Featuring the Municipal Band.

The Prodanza Dance School, invites you to a special performance on Thursday, May 1 at 7:00 p.m, at the Hotel Hola. Dancers will perform a special show entitled "Spring Gala." For more information please call 293-0900 or 293-0901.

Galeria Vértice invites you to attend an extraordinary collective exhibition of contemporary art from Mexico. This gallery promotes art by internationally acclaimed Mexican artists. For further information call (322) 222-9415 or to to galeriaverticepv.com

"Raise the Roof" is a benefit concert to start the new in-house Becas program at Santa Barbara Theater and also to fund some needed improvements to the stage equipment at the theater. Your favorite local performers have volunteered their time to share some of the hottest numbers from past and future shows. There will be a silent auction, door prizes, snacks and a drink all for the donation of $350 pesos. The doors open at 7:00 pm and the show starts at 8:00 pm. The Becas program will provide scholarship funds for children who would like to participate in upcoming summer theater camp or dance classes at Santa Barbara, but need financial assistance to do so. Classes will consist of singing, dancing, acting, set design, make up and costuming. Call the theater (223-2048) for more details. Registration starts April 25th and spaces are limited.

A number of dogs and cats in the area are desperately looking to be adopted. Here is your chance to find a new home for them!

The Amigos de Bucerias will meet on Saturday, May 3rd, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. For $50 pesos, you may order one of the following: chilaquiles con pollo with hash browns or beans, omelette any style with bacon and toast, fruit plate with hash browns and toast and pancakes or French toast with bacon and toast. All meals are served with coffee and juice. The agenda will include a follow-up to last month's meeting on environmental issues and a discussion of Amigos de Bucerias' continuing role in making Bucerias a greener and cleaner community. Please RSVP to Karen Knapp, kwschopf@msn.com

The SPCA is hosting a cocktail party at Casa Kimberly (Elizabeth Taylor/Richard Burton's former home). This will be the last chance to see it until it becomes a boutique hotel in 2010. An auction of the first overnight at Casa Kimberly plus dinner for two at the glamorous Casa Kimberly restaurant will be held. Dress for "Swingin' Sixties," or as your favorite movie star. Cost is $500 pesos per person. Tickets may be purchased at Hacienda San Angel, Miramar 336. Telephone 222-2692. Space is limited. Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets and auction item to be paid for by check or cash only.

Hollywood's #1 DJ Cobra, will be at Club Christine on Saturday, May 3. Don't miss this special event.

The first annual Puerto Vallarta Salsa Festival "Fiesta Latina," will be held at the old Sr. Frog's location on Olas Altas. Four famous and internationally recognized salsa orchestras will perform, including Adolescent's Orquesta from Venezuela, Estrellas de Niche from Colombia and Chemaney and his Orchesta from Mexico. Also performing is the local dance group, Salsa Tribal. Advance tickets are available for $250 pesos (regular admission) or $300 pesos (VIP admission) and are $300 pesos at the door. For further information contact Carolina Corales or Yulia Peña on their cellular phones at (322) 173-7505, (322) 140-3508 or (322) 150-5423 or email rumbavallarta@gmail.com.

Featuring the Municipal Band.

Willie (from Willie and Lobo) will perform with the Willie Royal Quartet at the River Cafe. The show features Jazz and Flamenco music and will run from 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. For reservations call 233-0788.

One of Vallarta's most popular perks - free, fun and scheduled weekly throughout the high season - over a dozen distinctive downtown art houses host simultaneous art openings in the heart of El Centro, none more than 16 blocks from any other and most congregated within six.

María José Zorrilla, president of the board of Biblioteca los Mangos will host this event, along with Sally Conley. Also a member of the board Conley created a small public library in el Pitillal, which is located in her own home. Both facilities are dependent on donations from individuals and businesses as well as the city of Puerto Vallarta and IFC. Come have a great dinner and support these two wonderful libraries. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase, with prizes including gift certificates from Cassandra Shaw Jewelry, Bruce's Back Alley, Encuentros, other restaurants as well as books and more. For reservations call 222-2114 or email pvbananacantina@aol.com

Willie (from Willie and Lobo) will perform with the Willie Royal Quartet at the River Cafe. The show features Jazz and Flamenco music and will run from 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. For reservations call 233-0788.

Featuring the Municipal Band.

