The box office is now open and selling tickets for events coming up during the Mazatlán Cultural Festival. No sooner does the statewide Sinaloa Festival of the Arts end than the Municipality of Mazatlán picks up the ball and keeps the entertainment rolling. There’s a reason for the way the local fiesta starts up the minute the Sinaloa Festival ends. Financing with which to present the performing arts around the state dried up when the last governor came to office in 1992. Mazatlán, with its recently-restored, historic Angela Peralta Theater, had a beautiful opera house and an empty stage. The Mazatlán Cultural Festival was born to fill that gap, and it has traditionally run from Nov. 1 to just before Christmas. When the former governor’s six-year term ended in 1998 and Gov. Juan S. Millan came to power, he promptly restored the Sinaloa Festival. By that time the locally-financed Mazatlán festival had established itself as a fall season tradition which carries on to this day, no matter what happens in the governor’s office. This year’s 11th annual Mazatlán Cultural Festival season even has a slogan: “With the wind in its favor: a voyage by the arts through the heart of the Old Mazatlán.” Mazfest 2004 will play out from Nov. 1 to Dec. 20 and as usual, will shine its spotlight on local, national and international talent during its two month run. There will be attractions for every taste and pocketbook, including some performances that are completely free to the public. From its modest beginnings, the festival has grown thanks to the help of federal and state institutions as well as local government and the Mazatlán business community. It has attracted cooperation from such organizations as Mainly Mozart of San Diego and other independent arts groups. It also has the backing of a Patrons Committee made up of several distinguished local women who have banded together to promote the arts and secure the necessary financing for a two month performance schedule. The Mazatlán Cultural Festival is the most extensive of its type in Sinaloa, and its calendar of events encompasses every expression of the fine arts — something for every taste. Events range from art shows to jazz concerts to opera to street parties. Mazfest has helped Mazatlán create its

reputation as a cultural leader in Northwestern Mexico. The schedule below is the listing that was available at the Pacific Pearl’s press time. Unforeseen circumstances may cause some events to be changed or canceled while other events may be added. It’s always best to verify with the box office at the Angela Peralta Theater, located on the pedestrian mall near the corner of calles Constitucion and Carnaval. Unless otherwise noted, all events begin at 8:00 p.m. in the Angela Peralta Theater. NOVEMBER Nov. 1: Street procession commemorating the Day of the Dead begins at the Plazuela Machado and ends at the Angela Peralta Theater. Starting time: 7:00 pm Nov. 4: Art Exhibit: Works by Jane Saborio, Upstairs gallery, Angela Peralta Theater Nov. 5: Homage to Nacho Millán & his 25-piece big band, A chronological musical trip from the ‘40s to today, Tickets at 150, 100 and 80 pesos via Rotary Club, Superdulceria Valdez in Grand Plaza Nov. 6: Jazz concert, Otis Ganceda and his Jazz Quintet Nov. 15: “The Barber of Seville” Children’s opera, Angela Peralta Chorale, 6:00 pm Nov. 16: Opera arias by Natalia Rivera, soprano, Eric Steinman, piano accompanist Nov. 19: Mexican poets: Ana Belén López, Jennifer Hofer, Cristina Rivera, Ma. Dolores Dorantes, Laura Solórzano, Ofelia Pérez, Carla Faesler and Angelica Tornero, Moderator: Miriam Moscona Nov. 20: “Portrait of an Unemployed Artist” Monologue (in Spanish) by Rebeca Jones Nov. 24: Concert for Piano and Orchestra, Fritz Steinegger, piano, Sinaloa Orchestra for the Arts Nov. 27: “Stars of Tomorrow” A contest for scholarships in voice, dance and music Tickets: 150 pesos at Pacific Pearl & theater box office DECEMBER Dec. 1: A Tribute to Enrique Patron de Rueda, Sinaloa Orchestra for the Arts Angela Peralta Chorale, Guest soloists, Esplanade in front of City Hall Dec. 2: Art Exhibit: Works by Elaine Kemp, Upstairs gallery, Angela Peralta Theater Dec. 3: Play (in Spanish), “Afectuosamente su comadre” Dec. 7: Chamber concert, Cellist Carlos Prieto and his trio Dec. 11: Play (in Spanish) “Tu me vuelves loco” by the theater group FORUM Cesar Montelongo, director Dec. 16 & 17: ‘Nutcracker” (new production) Municipal School of Classical Ballet Dec. 19: Christmas Concert, Mazatlan Youth Symphony, Mazatlan Youth Chorus Dec. 20: Annual Christmas Posada, Plazuela Machado.