Lakeside Living – August 2025

Shelley Edson

Email: ElOjoLakesideLiving@gmail.com

From the Lakeside Living Editor: Please send information for local cultural, civic, community, or charitable events to ElOjoLakesideLiving@gmail.com by the first day of the preceding month. For example, August 1 is the deadline for the September issue. Thank you. 

AJIJIC USED BOOK STORE

Open Monday thru Saturday, 9 am to 2 pm

Teresa Mysliwy, head librarian
Photo Credit: Colleen Kissinger

A hidden treasure at Lakeside is the used bookstore located inside the Ajijic Recycling Center. Come and browse and bring with you any books that you want to donate. You will probably leave with an armful of slightly used books that you are going to enjoy reading – from timeless fiction and classic mysteries to interesting cookbooks and inspiring biographies, there’s something here for everyone to including Spanish books. And don’t forget to bring your recyclables! Prices range from 10 pesos for paperbacks to 50 pesos for coffee table books. Location: About 600 meters west of Pancho’s West. Google directions: Ajijic Recycle Center. At the recycle center, walk around the side to find the library at the far end.

AMERICAN LEGION

Coming in October (TBD)

Dog Show

Get ready for the Chapala Dog Show this October at the American Legion! Whether you have a prize pup, provide pet-related products, or offer veterinary services, we want you to be part of this fun-filled community event! We are currently looking for dog owners to enter their furry friends; vendors with pet supplies, treats, or crafts; and Veterinarians & trainers who’d like to participate or offer services. Interested in joining or have questions? Email alanja46@gmail.com Or text: +1805 235-8115. Let’s make this tail-wagging event one to remember!

ASK AN EXPAT!   

Tuesdays, August 5 and August 19 at 5 pm

Lakeside Info for Visitors and Newbies

Considering moving to Lakeside? Or recently arrived? Steve Taylor hosts “Ask an Expat” Happy Hour that offers lakeside information in one place, at one time, for those visiting, moving to, and living in Mexico. Steve leads a discussion on visitor questions and his “10 Expat Commandments.” Questions? Text 1 (512) 921-6150.

Location: Casa Del Sol Inn, Javier Mina 7, Ajijic

BARE STAGE THEATRE

Friday to Sunday, August 29 to 31 at 4 pm

Hurray for Johnny Canuck

Get ready for a thrilling ride with Hurray for Johnny Canuck, a spirited, satirical radio play by Ken Gass that reimagines Canada’s iconic comic book hero in a daring World War II adventure. Inspired by the 1940’s Johnny Canuck comics, the play follows the fearless log driver and bush pilot as he battles Nazi spies and saboteurs. Don’t miss the show critics call “a wildly entertaining tribute to Canadian spirit” (CBC). Directed by Roseann Wilshire.

Tickets: 200 pesos. Reserve now at barestagetheatre2018@gmail.com.

Location: St Andrews, 19 San Lucas, Riberas. Door and Bar open at 3 pm. Seats held till 3:50 pm. Hearing assist headsets available. Bar proceeds go to Operation Feed.

THE BRAVO! THEATRE

August Pause

BRAVO’s Second Season starts in September with the second edition of our 10-Minute Play Festival from September 18 to 21, the most fun format for theatre!  Plan to join us for an evening of 10-minute plays with eight of them telling their entire story in just 10 minutes. Stay tuned for more information about this and other exciting Season 2 productions!

CASA DEL SOL INN

Friday, August 29, 5 to 7 pm

History and Art of the Rebezo

Come celebrate the ancestral tradition of the Rebozo. Learn the history, the art and the cultural significance of the beautiful tradition of the Rebozo, handmade individually by the women artisans of Tenancingo.

Tickets: 290 pesos and includes a glass of wine or a margarita and an opportunity to enter a raffle to win a rebozo. Call Mariana now to purchase tickets at 376 766-0050. Limited tickets are available, so purchase soon. Artisan Rebozos will also be for sale at the event, please plan to pay for these with cash.

