Vallarta Blog

Vallarta Verde (Green Vallarta) Ecologico was a total success. The entire afternoon at Cuiza Restaurant Bar was filled with music, drinks and people from everywhere. Rastas, Hippies, Grandpas & Grandmas, everybody with some rhythm in their blood was present.

UPDATE

(Video Source: Vallarta Verde)

In case you missed it, we have some pictures especially for you and for our german friend Ajim and his drummer girlfriend that did an incredible job on stage, not to mention: for free and for the good of keeping Puerto Vallarta green. Everybody that performed today/tonight was outstanding and drew big happy smiles on everybody, not to mention the people who danced through every song.

La Cuiza is a neat hidden place on Rio Cuale but not too difficult to find and only one minute walk from the new Malecon Bridge that connects El Centro with Olas Altas. Just follow the stairs that go down right in the middle of the bridge towards Oscars and River’s Café.

To help support the Vallarta Verde Ecologists, you can buy t-shirts, hats, drinks at their events, so please don’t think twice about it, buy something, knowing you are supporting the ones that want to keep Vallarta as what it became famous for (The green fishing port) and not the gray, cement Acapulco 2 City.

In the news: Fieste Ecologica - VALLARTA VERDE 

Barbara Sands

Puerto Vallarta - Vallarta Verde, a group of young and ardent ecology-minded activists has launched a new initiative to foster “green” thinking among Vallartenses.

Spearheading the new group’s efforts are Greta Fuentes, Tatiana Meneses, Carole Oury and Mercedes Sanchez among others. Joe “King” Carrasco of “Nuevo Wavo” musical fame, a transplanted Texan, is lending his group to bring Tex-Mex and reggae flavor to the day and promises to round up a bevy of local musical talents to keep the island moving to a green beat till evening.

The keynote theme of the day is information and ecological awareness. All it takes, sometimes, is a bit of chit-chat among friends and neighbors to uncover common concerns and to determine ways to address them.

Vallarta Verde aptly conveys the aims of the newly established group to build public interest in exploring all ways to preserve what very few green spaces we have remaining to us.

Major among these spaces is the eastern end of the Isla Rio Cuale whose development into yet another commercial corridor has been envisioned by the last two municipal administrations. The Isla is still a micro-nature preserve for iguanas, squirrels and an amazing numbers of birds.

But, more importantly, it’s a cool respite on a hot day; it’s a shady outdoor classroom for kids during the summer months and remains a small verdant microcosm in the Cuale. What an idea it would be to label those many varieties of trees; to have a plant and animal map. John Huston would find himself less lonely in his director’s chair.

The Isla effort will go hand-in-hand with public education through the press, in schools and in city-wide presentations to encourage ecologically sound waste management along with water and other natural resource conservation.

Development has moved so quickly in Vallarta that concrete bastions rise before our eyes without warning. Development certainly cannot be confused with progress and isn’t always the best answer for the municipality.

We can’t forget what put Vallarta on the map besides the torrid Taylor-Burton affair. It is its very Mexican-ness, its leisurely demeanor, its tile roofs and feeling of a city with proud roots, and those it has in abundance.

All those who have grown weary championing the preservation of our beautiful city’s native charms can only applaud these new faces picking up the challenge and bringing in new troops to carry on the battle to preserve our beautiful surroundings, our trees and the city’s heritage.

From the southbound bridge, Cuiza is located down the stairs and toward the ocean. From the Malecon, access is down the stairs and straight ahead to Cuiza on the right past Oscar’s and River Café.

For more information or to offer assistance, contact Greta Fuentes: zuckyinc(at)yahoo.com; Mercedes Sanchez: aisforartist1 (at) hotmail.com; Carole Oury: carolepvr(at)yahoo.com; Tatiana Meyeses: llomera(at)gmail.com or Barbara Sands: barbsands007(at)yahoo.com. Musicians or singers (dancers?) DJs or MCs who want to be part of the action can contact Joe King at joeking(at)joeking.com. Please! drummers need not apply.

The group is scheduled to visit Puerto Vallarta this weekend and play in the main square of the city, offering a concert with the most popular of their repertoire.

The International Violins of the Brothers Aguascalientes, is an exciting event for all violin and music lovers to enjoy! The concert will be held, Sunday February 17th, at 8 pm in the front hallway of the municipal presidency in Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town.

To enjoy the day, (Sunday afternoon), the Department of Culture of Puerto Vallarta, has prepared a program of music and dance for the whole family. At 6pm, the traditional Municipal Band begins at the same time the traditional dance group begins its display. At 7 dancing continues with the sounds of tropical music, so that the atmosphere will be set for the beginning of the violin concert.

