Shelley Edson
From the Lakeside Living Editor: Please send information for local cultural, civic, community, or charitable events to ElOjoShelley@gmail.com on or before the first day of the preceding month by noon—for example, the deadline for the June 1 issue is noon, May 1. Plus, a new section has been created for non profit volunteers needed. For more information, email ElOjoShelley@gmail.com
Thank you, Shelley Edson
ANAVETS
St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser
photo credit: Rick Palmer
ANAVETS Mexico Unit #19 held a successful Fundraiser for Mi Bebe y Yo on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2025.
Over 23000 pesos was raised for the charity from the proceeds of a silent auction and gift basket draws. The charity supports new mothers and provides items for mom and baby as well as education on child care.
THE NEW FREEDOM CHORALE
Fridays at 10:30 am
60s Singalong
Every Friday at 10:30 am, a group of 60s music fans sit around the big tables at the new Club Positivo. Mostly, we just sing ‘60s songs together and call ourselves the Freedom Chorale. It is amazingly fun, and all are welcome! Live guitar accompaniment, jammers welcome too. Lyrics provided. Cover is 20 pesos.
Location: Club Positivo, Calle San Luis 217, Riberas. Close to St Andrews.
CENTRO CULTURAL GONZALEZ GALLO CHAPALA
Free Concerts
Photo Credit: Shelley Edson
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. May concerts are:
Sunday, May 4 at 12:30 pm
Sui Tasto Ensamble
Renaissance to contemporary music; flamenco, bossa nova, jazz and Mexican music.
Sunday, May 11 at 12:30 pm
La Kay México celebrates Mother’s Day
La Kay Mexico presents traditional Haitian music and compositions that combine rhythms such as kompa, rare, trovou, bolero, gospel, and reggae.
Sunday, May 18 at 12:30 pm
Rudy de Maraventho World Music & Belly Miranda
A musical trip around the world through the color of the guitar as the main instrument and the belly dance.
Sunday, May 25 at 12:30 pm
Duo Olideon, guitar and voice
From Germany, participants of the International Guitar Festival of Colima, Guitarromanía 2025 play a guitar and voice concert.
Thursday, May 30 at 6:30 pm
Guitar concert
From Singapore, Kevin Loh, participant of the International Guitar Festival of Colima, Guitaromanía 2025, plays a guitar concert.
For more information, check the Facebook group: Centro Cultural Gonzalez Gallo, or subscribe to the email list gonzalezgallo.sc@jalisco.gob.mx, or join their WhatsApp group +52 3323120612. Concert location: Av. González Gallo 1500, Chapala – the old train station. We recommend arriving early to get a good seat.
OPEN CIRCLE – LAKE CHAPALA SOCIETY
Sundays, 10:15 am to 11:30 am
Open Circle events are held at the Lake Chapala Society Campus in Ajijic and are free – with donations appreciated Enter by the side gate on Ramón Corona that opens at 9:30 am.
Sunday May 4 at 10:15 am
Living in a Bi-cultural Setting. Understanding, Learning about and Relating to Lakeside’s Cultural Mix
Many cultural differences exist at Lakeside. This presentation focuses on understanding and respecting those differences The presenter, Ed Tasca, is a weekly columnist for the Guadalajara Reporter. Ed is a university grad and sharpshooter and has lived at Lakeside for 15 years.
Sunday, May 11 and May 18 at 10:15 am
TBA
Sunday, May 25 at 10:15 am
The Challenges of Aging with the Superpowers of Neurodiversity: There are more of us than you think
All of us share some of the characteristics of those on the Spectrum. We also share some of the superpowers of Neurodiversity. As we age these can morph into cognitive rigidity and ultimately anxiety, depression and OFS. Strategies will be presented to improve our emotional and sensory well-being.
The presenter, Dr. Michael McManmon, is a licensed psychologist and a member of the US Autism Association Advisory Board. Dr. McManmon has published four books and has lived in Mexico for eight years.
ASK AN EXPAT!
Tuesdays, May 6 and May 20 at 5 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
LAKE CHAPALA ORCHESTRA
Saturday, May 10 at 2 pm
Classical Jazz
Classical Jazz 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.
BARE STAGE
Monday, May 19 through Wednesday, May 21, 10 am to 1 pm
Workshop
Photo Credit: Kathleen Morris
Bare Stage Theatre will be ‘dark’ in May, and no staged performances are scheduled; however, a workshop, “Introduction to Readers Theatre Workshop,” will be held in May, Led by the highly experienced Kathleen Morris, who brings 25 years of acting expertise to her teaching, the workshop is limited to twelve students.
During the workshop, Kathleen will provide hands-on instruction in several key acting techniques essential for both novice and experienced performers. Participants will explore vocal projection, learning exercises to enhance clarity, volume, and the ability to command attention without straining the voice.
