River Cuale Island: An excellent place for music!
Christie Seeley
vallartasounds.com
Published in Puerto Vallarta Mirror Feb. 26, 2021
We finally have some lifting of restrictions and the green light for some venues offering music and entertainment in Puerto Vallarta. It’s time to visit the refreshing and vibrant River Cuale Island!
I am pleased to see the success of efforts by Puerto Vallarta’s famous venue, Incanto, as they offer “safe” opportunities to hear and enjoy music on their outdoor patios, both upstairs at the Piano Bar and downstairs on the Terrace Cafe. An additional benefit is that many of these performances occur during daytime hours - comfortable for those who turn in early.
Owner Tracy Parks has been adding shows regularly, the most recent being the talented classical and popular singer Enrique de Allende accompanied by the fabulous and versatile guitarists Jair and Caleb Cabrera of Media Luna fame. These shows are being held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons, a great time for a cocktail or afternoon snack while watching the
show. Both Enrique and the Cabrera brothers recently transferred to Puerto Vallarta from San Miguel de Allende and have a lovely rapport. It is a show you won’t regret with its mixture of Italian opera, western contemporary (including the legendary Leonard Cohen and Frank Sinatra) and traditional Mexican pieces like Volver Volver, popularized by Vicente Fernández. Interpreted by these three super talented musicians, each song brings an original charm. Media Luna also gives their all at the beautiful riverside brunch time festivities on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations are desirable. See Incanto’s full line-up shows at Incantovallarta.com (109 Insurgentes on the south side of town).
Further up on the island, Las Brazzas Grill will feature one of my favorite bands, Trem de Minas, on Thursday evenings starting at 8 p.m. Located next door to the favorite gathering place of years past, Babel Bar - closed due to the pandemic, the popular Las Brazzas offers a fresh air experience accompanied by good eats, drinks and excellent music, next to the river.
Their location on the River Cuale Island is just before the cultural center.
The renowned River Café on River Cuale Island at the northbound bridge on I.L. Vallarta, offers music with dinner or drinks in the restaurant/bar and has done so for decades! The venue is picking up with nightly performances, including Puerto Vallarta legend Bob Tansen with Gilberto Luna on Thursday and Saturday evenings. As usual, the cuisine and drinks are spectacular, not to mention the lush riverside location.
If live music is not in your plan, you can still pop in at Oscar’s Restaurant, where the river meets the sea for first-class service and an excellent meal looking over their gardens, the river and the sea! It is one of the most tranquil spots I know, and the soft jazz in the background is always welcome. Oscar generously offered his support for the 2019 Bahia World Music Festival held at his Tequila Distillery just across the walk - another fun place to visit. Oscar’s is a perfect spot for a party or just a meditative moment. You are always welcome!
Christie Seeley
vallartasounds.com
Published in Puerto Vallarta Mirror Feb. 26, 2021
We finally have some lifting of restrictions and the green light for some venues offering music and entertainment in Puerto Vallarta. It’s time to visit the refreshing and vibrant River Cuale Island!
I am pleased to see the success of efforts by Puerto Vallarta’s famous venue, Incanto, as they offer “safe” opportunities to hear and enjoy music on their outdoor patios, both upstairs at the Piano Bar and downstairs on the Terrace Cafe. An additional benefit is that many of these performances occur during daytime hours - comfortable for those who turn in early.
Owner Tracy Parks has been adding shows regularly, the most recent being the talented classical and popular singer Enrique de Allende accompanied by the fabulous and versatile guitarists Jair and Caleb Cabrera of Media Luna fame. These shows are being held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons, a great time for a cocktail or afternoon snack while watching the
show. Both Enrique and the Cabrera brothers recently transferred to Puerto Vallarta from San Miguel de Allende and have a lovely rapport. It is a show you won’t regret with its mixture of Italian opera, western contemporary (including the legendary Leonard Cohen and Frank Sinatra) and traditional Mexican pieces like Volver Volver, popularized by Vicente Fernández. Interpreted by these three super talented musicians, each song brings an original charm. Media Luna also gives their all at the beautiful riverside brunch time festivities on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations are desirable. See Incanto’s full line-up shows at Incantovallarta.com (109 Insurgentes on the south side of town).
Further up on the island, Las Brazzas Grill will feature one of my favorite bands, Trem de Minas, on Thursday evenings starting at 8 p.m. Located next door to the favorite gathering place of years past, Babel Bar - closed due to the pandemic, the popular Las Brazzas offers a fresh air experience accompanied by good eats, drinks and excellent music, next to the river.
Their location on the River Cuale Island is just before the cultural center.
The renowned River Café on River Cuale Island at the northbound bridge on I.L. Vallarta, offers music with dinner or drinks in the restaurant/bar and has done so for decades! The venue is picking up with nightly performances, including Puerto Vallarta legend Bob Tansen with Gilberto Luna on Thursday and Saturday evenings. As usual, the cuisine and drinks are spectacular, not to mention the lush riverside location.
If live music is not in your plan, you can still pop in at Oscar’s Restaurant, where the river meets the sea for first-class service and an excellent meal looking over their gardens, the river and the sea! It is one of the most tranquil spots I know, and the soft jazz in the background is always welcome. Oscar generously offered his support for the 2019 Bahia World Music Festival held at his Tequila Distillery just across the walk - another fun place to visit. Oscar’s is a perfect spot for a party or just a meditative moment. You are always welcome!