Merida Gets Busy

There is so much going on this week!!! One cannot help but be reminded of Lucille Ball and the chocolate factory conveyor belt! The cultural offerings continue to come in, even as we get ready to publish this page! We are just going to have to update the calendar mid-week! So we’ll meet you back here along about Wednesday with much much more! And we’ll also be updating our Art and Museum page continuously. Loads of new shows in the galleries later this week, so do check back often!

Note: If ticket prices are not listed, we do give you the numbers to call for information – or you can feel fairly safe in assuming about $50 per ticket.

A Few Reminders…

The yearly to benefit the dogs and cats of Merida is coming up next week and we hope you will support it with your attendance and your donations. AFAD will be hosting a fiesta on November 30 to benefit our furry friends who need it most. The event will include wine, food and raffles. Stay tuned here for more information but keep the date open!

Also, this week the In La’Kech Gallery opens a show of 20 artists who are giving all or some of the proceeds of the sale of their art to the Oasis Center that helps Yucatecans living with AIDS and HIV. Go to our Art in Merida page to learn more.

Monday (Lunes) November 19, 2007

Jesus Armando Sings

This performance is our "pick of the night". Jesus Armando is the undisputed young Voice of Traditional and Contemporary Trova. He has been hailed as the most important modern representative of trova music.
Location:Teatro José Peón Contreras, Calle 60 x Calle 57
Time: 9:00 P.M.
Admission: At the box office or call for ticket information: 924-3954 and 924-3843

 

 

Conversaciones con Amigos (Conversations with Friends)
Practice Spanish or English with friends. Membership not necessary.

Location: Merida English Library , Calle 53 #524 x 66 y 68.
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Admission: Small Donation

Monday Night Football
Football with a chicken wings, beer, fellow football fans and a good cigar! Every Monday night through Dec. 30.

Location: Mercer Cigars, 85-3 Prolongacion Montejo, Colonia Mexico
Tel: 999-944-3647 for information
Time: 7:30 PM until its over
Admission: Free

VAQUERÍA Folkloric Ballet

The signature dance of Yucatan, featuring the Jaranera Orchestra and the City Folkloric Ballet & Trova Yucateca.

Location: Ground floor of the Ayuntamiento in the Plaza Grande (the building with the clock)
Time: All Mondays 9:00 PM
Admission: Free

Tuesday (Martes) November 20, 2007

Trovafusión
Featuring Addalberto. We have any type of music you like here in Yucatan – and the best of the best in all generas. So try a little something different – you’ll be glad you did!
Location: Teatro José Peón Contreras, Calle 60 x Calle 57
Time: 9:00 P.M.
Admission: At the box office or call for ticket Information: 924-3954 and 924-3843

Tuesday of Trova
Noche Revolucionaria (Revolution Night) in honor of Revolution Day, a big Mexican holiday. This event will include two solo singers and a mariachi band.
Location: Central Patio of the Olimpo, Calle 61 at Calle 62
Time: 8:30 P.M.
Admission: Free

Merida Men’s Club
No dues and no officers – just good conversation and a chance to learn more about life in Yucatan. Meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday and the last Saturday of every month from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Speakers are often invited.
Location: Cafe Bistro Kaapej on Prolongacion Montejo, a half block north of the Circuito Colonias, more commonly known as the “Burger King Circle.”
Time: 9:00 to 10:30 AM
Admission: Free

Todo Beatles
A performance by Yania and Rachel with, we would assume, a lot of Beatles’ music.
Location: Teatro Daniel Ayala Pérez, Calle 60 between Calles 61 and 59
Time: 9:00 P.M.
Admission: At the box office or call for ticket information: 924-0277 y 928-6863

Noche de Gala
A performance by the Orquesta Típica Yukalpetén, under the direction of Pedro Carlos Herrera. A “must see” performance!
Location: Teatro Mérida, Calle 62 between Calle 61 and Calle 59
Time: 9:00 P.M.
Admission: At the box office or call for ticket Information: 924-0040 y 924-9990

Remembrance Musicals

Dance to the Big Band sound of the 40’s, played by the wonderful Jaranara Orchestra. Sit with the crowd in the park, at one of the restaurants that look out over the "dance floor" and eat dinner, or get out there and dance!

