Podcast: Country Music in Puerto Vallarta

This February 2026 episode of The Puerto Vallarta Travel Show opens with heartfelt news about the passing of JR (John Russell), a beloved local expert and long-time friend who inspired the podcast’s creation 10 years ago. Host Barry shares touching memories of JR, who passed away at 85 from undiagnosed esophageal cancer, and announces a memorial service at Nacho Daddy.

The show features an interview with Duncan Shadrack, a country musician from Kentucky who relocated to Puerto Vallarta permanently about a year ago. Duncan discusses his journey from solo performances to forming the Duncan Shadrack Band with Mexican and Argentinian musicians, including a standout fiddle player and upright bass player. The band performs country and country-rock covers at venues like Awaysis, La Huerta BBQ, and Langostinos, where Duncan remains loyal after they gave him his first opportunity.

Barry shares local updates including the return of the Marigalante pirate ship (now Marigalante 2) with special discount offers, and his ongoing website improvements. He describes recent adventures with listeners, particularly a Sunday brunch excursion to Canopy River Park featuring the world’s longest vehicular suspension bridge, and a beach trip to Playa Palmares with its stunning beachfront restaurant.

The episode also includes a call for support for Reed and Miranda Mortimer of Monzón Brewing Company, whose youngest child was recently diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, with fundraising information provided for their medical expenses.