EVENTOS 2013

JANUARY 2013: This is a calendar of arts and cultural events in La Paz, México. Schedules can change, so if your heart is set on a particular event, best to double-check place and time. Expect to hear mainly Spanish spoken at most of these events. Go to the Venues page for information on event locations. This month you’ll find two new pages. The Ongoing Activities page is a directory of ongoing and repeating arts and cultural activities around La Paz (for example, regularly scheduled arts workshops, live music venues, Spanish schools and movie theatres are listed here). The Links page points you to other English-Language sites and sources for information about La Paz and Baja California Sur.  I welcome your input. To correct, comment or add to this site, please e-mail rozinlapaz@yahoo.com .

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

Until Feb. 4, Carnaval mask exhibition: A display of masks and photographs of Carnaval de Venecia by Fulvio Roiter, Juan Francisco Picos and ArteDigital is at Alianza Francesa’s Centro Cultural Roger de Conynck. The centre is on Gomez Farias 525, between República and Guerrero.For more information, phone 12 228 88, visit www.alianzafrancesa.org.mx or go to Facebook at alianzafrancesalapaz EN LA FIESTA DE LA CARNE EL ARTE POR EL ARTE.

Until Feb. 13 (opens Feb. 1), Carnaval royal robes show: An exhibition of costumes of Carnaval kings and queens is in the Centro Cultural La Paz, 16 de Septiembre near Belisario Dominguez. Admission is free. 

Until Feb. 22, collective exhibition on the grey whale: Photographs, sculptures, paintings, talks and displays are part of this exhibition entitled La Ballena Gris at the Centro Cultural La Paz, on 16 de Septiembre near Belisario Dominguez. Admission is free.

Permanent, exhibition of photography and video: The collective exhibitionHombre, Naturaleza y Cultura (man, nature and culture) in the CÓDEX Península salon of the Centro Cultural La Paz is a permanent photography show that highlights the special characteristics that make up the cultural identity of Baja California Sur. A video that showcases BCS complements the photographs. Photographers are Elizabeth Moreno Damm, Enrique Hambleton, Alejandro Rivas Sánchez, Carlos Navarro Serment, Carlos Aguilera Calderón, Miguel Ángel de la Cueva and Fernando Sánchez Bernal. Text is in English and Spanish. Admission is by donation.

ACTIVITIES THAT REPEAT: go to ‘ONGOING ACTIVITIES’ page for details

SUNDAYS

MONDAYS

MUSIC LIVE — Open stage at The Shack restaurant

TUESDAYS

BOOK GROUP — Palabra por Palabra book group (once a month) 

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES — Se Habla cultural presentation

MARKET — Madero Street

MUSIC LIVE — Escuela de Música del Estado rehearsals

WEDNESDAYS

MUSIC LIVE — rock at La Costa Restaurant

MUSIC LIVE — jam session at Ciao Molino restaurant

THURSDAYS

MARKET — Sabores de México 

ART WORKSHOP — Marina de La Paz 

ART WORKSHOP — Club de Dibujo con Model

FILM SERIES — Centro de Artes, Tradiciones y Cultural Popular

WRITERS’ GROUP — The Sea of Cortés Writers’ Group

MUSIC LIVE — Galería La Encantada

MUSIC LIVE — Blues with Mike O’Neill at The Shack restaurant

FRIDAYS

FILM SERIES — Galerías Pax

MUSIC LIVE — Escuela de Música del Estado rehearsals

MUSIC LIVE — Galería La Encantada

MUSIC LIVE — Music at The Shack restaurant

SATURDAYS

MARKET — Madero Street

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES — AbraPalabra library morning workshop

MUSIC LIVE — Galería La Encantada

EVENTS CALENDAR: UPDATED DAILY WITH NEWLY LISTED EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30

Artists’ and crafts market: Vendors will be selling their work from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Art House, 655 Revolucion  (between Morelos and Victoria). For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Sidne at Art House,http://www.facebook .com/Arthouselap az.

THURSDAY, JAN. 31

Book presentation: There is a presentation of the children’s book ¡Tortuga a la Vista! by Rocío Maceda Díaz at 5 p.m. at Centro Cultural La Paz, 16 de Septiembre near the corner of Belisario Domínguez. Mario Jaime and Christopher Amador will speak.

FRIDAY, FEB. 1

Carnaval royal robes show opens: An exhibition of costumes of Carnaval kings and queens opens at 6 p.m. in the Centro Cultural La Paz, 16 de Septiembre near Belisario Dominguez. Admission is free. The show continues until Feb. 13.

Film series begins: Galerias Pax, Guillermo Prieto 1250, is showing the film Chocolat at 6 p.m., the first of a series in February of Friday night films. The theme for the month is love. Admission is 20 pesos. For more information, visit Galerias Pax on Prieto or go to the gallery’s Facebook page.

SATURDAY, FEB. 2

Chocolate cooking class: Buen Provecho La Paz is holding a class devoted to chocolate: tasting, discussion of the history and production of chocolate, demonstration of chocolate techniques and hands-on production of chocolate creations. The class, which is in English, is from 2 to 5 p.m. at the cooking school,  Revolución 555, between República and Guerrero (behind Se Habla … La Paz Spanish language school). For more information about cost and to register, call 122-6409, e-mail info@BuenProvechoLaPaz.com or visitwww.BuenProvechoLaPaz.com.