Location: Parque de Santiago, Calle 72 by Calle 59
Time: Every Tuesday at 8:30 PM for about 1.5 hours
Admission: Free

Wednesday (Miercoles) November 21, 2007

M.E.L. House & Garden Tour
Conducted by Keith Heitke for the benefit of M.E.L.

Location: The tour departs from the Merida English Library, Calle 53 No. 517 between Calle 66 and 68 and ends at Calle 59 No. 572 between Calle 72 and 74.
Time: 9:45 AM – 12:30 PM, all Wednesdays, October thru March.
Reservations: (999) 924-8401
Information: sterlingheitke [at] prodigy [dot] net [dot] mx
Admission: $200 pesos

A Jazz Concert! En Olor a Jazz… Blues… Bossa…
Featuring Felipe de la Cruz.
Location: Teatro Daniel Ayala Pérez, Calle 60 between Calles 61 and 59
Time: 9:00 P.M.
Admission: At the box office or call for ticket information: 924-0277 y 928-6863

Miércoles del Peón (Wednesday at the Peón)
Desde el Centro de Mi Tierra (From the Center of My Land). This is a performance by Ballets Folklóricos Titular, Juvenil e Infantil del Ayuntamiento de Mérida. More of Merida’s fabulous dancers.
Location: Teatro José Peón Contreras, Calle 60 x Calle 57
Time: 9:00 P.M.
Admission: At the box office or call for ticket Information: 924-3954 and 924-3843

Poker Night at Mercer Cigars
Every other Thursday night, there’s a Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament at the Mercer Cigars store. Everyone who participates gets a free Cuban cigar. Buy-in is $500 pesos and First place takes 60% plus a Romeo & Juliet Churchill cigar. Complimentary refreshments will be served, and beer, wine, food and cigars are available. Call for more information or to reserve your spot!
Location: Mercer Cigars, Prolongacion Montejo 85-3, 15 y 17, Colonia Mexico (next to La Parilla)
Time: 8:30 P.M.
Phone: 944-3647

Dansoñando by Jorge Buenfil
This is a guitar performance that you don’t want to miss. We are so blessed, in Yucatan, with some of the best guitarists in the world today. Put this on your “must see” list!
Location: Teatro Mérida, Calle 62 between Calle 61 and Calle 59
Time: 9:00 P.M.
Admission: At the box office or call for ticket Information: 924-0040 y 924-9990

Miércoles en Concierto (Wednesday in Concert)
This week: Los Deltons, under the direction of Víctor Espinosa Ávila
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 61 at Calle 62
For: Adults and children over the age of 6
Time: 9:00 P.M.
Admission: Free

Tierra Fría
This movie is being shown as part of a film cycle to protest violence against women (See Sunday). Known in English as ‘North Country‘, this film stars Charlize Theron and is a fictionalized account of the woman who brought the first successful sexual harassment lawsuit against her employer, Eveleth Mines, in 1984. Frances McDormand was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as supporting actress. Also stars Sissy Spacek, Sean Bean and Woody Harrelson.
Location: Sala Audiovisual at the Olimpo, Calle 61 at Calle 62
Time: 7:00 P.M.
Admission: ??

