The Guadalajara Reporter

Ribera Arts Review - October 19, 2013

Sweet music will fill the evening air in Chapala on Saturday, October 19 as student troubadours roam the downtown area belting out lively Spanish and Latin American folk songs.

 

The callejoneada (street serenade) sponsored by the Conalep high school will feature the voice and instrumental groups Estudiantina Tapatio and Estudiantina Real from Guadalajara. The roving performance is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. on the waterfront Malecon in front of the Beer Garden restaurant.

The singers will stroll along Avenida Madero, loop back to the Malecon and wrap up with a concert at Plaza La Vela at the far west end of the promenade.

Estudiantinas originated in Spain from musical roots going back as far at the 13th century. University students who could not afford their living expenses would sing at inns and cafes in exchange for tips and a bowl of soup.

The genre was introduced to Mexico after the Spanish conquest. It remains as a vibrant custom in colonial cities such as Guanajuato, Aguascalientes and Guadalajara.

Estudiantina troupes of today usually wear capes adorned with long colorful ribbons. Some don elegant costumes styled after 17th century Spanish dress.  Typical instruments include guitars, mandolins and tambourines.

State Choir

The Coro del Estado de Jalisco (State Choir) has released details of the program for their performance at the Auditorio de la Ribera on Sunday, October 20, noon.

Among pieces to be interpreted are “Dry your tears, Afrika,” by John Williams, “A Gershwin Portrait” by George and Ira Gershwin, “Te quiero” by Alberto Favero, “El Cascabel” by Lorenzo Barcelata and “La Adelita” by José de Jesús Martínez.  The choir will also sing several pieces by Guiseppe Verdi, from his operas “Nabbuco” and “Aida.”

Duet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A promising concert is in store when coloratura soprano Katia Iran Sanchez Gutierrez (a Lakeside favorite) teams up with classical guitarist Jose Guadalupe Lopez Luevano on Wednesday, October 23, 7 p.m. at the Centro Cultural Gonzalez Gallo (old train station) in Chapala.

They will perform Spanish songs by Manuel de Falla and some popular songs that were arranged by the great Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca. The admission fee is 50 pesos and will go to sustain the youth programs of the center. The acoustics and ambiance of the Cultural Center make it an ideal venue for the program. Tickets will be available at the door.

Russian State Ballet Mari El

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The famous Russian State Ballet Mari El will take the stage of the Auditorio de la Ribera on Thursday, October 24, 7:30 p.m., as part of its nationwide tour with “Don Quijote,” the lively classic set to music by Ludwig Minkus.  Tickets are 380 pesos each and may be purchased at Diane Pearl, Salvador’s Restaurant in Ajijic and Tony’s Restaurant in San Antonio. 

Piano recitals

In addition, two free piano recitals presented by the University of Guadalajara School of Music are scheduled  at the Centro Cultural Gonzalez Gallo on Thursday, October 24, 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, October 30, 6:30 p.m.

Naked Stage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next production of the Naked Stage play readers theater sees Mark Bennett and Tina Leonard appear in “Oleanna” by David Mamet, directed by Collette Clavadetscher. Show times are Friday, October 25; Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27, all at 4 p.m.  A donation of 80 pesos is required.  The bar opens at 3 p.m., the box office at 3:15 p.m.

The Naked Stage is located at Rio Bravo 10, Ajijic. Turn left on Rio Bravo and drive about two blocks toward the lake. The theater is behind Daniel’s Restaurant.

The e-mail address for reservations is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone Michelle at 765-6408.

More street dog tales

Luna and Winston will be on hand for the public debut of “Who Rescued Who 2: MORE Tales of Street Dogs and The People Who Love Them” on Wednesday, October 23, 11:30 a.m. at the Oasis Cloud Internet Café in Riberas del Pilar. 

Their huMoms, Barbara and Valerie, will read from the book, while Luna and Winston will sign purchased copies. There will also be a drawing for prizes. Four-legged friends are welcome, on a leash.  Seating is limited, so call Oasis Cloud at 765-3516 to make a reservation.

Two charities will benefit from sales of the book, which is full of stories of triumph and some tragedies.

Sol Mexicano

Acclaimed, award-winning jeweler Sascha Frowine will be showing her new line of wearable sculpture and Day of the Dead themed jewelry at Sol Mexicano on Friday, October 25, from 3 p.m. and Saturday, October 26, from noon (before the “Thriller” dance performance on the plaza).

Frowine’s hand-crafted artisan jewelry reflects her love of nature, taking her inspirations from the colors, shapes and patterns within it.

Refreshments will be available during this two-day event. Frowine’s jewelry will continue to be featured in the gallery.

Sol Mexicano is located at Colon 13, Ajijic. Opening times are 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., Monday through Saturday (except Wednesdays) and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Telephone: 766-0734.

