One Joyful Night at Nacho Daddy
Christmas is tomorrow if you are Mexican, and the day after tomorrow if you are Canadian or American. I will celebrate both because I can! Mistletoe was in full swing as ”A Very Gouda Christmas” got underway last night at Nacho Daddy, starring Gouda Gabor. Of course. I wonder how tall Gouda is, counting her hair? Must be seven feet or close to it! Gouda is gently funny; her humor never ridiculing or nasty toward anyone.
Sargento Dan and Brenda Gaviño (who was absolutely stunning in a Mexican-red evening gown that shimmered like Shantung silk) sang in both languages with Mark Hartman at the piano, doing what virtuosos do, PLUS sang a funny ditty or two and provided harmonies throughout the night as needed. He shared a glass of champagne, well, prosecco with Gouda.
Amy Armstrong gets lost in her narrative, which is one other reason she is so engaging onstage. She will take a simple ‘for instance’ and run with it (she is so funny), as she winds her way deeper and deeper into a conversation with herself, with small pauses to let the laughter roar in from the crowd. She is truly a great storyteller. Her voice, powerful and rock steady, is as colorful as her clothing and speech patterns. Don’t miss both of her weekly shows at Nacho Daddy.
Mark Hartman is working everywhere, including upcoming on the 29th at Teatro Vallarta for CelloVoci. I am sure he hasn’t even unpacked yet, but just hit the ground running from the airport. He has been away from Vallarta all summer, working as Musical Director in various parts of the US.
Sargento Dan sang a signature song from his one-man hit show based on Mexico’s longest-running (only?) jukebox musical, ‘Mentiras’ (‘Lies’ in English). That performance, which has been improved upon (I can’t imagine how Sargento could make it better, but he insists it is!), opens next month. And, you can catch Sargento twice a week at different times at Garbo’s Bar for his crazy-popular and busy Broadway sing-alongs.
Brenda Gaviño sang Oh, Holy Night and promoted her two very different shows at Nacho Daddy: a Linda Ronstadt Tribute and a nod to the women who sing the blues. As always, check VallartaCalendar.com for show details and times.
Gouda hosts Open Mic every Tuesday at 7:30 all season long at Nacho Daddy, and it is really one of the best shows in town, attracting all the major hitters from other venues to come and promote their shows. And, there’s no cover. And the food is yummy.
Last day to shop for presents. My darling Bogie and I have mutually decided not to exchange gifts this year, but we will sit together with full tummies and share a couple of purrs, a few naps out of the blue just because we can, and be grateful for one another, and raise a paw or two to 2026, which I already know is going to be a fantastic year, From Here.
