Tianguis and Tributes
My agenda today looks like a shopping list to stock the QE2: the tianguis in Coapinole first thing, followed by a stop at the great charity-driven Hotel Bazaar in Lomas de Coapinole. Then Costco, La Comer, come home, see our friends off, nap, I have a meeting at Sandra’s house at 5, followed by the Gay Mixer at Daiquiri Dicks, Open Mic at Nacho Daddy, and ending the evening at Coco Cabaret for the brilliant Sam Smith Tribute starring Chris Lopez. My favorite part of all of the above is the smallest word and most important element – n a p. If you can do that, you can do anything!!!
Four of us met up for a late breakfast at Langostinos on the beach. Omelets all around, Patrice’s and mine, vegetarian, made with chile poblanos rather than an assortment of bell peppers (ugh). And remember, a percentage of all sales goes to Colina Spay and Neuter Clinic, a charity dedicated to sterilizing 20 cats and dogs every Saturday, co-founded by Lagostino’s owner, Colette Zarry. You can help with that noble mission by also joining us at Nacho Daddy tomorrow for Bingo. We have a lot of fun, the prizes are excellent, and the cause couldn’t be more critical. Ball caller Lydia Damato holds court over the proceedings, which begin promptly at 4 pm. See you there right after Scrabble at Qulture.
Amy Armstrong‘s concert at Nacho Daddy last weekend turned into an intimate salon with guitarist Mimi accompanying her voice precisely with his quiet, reassuring elegance.
Amy had us in stitches as she related a story about Bear Week last year here in Vallarta. Something she saw on the street next door at Studs Bar. I won’t repeat it because if she ever tells it again, I would hate to be the one who ruined the punchline. You cannot make this stuff up. It was one laughing jag after another, set off by her wonderfully odd sense of humor. But it is Amy’s voice we came to hear – powerful, yes, but she has an undercurrent of vulnerability that gives her voice a touch of honey-color. I am looking forward to future shows with Mark Hartman on piano and Amy singing with Sargento Dan, who can be heard twice a week at Garbo’s Bar.
Another event to look forward to and buy tickets before it is sold out! On December 13, is Frida X at Casa Yvonneka overlooking the city, high on the mountainside on Calle Hortensia. This annual fundraiser supports Puppy Paradise, a dog shelter started years ago by Hungarian-born Yvonne Kalman. Her last wish before she passed away earlier this month in Los Angeles, was for this gala party to go forward without her. What an excellent way to support this woman’s vision. The evening will be full of an abundance of food and drink, entertainment, laughter, camaraderie, and dancing under the stars. Yvonne adored throwing this party, certainly one of the best of the year, and opening up her home to friends and supporters. Learn more at VallartaCalendar.com
See you back here in the morning.