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