Gala dinner dance
The Rotary Club of Ajijic presents Rising Stars, a scholarship fund-raising dinner/dance featuring music from the 1940s to the ‘80s by The Great American Songbook, Friday, March 1.
The band features Paul Brier on vocals and keyboards; Jimmy Barto on vocals, trumpet and Flugelhorn; Bob Myers on vocals and guitar and Francis Dryden on drums. Cocktails begin 5 p.m., dinner and speakers at 5:30 p.m. and dancing until 9 p.m. Dress is formal or dressy.
The event is held at the Instituto Tecnologico Mario Molina on the Libramiento. For tickets, 600 pesos, call Chuck, 333-483-9200. Information: rotaryajijic.org.
National Theatre Live
Lakeside Little Theatre presents the HD recording of the National Theatre Live production of “Julie,” Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3, 4 p.m.
Polly Stenham’s 2018 re--imagining of August Strindberg’s 19th century classic remains shocking and relevant in its new setting of contemporary London.
“Julie” stars Vanessa Kirby (Princess Margaret in “The Crown”) and Eric Kofi Abrefa, and is directed by Carrie Cracknell.
Wild and newly single, Julie throws a late night party. In the kitchen, Jean and Kristina clean up as the celebration heaves above them. Crossing the threshold, Julie initiates a power game with Jean – which rapidly descends into a savage fight for survival. Set in a North London house near Hampstead Heath, Julie examines how class divisions and middle class ennui exist today, and can result in similar tragic results.
Tickets are available one hour before showtime at the box office.
Tipton’s last poems
James Tipton was a beloved columnist for the Ojo del Lago for many years, best known for his monthly installment of “Hearts at Work.” Tipton died last May but left one last book of poetry, “The Alphabet of Longing and Other Poems,” to be discovered posthumously and cherished as his poetic masterwork. The narrative is autobiographical, relating the poet’s 13-year retreat in the high desert of Colorado, where he sustained himself as a beekeeper while searching for what constitutes the purposeful life. Fred Koesling, veteran actor and friend of the poet, will read this powerful work on March 4, 4 to 5 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Riberas. The event is free and open to the public.
ASA
Zhanna Sosensky will give a presentation at the next meeting of the Ajijic Society of the Arts Monday, March 4, 10 a.m. at La Bodega Restaurant.
Sosensky was born in Russia at a time when being left-handed and using the left hand in school was not allowed. She found it difficult to use her right hand when writing or drawing even the simplest of objects. However, she was able to express herself by painting on objects such as furniture. In 2014, in her 70s, she moved to Ajijic and decided to start using her left hand again and started painting images, and telling stories.
Even with no formal training, Sosensky enjoys painting on wood. Her iconic wooden frames are her trademark, because they form part of the painting itself.
Writers’ Conference
Storytelling is the theme of the 2019 Lake Chapala Writers’ Conference, Wednesday, March 6 to Friday, March 8, and covers writing articles, short stories, novels and plays.
Speakers include Mark Boyer, Rose Grayson, Canadian bestselling author Roberta Rich, author Eric Witchey, uthor Kali VanBaale. Former Dell/Doubleday editor Sandi Gelles-Cole will be available to critique your manuscript and to offer suggestions to make it print ready. Early registrants will have an opportunity to have a one-on-one session to pitch their writing projects to literary agent Angela Rinaldi.
Writers Conference registration forms are available at Diane Pearl in Ajijic, or email Herbert W. Piekow at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or registrar Victoria Schmidt 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..
Acting Shakespeare
David Goldman presents an actors studio workshop during March at the Lakeside Little Theatre.
All the World’s a Stage: Acting Shakespeare comprises eight two-hour workshops and takes place March 6, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25 and 29, 10 a.m. to noon.
The group will demystify “the Bard” and explore methods and techniques that will help actors of all levels free their thespian within. To enroll, email 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..
Film Aficionados
Lake Chapala Society members can take advantage of Film Aficionados screenings each Thursday, 2 p.m.
March 7, “Green Book” (2018, United States) will be screened.
A working class Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver for an African-American pianist on a tour through the 1960’s American South. Multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture (the winner!), Best Actor (Viggo Mortensen), Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali – the winner!) and Best Screenplay. (122 minutes.)
Fiber art
The Tangled Threads Fiber Collective holds their sixth annual Fiber Art Show, Friday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lake Chapala Society South Campus. Find art and bed quilts, designer clothing and personal and home accessories.
The Spotlight Club
Miss Conception’s TV Land show is Saturday, March 9, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Bette Midler, The Devine Miss M. will be performed by Miss Sandi D, accompanied by Puerto Vallarta legends Don and Rhona on guitar and piano. March 10 and 11.
The Ol’ Country Boys play March 15.
The Kinsey Sicks in Naked Drag Queens Singing is scheduled for March 17, 6 p.m. and March 18, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
All Spotlight Club shows are at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Reservations: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 331-845-1523.
Benefit for Victor
A benefit luncheon with cabaret performances will be held for local violinist Victor Garcia, March 10, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Manix Restaurant. This well-known and talented Mexican musician has recently been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
The luncheon will include a pig roast with all the trimmings, as well as several vegetarian options. The entertainment will start at 1:30 p.m. and includes performances by Ignacio Garcia, Patteye Simpson, Doug Voet, Suzanne Bullock, Mike Liesenbach, Karen Procter, Michael Reason and, potentially, Victor himself.
Tickets, 550 pesos, are available at Diane Pearl. Call Manix to make a reservation after the purchase of their tickets, (376) 766-0061. Manix is located at Ocampo 57, Ajijic. Valet parking will be available.
Sinatra swings
A benefit for the students of the Centro Educativo Jaltepec will be held Sunday, March 17, 12:30 p.m. in the home of Linda Buckthorp.
The event will take place to the background of the music of Cole Porter, sung by Frank Sinatra. The all-inclusive afternoon begins with Timothy G. Ruff Welch playing a medley of cocktail music while Jaltepec alumni serve hors d’oeuvres they have prepared. Bottomless glasses of wine and a three-course luncheon follow, finishing with a presentation by Bill Dingwall.
The menu has been set for the three course luncheon. Please call Linda Buckthorp, 766-1631 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. Tickets cost 1,200 pesos.
Mandolin and piano
In the final concert of the season for Viva La Musica, Michael Tsalka and Alon Sariel – both brilliant artists on the piano and mandolin – will perform a selection from Bach, Beethoven and Hummel at the Haus of Musik, Thursday, March 28.
Both musicians are master performers of Renaissance and Baroque music. Harpsichordist and pianist Michael Tsalka has won numerous awards in Europe, the United States, Asia and Latin America. Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, he studied in Israel, Germany and Italy, and holds degrees in chamber music, harpsichord and piano performance. Mandolin and lute player Alon Sariel is also an orchestra director and well known performer of early music.
A 6:15 p.m. champagne reception will precede the 7 p.m. concert.
Tickets, 500 pesos, are available at the LCS Viva ticket area, Thursday and Friday, 10 to noon, Diane Pearl and Mia’s Boutique.