Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - This year marks the 100th anniversary of the release of the first blues recordings, including "Memphis Blues" in 1912. Since it's inception, many other genres of popular music have incorporated some form of the blues. Most of us are aware that the blues often center around deep sad moments of depression that translated into song; the blues originated in the late 19th century with the African-American slaves.

In this latest production of Shades of The Blues, Mikki Prost wants to celebrate The Blues and its profound impact on our culture today. Her goal is to entertain you with her resonating and soulful voice, and inspire you with anecdotes and some historical significance of many of the songs she sings.

Prost says, "Music always invokes special memories for me, and I enjoy doing that for others through my music." Her goal through this show is to leave you with memories of time past, and a reminder of how good it's gotten since then.

Joining forces with Mikki is Jarrett Lewis, a talented local musician who serenades us with his saxophone, clarinet and flute throughout the show.

This intimate performance of "Shades of The Blues" hits the Paradise Stage every Wednesday night at 7:30 pm. But why not make a whole night of it? The Paradise Community Center's International Food Fair & Market starts at 4:00 pm, and Happy Hour in Paradise starts at 6:30 pm, taking you right up to Mikki's show.

"Shades of The Blues" tickets are only $200 pesos for purchase online or at the door. There are also a limited number of VIP seating tickets for $300 pesos that include special seats and two Paradise Margaritas.

About Mikki Prost

Mikki Prost's stage career began at age 5 when she appeared in her first dance recital. She's been mesmerized by the stage ever since. Her dance training led her to become a professional ice skater in her late teens. She then put her stage aspirations on hold in order to create a family.

Mikki sailed to the Puerto Vallarta area almost 23 years ago. But it wasn't until 2001 when her longing to return to the stage finally came to fruition, when she connected with Spotlight Productions and appeared in Steel Magnolias as Clairee.

Since then, Mikki has danced, sang and acted in more than 40 productions through the Banderas Bay area. Last season, she delighted us with her portrayal of Queen Isabel de Catolica in the Writer's Theater Group. She also produced and starred in her one-woman show, A Tribute to Patsy Cline.

About Jarrett Lewis

Jarrett Lewis began his musical career at the age of 7 with the clarinet. He studied at the University of California - Irvine, when he was 15 years old. Jarrett was fortunate to be selected as principle clarinetist with the university's youth symphony under the direction of Zubin Mehta. It wasn't until Jarrett was in his thirties that he took up the saxophone and flute. Then he discovered the joy and gift of improvisation.

Jarrett has lived in the Puerto Vallarta area for 20 years. He sailed into Banderas Bay on his sailboat, which is where he met Mikki Prost and formed an instant friendship. Jarrett has produced two CDs, and his music has been playing on the University of Guadalajara radio station for nearly a decade.