Well known Puerto Vallarta artist Sheyla Devine, recently pass away and a tribute will be held in her honor at Los Mangos Public Library. She was born in New York in 1959 and her renowned expressionist style of painting was often highlighted with radiant colors. Devine attended New York State University and had exhibitions around the globe including Berlin, New York, Chicago, Guanajuato, Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. She was also a very big hearted person and will be sadly missed by those whose lives she touched.

A number of dogs and cats in the area are desperately looking to be adopted. Here is your chance to find a new home for them!

Featuring the Municipal Band.

The Costa Banderas Chapter of Democrats Abroad Mexico invites you to a screening the the Academy Award nominated documentary film, "Sicko." This movie by American filmmaker Michael Moore, investigates the American health care system, focusing on it's for-profit insurance and pharmaceutical industry. It also compares the private-sector U.S. system with the socialized systems of Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Cuba. A light buffet will be served and there will be a cash bar to benefit Costa Banderas Chapter's Absentee Ballot - Voter Initiative 2008. For further information call Paul at 222-4793 or (322)294-1820.

One of Vallarta's most popular perks - free, fun and scheduled weekly throughout the high season - over a dozen distinctive downtown art houses host simultaneous art openings in the heart of El Centro, none more than 16 blocks from any other and most congregated within six.

Featuring the Municipal Band.

The Festival Cultural de Jalisco annouces a special concert to be held at the Hotel Westin Regina Resort on May 15. As a part of this cultural festival, the Orquestra de Cámara de Stuttgart from Germany will be performing under the direction of Michael Hofstetter. Don't miss the Carsten Daerr Jazz Trio also hailing from Germany, who will be performing at the same venue on Sunday, May 18.

The River Cafe is pleased to present the exotic sounds of Katmandú. This group blends the music of India with Latin-Jazz and Blues and features Don Pope on sitar. Reservations are suggested (233-0788), as this events falls during Restaurant Week 2008. To check out the special Restaurant Week menu, go to www.rivercafe.com.mx

A number of dogs and cats in the area are desperately looking to be adopted. Here is your chance to find a new home for them!

Featuring the Municipal Band.

Jazz lovers take note. The Festival Cultural de Jalisco annouces a special concert to be held at the Hotel Westin Regina Resort on May 18. As a part of this cultural festival, he Carsten Daerr Jazz Trio from Germany will be performing. Don't miss the Orquestra de Cámara de Stuttgart group also hailing from Germany, who will be performing at the same venue on Sunday, May 15.

Sunday, May 18 has been declared the International AIDS Vigil, to commemorate those who have died from complications of AIDS. VES will participate by leading a candlelight march from Parque Hidalgo to Los Arcos on the Malecón. This March will depart from Parque Hidalgo at 8:30 PM.

One of Vallarta's most popular perks - free, fun and scheduled weekly throughout the high season - over a dozen distinctive downtown art houses host simultaneous art openings in the heart of El Centro, none more than 16 blocks from any other and most congregated within six.

Featuring the Municipal Band.

If you are looking for a fun thing to do alone or with friends, come to Dolores' Essence of Cuisine Cooking School for a great evening of camaraderie, dining and learning. The class is $550 pesos per person and includes the following multi course meal, plus all recipes. Welcome Cocktail: Baked Avocado with corn and chips, Beet and Mango Salad with Curried Mango Dressing, Crab Stuffed Poblano Chiles with Salsa, Pork Tenderloin with Cabbage, Pineapple and Macadamia Nut Slaw. For further information or to make reservations email Dolores at y_brittingham@hotmail.com or call 222-7017.

You are invited to this special opportunity for the womenfolk of Vallarta to get-together, have some drinks, fabulous food and fun! This event is also known as Girl's Night Out! Special Guest Kimberly Torres, who is an artist and jewelry designer will be on hand to show you her fabulous works of art and one-of-a-kind pieces for sale. If you have something special in mind, she can even create a a custom designed piece for you. Admission is $250 pesos, which includes two cocktails/beverages, a buffet dinner, coffee/tea and desert. Please reserve by May 20th, with a $50 peso deposit. Contact Anne or Lydia at 223-3834. While you're at the Buddha Lounge, check out their 20% off sale during the month of May, on many of their boutique items such as jewelry, soaps, incense, tapestries, home decor items, clothing, tarot cards, books and essential oils etc.

