¡viva, Puerto Vallarta! ¡viva, Mexico!

Stan Wagner from Puerto Vallarta Neurofeedback has ordered a bunch of Día de los Muertos-themed ''Pebbles for Pugs" for the rescue campaign he is launching this week. Stay tuned for photos. These new 'Puertas Abiertas' that I made will be available for sale (200 pesos) midweek at Stan's Lazaro Cardenas location. Again, if you'd like a fabric non-skid doorstop to match your decor, let me know the details via Facebook.

Angeloo took part in a celebration of Mexican Roots on Isla Cuale last Monday. He sang songs in Spanish, Russian, and Otomi while we watched tiny dolls and gorgeous flowers being made by hand, taught by some very talented, patient teachers. The next night, we - me, Gillian Parrillo, and Pierre Cutler - joined Angeloo and his dad, Oscar Corral, and 'Uncle' Marco as VIP guests at the ceremonial El Grito, at the downtown main square. It moves me to tears every year. It was thrilling to watch Angeloo sing two songs on the enormous stage. Tens of thousands of people cheered when he was done. He was terrific as he always is! He is returning to Zapopan this week to present the first-prize winner with their trophy at the contest he won a year ago. Look for an article about Angeloo coming out soon in Out & About Puerto Vallarta Magazine.

Ale Matus and Dabit Azofeifa, collectively known around Vallarta as Tromba Vetusta, took over the Mystic Circle Cafe last week for their part in the Summer Music Series. And they brought friends - Angel on violin, their gorgeous tango instructor, and an extraordinary-looking mime juggling things on sabers and sharp knives. (He was practically over my head!!) It was an extra-lively performance full of dance, accordion, exquisite violin, and fun juggling by Dabit with boxes (I was unafraid!).

Ale grows more beautiful with time, and her expressiveness is spellbinding. She moves from passion to sorrow with a flick of a finger and reminds me of a torch singer from the 40s. It was one of the finest shows I have seen, and a reminder that Tromba Vetusta is bringing Fado back to Nacho Daddy. I will let you know closer to the date.

There's a new business in town called Valize Cloakroom in Plaza Romy. It is a place where you can store luggage and other personal items for those inconvenient times when you have hours to kill before you head to the airport. Or, if you don't feel like going all the way home and you are carrying stuff that you don't want to take with you to the theater, say. Check them out at Valize.mx and look for my article in Out & About Magazine, published a couple of days ago. Welcome, Dallas, and Alfonso!

Important things coming up this week:

On Tuesday, Di Vino Dante Restaurant reopens from 3 to 11 pm.

Gabriela Heart stars in the Summer Music Series at Black Mirror (formerly Mystic Circle Cafe). Doors open at 6; show at 6:30 sharp.

On Wednesday, Scrabble starts at 12:30 at Qulture, and bingo for Colina Spay & Neuter Clinic kicks off the 2026/27 season at 4 pm at Nacho Daddy.

On Friday, Game On with Christian Manly and Wendy Warhol brings Name That Tune to La Catrina Cantina at 5:15 pm.

Always double-check with ShowMePV before you head out the door to confirm times and information.

As always, Hyden Custom Furniture owners Sacha Cantor and Aaron Salas invite artists and anyone else who can use scrap pieces of exquisite hardwoods to stop by their shop/showroom during regular business hours and pick up what they can use at no charge.

My great herbalist on the Isla, Ricardo Mazcal, has Gout Relief capsules and tinctures at 20% off this week. He is on the Island from 4 to 6 pm every day and Saturdays at his year-round Market from 10 am to 2 pm.

Twenty-four more sleeps until my sister Patrice arrives from Canada; we have such grand plans! From Here.