Vallarta Mirror

Good Morning, From Here, September 10, Tuesday
Empressa and the Crown Jewels Band's sold-out performance last night at Casa Karma covered much musical ground. There was soul music, a lot of jazz, a little three-part harmony choir practice, a conga line, audience participation, rock n' roll, and dancing. The food was delicious and plentiful. I had to leave before the cake and champagne were served, but CK's owner, Georgia Darehshori, promised to save me a piece.
Quite a few people slept over at Casa Karma following the concert, taking advantage of Georgia's low cost per night, further enhancing her Summer Series of Live Music. What a gorgeous morning those people are waking up to in that remarkable villa on the beach in Conchas Chinas.
I saw three people at the event I had not seen in a very long time - Kimberley Bennett, Chris Jacobs from Pasitos de Luz, and Julie Ann. It was wonderful to catch up somewhat between songs.
If you are a performer, please send your bio and a couple of fabulous photographs to be included in Artist Spotlight at VallartaCalendar.com
Next up at Casa Karma are the Golden Tenors in Noche Mexicana on Friday the 13th at 6:30 pm, Viva Mexico, From Here.
Marcia Blondin Editor VallartaMirror.com

Good Morning, From Here, September 09, Monday
In grand style, the City of Vallarta celebrated pata salada painter Javier Niño's 74th birthday. The Presidencia was full of friends, family, representatives from the mayor's office, and the cultural department.
Javier's wife, Nathalie Herling, Director of Arte Vallarta Museo, gave a short speech in Spanish, after which we all descended to eat awaiting cakes from Pie in the Sky and toast Javier's latest painting, "Jaguar Queen."
Many happy returns, Javier, and thank you for making Vallarta even more beautiful with your colorful, creative canvases.
The next day was the First Saturday of the Month Fiesta at Arte Museo. The weather was cranky and kept most people at home, but those who ventured out enjoyed wine and lovely company, comfortably sitting beside the bar for a couple of hours. I left early in Sylvie's bright orange VW bus to go to Nacho Daddy's 16th season opener starring Lady Zen.
Zen, who lives in San Miguel de Allende, is a powerful performer who creates incredibly diverse vignettes for us to marvel at whenever they come to town, only a couple of times a year. I would need a list a meter long to list their formidable accomplishments in just the last five years. Every show is markedly different, right down to set design! Zen's new album is up for a Grammy, and the film they wrote and starred in last year won dozens and dozens of prizes internationally at festivals. Zen is constantly creating, changing, writing, and altering how their words are presented. Wherever you are in the world, see Lady Zen at every given opportunity; you will come away changed by the love.
Another Gloria Fiona Production sold out in the living room at Casa Karma last night. Weeks of hype "Who is Alicia Keys?" were answered with the literal unveiling of pianist and singer Isabel Zuleta, who will star in a full-blown tribute to the American R&B singer-songwriter coming at the height of season in Vallarta.
I will be back at Casa Karma tonight for the sold-out performance of Empress and the Crown Jewels—full report on that in the morning.
This just in from Sunny Rossi. The Vallarta Garden Club Gala, "Blooming Together," will take place on January 23, 2025. It's always the best party of the year. More on that as details spring up From Here.
Marcia Blondin Editor VallartaMirror.com

Good Morning, From Here, September 06, Friday
Two hours of extraordinary romantic, sad, mellow songs in two languages, Derek Carkner and Diego Guerrero, gave me some Pink Floyd! From 1975, Wish You Were Here blended beautifully with the lyrics of Nina Simone, Sam Smith, Adele, and more. The setting could not be lovelier, with the sun going down, comfy sofas, excellent company, exquisite hors d'oeuvres, and Cesar from Act2PV keeping everyone's glasses full.
When the standing ovation faded, everyone converged into the center of the living room at Casa Karma with nobody wanting to leave and break the spell of togetherness that Diego and Derek had woven throughout their Summer Romance concert. The intimacy was swift and quiet, wrapping us up tight in the embrace of warm, loving music From Here.
Marcia Blondin Editor VallartaMirror.com