Showstoppers 7

Showstoppers 7 is coming up on Sunday October 27, 4 p.m.  This bi-annual concert performed by singers from Los Cantantes del Lago is always fun and contains some surprises for their faithful audiences.  This show is usually a sell-out and this year promises to be as well. Los Cantantes Music Director Timothy G. Ruff Welch accompanies the choir and this year there are some charming new performers, including a nine-year-old local boy singing “Where is Love” from the hit musical “Oliver.”  Dave McIntosh is the new emcee and promises to bring his usual irreverence and comedic talents to the show.  

Tickets are available at Diane Pearl Colecciones, Mia’s Boutique, from any Cantantes member or by emailing Kathleen Carlson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Bus trips to the symphony

Although Viva la Musica did not have time to organize a bus to the opening Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra concert of the fall/winter season, three trips are booked in the coming weeks.

- Verdi Gala on Sunday, October 27, featuring the Jalisco State Choir, Anatoly Zatin conducting.

- La Traviata on Sunday, November 10, with the Jalisco State Choir, Vladimir Gomez conducting.

- Wagner Gala on Sunday, December 1, Guido Maria Guida conducting.

Contact Marshall at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve. Tickets are available at the Lake Chapala Society on Thursdays and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to noon.  (Note: tickets for the Verdi Gala cost 400 pesos – no discounts.)

ASA

The Ajijic Society of the Arts (ASA) show “Cycles of Nature” will be up at the Ajijic Cultural Center through October 24.  On Friday, November 1, the show opens at the Jocotepec Cultural Center, with a reception from 5-7 p.m.   This will be the first time ASA has shown in Jocotepec as a group.

Dancing for the Dead

The critically acclaimed Ballet Folklorico Son de Mexico troupe from San Juan Cosala will present a stunning dance program designed around the theme of the Day of the Dead during a series of Wednesday evening appearances at the Auditorio de la Ribera. Shows are scheduled for October 30 and November 6 and 13, all with a 6:30 p.m. curtain time. Tickets priced at 150 pesos per person may be purchased at the auditorium front desk or at the door.

Craft techniques

Adobe Studio in Riberas del Pilar has two art workshops starting up in November. Papermaking techniques using discarded paper scraps, banana leaves, flowers and leaves will be taught by fiber craftsman Brad Mowers in back-to-back sessions scheduled for November 6 and 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Clay working classes will run on Fridays, November 15 through December 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Instructor Steve Weckel will cover the basics of hand building in clay, alternative firing techniques and experimentation in natural coloring. For further information contact Jan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Israeli dancers

Israeli dance group Anajnu Veatem (translated as “You and Us” in Hebrew) return to Ajijic in November for two performances at the Auditorio de la Ribera in La Floresta to raise funds for the Lake Chapala Shrine Club.

This traditional Jewish dance group from Mexico City was formed by a group of university students in 1971. Over the years, Anajnu Veatem has participated in important international festivals, including the International Cervantino Festival and the Havana Ballet Festival.  The group played in Ajijic in 2003 and 2005.

Anajnu Veatem will give two performances on November 9, 7 p.m. and November 10, 1 p.m.

Tickets cost 200 pesos and can be obtained from Noble Denny Strole at 766-0485, Noble Perry King at 763-5126, or from any Shriner.   Funds generated from this event will benefit Lake Chapala Shrine Club activities.

Lip Sync

Michael McLaughlin will again direct a Lip Sync Show to benefit the Auditorium improvement project. Performance dates are  January 7 through 10, 2014 at the Auditorio de la Ribera.

Auditions will be held on November 8 and 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the auditorium.

McLaughlin has produced these shows for last two years, playing to sell-out audiences. It is a high energy, fun show with a variety of songs. The 2014 program will include songs from the 17th Century until 2010.
For more information contact McLaughlin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Wonder Woman show

As reported in last week’s edition, Sydney Gay has put together a special “Wonder Woman” program that will be featured at El Piano Rojo in Ajijic on October 20 and 27 and November 3. The proceeds will go to the Feria Maestros del Arte to help with expenses which they have been unable to find donations for this year.
Tickets cost 150 pesos, with a two-drink minimum. The early show begins at  5 p.m., with seating from 4:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Piano Rojo (Morelos 14, Ajijic). The goal is to fill the house (40 seats) for all three performances.

Art Gallery Studio 18
Art Gallery Studio 18 (Colon 18, Ajijic) is hosting a “Day of the Dead Ceremony” exhibition on Saturday, November 2, from 4-7 p.m.  

The gallery will show works by 16 artists, including the sculptures of José Velázquez. All are welcome and refreshments will be served.  Call (376) 766-3745 for more information.

Holiday concert

Viva la Musica presents “Songs and Arias Between Friends” with the Hermosillo Family Singers on Friday, December 6, 6 p.m. in the Auditorio de la Ribera.

The ensemble features Gaby Zepeda (piano and soprano), Antonio Hermosillo (baritone), Patricia Hernandez (mezzosoprano), Hector Lopez, (baritone) and children Mariana, Lucia and Jorge Hermosillo, who will sing and play the violin.

Viva is offering a special “Buy one, get one free” deal if tickets are purchased before November 15.  Tickets are available at the Lake Chapala Society on Thursdays and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the auditorium and at Diane Pearl Colecciones.