Thursday (Jueves) November 22, 2007

Jazzeando el Bolero
Mario Esquivel, Arturo Guzman and other stellar local jazz musicians will be covering a lot of American (and other) classics in what looks to be a great performance.
Location: Jose Peon Contreras Theatre, Corner of Calle 60 and Calle 57 Time: 9:00 PM
Admission: Tickets available at the box office

Classic Cinema Double Feature
Location: Videosala at the Olimpo (Calle 61 x Calle 62)
Admission: Free

First Feature: Death On The Nile (United States, 1978)
Film based on the Agatha Christie novel of the same name. Stars Peter Ustinov, Mia Farrow, Maggie Smith and Bette Davis, among others. Won the Academy Award that year for Best Costume Design
For: the entire family
Time: 6:00 PM

Second Feature: Castaway (United States, 2000)
Starring Tom Hanks and the world’s most famous volleyball, Wilson. Little known facts about the film include the CEO at the end of the film, who is the real CEO of Federal Express and that filming had to stop for a year to allow Tom Hanks to lose enough wait to look like he was starving.
For: the entire family (go get candy during the plane crash scene)
Time: 8:00 P.M.

Opening Spaces 3 and the Flight of the Phoenix

Please see our Art in Merida page for more details.
Location: Salas 1 and 2 and 3 at the Olimpo, Calle 61 at Calle 62
Time: 9:00 P.M.
Admission: ??

Evoking the Muse: Sor Juan Inés de la Cruz

A theatrical representation of the life and works of the woman known as Sor Juana, the only woman that we know of that has her picture on North American money (the Mexican 200 peso bill). Sor Juana was a nun, a poet and an inspiration to many. Want to know more? This great Dartmouth website has a lot of information.
Location: Centro Cultural José Marí, Parque de Las Americas, Calle 20 at Avenida Colon
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: Free

"To Remember is to Live"

A dance for those of us who want to get home a little earlier. Again, the Big Band sound of the magical Jaranara Orchestra.
Location: Parque Zoológico del Centenario (The Zoo), Calle 59 at Avenida Itzaes
Time: 4:00 PM
Admission: Free

Yucatan Serenade

The signature romantic serenade of Merida and romantic heart of the City.
Location: Parque Santa Lucía , Calle 60 and 55, Downtown
Time: 9:00 PM
Admission: Free

Friday (Viernes) November 23, 2007

Yucatan Symphony Orchestra Performance

This week, our fabulous symphony, with members hailing from around the world, will perform G. Rossini’s Overture: Italian Girl in Algiers,
Beethovens Piano Concerto No. 3,
R. Castro’s Intermezzo de Alzimba and
J.Sibelius’ Keralia Suite. Manuel Escalante will be the piano soloiste and the invited director is Mario Rodriguez.
Location: Jose Peon Contreras Theatre, Calle 60 at Calle 57
Time: 9:00 PM
Admission: Tickets at the box office. Check for prices

Taller de la Cancion Yucateca (Yucatecan-Music Workshop)

Yucatecan composers will show what they’ve been up to, showcasing new songs in an intimate atmosphere. This workshop is directed by Felipe de la Cruz, a great composer from Yucatan. This show is part of the program "K’aay T’aan" (lyrics and music in mayan), that takes place every friday and is designed to be a place where the new and not-so-new talents can show their work to the public.

Location: Casa de la Cultura (Calle 63 no. 503 A x 64 y 66, Centro)
Time: 8:30 PM
Admission: Free

Baila Merida

The city puts on a bit of a party, featuring music and the opportunity for everyone to dance. This week, Baila Merida is at Parque San Sebastian… Come on down!

Location: Parque San Sebastian, Calle 77 between 70 and 72
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: Free

Saturday (Sabado) November 24, 2007

Noche Mexicana (Mexican Night)

An outdoor performance that brings the folklore of all of Mexico to Merida! Music and partying under the stars!

Location: Beginning of Paseo Montejo, Calle 56 A between 47 and 49
Time: 8:00 PM
Admission: Free

En el Corazón de Mérida

Outdoor concerts, sidewalk cafes, shopping at night – its all here!