Good Morning, From Here, September 05, Thursday
Birthday parties are popping up all over the city - last night, we celebrated co-owner Bill Williams at La Catrina Cantina. Luis Villanueva sang beautifully as he always does, and Juan Alvarado, the birthday boy's husband, ordered some sizzling entertainment with a hot, new-to-me-at-La CC stripper.
My date last night - again! - Sandra Bradley celebrated her last night of being 81 with popcorn, dance, and dirty martinis, and today marks her 82nd year on Mother Earth. We are going to the beach for breakfast; I will have a full report in the morning.
Yesterday was also September's Scrabble Tournament at Qulture with me against Sharon Ge**er Scherer. Three hard-fought games later, I regained the Scrabble crown, but what an exhausting battle!
The City is throwing a birthday party with wine and cake tomorrow at 6 pm in the Presidencia for painter Javier Niño. Tonight, I will be at Casa Karma for another great collaboration with Derek Carkner on piano for Diego Guerrero. I have requested some Pink Floyd, but I don't like my chances! Come back tomorrow morning and find out what transpired From Here.
Marcia Blondin Editor VallartaMirror.com

Good Morning, From Here, September 04, Wednesday
Sharon Ge**er Scherer, Claire (her car) and I headed to the tianguis in Coapinole at the crack of 8:30, yesterday morning. The market was already swarmed with people. Sharon found a couple of things she loved; I found eight new projects. The day was seamless, parking was handy, the pineapples were gigantic and smelled divine. We hit Plaza Caracol, La Comer and Costco with no lines and no waiting; it was perfect. There was a parking spot at my front door that never happens, but it did. We unloaded the car, Sharon met Bogie, my beauty kitty, and we continued on with our respective days.
Then, in the evening, I met the mayor-elect of Puerto Vallarta.
Sol Reyes, the current Voice of Vallarta and former Miss Colombia (2019) and her husband Joseph, from Calgary, put together a meet and greet for local downtown business owners to meet with the new Mayor and to wish Luis Ernesto Munguía well.
The incoming Mayor's entourage arrived at Act2PV and were greeted by owners Alfonso Lopez, Oscar Cisneros and David Sabella, General Manager. A quick tour of the facilities ensued while we enjoyed hors d 'oeuvres from Yamada Sushi and cocktails in Mary Ann's Ovations Piano Bar. Luis spent a few minutes chatting with each of us before he carried on to his next engagement; we were all invited to his investiture on September 30.
My thanks to Sol and Joseph of XpressTv Mx (https://xpresstvmx.com/) for organizing this get-together and inviting me. Contact them if you need high-speed Internet via Starlink. Luis Mungia, Vallarta's new Mayor did, From Here.
Marcia Blondin Editor VallartaMirror.com

Good Morning, From Here, September 03, Tuesday
With nearly everything dark on Mondays, I had time to spend with my dear Sandra Bradley over smoothies at the Vallarta Factory. We can make hours disappear just like that! You can read Sandra in Vallarta Mirror every Monday. Always something ethereal, thought-provoking, and lovely.
Friends of mine, Klaus and Michele, moved to Spain a couple of years ago. Michele wrote me that a Canadian friend of theirs they knew in Vallarta had passed away suddenly in Victoria. Turns out my Sandra knew Darrel McLeod, the Cree Indian writer, jazz musician and advocate in BC. I had not had the pleasure of meeting him, but as Michele told me, he had many friends in Vallarta who may not have heard of his death. Check the link below for more information.
https://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/obituary-award-winning-author-darrel-j-mcleod-was-also-noted-jazz-musician-9460545
On my way home from the gym, I always stop at the same place and pick some grass for my big kitty Bogie to eat. He has his own patch growing on the patio, but he likes the extra special wildness of curbside grass a few times a week. This lovely butterfly posed for me beautifully.
Last February, the same kind of butterfly spent the night with me and survived; I gave her water in the morning, and she eventually flew away. I mentioned the curious thing in my column, and Pam Thompson posted that she thought it was likely Allyna Vineberg, who recently passed, paying a visit. I chose to believe the same and was happy to see Allyna again in this gorgeous reincarnation!
It's a big shopping day today; I will have a full report in the morning From Here.
Marcia Blondin Editor VallartaMirror.com

