The Guadalajara Reporter

Ribera Arts Review – August 3, 2013

Romantic soirée

The Rondalla de Chapala will celebrate its revival after a 15-year hiatus with a musical soireé scheduled for Friday, August 9, 8 to 11 p.m. The Velada Romantica coming-out party will be set on the grounds of the Villa Encantada with Lake Chapala as a natural backdrop. The outdoor events salon is located at Hidalgo 312, next door to the Milagrosa Park at Chapala’s western outskirts.

Another romantic combo, Grupo Generaciones, is also on the bill. The cost for attending is a 50 peso per person coverage charge, with peanuts and other light nibblies provided for each table. Drinks will be served at a no-host bar. Platters of Pozole (meat and hominy stew) will be available to satisfy the appetites of late night diners.

The rondallas of modern day Mexico arose from the minstrel troupes of Medieval Spain that wandered the land performing romantic serenades. They are typically made up of male singers who perform with plectrum string instruments such as guitar, mandolin and lute.

The first incarnation of the Rondalla de Chapala emerged in 1976. The group reached its heyday in the 1990’s, performing regularly on radio and television and landing bookings at major cultural events throughout Jalisco. During that era the group released two albums of classic romantic tunes: “Con Amor” in 1995 and “Para Ti” in 1998.

Reborn over the last several months, the new Rondalla comprises 25 strumming vocalists including some of the original performers along with new blood from the current generation of young lakeside musicians. The troupe made its debut on July 14 with a command performance at a private luncheon held in honor of Cardinal Jose Francisco Robledo during his visit to Chapala with the Virgin of Zapopan.

Jazz at lakeside auditorium

Get ready for a musical journey back to the Swing Era when Big Band Jazz Guadalajara comes to lakeside Sunday, August 11 for a performance at the Auditorio de La Ribera, La Floresta. The 20 member ensemble will take the stage at Noon with a varied repertoire of jazz hits popularized by the likes of Glenn Miller, Gene Krupa, Frank Sinatra, Tito Puente and Michael Bublé, among others.

The BBJZ band was originally established in 2009 by University of Guadalajara music students, under the direction of professor Juan Valdivia.  The group became independent two years later, beginning frequent off-campus appearances at public and private events in the metro area and other venues around the state.

Admission to the lakeside concert is set at 100 pesos per person, with a half price rate for children and students. Tickets may be acquired in advance at Chapala’s Historical Archives, at the corner of Avenida Madero and Hidalgo; the Oficina de Cultura, in the back patio of the city hall building; the Centro Cultural de Ajijic on the town’s central plaza; and Yoly’s Unisex Salon at Plaza Bugambilias; or at the door on the day of the event.

Proceeds will go towards the formation of the Compañia Regional de Danza Chapala, now taking shape with the first round of auditions for dancers held on July 26.   

Auditorio closure

With the exception of the jazz concert mentioned above, the Auditorio de la Ribera will be closed for the month of August. Administrator Vicky Corona reports that events and activities at the facility have been suspended to allow a work crew to resume the unfinished renovation project that was put on hold last February. Completion of the lighting, sound and air conditioning systems and a touch up of the stage flooring are still pending.

Readers Theater

A reminder that auditions for the Naked Stage reading of “After-Play” will be held Tuesday, August  6, 11 a.m., at Rio Bravo 10A, west Ajijic.  The script by Anne Meara has parts for three women, four men and a narrator. Performances directed by Bob Jones are booked for August 23 through 25.

Musical duo

Viva la Musica continues its summer concert series on Sunday, August 18, 4 p.m.,  with pianist Andres Sarre and cellist Isaac Ramirez pairing up to perform compositions by Toussaint, de Falla, Faure and Piazzola. The venue is St. Andrews church, Calle San Lucas 19, Riberas del Pilar. Tickets are on sale at the Lake Chapala Society Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to Noon, or daily at Diane Pearl Collection, Colon and Ocampo.  The price is 300 pesos per person, 200 pesos for VLM members, 100 pesos for students, with free for admission for music students. More information is posted at www.ajijicviva.org.

Young musician auditions

Viva la Musica and the Northern Lights Festival are offering scholarships for university-level studies to qualified young muscians. Viva la Musica of Ajijic is offering a total of up to 50,000 pesos (individual amounts up to 10,000 pesos) and the Northern Lights Festival is also offering up to 50,000 pesos (individual amounts of 10,000 pesos on average).

Candidates must either play a musical instrument or sing; have been admitted to or applied for a program of musical or singing studies at university level in Mexico or abroad and have maintained an academic average grade of 8.0 or higher. Each candidate must supply a letter of recommendation from a teacher or tutor and  show that they do not have sufficient financial resources for their studies.

Viva la Música gives priority to candidates from the Chapala lakeshore area. The boards of Viva la Música or the Northern Lights Festival will authorize these scholarships. Each candidate must provide the following documents by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before August 10: a letter of application explaining why you want a scholarship, the program, and details of your financial resources; a copy of your academic qualifications; a copy of the letter of recommendation from a teacher or tutor; the work that you would perform, and whether you need an accompanist. Candidates who are accepted will perform for the boards at the González Gallo Cultural Center in Chapala Thursday, August 15, at 10 a.m.

LLT funny fundraiser

Lakeside Little Theatre invites you to come and “Tickle Your Fancy.”

Enjoy a fun filled evening of comedy, song and dance which promises to entertain you and give you a good laugh even if you’re not ticklish.

This is a variety show put together by Dave McIntosh with the help and direction of Barbara Clippinger.  So you pretty well know what to expect –  and there is a rumor that a senior version of the infamous Full “Ajijic” Monty is in the works.  Not to be missed!

Canadian funny man Paul Kloegman, who has just popped down to lakeside for a bit of fun, is joining our local all star cast:  Don Chaloner, Greg Clarke, Jim Donnelly, Patrick DuMouchel, Alexis Hoff, Val Jones, Olga Kaplounenko, Roger Larson, Russell Mack, Dave McIntosh, Mac Morison, and Patteye Simpson.

The show runs August 15, though 17 at 7.30 p.m. with a final matinee performance at 3 p.m. on Sunday August 18.  Tickets are at Ajijic Realty, Mia’s, Diana Pearl’s through August 14 and then one hour before each show at LLT for 150 pesos.  The Angel Terrace Bar will be open one hour prior to performance.

The income from “TICKLE” will be put towards a new initiative to improve stage equipment. 

Painting for Pooches

The Lucky Dog Rescue and Adoption Center is seeking local artists to volunteer for its Painting for Pooches project.  Earn recognition and publicity by helping the group spruce up the facility with cheerful murals, to be unveiled at a “new look” open house slated for  November. Get the full scoop from Barbara Colbert at tel. 763-5038, cel. 331-018-7951 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Summer Film Fest

The Lake Chapala Society shows movies every Thursday at 2 p.m. August 8 the featured film is  “Capitalism - A Love Story” — Director Michael Moore’s explanation of how American capitalism leaves out the middle class.  All are welcome.