It’s party time in Rocky Point this coming Fourth of July Weekend. Dance barefoot in the waves by the Playa Bonita Resort at the Reggae En La Playa Summer Beach Party.

Ska, ’90s Alternative Rock, and Funky Reggae Music all add to the buena vibra. Bands from Phoenix, Mexicali, and our own Puerto Peñasco get together for a good time that helps the Santa Claus Club, one of Rocky Points busy charity organisations also known for their annual Chili Cookoff and Softball Tournaments. 100% of the proceeds from this, and all Santa Claus Club events, go to benefit local area children.

The bands are also donating their performances, so all is being done for the love of music, good times, and to brighten the life of a child. If Reggae is about one thing, it is positive vibrations.

The line up includes . ..
Mr. Lost and The Summer from Rocky Point
La Tomasa Ska Band from Mexicali
CairVoyant, Ruca Music, and the Hourglass Cats from the Phoenix area.

One Love Promotions, the event organiser out of Peñasco, has videos of the groups on line. Check them out.

Summer Beach Party
Saturday, July 5th, starting at 4pm
Playa Bonita Resort
Sandy Beach
Pre sale tickets are 5 dollars, 7 dollars at the door

 

by Richard Scott

Saturday, June 28th will see the 1st Annual Wine and Artisanal Beer Festival held at the Laos Mar Hotel. El Tapeo Wine Bar is organizing this event, and like previous wine tastings put on by them, it looks to be informative and a lot of fun.

This time, wine shares the spot light with beers from micro-breweries from around Mexico. Experts will be there to offer their knowledge as you go booth to booth, sampling everything for one admission price. If you have been to one of the El Tapeo wine tastings, you know what a good presentation they put on. Rocky Point ‘foodies’ love the place, finding the right mix of quality food and an upscale setting. Appetizers will also be available at the Festival.

Music will be provided by local artists, with the main act being Nicho Hinojosa and his band (guitar, bass, and cajon). Hinojosa plays Trova, derived from the word Troubador. The music has it’s roots in the tradition of travelling singer/guitar players, of which he is a modern version. Probably the closest comparison is to folk music of the ’60s.

There is a world of beer and wine from Mexico that you may not know about. Three breweries and seven vineyards will be on hand. The 1st Annual Wine and Artisanal Beer festival will bring together novices and experts to share the experience of something they love. Located at the Playa Bonita Resort on Sandy Beach, at the Hotel Laos Mar, Saturday June 28th, starting at 7pm. Call 638 112 3189 for reservations and more information.        By Richard Scott

Here are some images from Brews and Brushes, a nice art event in the Princessa Resort hosted by Colin’s Cantina. Instructor Jenny Kirgis’ class focused on the techniques in Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’. A great buffet of food was provided from the Colin’s menu. Stay tuned to Colin’s Cantina on Facebook for information on Jennys’ next event.

    

 

 

By   Richard Scott

Circus Mexicus XXIII starts as Roger Clyne inaugurates Banditos with the traditional breaking of the bottle. Turns out Mexican Moonshine bottles are pretty stout, and after a couple of tries at breaking one against the building, passing the tequila around seemed the best bet!

Maybe 200 fans listened as Roger Clyne read a heart felt welcome speech. Jim Dalton, and P.F. Naffah joined Roger for a set of songs plagued with technical difficulties. The cool part? With the P.A. System down, everyone of the 200 picked up the ball, knew all the lyrics, and joined in with all their hearts. Could there be a more perfect christening for the Peacemakers (band and fans) new home in Mexico?

 

By   Richard Scott

Probablemente planeaste tus próximas vacaciones usando el internet. Mientras algunos hoteles, restaurantes y desarollos tienen sus propias paginas web llenas de información, sabemos que a algunos detalles del viaje no les daremos gran importancia; la recomendación de alguien que ha estado en el lugar a donde tu quieres ir es valiosa.