Good Morning, From Here, September 02, Monday
Happy Labor Day weekend everywhere but here on this continent; the unofficial end of summer. Kids are already back in school in Mexico, and fall is right around the corner. I spent Friday and Saturday doing "last things" of the summer at Act2PV, including sadly saying goodbye to David Maiocco, who returns to his life NOTB for the next eight weeks or so until he returns for season in November. The upside of that is David is performing with Michael L. Walters as Dame Edna, in NYC, so I sent a basketful of hugs from me to Michael, Doug, and Ralphie that I know David will deliver with my love.
Following my dual rants last week about the misuse of the term PV to describe Vallarta (just don't!) and using words like "low, slow, off" instead of summer, thereby perpetuating the lack of abundance in Vallarta when the foreigners leave, I received a Letter to the Editor. Written with tongue firmly in cheek, this Canadian woman agreed with me but then pointed out my rave was followed immediately by an article about Act2PV! I wrote back to her and suggested mango smoothies, to which she said yes! We spent the most delightful, out-of-the-box hour chatting about our ex-homeland and our love for this adopted city. Thanks for joining me, Lynda!
Friday Night in Mary Ann's Ovations Piano Bar starred Montse in her first solo show, with David Maiocco on piano. Montse has been working hard on her voice, song choices, delivery, color, stories, all the aspects that can hold an audience's attention for a full 60 minutes. I would have been quite happy for another hour. My heart was in my throat for most of the show, listening to her ace a few of the songs she studied specifically in David Sabella's Voice Workshop (also wrapped this weekend).
She is 28 and no stranger to the stage, but on this night, it was just her, her fear, and her pianist who responded instantly when she faltered. It was seamless to us, the audience; she was adorable, funny, reachable, and fearless in her deliveries about the loves in her life. Her mother was in the audience, so...
A heartfelt, tearful congratulatory hug after her standing ovation from Act2's General Manager (and teacher, mentor) David Sabella. The enormity of what she had just accomplished, hit her when he said, "Welcome, Montse, to the world of being a solo performer." And, with his hug, invited this young woman into that rarified space. Beautiful.
The next day, Montse had to sit on the very stage where she had launched her solo career and listen to her friends and fellow students at the Voice Master Class tell her what they thought of her performance and why. Sabella called on me, and I demurred to this column. But to quote dear Kimberly G, "Last night, a star fell from heaven and landed right here." I concur!
The Voice Workshop, which began July 06 and ran 9 weeks - a total of 27 hours of intense vocal practice was last Saturday and culminated in pizza from Los Mu***os Brewing Company! It was intriguing to watch the changes happening before my eyes to these performers, some of whom I will be reviewing onstage this coming season. David Sabella is a master teacher whose love of his craft is acknowledged best by imparting his vast knowledge and experience to his students. I was honored and grateful to have audited 8 out of 9 classes.
The last Bingo for at least the next six weeks at Act2 was made sweeter by finally winning one game - a gift certificate to Canto - Modern Cantonese Bistro, woo-hoo, and Sharon Ge**er Scherer's baked goodies.
I am looking forward to some downtime. Regroup somewhat and get ready for what will be an unprecedented entertainment bonanza of a season! Keep your eyes here and on VallartaCalendar.com every day to see what's coming up and where and be sure to let us know if you have an event in the works. And performers! Get your bio to Kevin for inclusion in the new, expanding, fabulous directory called Artist Spotlight. Like the VallartaCalendar, it will be the go-to place for all information about musicians, dancers, singers, actors, acrobats, magicians, and more. Convenient for when the talent scouts come to town...just sayin'! From Here.
Marcia Blondin Editor VallartaMirror.com

