Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There's always so much going on in Puerto Vallarta and around the Republic, it can be difficult to keep up with it all. Here's a look at some of this week's Mexico headlines and Banderas Bay area news, plus some community announcements and weekend events that you won't want to miss.

Cubano Havy Rodriguez Performs Free Concerts in Vallarta

As part of the Vallarta Institute of Culture's La Lluvia de Música "The Rain of Music" Summer concert series, classical guitarist and versatile artist Havy Rodriguez will be performing every Monday in July at Lazaro Cardenas Park and on Wednesdays at Malecon II. Born in Havana, Cuba, Havy has enjoyed a 17-year-long career, and has formed numerous bands in Mexico, Europe and the United States. With a repertoire of over 300 songs in four languages, (Spanish, English, Italian and Portuguese,) Rodriguez covers genres such as Merengue, Salsa, Cha Cha Cha, Cumbia, Flamenco, Cubano, Samba, Bossa Nova, Funk, Reggae, Jazz and Bolero. His concert performances are characterized by his incredible vocal range and his interaction with audiences. All concerts begin at 7:00 pm.

Greyhound Makes History with Launch of Service in Mexico

On Wednesday, Greyhound, the largest provider of intercity bus transportation in North America, announced it had reached a historical milestone as it launched service in Mexico, the latest addition to its expanding international network of more than 3,800 destinations across the continent. In doing so, Greyhound becomes the first U.S.-based intercity bus company to operate domestic service within Mexico. Greyhound will now operate more than 23 departures per day, connecting Monterrey to Nuevo Laredo and major hubs in Texas. Thirteen daily schedules will be between Monterrey and Nuevo Laredo, and 10 daily schedules will connect Monterrey to several Texas cities. The route includes Monterrey – Nuevo Laredo – Laredo - San Antonio – Austin – Dallas. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Greyhound will be offering promotional fares starting at $1 USD, or 25 pesos, on a set number of seats per schedule for the first two weeks of operation. These fares are only available at greyhound.com or greyhound.com.mx.

Sheraton Buganvilias Resort Wins Another Green Key Award

On July 14, for the second year in a row, Puerto Vallarta's Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center was presented with the prestigious Green Key award for its commitment to conservation and protection of its ecological surroundings. A strategic arm of Blue Flag certification program, this International award recognizes environmental protection practices that aim to ensure the proper management of natural resources in the operation of tourist establishments, especially those that seek to improve water quality and sustainability. The award was presented by Pronatura Mexico's national Blue Flag and Green Key coordinator, Joaquín Díaz Ríos. Upon receiving the award, the General Manager of the Sheraton Buganvilias Hotel, Lic. Álvaro Garciarce Monraz, said, "Aware that the environment has no borders, we actively participate in international, federal and state events to support the care of the earth, such as 60 Earth Hour, Clean Tourism Industry, the Operation Ant program, the protection of flora and fauna in the region, and social responsibility programs with the local community." Among the Sheraton's environmental efforts are water conservation, waste minimization and recycling, and participation in the 'Make a Green Choice' program. "On behalf of the entire Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center team, I'd like to invite everyone in Puerto Vallarta to join in our efforts that benefit our environment, our city, our country and our planet," Garciarce Monraz concluded.

Weekend Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
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• Friday Market at Marsol Hotel Open All Summer

• The Ladies of Comedy Improv Night at Act II

• Playa Platanitos Sea Turtle Festival