Entra a TripAdvisor.com; desde el año 2000, TripAdvisor es el sitio ideal para leer recomendaciones de personas que han estado en lo alto de la Estatua de la Libertad, han bailado en el Carnaval de Brasil, han comido en McDonalds En Mindanao, Philipinas! Además de su experienca personal y comentarios,los viajeros dan puntuacion al lugar que visitaron.

En los ultimos cuatro años, TripAdvisor ha otorgado un reconocimiento como premio a la excelencia a quienes obtienen la mejor puntuación de viajeros en todo el mundo; este año, Sonoran Sky Resort de Puerto Peñasco, recibio ese honor.

“El reconocimiento celebra la excelencia hospitalaria y es otorgado unicamente a empresas que constantemente reciben recomendaciones de viajeros en TripAdvisor. Ganadores de este valioso premio representan lo mejor de las empresas que estan arriba en puntuación de las listas en la redes” dijo TripAdvisor.

Sonoran Sky esta ubicada en la hermosa Sandy Beach, tiene un ambiente mas intimo que algunos lugares. Tiene su propio spa, restaurante, areas de banquetes, alberca con wet bar y un detalle impresionante es el gimnasio con equipo de ejercicio mirando hacia la alberca que parece unirse con el Mar de Cortez. . . eso es mas saludable que mirar locuras en television, verdad?

Sonoran Sky ofrece condominios de una hasta cuatro recamaras completas con cocina, algunos con jacuzi en el patio, con arquitectura del Mexico Antiguo.

El reconocimiento de premio a la excelencia de TripAdvisor confirma que Sonoran Sky Resort es de lo mejor que ofrece Puerto Peñasco Sonora.

“There are two big events in Rocky Point” my old realtor friend tells me, as we enjoy Bloody Marys on the sunny patio of Colins’ Cantina. “The Roger Clyne Concert, and the rest of the year.” Well, everyone knows there is a lot happening in Rocky Point. All the time. But when Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers come in June, it’s as if someone picked the place up like a snow globe and shook it. From the first guitar chord to the last hot dog at JJ’s, Circus Mexicus is the definition of a Rock and Roll beach party. New things are happening this time, and the stars seem to be aligning for a Peacemakers show unlike any before.

What things?

‘The Independent’ is out. It’s the groups’ 7th album, written, produced, and recorded by them. Songs from ‘The Independent’ have been road tested during a just completed tour, and will be on the set list this weekend.

Circus Mexicus gets closer to being a full blown festival with the inclusion of headlining acts on Friday night. The Sand Rubies and Cracker will be there.

The bar formerly known as ‘The Hut’ is now Banditos, owned by none other than Roger Clyne. It is fast becoming the base of operations for the singer when he is in town, as recent solo gigs demonstrate. It’s sure to be headquarters for this years show, as it is right across the street! Circus Mexicus has been in this spot before, a natural ‘ampitheater’ that slopes down to the stage.

Always full of excitement and surprises, Circus Mexicus is what starts the Summer spinning in Rocky Point. Go to Peacetimegoods for ticket information, and Seaside Mexico for room reservations.      By Richard Scott

Schedule of events

THURSDAY June 5th
Kick Off Party / JJ’s Cantina
7:30pm Random Karma
9:00pm Ghetto Cowgirl
10:00pm Hickman-Dalton Gang

FRIDAY June 6th
Main Stage
7:00pm Shurman
8:00pm Sand Rubies
9:30pm Cracker

SATURDAY June 7th
Eat & Greet / Banditos
6:30-7:30pm Peacemakers and guests
Main Stage
7:00pm The Black Moods
8:00pm Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers (with The Jons)

SUNDAY June 8th
PH Naffah’s Hot Dog & A Smile / JJ’s Cantina
11:00am Ghetto Cowgirl
12:00noon Sand Rubies
1:00pm Shurman
2:00pm The Black Moods
3:00pm Shawn Johnson
4:00pm Elvis Before Noon
5:00pm Random Karma

 

Every place has its’ traditions. Pioneer Days, Home Coming, and Fourth of July fireworks are memories for those from the U.S., especially of if you are from a small town. Not too long ago, Rocky Point was a small town. It grew up with its’ own mix of special days. But above all others, the most important and anticipated was El Dia de la Marina, which today has become Marina Fest.

