Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Mexican composer and sound healer Humberto Alvarez will visit Puerto Vallarta this week for a short but extremely productive series of appearances that will appeal to many, from stage actors and singers to those simply looking to experience a musical performance that promises to be far from ordinary. "I am very excited about my trip to Puerto Vallarta," commented the Mexico City-based artist in a telephone interview. "Connecting with as many people as possible is my primary goal."

The prolific artist's credentials read like a "who's who" as far as Mexico's film and music world is concerned. Alvarez studied harpsichord and ancient music in the National Conservatory of Music under renowned composition teachers, including Mario Lavista and Rodolfo Halffter.

He has composed music for over 100 short films, collaborating with important artists, such as Lila Downs, Eugenia Leon and Betsy Pecanins. He collaborated in the recently-released Hecho en México, a 2012 documentary by Duncan Bridgeman on some of Mexico's most iconic artists and performers. His recorded output includes 10 audio CDs, five as a soloist.

A member of the Sound Healers Association, Alvarez has developed a niche through intense performances involving the use of Tibetan and quartz bowls along with several native percussion instruments, along with lyrics written in Náhuatl, the language of the Aztecs. Away from the concert stage, the same instruments play a vital role in his sought-after sound healing treatments.

Humberto Alvarez will be in Puerto Vallarta from May 30 through June 2, offering the following performances and workshops:

Thursday, May 30, 2013
Sunset Meditation at Casa Cupula

Graciously sponsoring the artist's lodging for his Puerto Vallarta tour, Casa Cupula will host "A Taste of Humberto Alvarez." "We strongly believe that promoting the arts in Puerto Vallarta makes for a better destination," commented Don Pickens who launched the boutique hotel over a decade ago. The event's title is a playful variation on the hotel's successful restaurant's name. Those present will have a unique opportunity to enjoy Humberto's artistry as he guides those present through a sunset meditation in a beautiful, tropical setting.

After the performance, the artist will be on hand, for those that wish to inquire about his workshops (see below). Melissa Castillo, producer of Humberto's concert the following evening (see below) will be available with tickets for said performance. Admission to "A Taste of Humberto Alvarez" is free. A cash bar will be available, not to mention the opportunity to enjoy Taste Restaurant's $189 peso Restaurant Week menu. Casa Cupula is located at Callejón de la Igualdad 129 in Amapas. 7:30 pm. Free Admission.

Friday, May 31: The Cartelera Escénica Performance

The following evening, Humberto Alvarez will participate in Melissa Castillo's successful concert series at the CECATUR Auditorium, offering his Concierto de Armónicos con Cuencos Tibetanos, Cuencos de Cuarzo y Mantras en Náhuatl (Harmonics Concert with Tibetan and Quartz Bowls and Nahuatl Mantras.)

"The small venue will prove to be ideal for this type of performance," commented Castillo, who has already reported successful ticket pre-sales. Admission is $50 pesos per person, with tickets available at Los Mangos Library, or at the CECATUR auditorium, starting at 7 pm on the evening of the performance. The CECATUR Auditorium is located at the corner of Zaragoza and Matamoros streets in El Centro. 9 pm. $50 pesos per person.

Saturday, June 1 & Sunday, June 2: The Workshops

Humberto Alvarez will offer two workshops during the weekend at La Cuiza in Isla Río Cuale. Saturday's workshop, "Free Your Voice," will explore the use of the voice to express a variety of emotions, and should appeal to singers and performers, not to mention the general public. More information is available at La Cuiza's website. La Cuiza is located at Isla Río Cuale behind Oscar's Restaurant. 10 am - 2 pm. $650 pesos per person.

Sunday's workshop, also at La Cuiza, is titled "Stress Management and Meditation." It's aim is to develop a discipline of positive actions and to implement daily behaviors that benefit mind, body and spirit with positive, encouraging thoughts. More information is available at La Cuiza's website. 10 am to 2 pm. $650 pesos per person.

Learn more about Humberto Alvarez by visiting his website, HumbertoAlvarez.mx.