Yucatan Living

Merida Events: Merida Fest 2015

5 January 2015 Events 1

This Week... starting January 05, 2014

Christmas in “La Plancha” December 12 – January 6
This is a wonderful, “Viva la Navidad!” celebration for the family and kids. It includes mechanical games, live shows and a Christmas Village and it ends tomorrow!
Location: In the Old Train Station in Merida, Calle 43 x 48 y 46, Centro
Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with special circus shows on December 25, January 1, and January 6 at 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 9:00 PM.
Admission: Free

Merida Fest: The 473rd Anniversary of the City of Merida (January 6 – 27)
Every year, three weeks in January mark a huge celebration in honor of the birthday of the City of Merida. This event is called Merida Fest and is designed to bring together all of the people and cultures in Merida. We are blessed to enjoy one of the most peaceful big cities in the world, with one of the most complex populations. No matter the topic: food, music, ethnicity, age and even religion, Merida has it all and manages, without discrimination, to continue to celebrate our complex society as one of our greatest strengths. What that translates to, for visitors and residents alike, is three weeks of cultural events and entertainment that is found nowhere else. Stay with us here at Yucatan Living as we bring you the dazzling array of events that will take place during Merida Fest.

Mark Your Calendars for 2015
These dates are all governed by the cycles of the Sun and/or Moon and most are associated with major holidays and celebrations in Yucatan.
February 18: Mardi Gras
March 20 at 4:45 PM: Spring Equinox
March 29: Palm Sunday
April 4: Total Lunar Eclipse
April 5: Easter Sunday
June 21 at 11:38 AM: Midsummer Equinox
July 2 & 31: Blue Moon
September 23 at 3:20 PM: Fall Equinox
September 27: Super Moon
September 28: Total Lunar Eclipse
December 21 at 10:48 PM: Winter Equinox

Donate Toys for San Simon Children
Anytime before January 6 (Three Kings’ Day, aka Epiphany), bring new or like-new toys (no toy guns please!) or money to donate to the children of San Simon to the Hotel Hacienda Uxmal, right next to Uxmal Archaeological Zone. The toys and donations will help make Three Kings' Day a happy event for the children of this tiny pueblo near Uxmal. If you go any other time to Hotel Hacienda Uxmal and want to donate, just ask for Enrique Valdes (he speaks English) or email him at enriquevaldes@mayaland.com.

Notice: Merida English Library Needs ACTORS/READERS
Audition: January 14
“Soldier, Come Home,” the award-winning play by Frank W. Wicks based on his great-grandparents’ Civil War letters, will be performed at the Merida English Library in mid- February. Wicks, a graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts and a theater professional, will direct the production. The play, performed as reader’s theatre, has been performed throughout the United States, including an Off-Broadway production in New York City. For additional information about “Soldier, Come Home” go to www.civilwarplay.com. Roles to be cast are one Woman, age 25 – 35 and five Men, ranging in age from 17 to 65. Interested actors please call Frank Wicks at 999-995-6722 or e-mail frankwicks@gmail.com
Full story on MEL's Web Page
Audition Location: at the Merida English Library
Time: 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM

Monday (Lunes) January 05, 2015

The Biggest Rosca de Reyes
The hotel zone's chefs make the traditional bread. Money is to benefit vulnerable people in Merida.
Location: Calle 60 x Paseo de Montejo and Circuito Colonias
Time: 5:00 PM Monday
Admission: Buy a piece of bread and coffee to help people in need.

