Events

FEBRUARY 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 Feb. 10, photography exhibition: La Danza de mi Cáncer (the dance of my cancer), an exhibition of photographs by Marcia Ortega, opened Jan. 20 at Galería Carlos Olachea, the gallery next to Teatro de la Ciudad. Ortega, who was born in La Paz, is a photographer, film and documentary maker who worked in Brazil and Mexico before returning to La Paz, where she is coordinator of Studios Calavera photography studio and where she prepared this personal photography project. See Venues page for directions to the gallery.

Until Feb. 10, painting and photography show: An exhibition of painting and photographs by Paulino Pérez González opened Jan. 20 at Galería de Arte Luna California, Constitución No. 310, next door to the post office between Revolución and Serdán. For more information, e-mail galerialunacalifornia@yahoo.com.mx

Till Feb. 28, history on display: An exhibition of documents and photographs on the history of Baja California 1821 to 1923 from the Secretaría de guerra y marina is on display at the archives, Archivo histórico Pablo L. Martínez. Admission is free. For directions to the archives, see Venues page.

Closing soon (if it’s still going on), photography show: Photo show Hombre, Naturaleza y Cultura (man, nature and culture) is an exhibition of beautiful photographs by Miguel Ángel de la Cueva that has been on show for the past couple months in the Centro de Artes, Tradiciones y Culturas Populares (the historic building facing Jardín Velazco on Madero between Independencia and 5 de Mayo). Catch it if it’s still going on. Ángel de la Cueva is a nature and conservation photography. Visit his Facebook page to see more of his work at http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.322435681130439.76381.172400346133974&type=3

Continuing, classes and workshops: New courses begin this month at Centro Cultural La Paz (tango, aerial dance and salsa) and at Casa Parra (making jewelry with seeds). Other classes have just started at Casa de Cultura del Estado, Casa de Cultura Municipal, the Instituto Technológico de La Paz, IMSS and the Universidad Mundial. See details on the Classes page. Newly listed courses are noted with the date they have been updated. Earlier listings may be out-of-date.

Continuing, exhibition of photography and video: The collective exhibition Hombre, 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 showcasing 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 free.

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 website http://www.cinepolis.com.mx/index.aspx and for Cinemex, go to the website http://www.cinemex.com/. For both websites, follow the links to La Paz.

EVENTS CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1

Art show opens: Garbriela Bautista opens her exhibition of drawings “Legends of Music” at 19:00 in the Salón de Exposiciones Temporales of the Centro Cultural La Paz on 16 de Septiembre near the corner of Belisario Dominguez, across from Sears.

Art show opens: Mujeres y Niñas de México (women and girls of Mexico), an exhibition of watercolours by Frank Hills, opens at 7 p.m. in the lobby of Teatro de La Ciudad, at Navarro and Héroes de Independencia. The show continues until Feb. 15. Admission is free.

Funky blues band performs: Stand Up Come Down is a newly formed trio that plays “funky soul blues.” Members are Eddie Tibbals (guitar and voice), José Luis Morales (drums) and Alberto Poli (bass guitar). Joining them tonight is Frederic Leppens on piano. The band starts at 8:30 p.m. at Café Corazón on Revolución at Constitución. There is a cover charge of 50 pesos.For reservations call 128-8985.

Wednesday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Art group

Film - Alianza Francesa International films

Live music - Johnny Angel Band

Live music - Laura and the Baja Boys

THURSDAY, FEB. 2

Singer Winnie Waltz with Ernesto on guitar: Come listen to some deliciosas rolitas (delicious little songs), from these young talents starting 8:30 p.m. in the courtyard of the gallery La Encantada, Belisario Dominguez between 5 de Mayo and Constitución.

Thursday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Live music - Baja South Band

Writers’ group

FRIDAY, FEB. 3

Clowns perform: Los payasos Miami perform at Teatro de la Ciudad in a children’s show at 10 a.m. Admission is 30 pesos.

Art show opens: “Invadiendo Tus Sentidos” (invading your senses), a show of work by artist Anthony Rojas, opens at 19:00 p.m. in the Salón de Usos Múltiples at Centro Cultura La Paz, 16 de Septiembre near the corner of Belisario Dominguez, across from Sears. The show continues until Feb. 28. Rojas is a self-taught artist whose work features a blend of sarcasm and fantasy. You will find a link to his work online at https://www.facebook.com/media/albums/?id=1766057133

Balandra in concert: Balandra Conde sings a fusion of blues, jazz and rock in the courtyard of Galería La Encantada, Belisario Dominguez 1245 (between 5 de Mayo and Callejón Constitución). There’s a token cover charge of 30 pesos. Alfonso’s tamales and frijoles are on the menu. No start time is listed, but most events at La Encantada start at 8 or 8:30 p.m. For reservations and more information, call 612 14 00 3 91 or 18 5 34 69.