Good Morning, From Here, August 30, Friday
Vallarta celebrated live music with passion last night thanks to Georgia Darehshori's idea to combine venues and share entertainers in a love fest bedecked with balloons, chocolate tequila, and raffle prizes provided by Eddie from The American English Tree Language School. La Catrina Cantina was SRO by 6:30. So many performers turned up there wasn't time to hear them all! After a couple of hours of listening to favorites like Kevin Anthony, Diego Guerrero, Sargento, Luis Villanueva, et al., we took to the streets and followed our fave accordion player, Dabit Azofeifa, New Orleans' Style, the few blocks to Act2PV. The weather stayed cool and dry, our "to-go" cups filled with tequila, we hit the plaza in front of Act 2 and were greeted by General Manager David Sabella waving us up the stairs for even more entertainment in the Ovations Piano Bar. Open Mic quickly ensued with Stephanie Wright Watts, Enoch and Dash, Will Walker, Ale Matus, Freddy Othelo, and on and on. David Sabella reprised his role as Chicago's Mary Sunshine, showcasing his rare countertenor voice.
The night was a huge success by the sheer number of people who showed up. A shift of ideas creates miracles - take "low" season and make it simply what it is - summer! Rejoice that we are still here living in this amazing city that requires us to pay attention to one another every day of the year by singing and dancing with joy and love From Here.
Marcia Blondin Editor VallartaMirror.com

Good Morning, From Here, August 29, Thursday
Another excellent rain storm last night; although we were all ensconced in the Casa Karma Red Room, and were unaware of the monsoon conditions as we celebrated the last Greatest Show for the Summer Season and pianist extraordinaire David Maiocco's birthday. There was cake and heartfelt singing of Las Mañanitas that brought tears to David's eyes. He has woven his skills and deeply warm soul into the fabric of Act2PV performing community. He leaves Monday for a couple of months and will be missed.
Highlights of the Greatest Show included a duet with Dabit on accordion and Maiocco on piano. They presented the wildly lively Johannes Brahms Hungarian Dance # 5. Whoa! Standing ovation #1. The second followed quickly, with Ale Matus joining the duo on stage and lending her haunting voice in "All By Myself. Third standing ovation went to Stephanie Wright Watts who blew everyone away with her electrifying and complicated song, "Burn" from Hamilton.
Andy Sands, always outstanding, has his next October 01 at Casa Karma, Montse (who has her first solo show tomorrow at Ovations Piano Bar!), and Luis Villanueva sang a sorrowful duet with Act2PV alum Ximena Esparza, Gabriela Heart, who has been studying with David Sabella at his Voice Workshops, never sounded better than last night.
A tour de force by all the performers, and kudos to Cate Valcic for producing excellent shows week after week. The Greatest Show is truly well-named.
Progressive "Keep Live Music Alive" March is tonight, 6 pm at La Catrina Cantina. Be there or be nowhere From Here!
Marcia Blondin Editor VallartaMirror.com