Music: Alborada
Numerous Trios will be singing and playing for Merida's Birthday.
Location: Calle 60 x 61 centro of Merida
Time: 10:00 PM Monday
Admission: Free

Tuesday (Martes) January 06, 2015

473rd Anniversary Mass
This event defines the opening of the 473rd Anniversary of the City celebration.
Location: Cathedral of San Ildefonso, Calle 60 x 61
Time: 8:00 AM Tuesday
Admission: Free

Concert: Dixie Jazz Orchestra
This great little orchestra is under the direction of Jose Carlos Rodriguez Arreola.
Location: Parque de La Ermita, Calle 64 x 79
Time: 8:00 PM Tuesday
Admission: Free

Documentary: Orson Welles in 100 Years: Interview in Paris
(Paris, 1960). Director: Allan King
A vintage interview captures the artist reflecting on Citizen Kane and expounding on directing, acting and writing and his desire to bestow a valuable legacy upon his profession. Not your everyday video!
Location: Videosala of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 8:00 PM Tuesday
Admission: Free

Movie: Too Much Johnson
(United States, 1938). Director: Orson Welles. Starring: Joseph Cotton, Virginia Nicholson, Arlene Francis, Orson Welles. Includes cameos by John Houseman and Judy Holliday.
Location: Videosala of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 9:00 PM Tuesday
Admission: Free

Armando Manzanero and Francisco Cespedes in Concert
A fabulous free concert by two wonderful and locally famous voices to celebrate Merida 473rd Anniversary.
Location: Calle 62 x 61 centro of Merida
Time: 8:30 PM Monday
Admission: Free

 

Wednesday (Miercoles) January 07, 2015

Exhibition: Piece of the Month: Gabriel Ramirez
This monthly exhibition currently features the work of artist Gabriel Ramirez.
Location: Museum of the City of Merida, Calle 65 x 56
Time: 11:00 AM Wednesday
Admission: Free

Movie: The Priest's Children
(Serbia 2012) A young priest gets an idea to pierce condoms before they are sold in order to increase the birth rate of his island. In Serbian with Spanish subtitles.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, centro of Merida
Time: 6:00 PM Wednesday
Admission: $35 pesos, $15 pesos students

Duet: Open Sound: Songs from Cuba
This performance is under the direction of Rudy Vallado.
Location: Teatro Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Calle 60 x 57
Time: 8:00 PM Wednesday
Admission: Free

Nico Jimenez: Charcutero Emeritense (Master Ham Cutter)
Nico Jimenez is from our sister city, Merida, Spain. He is presented by acclaimed writer Maria Teresa Mendez Mezquita. Born in Merida, Yucatan, in 1969, she is known around the world for her writings on all of the cities of Merida.
Location: Parque de la Santa Lucia, Calle 60 x 55
Time: 8:00 PM Wednesday
Admission: Free

Concert: Dixie Jazz Orchestra
This great little orchestra is under the direction of Jose Carlos Rodriguez Arreola.
Location: Parque de Santa Lucia, Calle 60 x 55
Time: 9:00 PM Wednesday
Admission: Free

Central College Jazz Band
Under the direction of Gabriel Espinoza.
Location: , Auditorio del Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61 centro of Merida
Time: 9:00 PM Wednesday
Admission: Free

Movie: Five Broken Cameras
(France 2011) This shocking documentary film shows the life of Emad, a Palestinian farmer, who in 2005 set out to document some of the major acts of resistance that his people held against the advance of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. He used five cameras, which give rise to the title of the film, nominated for an Oscar in 2012. In Hebrew with Subtitles in Spanish.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, centro, Open Air Cinema
Time: 9:00 PM Wednesday
Admission: $35 pesos, $15 pesos students

 

Thursday (Jueves) January 08, 2015

Movie: Bad Hair
A nine-year-old boy’s preening obsession with straightening his hair elicits a tidal wave of homophobic panic in his hard-working mother. In Spanish with English subtitles.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: 6:00 PM Thursday
Admission: $35 pesos, $15 pesos students

Dance: DueTango
Dance performance with Robbin and Julia. If you love tango, you'll want to be there!
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 8:00 PM Thursday
Admission: Free

Music: Central College’s Banda de Vientos
This great wind instruments band is under the direction of Gabriel Espinosa.
Location: Parque de la Colonia Aleman
Time: 9:00 PM Thursday
Admission: Free