Live Jazz: 7 Clouds to Heaven performs starting 20:30 at Café Corazón, Revolución at Constitución. Cover is 60 pesos. Members are Felipe López on drums, Darío Norzagaray on guitar, Leo Dann on tenor sax and Sergio Ulaje on bass.

Friday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Live music - BiPolar Band

Live music - Laura and the Baja Boys

Music school - public rehearsals

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

In Todos Santos, arts festival begins: The 15th annual arts festival, Feb. 4 to 11, features music, dance, film and, of course, art exhibitions. Here’s an overview of activities: Continuing throughout the festival will be exhibitions of painting, drawing, posters, batik, photography and an exhibit and sale of regional crafts. Arts and cultural workshops are scheduled for the following topics: Mask Theatre, Recycling, Creating Comics, Clay Sculpture, Radio and Science for Children and Drawing for Children. There are also documentary screenings, dance performances, food tastings and live music. The full schedule is online at http://www.todossantoscultura.com/

Los Rucky’s Band performs: The group performs from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Pelicanos restaurant at about Kilometer 14 in El Centenario (see “Pelicanos” on the LiveMusic page for directions to the restaurant). Pelicanos’ phone number is 612-124-6573; e-mail is desperados.darryl@gmail.com. Los Rucky's Humberto and Raul play everything from rock, ballads and Mariachi to Merengue, Salsa and Cumbias. The band plays classics and romantic music in English and Spanish.

Saturday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Children’s activity - AbraPalabra library workshop

Farmers’ market at the postal park

Live music - Johnny Angel Band

Live music - Los Rucky’s Band

Live music - Seven Clouds to Heaven jazz band

SUNDAY, FEB. 5

Theatre: Tonight’s presentation: En Busca de un Mundo Mejor (in search of a better world). The performance starts at 6 p.m. in the open-air patio at Centro Cultural La Paz, on 16 de Septiembre near the corner of Belisario Dominguez, across from Sears. Admission is free. This month, it’s theatre from Grupo de Teatro Ollín. There also a performance Feb. 19.

In Todos Santos, arts festival continues: The 15th annual arts festival, which continues to Feb. 11, features music, dance, film and, of course, art exhibitions. The full schedule is online at http://www.todossantoscultura.com/

Sunday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Live music - piano

Theatre - Centro Cultural La Paz

MONDAY, FEB. 6

TUESDAY, FEB. 7

Palabra por Palabra book group: The group meets at the centrally located home of one of its members at 2 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. Discussion is in English. February’s book for discussion is Out Stealing Horses by Per Peterson. Future sessions: March: Olive Kitteridge, by Elizabeth Strout; April: The Help, by Kathryn Stockett; May: A Long Way Down, by Nick Hornby. For more information, contact Allende Books on Independencia #518, between Serdan and Prieto.

Music, poetry and storytelling Lunada: The full-moon festivities this month are entitled “Celebrando al Amor” (celebrating love). Bring a picnic of cheese, bread and wine and toast the full moon among friends. There’s some confusion about location and starting time. According to one posting, the event starts at 19:00 at Casa de Cultura del Estado, Madero 825 between Salvatierra and Torre Iglesias. According to a different posting, the event starts at 8 p.m. at Allende Street and the Malecón. I’ll post a clarification if/when I get it. The event certainly looks work searching for. Entertainment includes chamber music by Trío con Brío: Barbara Magone on flute, Annnette Louye Way on viola and Jaime Pelaez on cello play tangos and ballads. There will be poetry by Raúl Antonio Cota, Yunuén and others, and Colectivo Tejedores de Fantasías (weavers of fantasies) will tell stories, including El Secreto de Gorco, Pitayeros and La Revancha del Mar. Admission is free.

Tuesday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Cultural presentation - Se Habla La Paz

Farmers’ market at the postal park

Film - Alianza Francesa French films

Film - Salsipuedes movie series

Live music - public rehearsals

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

Wednesday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Art group

Film - Alianza Francesa International films

Live music - Johnny Angel Band

Live music - Laura and the Baja Boys

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

Music in Jardín Velasco: Sueños de ayer (dreams of yesterday) brings live music to the gazebo starting 19:00 in the park at Revolución and 5 de Mayo. Admission is free.