Jazz trio at Tonantzin: Emanuel Carrera (drums and percussion), Darío Norzagaray (guitar) and Sergio Martínez (bass) perform at 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard of Galería Tonantzin at Constitución 320 (between Aquiles Serdán and Revolución), the same block as the post office. There will be guest performers, new pieces and original work. Admission is 70 pesos. For information and reservations, call 122 76 25 or 612 154 81 36.

In Todos Santos, arts festival begins: the XVI Festival del Arte Todos Santos Feb. 2-9 features art and regional crafts exhibits, theatre and performances in the Plaza Marquez de Leon. There will be food, public dances and other entertainment.

MONDAY, FEB. 4

French classes begin: Alianza Francesa offers classes in French at its cultural centre, Centro Cultural Roger de Conynck. New session starts Feb. 4, 2013. Classes are offered for more than one level; there are also groups for reading, conversation and seminars. The French cultural centre is at Gomez Farias 525, between República and Guerrero. Hours of the centre are listed as Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 13:00 and 17:00 to 21:00. Phone number is 612-122-2888. E-mail address is alianzafrancesalapaz@yahoo.com.mx. Website iswww.alianzafrancesa.org.mx.

THURSDAY, FEB. 7

CARNAVAL de La Paz 2013 begins: The city’s biggest annual street party and entertainment festival begins today and continues through Tuesday, Feb. 12. Calle Obregón is blocked off to traffic for late afternoon and evening festivities. Most events take place along the Malecón (although the entertainment program and queen coronation Feb. 8 is at a different location). The parades with floats along the Malecón are scheduled for Feb. 10,  Feb. 11 and Feb. 12. Get in the mood with a two-minute promotional video on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DX4cUzfFFq8. You’ll find a tentative schedule and more information on the Baja Insider website at http://www.bajainsider.com/baja-life/events/carnival/carnival-la-paz.htm. 

Today’s events:

18:00 artistic program from Baja Sur artists. 

20:00 coronation of the Queen of Carnaval and presentation of the Royal Court, a presentation by the  Association of dance instructors of BCS, coronation of The King de la Alegría 2013 and Witness, Testament and Burning of Bad Humor in Effigy.

21:00 presentation of Gilberto Gless. 

24:00 dancing with the Banda Sinaloense.

Photography exhibition opening: An exchange of art between Loveland, Colorado, U.S.A. and La Paz, B.C.S. features photographs of Colorado by international photographer Gary Batha at 7 p.m. at Alianza Francesa de La Paz, Gomez Farias 525, between República and Guerrero.

FRIDAY, FEB. 8

CARNAVAL: The main activity tonight is at the stadium Guaycura de La Paz, which is located on Calle 5 de Mayo next to the stadium Estadio Arturo C Nahl (Estadio Nahl is at Constitución and Lic. Verdad near Ley’s supermarket).

18:00 Artistic program from Baja Sur Artists
20:00 Coronation Ceremony with live entertainment, coronation of Reina de la Poesía 2013 and the Princess de la Poesía and reading by the winner of the Poeta Laureate of La Paz and Value of Culture 2013.
21:00 Gloria Trevi in Concert.
24:00 Dancing with the Banda Sinaloense.

CARNAVAL Beatlemania performance: The show is a highlight of the festivities accompanying the coronation of the Carnaval Queen. This extravaganza features 135 musicians, singers and dancers. Among those participating are members of the state’s symphony orchestra and band. The show is a tribute to the legendary band The Beatles and includes "Imagine", "Let it be", “Yesterday”, and many other hits. The show is at the stadium Guaycura de La Paz. Admission is free. Starting time TBA.

SATURDAY, FEB. 9

CARNAVAL: 10:00 Coronation Ceremony with a presentation by the  Assoc. de Dance Instructors of BCS and Coronation of the Children's King and Queen 2013.
10:30 Artistic Presentation
18:00 Artistic Presentation
20:00 Coronation Ceremony with a presentation by the  Assoc. de Dance Instructors of BCS, coronation of the Royal Princesses and Duchesses of Carnaval with the Mayor of La Paz and the governor of the state of Baja California Sur. 
21:00 Grupo Canaveral in Concert
24:00 Dancing with the Banda Sinaloense.

SUNDAY, FEB. 10

CARNAVAL: Parade (start time and parade direction TBA)
19:00 Artistic program from Baja Sur Artists
21:00 Presentation Maria Jose
24:00 Dancing with the Banda Sinaloense.

In Todos Santos, art studio tour: Thirty-six artists will be part of this year’s Artists of Todos Santos Open Studio Tour. Tickets, available starting February 2 at Cafelix Coffee & Kitchen and Tecolote Book Store, are 150 pesos. Proceeds benefit the Palapa Society children's art programs. You can buy tickets the day of the event only at Cafelix. For more information, contact Mike Mcallister, heronsneststudio@gmail.com or call 044-612-152-6166, Todos Santos.

