An Unexpectedly Fantastic Concert at Nacho Daddy

Happy First Anniversary to my beautifully exotic Humphrey Bogart, aka Bogie. A year ago today, I picked him up at Nathalie Herling’s Arte Vallarta, the handoff executed by Alan Ross, her second-in-command. Bogie and I are still learning – and unlearning, behaviors as we go along. I mentioned something last night to him about the possibility of some kitty crack for him to celebrate our big day that only comes once in a lifetime. He slept with me almost the entire night to ensure I did not forget. (I am so easily bribed.) Thank you, Nathalie and Alan, for the great gift of him. I am eternally grateful.

I am grateful, too, for an unexpectedly fantastic concert last night at Nacho Daddy. A good crowd attended, given the short notice. I went with curiosity foremost in my head, and by the time 90 minutes had flown by, I had a dozen ideas for this unlikely pair.

Gloria Fiona sang, but almost nothing you would expect her to sing. Kim Archer accompanied on guitars – six and 12-string (how I would love to hear more of the latter) and sang a little solo but mostly incredibly fine harmonies.

Gloria and Kim put this show together in two weeks; during that time, Gloria had her wedding. I am so excited to hear what the future has in store for these two. I hope they spend the summer working on a playlist that will have both of them shining like superstars.

Some of the mashups they created were masterful, interesting, and gutsy. Like “Tennessee Whiskey” and “What’s Up?” with Kim and Gloria trading songs midway through and the audience happily helping with “What’s going on?” WOW, is what went on! It was a supercharged rendition of two old and one very overdone song.

There were songs from the 70s with a singalong from John Denver. It put me right back in the Red Room at Act2PV years ago for the first time I ever heard the brilliant Renee Armand and Paul Aleman do a show together. All that joy flew back on one Country Road.

There is work for Kim and Gloria to be done, of course, but if last night is any indication of what these two musicians can do together in only two weeks, then clear a path Vallarta for some serious, rapidly-paced, excellent music with the odd ballad pitched into the energetic mix just to give the musicians a bit of a breather. Otherwise, it was a finger-snapping, toe-tapping, chair-dancing extravaganza of dusted-off moldy oldies given new life and much joy. What a pleasure it was, Gloria and Kim; thank you both.