Photography show opens: Carnaval de Venecia (Carnaval in Venice), an exhibition of photographs and masks, opens at 20:30 at Alianza Francesa de La Paz. Admission is free. For directions to Alianza Francesa, see Venues page.

Thursday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Live music - Baja South Band

Writers’ group

FRIDAY, FEB. 10

Theatre: Sainetes Cómicos Mexicanos, performed by Grupo de teatro Ollín under the direction of Guillermina Saínz, begins at 20:00 at Teatro–Espacio Angular Esterito. Admission is 75 pesos to this benefit for the Festival Internacional de Monólogos. See Venues page for directions to the theatre.

Youth music program: En concierto (in concert) involves young people in rock, pop, alternative and other music genres. The program starts at 18:00 at Casa de La Cultura del Estado. Enrolment is open, and admission is free.

Friday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Live music - BiPolar Band

Live music - Laura and the Baja Boys

Music school - public rehearsals

SATURDAY, FEB. 11

In Todos Santos, arts festival concludes: The 15th annual arts festival, which ends today, features music, dance, film and, of course, art exhibitions. The full schedule is online at http://www.todossantoscultura.com/

Saturday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Children’s activity - AbraPalabra library workshop

Farmers’ market at the postal park

Live music - Johnny Angel Band

Live music - Los Rucky’s Band

Live music - Seven Clouds to Heaven jazz band

SUNDAY, FEB. 12

Tenor sings romantic songs: Tenor Enrique Astorga, accompanied by la Orquesta de Edgardo Zúñiga, performs in concert at 18:00 at Teatro de la Ciudad (see Venues page if you need directions to the theatre). In this month of hearts and flowers, the title of Astorga’s concert is Con Amor: Canciones Románticas de Ayer y Hoy (with love, romantic songs of yesterday and today). Tickets are 120 pesos, with a portion of ticket sales going to charity. You can buy tickets at the box office or by calling 121-1221, Cel. 044-612-140-2575 or 122-4154.

Theatre: Tonight’s presentation: Tierra Mía (my earth). The performance starts at 6 p.m. in the open-air patio at Centro Cultural La Paz, on 16 de Septiembre near the corner of Belisario Dominguez, across from Sears. Admission is free. This month, it’s theatre from Grupo de Teatro Ollín. There’s also a performance Feb. 26.

In Todos Santos, artists’ open studio tour: There will be more than 27 studios participating in this year’s event, which is a fundraiser for the Palapa Society. The tour runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and tickets cost 150 pesos. For more information and to reserve tickets, go to the artists’ website at http://artistsoftodossantos.com/en/open-studio-tour-2011.html

Sunday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Live music - piano

Theatre - Centro Cultural La Paz

MONDAY, FEB. 13

In Los Barriles, artists’ studio tour: Studios of more than 15 artists will be open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Their work ranges from photography, jewelry and watercolours to textiles, pottery and paintings. Tickets for 60 pesos can be purchased at La Casa next to Baja Beach Company in the Plaza. A map with studio locations will be given out the day of the event, starting 8 a.m. in front of Otra Vez, which will also sell tickets Feb. 13 for 70 pesos.

TUESDAY, FEB. 14

Festival Día del Amor y la Amistad: This celebration of “Day of Love and Friendship,” sponsored by the municipality of La Paz, is from 4 to 9:30 p.m. at Jardín Velasco, the square across from the church at Revolución between Independencia and 5 de Mayo.

Dance performance: The Asociación de maestros de danza (association of dance instructors), under the direction of Marco Antonio Ojeda, performs at 18:00 at the opening of celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of Teatro de La Ciudad. Admission is 30 pesos.

In El Centenario, Valentine’s Day blues performance & dinner: Blúz Explozión with Sheft-Hat Khnemu Ra and his gang presents A Fine Night of Reggae and Blues Music from 7 to 10 p.m. at Pelícanos Restaurant & Bar in El Centenario. A special Valentine’s Day dinner menu with roses and chocolates will be served from 5:30 to 9 p.m. And on this Día de Amor y Amistad, the owners of Pelícanos, Darryl and MaryKarmen, are celebrating their 23rd wedding anniversary. Cover charge is 50 pesos for the music performance, and cost of dinner and dessert is 125 pesos. Reservations are requested: call 612-124-6573 at Pelícanos or e-mail: desperados.darryl@gmail.com. Pelícanos restaurant and bar is at about Kilometer 14 in El Centenario (for more detailed directions, see Pelícanos’ listing on the LiveMusic page). There’s a feature about Sheft-Hat Khnemu Ra in the Features archives on this site.