Movie: Amour
(2012 USA) Georges and Anne are an octogenarian couple. They are cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, also a musician, lives in Britain with her family. One day, Anne has a stroke, and the couple’s bond of love is severely tested. Academy Award winning film.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: 9:00 PM Thursday
Admission: $35 pesos, $15 pesos students

 

Friday (Viernes) January 09, 2015

Movie: A Band Called Death
(USA 2012) A documentary on the 1970s punk trio Death, and their new-found popularity decades after they disbanded. In English with Spanish subtitles.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: 6:00 PM Friday
Admission: $35 pesos, $15 pesos students

Music: Ensemble “Karam Abdelhamid”
Arabic and Spanish music outdoors under the stars... how lovely!
Location: Parque de Santa Lucia, Calle 60 x 55
Time: 7:00 PM Friday
Admission: Free

Dance: DueTango
Dance performance with Robbin and Julia.
Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 8:00 PM Friday
Admission: Free

Opening of the Exhibition: Mobile Museum: Morocco
This is a photographic and pictoral exhibition about Morocco.
Location: Centro Cultural Jose Marti, Av. Colon x Calle 20, Garcia Ginerés.
Time: 1:00 PM Friday
Admission: Free

Music: Raul Di Blasio
Don’t miss this performance by Argentinian pianist Raul Di Blasio! He is famous for his rendition of Rhapsody in Blue, so maybe we will get to hear that piece tonight.
Location: Parque de la Colonia Aleman
Time: 8:00 PM Friday
Admission: Free

Movie: Winter Dream
(Turkey 2013) Aydin, a retired actor, has a small hotel in Central Anatolie with his young wife Nihal, from whom he is emotionally distant, and his sister Necla suffering from her recent divorce. In winter, as snow covers the steppe, the hotel becomes their refuge but also the focus of their distresses. In Turkish with Spanish subtitles.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro, Open Air Cinema.
Time: 9:00 PM Friday
Admission: $35 pesos, $15 pesos students

Movie: The City of Lost Children
(France 1995) A scientist in a surrealist society kidnaps children to steal their dreams, hoping that they slow his aging process. In French with Spanish subtitles. A fascinating and visually amazing film.
Location: Cairo Cinema, Calle 20 #98A x 15 y 17, Colonia Itzimná
Time: 9:00 PM Friday
Admission: Free

 

Saturday (Sabado) January 10, 2015

Merida English Library - Saturday Lecture Series
January 10: Popol Vuh – the Maya creation story and more, presented by modern-day shaman, Miguel Angel Vergara.
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 x 66 y 68
Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Saturday
Admission: free

Movie: Opera Yucatan: Parsifal
PARSIFAL was the last opera composer Richard Wagner. He defined this work as a sacred scenic festival (Bühnenweihfestspiel). He began writing it in 1857 and premiered it 25 years later at the Bayreuth Festival Theater (July 26, 1882). The work is based on the medieval epic poem (XIII century) Parzival by Wolfram von Eschenbach, about the life of a gentleman of the court of King Arthur and his search for the Holy Grail or Holy Grail. The Holy Grail was the vessel that Christ used to eat and drink during the Last Supper and the same that was used to collect blood during the crucifixion.
Location: Sala Mayamax in Gran Museo del Mundo Maya
Time: 12:00 PM Saturday
Admission: Free

2015 Sterilization Clinic
The January 2015 Spay Neuter Clinic begins today. This event finds two Yucatan Animal Rescue organizations joining with the cities to manage the non-surgical aspects of the campaign at 3 locations. And for the first time, this is an initiative primarily funded by the Secretaria de Salud (Secretary of Health) for the State of Yucatan which will provide the materials for the surgeries. (Wow!!!). The main organizers are Planned Pethood, City of Progreso, AFAD & AFAD Progreso & Evolucíon.
1. Saturday, January 10 & Sunday January 11 - Progreso Clinic organised by AFAD & AFAD Progreso - Lidia Saleh & Mau Garcia
2. Monday, January 12, Tuesday, January 13, Wednesday, January 14 - Merida Clinic (locations unknown at this time) organized by Evolution - Silvia Cortez
3. Thursday is a day off.
4. Friday, January 16 & Saturday, January 17 - Valladolid organized by AFAD - Lidia Saleh Angulo
More details to follow!

