Entertainment in Cuenca - A City Where The Most Gifted Musicians Perform - like Geoffrey Castle in Cuenca!!!

A Magical Evening with
Violinist Geoffrey Castle

Today I'm still delighting in last night's absolutely most amazing performance at Fish Bon Del Sur.  Rick Hubbert had Electric Violinist Geoffrey Castle flown in from Seattle, Washington, and it was truly one of the most memorable concerts Bo and I have been to in our two years living in Cuenca.  There was limited seating, so when we received Rick's invitation with a YouTube link to preview this great musician,  we reserved our tickets immediately.  What a fabulous performance by a tender and gifted musician.

So, who is Geoffrey Castle anyway?  One writeup in the Seattle paper said:  "Forget everything you think you know about the violin, and prepare to have your mind blown! Geoffrey Castle has made a career out of defying expectations, from his start as a street musician in New York City to playing in a Broadway show and jamming with folks from bands like Queen, Journey, YES, Blues Traveler, Bad Company and more.  An engaging and entertaining performer, Castle in concert is an experience you will never forget.”

Last night, Geoffrey Castle played a variety of music that included flavors of pop, rock, jazz, and mind-blowing celtic melodies.  It was beyond MAGICAL!  He's a one-man band, and the audience was mesmerized and unable to sit still with this high-energied, foot-tapping, master-playing violinist.  It was definitely one of those evenings that we didn't want to end.

If you missed this performance, you missed it big time!  If you are a "lover of music" here are a couple of u-tube links if you want to acquaint yourself with one of the greatest violinists ever:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N6r1jvTxzk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAmkgEnN28Y

PICTURES TELL THE STORY OF LAST NIGHT'S AMAZING PERFORMANCE

Rick Hubbert introduces Geoffrey Castle to a full-house audience......

..........and he's ready to WOW us!!!

This creative musician begins the evening performance on his electric six-string violin.

Magical Talent

Soulful Passion!!

Lots of foot-stomping music.....

A Captivated Audience 

He's a one-man band........

........with a powerful voice........

.....and a great smile!

Moving....

.......energetic....

..........and one of many humble bows!!

Kudos to you, Geoffrey Castle, for gracing us and Cuenca with your brilliant talent.  It truly was an amazing evening for many!!

ART IN ECUADOR - CUENCA'S 12 DE ABRIL ART FESTIVAL 2013 - Music, Dancing, Arts, FUN!!!

CUENCA'S 12 DE ABRIL ART FESTIVAL 2013

One of the major charms and attractions of Cuenca for Bo and me is the continual cultural celebrations and this city's love for fine arts.  We had such a wonderful three-day weekend, daily and nightly walking along 12 de Abril during this vibrant Arts Festival, admiring so much amazing talent and unique art from Ecuador, Peru, and other areas of South America.  There were more crafts than true fine art, but those truly gifted vendors with an undeniable artistic talent stood out and continually caught our searching eyes.  It took us hours and days of walking and looking and admiring before we finally decided on a few pieces we would consider buying for our unfurnished apartment. 

Negotiating here is not difficult for me because I speak Spanish.  Also, I was once an art vendor myself, so I am always sensitive to making sure I do not negotiate unfairly.  Bo and I aren't interested in getting the lowest price from an artist because we would not want to take away the true value of their originality, gift and talent, and self-esteem.  Art is a very personal thing!  Whatever value an artist puts on their work is because they believe that is what it is worth to them.  Most artists don't ever get compensated for their time and talent.

By Art Festival day three, near the end of that last day, we knew we would be able to walk away with some beautiful pieces at a great but fair price, and the artist would also be pleased with their sale from us.  And so it was!  We met four very talented individuals whom we kept returning to over the course of the show, and the last day we spent a considerable time admiring their work and having them invite us to make them an offer.  By the end of our art show purchases they were pleased and so were we.  We were thrilled with our beautiful art purchases as we carried them home!!  Now, we cannot wait until our painting is done, a few other improvements are made and furniture pieces are discovered and purchased, and we then figure out exactly where these unique and colorful pieces will hang for many who enter our home to admire!

 Cuenca's 12 de Abril Arts Festival 2013

It was a beautiful warm and sunny day one at the Art show as we walked and admired the various vendors wares under the tents lining the Tomebamba River.

This spray paint artist's talent was our favorite.  We watched him create amazing scenes from start to finish, and every painting was purchased and spoken for quickly, so you had to stay on top of it if you wanted to walk away with one of his creations.  Here he begins painting a new canvas with a few sprays and strokes..........

......using spray paint......

.....his fingers.....

......sponges......

......crumpled paper.......

......and a knife......

......and his masterpiece is quickly SOLD!  His skill is beyond words, and his art pieces were selling for $10 or less. 

Even the most modern condos here have bare light bulbs hanging from the ceilings.  Our Ecuadorian apartment had over eleven bare ceiling bulbs that needed inexpensive but fun artsy coverings.  When we saw this vendor's beautiful colorful lanterns, it was our answer.  She sold them for $5 to $9 each, depending on the size and style.  Now our apartment looks magical at night when the lights are on!

One vendor was selling the most beautiful fun and colorful artificial flowers.

There was live blaring upbeat latin rock music and entertainers.......

.......lots of different vendor foods (many love those weiner kabobs!!!).....

........patrolling police officers making sure the art fair visitors were protected..........

.......and so many vendors along both sides of this bridge, that crowds of people were slowly pushing their way through to get from one side of the river to the other!

In town, there were many other festivities taking place.  One of my favorite things to watch were these beautiful and colorful dancers twirling to their traditiional upbeat latin music.

The finale - and an inspiring applaud from the cheering crowds!

We look forward to early November when Cuenca will present another three days of these wonderfully talented artists and energetic entertainers and we will once again have another opportunity to view and admire and purchase their art.