The brothers Aguascalientes are made up of Daniel and Jose Luis on violin (composers), on the guitar Gregory, Mario on the keyboards and Daniel Jr. They originate in San Miguel de Allende, Gto. All of them are graduates of the Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramirez “Nigromante” of the National Institute of Fine Arts. Daniel and Jose Luis for six years were part of the Symphony Orchestra of the University of Guanajuato, the Chamber Orchestra of the same University and the State Band.

They subsequently participated in the orchestra accompanying the organist Juan Torres and his melodic body. In late 1977 they decided to form along with the rest of their brothers the group we know today.

They have participated in many festivals around the country and internationally, have travelled to around twenty countries to play, in addition to representing Mexico in the tribute that will take place in Cuba for one of the best musicians ever, Benny More.

Through this long history they have recorded twelve albums, containing the best of international music to the rhythm of violin and will be made available to Vallartenses this coming weekend.

Come get down this weekend to the musical soundings of 
Boo - Funk

With a fresh sound, this entertaining and dynamic group comes to Puerto Vallarta as part of the events scheduled for this month by the Department of Arts and Culture. The youth group Boo - Funk, will play their own compositions and arrangements, co-written by all members of the band, their style goes from pop to Latin, to rock and funk.

This group was formed in Mexico D.F. In November 2005. Its members are from several states of the Mexican Republic and are between 18 and 22 years. All of them are students of the Academy of Music Fermatta and are currently studying music professionally.

The strong friendship that unites the members of the group is the main engine that ignites this musical project which seeks to provide the public with a different concept, seeking a new sound and hallmark.

Boo’s style - funk is absolutely integral, as they believe that music and art do not (or should not) have boundaries set by space, time or economic position. They are concerned with creating songs with themes for a variety of audiences, ages, socio-economic levels and tastes in particular.

Despite being young and its recent formation, the group has been very well accepted by the public. Their music is novel and has found a consistent image, which has crept into the youths taste, they also already have a recording titled “Our history has no end…”, which contains 11 tracks and was recorded in 2007 and is already on sale. In addition to that they currently are preparing material for what will be their second album.

The members of this young funk group are all graduates of the best musical academies in Mexico!

The group Boo - Funk will be playing this coming Saturday, February 16th, at the Arches on the Malecon at 8 pm.

Don’t forget to get your tickets for the 46th annual Becas Ball at the Westin Resort & Spa on Thursday, March 6th. The traditional free cocktail hour will again be offered to start the evening off on the right foot. Followed by a 4 course delicious dinner and live music for dancing.

The price of the tickets is $850 pesos (or $80 USD) per person. Proceeds from the event will help Becas Vallarta A.C. to continue its work in helping to ensure that hundreds more of the city’s bright but needy children will get the education they deserve - as they have been doing for forty-five years.

To mark this milestone, the committee is also appealing for extra support from those who can afford it and who agree that supporting children’s education in the poorer areas of the city is one of the best ways a person can contribute to the future welfare of our community.

A personal donation is also a way of honoring all the volunteers who have kept Becas Vallarta A.C. going strong over the past forty-five years. A box for receiving contributions will be available at the ball. (As a guide-line, the cost of supporting a student through the scholastic year ranges from $160 dollars to $600 dollars depending on the education level.)

Ball location: The Westin Resort and Spa Hotel
Date and time: Thursday March 6th. Cocktail hour from 6:30 to 7:30 pm.
Ticket cost: $850 pesos ($80 USD)

Reserved tables are available if six or more tickets are purchased. Tickets can be obtained from: Buri Gray, 221-5285 (Conchas Chinas and south); Mary Ellis, 222-1478 (Centro and Los Muertos); Margarita Mora, 221-3760 and Mariel Fregoso 221-0789 (Marina); The Book Store, Venustiano Carranza #334, 223-9437 (Centro) and Plaza Caracol inside Gigante 224-1872.

Its almost here again folks, Valentines Day is just two weeks away! On this international day of love, people around the globe will be showing how much they care for each other with chocolates, flowers, romantic dinners and sunset walks on the beach among many other things!

For those of us lucky enough to be spending this day of amor in the Puerto Vallarta area, most of our favorite restaurants, bars and hotels will be having special romantic menus guaranteeing us some truly fine dining and an excellent evening!

A great example of fine cuisine is the Valentines Day menu at Bruce’s Back Alley Bistro, home of the best steak in Puerto Vallarta’s romantic zone! Their menu is as follows: 
Amuse – Bouche, Wild smoked salmon “hugged” with citrus scented bok choy and a sesame glaze.
Salad -Roma tomatoes and mozzarella drizzled in a blueberry coulis with a white truffle “kiss”.
Appetizer- Bar harbor stuffed crab with a gentle “nudge” of citrus beurre blanc.
Main Course- Filet mignon and pomme frites with a velvety red wine bourdelaise sauce and fire roasted asparagus with samurai shrimp.
Desert is a surprise!