MONDAY, FEB. 11

CARNAVAL: Official visits of the Royal Court of Carnaval to the jail, Children's Home and Retirement

Carnaval Parade (start time and parade direction TBA
19:00 Artistic program from Baja Sur Artists
21:00 Motel in concert.
24:00 Dancing with the Banda Sinaloense.

TUESDAY, FEB. 12

CARNAVAL: Parade (start time and parade direction TBA 

19:30 Artistic program from Baja Sur Artists
21:00 Banda San Jose de Masillas in Concert
23:00 Dancing with the Banda Sinaloense.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20

Festival de Cine de Todos Santos begins: The 10th annual film festival Feb. 20 to 26 features the best in Latin films. All films in Spanish with English subtitles. Location in Todos Santos is the Teatro Marquez de Leon. For more details, visit the website http://www.todossantoscinefest.com/ or go to Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TodosSantosCineFest?ref=ts&fref=ts

FRIDAY, FEB. 22

Jazz performance: Khnemu Jazz Ensemble — with singer Sheft-hat Khnemu Ra,  guitarrist Darío Norzagaray and guests — performs at 8 p.m. at Trocadero restaurant, Morelos 965 between Revolución and Madero. For reservations, call 123-2967; for information, call 612-151-2481.

SATURDAY, FEB. 23

English-language theatre: The Naked Acting Company, La Paz’s new English language theatre company, presents an encore of the group’s second performance by popular demand — it’s no frills, just good acting and an after-show get-together with the players.  The performance, hosted by Art House at 655 Revolucion (between Morelos and Victoria), begins at 7 p.m. The presentation includes the scenes “Vampire Lesbians of Sodom” by Charles Busch, “The Book of Liz” by David and Amy Sedaris, “The House of Bernarda Alba” by Fredrico Garcia Lorca and “The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion. For more information or to make your reservation, please call 612-125-9114 Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or e-mailcindycrane090@gmail.com. Admission is free; duration is one hour plus.

LOOKING AHEAD

March 15, jazz performance: Khnemu Jazz Ensemble — with singer Sheft-hat Khnemu Ra,  guitarrist Darío Norzagaray and guests — performs at 8 p.m. at Trocadero restaurant, Morelos 965 between Revolución and Madero. For reservations, call 123-2967; for information, call 612-151-2481.

May 1 in Cabo San Lucas, boat show begins: The fourth annual Cabo Marine Show begins at the IGY Cabo San Lucas Marina and the Wyndham Cabo San Lucas hotel (located Blvd. Marina s/n, Lots 9 & 10, downtown Cabo San Lucas). For details, visit the website at cabomarineshow.com. For information on sponsorship, booth pricing and fees for in-water exhibitors, e-mail info@maaseventos.com. Facebook page iswww.facebook.com/CaboMarineShow

GRACIAS to the Instituto Sudcaliforniano de Cultura, Centro Cultural La Paz,the Dirección de Cultura de La Paz, the Asociación de Empresas Hoteleras Y Turisticas, Acción Cívica y Festivales of the city of La Paz, Alianza Francesa de La Paz and other cultural organizations for contributions to this website. Much of this events calendar is material translated from the Agenda Cultural, published by the state’s Instituto Sudcaliforniano de Cultura. You can find the current edition of this excellent publication, published in Spanish, online athttp://issuu.com/disenoisc/docs/acbcsdicenero. You may also be able to pick up a copy at a tourism office or cultural centre.

EVENTOS OTOÑO 2012

YOU CAN FIND THIS EVENTS IN 

 http://www.rozinlapaz.com

OCTOBER 2012: This is a calendar of arts and cultural events in La Paz, México. Schedules can change, so if your heart is set on a particular event, best to double-check place and time. Expect to hear mainly Spanish spoken at most of these events. Go to the Venues page for information on event locations. And at the bottom of the Venues page, there’s list of useful links to other English-language sites for more information about La Paz and Baja California Sur. I welcome your input. To correct, comment or add to this site, e-mail rozinlapaz@yahoo.com 

CONTINUING

Until Nov. 12, art show: An exhibition of painting and sculpture by Mtro. Eduardo Rojas M. is at Centro Cultural La Paz, 16 de Septiembre at the corner of Belisario Dominguez. For more information, e-mail arebo@uabcs.mx.

Until Dec. 6, art exhibition: Intentos para reconstruir un Gran Arbol (attempts to reconstruct a big tree) is an exhibition of installations, suspended sculptures and work in progress by artist Gaber Lugo at Galería La Encantada, Belisario Dominguez 1245 between 5 de Mayo and Callejón Constitución.

Continuing, exhibition of photography and video: The collective exhibitionHombre, Naturaleza y Cultura (man, nature and culture) in the CÓDEX Península salon of the Centro Cultural La Paz is a permanent photography show that highlights the special characteristics that make up the cultural identity of Baja California Sur. A video that showcases BCS complements the photographs. Photographers are Elizabeth Moreno Damm, Enrique Hambleton, Alejandro Rivas Sánchez, Carlos Navarro Serment, Carlos Aguilera Calderón, Miguel Ángel de la Cueva and Fernando Sánchez Bernal. Text is in English and Spanish. Admission is by donation.

