San Felipe International Blues & Arts Fiesta 2015: March 27 & 28

A fun crowd loving the blues at the 2014 Fiesta.

SAN FELIPE, BAJA CALIFORNIA – The San Felipe Lion’s Club is holding its 9th annual San Felipe International Blues & Arts Fiesta on March 27 and 28, 2015 at the Pavilion at La Ventana del Mar, El Dorado Ranch. The Pavilion is a landmark venue in the quiet Sea of Cortez fishing town of San Felipe and offers amazing sea and mountain views. This year’s festival will bring together blues bands from the Western US and Mexico as well as regional visual artists.

Recently, El Gringo sat down at Común San Diego with Gary Dilley, Lion’s Club VP and event chairman to discuss this year’s fiesta. The meeting location was chosen due to the fact that Gary – a US retiree in San Felipe – is also cross-border chef Chad White’s grandfather. And though Chad will most likely be attending the event, he won’t be preparing his trademark tostadas or Baja-inspired food. But there will be no shortage of good things to eat and drink.

The most important part of this festival is that it benefits a number of services for the local population. “Nine years ago, we used profits from the first Blues and Arts Fiesta to build a fifty bed, class A orphanage facility in San Felipe,” Gary stated. “100% of the proceeds every year since has provided funds for the orphanage and also supports San Felipe food banks and eye clinics. We provide 500 exams and pairs of glasses through these clinics to the locals every year. 60% of the recipients are kids. We also help with cataract surgery expenses for the elderly.”

“There’s a saying in parts of Mexico that if your family can’t afford to help you with new glasses or any kind of care, then no one else will. We try to give back to the community and give people a hand.” Gary concluded.

The Fiesta features a center stage for the bands and 20-30 tents with artists exhibiting a huge variety of fine art – from jewelry and collectibles to painting and sculptures drums and iron creations. There will also be a food court and 3-4 beer stations. Fiesta hats, shirts and other merchandise are also available to purchase.

For more information on this years San Felipe International Blues & Arts Fiesta or to purchase tickets, visit www.BluesAndArts.com. Sponsorships are also still available and volunteers are still needed. Inquire with email to sanfelipebclionsclub@gmail.com.

San Felipe International Blues and Arts Fiesta 2015, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CONTEST WINNERS!

Congratulations to our 10 winners, listed below. They will receive 2 VIP two-day tickets to the San Felipe Blues and Arts Fiesta via email soon. And out 10th winner also receives a free night at the Eldorado Ranch Condominiums.

Still want to roll down? Tickets as they say in Mexico are “almost free”, ranging from $10 for Friday night to $50 VIP tickets for both days. You can purchase tickets at www.bluesandartsfestival.com. And it’s for a great cause.

We hope to see you there!

WINNERS:
1. Cindy Ryan, San Diego
2. Emily Kil, Studio City
3. Raymond Magno, Studio City
4. Tyler Moselle, San Diego
5. Susan Coe, San Diego
6. Will Fox, Powell River
7. Lorraine Pontell, Rosarito Beach
8. Michelle Heil, Carlsbad
9. Linda Wilson, Sacramento

Winner of tickets plus a free night at the Eldorado Ranch Condominiums:
10. Ana Baehr, Ensenada