It's November, and my birthday is a week away. Plans include seeing Steven Retchless's new Vampire show at Coco Cabaret. I want to thank Steven for planning his opening night to coincide with my 75th birthday. (Effie Passero's bday too!)
La Cruda on Basilio Badillo was swarmed by locals and tourists enjoying the Gay+ Mixer last Tuesday. My dear friend, Alejandro Arraez Coronado, was offering five-minute massages to introduce our community to his skills as a masseur. I can attest to his intuitiveness and gentle touch with my wretched neck issues; find him on Facebook. The next Gay+ Mixer will be at Coco Cabaret; be ready for great entertainment vignettes and lots of beautiful people! And Rob Burton and Jan Dorland are finally back in town from Canada. Dinner plans are brewing!
The Palm Cabaret reopened last week with two blockbusters back-to-back. First up, Rewind, with the Monaco Band starring Gina Ibarra and Daniel Celis. This singalong starts in the 60s and ends in the 2000s with over 70 songs seamlessly put together for non-stop chair dancing. Enjoy this super high-energy show every Wednesday at 5 pm.
Rewind was followed by Sargento Dan's Palm debut, in his new show adapted from his years of success at Garbo's Bar. Sargento: The Biggest Broadway Sing Along on Earth opened to a full house packed with friends and fervent fans. What unfolded was brilliant comedy interspersed with classic Broadway tunes, with lyrics displayed on the Led screens.
So, two shows encouraging singing along!
(A more in-depth look at The Palm Cabaret's opening salvo is coming this week from New York City's NiteLifeExchange.)
My ninth session with Doctor Irving was promising. My tolerance is improving, so my body can utilize more ozone now than it could when we began... 'that which does not kill us', right? Irving sent me to see physiotherapist Karla Gonzalez, who gave me a slew of exercises to reshape my neck. Patrice will do them with me, so that'll help us both help each other. Not for the faint of heart, this growing old business.
Photographer Deborah Cole picked us up last Thursday for a run to gallery IF6WAS9 in Pitillal. We ran into painter Rudy Blanco, who was helping out owner/founder Mark Uhalley. We grabbed a quick raicilla taste, then headed back to town for Coco Cabaret's season three opening night.
Chris Lopez produced Halloween and cast every headliner from Coco and The Palm, plus his and Sebastian Coronel's students from their artistic summer school. By the finale, three dozen people appeared on stage, dancing, smiling, and having the time of their lives. Outstanding solos included the very sexy vampire Nacho Granados, who stepped away from his usual smooth crooning to nail a screaming version of Guns N' Roses' 'Welcome to the Jungle.' Then Roy Cruz, known internationally for his brilliant portrayal of Freddie Mercury, bounced onto the stage and delivered a harsh version of Rage Against the Machine's 'Killing in the Name.' A couple of days later, Roy told me how much he missed performing that visceral, in-your-face music. Maybe Chris Lopez will corral these two super voices and produce a kick-ass rock concert!
Patrice and I did another Neurofeedback session with Stan Wagner in his downtown office. These super relaxing 33-minute sessions are inexpensive and can do nothing but make you feel better about everything. Check out the Pebbles for Pugs doorstops in Stan's waiting room. Save your floors and an adorable dog's life at the same time, and get a tax receipt to boot.
Roy Cruz's Tribute to Freddie Mercury renewed itself at The Palm Cabaret. An oversold house loved every song and every interaction with the audience. Enjoy the timelessness of Queen songs every Friday at 7 pm.
Halloween was decidedly different this year. We went with Deborah Cole and her friend Nancy to the main square in Mojoneras with a trunk full of candy and toys for the kids. This was Deborah's third year of working with local government to spread some sweetness to one of Vallarta's most underserved outlying communities. The square comes alive every Sunday morning during Vallarta's largest and longest-running tianguis. It was a busy Halloween night, with ghosts and goblins waiting to choose their candy and toys, thoughtfully provided by Deborah. All the kids and their parents were grateful and gracious, and we had a blast watching the faces light up at three tables loaded with goodies!
A Tribute to Pink Floyd at Coco Cabaret debuted last night, and according to lead singer Chris Watters, it was six months in the making. The instruments were played flawlessly; no mean feat. You can catch this not-your-average-tribute performance again November 29 and once a month until March.
Take a quick photo with Sacha Cantor at his furniture factory when you stop in to pick up his hardwood scraps. Hyden creates beautiful, unusual furnishings and gives away the leftovers to keep them out of the landfill. Great if you have a firepit or a pizza oven.
My herbalist, Ricardo Mazcal, has his entire vision protocol on sale for 20% off this week. Find him on Isla Cuale during the week from 4 to 6 pm and on Saturdays at his year-round market from 10 am to 2 pm.
Coming up this week:
Tonight, Monday, from 6 to 9:30 pm, a block party on Pulpito with live music, bars, food stalls, and tons of fun. Find us if you can for hugs!
On Wednesday, at 12:30, our monthly Scrabble Tournament is at Qulture; regular play is optional! At 4 pm, Colina Spay and Neuter Clinic Bingo is at Nacho Daddy. We will be at Coco Cabaret at 9 pm for Musical Dreams 2, Opening Night.
Thursday at 5 pm, The Rat Pack overtakes The Palm Cabaret's stage for their second show of the season, and Cecille debuts her new show at 9 pm. I do love these double features!
Saturday is crazy with the First Saturday at Arte Vallarta from 6 to 8 pm. We will pop into a private birthday party briefly, then head to Coco for the Opening Night of Boys on Fire at 7 pm.
Sunday, Mau Jimenez (Eva's older brother) debuts his new Bruce Springsteen Tribute at 5 pm. We will have dinner somewhere before Madonna's new Tribute show at Coco Cabaret at 9 pm.
The city is humming once again; I am so grateful for our splendid performers. Each one is a delight, From Here.
