Recap: Good Morning, From Here, May 17 – 23
Monday
Happy Pride, everybody! Edition 12 kicked off last Saturday, which started as a quick concert, then home, and it morphed into the rest of this column! But first, there was a super interesting artist reception up the Olas Altas hill on Pilitas at Arte VallARTa to celebrate Cuban printmaker Joaquin Bolivar Thomas. He was brought to Vallarta by Kimberley Bennett, who had met Joaquin in Cuba eight years ago and was intrigued by his work. Joaquin taught an in-depth workshop at Arte VallARTa that had the students excited to learn the intricate processes and learn how to use the press that Kimberley provided. Local artist Romanian Petru Voichescu may continue in Joaquin’s footsteps when the latter returns to Cuba this summer. I was impressed by the student’s work and loved the dense textures on some pieces.
Saturday, Sandra Bradley and I met up at La Catrina Cantina to listen to Luis Villanueva’s new show called “Bridging Borders: English Hits for Spanish Hearts.” Luis translated some major hits from English to Spanish. No mean feat for somebody from Chiapas who, nine years ago, didn’t speak a word of the language. It was a good challenge for him and his live band. This show will return – I hope – with some tweaks (he asked for feedback!), and he made a significant point: we are in Mexico; voices should be heard in Spanish. My suggestion to him is that he translate a verse or two of his favorite Spanish-language songs, Basta, for one, into English to mash it up a bit.
After Luis’s show, Sandra and I dropped in next door to look at the menu of Tacos Now, owned and operated by Michael Robles, who decided to blend his favorite Tex-Mex food with his colorful canvases. He shares the walls with his husband Jack’s paintings. Of course, the place is a riot of colors and unexpected angles, and the food was sublime. Mini renovations are still underway, but don’t let that stop you!
An enormous Idaho potato, baked, then smothered in imported salted butter, sharp white cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Condiments on the table included sour cream, hot sauces, and a dish of chopped white onion and cilantro; a couple of those disappeared in a hurry. The result: a re-entry to childhood cookouts, every bite a reminder of basic, perfect comfort food. It was glorious. A warning here – the spuds are gigantic and perfect to share. There are other things to eat on the menu than potatoes, but why would you?
We bumped into local monumental sculptor Jim Demetro and his wife Eva on our way out of Tacos Now; we have been friends for more than 25 years. It’s lovely to see them always.
I dropped Sandra off on her corner to make her way home and was headed that way myself BUT, heard my name, stopped walking, and started chatting with Derek Carkner. He convinced me to join him at the new extension of his employer, Ryan Donner and Associates. Up the stairs we climbed into a hub-bub of the first event to kick off Gay Pride! The theme, “There is No Future Without Memory,” is an accumulation of photos and citations of the pioneers for gay rights in Mexico and Vallarta. Remembering the past – Los Balcones, SETAC, and so many more, and the people behind them. You can still see the exhibit until Friday.
The Third Annual Pride Pet Parade is at 6 pm at Parque Lazaro Cardenas. Look for Derek Carkner and his beloved Coco and Herschel Weisfeld with his eight Xolos. I will see you there From Here.
Tuesday
The Pride Pet Parade was a resounding success. Organizer Jeff was delighted with the amount of prizes the community donated for raffles. That took an hour at the end of the night to get through.
Hundreds of people gathered with their dogs and friends to watch and participate. Not one dogfight erupted, although the challenges were plentiful. The smaller the dog, the bigger the challenge!
A handful of dogs were up for adoption from the City’s shelter, all dressed to look their most beguiling.
There were tulle and tiaras, rainbows and makeup, and wigs for the Xoloitzcuintles; who says they are hair-less?
The winner was a lovely dog in a backpack who was gloriously cool! My colleague, Jerry Jones from Out & About Puerto Vallarta magazine, was familiar with the dog that was out of control when the young lady adopted him a little over a year ago. Jerry was very impressed with her dog-whispering skills. The pooch did nothing but hang on and happily grin the entire time.
Hotel Puerto de Luna was a huge presence with staff and banners. They donated numerous prizes, including overnight stays in their beautiful pet-friendly space in the hotel zone. They were the first pet-friendly hotel in Vallarta and have special doggie beds, toys, and a dog park on-site. Other generous sponsors included ThrIVE Med Spa, Let’s Pho Vietnamese Restaurant, Dog&Cat pet care, Daiquiri Dicks Restaurant, and dozens and dozens more.