In El Centenario, Valentine’s Day rock-and-roll performance & dinner: Laura and the Baja Boys perform An Evening of Love Songs and Other Favorites from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Gorilla’s Grill Jr. in El Centenario. Tickets, which are 150 pesos per person, include dinner, dancing and dessert. There will be a special Valentine’s Day menu. Seating is limited, so it’s recommended that you get tickets soon. For information and reservations call: 612-124-6546. Gorilla’s Grill Jr. is at Km 14.5 Carr. al Norte, El Centenario. (across from Oxxo).

Tuesday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Cultural presentation - Se Habla La Paz

Farmers’ market at the postal park

Film - Alianza Francesa French films

Film - Salsipuedes movie series

Live music - public rehearsals

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15

Dance performance: A performance of contemporary and classical dance by recipients of grants to stimulate artistic development in BCS begins at 10:00. at Teatro de la Ciudad. Cost of admission is 30 pesos. It’s part of celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of Teatro de La Ciudad.

Wednesday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Art group

Film - Alianza Francesa International films

Live music - Johnny Angel Band

Live music - Laura and the Baja Boys

THURSDAY, FEB. 16

Children’s theatre: Tortuga a la vista, directed by Rocío Maceda, starts at 10:00 at Teatro de La Ciudad. Admission is 30 pesos.

Carnaval La Paz 2012 begins: the city’s biggest street party and entertainment festival starts today and continues through Tuesday, Feb. 21. Most of the action is along the Malecón, where the street is blocked off daily before 5 p.m. for live entertainment and midway booths. On Sunday, Monday and Tuesday (Feb. 19, 20 and 21), there are parades with floats along the Malecón between Marquez de León and El Molinito (the little windmill). The same participants are in all three parades. The route alternates so that the parade changes direction from one day to the next. Well-known performers give free concerts every evening. The entertainers’ schedule is listed below on the night of performance. The concert for Espinoza Paz is in the stadium Estado Arturo C. Nahl (Constitución and Lic. Verdad near Ley’s supermarket); the other concerts are on the Malecón stage at the foot of 16 de Septiembre. You can see a 1:30 video of the lineup of performers on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jWI0ED0ogYk

Carnaval highlights Feb. 16: starting at 18:30, local live performances; at 22:30, coronation of the king of happiness and the quema del mal humor (burning of bad humor) in effigy. Starting 23:30, comedian, actor and TV personality Adrián Uribe is on stage. He’s followed by popular dancing with the Banda Sinaloense La Fugitiva. All events are at the kiosko of the Malecón and admission is free.

Thursday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Live music - Baja South Band

Writers’ group

FRIDAY, FEB. 17

Carnaval highlights Feb. 17: starting at 18:30, local live performances; at 19:40, coronation of the queen of poetry; at 20:40, folk music concert with La Pura Pulpa; starting 21:00, awards ceremony for Juegos Florales, concert by soloists and coronation of the Carnaval queen; at 22:00, popular singer Espinoza Paz performs in the Estadio Arturo C. Nahl (you can learn more about him from Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espinoza_Paz and find links to his music on his website at http://espinozapaz.com). The schedule also lists musical concerts at 21:00 featuring Mariachi Peninsular, Gonzalo Bugarin, Beliar, Salsoneros and the Ensamble de Trova Cubana. For you late owls, at 24:30 la Banda Rancho Alegre performs. All events are free. Except for the Espinoza Paz concert, all events are at the kiosko on the Malecón.

Photography show opens: “Visions,” an exhibition of work by photographers Gary Batha and Thomas Ireton, opens at 7 p.m. at Centro de Artes y Culturas Populares, on Madero between Independencia and 5 de Mayo. The exhibition of regional photographs of Mexico is scheduled to continue until March 15.

Comic book artist’s presentation: Roberto Cota Briceño, creator of La Choya Atómica, gives a presentation at 19:00 at Centro Cultural La Paz. Admission is free. He was born in La Paz in 1980. He graduated in graphic design and now lives in Los Cabos, where he teaches. He created La Choya Atómica in 2007. He now has comic books and a strip in a newspaper three times a week and does additional work with magazines in Mexico (Superluchas, Mad México, DeathMoon Cómics, Cómic Zone and independent publications) and in the U.S. (12 comics, Chikara Pro Wrestling).

