Art, Music & Community

Talk a Walk on the Art Side

Enjoy delicious snacks, belly dancing and incredible pieces of art at the second San Antonio Art Walk Sat, Feb 27, 3-6pm. See the map in this week's Atención then follow the balloons to the event. Artists include Shannon Reese, Bea Aaronson, Octavio Fernandez and Jayden Romay. (Photo of Art by Joseph Bennett)

The Art of Paper

Artist Terry Ann Tomlinson opens her exhibit "Etheral Space Scultpural Paper" at her studio gallery on Terraplen 29, Sat, Feb 27 from 5 to 8pm. 

The "M" Word

Joseph Bennett helps creative folk tackle the tough issue of marketing at The Studio Gallery, calle Marte 2B, Sat, Feb 27, from 11am to 3pm. Participants in the workshop develop self promotion "commercials" and receive feedback in a supportive environment.

 Fade to White                                               

Local musician, Billy "Blanco" White, premieres his new album, dharmaflamenco, Thu, Mar 4, 7pm at Teatro Angela Peralta.

Magical Mystery Party

Vudu Chile performs songs from the Beatles songbook in a benefit for Waldorf San Miguel. Come join the party Wed, Mar 3, 6- 10 pm at Casa Angelitos.

Take a Bow

Have we heard the last of Las Divas? Dynamic duo Sabrina Surving and Lili Barreto present what might be their final

                                                                                    performance Sat, Feb 27, 8pm at Mama 
                                                                                    Mia's.  
 Solo Performance

Pro Musica presents a recital by Mexican guitarist Enrique Florez Sat, Feb 27, 5pm at St. Paul's Church.  Florez, who studied under great Spanish guitarists Andres Segovia and Narciso Yepes, plays pieces from Francisco Tarrega and Antonio Ruiz Pipo among others.

Feeling Green

Via Organica, Solar San Miguel and Center for Ecology invite you to help the enviroment Sat, Feb 27, 5pm at Casa Angelitos. Money raised benefits the Annual Ecological Fair.

Single in San Miguel

Win a night out on the town with the gal or guy of your dreams this Sat, Feb 27, 6pm at Le Petit Bar. Already have a partner? San Miguel Jewelers has many gorgeous pieces up at silent auction Fri, Feb 26 to Sun, Feb 28, from 10 am to 2 pm. Funds raised at the Date Raffle and SilentAuction go to support sanmiguelenses with terminal illnesses.

     

Features for February 26

Congrats Robin!
Editor in Chief Suzanne Ludekens interviews Robin Loving Rowland,  Rotary Club of San Miguel de Allende Midday Citzen of the Year 2009. Read about how this dynamic woman has helped  transform Casa Hogar Santa Julia into a model nonprofit in just a little over four years.

Its no bull

Spanish torero Pablo Hermoso de Mendoza tantalizes audiences with daring moves and fancy footwork tonight at Plaza de Toros Oriente. Regular contributor Henry Vermillion explains the ancient art of rejoneo.

Que Onda at the Biblioteca

There is no excuse for boredom at La Biblioteca. Whether you want to learn more about Mexican history, need some comic relief or just want to relax with a film or concert, La Biblioteca has something for everyone.

Learn

Dr. Dennis McCullough presents "Aging in San Miguel" Thu, Mar 4, 5pm, Teatro Santa Ana

Author Jan Baross lectures on her book
Jose Builds a Woman, Tue, Mar 2, Sala Quetzal.

Jose Luis Mendoza presents "Ruta de las Haciendas" Fri, Mar 5, 1pm Teatro Santa Ana

Guillermo Mendez presents two lectures, "Ancient Cultures of Mexico II ", Wed, Mar 3, 3pm and "Ruta 2010, The Story of Mexican Independence" Sat, Feb 27, 4pm, both in Teatro Santa Ana

Arturo Morales Tirado lectures on Monarch Butterflies, Tue, Mar 2, 1pm, Teatro Santa Ana

Listen

Biblioteca regulars Arturo Segura, Sergio Basurto and Antonio  Cabrero continue to delight audiences in Sala Quetzal.
                  Basurto graces guests with folkloric harp and flamenco guitar on Mon, Mar 1, 730pm and Thu, Mar 4, 730 pm.Cabrero combines classic piano with jazz improvisation Fri, Feb 26, 6pm and Sat, Feb 27, 7pm while Segura presents a fusion of international sounds with pop music Wed, Mar 3, 730pm and Sun, Mar 7, 6pm.

