Gay Puerto Vallarta Things to Do
The last Gay Mixer of the 24/25 Season went out with popping champagne corks – Chandon this time, not Clicquot – at the new Tryst Hotel. The 8th-floor bar was shoulder-to-shoulder, with 360, mostly men, eating superbly prepared canapes and appetizers passed around by the most patient wait staff ever, who also refilled glasses in a nanosecond. The chorus of voices celebrating Gay Pride rose to the heavens on a perfectly clear day in May.
Jerry Jones of Out & About Puerto Vallarta magazine and Jet de La Isla of the new Everything… Gay Facebook page collaborated on over two dozen of these Mixers this season. I maybe missed two, and I have to say, they were a highlight on my calendar every couple of weeks starting last October. I saw the insides of venues I possibly wouldn’t travel to, those not within walking distance, but I was delighted every time to see new places, meet the owners, and sample their food and signature cocktails. So, Bravos to Jerry and Jet. A lot of work on your part and from the thousands of us who enjoyed all the Gay Mixers you put together, mil gracias.
I chatted with Matt Karimi and his husband David Smith, Jamie Alexander and his husband Josh, half the wait staff from La Catrina Cantina, Zach shooting reels for Jerry, Gerwin Rutten, advertising sales rep for Jerry’s publication, and Woody Fox, the amazing Aussie performer from Boys on Fire. And lots more.
I had to leave the joyous and spirited atmosphere early and make my way to Nacho Daddy for an unprecedented concert by Amy Armstrong and Sargento Dan. It was the first time the two powerhouse singers teamed up and my guess is, it won’t be the last.
For one, both are funny just standing still. Their chemistry was interesting: a big blond straight English-speaking American woman and an extremely gay Mexican bilingual man, did I say gay? Both have expansive vocal capabilities, and the floor was theirs last night. The stage could have been bigger to contain the squared energy, and then by dropping master guitarist Mimi into the mix, rock ‘n’ roll heaven ensued.
The show was called Happy, and it was. Not a single teary ballad marred the evening, and after two standing ovations, the crowd dispersed slowly and reluctantly but with happy feet that danced all the way home. What a delight.
I would love to see a ratio of ten upbeat songs to every single slow ballad that decreases the energy level of an audience to a mere whimper. We know you can sing; make me smile. Better yet, make me laugh out loud at your songs, and my heart will be yours forever!
Today is Scrabble at 12:30, Bingo at 4 pm, followed by a Gay-inspired (surprise!) fashion show at Arte Vallarta Museo, then that will be followed by a queer loteria game called by Lydia Damato, who will also be calling the balls at Colina Spay and Neuter Clinic Bingo at Nacho Daddy this aft. So, a busy day; get at it, and we’ll see you there.