Café de Artistes de Mar, invites you to a special evening of music and fine dining. Enjoy the enchanting sounds of Katmandu, while savoring a delicious three course dinner. Tickets are $650 peso per person and include dinner and the show, however drinks are not included and will be available for purchase. This restaurant is located in the Hotel de Artistes del Mar in Punta de Mita.

A number of dogs and cats in the area are desperately looking to be adopted. Here is your chance to find a new home for them!

"A Broken Art" mosaic studio, will mosaic the park benches, tables and surrounding wall of the new children's park in San Pancho and they need volunteers. There will be a free mosaic workshop on site, so that you can help with this special project. The park is being constructed in one day (May 24, 2008), totally out of recycled materials. For example, they are going to build a swing set with old tires that when used by the children will power the water fountain. This event will be a party, complete with music, free food and refreshments and lots of fun! Donations of pebbles, beach glass, household tile and beach tile are also needed and can be dropped of at A Broken Art, located at Lazaro Cardenas 62, Bucerias. For more information email Christy at abrokenart@gmail.com.

The "entreamigos" group in San Pancho, invites you to help construct a children's playground on May 24th, which will be made almost entirely of recycled materials. The children at the local elementary school have no outdoor playground equipment or even tables to sit on at lunch. Parents, teachers and students have gathered over two tons of glass, plastic and aluminum, which will serve as the main building materials for this project. There are many ways you can help including: volunteering your time, gathering a group of people to help build, becoming a park sponsor, making a financial donation (tax receipts provided) or by purchasing a brick custom engraved with your message which will be permanently displayed in the park. There will be t-shirts, food and drinks, a massage table for tired volunteers, a free mosaic workshop led by the mosaic artist from A Broken Art gallery in Bucerias and the build itself will consist of a series of hands on educational workshops to learn sustainable building techniques such as glass bottle wall building, paper Crete and organic garden creation. Additionally some new techniques will be tested, such as roofing the Art Workshop area with shingles made from Tetra pack boxes. For further information email Nicole at: nrswedlow@gmail.com.

VES will be holding another of their very successful health fair's in Lazaro Cardenas Park, Col. Emiliano Zapata. Rapid HIV testing and counseling about HIV and sexual health, diabetes testing, blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing, women's health, and other services will be available completely free of charge.

Featuring the Municipal Band.

The CasaMagna Marriott Resort Puerto Vallarta and Kelly Trainor the American Consular Agent, are teaming up to host the 5th International Festival of Altruism on Sunday May 25, 2008. The festival will feature a wide range of activities including a food demonstration from more than 40 of Puerto Vallarta's finest restaurants, live music, dance, and cultural presentations. The International Festival of Altruism will take place at 6:00 p.m. with a presale admission price of $300 pesos or $400 pesos at the door. The purpose of this festival is to generate funds for 24 local charities. Each charity will also be given the opportunity to host a display at the festival to highlight the great impact they are having on Puerto Vallarta community. For further information, contact Josefina Naya (PR & Marketing Manager - CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & SPA) at 322 226-0000 Ext. 6222 www.puertovallartamarriott.com

If you are looking for a fun thing to do alone or with friends, come to Dolores' Essence of Cuisine Cooking School for a great evening of camaraderie, dining and learning. The class is $550 pesos per person and includes the following multi course meal plus all recipes. Welcome Cocktail: Asian Crackers, Hot and Sour Soup, Shrimp dumplings with Ginger Dipping Sauce, Grilled Korean-Style Steaks with Spicy Cilantro Sauce, Rice with Chinese Sausage and chives. For further information or to make reservations email Dolores at y_brittingham@hotmail.com or call 222-7017.

One of Vallarta's most popular perks - free, fun and scheduled weekly throughout the high season - over a dozen distinctive downtown art houses host simultaneous art openings in the heart of El Centro, none more than 16 blocks from any other and most congregated within six.

Featuring the Municipal Band.

As a prelude to the International Fireworks Symposium to be held in Puerto Vallarta in April of 2009, there will be a National Fireworks Competition on May 30, 2008. This event coincides with the 90th Puerto Vallarta Anniversary celebration of officially becoming a city. For 20 minutes each, eight fireworks manufacturers from the regions of DF, Sonora, Tlaxcala, Puerto Vallarta will participate in this competition with prizes totaling $200,000 pesos. There will be over four hours of fireworks competitions starting at 8:30 pm. There is no admission price, but come early as seating will be limited!

A number of dogs and cats in the area are desperately looking to be adopted. Here is your chance to find a new home for them!