Los Amigos Big Band members.

Patrick O’Heffernan Ajijic JAL. Los Amigos,  Lakeside’s only continuously operating Big Bands, has announced a concert designed for local families to be held at the Centro Cultural Antigua Presidencia in Chapala, July 27 to raise funds for its Mexican musicians and to buy band equipment.

Founded in 2019 by saxophone and flute player Christine Philipson, Los Amigos Big Band is made up of about 80% Mexican players and  performs  at various venues in Lakeside, providing audiences with a taste of big band jazz.  Unfortunately it saw its opportunities to play disappear as venues were closed by Covid restrictions, depriving its Mexican members of income. As venues have opened up the Big Band has been able to book spaces  large enough to accommodate its 16 + members and  the audience to support them. 

The Concert for Families tickets have been priced at a low $100 pesos and children under 16 are free to make it available to large local families.  The funds will be used to buy music stands and other equipment for the band  and to pay the Mexican musicians who are struggling to recover from  their Covid debit.  The Expat musicians in Los Amigos all volunteer their time and talent.

 The Centro Cultural Presidencia Antigua, with a capacity of 216 people (currently reduced to 140 to provide social distancing) , a large stage, and comfortable seats is a perfect venue for the Los Amigos Big Band concert.  Dedicated as a cultural center in 2015 when the Chapala municipal government moved to its current building, its downtown Chapala location  is convenient for local families and within walking distance from the Chapala bus station..

Los Amigos recommends tickets be purchased in advance by calling 33-3029-7723 or emailing LosAmigosBigBand@gmail.com, or at the door if available.