviata” by Verdi on April 28. Tickets are 300 pesos for VIVA members and 400 pesos for non-members.
Payment must be made two weeks before each opera because VIVA must purchase the tickets in advance. To reserve your space, email Marshall Krantz at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can pay for your opera ticket at the LCS Tickets, Etc. booth, as well.
More choir
Director Tim Welch is looking for more singers for the Los Cantantes del Lago spring season. All vocal types – soprano, tenor, alto and bass – will be welcome. Some knowledge of music reading is helpful.
If you’re interested in joining up, go to www.loscantantesdellago.com and fill out the “Join Us” form or contact Welch at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Rehearsals begin on January 17 for late March concerts.
Los Cantantes, now in its tenth year, is a community chorus of about 60 singers. They have toured to Greece, Turkey, Ecuador and Central Mexico. The next tour will be to Powell River, British Columbia for the International Choral Kathaumixw competition.