Continuing, movie theatres in La Paz: There are now three multiplex movie theatres in the city: Cinépolis La Paz (in the original Soriana shopping centre), Cinépolis Paseo La Paz (near the new Soriana) and Cinemex (in the Mega shopping centre). To find out what’s playing at the two Cinépolis theatres, go to the websitehttp://www.cinepolis.com.mx/index.aspx and for Cinemex, go to the websitehttp://www.cinemex.com/. For both websites, follow the links to La Paz.

Continuing, Mexico Encantado road trip: Mexico Encantado (“Enchanting Mexico”) is a documentary series that is the project of artists Lila Magallón and Rose Robin. The plan is for a 7,525-kilometer road trip, travelling in a motor home through Mexico to give free art workshops and promote tourism. You can watch a video explaining their project on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XqR62mLg7Y and learn lots more about their project on the websitehttp://paintingpirates.com/acercarte.html. You can reach them through e-mail atrose@roserobinart.com. 

Continuing, regularly scheduled activities: Weekly events are listed at the bottom of the calendar -- look for the titles in green print. Please note, however, that some activities may not have resumed yet after summer break, so check with event organizers for the latest.

EVENTS CALENDAR

SATURDAY, OCT. 13

Cabalgata to Todos Santos begins: The annual parade of horse riders leaves from Puente del Bordo in La Paz at 7 a.m. Oct. 13, and travels down the highway, camping that night at the Puente La Muela, Km. 35 on the highway to Todos Santos. The riders arrive in Todos Santos the morning of Oct. 14. There will be rope tricks, dancing horses, demonstrations, entertainment at this family event, which is free. The public is welcome to watch and participate. For more information, contact Arturo Geraldo at 612-127-2317, Cayetano Garcia at 612-140-0793 or e-mail Kaia at kaia@mindspring.com.

Astronomy class begins: Centro Cultural Garcia Lorca (Cafebreria) offers a 10-hour course in basic observational astronomy meets from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays Oct. 13, 20 and 27. There is also a night of observation. For more information and to enrol, e-mail manc@uabcs.mx or call 612-157-7422.  Address is  Gama 1920 between J. Mújica and Carabineros.

“Mórbido” fantasy and terror film festival: There will be a showing of several short films for children at the Centro de Culturas Populares, Calle Madero between Independencia and 5 de Mayo. You may wish to check starting time: one posting says 10 a.m.; another says there are showings at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is free.

“Mórbido” film festival related event: There will be a Zombie Walk at 4:30 p.m. at Jardín Velasco, the park across the street from the cathedral on Revolución between Independencia and 5 de Mayo.

Organic gardening workshop continues: The workshop, which began Oct. 6, is from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Jardín Sabores De La Tierra, in Col. Manglito. Participants will learn the principles of organic gardening from beginning to end. For more information and for directions, visit the web pages www.raizdefondo.org andwww.jardinsabores.blogspot.mx 

Family event on the Malecón: Malecón Cultural is an event featuring music, displays, dance and family fun. It starts at 19:00 at the kiosko of the Malecón, on Obregón at the foot of 16 de Septiembre. Featured is a concert marking Día de los Pueblos Indígenas.

Paella festival: The 4th annual paella festival starts at 19:00 at Playa Coromuel. The admission of 250 pesos entitles ticket holder to paella tasting and three beverages. All proceeds donated to the La Paz volunteer fire department. The event had been delayed because of the rainstorms. for more information, call 122 2520.

Star-gazing session: Experience a guided tour of stars at Rancho La Duna, where there will be lots to see under the new moon and desert sky, away from the lights of La Paz. The event is 6 to 10 p.m., starting early enough to catch the sunset. Cost is $350 pesos per person. There will be wine, bread and cheese, made from from the milk of La Duna’s own goats. Transportation leaves from Chedraui Colima’s parking lot, close to Bancomer. For more information, contact Mariana at 612-119-3278 or visit

http://ladunamexico .blogspot. mx/p/stars. html or http://ladunamexico .blogspot. mx/p/stars. html

In Todos Santos, Blúz Explozión: Sheft-hat Khnemu Ra and his blues band from La Paz are keeping the blues alive in the Baja at Hotel California in Todos Santos for a night of live music and dancing. The show starts at 8 p.m. There’s no cover charge.

Photo Safari begins: The outdoor adventure company Baja Expedition is offering a one-way boat trip through the Gulf of California to Loreto Oct. 13-17. It’s billed as a trip for wildlife and landscape photographers. There will be time to kayak. Maximum on board: 15 people. The press release says the cost is 50% of the normal cost, but no price is listed. To learn more, contact Baja Expeditions de México in La Paz at (612)-123-4900.

SUNDAY, OCT. 14

Cabalgata activities in Todos Santos: The  riders arrive in Todos Santos in the morning. During the day there will be rope tricks, dancing horses, demonstrations and entertainment at this family event, which is free. For more information, contact Arturo Geraldo at 612-127-2317, Cayetano Garcia at 612-140-0793 or e-mail Kaia at kaia@mindspring.com. 

