Blues and Arts Fiesta Raises over $65,000

Blues and Arts Fiesta Raises over $65,000
The community of San Felipe and Sonshine Hacienda Children’s Home Benifit
by Robin Waters

On a sun-washed day, the last Saturday in March, on the shores of the Sea of Cortez, lay a small Mexican fishing village, San Felipe, Baja, Mexico. But that day was extraordinary; because the Lions Club of San Felipe and Mexico Living put on the largest event the community had ever seen, the 3rd Annual Blues and Arts Fiesta.

The stage was a behemoth of technology, soaring into the azure skies with a breathtaking mountain backdrop that looks like a picture postcard. About 2,000 people came from all over Mexico and the U.S. to hear great bands and cool music. As you entered San Felipe’s Baseball Field, a wonderful aroma from food vendors was wafting around the incoming crowd of spectators. Tortillas, enchiladas, empanadas, hamburgers, pizza, Bar-B-Que, fish tacos and fresh shrimp made your mouth water. Artisan booths went on and on around the perimeter with a dazzling array of paintings, sculpture, pottery, metal crafts and jewelry, including handcrafts from the indigenous Pai-Pai and Huichol Indians of Mexico.

The bands were introduced by MC Denny “Moondog” Flannigan and Co-Promoter John Pack. The bands included many award-winning groups starting with Chet and the Committee, San Diego Music Awards Best Blues Band nominee, 2007 and 2008. Second in line was Vatos Locos, 2008 Mexico Living Readers Poll winner for San Felipe Best Entertainment. Mofo Party Band kept the party going with Chicago Blues and West Coast Jump. Then the Backwater Blues Band came on strong and never stopped.

Next was Lisa Cee—and what a performance! Then as the sun was fading, Agave Blues took stage and performed one of their best ever—incredible! Shelle entertained the audience with her upbeat and sultry rhythm and blues sounds, and the audience ate it up! Back for the third year, Michele Lundeen & Blue Streak, once again, “laid it down” with their hot rockin’ roadhouse blues, classic R&B and funky soul. As the show was winding down to a close, Johnny Mastro & Mama’s Boys sent the die-hards home with their raw soul and groove that doesn’t quit.

The Grand Marshal for this year was none other than Sal Fish, CEO of SCORE International. For over 40 years the Score Baja 1000, 500 and 250 off-road races have attracted professional racers, movie stars and celebrities that are legendary in the Baja, and Sal Fish is the legend maker. It was a natural fit of sand, sea, music, food, arts and a caring community.

The reason for all this community effort is to help fund the health and medical projects of the San Felipe B.C. Lions Club, which includes a special Lions project, Sonshine Hacienda, a home for abused or abandoned children. Currently children, whose parents are in crisis, are bussed 125 miles away to Mexicali, where there is little room for them, and a frightening experience to be so far from their homes. The new two-story facility will house 50 children and will hopefully be completed by year end.

None of it would have been possible without the 150 volunteers from the Lions Club, Mexico Living and the San Felipe community.

If you missed it, don’t let it happen again!
Find the Blues and Arts Fiesta 2010 information at www.BluesandArts.com.
San Felipe BC Lions Club can be reached at SanFelipeBCLlionsClub@gmail.com.

For more information on Sonshine Hacienda, call (686) 577-0795 or email missionaries2@yahoo.com.

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