Movie: Machete Language
(Mexico 2011) RAY AND RAMONA are a young couple (30's) who spent many years together. They live in the DF. They are hyper aware of chaos and injustice of the social context of which they are part. Each in his own way, want to change that reality, fight for a fairer world. His life fluctuates between that world and excesses engagement party and night. She works for an NGO and she is a singer of a punk band. Their relationship is intense, often problematic. In Spanish with English subtitles.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: 6:00 PM Saturday
Admission: $35 pesos, $15 pesos students

Music: Good Vibes 3: Alika and Other Groups
This performance is under the direction of Jorge Carlos Cabrera Milan. Alika is from Buenos Aires, with Dancehall, Hip Hop, and Reggae Roots. Visit her website to learn more about this young lady and her causes.
Location: Parque de Las Americas, Av. Colon x Calle 20
Time: 7:00 PM Saturday
Admission: Free

Dance: Kong Fuzi: The Intrinsic Journey of Corporeal Philosophy
This performance is under the direction of Abraham Joshua Palma.
Location: Central Patio of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 7:30 PM Saturday
Admission: Free

Movie: Citizen Kane
(United States, 1941). Director: Orson Welles. Starring: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotton, Agnes Moorehead, Ruth Warrick, Ray Collins, and Everett Sloane, with a cameo by Nat King Cole.
Location: Videosala of the Olimpo , Calle 62 x 61
Time: 8:00 PM Saturday
Admission: Free

Dance: Night of the Cultures: Mayan Dances
Come watch the representation of the Mayan Dances in the main square of Merida. A lovely way to spend a Saturday evening!
Location: Plaza Grande, Calle 60 x 61
Time: 8:30 PM Saturday
Admission: Free

Yucadanz: Monthly Contra Dance in Merida
When is a square dance not square? You're just going to love this new dance in town. Contra dance is a community “barn dance”, where everyone socializes and dances with everyone else. We love their energy and hope that everyone will give contra dance a whirl. Everyone is welcome!
Location: Tumaka't Dance Studio, Calle 51 #475-A x 52 y 54 (blue building, middle of block), Centro
Time: Beginner Class in Spanish: 7:00 PM, Beginner Class in English: 7:30 PM, Contra dance: 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Admission: Bring your own refreshments and water, no alcohol at the dance. $50-$100 pesos donation requested. Proceeds benefit Tumaka't, a nonprofit arts group, and to establish a fund for live music. Read this great page on the Yucadanz website!

Movie: Maria Sabina
(Mexico 2009) María Sabina was a Mazatec Curandera who lived her entire life in a modest dwelling in the Sierra Mazateca of southern Mexico. Her practice was based on the use of the various species of native psilocybe mushrooms, such asPsilocybe mexicana. In Spanish with English subtitles.
Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, Centro
Time: 9:00 PM Saturday
Admission: $35 pesos, $15 pesos students

Movie: Amelie
(France 2001) Amelie, an innocent and naive girl in Paris, with her own sense of justice, decides to help those around her and along the way, discovers love. In French with Spanish subtitles.
Location: Cairo Cinema, Calle 20 #98A x 15 y 17, Colonia Itzimná
Time: 9:00 PM Saturday
Admission: Free

Music: Ensemble “Karam Abdelhamid”
Arabic and Spanish music under the stars.
Location: Parque Principal, Calle 60 x 61
Time: 9:30 PM Saturday
Admission: Free

Cultural Expressions: Culture for Peace
A dance show designed for the Plaza Grande that brings together cultural expressions ranging from the Maya to new, contemporary cultures, including the cultures that have influenced the city. These include the Lebanese culture, as well as the dances and songs of China and Portugal. If you love styles as different as jazz and flamenco dancing, this is the event for you.
Location: Plaza Grande, Calle 60 x 61
Time: 10:30 PM Saturday
Admission: Free