Performance: Academia Kawika presents Iaorana Kawika at 18:30 at Teatro de la Ciudad. Admission is free. For information, call 612-117-0046.

MONDAY, OCT. 15

Civic ceremony honoring the flag: Honores a la Bandera takes place at 8 a.m. every Monday this month at the Palacio Municipal, La Paz city hall at Carabineros and Deportistas, near Soriana shopping centre.

TUESDAY, OCT. 16

Visual arts exhibition opens: Exposición de Historias, Mitos y Leyendas de California (stories, myths and legends) is the title of this show by Professor Benito Beltrán at 20:00 in the lobby of Teatro de la Ciudad. Admission is free.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 17

Children’s theatre: The title of this production is El Cuento de las Princesas de Disney, Un Sueño de Princesa and Los Vengadores Súper Héroes (the story of the Disney princesses, a princess’ dream and the superhero avengers). The show is at Teatro de la Ciudad at 17:00 and 19:30. Tickets are 160 pesos for orchestra, 120 pesos for balcony.

THURSDAY, OCT. 18

Thursday film series: This month’s film series is billed as Mes de la Anarquía with anarchy as its theme. Tonight’s film: La Estrategia del Caracol (the strategy of the snail), directed by Sergio Cabrera (1993). There will be a discussion after the film. Films are 19:00 every Thursday this month at the Centro de Artes, Tradiciones y Cultural Populares de BCS on Madero facing Jardín Velasco.

FRIDAY, OCT. 19

Children’s choir festival: The third Festival de Coros Infantiles presents “Cantemos a la Tierra” (let’s sing to the earth) at 16:00 at Teatro de la Ciudad. Admission is free. For more information, call 122-1095.

SATURDAY, OCT. 20

Gardening workshop: The nonprofit organization Raíz De Fondo A.C. (Deep Roots) is offering a new workshop, Organic Gardening For Beginners, Saturday, Oct. 20 and 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Nayarit #41, Col. Manglito, about a half block from the beach where there’s the old cement plant with two huge cement towers. For more information, visit the webpage at http://raizdefondo.org/

Rock, art and craft vendors: Tianguis Alternativo el Chiopo begins at 18:00 at Parque Cauhutemoc. Check out this alternative street market, held every second Saturday at the foot of Bravo Street on the Malecón. You can learn more about the project, which has the support of municipal cultural branch, by visiting the website online at http://elchopito.blogspot.com

Korean cultural festival: The 6th Festival de Cultura Coreana, described as a fusion of traditional and modern art, is at 19:00 at Teatro de la Ciudad. Admission is 60 pesos. 

SUNDAY, OCT. 21

Por Ellas benefit swim: This invitational swim of el Mar de Cortés is to raise funds to fight cancer. This year’s donations support men, as well as women, in the group’s anti-cancer campaign. The swim supports men through the Oncology Center, “Dr. Rubén Cardoza Macías”, which will provide free checkups to young men which suffer testicular cancer. You can donate (buying swimming strokes) at Azul Marino restaurant, Marina Costa Baja, (612)1067009, e-mailcontacto@azulmarinorestaurante.com. For more information, visit the websitewww.porellasmexico.org.

MONDAY, OCT. 22

Civic ceremony honoring the flag: Honores a la Bandera takes place at 8 a.m. every Monday this month at the Palacio Municipal, La Paz city hall at Carabineros and Deportistas, near Soriana shopping centre.

University book fair starts: The Feria universitaria del libro UABCS 2012 Oct. 22-26 features a book sale, book launches and presentations in the Poliforo Cultural de la UABCS. 

International concert festival begins: The Segundo Festival Internacional de Música de Concierto features five nights of performances by internationally acclaimed musicians from Poland, the Ukraine, Russia, U.S., Spain, England and Mexico. On the program are choral works, opera and compositions for violin, piano and other instruments. Tonight’s performance at 8 p.m. at the Sala de Concertos: Aventuras de un Stradivarius with internationally celebrated cellist,  Mexican Carlos Prieto, who will play a 1720 Stradivarius, and Polish pianist Jozef Olechowski. The Sala de Concertos is at the Escuela de Música, 1055 Morelos on the corner of Marcelo Rubio. Tickets are available at the Escuela de Música (school hours: 8am-8pm, Monday through Friday; school’s phone number is 612-125-55-19). 

TUESDAY, OCT. 23

International concert festival continues: Tonight’s performance at 8 p.m. at the Sala de Concertos: Desde el Alma (from the soul), with the choral group Coral Ictus performing masses Orbis Factor, De Angelis, Cum Jubilo and Gregorian music. See Oct. 22 listing for venue and ticket details.

Theatre: Aquí no hay quien pague is a prize-winning comedy, directed by Aletse Toledo Almada and written by Darío Fó. Performances are Oct. 4, 5, 23, 24 and 25 at 20:30 at Teatro de la Ciudad. Admission is 50 pesos.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 24

International concert festival continues: Tonight’s performance at 8 p.m. at the Sala de Concertos: Concerto No. 1 for strings by F. Chopin with Polish pianist Jozef Olechowski and a string ensemble that includes Sebastián Kwapisz and Pawel Sliwinki from Poland, Pawel Sliwinki from the U.S., Pawel Sliwinki from Russia and Alexei Doritsa from the Ukraine. See Oct. 22 listing for venue and ticket details.

