When the Blues (Brothers) Call
One of my favorite shows of all time returns today at 5 pm at Coco Cabaret. I have seen the real-life brothers Dahl from Ontario perform their international tribute to the Blues Brothers whenever they have been in Vallarta, and I am so looking forward to seeing it again. One time, when they were performing in Berlin, who pops up on the stage but Dan Akroyd himself, and the three jammed together to the absolute delight of the crowd. And the Dahl brothers! See you this aft at Coco for some foot- stomping, harmonica-playing, chair-dancing antics. You can thank me later.
One of Vallarta’s most viable charities held its second-anniversary Open House a couple of days ago. I was delighted to have been invited to see and hear about all the improvements made, and the lives changed and often saved by the Gay+ Community Center, located above Santander Bank on Morelos in Centro.
There was an open bar and a lovely table laden with tasty bites provided by Daiquiri Dick’s and a room full of volunteers, supporters, like me, and some members of the gay+ community who have been helped in a variety of ways, from learning to speak English and how to waltz properly, to receiving life-saving testing for free.
So many dear friends were there, many of whom sprang from their involvement in the Gay+CC. Their generosity has enabled the Center to treat diseases that once meant certain death only 20 years ago. The key is prevention, of course, and knowledge, which is shared along with treatment without judgment and offered with love.
I remember in the early 90s when Puerto Vallarta had the highest percapita cases of AIDS in the world. I was shocked and took advantage of the free AIDS testing in Parque Lazaro Cardenas that produced results in less than five minutes. Obviously, the Community Center was not leading that battle because it did not exist, but the one that did, SETAC, was instrumental in changing those global figures. Years later, the situation became a classic example of one door closing while another opens.
The activities at the Gay+Community Center are listed daily on VallartaCalendar.com, and everyone is welcome to participate – gay, straight, or in between.
The growth over the past two years has been massive. The organization is looking forward with clear eyes and intentions, and they need your help. Contributions of money are always welcome; of course, it’s how the world operates, and volunteers are what steer the machine.
If you need help, medically, emotionally, or legally, the Vallartagaycc (on Facebook) can help with support groups, classes, and more.
Who are they? ”The Vallarta Gay+ Community Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering empowerment, wellness, and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community.” From their website vallartagaycommunitycenter.com
Morelos 101, Local B, Centro Puerto Vallarta
Monday to Friday – 10 am to 8 pm
Saturday – 10 am – 4 pm
You will find kindness and Community, with a capital C, From Here.