Location: Casa de Sol, Javier Mina 7, Ajijic

CENTRO CULTURAL GONZALEZ GALLO CHAPALA

Centro Cultural Gonzalez Gallo Chapala

Free concerts with very talented musicians are held every Sunday in August.  Concerts usually last about 1 hour and start at 12:30 pm.  Arrive early to get a good seat.

Sunday, August 3 at 12:30

Moisés Real, Memorias del Bolero II

Sunday, August 10 at 12:30

Pablo Haro Legaspi, Piano Concert

Sunday, August 17 at 12:30

Snow Trio, Jazz

Sunday, August 24 at 12:30

Gilberto Ríos and Juan Manuel Ayala, Concert for 2 Bass Guitars

Sunday, August 31 at 12:30

Yosefh Barrios, piano concert

For more information, check the Facebook group: Centro Cultural Gonzalez Gallo, or subscribe to the email list gonzalezgallo.sc@jalisco.gob.mx.

Concert location: Av. González Gallo 1500, Chapala, –the old train station

Coming in September TBD

Recovering the Sacred Feminine: A Heroic Journey   

Artist Noris Binet won the Proyecta Grant from the Department of Culture of Jalisco State for this multidisciplinary and multimedia Exhibition promoting self-knowledge and the transformation of consciousness through a multidisciplinary project that reflects her comprehensive work in the fields of visual arts, literature, performance, and spiritual development. 

This free event includes three workshops and a lecture in Spanish and English. The workshops delve into the work methodology the author has developed for over forty years and will allow the audience to share an experience of introspection, creation, and transformation. For information email sagradofemenino.noris@gmail.com 

Location: Centro Cultural Gonzales Gallo.

FESTIVAL DEL LAGO

Wednesday, August 6 at 5 pm

Bohemian Soul

Friday, August 8 at 7 pm

Brahms & the Voice of the Clarinet

Sunday, August 10 at 5 pm

Grande Final

The concerts on August 6 and 8 are at Haus Der Musik in Ajijic. The grande final will be at La Ribera Center for Culture and Arts.

Tickets:  600 pesos for each event.  For more information: https://festivaldellago.com/en/2025-events-program/

LAKE CHAPALA ORCHESTRA

August Pause

The Lake Chapala Orchestra is having a restful August but will start up again on September 13 with a chamber orchestra concert featuring local soprano Janeene Williams singing Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate. Then in October the orchestra performs Beethoven’s mighty Symphony No. 3. Full details at

www.lakechapalaorch.com

LAKESIDE LITTLE THEATRE

Lakeside Little Theatre hosts a pair of musical extravaganzas in August produced by two of the most prestigious local Mexican groups.

Friday, August 1 at 6 pm; and Sunday, August 3 at 1 pm

The Sound of Music

CREM performs this spectacle in Spanish, one of the most beloved plays of all time, and with 30 child actors, 15 adults, and 8 musicians. Tickets 350 pesos.

Saturday August 23 at 6 pm; Sunday August 24 at 1 and 4 pm

Mariachi Real Axixic

Director Daniel Medeles
Photo Credit: courtesy of Mariachi Axixic

This annual celebration wowed three sold-out audiences last year and features the Junior Mariachi as well as three very special guests: Jorge Corredor at harp, Chris Cuevas on electric guitar, and Chuko Soto at saxophone.

Tickets: 400 pesos and purchase at www.lakesidelittletheatre.com/tickets or the box office. With a Mexican INE card receive a $100 peso discount when purchasing tickets at the box office.

Location: Allen W. Lloyd Drive, San Antonio Tlayacapan. Secure parking is provided in LLT’s lot with overflow parking, courtesy of Telmex, in their lot on the east side of Allen W. Lloyd Dr.

LAS VOCES DEL LAGO

Monday and Tuesday, August 18 and 19

Don’t miss this opportunity to make music and spread holiday cheer! Audition in August for Las Voces upcoming holiday concerts December 13 and 14.