Special features for the evening include a draw for tickets to this seasons Becas Ball (valued at $1500 pesos!), to be held at the end of the evening and a meet and greet with this years stars of Puerto Vallarta! Reservations in advance are highly recommended.

Calling all ladies, for those of you who are single, once were single, wish you were single or would just like to party; Café Roma is having an all you can eat and drink special for $150 pesos! Included in this feast will be food from their regular menu as well as beer and most mixed drinks like Margaritas and Pina Coladas.

Yes you can bring a male partner, but they pay regular prices, no sharing. There will be live music from 5 to 8 pm and all tips go to the KIDS. Go early for a good seat as they are expecting to be jammed to the roof. Thursday, Feb 14th, Valentines day, from 5:00 pm to close at 10:00 pm at Cafe Roma.

And last but certainly not least join Xocodiva on February 14th, the day of love and friendship, in extending a helping hand to the local children’s shelter. With every donation your name will be automatically entered to win the special Valentine’s basket filled with champagne, chocolate-dipped champagne glasses, truffles, a 2 for 1 certificate for a couples’ massage from Body Time Spa, and Xocodiva chocolate massage oil.

All funds raised will go to the Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (R.I.S.E.) who are currently caring for 53 children that could use you help now and throughout the year. The lucky winner of the gift basket will be announced February 13th, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

A very important thing to keep in mind this Valentines Day no matter where you plan on spending it, is that reservations can be key to having the perfect evening!

For those of you who are not here in Puerto Vallarta, why not think out of the box this year, who wouldn’t love a whirlwind Valentines Day trip to Puerto Vallarta! Many travel companies are offering special romantic getaways to the Puerto Vallarta area.

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton aren’t the only ones to ignite their love in Puerto Vallarta. “Love is in the Air” everyday at Casa Velas adults-only all-inclusive boutique hotel. A three-night package provides couples with a romantic stay in a Grand Class Suite with Bulgari amenities; a secluded, four-course dinner for two on the beach surrounded by tiki torches served by a private waiter; spa treatments and more.

With Casa Velas’ Love is in the Air package, guests can indulge themselves at the 6,500 square foot Spa Casa Velas with a daily spa credit of $35 per person to be used toward any massage, facial or body wrap and unlimited use of the Spa’s hydrotherapy facility.

The package also includes breakfast, lunch and dinner a la carte at the hotel’s restaurants; use of the oceanfront Beach Club featuring a pool, Jacuzzi, and private beach; and premium liquors at the Lobby bar and Aqua Bar. Shuttle service to and from airport and taxes and gratuities round out the package. The three-night Love is in the Air package is $1,770 per couple. For reservations or more information, visit www.hotelcasavelas.com

I have read alot of comments lately about the drummers on Los Muertos beach. The following is one letter in particular that really shows how strongly many people feel about this issue.

I spent the last week on the Los Muertos beach with visiting family and everyone I noticed around me was appalled by the beach drumming. Not only are these drummers not musicians, what they seem to be doing is better thought of as noise pollution. I also witnessed many people getting up and leaving when the drummers showed up, myself and family included at times when we just couldn’t handle listening to their noise.

The drumming is really very loud; any conversation trying to be had is cut out by the noise they are creating. The drummers play in one spot and then move just a few feet down the beach and do it all over again, as a result the drumming isn’t a simple 5 minute performance it lasts for up to and hour in one area! Because it is so loud you can hear them start up down the beach, they will pass a location and continue to be heard well after they move away from it. 

It doesn’t seem to matter to them if the businesses on the beach have music going of their own, the drummers just play over top of it. I didn’t see them collect much of any money after their “performance”, more likely they were being paid to go away. Do they have/need a license to be playing on the beach and asking money for it???

There is usually from 8 to 10 younger guys making “music”, and it definitely isn’t the same people everyday, more like a rotating group of  dirty looking drifters to lazy to get a real job. Sometimes the drummers bring with them “dancing girls” ie. their girl friends, also to lazy to get real jobs, this dancing isn’t good, its not special and its not like these girls have got any special training to do this, more likely they  “practice” at night in the bars spending their “hard” earned money! Not only do their girlfriends dance but they also go around trying to sell their “jewelry” which looks like they just collected stuff off the beach and strung it together, I know they don’t have a license to be selling their crafts. All the vendors on the beach need to have a license to be down there selling their wares and they all pay good money for that license, how come these so called musicians and their girlfriends are not included in that licensing program and policing of it?

I know this letter sounds a bit harsh but many people find the allowance of these so called musicians to perform on Los Muertos extremely irritating, me among them. I was just so put off spending time with my family who are paying good money to be on vacation on the most popular beach in Vallarta, having to put up with such an annoyance of loud, non musical, lazy people disrupting their quite leisure time and trying to get money from them for nothing. By the way, they like to call their “music” African Mexican sound, I heard many people saying what??? It is just a bunch of drums banging away; just because you can play a drum beat doesn’t make it music!!