Agave Let Me Down
Following Jeanne Chaussee’s advice from an earlier column about staying home when you’re sick, instead of going out and possibly infecting everyone with whom you come in contact, meant I had to miss two important events which would provide fodder for this week’s column. Let’s face it, news that’s fit to print from La Manzanilla ain’t always that easy to come by.
Truth to tell, I couldn’t have dragged myself out of bed, anyway. But I was sorry to have missed these gatherings, because I knew they’d be fun and full of interesting people. Special thanks to Silver Mangini for sending me the scoop on the Galeria’s first Meet the Artist reception of the season, and to Alex Mayberry for post-facto info on their art opening.
As well attended as these events were, apparently I wasn’t the only one not there. For the past few weeks, La Manzanilla has had more bugs than a knock-off PC loaded with pirated software. Everyone knows somebody who’s either ailing or recovering from some lay-you-low malady. Several people were down with dengue, others suffered an intestinal virus. Some didn’t know what they had, but they knew they felt like crap.
My fingers are crossed for those fortunate few who have managed to escape unscathed. May The Force be with you. Normally I would recommend daily doses of agave juice, aka tequila. Until this latest malaise, I was a proponent of “if you drink enough tequila, no germ can live in your body.” In this case, I practice what I preach. Alas, to no avail. The agave let me down.
Lizards Rock
The La Manzanilla Lounge Lizards rocked a packed house on November 28 at Palapa Joe’s. Actually, Willy Mason on guitar and Dangerous Dan “the harmonica man” Crosby play a mean brand of blues, but “bluesed” the house sounds awkward.
The first music night of the season opened with newcomer Bethany Lynn, from Concrete Washington, playing acoustic guitar and singing lyrics of her own composition. The clarity of her voice and her gentle, folksy tunes were the perfect complement to dessert, as everyone settled in for a night of great music.
Amping up the atmosphere, Scottie Turner took center stage with his guitar and trademark mix of old rockers and folk standards. Scottie is an annual visitor to La Manzanilla from Powell River, British Columbia, and he’s one of our favorite minstrels. In his north-of-the-borders life, Scottie plays at faires and festivals throughout Canada.
While Scottie never fails to get more than a few toes tapping and people singing along with the songs of their youth, by the time the Lounge Lizards hit the stage, people were ready to boogie. They weren’t let down. Only a corpse could have been immune to that dynamic rhythm and atmosphere of amiability.
More than just a night of great entertainment among friends, this musical event provided a public service, as well. It gave everyone the opportunity to work off all that Thanksgiving-feast food, and the left-overs.
Art Weekend
Activities were more subdued, but none the less enjoyed, the following weekend. La Manzanilla had two art openings, one featuring an internationally acclaimed artist, and the other presenting the work of lesser-known locals. For such a funky little beach town, who’d a thunk we had so much culture.
A reception for Edward Gilliam opened the fifth season of Galeria de La Manzanilla’s Meet the Artist series. According to gallery owner Silver Mangini, “The reception was huge. We had a lot of new faces.”
This was Gilliam’s first show in La Manzanilla. That he recently settled in Villa Obregon (Melaque), after living in Madrid, New Mexico and throughout old Mexico, shows what Gilliam thinks of the Costalegre. That seven of his paintings sold the first night shows that La Manzanilla returns the sentiment.
One of La Manzanilla’s busiest caterers, Eileen Zack, provided appetizers for the event and June Nery ladled up sangria with a smile. The next Galeria reception is scheduled for Friday, January 8, when crowd-pleaser Efren Gonzales will be the featured artist.
Despite overcast skies and intermittent downpours - yes, rain in La Manzanilla in December! - Café de Flores had an excellent turnout for their Sunday night art opening. They hope to make this a monthly occurrence, giving local artists an opportunity to showcase their work, and themselves, in a no-stress environment.
Paintings in a variety of styles and media by Pam Page, Larry Fields, Doris Cohen, Rennie Holley, and Sue Siskin shared the walls. “Inspector” Joe Bucklin presented a series of his whimsical lighthouses, created entirely from materials he found on the beach. Artists were on hand to chat with attendees during the two-hour event.
Co-owner Alex Mayberry declared it an evening of “great food, great company, and fabulous art!” She also added, “We’re so excited that some of these artists made their very first sale, right here.”
Participation is free for any La Manzanilla artist, regardless of genre. Interested parties should sign up at the restaurant, and a few people are already on board for January.
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