The workshop will also dive into character creation, where participants explore how to develop a distinct persona, mastering the art of embodying “someone else” through voice and imagination.
Finally, Kathleen will introduce the concept of restricted physicality—a vital skill for Readers Theatre—where actors convey emotion and narrative primarily through voice and subtle gesture, minimizing the use of large, expansive physical movements.
These valuable skills will not only enhance your ability in Readers Theatre but will also be beneficial for any form of acting, enriching your overall performance technique. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow as an actor and enhance your craft.
Location: St Andrews, 19 San Lucas, Riberas del Pilar, with ample parking in the adjacent lot. Cost: 900 pesos. Limited to twelve students. For reservations, email caboroxy@yahoo.com.
LAKESIDE LIVING THEATER
Evenings at 7:30 pm: Friday, May 2; Wednesday, May 7 through Friday, May 8
Matinees at 4 pm: Saturday, May 3; Sunday, May 4; Tuesday, May 6; Saturday, May 10; Sunday, May 11
Grand Horizons
Photo Credit: Ann Swiston
When an elderly couple decides to divorce after 50 years of apparently blissful marriage, the rest of the family tries to dissuade them. The resulting conversations are comedic and dramatic, and explore enduring themes of aging, second chances, and the search for happiness.
Grand Horizons is the final production of the Mainstage Season 60.
Tickets 400 pesos. Present an INE card at the box office to receive a 100 peso discount
Sunday, May 18 and Monday, May 19 at 4 pm
Le Nozze di Figaro – Live at the Met
Considered one of the greatest operas ever written, Mozart portrays a single “day of madness” as Figaro attempts to marry his love, Susanna, despite Dr. Bartolo’s machinations. OperaWire called the performance “an extraordinary work, one that pushes the boundaries of what an operatic theatrical experience can be.”
Filmed live at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House and experienced with LLT’s state-of-the-art projection, screen, and sound system.
Tickets 350 pesos. Present an INE card at the box office to receive a 150 peso discount
Sunday, May 25 and Monday, May 26 at 4 pm
Salome – Live at the Met
Salome, after a dance for King Herod, demands the head of the prophet John the Baptist, which leads to a tragic end for everyone. Music critic Alex Ross says, “Salome, with its delirious text by Oscar Wilde, is perhaps the opera that fascinates me the most.”
Tickets 350 pesos. Present an INE card at the box office to receive a 100 peso discount. Filmed live at New York’s Metropolitan Opera House and experienced with LLT’s state-of-the-art projection, screen, and sound system.
CAT SHELTER RIBERAS PET STORE
Volunteers Needed
Come meet, greet, and play with the cats waiting for adoption at the cat shelter at the Riberas Pet Store. If you have as little as 30 minutes, please stop by and say hello to some of the lonely cats! English or Spanish speakers welcome.
Location: Hidalgo 212, Riberas del Pilar. The location is Riberas next to Ladrone’s vetl clinic. Monday to Friday 10 am to 2 pm, and Saturday 10 am to 1 pm.
LUCKY DOG RESCUE AND ADOPTION CENTER
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed to help with daily shelter tasks and dog walking, cuddling, and playtime. Dog walkers need a basic level of fitness; other volunteer opportunities are less strenuous. Minimum time commitment: 2-4 hours, one day a week with 4 hours being a ’shift’ as we are open from 9-1 every day.
English or Spanish speakers welcome. Contact: Melanie Rosen, volunteer coordinator – email melanierosen62@gmail.com or What’s App +52 332-824-4082. www.luckydoglakechapala.org
Location: the shelter is on the main road between Chapala and Santa Cruz going East along the lake. Carretera Chapala-Mezcala #1100, 45944 Santa Cruz de la Soledad, Jal., MexicoDirections
FOOD BANK LAKESIDE
Volunteers Needed
FoodBank Lakeside needs volunteers to support its mission to include writing newsletter articles, planning events, and coordinating outreach efforts. Volunteers can contribute from the comfort of their own homes, as there is no physical location required for participation. A minimum commitment of 1 to 2 hours per week is requested, and tasks primarily require English proficiency.
For more information, email volunteersfbl@gmail.com or visit
THE AJIJIC RECYCLE CENTER
Volunteers Needed
Looking for an opportunity to help keep Lakeside clean, and get to know people and make a difference? The Ajijic Recycle Center is located just west of Ajijic. We are seeking volunteers to help out front, greeting recyclers, sorting items, and directing people to our used bookstore.
Please see our Facebook Page Reciclaje de Ribera Chapala, or contact Colleen Kissinger, colleenkissinger60@gmail.com.
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