Watch

Need a laugh?  Domestication, an amusing interpretation of Cain and Abel, will do the trick. Performances take place Fri, Feb 26, 8pm, Sat, Feb 27 , 8pm  and Sun Feb 28, 6pm in Teatro Santa Ana.
The Lemon Tree, a film that puts a human face on the Israeli Palestian conflict, is sure to satisfy inquiring minds. Attend a screening Fri, Feb 26, 130pm, Teatro Santa Ana.
For more information, visit http://www.bibliotecasma.com/index.php/es/eventos.html or refer to this week's edition of Atencion

ASM out February 26!

This week!

If its 'baroque', don't fix it
Assistant editor Jesus Ibarra gives readers a sneak peek at the International Baroque Music Festival occuring in San Miguel February 28 to March 6. The Festival features of 55 international musicians in nine baroque music concerts. This year's theme 'Baroque Echoes' honors Mexico's bicentennial and centennial celebrations with 400 years of music in New Spain and Mexico.

More News
New Look for Theater
San Miguel's 'first lady', Teatro Angela Peralta, is scheduled for a facelift. The local landmark temporarily closes its doors for a 20 million peso-renovation as of March 16.

 SMA Scene and our Center Pages this week capture the who's who at the San Miguel Writers Conference.           

 More than just a library

Discover La Biblioteca de San Miguel de Allende, a nonprofit, bilingual, multicultural hub of education and culture. Go to their website and  findout movie times in Teatro Santa Ana, Jose Luis' pick of the week, the topics of lectures, book signings, celebrations, classes, fundraisers and mucho mas! http://www.bibliotecasma.com/

AtencionSanMiguel...out every Friday

ASM out February 19!

This Week!
Barbara Kingsolver comes to San Miguel
Atención gets the scoop on the fifth annual San Miguel Writers' Conference...Barbara Kingsolver's keynote address is SOLD OUT! But there's time and space to attend lectures, workshops, networking opportunities, book signings and much more by prominent literary figures and industry insiders. The Conference starts February 19 and runs until the 23rd.
More News
Public Security

Mayor Luz Maria Núñez  met with more than 20 expats to discuss city security issues that include drug offensives by the Mexican army.  She stated that the centrally located Parque Júarez will have more patrols and programs like Vecino Vigilante (Neighborhood Watch) and Vigilante Voluntario (Volunteer Watch) will be implemented.

Road laws...Wear a Helmet!

Alejandro Devesa reports on changes in traffic laws. As of February 1, all motorcylists must wear a helmet or facce impoundment of their vehicle.

SMA Scene

Photographer Jim Quinn gets a bird's eye view of a favorite fundraiser, the Aves y Agaves auction for El Charco del Ingenio and Audubon.

This week's centerpages highlight the local Mardi Gras celebration and gets personal with the event's King Rafael Romo and Queen Issac Uribe

AtenciónSanMiguel...out every Friday!

ARTS


Writers put Mexico in the spotlight
San Miguel is the literary center of Mexico this week with the appearances of Barbara Kingsolver author of The Lacuna at the San Miguel Writer’s Conference and C.M. Mayo author of The Last Prince of the Mexican Empire returning to San Miguel with the PEN lecture series.
San Miguel Writer’s Conference

“Sometimes we dream big and the universe delivers. Life delivered the San Miguel Writers’ Conference’s big dream when best-selling author Barbara Kingsolver agreed to be this year’s keynote speaker. San Miguel’s demographics—a Mexican community with a significant American population—made it an ideal environment to discuss her latest book, The Lacuna, which is set in both the US and Mexico and reveals the differences in the national characters of these two countries.” Cynthia Simmons
Barbara Kingsolver is at the San Miguel Writers’ Conference: Fri, Feb 19, 6-7pm Keynote Address "Finding My Way Into The Lacuna"; Sat, Feb 20, 2:30—6pm Panel Discussion about The Lacuna, w/Barbara Kingsolver. Tickets US$15 each event, Hotel Real de Minas, cnr Stirling Dickinson & Salida a Celaya. www.sanmiguelworkshops.com/