Graphics exhibition opens: Arquetipos Sudcalifornianos is an exhibition of lithographic work by Daniel Amora. The show opens at 8 p.m. at Galería Carlos Olachea, next door to Teatro de la Ciudad. For directions to the theatre, see Venues page. For the year in which he undertook this project, the artist explored the elements that define an individual — the clothes, customs, speech, music, food, drink and more. His work is based on contemporary personalities in Baja California Sur.

Friday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Live music - BiPolar Band

Live music - Laura and the Baja Boys

Music school - public rehearsals

SATURDAY, FEB. 18

Carnaval highlights Feb. 18: The children’s festival starts at 18:00 with performances by dance academies. At 19:00, coronation of the children’s royal court and performance by Son de Colores; at 21:30, there’s a rock concert with Lost No Name; at 22:30, Brasil performs; at 23:30, Sonora Santanera performs (You can learn more about the band from their website at http://www.launicainternacionalsonorasantanera.com.mx/ and YouTube offers samples of their big hits, including “la boa” with the original band members at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tx-AXlJvCk). All events are at the kiosko of the Malecón and admission is free.

Saturday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Children’s activity - AbraPalabra library workshop

Farmers’ market at the postal park

Live music - Johnny Angel Band

Live music - Los Rucky’s Band

Live music - Seven Clouds to Heaven jazz band

SUNDAY, FEB. 19

Carnaval highlights Feb. 19: The first of three late-afternoon parades of floats along the Malecón starts at about 5 p.m. In past years, the parade route along Obregón between Marquez de León and El Molinito (the little windmill) has started Sunday and Tuesday from Marquez de León, but I haven’t received word on this yet for this year. There will also be entertainment by local performers. At 23:30, there’s a concert by singer Diana Reyes, born in La Paz and with strong ties to her father’s native state of Sinaloa and her mother’s native Sonora (sample her music on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FstCqXHFfbA). All events are on the Malecón and admission is free.

Sunday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Live music - piano

Theatre - Centro Cultural La Paz

MONDAY, FEB. 20

Carnaval highlights Feb. 20: The second of three late-afternoon parades of floats along the Malecón starts at about 5 p.m. In past years, this second parade has started at El Molinito (the little windmill) and travelled along Obregón to Marquez de León, but this is not yet confirmed. There will also be entertainment by local performers. At 21:30, singer Damiana Conde performs. At 22:30, the pop duo Ha*ash performs (for a sample of this Mexican-American sister duo who combine commercial Latin pop and country rhythms, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v4npYWcems). At 24:00 the Banda la Grande de Mazatlán performs. All events are on the Malecón and admission is free

TUESDAY, FEB. 21

Carnaval highlights Feb. 21: The last of three late-afternoon parades of floats along the Malecón starts at about 5 p.m. In past years, this third parade has started at Marquez de León and travelled along Obregón to El Molinito (the little windmill), but this is not yet confirmed. There will also be entertainment by local performers. At 20:00, singer, telenovela star and former beauty queen Maribel Guardia takes the stage. At 21:30, there are performances by Class Jazz, singer Janeth García and Academia Habibi. At 22:30, there’s a concert by El coyote y su Banda (for a taste of their music, listen to Un Nuevo Amor on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhPupoSTlhA&feature=fvst). At 23:30 there’s a performance by Los Traviesos de Marcelo Mendoza. All events are on the Malecón and admission is free. For information on the Masquerade ball, see listing below.

Carnaval masquerade ball Feb. 21: The Baile de Gala y Fantasía begins at 21:00 in the Salón Las Flores. The cover of $400 pesos includes dinner, free beer and dancing to the group Finisterra. For information, call Joel García, Club Rotario at 044-612-127-0728.

