From the Lakeside Living Editor: Please send information for a local cultural, civic, community, or charitable event to ElOjoShelley@gmail.com on or before the first day of the preceding month by noon—for example, the deadline for the May issue is noon, April 1.
Please include the event name, description, location, date(s), time, reservation, and ticket information as applicable. Event information should be limited to 120 words or less. A high-resolution photo with photo credit information is always welcome.
Thank you, Shelley Edson
Centro Cultural Gonzalez Gallo Chapala
Free Concerts
Free concerts are held at the Cultural Center in Chapala – the old train station – on most Sundays as well as other days in the week. Note: tips are always welcome. Performances range from awesome local talent to exciting international talent. April concerts are:
Thursday, April 4, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Hugo Acosta, guitar and piano
Sunday, April 6, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
Dúo Salles, violín and piano (Brasil)
Thursday, April 11, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Fabricio Sánchez González, 14-year-old pianist
Sunday, April 13, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
Arqus String Quartet
Sunday, April 20, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
No Concert – Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 27, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm
Arcadio Son, traditional Mexican music
For more information, check the Facebook group: Centro Cultural Gonzalez Gallo, or subscribe to their email list gonzalezgallo.sc@jalisco.gob.mx, or join their WhatsApp group +52 3323120612. Concert location: Av. González Gallo 1500, Chapala. We recommend arriving early to get a good seat.
Bare Stage
Photo Credit: Jack Voller
Friday, April 25, through Sunday, April 27, at 4 pm
The Drawer Boy
Rob Ferron, Fred Koesling & Patrick Trotter star in the Drawer Boy, a play by Michael Healey. The story revolves around two farmers, Morgan and Angus, and a young man named Miles, who arrives at their farm to research rural life for a theatre project. During Miles’ stay with them, he uncovers hidden secrets that are linked to a traumatic event in their past, particularly around Angus’s memory and the effects of World War II. Directed by Darlene Sherwood.
Tickets: 200 pesos on Friday, and 300 pesos on Saturday and Sunday. To reserve a seat, email barestagetheatre2018@gmail.com. Seats are held until 3:50 pm the day of the performance. Door and Bar open at 3:00 pm. All bar proceeds go to Operation Feed.
Theater location: St Andrews Church, 19 San Lucas, Riberas. Look for directional signs. Parking is in St. Andrews Parking Lot.
Lake Chapala Orchestra
Photo Credit: unknown
Saturday, May 10 at 2 pm
Classical Jazz
In the 20th century, classical music was greatly influenced by the development of jazz and, of course, vice versa. Michael Reason, the orchestra’s conductor, has put together a dynamic program highlighting this mix of two important music genres. The program starts with an orchestral suite from George Gershwin’s opera “Porgy and Bess,” featuring beloved melodies like “Summertime” and “Bess, You Is My Woman Now.”
The concert features the young 16-year-old pianist, Alexander Vivero. The best way to describe Alexander’s amazing talent is to think of him as Mexico’s answer to Mozart. Being a concert pianist, a composer, and a conductor are but three of his achievements in the music world. And he also speaks 4 languages fluently!
Tickets: 400 pesos. To reserve tickets, email LCCOtickets@gmail.com.
Concert location: Robert Kleffel Auditorio, Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Jalisco, Chapala, with ample parking right next to the college auditorium.
Lakeside Little Theater
Tuesday, April 1; Saturday, April 5; and Sunday, April 6, at 4 pm
Wednesday, April 2, through Friday, April 4, at 7:30 pm
Doubt: A Parable
Doubt: A Parable, by John Patrick Shanley, won, among many other accolades, both the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Awards for Best Play. The play, which premiered in New York City in 2005, deals with the suspicions Sister and Principal Aloysius Beauvier develops about a beloved and progressive priest, Father Flynn. Did he molest one of the students in her school? A fierce battle of wills ensues, and the play ends, leaving everyone, characters and audience alike, in a very uncomfortable state of doubt.
Tickets: 400 pesos. To receive a 150 peso discount, present a Mexican INE voter registration card at the box office. You can purchase or reserve tickets at www.lakesidelittletheatre.com/tickets
Sunday, April 13, and Monday, April 14, at 4 pm
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Met Live
Beethoven’s Fidelio
Fidelio is filmed live at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House and is projected in LLT’s main auditorium, which has a state-of-the-art screen and sound system with English subtitles. It’s an enduring work that has been called alternately a “hymn to freedom and human dignity” and a “celebration of liberty through compassion.”
Tickets: 350 pesos. To receive a 100 peso discount, present a Mexican INE voter registration card at the box office. You can purchase or reserve at www.lakesidelittletheatre.com/tickets
Theater 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.
Open Circle – Lake Chapala Society
On Sundays, the Lake Chapala Society (LCS) hosts Open Circle, which is free (donations appreciated) and open to all community members. Enter by the side gate on Ramón Corona, which opens at 9:30 am.
Sunday, April 6, 10:15 am to 11:30 am
New Developments: Poco A Poco San Pedro Itzican
With a mission statement to “To help the people in San Pedro Itzicán and the surrounding towns to improve their lives and the lives of others for generations to come,” our support for the community has ranged from teaching to grow plants from seed, teaching music, traditional dance, English classes, literacy classes, knitting, sewing, jewelry making, hairdressing classes, programs for children with different needs, support of education for youth and adults, and encouraging people to learn new skills to be financially independent. Our programs involve people from all the local villages and the town of Mezcala.