Marina Fest is a week when the fair is in town, and starts with a parade of the young ladies who want to be festival Queen. There are musicians and comedy acts too. But originally there was just one special day to honor the sailors of the Mexican Navy (known as the Marines). For someone growing up here, it was the best day of the year.

“We waited all year for this, we did” says Caperina. “Everyone, even poor people, dressed up. The whole town wore blue and white, because it was for the Marines. Everyone lived at the fair, no one wanted to go home.”

Like Memorial Day in the U.S., the fun and excitement was only part of what the day was about. “Shrimp boats, and ships from the Navy gave rides. All of the town was there.” A tradition that continues today. “An offering was made to remember sailors and fishermen who had been lost. A wreath of flowers was placed in the sea.”

Friday night will see the coronation of this years Queen. The fair continues throughout the weekend, headliner Susy Aguilar performing her tribute to the late Jenni Rivera on Saturday. On Sunday, June 1st, ships of the Mexican Marines will again be open to the public. By Richard Scott

 

Coming to town next week, bringing good times all the way from Tempe Arizona…well yeah, RC and the Peacemakers, sure. But a weekend of great music starts Thursday, June 5th with Acoustic Carpet, performing in Las Conchas Park.

The Las Conchas Community Relations Committee is putting on the show, and like all of their events, money raised will go to good causes around town. Rocky Point is lucky to have a number of people who put their time into helping others. Every year, Las Conchas puts together a full calendar of events that support those in need, including a massive yard sale and beach bocce ball tournament.

This is the second year that Acoustic Carpet has played here. Talented guys, they perform their own songs, as well as covers that turn into long jams. The perfect vibe as the sun sets. Like a big back yard party, bring your lawn chair and pop a cold beer. Sing along. Watch the kids dance barefoot under the twinkling lights. Maybe you will too.

The 2nd Annual Concert in the Park starts at 6:30pm on Thusday, June 5th. The cost is 5 dollars. All proceeds to benefit the Community Relations Committee Charities. Local singer-saxophone player Richard Scott will open the show. The Park is located in Las Conchas, near Cedo. Look for the signs.            By Richard Scott

You have probably researched your next vacation getaway using the internet. And while most hotels, restaurants, and resorts have their own websites full of info, we know that some of the frustrating details of travel just might get left aside. If your hotels’ electricity cuts out every night, are they really just celebrating Earth Day? A review from someone who has already been where you want to go is invaluable.

Enter TripAdvisor.com. Since 2000, TripAdvisor has been the place to read comments from people who have actually gone to the top of the Statue of Liberty, danced Carnaval in Brazil, or had lunch at McDonalds’ in Mindanao, Philippines (“over other burgers in town Mcdo cheeze burger is what i love most..because of their cheeze so cheezy!”). Along with their personal experience, travelers give a rating. For the past four years, TripAdvisor has awarded a Certificate of Excellence to those who are ranked among the best, worldwide. This year, Rocky Points’ Sonoran Sky Resort received the honor.

“The award celebrates hospitality excellence and is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor. Establishments awarded the Certificate of Excellence are located all over the world and represent the upper echelon of businesses listed on the website.” states TripAdvisor. Making this an even bigger deal is the fact that this is the first time vacation rentals are eligable.

Sonoran Sky sits on beautiful Sandy Beach, and feels more intimate than some of the larger places. Still, it is a complete resort with its’ own spa, restaurant, banquet facility and swim up bar. One nice touch is a gym with exercise machines that face out over the zero-edge pool with a view to the Sea of Cortez beyond. That’s got to be healthier than watching the latest crazyness on T.V., no? Sonoran Sky offers one to four bedrooms that are complete with kitchens, some with jacuzzis on the patio, and a feel for the architecture of Old Mexico.

The 2014 Certificate of Excellence Award from TripAdvisor confirms Sonoran Sky Resort as among the best that Rocky Point has to offer.  By Richard Scott