Sunday (Domingo), January 11, 2015

Documentary about Nature
Great documentaries, especially for children. In Spanish.
Location: Museo de Historia Natural, Next to the Zoo on Calle 59.
Time: 12:00 PM Sunday
Admission: Free

2015 Marathon of the City of Merida
This marathon is in honor of the 473rd Anniversary of the Founding of Merida.
Everyone over 18 is welcome to participate, including wheelchair participants. There will be great cash prizes and even a car for the lucky winner.
Events will include:
6:00 AM: a 42 km marathon
7:00 AM: a 10 km family run
7:00 AM: a 2 km family walk
Location:Remate de Montejo
Time:6:00 AM
Admission: Walk is free, race $ 100 pesos.
Download Registration Materials here from the Marathon of the City website. Further information will be given to registered participants.

Opera: Chip and his Dog
Opera for children under the direction of Victor Gonzalez Perez.
Location: Central Patio of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 1:00 PM Sunday
Admission: Free

Music: Yuri Buenaventura
Colombian singer borned in Buenaventura city. Come listen and get ready to dance Salsa!
Location: Plaza Grande, Calle 60 x 61
Time: 8:00 PM Sunday
Admission: Free

Dance: Kong Fuzi: The Intrinsic Journey of Corporeal Philosophy
This performance is under the direction of Abraham Joshua Palma. No idea what this is, but it sounds interesting!
Location: Central Patio of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 7:00 PM Sunday
Admission: Free

Movie: The Magnificent Ambersons
(United States, 1942). Directors: Orson Welles, Fred Fleck. Staring: Tim Holt, Joseph Cotton, Dolores Costello, Anne Baxter, Agnes Moorehead, and Ray Collins.
Location: Videosala of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61
Time: 8:00 PM Sunday
Admission: Free

Movie: Return to Oz
(USA 1985) Dorothy, saved from a psychiatric experiment by a mysterious girl, is somehow called back to Oz when a vain witch and the Nome King destroy everything that makes the magical land beautiful. In English.
Location: Cairo Cinema, Calle 20 #98A x 15 y 17, Colonia Itzimná
Time: 9:00 PM Sunday
Admission: Free

 

Monday (Lunes) January 12, 2015

International Women’s Club: Gorro Girls Knitting & Crocheting “bee”
Dates: Second and Fourth Mondays
This group makes caps for the Cancer Kids of Hospital O’Horan. Knitting and crocheting instruction is available from members. Possible that it will NOT be happening this week.
Location: Merida English Library (MEL) patio
Time: 10:00 AM Mondays
Admission: Free

 

 

Coming Soon

2015 Sterilization Clinic update.
The January 2015 Spay Neuter Clinic begins today. This event finds two Yucatan Animal Rescue organizations joining with the cities to manage the non-surgical aspects of the campaign at 3 locations. And for the first time, this is an initiative primarily funded by the Secretaria de Salud (Secretary of Health) for the State of Yucatan which will provide the materials for the surgeries. (Wow!!!). The main organizers are Planned Pethood, City of Progreso, AFAD & AFAD Progreso & Evolucíon.
1. Saturday, January 10 & Sunday January 11 - Progreso organised by AFAD & AFAD Progreso - Lidia Saleh & Mau Garcia
2. Monday, January 12, Tuesday, January 13, Wednesday, January 14 - Merida (location unknown to me at this time) organized by Evolution - Silvia Cortez
3. Thursday is day off.
4. Friday, January 16 & Saturday, January 17 - Valladolid organized by AFAD - Lidia Saleh Angulo
More details to follow as they are being organized.