Tuesday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Cultural presentation - Se Habla La Paz

Farmers’ market at the postal park

Film - Alianza Francesa French films

Film - Salsipuedes movie series

Live music - public rehearsals

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22

Wednesday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Art group

Film - Alianza Francesa International films

Live music - Johnny Angel Band

Live music - Laura and the Baja Boys

THURSDAY, FEB. 23

In Todos Santos and La Paz, film festival begins: The 9th Todos Santos Film Festival (through Feb. 27 in Todos Santos) features the best and latest films from Latin America and Spain. All have English subtitles. The lineup includes international award-winning films from Argentina, Mexico, Cuba, Spain. Location for the main festival: Teatro Manuel Marquez de León, Todos Santos. Most events are in Todos Santos, but there are screenings in La Paz Feb. 28 through March 2. La Paz screenings are listed by date on this page. Films Feb. 28 and Feb. 29 at Galería, Galería (Revolución 590 on the corner of Juarez) are free admission. Films March 1 and March 2 at Teatro Juárez (on Belisario Domínguez between 16 and Septiembre and Independencia) have an admission of 50 pesos. You can get advance tickets for Teatro Juárez showings at GotBaja, Madero between 5 de Mayo and Constitución. You can get tickets the day of the show at Teatro Júarez. For all festival updates, details and a complete program, go to the website www.TodosSantosCineFest.com

Piano recital: Armando Merino performs a recital of Spanish music in tribute to Rodolfo Halffter 25 years after his death. The recital starts at 20:00 in the Sala de Conciertos La Paz. Admission is 50 pesos.

Sculpture exhibition opens: The show Madero y Cristal (wood and crystal) opens at 20:30 at Alianza Francesa de La Paz. Admission is free. For directions to Alianza Francesa, see Venues page.

Thursday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Live music - Baja South Band

Writers’ group

FRIDAY, FEB. 24

Theatre: This is a new version of El Amor de Don Hemisferio, a dramatic comedy conceived by Ruben Sandoval. It begins at 20:00 at Teatro-Espacio Angular Esterito, on Gomez Farias 525 between República and Guerrero. It’s a monologue that uses black humour to examine the human condition with its wisdom, contradictions and absurdity. Admission is 75 pesos. It’s a benefit for the Festival Internacional de Monólogos. See Venues page for directions to the theatre.

Friday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar Live Live music - BiPolar Band

Live music - Laura and the Baja Boys

Music school - public rehearsals

SATURDAY, FEB. 25

Stargazing at a seaside ecological resort: Rancho La Duna offers an evening of stargazing on Saturdays around the time of the New Moon, weather permitting. The resort is at Km. 23 on the highway to San Juan de la Costa. The evening, from 6 to 10 p.m., starts at sunset with wine, bread, fruit and cheese from the resort’s goats, followed by a guided tour of the stars under the desert sky. Cost is $350 pesos per person, and reservations are required. Future dates are March 24 and April 21. You can also gather a group of four or more for a stargazing night on a date of your own choosing. For more information and reservations, please contact Gabriela@ecobaja.com or Mariana Ledesma mobil (612) 119-3278. You can learn more about La Duna by visiting the website at www.ecobaja.com

Saturday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Children’s activity - AbraPalabra library workshop

Farmers’ market at the postal park

Live music - Johnny Angel Band

Live music - Los Rucky’s Band

Live music - Seven Clouds to Heaven jazz band

SUNDAY, FEB. 26

Sunday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Live music - piano

Theatre - Centro Cultural La Paz

MONDAY, FEB. 27

TUESDAY, FEB. 28

9th Todos Santos Film Festival in La Paz: Christmas Inc., directed by Fernando Rovzar (México/2008/ 100 min) starts at 7 p.m. in the courtyard of Galería Galería, Revolución 590 on the corner of Juarez. There are English subtitles. Admission is free to films at Galería Galería. About the film: With Christmas approaching, Santa Claus has to contend with the facts that the North Pole is melting and the need to find a way to get rid of the commercialism of this holiday. As children stop believing in Christmas, Santa's workshop starts to flood. To save Christmas, Santa must find a way to restore children's belief in the magic of Christmas by defeating Tito, an ambitious elf, who schemes to turn Christmas into a purely capitalist business venture. In this global warming themed family comedy, the legendary Pedro Armendariz Jr is enchanting as Santa Claus.

Tuesday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Cultural presentation - Se Habla La Paz

Farmers’ market at the postal park

Film - Alianza Francesa French films

Film - Salsipuedes movie series

Live music - public rehearsals

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 29

9th Todos Santos Film Festival in La Paz: Rivers of Men, directed by Tim Dirdamal (México/ 2011/ 76 min.) starts at 7 p.m. in the courtyard of Galería Galería, Revolución 590 on the corner of Juarez. There are English subtitles. Admission is free to films at Galería Galería. About the film: Rivers of Men is the story of the Bolivian city that went to war over water. It tells the stories of a mother who lost her son, an army general who was ordered to send troops against his own hometown, a homeless man who became a hero and a single father who cuts flowers to help shape the so-called triumph of the Cochabamba water war. A young filmmaker, who becomes involved in the people’s struggle, finds he has no choice but to abandon what he believes in. What remains is an exploration of the lost relationship between man and water, and ultimately the lost relationship of man with himself.

