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?

 

 

Colin’s Cantina will be the setting for Brews and Brushes, a different way to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Princessa Resort.

“Art is therapy” says Jenny Kirgis, “I also believe everyone is an artist.” Jenny is a painter with a passion for teaching, and she is bringing that passion to Colin’s Cantina on June 12th for the first Brews and Brushes class. The theme for the day will be Van Goghs Sunflowers.

Jenny teaches regurlarly in Arizona. A sometimes resident of The Princessa Resort, Jenny wants aspiring artists to take home a beautiful piece of artwork, as well as to create a great memory.

All supplies are included in the cost of the class, along with either two glasses of wine or beer, as well as snacks. Now that’s the way to paint!

To get to Colin’s Cantina, enter The Princessa Resort. It’s just inside the first gate. The class is from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday, June 12th. That’s sunset time, always an inspiration in Rocky Point. Register at Colin’s Cantina, or by phone at 480-250-1364 (where you can also get more information). Cost is 40 dollars and seating is limited.                               By Richard Scott

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