Celebrations Set to Music
Smack in the middle of my siesta, I was awakened by mariachi on the street in front of my house. I got up, poked my head out the window in time to see a tiny burro with saddlebags overloaded with fresh flowers! Following was a bride in white and maybe a bride in black? The men were all in black suits with ties (!), and all the women, but one, in black as well. They were headed up the hill to Gringo Gulch, drinks in hand. The music lingered, hovering over me like a long, drawn-out hug. Thank you, bridal party, for making my day more joyous!
An Opening Night at hda Hacienda Gallery up on Miramar in Gringo Gulch on Friday turned out to be one helluva gathering! A talented flautist entertained the guests, and the food was sumptuous, spread out in various rooms of the gallery, which is half outdoors. ‘Rock That Glitter’ was on hand with body paint and rhinestones, creating art on faces, shoulders, and backs. Photographer Daniel Paul Smith presented his beautifully framed work, all shot here in Vallarta, with his iPhone! Daniel shared the Gallery Opening with painter Ulises Banales Torres. Owner of hda, Salvador Mascareñas Ruiz, a friend for decades, popped in, his energy as expansive as ever. It was lovely to see him, and Art and Angela Curley as well.
On my way home, I stopped in to say hello to Armando Mafud at his fabulous shop on Venustiano Carranza. Armando is offering 50% off everything in the store, which is closing at the end of March. I am so sad this brilliant designer is moving back to Mexico City. Take advantage of the opportunity to own a Mafud original; his shop has everything from rainbow Speedos to tiaras and beachy cover-ups to thousand-dollar dresses.
A lot of people adore Tom Bernes, including the Prime Minister of Canada, who sent a note wishing him a happy 80th birthday. Quite a few Canadians attended the party, including Kim Kuzma, who arrived straight from her second sold-out 20th-anniversary show at The Palm Cabaret. She was glamorous, for sure, as she led a rousing ‘Oh, Canada.’ Many of Vallarta’s finest entertainers were there – Diego, Effie, Tonny, Dashs, Gabe, and more. Photographer Corie DuChateau caught everything on film, so to speak. Many, many happy returns, dear Tom. Here’s to your next 80!
An enthusiastic audience filled The Palm Cabaret yesterday afternoon for a tribute to Simon and Garfunkel. I have been praying for a tribute show saluting one of the finest duos in music history. Nick Rogers and the guitarist/producer of ”Feeling Groovy,” Serge Gamache, sang their hearts out. Every song was sung with great love and respect; the soaring harmonies and crisply delivered lyrics were like a healing balm. Of course, we sang along to the soundtrack of our lives. ‘The Sound of Silence’ was released 61 years ago. I remember where I was (Regina, Saskatchewan) when I first heard that haunting song, and I recalled every word. ”Feeling Groovy” MUST come back quickly, soon, and be on next season’s roster. Pretty please? From Here.