Public Invited to Guayabitos Saturday Night Performances
Tara A. Spears
February is the perfect time to visit beautiful Jaltemba Bay, Mexico. The weather is flawless, the whales are in the bay, and the community provides outstanding entertainment to round out a memorable day. For 16 years the Guayabitos Hotel Association and the Nayarit state Cultural Department has provided a stellar array of FREE Saturday night concerts in the Guayabitos Plaza. It’s a high point activity whether you’re on vacation or a resident. Imagine experiencing top quality performers amid dreamy surroundings: let the music wrap around you while you sit under the tropical stars. Seating is provided but it is best to arrive early as it fills up quickly- the show starts at 7:30 pm. Please, there is no saving seats unless you are physically in it- be considerate of others.
While the exact line up for February 2023 has not been announced at the time of publication, the author is giving an overview of previous popular entertainers. The line- up of styles always includes various types of music and performing arts. Typically there is acrobatics, choreography and Mexican style music. Each performance is a fabulous cultural experience!
One of my past favorites is the Arcano. These siblings are originally from Tepic, Nayarit, with Erika on violin and Vick on keyboards. The talented duo have achieved a unique sound that is the result of a fusion of acoustic and electro. In each of their 11 albums you will find a harmonious mix of different genres and styles that will amaze you with the ability to convey emotions through their exquisite music.
The Dance of the Old Men (Baile de los Viejitos) originated in the state of Michoacán in the lake region of Patzcuaro. It portrays an ancient tradition that should be interpreted with a sense of humor. The male dancers wear a traditional campesino costume consisting of white cotton (manta) shirts with white cotton pants with embroidery on the bottom. This dance performed by four men that represent fire, water, earth, and air. Four dancers are also believed to be the correct number to dance in this traditional performance because there are four colors that make corn which is red, yellow, white, and blue.
The men don a mask made with faces of elderly people who are smiling without teeth and have rosy skin like young people. The shoes are made of wood in order to accent the stomping on the floor. The dance starts out with aching and hunched over old men, with minimal movements. These movements turn into vigorous dancing combined with trembling and coughing by the old men.
Another favorite group are the violin masters from Guadalajara. Formed in 1977, the group Hermanos Aguascalientes and its international violins is made up of members from San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, all of them graduates of the Ignacio Ramírez Cultural Center “El Nigromante”. Their performance repertoire is made up of popular music from different parts of the world. If you are worried that the violins are too high brow for your taste- you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the interpretation of pop songs with a modern twist. Excellent performers that can’t be praised enough for their skill and range of music. The brothers are a truly memorable live performance.
Mark your calendars and come to the outdoor Saturday night concerts.