Eduardo Adame’s gigantic sprawling, eclectic, cultural “potluck party” is about to begin. 

A “potluck” is how Adame described the third edition of the two-week-long Festival of the Arts San Miguel de Allende (FASMA) in May, when he was pulling together global and homegrown artists, musicians, singers, actors, poets, photographers, craftsmen, and the like for the showcase.

“Everyone is invited to bring the best that they can do – and invite their friends,” he said back then, expanding on the analogy

And a lot of homegrown talent and local promoters took him up on the invitation.  The festival, which begins on Friday, August 1, features more than 100 events and performances of opera,  jazz, rock, dance, theater, art, workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and more, through August 17. 

Twenty five of San Miguel’s finest cultural organizations are participating.

Many of the events are free to the public, starting with a major concert to be held in the Jardin Principal in front of the Parroquia de San Miguel de Allende Arcangel this Friday at 8 p.m.  For “A Través de los Años,” Il Tenore and Big Band Jazz de México will perform together, reprising their acclaimed collaboration during a recent performance at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City. 

Il Tenore, a quartet led by tenor David Paez, combines Mexican tradition with operatic sophistication.  Founded in 1999, Big Band Jazz de Mexico has produced ten albums, graced prestigious venues including the National Auditorium, Lunario and Arena CDMX and earned awards such as the 2019 Luna del Auditorio for Jazz & Blues and the 2018 Premio Bravo.

Information on all of the events is available at the FASMA website, in both Spanish and English. You can search by name, date, type of event, and location.

In a press release, FASMA founder Adame, cited some other highlights:

Leonard Brooks “Collage” at Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez “El Nigromante, August 1 – 17

Landscape painter, muralist, collagist, author and music school director, Leonard Brooks made San Miguel de Allende his home for 64 years. This exhibition encompasses 60 years of his collage art. The British Canadian was also a violinist in the Guanajuato Symphony and taught music at San Miguel’s Bellas Artes.

Jonah and Friends at Angela Peralta Theatre on August 2 at 7:00 PM

Internationally renowned Dennis Kim (violin), Jonah Kim (cello), and Sean Kennard (piano) will perform Wagner’s Siegfried and romantic works by Mendelssohn.

Adolfo Alejos Presents The “Eight Seasons” of Vivaldi and Piazzolla at Casa Europa on August 7 at 6:30 PM

The award-winning violinist will be accompanied by Kamerata Kukulkán.  

Exhibition of Enrique Guillén Sáenz’s paintings at Fabrica La Aurora August 7 to 31

Sáenz is fascinated by nature and the human condition. Many of his figurative works depict people dealing with poverty, immigration and armed conflict.

Pianist Gile Bae at the Angela Peralta Theatre on August 8 at 7:00 PM

A prize-winning classical pianist who debuted at the age of five, Bae has performed throughout Europe and has won major competitions around the world.

Chuchito Valdes at the Angela Peralta Theatre on August 13 at 7:00 PM

Winner of 13 Grammy’s and inducted into the Hall of Fame of Latin Composers, Chucho Valdes is a Cuban jazz pianist, composer, music teacher, musical arranger and group director. Chucho’s Irakere is considered the most important group of Cuban musicians of the second half of the 20th century, are known for its explosive mix of jazz, rock, classicism and traditional Cuban music.

Operísima México Presents “Lyric Gala” at Casa Europa on August 15 at 7:00 PM

Founded by Maestro Rogelio Riojas-Nolasco, a pianist and vocal coach with more than 40 years’ experience, Operísima México is an ensemble of talented Mexican opera singers  trained to competitive world class criteria.

Ballet Folklórico of San Miguel de Allende at the Angela Peralta Theatre on August 7 at 7:00 PM Folklórico

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Ballet Folklórico will present dances from San Miguel and four Mexican states.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Instituto Allende is offering workshops in stone carving, painting with oil, acrylic or watercolor, jewelry making and traditional Mexican weaving.

Free art classes for children will be available and the city’s Toy Museum will offer a toy making workshop. Story-telling sessions at Casa Europa will enchant kids, and a magic show will delight adults as well as children.

During the arts festival, an exhibition about the Diary of Anne Frank at Casa de la Cultura, will be open Tuesdays to Sundays, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  Ten interactive rooms will offer an immersive experience. Exact replicas of objects that belonged to Anne Frank, including her bed and photographs, as well as a copy of her diary, will be on display.

Twenty five of San Miguel’s cultural organizations are participating including: Art of The Story, Ballet Folklórico Tradicional de San Miguel de Allende, Biblioteca Pública, Casa Europa Mexico, Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez “El Nigromante, El Sindicato Centro Cultural, El Charco del Ingenio (Botanic Gardens), Chorale San Miguel, Festival de Música de Camara, Festival de Órgano de San Miguel de Allende (Organ Festival), Fundación para la Conservación del Juguete Popular Mexicano (Toy Museum), Galería Diana, Galería Ana Julia Aguado, Guanajuato International Film Festival (GIFF), Instituto Allende, Instituto del Bel Canto, Met Opera Trust, National Institute of Fine Arts, La Troupe México, Opera of San Miguel, Operísma México, San Miguel el Grande Pro Música and San Miguel Literary Sala and Writer’s Conference.

A joint public and private sector effort, FASMA is supported by the Municipality of San Miguel de Allende, the Tourism Office of San Miguel de Allende and the Office of Culture and Traditions of San Miguel de Allende. 

For further information about FASMA, go to FASMA.