Christy Caldwell’s father, a lifelong Rotarian who passed away in 2017 at the age of 94, left clear instructions as to what he expected her to do with her inheritance—help people. When she learned that Musica Para Crecer needed support she jumped into action. Although Christy suffered a vocal injury and is no longer able to sing the soaring arias and Broadway tunes she loves, she realized she could still entertain and help children and young adults achieve their dream of performing.
Musica Para Crecer, under the direction of brothers Daniel and Juanpi Medeles, plays a vital role in San Juan Cosala. The school ’s director Socorro (Coco) Wonshee remarks: “ Besides developing the children’s musical talents, the most important aim of the program is to keep them away from the drugs, alcoholism, violence, and lives without hope and joy that are due to the poverty, vulnerability, and marginalization present in so many of our towns.”
Her dream of bringing young Mexican talent on stage with her will be realized on Sunday, March 8 at the Auditorio de Ribera in Ajijic. She is a classically trained mezzo-soprano who has performed on three continents in four different languages. When Christy retired recently to the area from Miami, she joined the Rotary Club of Ajijic and was introduced to Musica Para Crecer, the small music school in San Juan Cosala, which the club has supported for many years. Christy hopes to sell out the auditorium and raise 100,000 pesos to support the school.
The CineMusic show, as the name suggests, features the most well-known and beloved songs from movies such as Godfather, Dirty Dancing, Ghost, Pearl Harbor, and Gladiator. Clips from the movies and soundtracks will be playing behind the performers. There is something from every era---from Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers to Bradley Cooper & Lady Gaga.
Sharing the stage with her are two graduates of Musica Para Crecer: David Reyes Diaz and Carlos Torres Alvarez who are part of a popular local trio Linaje Bohemio. Also joining the cast will be Jonathan Omar Guzman who performs with the Jamm Band and Jorge Gonzalez-Reynoso of the rock band Gargamel.
Tickets are $300 pesos and are available at the Auditorio, Mia’s Boutique and Diane Pearl. Don ’t miss this unique show and help a great cause!