Cuenca Perspectives by Jim: Barbie De Palma

VIVA CUENCA!

My mission in publishing this blog is first to provide a living history of my settlement and life in Cuenca, and to provide myself and the reader with a journal account delineating my reasons for why I have chosen to settle in Cuenca. Second, the posts are my way of staying in contact with family and friends back in the states, and to provide them with an understanding of a country and culture that most North Americans have little knowledge and awareness. Third, the blog is open to one and all who wish to compare and contrast the experiences of expat bloggers living in Cuenca, so that you can determine whether or not from your perspective Cuenca is an appropriate move for you. Fourth, my blog provides another example of how expats view and interpret life in Cuenca. Ecuadorians and Cuencanos who may read this blog are especially invited to post comments that may enhance all expats understanding and appreciation of Cuneca and its people, or to correct any misinterpretations in my assumptions and perceptions of Cuencano culture. Finally, I hope I can convey the feeling of love and appreciation that grows within me each passing day for this heavenly city nestled in the Andes and its very special people.

Thursday, April 20, 2023

THE PACO'S BLUES PERFORMED AT JOHN VITALI'S 80th BIRTHDAY PARTY

THE PACO'S BLUES PERFORMED AT JOHN VITALI'S 80th BIRTHDAY PARTY

FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023

Barbie De Palma threw an 80th Birthday party for her hubby John and about 100 guests in the course of the afternoon were in attendance for the afternoon festivities. John and Barbie are known for entertaining, and John's party was a smash. There were lots of very friendly folks, some of us not having seen one another in years. Great food and desserts, as the ribs and chicken by the hosts were complemented by the side dishes and desserts brought by the guests.

The event was blessed as for the second day and evening in a roll Cuenca was without rain, which has become an oddity as we transition out of the La Nina into the El Nino weather pattern. Yet a cloud cover help to keep the Equatorial sun from beating down on us, which made for perfect atmospheric conditions for the afternoon backyard festivities.

The kickoff and finale for the party and everything swinging in-between were the Paco's Blues. I assume most of the guests heard Paco's Blues in one of the venues in town, but it was my first time. I had met the drummer, Jeff Jones and his wife, Mary at various occasions and over short conversations on the street, but I never heard Jeff play. The rest of the band was new to me. Wow, were they dynamite. I enjoy the blues, and everything the Paco's Blues played was top notch. It was a lively party, and I was amazed at how they played for three and a half hours and only took one ten minute break. As you will see these guys are not kids, so their stamina was very impressive. Most of all, they were really enjoying themselves, which put the entire guests in a big party and dancing mood.

Awesome, is the vocal singer, Roxie. Besides being attractive, as I sat next to her eating a plate of food before the music began. I was informed by her or other people at the table that she was the vocalist. Roxie is not a large woman. I was amazed at the power that came from her voice. She did a James Brown number, and I thought James Brown had spirited down to the stage for an encore performance. Unfortunately, the two numbers I enjoyed hearing her sing the most, and neither were the numbers I recorded. I encourage you to see the last video link in particular. Roxie has more than enough energy to energize the entire planet. I also must admit that Paco. the other lead singer and one of the three guitarists in the group has put together an excellent band, and I hope they stay together for a long time. I asked my two jovens how old they thought Roxie was from the videos they saw her in this blog? Both of them, without hesitation, said sixteen. Whether it was her youthful looks, her enormous energy, or a combination of both; compliments to Roxie.

Not everything this sensational group plays is strictly blues, there's room for rock, r&b, and soul. I apologize for not having the names of every member in the group. I tried to find them on their Facebook page, but they must be a modest group. Paco's Blues is all I can find after the founder of the group. Maybe, a stalwart fan can fill me in on the names of the two other guitarists. At which point, I will update my blog post. This group is best to hear live. The sound leaves something to be desired on a cell phone and even a laptop. I have my laptop also connected to my television, and the television or a bose-type speaker is the way to go for real sound enjoyment of the group.