Puerto Vallarta Scene

Puerto Vallarta Information & Events

Archives for November 2008

Blu’s Block Party » November 29

I love street parties in Puerto Vallarta and this one is probably going to top my list of the most memorable. What can you say? If this block party doesn’t blow the bloomers off of Vallarta, nothing can. Blu’s Salon is celebrating the beginning of its 4th year in business here in Vallarta with this modest approach to street partying.

(from Blu’s own words – never mind that he speaks of himself in the third…):

So here’s the deal. When blu throws a party, we tend to go over the top. I mean what’s the point of inviting 300 of your friends to close down Olas Altas, if you’re not going to give them something to talk about for a long, long time … right?

Well blu is in a party mood again, and when that happens, you need to be ready for anything. Saturday, November 29, 2008, is the night to put in your calendar now. On this particular night, there will only be one place to be from 8 till 10 pm. And that’s on the sidewalks and in the street in front of blu, the five star salon and spa, at Olas Altas 513. This party is free and open to the public. What a great way to start off the season – with free blu Mojitos, free blu Margaritas and free red and white wine.

But wait! That’s not all. No siree. blu is also ready to show off a little … with fashion, hair, jewelry, fashion and – oh yeah – more hair. At exactly 9 pm, we’ll have a fabulous fashion show. Each stylist will have their own models upon whom they will have worked their own form of magic. And, let me tell you, from the designs I’ve seen, they will all be a sight to behold.

Learning from our first fashion show, this year we’ll have a raised runway behind the curbside fencing in front of the salon, so everybody can see from anywhere – complete with special lighting, music and even a smoke machine! You’ll see it all: from what you can wear on the streets of Vallarta to what the runways in Europe are showing us. It will all will be revealed at the Phase 4 Begins Now party and fashion show.

It’s show time, and blu is geared up and ready to show off a little. With local merchants helping with dresses and jewelry and blu taking care of the rest … I guarantee you a good time will be had by all. And you never know, you may have more fun than you expected, and you may see a little more than you thought you would. Is that a big enough tease for you?

The fashion show – complete with raised, underlit, plexiglass runway – begins promptly at 9:00 pm. It’s Phase 4 Begins Now. 4 years of Fabulous. It will be like no other Anniversary Party ever on Olas Altas. Come see what it’s like to be drenched in len’s life!

Blu's Street Party in Puerto Vallarta

MUXES » Juchitán, Queer Paradise

Among the Zapotec Indians of Oaxaca, Mexico, boy babies who are born in a certain position, or little boys who prefer to play with girls, are raised as women, and are known as Muxes (pronounced “Mooshays”). n the town of Juchitán, in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Muxes have an important role to play in the life of the community. Because they are raised as women, the Muxes prefer to enter into relations with “straight” men. Since female virginity is important for marriage in Juchitán, unmarried boys have their first experiences with Muxes, but usually move on to a heterosexual marriage.

From “MUXES” a documentary feature (105 min) available at http://www.docfilm.com – A lively and surprising portrait of a group of homosexuals, who defend their sexual diversity while preserving their identity as Zapotec Indians in the “queer paradise” of Juchitán, Mexico. MUXES (pronounced ‘mooshays’) examines transgressive boundary-pushing within an indigenous culture that has historically embraced this “third gender. – more info at http://www.docfilm.com

[youtube JkTXolmLUeM]

On the sun-baked Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mexico lies the town of Juchitán, whose population of indigenous Zapotec have for centuries warded off numerous invasions to preserve their identity. Today, Juchitán has an additional, more notorious identity, as a “queer paradise” that is just as fiercely protected by the local “muxes,” effeminate homosexual men whose socially defined role within the Zapotec culture pre dates the advent of gay liberation.

In Muxes, director Alejandra Islas focuses on a dozen “intrepid” muxes who, since the mid-70s, have been more aggressive in ensuring that they are a visible part of the daily life of the town rather than an accepted one. In a country where machismo prevails, this is all the more difficult for those that fall “in-between.” Twenty years after Paris Is Burning explored the self-definition of an urban gay subculture through its drag balls, Muxes takes a similar approach to a subculture that may be unknown to the world at large, but raises few eyebrows at home.

[youtube bqXS_7IhAro]

In this society, muxes have traditionally filled the roles of sewing, cooking, preparation of celebrations and providing lifetime care for their parents. Likewise, the men we meet here are chefs, salon-owners, housekeepers and teachers, in addition to being inveterate fun-lovers and an acknowledged “outlet” for straight men in a culture that still values virginity in brides. However, all is not perfect in paradise, as Islas occasionally suggests in a frequently amusing way just how low the glass ceiling of acceptance might be for those who push too hard.

– Miami Film Festival, 2006

Street Gossip

by Tracy Parks, Go There

Tons of new stuff popping up on the Southside, especially in the gay market.

Two nights ago, Picnic restaurant owner Luis held a fiesta to celebrate Revolucion Day and their anniversary. Great crowd for 2 for 1 margaritas and a special menu of delicious Mexican food. Huge hit!

Last night, I went (albeit late but had stopped by earlier in the day to take pics) to the opening of Casanovas, a new show bar and discoteque on Constitucion and Cardenas. Nice crowd at 2am, creative shows, costumes. Drag, gogos, etc. Excellent sound and light system made the crowd really want to dance. They got this place together FAST. A few weeks ago, they hadn’t done much…the result is great! Check it out in my blog .