Wednesday’s repeating events: Details are at the bottom of Events calendar

Art group

Film - Alianza Francesa International films

Live music - Johnny Angel Band

Live music - Laura and the Baja Boys

LOOKING AHEAD

March 1, 9th Todos Santos Film Festival in La Paz: Even the Rain, directed by Icíar Bollaín (Spain-Bolivia/ 2010/ 103min.) starts at 7 p.m. at Teatro Juárez, on Belisario Domínguez between 16 and Septiembre and Independencia. This film will be preceded by the short, The Oven, winner of Cannes Film Festival 2009. The short, directed by Raúl Antonio Caballero (México/2009/10min.) stars Dolores Heredia, who will be a special guest at the screening. Films are in Spanish with English subtitles. Admission is 50 pesos. You can get advance tickets in La Paz at GotBaja, Madero between 5 de Mayo and Constitución. You can get tickets the day of the show at Teatro Júarez. About the film: In Even the Rain, a Spanish film crew led by an idealistic director (Gael García Bernal) and his cynical producer (Luis Tosar) come to Bolivia to make a revisionist epic about the conquest of Latin America. Set against the backdrop of the real life 2000 “Water Wars” that fought against Bechtel and the privatization of Bolivia’s water supply, this film blurs the line between fiction and reality in a powerful indictment of the plight of Latin America's dispossessed. The film won the Silver Ariel, three Goya Awards, Berlin International, Palm Springs, six Cinema Writers Awards and Best Film European Film Award. It was nominated by Spain for the Oscar Award.

March 2, 9th Todos Santos Film Festival in La Paz: ISPANSI (Spaniards), directed by Carlos Iglesias (España/ 2010/100 min) starts at 7 p.m. at Teatro Juárez, on Belisario Domínguez between 16 and Septiembre and Independencia. There are English subtitles. Admission is 50 pesos. You can get advance tickets in La Paz at GotBaja, Madero between 5 de Mayo and Constitución. You can get tickets the day of the show at Teatro Júarez. About the film: Ispansi (Spaniards in Russian) is a tender, human story of the consequences that the Spanish Civil War had across Europe. Director Carlos Iglesias focuses on a moving story of love and loss, and the suffering of this forgotten generation of expatriated children. The film won awards at Huelva, Los Angeles Latino Film Festival and from the Spanish Actors Union.

March 20, Baja chef competition: Chefs from Guerrero Negro, Mulegé, Santa Rosalia, Loreto, Constitución, La Paz, Todos Santos and Los Cabos compete in this fundraiser for Mujeres Ayudando a Mujeres, A.C. and victims of domestic violence living at The Shelter for Women and Children. It’s at 7 p.m. at Casino BellaVista, Av. La Paz. Cost is $250 pesos for a sit-down gourmet meal. There will be a cash bar. Tickets go on sale Jan. 11. For more information, go to http://www.facebook.com/tasteofthebaja and http://www.tasteofthebaja.com

REPEATING EVENTS: weekly (or semi-weekly) activities are listed below

Art group, Wednesdays: The group meets from 9 a.m. to noon, usually in the Vista Room at Marina de la Paz. With prior arrangements the group will sometimes meet elsewhere. For more information, contact Roger Wise at rdwisesr@gmail.com or Pat Solem at patencasa117@yahoo.com; or on the VHF call "Avalon" or "Victory."

Children’s activity - AbraPalabra library workshop, Saturdays: The "Library workshop” from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. offers stories and crafts and the cost, including materials and light refreshments, is 80 pesos. It’s one of several activities at AbraPalabra, a non-profit children’s library on the grounds of the Galería Galería art gallery on Revolución at the corner of Juárez. See the CLASSES page for other activities at AbraPalabra such as free story hours and free activities for babies and toddlers.