New singers and returning voices are welcome to join the region’s vibrant choral tradition. You do not need to audition if you have sung with us before.

Note: Rehearsals for the full chorus will be on Tuesday afternoons. To reserve your audition slot, contact Ken Turner at kenturnertenor@gmail.com today!

Location: St Andrew’s Church, San Lucas 19, Riberas

NEW FREEDOM CHORALE

Saturday, August 23, 3:30 pm

Mini-Cabaret Dinner Show

Here’s a fun thing to do! Check out the “Mini-Cabaret Dinner Show” at Club Positivo, Lakeside’s new meeting place and upbeat social club.

Have a relaxing dinner as you enjoy the 60’s singalongs and solos.

Tickets: 150 pesos donation includes the meal and show. For reservations, email CindyPaul2@gmail.com.

The New Freedom Chorale also meets for 60’s sings every Friday at the Club from 10:30 to 12 noon. Zero performance vibes and all are welcome. Location: San Luis 217, Riberas del Pilar

OPEN CIRCLE AT THE LAKE CHAPALA SOCIETY

Open Circle are free events open to the community with donations welcome. Arrive early for socialization and coffee and snacks. Open Circle is always seeking new presenters for its 52-week programing. Information at www.opencircleajijic.org “Be a Presenter”. 

Sunday, August 3, 10:15 to 11:30 am

Building Bridges and Creating Collaborations with Local Community

We live in a very privileged area of Mexico. But do we fully understand our

region’s social, ecological and cultural riches? Hear from community leaders Gabriela Serrano (Gonzales Gallo Cultural Center), Jorge Calva (Mosaico Cultural), Claudia Miramontes (Ajijic Cultural Center) and Julio Carmona (Ecological Park facing LCS).

The presenter, Noris Binet, has a private practice as a psychotherapist, spiritual teacher, and environmental worker.

Sunday, August 10, 10:15 to 11:30 am

To be Announced

Sunday, August 17, 10:15 to 11:30 am 

Lake Chapala Higher Education

How can an ambitious expansion of higher education impact our community? Learn how the University Center of Chapala has the potential to dramatically impact educational attainment and regional socio-economic development for Lake Chapala for future generations.

The presenter, Patricia Rosas Chavez, is the Executive Coordinator of the University Center of Chapala of the University of Guadalajara.

Sunday, August 24, 10:15 to 11:30 am    

Who Needs a Conductor?

Michael Reason
Photo Credit: Richard Spahr

Most people have no real idea about what a musical conductor actually does. Arm waving, gesticulation on the podium all whilst the orchestra plays its heart out and then the conductor turns around, takes a bow and leaves the stage. Is that it? The presenter, Michael Reason, is the artistic director of Lake Chapala Orchestra, and will take the audience into the world of conducting and what a conductor does.

Sunday August 31, 10:15 to 11:30 am 

Artificial Intelligence: Our Smartest New Assistant

AI is everywhere and it’s not just for tech experts. Peter Jeschofnig explores how AI tools like ChatGPT can become everyday assistants, helping with writing, problem solving, learning, and more. After a brief overview of AI’s role in modern life, Peter and his wife Linda will present a live Q&A demonstration using real questions and AI generated answers. Come curious! The presenter, Peter Jeschofnig, has worked globally as a petroleum geologist, earning advanced degrees in science education.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

FoodBank Lakeside

With our Dine & Donate program, we hope local restaurants will encourage their patrons to donate to FoodBank Lakeside by putting cash in envelopes we provide to the restaurants. Liaisons are needed to maintain relationships with a few specific partner restaurants, keep them supplied with materials, and collect donation envelopes. A vehicle is essential and a minimum time commitment of 2-3 hours a week is needed. Spanish is a plus.

Location: Work from home and visit partner restaurants

For more information, check out volunteer info on foodbanklakeside.org, or email VolunteersFBL@gmail.com


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For more information about Lake Chapala visit: chapala.com

Shelley Edson
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