Recitals
Two evenings of world-class classical music are guaranteed at Incanto Theatre when cellist Donald Moline, accompanied by Jean-Guy Comeau on piano, present recitals on consecutive Saturdays, February 17 and 24.
Moline was awarded the Theodore Thomas Medallion for 39 years as a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has performed in virtually every corner of the globe with many of the world’s greatest conductors and musicians. Canadian Comeau, who holds degrees in pedagogy, voice and piano, works in Montreal and Puerto Vallarta.
As if this were not enough, John Henry Kreitler, a ten-time Emmy-winning composer of concert, film/TV and theater music who resides part-time in Mismaloya, has composed Canciones de Vallarta, suite for cello and orchestra that will be performed especially for this event as a world premiere.
All the proceeds from these shows will go to IAMPV (Instituto de Artes Musicales Puerto Vallarta), a non-profit organization that provides musical education for students in Vallarta and the surrounding areas.
Both evenings will begin with drinks and hors d’oevres at 6 p.m. followed by the 7 p.m. concerts. During the first hour there will be performances by some IAMPV students.
What a Drag
What a Drag! 2018 – the annual drag competition for straight men – takes place at Teatro Vallarta on Sunday, February 18.
This popular event has raised more than 1.5 million pesos for the Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter since its inception three years ago.
This year’s event, at the new venue, has come about thanks to Puerto Vallarta Mayor Arturo Dávalos, organizers say.
For more information, contact Freda Thompson 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..
The Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter not only provides victims of domestic violence with a temporary and safe living environment themselves and their children, but also offers a range of educational and business opportunities.
Connect with Mexico
The Boutique Theatre hosts conversations about Mexican culture, society, history, government, language and more each Sunday, 2 p.m. through March 25.
This is a great way for newcomers – and jaded old hands – to learn more about this fascinating country.
Each session of the Connect with Mexico dialogues costs 250 pesos. A special price of 530 pesos includes a meal at Nacho Daddy’s – located on the ground floor below the theater – prior to the discussion. See connectwithmexico.com for more details.
The Boutique Theater/Nacho Daddy’s is at Basilio Badillo 287.
Cruise data
An estimated 159 international cruise ships are expected to berth in Puerto Vallarta during 2018, according officials at the city’s Tourism Trust Fund (Fideicomiso de Turismo – Fidetur). This figure translates roughly into 370,000 passengers who will spend many hours exploring the area.
The number of liners visiting Vallarta has been steadily increasing since 2015, when 134 docked in the port. The figure for 2016 was 142, and 145 for 2017.
Meanwhile, Administración Portuaria Integral (Port) Director Miguel Ángel García Beltrán reports that 24,429 local cruises plied Banderas Bay in 2017, bringing 652,589 passengers ashore for sightseeing, entertainment and aquatic activities.
LOCA
Ladies now have a new way of exploring the area with the creation of Ladies Outdoor Club Adventures (LOCA), a group for women of any age who want to add a bit more excitement in their lives, as well as make new acquaintances. In addition to organizing hikes and water-based activities, the group also puts on shopping trips to nearby pueblos and attractions, as well as holding laid-back evening social events.
In a post on the LOCA Facebook page following a white watching tour, Caryl Dolinko said: “Schools of dolphins were jumping in the middle of the Bay, a lone sea turtle swam casually swam by, and loads of whales were playing by the boat. But, best of all, we saw a whale breach! I made memories that will last a lifetime and shared the experience with the most wonderful women!”
For more details, see facebook.com/groups/301913773165712.
Art market
The Marina Vallarta Art and Market is up and running Thursday evenings from 6-10 p.m. through the end of May. The tianguis offers an excellent variety of culinary and artisan products, as well as live entertainment. Expect to find plenty of gift ideas for loved ones in the two weeks leading up to Mexico’s Día del Amor y la Amistad (Valentine’s Day).
A feature of the market is its local flavor. All the vendors are small local producers who are more than willing to chat about their wares.