All that jazz
It’s their first time in Ajijic and the brass jazz duo Patrick Artero from France and Jean Pierre from Belgium are sure to please purists. They will hold forth on Friday, June 22, 7 p.m. at La Tasca Restaurant. The cover is just 30 pesos. Get set for something special.
Cultural festival
The Chapala government’s culture office has scheduled a variety of free events to be presented this weekend at the town’s former city hall building.
The program on Friday, June 22, 7 p.m. includes a performance by the Orquesta Típica de Chapala, under the baton of Javier Raygoza, and a performance of the Mexican play “Me quieres a pesar de lo que dices.”
On Saturday, June 23, 7 p.m., as well as musical interludes by various performers, there will be a presentation of “Monologos de la Vagina,” a Spanish version of the acclaimed Eve Ensler play.
On Sunday, June 24, 10 a.m., you can see a presentation by the Alaka`i Kela Tahitian dance troupe, music from “Guitarras Valencianas” and a children’s theater show.
Reader’s theater
The Naked Stage Theatre will present two one-act plays by Woody Allen on June 22, 23 and 24. The plays are directed by Betty Lloyd Robinson and feature the following actors: Fred Koesling, Greg Clarke, Judy Long, Liz White, Kat Tetrault, Allen McGill, Collette Clavadetscher, Graham Miller and Rob Parker. Curtain time is 4 p.m. Arrive early to enjoy lunch or dinner and the no-host bar at the San Pedro Restaurant.
The theater, located at Rio Bravo 10, is found by driving west on the Carretera, turning south (toward the lake) on Rio Bravo and driving two blocks. Donations are 80 pesos and reservations are recommended. Phone 766-5986 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Sorry, these plays are not appropriate for children.
About directing
The Lakeside Little Theatre Directors’ Workshop will present an eclectic mixture of theatrical delights from June 27 to June 30 at the theater. Curtain is at 4 p.m. (the bar opens at 3 p.m.) and the special ticket price is 80 pesos.
The program includes on stage scenes from “LUV” by Murray Schisgal and directed by Kathleen Neal; “The Homecoming” by Harold Pinter, directed by Collette Clavadetscher; “At the Hawk’s Well” by William Butler Yeats, directed by Mikhaila Molloy; “The Caretaker” by Harold Pinter, directed by Howard Feldstein; “The Waltz of the Toreadors” by Jean Anouilh, directed by Michael Warren; “Richard III” by William Shakespeare, directed by Dave McIntosh; “The Milk Train Doesn’t Stop Here Anymore” by Tennessee Williams; “Death and the Maiden” by Ariel Dorfman, directed by Phil Shepherd and “Virtue in Danger” or “The Relapse” by Sir John Vanbrugh, directed by Russell Mack.
Cast in roles for these plays are Mark Bennett, Kathleen Carlson, Pat Carroll, Collette Clavadetscher, Greg Clark, Ellerie Rosales Chase, Leticia Rosales Chase, Jacob Rosales Chase, Beryle Dorscht, Dana Douin, Catherine Huff, Fred Koesling, Candace Luciano, Russell Mack, Mikhaila Molloy, Enrique Pineda, Jr., Georgette Richmond, Betty Lloyd Robinson, Diana Rowland, Jack Vanesco, John Ward, Ken Yakiwchuk. Alexis Hoff is the choreographer.
This richly diverse program of theatrical scenes runs about two hours with an intermission. The special ticket price is 80 pesos with tickets to be purchased at the door or at Ajijic Real Estate (Morelos 4), Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please bring exact change.
Singing carwash
It’s a singing carwash at the Little Chapel by the Lake (across from the entrance to Mirasol) on Sunday, June 24 from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Depending upon the size of the car, the price will range from 35 pesos to 50 pesos. While watching the rub-a-dubbing, patrons will be serenaded by choristers from Los Cantantes del Lago singing Mexican folks songs and maybe even a taste of two songs they will be performing when they go on tour to Canada next month.
The youngsters are pulling in funds to pay for their travel expenses when they tour with Los Cantantes del Lago. Get your car washed and enjoy the music!
New work
Local artist Brian Pimlott will open his first exhibition since 2009 with new abstract works on canvas on Friday, June 29, from 4-8 p.m.
The location is Daniel Palma’s Galeria Geko (Ocampo 61, Ajijic). Wine and botanas will be served.
ASA
The Ajijic Society of the Arts (ASA) will meet Monday, July 2, 10 a.m. at La Bodega Restaurant, (16 de Septiembre 124, Ajijic). The demonstration will be by Cindy A. Carl, who will show the process for transforming photos into graphic art. All are welcome at ASA, a gathering of about 100 local artists who exchange ideas and promote art in the Lakeside area. Coffee’s on at 9:30 a.m.
Watercolors
Master watercolor artist and teacher Emilio Galindo is holding watercolor painting classes on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Efren Gonzalez Art Center (Marcos Castellanos 7, Ajijic). Students create two paintings during each session. The cost is 400 pesos per session, without supplies. Take your own supplies or purchase them from Gonzalez at the Art Center. Call to register for classes at 766-5381.
New stuff
Ajijic artist Efren Gonzalez will open an exhibition of new work on Friday, July 6, 3 p.m. at the Ajijic Cultural Center located on the north side of Ajijic’s principal plaza. He’s done lots of oil paintings and pastels, along with many watercolors in his new, loose style. Definitely worth a look. Refreshments will be served.
New location
La Bella Vida has a new location at Constitucion 6 in Ajijic. The boutique and gallery have lots more space for viewing pleasure and are filled with beautiful things and unique art work. There are also plants and treasures for the terrace and garden. The Healing Arts studio has a wonderful, peaceful new area. Appointments are available at 766-5131.
Summer hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.