We are 20 days from the end of the rainy season, marking the anniversary of Hurricane Kenna that smacked Vallarta on October 25, 2002. We have had some serious wave action lately, haven't we? With the Malecon currently closed, I remembered something odd: Kenna destroyed much of the Malecon years ago, and when it was rebuilt (in exactly two months, reopening on Christmas Day), it was made about 12 centimeters lower than it was originally. Maybe to get it reopened faster? I'm not sure if that extra height would have come in handy this past week.
The first Gay+ Mixer of the 2026/27 season was held at the Margarita Grill on Basilio Badillo. Out and About Puerto Vallarta magazine staff were out in force, as were 180 representatives of our colorful gay+ community. Publisher Jerry Jones helped put name tags on everyone, and Jet de la Isla, founder of the Gay+ Mixers, was on hand, lending his sparkle. Saw loads of friends, including the Kesslers, the Ehrsams, and Herschel Weisfeld. I had to leave early and saw only photos of Brian Bott, Glenn Kacic, and Sacha Cantor. Lovely friends that I missed seeing and hugging.
But Nick Rogers had his concert starting at 6:30 at Black Mirror, so I had to fly over to Naranjo Street, knowing that Georgia Darehshori was saving me a front-row seat, between our mutual friend Brooks Brophy. It was delightful to see them both after months of absence. Nick was charming, and his voice wonderfully rich; he is such a gift.
I stopped in at Opal Bar, on my sister's behest, to donate to the Purr Project on my way to meet Gillian Parrillo and Pierre Cutler at La Catrina Cantina. The Purr Project sanctuary was devastated by recent rains and desperately needs community support, so please send them some money.
Gillian and Pierre saved me a seat at their table at La CC. We caught the tail end of Brenda Gaviño and Luis Villanueva's concert, then settled in with drinks and fab popcorn while we waited for Angeloo to begin at 8 pm. Besides his amazing vocals, Angeloo is becoming an ambassador for his generation, speaking truths and singing songs of hope, joy, peace, and friendship, eschewing narcorridos and embracing his hero Dimash's vision of love and forgiveness through song.
I am halfway through the ten Ozone Therapy treatments with Dr. Irving Ramirez to fix my neck issues. This coming week, we will add some Prp injections. I'll let you - and Dr. Irving! - know if they are less painful. I am quite willing to endure the momentary discomfort, and I am fairly certain the oncoming light in the proverbial tunnel isn't a train and that everything will improve soon. Stay tuned.
I spent a lovely 33 minutes at Stan Wagner's Neurofeedback clinic on Friday. I hope everybody in town will try this inexplicable therapy because, just like Ozone Therapy, the more you use it, the better you become. Like I said, inexplicable.
When I finished my session, I asked Stan where all the Day of the Dead-themed 'Pebbles for Pugs' doorstops were; they are all well displayed in his waiting room. He had sold all but two I made last week. So...more are being constructed as we speak alongside some uber-fancy ones. Think gold lame, sequins, brocades, lace, and so much more.
The First Saturday of the Month at Arte Vallarta for Vallarta Art Museo was extra special, with a retrospective of distinguished Vallartense painter Javier Niño going back to the 1980s. Javier, whom I have known for more than 30 years, is one of Vallarta's most versatile artists. When you think he's settled on a style, he will stop you in your tracks with a painting so different from yesterday's work that you'll be hunting for a signature to verify it is Javi's.
I met Sandra Bradley as planned, high on the hill on Pilitas, where we eventually settled in 'our' chairs in the Speakeasy, where guitarist Jacob Ordoñez and vocalist Isabel Zuleta entertained us as Xochiquetzal Duo. I hadn't seen them for a couple of years, so it was lovely to hug them both again.
In the Speakeasy, Deborah Cole and Edward Potocek huddled on a sofa, deep in conversation, while Gillian and Pierre enjoyed the music. Christian Yussel showed me and Mexican haute couture designer Armando Mafud his new office/bar, complete with a bottle of aged tequila and a view of the new Manuel Lepe collection.
Sandra and I made our way down the hill and bumped into singer Yoalli Guerrero, recently returned from her Canadian tour with Las Mambas. So happy to see her anytime! We headed to La Catrina Cantina to wish Chris Lopez a happy birthday, and snagged the last ringside seat in the house and listened to Chris sing, backed by an amazing Cuban band. The atmosphere was positively humming with great music, dancers, and good friends celebrating the finest producer in Vallarta. I have said it before and will repeat it weekly all Season long: "If a show says it's a Chris Lopez Production - go." No need to think about it. The man is brilliant. Period.
After weeks and weeks of conflicting schedules, Brian Bott and I finally sat down together over mango smoothies for a one-on-one conversation. He is likely the most empathetic man I have met. Ever. He actively looks for ways to help people and organizations in need. The words 'to serve' have shaped his life; it is such a pleasure to sit in his kind presence.
Don't forget to send me a photo from Sacha Cantor's Hyden Custom Furniture if you have taken advantage of picking up some free hardwood scraps. It is critical to keep these beautiful pieces out of the landfill. Let me know what you will use them for!
My herbalist, Ricardo Mazcal, on Isla Cuale is offering 20% off his Acne Cream this week. Find him at his year-round Saturday Market from 10 am to 2 pm and Monday to Friday from 4 to 6 pm.
Coming up Tuesday, 6 to 8 pm, the Gay+ Mixer is at Chachalaca Bar, and Angeloo is at Black Mirror at 6:30. Only a couple of seats remain for tomorrow's concert.
Wednesday is Cuale Spay & Neuter Clinic Bingo at Nacho Daddy at 4 pm, right after Scrabble at the Q.
Friday is Game on with Christian Manly and Wendy Warhol, who are presenting Pyramid Live at La Catrina Cantina and celebrating nearly a dozen Libra birthdays, including Pamala Sheppard and Edward Lucker, manager of La CC. I have read there'll be cake!
The heat is gradually dissipating, and snowbirds - like my sister Patrice - start arriving this month, so giddyap, Vallarta, let's dust off our welcome mats and show the world our love, From Here.
