Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The Los Horcones River is the natural border between Puerto Vallarta and Cabo Corrientes. It’s the last river that still reaches Banderas Bay in its natural and un-dammed manner. For the first time, the community is coming together specifically to celebrate its coexistence with this life-giving river through music and recreation.
THE FESTIVAL
With seven live musical performances on the banks of the Los Horcones River, event organizers offer an open invitation to celebrate the splendor of nature. Set to take place at the popular Chico’s Paradise restaurant, this free to the public music festival will take place from 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Saturday, January 11, 2020, to raise awareness and support for the local environment.
A series of musical performances of approximately 45 minutes each explore a range of genres from traditional Mexican Mariachi to innovative jazz creations. Each performance is generously sponsored by local and international companies to allow public admission without a cover.
The MCs of the event are Rosa Ibarra, an environmental activist originally from Las Juntas and Los Veranos (sponsored by MainLine Installations), and Ricky Zen, a performing artist, event coordinator, and internationally renowned environmental activist (Sponsored by EcoTours and Birding in Mexico).
In consecutive order of presentations, José Lupe will start with a variety of vocal Latin jazz and blues, sponsored by Bonito Café. The band, HueJazz in the Sand, sponsored by Barrio Bistro, will interpret famous instrumental jazz numbers. The youth group Tiult and the Mariachi group Estampa de Mexico will liven up the afternoon.
Chicago singer-songwriter Stolie will present a mix of her original numbers and as well as classic hits, thanks to Edmonds Acres. The string flamenco quartet, Tatewari, will performing courtesy of Archie’s Wok restaurant. Thanks to the support of Cassandra Shaw Jewelry, the nationally famous Media Luna quintet will share their take on Latin sound. The festival will close with Puerto Vallarta’s celebrated virtuosos of jazz manouche, Moruno, sponsored by Casa Karma.
FESTIVAL AMENITIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
• A selection of food (with both carnivore and vegan options) and drinks (beer, margaritas, soft drinks, agua fresca…) will be available for purchase. Please note, this will be a cash only event.
• Outside food and beverages are not permitted.
• As nature lovers, we ask you to bring reusable water bottles for drinking water and for purchased beverages such as agua fresca.
• Chico’s Paradise is positioned alongside a natural playground of swimming holes and waterfalls. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit!
THE CAUSE
Los Horcones is the last river free from the constraints of dams that still flows freely from the heights of the Sierra Madre Occidental to our beloved Banderas Bay. It deserves and critically needs the kind of protection that only a conscious and caring community can provide. Until recently, this area located along the municipal border between Puerto Vallarta and Cabo Corrientes had remained, for the most part, an intact jewel, even when construction has boomed in other parts of our region.
Over the last two years, we have seen an increase in land use change along and near the Los Horcones River. In many places, the ancient virgin forest has been cleared for development at a pace of great concern for conservationists throughout Mexico and beyond.
About a year ago, an attempt was even started to dam this river. Fortunately, the dam project is now suspended, at least temporarily, but not without permanent damage to the river caused by clear cutting, dynamiting, and bull-dozing, forever altering what had lasted for millennia as sculpted granite walls.
Read related articles: Destruction of the Río Los Horcones Canyon Paused • The Fight to Save Vallarta’s Río Los Horcones Continues