2010 and the Last Prince of the Mexican Empire
If you’re living in Mexico and haven’t already heard, you’ll be hearing a lot about 2010 because this marks the 200th anniversary of the declaration of Mexico’s Independence from Spain and the 100th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution. C.M Mayo's novel The Last Prince of the Mexican Empire tells the story of a living symbol of the future of the Mexican monarchy and of his struggle for identity amidst the wrangling for control of the Americas, this devastating chapter in the aftermath of Independence, and a prelude to the Revolution. PEN Presentation, C.M. Mayo, Tue, Feb 16, 6pm, Miguel Malo Auditorium, Bellas Artes, Hernández Macías 75, 70 pesos
Come Ye to the Nunnery
Highlights of the Baroque Music Festival include the opening of an exhibit of artifacts from the Ex-convent of Santa Monica in Puebla, followed by a free concert of convent music (featuring some of the beautiful poetry of Mexico’s most famous nun Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz) and culminating with an irresistible nine course Gala dinner with convent recipes. This is an event that you do not want to miss!  San Miguel Baroque Music Festival 2010 ¡Delicioso! Food Festival, Sun, Feb 28, 2pm, Jardín Principal, 150 pesos; Behind the Convent Walls, Exhibit on Female Life in the Convents, Sat, Mar 6, 10am, Bellas Artes; Voices of Praise, Music of the Convents w/the poetry of Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, Sat, Mar 6, 12pm, Las Monjas Church, Canal & Hernández Macias, Free; Gala Dinner, Heritage of the Convents of New Spain, Sat, March 6, 7pm, Old City Hall, 150/300 dollars. http://www.baroqueconcerts.com/, info@baroqueconcerts.com
Chopin and all that jazz
One of the most talented, charming and communicative pianists of today, Richard Dowling, plays three Pro Musica concerts next weekend. Friday night is all about jazz, while Saturday features an all-Chopin program in celebration of the composer’s 200th birthday on March 1. On Sunday, Dowling is joined by famous American cellist Evan Drachman in a program featuring classical works. One of the most outstanding cellists on the concert circuit today, Drachman graces Pro Musica audiences playing on his 1711 Stradivarius cello. Pro Musica Concert, Richard Dowling & Evan Drachman, Fri–Sun, Feb 19–21, 5pm, St Paul’s Church, Cardo 6, 250/150/80 pesos
Art and Culture at La Biblioteca, February 12–21
La Biblioteca is San Miguel’s one-stop cultural shop, a discovery of education and culture. www.bibliotecasma.com/index.php/en/events.html

Love is... all around San Miguel

FEATURES



Love and be loved

Valentine’s Day, or El Día de Amor y Amistad, is a day to celebrate love and affection. Where better to celebrate love than in San Miguel, surely one of the most romantic cities in Mexico.


Whether you have a sweetheart or not, we all have people who are dear to us, and it’s nice to let them know we care and to have that feeling reciprocated. This Valentine’s Day, pamper yourself or a loved one, and find something that makes you feel warm and fuzzy, attractive and happy, loved and loving, be it a candlelit dinner, a gift or a walk under the stars (weather permitting!).


Start with a little shopping… for a good cause. The Center for Global Justice presents a Silent Auction on Friday night, with proceeds supporting their projects and cooperatives surrounding San Miguel. You can bid on folk art, artisanal cheeses, jewelry, massages and more as you nibble on chocolate and sip a glass of wine.


Then, on Saturday night, let your heart go out for Hospice in a silent auction at Galería Mariló Carral. There you will find 70 plywood hearts that local artists and designers have painted, collaged, embellished and decorated with their own creative vision. Find a sweet heart for your sweetheart, and know that you help Hospice provide compassionate care to patients and their families.


On Saturday and Sunday, you might find a gift for a special someone (which might just be you!) at Deborah Campbell’s. She has unique artwork, collectibles and jewelry she has collected from around the world, which you can see from 11am to 7pm at her studio on Hernández Macías 115. Around the corner at Johfrej, you can pick up some chocolates or some other such confection for your bonbon, or just for yourself. Drop in at Jesús 2A for some mouth-watering ideas.