Tonight: Concerts by Trío Trovanova, Mozú La Voz , and Grupo Acústico in Parque de Santa Lucía (Calle 60 at Calle 55)
Location: Also in Plaza Grande, Centro
Time: Saturday nights, from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Admission: Free

Sunday (Domingo) November 25, 2007

Día Internacional de la No Violencia Hacia Las Mujeres (International Day of No Violence Against Women)
Around the world, we should all take a moment to remember to live in peace.

Yucatan Symphony Orchestra Performance

Repeat performance of Friday night’s schedule. G. Rossini’s Overture: Italian Girl in Algiers, Beethovens Piano Concerto No. 3, R. Castro’s Intermezzo de Alzimba and
J.Sibelius’ Keralia Suite. Manuel Escalante will be the piano soloiste and the invited director is Mario Rodriguez.
Location: Jose Peon Contreras Theatre, Calle 60 at Calle 57
Time: 12:00 Noon
Admission: Tickets at the box office. Check for prices

Documentary at the Museum of Natural History

Location: Calle 59 # 648 x 84 y 84 A on the north side of the Zoo.
For: the whole family
Time: At noon
Admission: Free

Sunday mornings is for Dogs

A “play-date” for dogs!

Location: In the grass-covered parking lot behind the Hyatt Hotel: north on Calle 60, right on Calle 35, just past Siqueff Restaurant.

Parking lot entrance is on the left.

Time: 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM (bring water for you and your dog)

The Bici-Ruta
The Bici-Ruta continues into the fall and winter. Every Sunday, it begins early, at 8:00 AM, though we see them setting up as early as 7:00 am, and ends at noon. Last week, they were setting up for a live concert when we were walking the dogs on Paseo Montejo. The route begins in Ermita and San Juan Parks, passes through Centro and then travels down Paseo Montejo, to include Fiesta Americana, and Paseo de Montejo at the corners of Calles 45, 43, 31, and 29. If you want to play chess, go to the sidewalk outside the Museum of Anthropology on Paseo Montejo at 9 am and pick up a game! There is a complete listing of activities, including sports, music, and craft events on the Bici-Ruta website.

Location: Begins at Parque de la Ermita, through the Plaza Grande, out Paseo Montejo, and Ends at the glorieta on Prolongation Paseo Montejo (by Burger King).
Time: 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 PM
Admission: Free

Mérida en Domingo
Sunday downtown is a spectacular tradition in Mérida. Start at the center of town, where booths are set up all around the Plaza Grande. Inside the plaza, you can find huipiles, guayaberas, honey, dolls, bags, tee-shirts… and everything is made for sale by the local people of the Yucatan. The outer ring of booths are selling food: marquesitas, tacos, cochinita, ice cream (try the coconut), fruit, drinks, etc. There’s also usually a musical concert in the garden at the MACAY Museum, just off the Paseo de la Revolución next to the main cathedral. If the crowd starts to get to you, go to the museum (entrance is free). Sit around the fountain or walk through the galleries and listen to the live music. Or wander up Calle 60 to Santa Lucia Park, where you can also find antiques, old books and other curiosities. At that lovely park, there is also live music, lots of dancing, and great food.

Location: In the Centro Historico: Plaza Grande, Parque Santa Lucia (Calle 60 x 55) and MACAY Museum (Calle 60 between 61 and 63)
Time: 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM
Admission: Free, of course…

Sunday at the MACAY
There is a musical concert in the garden at the MACAY Museum, just off the Paseo de la Revolución next to the main cathedral. If the Merida en Domingo crowd starts to get to you, go to the museum (entrance is free). Sit around the fountain or walk through the galleries and listen to the live music.

Location: In the Garden at the MACAY (next to the Cathedral)
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Admission: Free

 

Sign Up Now for the Toh Bird Festival

Just a reminder… if you are interested in wildlife, think about participating in the 6th Annual Toh Yucatan Bird Festival. The event starts on November 29 and includes events for beginning, intermediate and expert birders! For more information, go to their Yucatan Bird Festival website and read all about it.