A Lovely Concert and Awards Night
What a lovely concert yesterday at La Catrina Cantina with two old friends, Diego Guerrero and Tonny Kenneth, reviving their show from Incanto. Very close to a full-house enjoyed some original tunes from Tonny, some Spanish language ballads from Diego, and soaring harmonies in a couple of duets that gave me delicious shivers.
Then Tonny took the mike and out popped a famous aria, “O Mio Babbino Caro” from Puccini’s most obscure opera. Wow! What a shocking departure! And Tonny sang it beautifully.
Patrice and I left La CC shortly afterward to make our way to Coco Cabaret for the Second Annual “We are Puerto Vallarta” Awards ceremony. Hosted by Jamie Alexander and Jessy Ruiz, the event flowed like honey on the stage draped in festive balloons.
Jamie explained the origins of the awards from PVRP’s thousands of rental guests and told the SRO audience that over 100,000 individual votes were cast overall this year. Some category winners were decided by a single vote! Thus, a reminder that every single ballot is essential.
Entertainment was provided by Diva, a triple dancing/singing/tasseled and sequined delight, joined by the Voice of Drag, Ada Vox.
Many nominees were in the audience and were given their awards live, including Lisa Manoogian and Billy Pilawski, whose joint championing of the RISE Children’s Shelter won them the Volunteers of the Year award. Francie Nguyen was chosen as the favorite Business Owner with outstanding contributions to our community. Victor DiMercurio accepted the Best Venue award on behalf of the The Palm Cabaret and Bar, and Cassandra Shaw won again for favorite jewelry store. Another repeat winner for the second year in a row was pianist extraordinaire Mark Hartman. Amy Armstrong won for favorite live performance in a group, and Effie Passero and Diego Guerrero were winners in the Solo category.
Other victors included Thrive Med Spa, and Chef Charlie Huynh from his fabulous Vietnamese Restaurant, Let’s Pho. Miss Conception, in her 25th year in show biz, won for favorite touring drag queen. Galeria Dante took first for favorite Art Gallery, and Pastelería Pavlova for Best Bakery.
The award for the single most influential person in Puerto Vallarta went to Pamela Thompson, whose work helping people in need of medical assistance is legendary in the city. This shout-out is long overdue; congratulations, Pam!
Patrice and I are going to Nacho Daddy tonight at 8 pm to see Don and Rhonda in Pop Can; her for the first time, me for the second. Join us for oldies from Canadian songwriters and singers with a full band and a night full of musical nostalgia.