Theatre: Aquí no hay quien pague is a prize-winning comedy, directed by Aletse Toledo Almada and written by Darío Fó. Performances are Oct. 4, 5, 23, 24 and 25 at 20:30 at Teatro de la Ciudad. Admission is 50 pesos. 

THURSDAY, OCT. 25

La Paz Ladies’ Networking Luncheon: Lunch is at Mosaic Restaurant Coasta Baja at the Grand Heritage Hotel. The afternoon begins with a meet-and-greet session at 12:15 p.m. The buffet luncheon will be served at 1:00 p.m. Cost per person, excluding tip, is $150 pesos. All women are welcome — English-speakers and Spanish-speakers, boaters and landlubbers. Mexican and ex-pat. Women business owners are encouraged to come to promote their businesses. You’ll hear mainly English spoken at this event, which is held in a different restaurant each month. For information and for reservations, e-mail luizalanoy@yahoo.

International concert festival continues: Tonight’s performance at 8 p.m. at the Sala de Concertos: Opera, arias and choral music with the most important young soloists on the current opera scene in Mexico, under the baton of concert director Xavier Ribes, originally from Barcelona. Participating are Casandra Zoé, Anabel de la Mora, Zaira Ruíz, Denise de Ramery, José Manuel Muñiz, Hugo Colin, Amed Llévanos and Mariano Fernández.  See Oct. 22 listing for venue and ticket details.

Thursday film series: This month’s film series is billed as Mes de la Anarquía with anarchy as its theme. Tonight’s film: El Violin, directed by Francisco Vargas Quevedo (2005). There will be a discussion after the film. Films are 19:00 every Thursday this month at the Centro de Artes, Tradiciones y Cultural Populares de BCS on Madero facing Jardín Velasco. 

Literary conference begins: For more information about this gathering of writers, critics researchers and the public Oct. 25-27 in the Centro Cultural La Paz on 16 de Septiembre and Belisario Dominguez, e-mail lunesdeoctubrebcs@gmail.com or call 612-122-1116.

Theatre: Aquí no hay quien pague is a prize-winning comedy, directed by Aletse Toledo Almada and written by Darío Fó. Performances are Oct. 4, 5, 23, 24 and 25 at 20:30 at Teatro de la Ciudad. Admission is 50 pesos. 

FRIDAY, OCT. 26

International concert festival concludes: The closing night of the Segundo Festival Internacional de Música de Concierto features the prize-winning mezzosoprano Encarnación Vázquez, celebrating the 30th anniversary of her artistic career.  The performance is at 8:15 p.m. at the Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de La Paz, the cathedral on Revolución and Independencia across the street from Jardín Velasco. For more information, contact the Escuela de Música del Estado (see Oct. 22 listing).

Cooking and good health retreat begins: Susan Faerber, director of the Healing Kitchen at the Moors Cancer Institute in San Diego, teaches two hands-on cooking classes Oct. 26 and 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. with dinners that feature exotic and delicious recipes using local fresh and organic ingredients. Cost $250 pesos per person or $500 pesos for two classes includes instruction, recipes and dinner. Bring your own wine. Reservations are required.  Optional overnight stay with breakfast is $250 pesos per person, lunch $100  Contact Gabriela Flores, gabriela@ecobaja.com

http://ladunamexico.blogspot.com/2012/06/directions-to-paradise.html

SATURDAY, OCT. 27

Art fair: Singer Samantha Rae will be performing and signing her new CD at this sidewalk art fair, which features local artists, Mexican crafts and food from 1 to 6 p.m. at Art House La Paz Real Estate, Revolución 655, between Morelos and Victoria Guadalupe.

Folkloric ballet: The event, which marks the anniversary of Ballet Folklórico de Tecnológica de La Paz, with Professor Marco Antonio Ojeda begins at 20:00 at Teatro de la Ciudad. Admission is 50 pesos.

SUNDAY, OCT. 28

Time change in Mexico: Daylight Savings Time in La Paz, BCS, ends 2 a.m. Sunday morning, Oct. 28. It’s “Spring forward, fall back,” so enjoy an extra hour of sleep as the clock rolls back from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m. that morning. DST in the U.S. and Canada ends Sunday, Nov. 4.

Beach cleanup: The BCS Ocean Conservancy and the environmental group, ConCiencia, are sponsoring a clean-up at Balandra Beach, starting 10 a.m. There will be family entertainment and live music celebrating Conciencia’s 10th anniversary. Gloves and trashbags will be provided. Wear athletic shoes and sunscreen, and bring a hat. A bus provides free transportation to Balandra Beach at 9 a.m. from the kiosk of the Malecón, across the street from 16 de Septiembre. For more information, contact BCS Ocean Conservancy coordinator Susanne Bennett atsusanne@drsusannebe nnett.com 

Ticket go on sale for American folk music revival: Jackie Davidson and Gary Brandt go on sale today. See Nov. 15 listing below under “Looking ahead” for details.

