In case you weren’t around last month, we reported then that the Institute of Culture, Tourism, and Art (the Spanish acronym is CULTURA) had gotten its act together and announced its Spring Season program of major cultural events through the end of June. True to our predictions, the schedule held up as advertised. However, since we’re a monthly publication, it’s impossible for us to notify readers of last-minute cancellations and additions. It’s recommended that if possible, you consult the website at: www.culturamazatlan.com to get the final word on CULTURA’s program. It´s also wise to double-check the hour for any performance before you set out for the theater. The theater’s box office number is 982-4447, ext. 106. At this time of the year, as you’ll see on the calendar below, numerous student groups from the next-door Municipal Center for the Arts put on year-end recitals that may or may not appeal to the general public. Perhaps an exception would be the May 9 concert by the Mazatlán Youth Symphony playing under a new director, Jacob DeVries, who has devised an innovative rehearsal system to fine tune these student musicians. Meanwhile, other noteworthy events come up now and then that are not organized by CULTURA. One of more than passing interest is the jazz concert set for Friday night, May 25, at the Antonio Haas Theater (formerly the Social Security Theater) across the street from the Fisherman’s Monument. Talented French jazz pianist/keyboardist Lorenzo and a group of 3-4 musicians who regularly sit in with him at Pedro & Lola’s restaurant plus, he says, a string foursome will open up all stops in an effort to raise funds for new equipment. If you’ve heard Lorenzo’s group playing at the popular restaurant on the Plazuela Machado, you know you’ll get your money’s worth at

this jam session. Here’s the lineup for May and June as of the Pacific Pearl’s deadline: MAY May  3: Pianist Maria Luisa Lizarraga in concert, 8pm, Angela Peralta Theater. General admission 70 pesos May 4: Guitar Ensemble from the Municipal Center for the Arts; 8pm, Angela Peralta Gallery, Free May 9: Concert by the Mazatlán Youth Symphony Orchestra; 8pm, Angela Peralta Theater. Free May 11: Concert by the Mazatlán Camerata; 8pm., Angela Peralta Theater, Free May 18: Concert performance of opera “Plump Jack” with the Sinaloa Symphony Orchestra; 8pm, Angela Peralta Theater, 120 pesos May 22: Chamber groups from the Municipal Center for the Arts; 8pm, Angela Peralta Gallery, Free May 24: Day of Music concert by the Sinaloa Symphony Orchestra of the Arts; 8pm, Angela Peralta Theater, prices TBA May 25: Jazz concert by Lorenzo & group; 8pm, Antonio Haas Theater, 50 pesos at the door May 26:  Day of Music throughout the Historic Center from 6pm, with groups from the Municipal Center for the Arts playing in various venues: Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Band, String Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble and Project Green Jazz group, Free May 31: Jazz Band from the Municipal Center for the Arts; 7:30pm, Plazuela Machado, Free JUNE June 2: Royal Winnipeg Ballet presents a Classical Ballet Gala, 8pm, Angela Peralta Theater, 300, 200 & 100 pesos June 8: Chamber groups from the Municipal Center for the Arts (MCA); 8pm, Angela Peralta Gallery, Free June 13: Mazatlán Youth Symphony Orchestra year end recital; 8pm, Angela Peralta Theater, 70 pesos general admission June 15: Professional School of Contemporary Dance of MCA’s year end recital; 8pm, Angela Peralta Theater, 80 pesos June 23: Professional School of Contemporary Dance of MCA’s graduation performance; 8pm, Angela Peralta Theater June 30: School of Classical Ballet of the MCA, “Circus,” year end recital; 8pm, Angela Peralta Theater