Farewell to Rainy Season, Hello to Stardom in Vallarta

Here we are, the last day of the rainy season in Vallarta. Tomorrow marks the 23rd anniversary of Hurricane Kenna, and the latest occurring ‘big event’ weather-wise in the 34 years I have lived here. Kenna gave us only her tail end as she flew by up to San Blas, where she made landfall and did so much damage there that her name was retired from the list of named tropical disturbances. We were disturbed alright, but made it through that mess that took two months to the day (Merry Christmas) just to fix the Malecon working 24/7 under huge lights.

We can now plan to get dressed in the morning without having to dry off first! To be able to hug our friends on the street without starting with the obligatory apology about how sweaty we are. To enjoy a stiff breeze without worrying it will escalate into some terrifying banshee wind that’ll rip your roof off. To settle into our fabulous winter weather that millions will come soon and enjoy, leave us some money, become friends, then return to their homes in the dead of winter and dream about us gliding through our always warm paradise without a worry in the world. Nice fantasy.

Speaking of fantasy…the Beyoncé Tribute had its second show of the 2025/26 season last night at The Palm Cabaret and Bar. I cannot say enough about the talented and beautiful Cecille. She is stunning to look at and wonderful to watch move—and can she ever! She has mastered the art of insouciance, making everything she does look as easy as a seal slipping into water. It is such a pleasure to see her.

Her costumes, and those of her team of dancers, this year are gorgeous, of course, with lots of sparkly sequins and my friend, Mylar.

I was struck again last night by the new gold spotlights on the stage at The Palm. They create otherworldly, rich, warm, and almost tactile color—so lovely! Bravo to whoever found them and had them installed; they make an enormous difference.

Producer of the Beyoncé Tribute, Chris Lopez, told me he is putting a show together for the Grand (Re)Opening Night at the Palm’s sister Cabaret, Coco. That’ll be Halloween night, and the roster of entertainers keeps growing. That’s a week from today; I will let you know what time soon. In the meantime, be sure to catch Cecille as Beyoncé next Thursday at 9 pm.

Tomorrow at the hot, new Social Club on Basilio Badillo is Opening Night of Shannon Maracle’s Nina Simone Experience, with musical director the incomparable David Maiocco. Created and directed by JT Horenstein, this show will likely add another notch of excellence to the trendy underground vibe of Vallarta’s first Speakeasy. I will let you know on Monday how it went.