Ribera Arts Review - July 7, 2012

Drawings

Don’t miss the opportunity to peruse the exquisite pencil drawings of Guadalajara artist Robert Aceves at an exhibition opening on Saturday, July 7, 6 p.m. at the Ajijic Cultural Center.

Aceves, who describes his work as realism and historical fantasy, began his studies at the Universidad de Guadalajara art school in 2004.

“A traves del Tiempo” (Through Time) brings together a variety of themes, techniques and textures – all expressed with tremendous passion.

Aceves’ work can also be viewed at the Diane Pearl Colecciones gallery in Ajijic.

MAS

The Music Appreciation Society (MAS Musica) has announced the schedule for its upcoming season, which will start a little later than usual due to the auditorium (Auditorio de la Ribera in La Floresta) renovations.

First up will be flamenco guitarists Jonathan “Juanito” Pascual and “El Periquin,” who will perform on Tuesday, December 4, 6 p.m. The duo knocked everyone’s socks off when they performed here during the 2009-2010 season. What promises to be a spell-binding combination of technique and emotion will surely be a sell-out.

Next up is Classical FX, a phenomenal quartet from the Washington D.C./Kennedy Center National Opera Company. They are returning to Lakeside by popular demand to perform classical opera, Broadway tunes, gospel and romantic classics.

The quartet will give two concerts: one at the auditorium on Saturday, January 12, 6 p.m. and at La Nueva Posada in Ajijic on Sunday, January 13, 1 p.m.  Season ticket holders can choose either performance.

There will be an extra charge for brunch, drinks and gratuity at La Nueva Posada.

VIVA FLAMENCO! will be back this year with their new “Arabian Nights” presentation on Saturday, February 16, 6 p.m. at the auditorium. The lively show features passionate guitar music, singing and hot, sexy flamenco dance.

Finally, the Banderas Bay Jazz All-Stars will perform at the auditorium on Saturday, March 23, 6 p.m. These world-class musicians will blow you away with their tremendous energy and talent.

Season tickets are on sale now for the 2012-2013 season. Premier tickets cost 1,300 pesos for the four events and second tier tickets sell for 1,100 pesos.

Soon you’ll be able to purchase tickets with PayPal at the new MAS website still located at www.masajijic.com. The new website also includes sound bites for coming performances and will offer the opportunity for feedback. In the meantime, contact MAS president Kathleen Phelps at 766-0010.

Tickets for individual performances will be sold two weeks before the indicated performance.

A trumpet

Belva Velazquez is looking for a trumpet that no one else is using just now. Her son’s trumpet was stolen from the car when she was in downtown Guadalajara (they were coming from his trumpet lesson). He needs one to practice on until he can manage to buy a new one. Call 766-0156.

Entertainment

The Gonzalez Gallo Cultural Center (old train station) in Chapala is hosting the Orquesta Tipica de Autlan with 40 kids and adults playing typical Mexican instruments such as marimbas, harps, percussion, brass and strings. The concert is scheduled for Tuesday, July 17, 7 p.m. Admission is free.

A Latino ensemble made up of folks from the Lakeside area will interpret various genres of Latin music on Friday, July 27, 7 p.m. The event is open to the public and admission is free.

Summer courses

The Gonzalez Gallo Cultural Center in Chapala has begun a series of summer music courses that include lessons in guitar, harmonies and improvisation, technical interpretation and chorus.

Theater courses include classes for children and teenagers. Painting classes are set up for kids and young people.

Inscriptions are open now. Call 765-7424 for more information and the schedule.

Lighting

Lakeside Little Theatre (LLT) is bringing professional lighting expert Ricardo Perez from Guadalajara to hold a five-day technical theater lighting workshop from July 23 to July 27, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

The workshop is ideal for folks who want to join the LLT technical crew for one or more shows. The professional level workshop is free and open to all LLT members (you’ll need to renew before the workshop).

No experience is necessary but you must be able to climb a ladder and commit to attending all five classes. Please contact Win McIntosh at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. if you have questions or want to attend.

Another lighting design workshop suitable for directors and others who want to get the most out of lighting effects will be held at a later date.

New book

Alex Grattan, editor of the local Ojo del Lago publication, has just received news that his latest book, “Breaking Even,” is now available on Amazon/Kindle. Go to www.amazon/kindle.com and you can check out some sample pages as well as look for book reviews.