1920s Gangsters' Casino - Wednesday, January 14
Benefit for No Mas Perritos. Fundraising CASINO NIGHT! There will Blackjack, Roulette, Texas Hold'em. The theme is 1920's Gangsters and Flappers, so dress the part if you would like! They have proper chips and games and this event is going to be BIG!!!!!
Location: The Bull Pen. Calle 1 #743 (Main St.), Chelem
Time: 6:00 PM
Admission: Tickets $100 pesos each which includes your starter chips. TEXAS HOLD 'EM IS A BUY-IN GAME at 300 pesos per person. Please let them know in advance if you would like a seat at that table.
More Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1613080098915789/

“My Sister’s Closet” 5th Annual Fashion Show: At the Hop - January 29
The Fashion Show Committee needs your gently used summer clothing for the Boutique. Even one outfit will help! Little by little we "fill the closet" from which they choose the 36 model outfits, selling the rest to the 180 women who attend. If you have clothing to donate, please contact these wonderful volunteers: Chelem: Frances Cummings cummings_fh@yahoo.ca, Chuburna: Chris Parkin ucatanchris@gmail.com, Progreso: Diane Clinton dminerdc@gmail.com, Chicxulub: Karen Cloutier klcloutier@hotmail.com. Without this clothing, the event, in support of El Programa de Apoyo Escolar de Chuburná Puerto, would not happen. Thanks on behalf of the students and their families!
Location: TBA
Time: TBA
Admission: TBA

Yucadanz: Monthly Contra Dance in Merida - First Dance: Saturday, January 10
When is a square dance not square? You're just going to love this new dance in town. Contra dance is a community “barn dance”, where everyone socializes and dances with everyone else. We love their energy and hope that everyone will give contra dance a whirl. Everyone is welcome!
Location: Tumaka't Dance Studio, Calle 51 #475-A x 52 y 54 (blue building, middle of block), Centro
Time: Beginner Class in Spanish: 7:00 PM, Beginner Class in English: 7:30 PM, Contra dance: 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Admission: Bring your own refreshments and water, no alcohol at the dance. $50-$100 pesos donation requested. Proceeds benefit Tumaka't, a nonprofit arts group, and to establish a fund for live music. Read this great page on the Yucadanz website!
Additional Dates:
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Saturday, April 11, 2015

Merida English Library Saturday Lecture Series: October – March
• January 17: Writers’ Workshop. John Gray.
• January 24: The history of the Yucatan-Cuba connection. Peter Johnson.
• January 31: Mexican history: A hero and a villain: Juarez and Diaz. George Ashley.
• February 7: Eldercare Choices in the US. Catherine Hawes & Charles Phillips.
• February 14: Valentine’s Day & Carnival weekend. No program.
• February 21: MEL Artist Studio Tour. No lecture.
• February 28: Mexican wines – discussion and limited tasting. Elliot Diaz. Attendance limited. Admission 100 pesos.
• March 7: TBA
• March 14: TBA
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 x 66 y 68.
Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Admission: Most lectures are free, some have a nominal fee

Merida English Library Music in the Garden Concert Series
Check the performance details at the Merida English Library website:
• January 15: Jazz Concert
• February 13: Latin, Mexican & Yucatecan Music
• March 13: Rock and Blues
Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 x 66 y 68.
Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Admission: Most lectures are free, some have a nominal fee

International Women’s Club: Second Annual Whodunit Dinner January 21, 2015
This year, the IWC will offer packets in either Spanish OR English, so you can choose for your group’s preference. There are eight characters, so you will need eight to fill your table. If you cannot fill a table, there will be extras who can fill in. Your admission includes a 3 course meal, plus a simple beverage. Bar service will be available on a pay as you go basis.
Location: La Parrilla Restaurant, Calle 30 # 87 x 17, Prolongacion Montejo, Col. Mexico.
Time: 7:30 PM
Admission: 275 pesos per person
Contact Beth Knepp for information in English smiles4beth@yahoo.com or Cathy Harrison for information in Spanish OR English at cathyharrison@yahoo.com or 999-926-0014.