Francisco Navo, the presenter, is a founding member of Poco A Poco San Pedro Itzican and a sustainable garden consultant and teacher. Francisco writes a monthly column for El Ojo Del Lago: Verdant View.
Sunday, April 13, 10:15 am to 11:30 am
What if you should die before you were ever born?
What if, since you knew you were living on borrowed time, you had lived, taught, traveled, and wondered outrageously? That is why, sixty-five years later, you’d have one hell of a good story! Dave Ellison’s memoir, Santander: Rambling on Borrowed Time, is a unique memoir/travelogue/reflection-on-life featuring poignant short stories that, like pieces of a puzzle, create a captivating whole exploring themes of personal growth, adventure, justice, wonder, disillusionment, and ultimately, gratitude. In this talk, Dave will share selections from his acclaimed memoir and be available afterward to sign copies
The presenter, David Ellison, during his thirty-six year career, has been a teacher, mentor teacher, school administrator, education columnist, and community activist. He worked in schools foreign and domestic, public and private, grades four through college.
Sundays, April 20 and April 27, 10:15 am to 11:30 am
Speakers to be announced opencircleajijic.org/
Las Voces del Lago
Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13, at 3 pm
Glorious
Las Voces del Lago’s spring concert, directed by Ken Turner, brings a musical tapestry of classics and contemporary favorites and takes audiences on a vibrant musical journey from classical masterpieces to Broadway and pop favorites. Enjoy Handel’s stirring “Music Spread Thy Voice Around,” the ethereal Pie Jesu, selections from Broadway’s Wicked, uplifting gospel and Shaker tunes, and beloved pop hits like Scarborough Fair, Both Sides Now, and Billy Joel’s heartfelt And So It Goes.
Tickets: 400 pesos. To reserve, email LasVocesTickets@gmail.com with your preferred date and number of tickets.
Concert location: Robert Kleffel Auditorio, Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Jalisco, Chapala. Ample parking is right next to the college auditorium. A shuttle service is available to transport guests from the parking lot to the Auditorio.
BRAVO! Theatre
Photo Credit: provided by Elyane
Thursday, April 10, and Friday, April 11, at 4 pm and 7:30 pm
Stand-Up Comedy with Elayne Boosler!
Elayne Boosler is coming to the BRAVO! Theatre for 2 days only! Named by Rolling Stone as one of the Top 50 stand-up comics of all time, and was the star of Five Showtime stand-up comedy specials. A big name for our little stage. Plus, come see talented comedian Lisa Geduldig!
Tickets: 500 pesos. To reserve tickets, email tickets@thebravo.org or visit www.thebravo.org. Tickets can also be purchased at It’s Kinda Bazar. Theatre location: 441 Hidalgo in Riberas Del Pilar, just west of S&S Auto.
Artists of Lake Chapala
Photo Credit: Jeffery Aquilar
Saturday, April 19, 10 am to 3 pm
Art Market
Artist of Lake Chapala extends a huge thanks to our amazing patrons and artists! This is our final Art Market of the season, and it’s an event you don’t want to miss. Join us at the beautiful Garden of Dreams.
Artists will showcase and sell their work in many mediums, including jewelry, clothing, ceramics, and visual arts. Plus, you can enjoy bar service, delicious tacos, and music while socializing with your friends. This day will be filled with creativity, fun, and community. See you there!
Location: Garden of Dreams, on Constitucion 105 in Ajijic.
House Concert with Timothy G Ruff Welch
Thursday, April 24, at 3 pm
Casa Floresta Concert
Join us at an afternoon concert with Juan Pablo Medeles, Violin, and Timothy G Ruff Welch, Piano. This delightful duo will play a concert of violin and piano works by Bartok, de Falla, and Mexican composers: Ponce and Hernández.
The concert is held at Casa Floresta, a private house with a beautiful garden and an intimate concert space, and a perfect setting for a salon concert that was popular in the 19th Century. Only 60 seats are available, so reserve early. Wine and a selection of treats follow the concert.
Tickets: 700 pesos. To reserve, email casaflorestatickets@gmail.com. Concert location: Address will be emailed to you upon receipt of your reservation
ANAVETS Mexico Unit 19
Thursdays, Euchre and Fun Darts, at 12:30 pm
Welcoming New Members – Vets and Non Vets
Do you want to be a part of a dedicated group of individuals who are making a difference in the community? ANAVETS Mexico Unit 19 is always looking for new members. Our mission is to support Military Veterans, their families, our members, and the community we live in. You do not need to be a Military Veteran or a Canadian to join. Unit 19 is an International Unit that has members from Canada, Mexico, the United States and Great Britain.
ANAVETS has some exciting events planned for the coming year, and we want you to be part of it. Many events involve fundraising for local charities; examples from 2024 are charities such as Mi Bebe y Yo and The Blue School in Chapala. Come out any Thursday afternoon to Mamas Musical Bar and see what we are all about.
Location: ANAVETS is at Mamas Musical Bar González Gallo 86B just down from Ishop, Thursdays at 12:30 pm. Entrance is in the adjoining parking lot.
Ask an Expat!
Tuesdays, April 1 and April 14 at 4:30 pm
Lakeside Info for Visitors and Newbies
Are you 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.
The host, Steve Taylor, retired to Lakeside in 2022. Steve first rented in Riberas and now owns a home in San Antonio. For more information, text +1 (512) 921-6150.
Location: Casa Del Sol Inn, Javier Mina #7, Ajijic
- Lakeside Living– May 2025 - April 30, 2025
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