The parade took place during sunset, with music and banners fluttering n the breeze. Calling endless numbers took another hour to give out all the donations. Thanks, Vallarta, for stepping up with generosity when asked!
Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals, a non-profit that works closely with the City’s no-kill Pound sold tee shirts, coaster, hats, leashes, and more to raise funds for their cause.
Bravos all around! See you next year for Season Four!
Today, shopping at the tianguis in Coapinole. This was postponed last week, so Sharon and I are ready to go! Then, we will hit Costco and La Comer.
Tonight is the Gay Mixer at the fabulous new Tryst Hotel from 6 until 8 pm. At 7:30, Sargento joins forces with Amy Armstrong with “Happy” songs at Nacho Daddy. It will be joyous, tuneful, and fun. See you around town From Here.
Wednesday
The last Gay Mixer of the 24/25 Season went out with popping champagne corks – Chandon this time, not Clicquot – at the new Tryst Hotel. The 8th-floor bar was shoulder-to-shoulder, with 360, mostly men, eating superbly prepared canapes and appetizers passed around by the most patient wait staff ever, who also refilled glasses in a nanosecond. The chorus of voices celebrating Gay Pride rose to the heavens on a perfectly clear day in May.
Jerry Jones of Out & About Puerto Vallarta magazine and Jet de La Isla of the new Everything…Gay Facebook page collaborated on over two dozen of these Mixers this season. I maybe missed two, and I have to say, they were a highlight on my calendar every couple of weeks starting last October. I saw the insides of venues I possibly wouldn’t travel to, those not within walking distance, but I was delighted every time to see new places, meet the owners, and sample their food and signature cocktails. So, Bravos to Jerry and Jet. A lot of work on your part and from the thousands of us who enjoyed all the Gay Mixers you put together, mil gracias.
I chatted with Matt Karimi and his husband David Smith, Jamie Alexander and his husband Josh, half the wait staff from La Catrina Cantina, Zach shooting reels for Jerry, Gerwin Rutten, advertising sales rep for Jerry’s publication, and Woody Fox, the amazing Aussie performer from Boys on Fire. And lots more.
I had to leave the joyous and spirited atmosphere early and make my way to Nacho Daddy for an unprecedented concert by Amy Armstrong and Sargento Dan. It was the first time the two powerhouse singers teamed up, and my guess is, it won’t be the last.
For one, both are funny just standing still. Their chemistry was interesting: a big blond straight English-speaking American woman and an extremely gay Mexican bilingual man, did I say gay? Both have expansive vocal capabilities, and the floor was theirs last night. The stage could have been bigger to contain the squared energy, and then by dropping master guitarist Mimi into the mix, rock ‘n’ roll heaven ensued.
The show was called Happy, and it was. Not a single teary ballad marred the evening, and after two standing ovations, the crowd dispersed slowly and reluctantly but with happy feet that danced all the way home. What a delight.
I would love to see a ratio of ten upbeat songs to every single slow ballad that decreases the energy level of an audience to a mere whimper. We know you can sing; make me smile. Better yet, make me laugh out loud at your songs, and my heart will be yours forever!
Today is Scrabble at 12:30, Bingo at 4 pm, followed by a Gay-inspired (surprise!) fashion show at Arte Vallarta Museo, then that will be followed by a queer loteria game called by Lydia Damato, who will also be calling the balls at Colina Spay and Neuter Clinic Bingo at Nacho Daddy this aft. So, a busy day; get at it, and we’ll see you there From Here.
Thursday
What an exciting day yesterday was! After I let Sharon win one game of Scrabble (out of four), I realized how good that felt so I let EVERYBODY at Bingo win every single game. I didn’t even try to win! After the losing was over, Lydia Damato and new friends Stan and Joanne piled into an Uber and raced from Nacho Daddy over to Arte Vallarta Museo for an evening of fun, fashion, frolic with tacos, and erotic Loteria, a kind of Bingo Mexican-style mixed with pornography. You had to have been there.
The fashion show took place on the main floor of the Museum and was hosted by always stylin’ singer/realtor Kevin Anthony.
Four designers who could not be more different from one another if they tried made for a jaw-dropping evening with the audience wondering what on earth would pass by next.