MONDAY, OCT. 29

Civic ceremony honoring the flag: Honores a la Bandera takes place at 8 a.m. every Monday this month at the Palacio Municipal, La Paz city hall at Carabineros and Deportistas, near Soriana shopping centre.

TUESDAY, OCT. 30

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31

LOOKING AHEAD

Nov. 1-2, Festival de Día de Muertos: There is generally a two-night evening festival for families with a display of altars to the dead, a competition for those dressed as Catrinas and Calaveras, traditional foods and entertainment on stage. It’s a huge family event, a great La Paz tradition, and it’s free. Watch this page for information on the 2012 festival; meanwhile, to give you an idea of what usually happens, here is information from last year: The festival started at 6 p.m. Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. and picked up speed during the evening both nights at the Esplanada de la Unidad Cultural Prof. Jesús Castro Agúndez, which is between Altamirano and Heroes de Independencia, and between Navarro and Legaspi (the same site as Teatro de la Ciudad). On both nights you could view the entries in the festival competitions for posters and altars and see the Catrinas and Calaveras.

Nov. 3, sardine recipe contest: The sardine fishing cooperative and the restaurant association, which two years ago staged giant burrito event that won the Guinness World Record, is commemorating its win with a sardine recipe contest. The contest is open to anyone. There is no fee to enter. Your recipe must have sardines as its main ingredient, you must prepare 20 servings so judges and spectators can taste, and you must supply all ingredients (except for the sardines, which will be provided for you). First prize is 25,000 pesos, second wins 15,000 and third wins 10,000. Full details are at http://www.sardinab cs.org.mx/

Nov. 10, GrooveTrotters benefit concert cancelled: The concert is not going ahead at this time. I’ll keep you posted on any rescheduling.

Nov. 10, yoga retreat: Ayesha Estrada teaches this class from 6 to 9 p.m. at Rancho La Duna, an ecological seaside resort a 40-minute drive from La Paz. Cost per person is 250 pesos, including dinner. For more information, visit the website www.ecobaja.com or www.escuelasoloYOga.com.

Nov. 11-14, International film festival in Cabo San Lucas: The festival features artistic work from Mexican and U.S. filmmakers. Most events will be at the new Centro de Convenciones de Los Cabo, built for the G20 conference. For more information, visit the website http://www.bajainternationalfilmfestival.com 

Nov. 15, 16 and 17, American folk music revival: Jackie Davidson is an original member of the famed New Christy Minstrels. She is joined by Gary Brandt, popular folklorist, performer and songwriter, in a presentation called “Singing the Good Old Songs Again.”  It will be an evening of classic and original folk songs presented in an entertaining, humorous, and fun show. For more information about Jackie and Gary visit http://www.jackiean dgary.com. Jackie is the mom of ’s John Davidson whose restaurant,  Casa Trece, reopens in November. (Dad is John Davidson Sr., singer and dancer who is well-known as host of two favorite U.S. TV shows, Hollywood Squares and That's Incredible!, who will return to perform in La Paz in January.) Show time for the three nights is 8 to 9:30 p.m., with doors and seating open at 7 p.m. Attendance is limited to 30 people. Tickets are 150 pesos per person, and the charity FANLAP will receive a generous donation. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price. Tickets are on sale Oct. 28, Nov. 3 and Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon at Casa Trece, Belisario Dominguez between 5 de Mayo and Constitución, across the street from the Bagel Shop. The event is expected to be sold out.

Nov. 17, East Cape Music Festival in Los Barriles: It will start on Saturday afternoon at the Los Palmas de Cortez and rock into the evening. This is a benefit concert for the local Asociación de Artes del Marde Cortez A.C. to promote the love of art and music in the schools in the East Cape. Originally set for Nov. 18, the dates has been changed to Nov. 17.

Nov. 22, holiday for northern neighbour: U.S. Thanksgiving observed

Dec. 1, reggae festival: The La Paz Reggae Fest will be at San Pedrito Beach. For more information, call Charo Producciones Internacional at Cel. 612-151-2481 or e-mail lapazreggaefest@yahoo.com

Dec. 2, Subasta charity event: The date has been set for the annual charity auction, and donations of clothing and household goods are being accepted. The purpose of the auction is to raise funds to support Fundación Ayuda Niños La Paz, A.C.. You may bring your donations to the Marina de La Paz at Legaspy and Topete. The proceeds of the auction are used for a lunch program for children of an impoverished area, and scholarships for junior and senior high school. For more information, visit Fanlap’s newly updated website at www.fanlapsubasta.com

Jan. 10, 2013, in Todos Santos, music festival begins: The second annual Todos Santos Music Festival is a 10-day event that benefits the Palapa Society of Todos Santos. The lineup of artists, hand-selected by REM’s Peter Buck, features an eclectic array of musicians ranging from industry legends to emerging local talent. For more information, go to the website at http://todossantosmusicfestival.com/. 

