Open Studios Tour
The Lake Chapala Society Children’s Art Program (CAP) will join more than 60 local artists for the Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8 Fourth Annual Ajijic Society of the Arts (ASA) Open Studios Tour.
From Riberas del Pilar to the western edge of Rancho del Oro, artists’ studios will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and ASA artists will be demonstrating their techniques and skills. Some of the CAP students will be working and selling their original art and greeting cards at Arte Ajijic at Rio Zula.
Visitors are urged to purchase the ASA studios tour passport and map. A portion of the 50-peso fee will help support the CAP program. The annual commitment by ASA ensures that the next generations of artists will be inspired to follow their dream and that Ajijic will continue to be a center for the arts. Through ASA’s financial and volunteer assistance, CAP continues to offer art instruction from 10 a.m. to noon every Saturday at the Society for children from ages three through 18. In addition ASA works with the society to host an annual Summer Art Camp each July.
Organ concert
U.S. organist Neal Biggers will be featured in a benefit concert on Wednesday, February 11 at 4 p.m. in Templo San Andrés. Joining Biggers in a program that features works by Handel, Bach, Pachelbel, Schubert and Haydn will be mezzo soprano Patteye Simpson and local vocalist and artist Juan Navarro. 
Simpson, who has both bachelors and masters degrees in voice performance. In addition to her many choral and theatrical performances at Lake Chapala, she has been a featured soloist in a variety of operatic and Broadway venues, done commercials, film work, and a pop USO tour of Mediterranean NATO bases.
While the concert is being offered to the community without charge, attendees are asked to bring non-perishable foods to help stock the pantry of Villa Infantil which is home to 30 orphans. The entirety of the free will offering will be presented to the orphanage to help offset the many costs of raising and educating the youngsters.
Biggers also performed an organ concert in the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Henderson, Kentucky, last month. The offering at that concert was also dedicated to the support of Villa Infantil.
Orchestra Fundraiser
The Orquesta Filarmónica Infantil de la Ribera de Chapala (OFIRC) is now providing free musical training and performance opportunities for 120 San Juan Cosalá youngsters. The children are taking vocal classes, participating in chorus. learning to play a variety of instruments and participating in the orchestra.
Members of the sponsoring non-profit organization are hosting a Friday, February 13 buffet dinner at 6 p.m. to raise funds for the program. The evening’s party atmosphere at Restaurant Viva Mexico in San Juan Cosalá will be enhanced by the recorded golden hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Tickets at 250 pesos include a complimentary margarita and are available at the restaurant, by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling Director Chuni Medeles at (33)1064-0814.
Chapala Rondalla
Mexican music is romantic, and the most romantic music of Mexico must be the harmonized voices and guitars of the dozen or more men who form groups called rondallas.
La Rondalla de Chapala, with its rich history of fine performances is presenting “A Concert for Lovers” on Saturday, February 14 at 6 p.m. in the Auditorio de la Ribera del Lago. Advance tickets are 100 pesos and available at the Coffee Hour in Chapala, the auditorium box office, Clinica Nueva Galicia in Chapala, and Mueblaria Arden on the Carretera in Riberas del Pilar. Tickets at the door will be sold for 120 pesos.
Art Auction
The sale of fine art works by well-known local artists will be the focal point of a Thursday, February 19 event from 3 to 6 p.m.in the garden of the Hotel La Nueva Posada.
The 14th annual event is a benefit to fund the production of Ajijic’s traditional Easter week Passion Play, El Pasión de Cristo. Included in the fun will be traditional food prepared and served by the production’s actors in the garden of the hotel as well as traditional Mexican dance. Tickets are available at the Hotel La Nueva Posada, Diane Pearl Colecciones, Dario Marquez Studio, Inovation Rodrigo and Charter Club Tours.
Niños Incapacitados Sixth Annual Trivia Quiz
The recent Niños Incapacitados Sixth Annual Trivia Quiz fundraising event saw 34 teams (most with eight members) competing for top honors. At left above is the Three Roads team who won the afternoon competition for the third consecutive year. The Canams who took top honors over 22 teams in the sold out evening session are shown at right above. The proceeds from the event will pay medical expenses for 141 needy lakeside children. Photos of other winners are featured at www.ProgramaNinos.org.
Black and White Gala
The Thursday, February 20 Black and White Gala benefit for the School for Special Children will feature the swing music of the 40s and 50s recreated by a creative team of local musicians. Leader Paul Brier, who plays keyboard, guitar and sax will be joined by Jimmy Barto and drummer Chelo Gonzalez. Trumpet player Barto says, Brier is the best multi-instrumentalist in town.”
Only a few tables for the event remain unsold. In addition to great dance music, the evening under the moon on the lakeshore at Villa Encantada in Chapala will include a gourmet meal. Cocktail attire is appropriate dress for the evening. For information, contact coordinator Claudette Champagne at (376) 766-1033 or email her at: 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.. Tickets are available at Diane Pearl Colecciones and Mia’s Boutique.
Ceramic Exhibit
Hijos de de Tierra: Arte en Barro (Sons of the Land: Art in Clay) is the title of a collective show opening on Saturday, February 14, 3 to 9 p.m., at the Centro de Arte y Cultura, Constitución 16 in Ajijic. Artists Antonio López Vega, Lázaro Luna, Jesús López Vega, Leopoldo Gutiérrez, Manuel Iñiguez and Isidro Xilonxochitl will exhibit selected works they have fashioned in clay. Guests attending the inaugural reception will be welcomed with cocktails, appetizers and live music.