Harping
For a real lift, don’t miss the annual folk harp festival.
The event kicks off on Monday, May 21 with an all-day round of harpists and groups playing other traditional instruments in the garden of Centro Cultural Gonzalez Gallo (old train station) in Chapala.
The evening usually brings out more excitement with many of the groups competing and then jamming with each other.
Certain groups will perform on Tuesday, May 22 on the La Vela Plaza of the Chapala’s malecon, beginning about 7 p.m.
Auction for plaza
Local artist Efren Gonzalez will once again take up his hammer to conduct an auction to benefit workers laying the new surface of Ajijic’s central plaza.
The municipality has paid for some of the improvements but money to pay the workmen has run out.
The auction is set for Friday, May 25, 3:30 p.m. on the north side of the plaza (in front of the Ajijic Cultural Center). There will be seating in the shade, complementary fans, tents (to create even more shade) and refreshing drinks to keep you hydrated and happy.
Up for auction will be paintings by many of the area’s most popular and talented artists.
Bring cash! And while you’re there, have a good look at the fabulous new design of the plaza.
Minimal
The Naked Stage minimalist readers’ theater will present “Legends” on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 25, 26 and 27, 4 p.m. at the Naked Stage Theater (Rio Bravo 10, west Ajijic).
Written by James Kirkwood and directed by Barbara Clippinger, “Legends” is about rival aging actresses and was penned for Broadway icons Mary Martin and Carol Channing. They took the comedy on the road for two years, hoping to turn it into a Broadway smash. That never happened. More recently Linda Evans and Joan Collins toured part of Canada and the United States in the play for 30 weeks.
The Naked Stage edition will star local theater veterans Jeritza McCarter and Betty Lloyd Robinson, along with Tina Jones.
Make reservations by calling Ann Pinkerton at 766-5986 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The expected donation is 80 pesos.
Sunday sing
The next scheduled Sunday Sing will be on Sunday, May 27, at Alicia’s Assisted Living, Paseo del Lago 9 in La Floresta. Singers are hoping to pull at least two of Alicia’s houses together so that more residents can enjoy the music. All singers are welcome to join in for the fun. For more information contact Belva Velazquez at 766-2538.
Auditions
My, My How Nice! Productions will hold auditions for the musical “The Fantasticks” on Sunday, May 27, 1 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church.
Singers and actors of all different ages are needed. One role requires physical movement and is a non-speaking role. Please take along a prepared song that will demonstrate your vocal range.
If you have any questions regarding the auditions please email Jayme Littlejohn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
More auditions
VIVA la Musica! will be conducting auditions during the first week in August for young musicians seeking scholarship support.
Anyone knowing talented Mexican musicians in need of financial assistance to further their studies or careers in music should call VIVA President Rosemary Keeling at 766-1801.
New book
Ajijic writer Ed Vlahov has just published his sixth novel titled “The Flight of the Betty-Bird.”
The story involves the maturing life adventures of ten-year-old Sacha Stepanik, a destitute homeless immigrant boy in New York City. His struggle for survival at soup kitchens and bread lines during the “Great Depression” lead him into a year’s reprieve at FDR’s Civilian Conservation Corp camp upstate on Bear Mountain. Finally, he joins the fishing boar community in Sheepshead Bay. His fate and his future, with its hopes and dreams rest on the outcome of a voyage aboard the deep-sea fishing boat, “The Betty-Bird.”
The book is now available at La Nueva Posada, Diane Pearl Colecciones, Papeleria Montana and the Newstand in Plaza Bugambilias.
Vacation
Yve’s restaurant on the waterfront in Ajijic will be closed for vacation until May 24. Head there for Lake Chapala’s cooling breezes and great steaks and frozen margaritas on May 25.
Another vacation
Manix Restaurant will be closed from May 19 through Sunday, June 3. They’ll be back open for their good food and great service on Monday, June 4.