Now for some rest and relaxation. Bambú Spa & Salon offers 10 percent off gift certificates of 500 pesos or more, so you can treat a friend or another special someone to the royal treatment. While you’re there you might treat yourself to hot stone or aromatherapy massage or a spring citrus facial. Bambú is in the courtyard of the Posada de La Aldea on Ancha de San Antonio.


Throughout the weekend love is in the air with the sweet sound of music. On Friday and Saturday evening you can hear romantic songs in a comfortable setting as Pro Musica presents Rodrigo Garciarroyo and Mario Hernández at St. Paul’s Church on calle Cardo.


On the afternoon of Valentine’s Day, head to Montes de Loreto to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new church there with home-cooked Mexican food, music and dancing in Buena Vista Park. Meet new people and take in the glorious views of the city before heading out on the town.


Looking for an intimate date night? Several restaurants offer live music with their special Valentine’s dinners. Sibyl English sings romantic ballads at El Ochenta restaurant at Mesones 80. Xavier Gibler’s love songs will make your dinner at Mama Mía’s that much sweeter. Enrique Prado and Xavier Hernández’ amorous offerings can be heard at Casa Crayola on Calzada de la Aurora. Casa de Sierra Nevada’s Andanza Restaurant and La Puertecita Boutique Hotel also promise delectable delights in an intimate setting for you and a companion.


Afterwards, take a stroll through the always-romantic streets of San Miguel, maybe grab a coffee and some dessert in the Jardín, and dance off into the night. Love and be loved this Valentine’s Day.

ASM out February 12!

This week!

San Miguel tourism in recovery
Jesús Ibarra writes on San Miguel de Allende’s most important industry: Tourism. The severe decline in the number of visitors coming to the city has affected all the sectors of the community. Over the 2009 Christmas season and the long weekend of February 1 hotel occupancy rebounded somewhat. The hotel owners’ association, the Tourism Council of San Miguel and the local government are working together on strategies to promote the city nationally and internationally and attract tourism.
MORE NEWS
Public poll says yes to the running of the bulls
Sunday, February 7, less than 2 percent of the San Miguel de Allende population turned out to vote at the poll “Do you agree with conducting public running of the bulls to be held outside of the historical center and in a professional manner?”
Of the 2,690 votes, 68 percent (approximately 1800) voted in favor.
Atención polled the public and this is but one of the comments: Fátima 49, manager, I don’t want the Sanmiguelada to return because it damages the town. I did not vote however because I don’t think voting is effective. The government always ends up doing what they want.
Colonias de San Miguel: Colonia San Antonio
Alejandro Devesa continues the series on San Miguel neighborhoods.
Colonia San Antonio, one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Miguel, is located a few blocks south-west from downtown. It holds a special place in San Miguel history as the home of the infamous Locos Parade (the masked dancers who invade city streets with dancing, music and sweets galore every June). Until two years ago, when Mega was built, San Antonio had its own Sunday tianguis.

Our centerpages show San Miguel under water, our readers share their photos of the rains in their colonias


AtenciónSanMiguel... out every Friday!

Vote to Determine Fate of Sanmiguelada

 

Excuse for reckless behavior or part of San Miguel´s patrimonio? A city council vote will decide the future of this tradition in our city.

After 33 years, in 2007 San Miguel´s most controversial public event, the Sanmiguelada (the running of the bulls) was cancelled due to concerns over security and its possible impact on the city´s appointment  as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ana Valeria Clarens, a local businesswoman and founder of the civil association Patronato Pro-Juventud Sanmiguelense, is working to change this. The proposed fair would include a running of the bulls among other activities. Clarens is being assisted by experts from Pamplona, Spain and the state of Aguascalientes.

The vote will take place on Sunday, February 7.

Read more about the controversy in the Friday, February 5 issue now at newsstands.

Welcome Post

The sun is shining today to the relief of sanmiguelenses, as the past week's torrential rains brought the Cachiches arroyo to overflow.   

Several schools in the colonia Guadalupe and Mexiquito areas suspended classes after notification from Civil Protecion.

Photo Credit: Dick Brown