Recap: Good Morning, From Here, July 6 – 12
Monday
When my sister Patrice was here in November last year, she bought me a large daytimer from Office Depot for my birthday. I really needed the extra space to jot notes for appointments, shows, meetings (lots of meetings!) and reminders.
For the first time in 2024, I have a pristine page. I had nothing to do yesterday, Sunday. The page looked the same when I went to bed last night as when I woke up in the morning. Not a single thing was pending that required a mere mention. Nothing. That means, people, I had a day off.
I stayed home with Bogie, didn’t get dressed, and didn’t need make-up. Bogie understands none of those things are required for him to be fed and cared for. I napped, reworked a couple of dresses, played in my garden until I didn’t want to anymore, got some sun, ate whatever I wanted whenever I wanted, and so it went all day. It was perfect. I am energized and looking forward to an engaging week full of interesting people, great food, fabulous entertainment, conversation, and lots of hugs From Here.
Tuesday
On my walk to Casita & Garden last evening, I was covered by a perfect – and at one point – a double! – rainbow! It caused quite a sensation on the streets, and I felt quite blessed to be outside in that rare, bright display. I was going to C & G to listen to The Dirties, Diego Guerrero’s rock ‘n roll band. While Diego is best known in Vallarta for his sweet, tender ballads with tributes to Nina Simone selling out every performance, he can and does kick serious rock ass given the opportunity. The Dirties opened with Pink Floyd and one of the versions of “Shine on You Crazy Diamond,” and I remained happy for the next 90 minutes.
Diego explained that he and his band play almost exclusively in Nayarit, but he didn’t say why! I remember sitting outside by the river at Incanto one night and hearing them in the theater; must have been 3 or 4 years ago and my interest was piqued then. There were a number of singers in the audience last night. Mama Tits sang one song with Diego, and Yoalli Guerrero was sitting beside me having dinner. She, the amazing costar of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and the Lovers band.
My original table companions Rob Burton, Jan Dorland, Joe and Yvonne Wallace, were so stuffed from dinner at Casita & Garden they left early, and Yoalli and her friends joined me.
I am hoping Francie will have The Dirties back at Casita & Garden – it was packed last night, and to those that left during the sound check – the volume was not bad at all for the concert. Keep your eyes daily on VallartaCalendar.com to help plan your evenings From Here.
Wednesday
Mid-week. How’s everybody doing? Come and play Scrabble with us at Qulture today at 12:30; it’s Happy Hour all day! Tonight at 7, at Act2PV’s Casa Karma Red Room, is the Greatest Show, and it always is! Act2’s upcoming new season should be announced in the next week or so. Keep your eyes here and on VallartaCalendar.com for breaking news.
I had a delightful mango smoothie with Maria Jose Zorrilla yesterday. She owns the recently renovated boutique Belmar Hotel and Gallery on Insurgentes. If you ever need inexpensive, super clean local accommodations for visiting family and friends, go and take a look. Belmar is full of original artwork – in the hallways, and every room is different. My sister stayed there exclusively until we experimented with her living with me. The Belmar is not frilly – there isn’t a swimming pool nor elevator; it has a bohemian, minimalist vibe, close to everything and lovely instead.
I have a super-interesting morning planned, check in with me tomorrow and find out how much of it I can talk about From Here.
Thursday
Yesterday was jam-packed with so many cool things starting with a great walk to and from Central Gym and a workout and veggie shopping in between the to and from.
Then, I met up with Mark Rome, Entertainment Director of the Palm Cabaret AND the new Coco Cabaret, scheduled to open in November. We had a tour of the construction site. The roof will be six meters over the raised stage – lots of room for the aerialists to fly. Remember Air-otic at Industry? Yep. Their new home.
We ended up at Los Muertos Brewing for limonadas and a run through the roster for both clubs. A who’s-who in the entertainment world with Coco Cabaret being open very late at night BUT it’s less than a five-minute walk from my house. All very exciting indeed; I can start dropping some names next month, so stay tuned and be prepared to be dazzled.
Three games of Scrabble, aced them all, home for a nap, late lunch, then off to Act2 for the Greatest Show, a weekly happening that is always brand new, highly entertaining, and there is no cover – just the standard cabaret, (200 peso) two-drink minimum.
Enrique de Allende was in the house sporting sunglasses to hide his black eye caused by an errant golf ball. His concert is tonight in the Casa Karma Red Room. There MIGHT be a ticket or two left to what may be his last concert as he is retiring and going into politics. I will have a full report on his concert tomorrow.
David Maiocco, who interprets Liberace all over the world, was on hand for the Greatest Show with his intricate artistry at the piano. Act2 is so lucky to have him; he shares his skills easily with the performers, some of whom had never sung to anything but a track. He is so kind.
David Sabella, Act2’s new frontman, keeps the energy flowing onstage, and Cate Valcic, producer of The Greatest Show, also keeps Sabella on track. All is running smoothly and positively at Act2, and everybody is smiling From Here.
Friday
The elevator fund for Act2 got a boost last night from Enrique de Allende and Derek Carkner, who donated their time, energy, and talent to make Act2 accessible to everyone. It was fitting that the two came together again, as Derek accompanied Enrique on piano at his first show in Vallarta at Incanto about five years ago.
The full house first got a taste of Gloria Fiona’s upcoming show, From My Heart to Yours, next Thursday in the Casa Karma Red Room, with David Maiocco on piano. Don’t miss it.
Enrique is retiring from singing and going into politics, a lifelong ambition. It seems everything that Enrique does turns to gold; lucky Mexico!
Ninety minutes sped by, with Enrique singing his favorite songs and a couple of requests from Derek. A thunderous standing ovation was followed by another after Enrique’s encore, aria Nessun Dorma, from Turandot. My absolute favorite piece of opera. It was an intimate, casual get-together with Enrique singing “The Way You Look Tonight” to his nine-year-old daughter onstage. It is her nighttime lullaby.
The weekend is here; the Rearview Mirror will be mailed out this morning for all of you who like to get a week’s worth of news in one fell swoop. Open Mic tonight at Act2. Find me there From Here.