Love Vallarta Calendar for keeping us in touch

Good Morning, From Here, August 28, Wednesday
Did everyone enjoy the electrifying show last night? Wowie. The first colossal bang hit the school's lightning rod just a few blocks from my house. The sound was deafening. Within the hour, I talked to Art and Angela Curley at Hacienda hda Gallery; they had been sitting in La Ca****la and saw the lightning strike mere feet away!
Georgia Darehshori was going to walk over to meet me to go to Steven Retchless's fundraiser high up in Centro. We wisely opted for an Uber and joined a bunch of other soggy folks at the eclectic gallery.
There were cocktails, a lovely cheese board, raffles, and a short, loving speech by Steven, who welcomed everyone. The show consisted of photographs taken by and of him and original paintings and prints of those. The Curleys auctioned off a lasagna dinner at their condo, and Life Coach and dear friend of Steven, Miana Melendez, donated a reading.
The weather kept a lot of people at home but we were happily elbow to elbow with Matt Karimi, David Smith, Héctor Belloc, and the always glorious Jet De La Isla. Many more braved the elements to help their friend Steven achieve his monetary goals for his upcoming show.
Georgia and I enjoyed a quiet, careful walk down the steep, rain-slick hill, engaged in conversation and made plans to meet up at Act2PV for the last Greatest Show of the summer season, tonight at 7 pm. See you there From Here.
Marcia Blondin Editor VallartaMirror.com

https://vallartacalendar.com/a-night-of-joy-unity-and-unforgettable-music/

A Night of Joy, Unity, and Unforgettable Music - Everything Happening in Puerto Vallarta This Thursday, August 29, the vibrant streets of Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica will come alive with the sounds of music, laughter, and celebration. The event, aptly named “Keeping Live Music Alive,” promises to be a night to remember, uniting locals and visitors alike in a shared love for ...

Good Morning, From Here, August 27, Tuesday
Yesterday morning, while finishing my column, I glanced at my laptop and saw the last sentence starting in the middle of the page. I tried to backspace, the text went forward eating everything in its path. Similar things have happened before but I could not fix it so cut the last part, finished editing the rest, published it, then wrote a note of apology to Luis Villanueva saying his review would appear today. Weird these computer gremlins.
Last Sunday night at Casa Karma was a relaxing, laid-back, cocktail-in-hand, sitting on plush, comfortable sofas with a live trio accompanying the sunset. Award-winning singer, Luis Villanueva, celebrating eight years of living in Vallarta, opened with the Turtles hit, Happy Together, that set the tone for the balance of the intimate evening. Kimberli Powers and her husband Roger enjoyed drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Sitting next to me, marveling at his first time at this villa, was Studs Bear Bar owner Mike Owens.
What a difference live music makes! This was the second time I heard Luis sing without tracks in eight years. Excellent pianist Fernando Uribe (https://feruribeh.wordpress.com/) and saxophonist Mario Flores filled the Casa Karma living room with liquid melodies as luscious as Luis's voice. The song choices were great, all over the place as far as genres go, with Luis's signature song, Me and Mrs Jones, unparalleled with live orchestration. Bravos to all.
A memorable brekkie/lunch at Langostinos yesterday with dear friend and colleague Jerry Jones, owner and editor of Out & About PV magazine. We have been trying to get a meet-up for a year! That's how crazy busy our schedules are, so we took advantage and spent nearly three hours eating our splendid omelets and chatting. We came up with lots of ideas for collaborations. We shall see what materializes over the course of season. I love him dearly.
A preplanned major shopping day today has dissolved for more important things. A full report in the morning, barring computer glitches From Here.
Marcia Blondin Editor VallartaMirror.com

Good Morning, From Here, August 26, Monday
A gorgeous Monday out there; it feels like November, cool, dry and clear. Of course, it's only 7 in the morning, but soon it will actually BE November and the description will be perfect!
We had a stylin' classy weekend with Chopin, Lieder, and opera and shared a moment of history that included praise bestowed by none other than Luciano Pavarotti. Classical Connections starred David Maiocco on piano and David Sabella, countertenor, singing in three languages. The two of them, sharing the spotlight, reduced every one of us to tears with the sheer enormous beauty of 19th and early 20th-century music. The Davids will have at least one new Classical Connections concert a month in season. Stay tuned for details.
I had a lovely mango smoothie with my writer friend Bill Makley, discussing metaphors and AI-generated text, howling with laughter at some examples we had encountered while editing. I dearly love my uber-smart friends. That conversation put me in an expansive mood for the next three hours at the last Voice Workshop for the summer season at Act2PV.
I have come to love each one of these singers who have challenged themselves to learn difficult songs, mostly in a second language, and have come away after each class, led by David Sabella, with more knowledge and practical tips on how to improve further. The difference in six or seven weeks is remarkable. Come and see them this week after the Greatest Show on Wednesday in Ovations Piano Bar. They will all have their turn at the mic.
Bingo was another washout. Good grief, it has been weeks since I have won a game!` Sharon Ge**er Scherer's banana bread took a lot of pain away, however!
Enjoy this extraordinary day, From Here!
Marcia Blondin Editor VallartaMirror.com

