The Palm Cabaret Vallarta Welcomes Bohemia Viva for the 2016-2017 Season Gary R. Beck - Beck's Best
November 26, 2016

Puerto Vallarta's sweethearts, married couple Luis Lujan and Andrea Mottura, return to their 'other home' thrilling us wth their stylings, vocals, guitar and harmonies. They entered the stage and saw many familiar faces of friends, followers and lovers. Andrea said that life was good to them in the United States where they traveled singing their songs to new fans in various towns, starting in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Finding treasures was a thrill, such as dresses and jewelry and old guitars which Luis will be playing in later shows. She said it added to their song selection since the guitars opened many compositions and arrangements for them to perform and sing.

Luis has been writing new songs, one untitled, but gorgeous. The crowd listened to more tonight and on later dates. Andrea offered Rita Hayworth's song from "Gilda", 1946, centered in Buenos Aires, "Amado Mio". Her vocals were soft yet firm to the upper levels of the melody, splendidly moving gently with the Latin beat. The dynamic duo bounced through a romping "Y Tu" before sliding into a famous, known to many in the audience "Guantanamera", an oft-recorded composition using the lyrics from Cuban poet José Martí. Popular north of the border years ago, the listeners sang along to the chorus with them.

Premiering January 6, 2017, Bohemia Viva's show will be "Kaleidoscope", representing a whirling selection of songs not performed publicly by them, produced by some friends. A sample was John Denver's "Annie's Song" which Andrea grasp and made so silky soft portraying the deep love in the song and also on the stage. The two lovers bounce off each other whether when reminiscing of meeting in Cordova, Argentina or describing their marriage in Italy.

Two years ago, they were delighted to travel through Italy singing wherever they could. An old abandoned villa was remodeled with help and they hosted the first concert there ever. Italians came via word of mouth and the memories are a mystical cloud of love and joy, never to be forgotten. "Ninna Nanna" is a gentle Neapolitan song of a mermaid in love with a sleeping sailor. Behind the duo played a silky video of a swimming mermaid. Luis strummed his guitar in parts adding to their fine version of the delightful tune. They sang abut two strangers reuniting after a time only to realize they are both the same as before and a relationship would not work. Andrea adds acting to her singing with her expressions and movements. The two one them continue to grow in awareness of each other resulting with their harmonies even tighter than we have heard prior.

Almost essential in any of their shows is Andrea stepping forward and singing a remarkable and sensational anthem from "Evita", "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" which expresses the deepest love of the Argentinian people, grieving in their loss of their dear first lady, Eva Perón. Behind them, the screen played actual footage of her funeral procession and viewing in 1952. Andrea's voice evoked tears of loss and abandonment, but also happiness for what she gave her people. Listeners raised the roof in appreciation for a classic gift from her and husband Luis. Luis continued by taking an old R&B classic "Let's Stay Together" and made it his own memorable achievement. With his strong dynamic voice and his plucking of the guitar, he stirred the listeners vibrantly.

They continued to sing new entries for upcoming shows. One was a highly energetic rhythmic "I Say Hey! What's Going On". If not seated for a concert, dozens would have risen to their feet and wildly danced along to the beat. One after another, the songs rolled out better and better, demonstrating how new and original their new shows promise to be. Norah Jones' "Don't Know Why I Didn't Come" stunned with its simple gentle beauty and Andrea's vocalizations caressed the lyrics. Luis gave what many of us consider his signature song, "Unchained Melody" and there are still oohs and aahs when he raises high up the ladder. He makes that composition his very own. "Stand By Me" continued their stream of inspecting old classics and then Andrea burst forth with "Are you ready boots?" leading into "These Boots Are Made For Walking". She pounds her stilettos [hopefully will be boots once she finds the right pair] across the floor and Luis remains seated strumming his guitar so very well.

Everyone there was ready but not for their gifts to us to end. But with all the new material coming our way, return visits are more than likely.

Bohemia Viva will perform at the Palm Cabaret on December 2, 9, 16, January 6, 13, 20, 21, 27, February 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at 7:00 pm, and December 30, February 1, 8, 15 at 9:30 pm.

Tickets are available online at The Palm Cabaret or at The Palm Box Office which opens daily at 10:00. Telephone is (322)222-0200.

The Palm Cabaret and Bar is located at Olas Altas 508 in Vallarta's Old Town Romantic Zone.