Cultural presentation - Se Habla La Paz language school, Tuesdays: The language school presents a cultural talk in simple Spanish Tuesdays from 1:15 to 2 p.m. Handouts are included. Unless otherwise noted, presentations are at the school. This year, Se Habla is also offering some fieldtrips. Presentations are open to the public and are free. Walk-ins are welcome. The school is at Francisco I. Madero #540, between Republica and Guerrero. Phone number is (612) 122-7763. E-mail info@sehablalapaz.com www.sehablalapaz.com Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Updated for Oct. 1)

Farmers’ market at the postal park, Tuesdays and Saturdays: Location is 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. You’ll find fresh greens and seasonal offerings, organic eggs, jams, sauces, German sausages and baked goods, including Sharon's goodies and Pan D'Les artisan breads. There are also handicrafts, works of art and, say the organizers, “items for mind, body and spirit.” Shoppers are asked to bring small change when making purchases and to take along a tote bag or cooler. You may find more vendors on Saturdays than Tuesdays. (updated for Oct. 1)

Film - Alianza Francesa French films, Tuesdays: French movies at Alianza Francesa, Revolución 635, start at 18:00 p.m. and admission is free. There’s no mention of subtitles, but my guess is they would be in Spanish. For more information, contact the French cultural centre at Revolución 635 between Morelos and Guadalupe Victoria. Phone number: 122-28-88.

Film - Alianza Francesa films, Wednesdays: International films are shown Wednesday night at Alianza Francesa, Revolución 635. The movie starts at 6 p.m.. Admission is free.

Live music - Baja South Band. Fernando, Alfonso and the guys play rock ’n’ roll Thursdays 6:30-10 p.m. at Pelicanos restaurant at about Kilometer 14 in El Centenario. Laura and Henry are now part of a different band called “Laura and the Baja Boys.” For more information about Pelicanos, see listing on Live Music page. (updated December 2011)

Live music - BiPolar Band: The group plays Fridays 6:30-10 p.m. at Pelicanos restaurant, Kilometer 14 in El Centenario. For more information about Pelicanos, see listing on Live Music page. (updated October 2011)

Live music - Johnny Angel Band: Band members are Angel, Rego, Johnnie the drummer, Pepe and Blue. They play classic rock ’n’ roll and blues from 1830 until 2200 Wednesdays and Saturdays at Club Marlin in El Centenario at km 14.

Live music - Laura and the Baja Boys: This rollickin’ and tuneful rock-and-roll band plays from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays at La Costa Restaurant, at Rangel and Navarro near Marina de La Paz. On Fridays, the band plays from 7 to 11 p.m. at Tailhunter’s Bar and Restaurant, Obregón 755 (on the Malecón between Salvatierra and Iglesia). Band members are Henry Korol, Laura Lothian, Alfonso Rojo and Benny Nuñez.

Live music - piano: KB Morrissey plays Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during brunch at Palermo's Ristorante, on the Malecón between Hidalgo and Morelos Streets. KB has been called the most versatile pianist in La Paz: she covers jazz, ragtime, classical, ballads, and blues. You're sure to hear a favorite or two.

Live music - Seven Clouds to Heaven jazz band: The La Paz group plays Saturdays at 8 p.m. at Galería La Encantada, Belisario Dominguez 1245 (between 5 de Mayo and Callejón Constitución). (updated Oct. 22, 2011)

Live music - trovador at Café Corazón: You can listen to trova music by Demian Medina at Café Corazón, the corner of Revolución and Constitución, most Thursdays starting about 8 p.m.. A trovador, traditionally, is a singer accompanied by guitar.

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 start at 17:00 Fridays and at 18:00 Tuesdays. You may wish to double-check with the school that there’s a rehearsal on a particular evening. The school’s phone number is (612) 125-55-19 and the e-mail address is serv_escolares@escuelademusicabcs.com (updated Feb. 1, 2012)

Theatre - Centro Cultural La Paz, Sundays: Performances start at 6 p.m. in the open-air patio. Admission is free. Centro Cultural La Paz is on 16 de Septiembre near the corner of Belisario Dominguez, across from Sears. (updated Jan. 31, 2012)

Writers’ group, Thursdays: The Sea of Cortés Writers’ Group members meet at 10 a.m. Thursdays to read aloud from their work (poetry, prose, fiction or nonfiction pieces in English) and get feedback from other writers. The group meets until about noon. New members are welcome. For more information, call 612-123-4669 or e-mail george_potvin@yahoo.com or drop by the bookstore at Independencia #518, between Serdan and G. Prieto or call Allende Books at (612)125 9114. (updated February 2011)

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.

Todos Santos Film festival Feb. 23-27 moves to La Paz Feb. 28-March 2. Also this month: Todos Santos arts festival and La Paz Carnaval. See listings on this page.