Good Morning, From Here, August 23, Friday
A full house at Casa Karma last night for sunset and Mexico City magician Mauricio Andrade brought to us by MAGIA, a division of Gloria Fiona. What an outstanding debut! Mauricio was so engaging and hilarious as he carefully explained where the missing, disappearing, invisible coin went and the trick behind the hanky-in-an-egg, which was great until he cracked the egg into a glass. Hmmm. The card tricks were magic. No other explanation: You had to be there to witness a trick that started at the very beginning of the show when he left a pack of cars that I chose in my care for the entire evening, and then WHAM! Magic! I watched everybody's brain scrambling to understand. Nope, impossible. The most compelling trick was with my no-nonsense friend for years, Sterling O'Ran. It involved a glass of water he was supposed to dump over his own head after some minutes of "imagination training." Except the glass was empty! No tables here, no capes with hidden pockets just Merlin, er, Mauricio, standing alone mesmerizing the bejabbers out of the audience.
An unusual night for us in Vallarta but so intriguing, and if the magic ever wears off, Mauricio is a shoo-in for stand-up comedy in two languages. Many thanks to Gloria Fiona, Irene Jimenez, Casa Karma and staff, and Mago Mauricio for putting us back in touch with those priceless childhood memories of knowing anything and everything is, indeed, possible if you believe in magic From Here.
Marcia Blondin Editor VallartaMirror.com

Good Morning, From Here, August 22, Thursday
Another fabulous Greatest Show last night at Act2PV; next week will be the ultimate until 2025. I suggest early reservations; it is bound to sell out. It is amazing to me that week after week, in the summer, Cate Elizabeth Valcic has produced such high-quality, two-plus hours shows in less than a week's time. The Greatest Show has been a triumphant blend of new and seasoned talent, a sounding board to learn what the public wants, and then giving it to them with both barrels.
I can count on one hand how many tracks were used in The Greatest Show all summer; virtually all the accompaniment has been live, and nearly all of that performed by veteran virtuoso pianist David Maiocco. Do yourself a favor: run to the box office for tickets when Maiocco dusts off his sequins in season for his Liberace tribute show.
Meanwhile, Davids Sabella and Maiocco will present Classical Connections tomorrow night, which will showcase their years and years of study of "serious" music. Sabella gave us a taste of his countertenor's voice that won Best in the World in 1993, if memory serves, and will share what the late, great Luciano Pavarotti had to say about him. I will see you there, From Here.
Marcia Blondin Editor VallartaMirror.com

Good Morning, From Here, August 21, Wednesday
I spent an hour or so plundering the piles at the tianguis in Coapinole yesterday and came home with eight projects, one, beautifully beaded and three badly stained but so large that I could work around them. Happily, all the stains came out, so I have even more options. I got there around 10; it was a madhouse.
My sister Patrice saw an ad on Facebook that Veggitalia Pizza & Osteria Vegetariana was having a sale on pizza and pasta. Their food is fabulous, and I am long overdue!
It's humpday and Scrabble time over at Qulture this afternoon and the penultimate Greatest Show at Act2PV at 7 pm. Find me for hugs at both locations!
Tomorrow, Thursday, August 22, at 6:30 pm, master illusionist Mauricio Andrade (https://vallartacalendar.com/mauricio-andrades-magical-night-at-casa-karma/) will take the stage at Casa Karma, a stunning venue on the southern end of Conchas Chinas Beach. For just 800 pesos, guests will be treated to a night of mesmerizing magic, complete with delicious appetizers in one of the most beautiful villas on the Mexican coast.
This exclusive event offers a rare opportunity to experience magic up close and personal in an intimate setting. The evening promises not only to entertain but to leave a lasting impression. A few tickets are still available via WhatsApp at +52 322 215 3656 or +52 322 350 6040. I will see you at Casa Karma for sunset, cocktails, and Mauricio magic From Here.
Marcia Blondin Editor VallartaMirror.com

