Celebrating Spring in Puerto Vallarta

Happy Spring, everybody! And, because I live in paradise, I can no longer say things like, “It’s been a long, long, lonely winter,” having it be light at 7 in the morning is fantastic. For the first few days, remembering gardening in Canada, I want to sink my hands into still-chilly dirt and plant something edible. Then I just breathe and give thanks I no longer have space for a veggie garden and have not had that pleasure for decades. I recall saying out loud years ago whatthehell can I do with all the monster zucchinis threatening to overrun the earth itself, and give thanks to the local farmers of Jalisco and Nayarit for feeding me lovely vegetables and doing all that work.

Back to last Tuesday’s Open Mic at Nacho Daddy. The stage was overrun with fabulous voices visiting as tourists or touting upcoming shows. Two of the latter, David Sabella and Marieann Meringolo, have shows at Act2PV. David will sing songs written by Peter Allen, the first husband of Liza Minnelli, accompanied by Mark Hartman and Marieann, I will see tonight in the Casa Karma Red Room, at Act2PV at 7 pm.

I joined Marieann, her girlfriend Nancy, and New York City choreographer Kimberly LaRue for Open Mic and their dinner. Nancy and Marieann had just flown in hours before and were already in love with Vallarta. What’s not to love, right?

We were treated to a wild adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood by a gentleman named Larry Hohm. His delivery was slyly spoken and cleverly delivered like he had tricks up his sleeve. And he did. I would dearly love to hear more of his stories!

We had a new comedienne who is relatively new to Vallarta; we should be seeing and hearing more from her.

As well as getting to Nacho Daddy early in the evening to sign up with Lydia Damato, who handles the scheduling for the evening, you will also need to give Janathan Rios, the sound and light tech, your track or let him know whatever needs to be done in advance of your name being called. The other thing to remember is the four-minute time limit. There is often the opportunity to take the stage twice in one night and double everybody’s pleasure!

The next Open Mic at Nacho Daddy is Tuesday, March 25th, at 7:30. I will have to miss it as I am going to see Burlesque at Coco Cabaret finally!!!

Whatever you have planned today to celebrate the first day of Spring, do it with kindness. It is a time of new beginnings and tiny growing things – like ideas – that need to be protected from battering winds and rain and gently watered with love until they can stand on their own and thrive. Here’s to moving forward, people. Remember to smile at everyone you see on the street – it’s Springtime, pass it on!