First prize for originality would have to go to Larisa Katz whose creations have caused a stir in Cannes, Great Britain and now Arte Vallarta Museo with her couture gowns created from plastic water bottles. Breathtaking, truly. The sad part is she would have a lifetime supply of materials just from the streets of Vallarta.
Next up, was Felix D’eon, painter, dancer, creator of the lascivious Loteria game, and clothing designer. His work featured loin cloths and muzzles for the men, big skirts, huipil tops, headdresses, and masks for the women, with almost everything interchangeable within the sexes. One stunning design featured lace gloves, a straw boater, layers of heavy fabric blended with tulle and topped off with a feather fan. Straight out of Gone With the Wind.
Third up was Alicia’s designs, which were most definitely created for our tropical climate. Light and airy. Simple lines to be comfy at home and dressy enough for a lunch out.
Finally, the brilliant designs of Armando Mafud that have been shown all over the world. He says he is inspired by Mexican art, but he goes far beyond that. Seeing a “Mafud” passing is like watching Diego Rivera in motion painting his famous calla lilies, one sequin at a time. Another dress evokes the cobalt blue Puebla Talavera. Yet another gown of coarsely woven fabric is fringed with fluffy maribou feathers. A typical Mexican blanket is made haute with sequins and appliques.
Everything Mafud is about motion – walking milagros. Be sure to visit his store at Venustiano Caranza #263 in the Zona Romantica. Gift bags were hand-delivered by the models; a lovely final touch.
Lydia Damato called the balls as it were for the Loteria which ended the delicious evening at Arte Vallarta Museo. A spectacular and impressive night.
See everybody on the Malecon this afternoon for the parade. Happy Pride From Here.
Friday
And another glittering Gay Pride Parade floats away into the sunset. Every year is bigger and better than the year before. This year takes the record however, on the late start time…two hours. I don’t know how that affected the block party that was to start at 6 pm when the parade was supposed to be over, but it had just begun. As they say, not my circus nor my monkey.
Three of us, Sharon, Brenda, and I, sat, ate, drank, waited, drank some more, ordered more food, and waited at a nightclub on the Malecon. Ringside, to be sure. We were in touch with Sylvie Scopazzo and Lydia Damato, who, as Vallarta’s designated Dykes on Bikes, traditionally lead the parade. At the publicized start time, they were having a bite to eat at Captain Don’s. So, no hurry.
The parade took a good 90 minutes from the time Sylvie and Lydia stopped in front of us to pose for photos, have a beer, and a couple of hugs before they rode on. They were the first of many friends who rode, drove, walked, and danced the route, tossing trinkets, chocolate bars, and candies as they passed.
As he always does, Kevin Anthony abandoned the company ship (float!) and ran up to me and Sharon for hugs before returning to Ryan Donner and Associates’ double-decker bus. Derek Carkner waved a flag, and Kim Kuzma ran alongside, dispensing goodies.
Mike Owens walked behind his extremely successful bar – Studs – float they shared with Casa Cupula. Thanks for the hug, Mike! Mama Tits was onboard throwing trinkets! Caught ’em, thank you.
Sebastian Coronel and Woody Fox from Boys on Fire wanted a photo snapped, and I was too happy to oblige! Same with Jet De La Isla, who rode in the back of his Naked Beach Tour Boat.
Gorgeous floats by The Blue Chairs, Anonimo, The Social Club, Industry Night Club, Paco’s Ranch, and Frida’s 4.0. Preceding the latter was John Car, who won the search for Frida a month ago or so, which Tricia Lyman and I chose. As Frida 4.0 owner Tom Finley promised, The Dress was spectacular, and John was perfectly regal in it.
Lots of beer and good tequila were consumed on the route, some even by people watching the parade. The dominant pattern, the color spectrum that has become the Gay Flag, flew proudly overhead and was worn as capes, skirts, dresses, shirts, and backdrops for everybody else.
The biggest, snappiest fans were clearly from Mantamar – turquoise teal – and hot pink from The Tryst. Perfect!
There will be hundreds of tired feet today. Blessings to all the queens who walked all those kilometers in spike heels. Your legs looked fabulous the whole time, and that’s all that really matters.
For the first time in her 25-year career, Miss Conception is in Vallarta for Pride. There MIGHT be a ticket or two left for her show tomorrow. I will see you at The Palm From Here.