Good Morning, From Here, August 20, Tuesday
The Dirties threw a pop-up rock concert last night at Bonito Kitchen. Wowza! Bonito Kitchen, the covered part, is tiny and was full of very happy people who ate, drank and didn't bother with conversation because who goes to a rock concert to talk? It was perfectly loud, with lead singer Diego Guerrero in fine form; he nailed a particularly difficult Deep Purple tune, Child in Time.
Mike and Tricia Lyman and Nikki were there enjoying the hard, sometimes heavy metal rock. Francie and Alison Lo were working, of course, but Alison took a few minutes off to sing one song. Dear Sandra Bradley and I shared a peach, walnut, goat cheese pizza that was divine.
Two-plus hours later, the set was done. Diego kindly dedicated the last song to me - Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven. The musicians were incredible and did not stop all night.
Diego told us of his upcoming show at Casa Karma in early September and he will be participating in the August 29th bash at La Catrina Cantina and Mary Ann's Ovations Piano Bar at Act2PV. More on both those shows this week.
It's Tuesday morning, early, and it isn't raining, so I am off to the tianguis in Coapinole. See what I can scare up.
Remember, the Alberto Ponce/David Maiocco concert at Casa Karma has been canceled for tonight.
Have a terrific day in our gorgeous city. Keep an eye on where your feet are going, and say hello to everyone you pass and smile. From Here.
Marcia Blondin Editor VallartaMirror.com

Good Morning, From Here, August 19, Monday
How was the weekend? It went by so damn fast I'm not sure there was one!
I spent some time over mango smoothies with David J. Duvall on Friday. He is an incredibly good writer, and I am cajoling him to let me publish some of his spoken word videos. Stay tuned!
Freddy Otello Pacheco, backed by Bing Young on piano and Aarón Hernández on percussion, played to a small crowd in Casa Karma's Living Room. I love watching Aarón's face when he's playing; his eyes sparkle, and he smiles while listening to the words. He is also a guitarist and backup singer. We enjoyed the wonderful hors d'oeuvres prepared by Casa Karma's chef - there is always at least one new variety with each show in Georgia Darehshori's Summer Series of fabulous entertainment. Tomorrow David Maiocco accompanies Alberto Ponce on the piano. Yes, the elevator is working again at Casa Karma!
David Sabella's Voice Workshop on Saturday continues to hold my attention like Crazy Glue. Guitarist and singer Jacob Ordoñez, has a deep and powerful bass voice. Sabella showed him a couple of tricks and the color of his voice changed dramatically enough to soothe a colicky newborn. Small yet hugely impactful things like that happen every single week. I will be sorry to see this Workshop disappear in season. Perhaps it will reincarnate - I will keep you posted.
Bingo Saturday was great only because of Sharon's air-fried blueberry cookies. My losing spiral continues, and you can see the photo, which is one away from the jackpot. Argh! Never mind, the cookies were outstanding!!!
Unfortunately, Andy Sands' concert was postponed until October so I had a few extra hours on Sunday to complete a project of sewing two dresses together. When that was done, I made a collar out of some extra fabric I had left over. I can't remember the last time I made one, but it came out well.
Supermoon tonight; I hope after Diego Guerrero, From Here.
Marcia Blondin Editor VallartaMirror.com