CHILI COOK OFF UPDATE Date: January 25
Invitation from MEL: Dust off your greatest Chili Recipe and sign up for the Premier Event of the Year when the competition is on for the Chili Cooking Crown at MEL’s Annual Chili Cook Off – 2015 Edition.
The event will take place on January 25, Sunday, 1 – 4 PM. Lots more details to come but don’t delay, Chili Chefs should register now to ensure your spot in the cook off. Competition is brisk! If you have a big pot and a good recipe, please sign up at the library or contact us at: MELchilicookoff@gmail.com. Now’s your chance to show off your chefability. Also, HELP NEEDED! They also need about 15 people to be general volunteers the day of the event -- setting up tables, selling beverages and helping keep things tidy. Go to www.meridaenglishlibrary.com to volunteer.

Benefit Concert for educate Yucatan, A.C.: Steve Katz - January 29
Steve Katz is a founding member of Blood, Sweat & Tears, and a member of the original Blues Project. We hope you will be there for an acoustic evening of story and song.
Location: Teatro Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Calle 60 x 59 y 57, Merida
Time: 7:00 PM
Admission: Donation of $250 pesos
Tickets: Available at www.educateyucatan.org and at cells: 999 995-3769 & 999 260-1922

VI Full Moon Jazz Festival - February 7
This event is the major fundraiser for Telchac Education. This program continues to sponsor children in school in the Telchac area and they are thriving. Three fabulous bands, dancing, the food court and full bar await you on the beach. Many thanks to all of the sponsors and to everyone who participates in this Jazz Festival.
Location: Villas Wayak, km 25.5 Progreso - Telchac Road
Time: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Admission: Free but please come prepared to purchase food and drinks, and to maybe make a donation and/or sponsor a child in the Telchac Education Program.

The Artist Studio Tour - February 21
This unique self-guided tour is a yearly fundraiser for the Merida English Library and gives important exposure to local, national and international artists living and working in Merida. Many of our 24 artists are represented in galleries and museums around the world, but the MEL Artist Studio Tour is the only time their studios are open to the public. One day, 24 great artists! The Artist Studio Tour allows you to spend quality time discussing the creative process with each artist and if, the mood strikes, you can pick up a piece for your home. You’ll find sculptors, painters, printmakers, photographers, papermakers and more in this talented group. Visit www.meridaenglishlibrary.com for updates on the tour, ticket sales locations and artist profiles.
Location: Downtown Merida. Map made available to ticket holders.
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Admission: Tickets go on sale January 22nd! Buy your tickets before February 21 and pay only 200 pesos. Tickets are 250 pesos the day of the tour so get them early!

IWC Tour: The Amazing Archaeological Tour February 24 to March 1, 2015
This tour includes:
• Five nights accommodation
• Bilingual guide service
• Transportation by motor coach for the duration of the tour
• Breakfast each morning
• Entrance tickets to all specified attractions
• Donation to IWC Charity Committee
You will visit the archeological sites of Edzna, X/puji, Balamku, Becan, Chicana, Calakmul, Kohunlich, and Coba, as well as a visit to Laguna Bacalar. Contact Joanna at http://writingfrommerida.com/2014/10/26/off-the-beaten-trail-tourism/ for more info on this trip.

Muelle Market-Bazar del Muelle
First and Third Thursdays of January, February and March 2015
Local and Foreign Artisans Market: Benefits Chicxulub Food Bank
Includes: Slow Food Market Vendors, Jewelery by Jorge, Carvings by Martine, Olga Cuevas: Clothing Designer, Mano de Nano (aka Naomi Murphy): homemade mustard, salad dressing, marinades, granola, meat rubs, baked goods, and a variety of pickles, Anita's Salchichones (German Sausage) - and many many more !!!
Location: D'Mar Salon de Eventos, calle 28x21y23, Chicxulub Puerto
Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Admission: Free to shoppers. Vendors contact for more information.
More Information: Call Nola (English): (999) 109-6319 or e-mail: muellemarket@gmail.com or keep up with new announcements on the Muelle Market-Bazar del Muelle Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MuelleMarket

Have an event you want to promote? Email us at info@yucatanliving.com and we'll be happy to list it in our Events listing and our Month-at-a-Glance Calendar!