REPEATING EVENTS: weekly (or semi-weekly) activities are listed below, but please note that many took a summer break and may not have resumed yet. Check with the event organizer to find out the latest.

Art group, Wednesdays: The group is on summer recess till sometime this fall. For more information, contact Roger Wise at rdwisesr@gmail.com or Pat Solem atpatencasa117@yahoo.com; or on the VHF call "Avalon" or "Victory." 

Children’s activity - AbraPalabra library, weekdays: The library has reopened -- hours are 4 to 8 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Stories, crafts and other activities are offered at AbraPalabra, a non-profit children’s library on the grounds of the Galería Galería art gallery on Revolución at the corner of Juárez. For more information, visit AbraPalabra. (Updated September 2012)

Children’s activity - environmental program, Thursdays: Jueves Ambientales para Niños is a weekly children’s program focused on the ecosystem. It features music, theatre, dance and magic Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Casa de la Cultura del Estado. For more information, call 122-9040 or visit the Casa de la Cultura del Estado, Madero 825, between Salvatierra y Torre Iglesias. (updated September 2012)

Cultural presentation - Se Habla La Paz language school, Tuesdays: Se Habla La Paz language school will resume its weekly cultural talks in simple Spanish sometime in October. For more information, call (612) 122-7763 or e-mailinfo@sehablalapaz.com or visit the website at www.sehablalapaz.com (updated September 2012)

Farmers’ market, Tuesdays and Saturdays: The market is at the park on the corner of Constitución and Revolución across from the post office and Corazón Café. Selling officially gets underway at 9:30 a.m.. Shoppers are asked to bring small change when making purchases and to take along a tote bag or cooler. Tuesday’s market may not be in full swing until later in the fall. (updated September 2012) 

Live music - Baja South Band, Thursdays: Fernando, Alfonso and the guys play classic rock Thursdays 6:30-10 p.m. at Pelicanos restaurant at about Kilometer 14 in El Centenario. For more information about Pelicanos, see listing on Live Musicpage. (updated August 2012)

Live music - classic rock night, Saturdays: There’s live music 6:30-10 p.m. at Pelicanos restaurant at about Kilometer 14 in El Centenario. For more information about Pelicanos, see listing on Live Music page. (updated August 2012)

Live music - music school public rehearsals, Tuesdays and Fridays:  Rehearsals of the Orquesta Juvenil de la Escuela de Música del Estado, 1055 Morelos on the corner of Marcelo Rubio, are free and open to the public at Sala de Conciertos La Paz. Public rehearsals are from 18:00 to 20:30 Tuesdays and from 17:00 to 20:00 Fridays. You may wish to double-check with the school that there’s a rehearsal on a particular evening. The school’s phone number is  122-2286 or 125-5519 and the e-mail address is serv_escolares@escuelademusicabcs.com(updated September 30, 2012)

Live music - salsa, Fridays: Orquesta Yemayá salsa project plays Friday nights at 10 p.m. at Stella Cucina Al Forno, the end on the Malecón on the beach at the foot of Marquéz de León. The performance has drawn nearly 200 people on a Friday to practise and show their best dance steps and progressions among friends. (updated August 2012)

Live music - trio, Wednesdays and Saturdays: The group plays light rock, Mexican ballads and Latino music, great for dancing and listening, Wednesday and Saturday evenings at Club Marlin in El Centenario at km 14.(updated July 21, 2012)

Wine-tasting, Fridays: The restaurant Mis Amores, on Marquez de Leon near the corner of Guillermo Prieto, offers a wine-tasting session every Friday. Cost of $200 pesos includes cheeses and breads and four wines. For more information, contact Andres Peñaranda Garcia at canytime@hotmail.com.

Writers’ group:  The Sea of Cortez Writers' Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays at Cafe Corazón, on the corner of Revolución and Constitución, diagonally across the intersection from the La Paz Post Office. Please bring 8 copies of material you wish to have reviewed and of course there are no restrictions on subject matter. Members of writers' groups from other communities are welcome to attend. The writers’ group may be on recess until later this fall. For more information, drop by the bookstore at Independencia #518, between Serdan and G. Prieto or call Allende Books at (612)125 9114 or ask at Cafe Corazón. (updated July 2, 2012)

Yoga classes with Ayesha Estrada, ongoing: Instruction includes a wide range of levels, including yoga for children and parents. For more information on Ayesha’s yoga classes, visit the Centro Holístico, Melchor Ocampo #714-A (across from Telmex), contact Ayesha at 612-128-6712 or go to her website at  www.escuelasoloYOga.com 

GRACIAS to the Instituto Sudcaliforniano de Cultura, Centro Cultural La Paz, the Dirección de Cultura de La Paz, the Asociación de Empresas Hoteleras Y Turisticas, Acción Cívica y Festivales of the city of La Paz, Alianza Francesa de La Paz and other cultural organizations for contributions to this website. Much of this events calendar is material translated from the Agenda Cultural, published by the state’s Instituto Sudcaliforniano de Cultura. You can pick up a copy of this excellent publication, published in Spanish, at a tourism office or cultural centre. You can also find the Agenda Cultural online at http://issuu.com/disenoisc/docs/acbcs102012/1