Chuy, who owns the taco stand (and has or 20 years!) in front of Los Amigos, on the street…. where the new Industry was slated to open Nov. 28 says it won’t happen…. maybe not at all.

There is a ton of competition right now and more bars/clubs opening daily. Bars with simple, clear concepts and good prices are busy. Same for restaurants. High end stuff, not doing as well. Maryanne, from Apaches, summed it up well, “When new biz owners come to town and ask my advice I say, “keep it small, keep it simple”. Seems to work well for her and partner Endra and biz partner Andre. They are jammed, not just for happy hour, but nearly every hour until 2am. Great spot. Classic Vallarta. Same goes for Fridas…. the most consistently busy bar in town right now, often to capacity on the slowest of nights due to their fair prices, friendly staff, and great jukebox.

A downtown gay bar will open this Friday, Sin Fronteras (No Borders). It will be a cowboy bar. I’ll give you the exact location soon. It’s in the new construction at the south end of Centro. I like the concept and sexy owner, Miguel, used to be a waiter at Green Chairs and has tons of energy. I met him last night and turns out, he’s my neighbor too.

Divas recently held a slave auction to help with the ongoing fund raising for Gib’s treatments. Top bid went to handsome David, waiter at Fridas. The community continues to pour out our support for Gib. You’ll see donation jars at many of the bars.

The line ups have already started for Cafe Bohemia. Owner Sol and Chris are up 20% already over last season for November. GREAT JOB!! A great example of the small, simple concept.

Speaking of Sol, look for him to join forces with the newly re-opened Palm (hey, check out their nearly nightly line up of 8 strippers!) to launch a new cabaret show. This should be exciting for those fans who miss seeing Sol’s performances (outside of the nightly ones he does at his cafe …hehe). Recently he was spotted trying to send a shot to actress Helen Miram, dining at his restaurant. She declined. Ask Sol to do his imitation of her asking for her “privacy.” He also danced with “Ellen Degeneres” who turned out to be my friend from Chicago, Julie. They do resemble each other and Julie played along well, doing her best job to fool the crowd. Must have worked, it hit the PV Mirror the next week.

Rumor is Kim Kuzma is doing impromptu appearances at Garbos, wowing the crowds with Bob on piano. You never know when she’s in town. Too bad she isn’t here permanently. I think she should do early evenings at the Palm. 8 to 10…? Or have her as a regular at Garbos… I’d sure pay a 50 peso cover to see her!

The recent private anniversary party at Anthropology was a huge hit. NICE JOB Jose and Roger! Thanks for a fun night! Several hot strippers from all over were brought in for this event.

The amazing traditional, folkloric dancers are in the southside Park Lazaro Cardenas on Fridays at 7:30 pm (except this Friday, they are traveling). If you haven’t seen them, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever seen in Mexico, let alone Vallarta. Don’t miss it. FREE! Costumes will blow you away. Super talented, this troupe finished its version of “Bolero” on Friday night to a standing ovation, packed crowd in the new amphitheater.

The crowds are rolling in for the Fever Parties. Latin Fever and Vallarta Fever are both happening over the US Thanksgiving Weekend but many of them are already here. Should be fun!

Chuy, waiter at Apaches bar and the most entertaining character on Olas Altas (and one of the sweetest), will celebrate his birthday with a big party this Monday, Nov 24, at the Palm. Don’t miss it.

For Photos and more…

THE DAILY SCENE » November 23 to 29

the Puerto Vallarta DAILY CALENDAR

November 23 to 29, 2008

The Puerto Vallarta Daily Schedule of Events is continually updated. Last-minute additions and corrections are frequent. Click on most listings for more information about individual events.

The tourist High Season in Puerto Vallarta has begun. Calendar listings have expanded, the weather is mild, and the activity now centers on the clubs and social and cultural activities. The city is alive with new openings and beginnings full of promise and high hopes.

PICKS OF THE WEEK: Unfortunately, my picks of the week are both at the same time on the same day. Saturday night at 8 pm. Blu’s Block Party and the JARAMAR Concert, on opposite sides of town…. Such is life.

SUNDAY November 23

MONDAY November 24

TUESDAY November 25

WEDNESDAY November 26

THURSDAY November 27

FRIDAY November 28

 
SATURDAY November 29

 
SUNDAY November 30

 
If you have an event that you would like to see listed here, please email events (at) pvscene.com. The Listings are Free. Display Ads cost an Arm and a Leg (or 2).
.
[adrotate group=”3″]

Free Luche Libre » December 5

Luche Libre sponsored by PRI on December 5 at Plaza de Toros la Paloma. 5 pm. Free entrance with a kilo or more of food.

free PRI Luche Libre

Malecon Sculpture Walking Tour » Tuesday mornings

9:30 AM Free Sculpture Walking Tour

Gary Thompson, owner of Galeria Pacifico leads tours highlighting the fabulous original sculptures located along the Malecon.

This two hour event ends at Galeria Pacifico, where you will enjoy a complementary cocktail reception while enjoying a presentation by revered sculptor Ramiz Barquet, who will explain the bronze casting process and answer questions about his sculptures.

The tour is free and no reservations are required. Meet at the Millennium sculpture (large spiraling bronze in between the North end of the Malecon and the Hotel Rosita) before 9:30 AM any Tuesday morning from November 18, 2008, to April 14, 2009.

Galería Pacifico
Aldama 174, El Centro (El Centro)
Tel.-222-1982