Criss-crossing the world
By Alicia Wilson Rivero July 18, 2008 San Miguel de Allende

Concert
One-of-a-kind Science Camp Benefit
Wed, July 30, 8pm
El Viejo Topo
100 pesos

A one-of-a-kind, out-of-the-ordinary benefit concert supports the ongoing programs of Science Camp El Charco and Science Club at La Biblioteca.

Several top musicians from our ever-so-diverse community will take the stage to help both programs continue to offer science education free of tuition to San Miguel children.

The headline show features Nate & Max Schwartz, two brothers from the Bay Area who will play Bluegrass classics on the mandolin and banjo.

Doug Robinson, musician and Atención columnist, offers songs never before sung or played to his San Miguel audience. Derek Burrows, a musician from the Bahamas by way of Boston, will woo us all with lilting Caribbean songs. Myrna from Holland will have us singing along with French Cabaret songs.

Criss-crossing the world with songs for one original night of entertainment promises to be an enjoyable event for all.

The musicians and El Viejo Topo owner Isaac Toporek are generously offering the talent and space to make this benefit concert a reality.

Admissions go entirely to the camp/club funds. Proceeds support all that’s involved in putting together a science education program for kids—batteries, globes, microscopes, reference libraries, binoculars, compasses, magnifiers and fish tanks. Proceeds also will go toward ongoing outreach, acquisition of materials and training for the summer program. We hope to make Science Club a viable year-long program at the Biblioteca Pùblica.

El Viejo Topo will offer its full menu—gourmet cheeseboards, empanadas filled with mole treats, chicken salad with apples on chewy bagels and a delicious prosciutto are a few examples.

Reserve with El Viejo Topo at 154-8701; email sciencecampsma@gmail.com  for all other inquiries.

Alicia Wilson Rivero is co-director of Science Camp and Science Club.

Musicians, artists, DJs and chefs for animal welfare
By Janielle Penner

Concert
Doc Makes a House Call!
Doc Severinsen and Gil & Cartas
Tue, July 22, 6–10pm
Casa Jazmin (map with tickets)
1,000 pesos

As the first joint fundraiser of the Sociedad Protectora de Animales (SPA) and Amigos de Animales comes together, the outpouring of support by San Miguel’s creative community has been phenomenal.

Obviously many people in San Miguel appreciate and support the work of these charities in trying to lessen the burden of animal over-population and mistreatment.

SPA Director Natalie Hardy is very touched by the generosity of the artists. She says, “The number of donations we have received has been heart-warming. The people willing to support the animal cause are beyond our awareness until we do an event of this size and see the fantastic response.”

The musical talent of Doc Severinsen and Gil & Cartas is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Doc, a big-hearted animal lover, is the reason the event came together in the first place. After his fantastic offer to the SPA earlier this year, the SPA asked Amigos de Animales San Miguel and Guanajuato to come on board to show a united front for the shared cause. They accepted and have participated whole-heartedly in the preparation and outreach for this fundraiser. It wouldn’t be the same without the collective effort of these organizations.

We also are pleased to announce that local favorite DJ Marta has donated her time and talent. A regular DJ at La Azotea and special events, we couldn’t ask for a better DJ to keep our guests entertained.

About 25 outstanding artists have contributed paintings, etchings, assemblage and jewelry for the silent auction. Alejandro Rivera donated a magnificent etching and Cheryl Finnegan of “Virgins, Saints and Angels” donated a beautifully hand-crafted rosary originally designed as a gift from actor Will Smith to his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

Patricia Mahan put together a whimsical assemblage and Keith Keller gave a mysterious, alluring painting. Andrea Flores donated a stylish animal portrait. Dozens of fabulous works will be on display and are sure to delight the evening’s guests.

One notable donor, Becky Milward, an SPA board member and talented painter, donated a commissioned portrait which will be the evening’s outstanding raffle prize.

Patsy Dubois of Patsy’s Place represents the event’s culinary arts. She reached out to the event and offered to create a fabulous spread of international cuisine. 

The three animal organizations would like to thank all the donors and participants in advance. We feel honored and touched to have so many people support our work with animal welfare. We are very much looking forward to seeing many of you.

If you have not yet purchased your tickets, visit www.animalwelfaresma.org  or La Conexión, Solutions or Border Crossings. For more information, email 
info@animalwelfaresma.org  or call (415) 152-3648.

Follow the gypsy journey
By Havivi Hernan

Concert
Javier “Gitano” Estrada
Fri, July 25, 7pm
Sala Quetzal
Biblioteca Pública
Reloj 50A
100 pesos

Local guitarist Javier “Gitano” Estrada plays an assortment of folk tunes and songs collected around the gypsy camping grounds of Europe. He will share love songs, from the tender to the fiery, and nostalgic and happy songs.

Gitano has been giving concerts for over 30 years all over Europe and Mexico.

Harp and guitar on Thursday
By Gabriela Servin

Concert
Folk harp and flamenco guitar
Sergio Basurto
Thu, July 24, 7:30pm
Sala Quetzal
Biblioteca Pública
Reloj 50 A
150 pesos, limited seating

Sergio Basurto’s regular Monday concert has moved to Thursday to accommodate Expresión en Corto movie screenings at Teatro Santa Ana this week.

He plays flamenco guitar and folk harp, a stringed instrument lacking the fore pillar played while standing on the floor. Folk/Celtic musicians prefer to be called “harpers,” while classical/pedal musicians prefer “harpists.”

Jesuit missionaries took the Spanish or Renaissance harp to the New World. Indigenous people were fascinated with the instrument, made some changes to it and adopted it as part of their own culture.

Almost all Latin American countries have their own versions, quite different from European harps in construction and playing techniques, which are vibrant and dynamic in contrast to the softer European tone.