ASA Events
Information from the newly published book, “Painting: Basics and More,” by working artist and teacher Marian Decker will provide the foundation for her talk at the Monday, February 2 Ajijic Society of the Arts (ASA) meeting. The group’s meetings are held the first Monday of the month at La Bodega at 10 a.m.
After spending most of her life in the San Francisco Bay, Decker has worked and lived in San Miguel Allende and Ajijic for the past 10 years. Most of her classes are five-day workshops or six-week courses in art centers. Her new book is the result of those teaching experiences.
“I prefer working with adults who have ‘always wanted to paint’ but just haven’t found the time until whenever ‘now’ happens,” says Decker who is the founder of the annual open studios events in Ajijic and is an active participant in the lively local art scene. She will be one of the artists exhibiting and working during the ASA Fourth Annual Open Studios event on Saturday February 7 and Sunday, February 8 when her home studio will be open to all “passport” holders. Passports for this event are being sold at the Lake Chapala Society from February 2 through 7. See more of Decker’s work at www.mariandeckerpaintings.com.
Gala Concert
Ópera de Cámara Axixic will appear in its third lakeside gala concert on Wednesday, February 4 at 6 p.m. at the Auditorio de la Ribera in La Floresta.Four singers from the Guadalajara Operatic Workshop will perform during the event accompanied by a pianist and the Orquesta Axixic Chamber Ensemble under the direction of renowned tenor Flavio Becerra. The program will include a selection of works by Donizetti, Bizet, Puccini, Mozart, Rossini and Verdi.
General admission ticket prices are set at 150 pesos for adults and 60 pesos for students. Tickets are available at the auditorium box office, Diane Pearl Colecciones or by contacting Chuni Medeles via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or cell (33)1064-0814.
Actors’ Workshop
Roseeann Wilshere will facilitate an actors’ workshop at The Bravo! Theatre with the first session of the six-week schedule slated for Monday, February 2. The courses are designed to assist new and experienced actors along with directors and playwrights. This ongoing workshop will keep actors growing and learning.
Register for the classes by emailing 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..
Well-Strung
Opening for Well-Strung, the second performance in Mark Rome’s “Trilogy” on Saturday, February 7 at 7 p.m. is a group of music students from lakeside’s Instituto International. The quartet of acclaimed performers will use their special blended vocals and strings to present the music of Mozart, Vivaldi, Rihanna, Adel
e, Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson in the Auditorio de la Ribera.
The “New York Times” says the quartet “brilliantly fuses pop and classical music from Madonna to Beethoven.”
La Una Restaurant at Marcos Castellano 9 in Ajijic will get in the act and is preparing a specially themed menu for the day of this concert.
Well-Strung stars first violinist, Edmund Bagnell; second violinist, Christopher Marchant; cellist, Daniel Shevlin and violist, Trevor Wadleigh. Ten percent of the proceeds from this performance will benefit the music department at The International Institute.
Tickets are available on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Ajijic plaza store of Jose Melendez or at the Auditorio Box Office from 10 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday.
Benefit Concerts
Jeffrey Michael Straker, popular Canadian entertainer is planning a two-performance run at Lakeside. Simply Spectacular on Thursday, February 12 is the premiere live performance including selections from “North Star Falling,” Straker’s new album which drops March 10.
During a Friday, February 13 performance, “Niños para Niños, Straker takes the stage with the CREM Choral and Symphony Orchestras for a unique night of music to raise money for Niños Incapacitados.
Tickets at 250 pesos are now available through the charity’s website: www.programaninos.com, or by calling Rita Frost at 766-3625. Tickets are also available at the Auditorio de la Ribera box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon until the performances. Yoly’s Salon in Plaza Bugambilias and Charter Club Tours have tickets.
Painting Guild exhibition
The Lake Chapala Painting Guild will open an exhibition of new work on Valentine’s evening, February 14, at the Ajijic Cultural Center. All are invited to the reception from 4 until 6 p.m.
The Guild consists of fifteen local painters who are committed to excellence by 1. hosting exhibitions of their work that have been juried by professionals, 2. holding educational workshops, and 3. regularly having meetings with critiques and social interaction.
Membership is open to those working in oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, collage and mixed media “wall” art. If you are interested in joining the Guild, please view our website: LakeChapalaPaintingGuild.org, review our mission statement, download the application blank, and contact Membership Chair This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or our Secretary, Winnie Hunt, 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.. Dues are 200 pesos per year.
10th Spring Show
Los Cantantes del Lago is preparing for the spring Showstoppers 10 benefit concert scheduled for Sunday, February 15 at 4 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Riberas del Pilar.
A variety of Los Cantantes singers are grouped into small group numbers, duets, and solos for the concert. “We will perform a series of showstoppers from Broadway and other sources, and feature several local musicians,” says Los Cantantes director Timothy G. Ruff Welch who will double on piano. The show emcee is Ken Yakiwchuk.
Tickets at 200 pesos are available at Mia’s Boutique, Diane Pearl Colecciones, choir members and the website: www.loscantantesdellago.com.