Sunday Aug 9

Twelve Years of Music, Education, and Community at Lakeside
Presenter: Eleazar Soto

How does a small lakeside town become a destination for world-class jazz while transforming lives through music education? For more than twelve years, musician Eleazar Soto has worked to make music accessible to children, youth, and adults while bringing internationally acclaimed artists to Lake Chapala through El Lago Suena. This presentation traces the story behind that vision, the partnerships that made it possible, and how music, education, and community have come together to help place Lakeside on the international cultural map.
Eleazar Soto is a saxophonist, guitarist, educator, and cultural producer who has lived in Ajijic for the past twelve years. A graduate of the School of Music at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León and certified by Mexico's Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP), he teaches music at La Cochera Cultural and serves as its artistic resident and music curator. Through Rezzonante Producciones, he has produced international concerts that connect world-class artists with the Lake Chapala community.

Sunday Aug 16

The Most Famous Forgotten Founder of America
Presenter: Mark Donaldson

Why did John Adams declare, “Without the pen of Paine, Washington’s sword would have been wielded in vain,” yet few Americans know Thomas Paine today? As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, this presentation explores the extraordinary life of the revolutionary writer whose words inspired independence, sustained the fight for freedom, challenged slavery, and influenced leaders on both sides of the Atlantic. Discover why Paine became one of the most celebrated—and ultimately most overlooked—figures of the American Revolution.
Mark Donaldson is an active member of the Lakeside theater community, having appeared in numerous productions with Lakeside Little Theatre, Bare Stage, and Bravo Theatre. Through his portrayal of Thomas Paine in Jeffrey Smith's acclaimed solo work, Donaldson discovered what he describes as a personal "Great Awakening" about one of America's most influential—and most overlooked—Founding Fathers. He is passionate about bringing Paine's remarkable story and enduring legacy to new audiences.

Sunday Aug 23

From AIDS to Ajijic Cares: Three Generations, One Conversation

Presenters: Bobby Lancaster, KJ Purcell-Beard, and Mitsunari Zapata

What can one community's response to the AIDS crisis teach us about the conversations we still struggle to have today? Through an intergenerational conversation, leaders from Ajijic Cares reflect on the organization's evolution from HIV awareness to broader sexual health education and community engagement. Along the way, they explore changing attitudes toward HIV, sexuality, stigma, and care while examining why the lessons of the AIDS crisis remain relevant today. Their stories offer a thoughtful perspective on compassion, education, and building healthier, more informed communities.
Bobby Lancaster, KJ Purcell-Beard, and Mitsunari Zapata represent three generations of leadership within Ajijic Cares. Bobby helped establish the organization’s roots through World AIDS Day efforts in Lakeside. KJ serves as president during a period of growth and transition. Mitsu, a psychologist and sexual educator, leads the organization’s year-round educational and community programs focused on sexual health, prevention, and access to resources.

Sunday Aug 30

Finding Your Flow: Living with Greater Ease, Presence, and Purpose

Presenter: William “Be” Arsdale

Most people have experienced moments when life feels unusually effortless, connected, and fully alive—often described as being “in the flow.” Why do those moments seem to come and go? This presentation explores the nature of flow, examining how fear, resistance, expectations, and unconscious habits can interrupt it, and how greater awareness, presence, and emotional understanding can help restore it. Attendees will discover practical insights for recognizing patterns, responding more consciously to life's challenges, and cultivating a greater sense of ease, connection, and well-being.
William “Be” Van Arsdale is a writer, facilitator, and longtime student of contemplative philosophy, emotional awareness, and personal transformation. Drawing on decades of life experience, spiritual inquiry, and reflective practice, he explores how presence, conscious choice, and emotional understanding can foster greater ease, connection, and meaning in everyday life. His work integrates practical insights with timeless contemplative traditions to help people navigate life with greater awareness and resilience.

Sunday Sep 6

Beyond the Body: The Missing Piece in Longevity

Presenter: Leanne Babcock

Longevity is usually framed as living longer—but who is the “you” we’re trying to extend? Beyond the body and beyond the mind, there is an often-overlooked dimension that may transform how we think about health, aging, and life itself. Join Leanne Babcock for a thought-provoking exploration and guided experiential journey into the missing piece in longevity—the piece that may also bring peace
Bio
Leanne Babcock, Canadian-Kiwi, is a spiritual adventurer exploring the realms of consciousness and challenging the believed limits of reality.
A best-selling author, speaker and shamanic coach, she is also an NLP Master Practitioner trained in hypnotherapy, a Master Coach in Multiple Brain Integration & a breathwork facilitator. Her work blends deep intuition, brain science and shamanic wisdom into a powerful fusion of transformation.
For over 30 years, she has led life-altering programs for people all around the world.  Currently, Leanne works with women midwifing them into the next version of themselves

Sunday Sep 13

The Birth of a Nation: Understanding Mexico's War of Independence

Presenter: Clauda Miramontes

Mexico’s War of Independence was far more than a struggle to break free from Spain—it marked the beginning of a new national identity. What forces sparked the uprising of 1810, and who transformed discontent into revolution? This presentation explores the people, events, and powerful symbols that shaped the independence movement. Through historical context, visual materials, and storytelling, discover how this defining chapter gave birth to a nation and how its legacy continues to influence Mexican identity, traditions, and everyday life more than two centuries later.
Claudia Miramontes is an educator, cultural promoter, and Director of the Ajijic Cultural Center. She holds a degree in Education (Pedagogy) and specializes in making Mexican history engaging and accessible for English-speaking audiences. Her presentations combine historical research with storytelling, helping participants discover the history behind Mexico's traditions, symbols, and everyday life.

Sunday Sep 20

Reality is Not What You Think: UAPs, Perception and Consciousness

Presenter Larry DeRusha

What if the greatest mystery surrounding UFOs isn’t what’s in the sky, but how we experience reality itself? This presentation explores the intersection of UAP phenomena, neuroscience, consciousness research, and spiritual experience. Discover how the brain actively constructs the world we perceive and what that might mean for interpreting UAP encounters, near-death experiences, mystical states, and other extraordinary phenomena. Drawing on current research and eyewitness accounts, the discussion challenges assumptions about what is real and asks an intriguing question: Are we seeing reality as it truly is—or only what our minds can perceive?
Larry DeRusha is a Scientist, author, and host of the Higher Reality podcast, where he and co-hosts explore the intersection of UAPs, consciousness, spirituality, and science with guests like Bruce Lipton and Gregg Braden. They examine humanity's biggest questions about reality, perception, and our place in a universe that may be far stranger than we imagine.

Sunday Sep 27

Son de México: Keeping Mexican Traditions Alive

Presenter: BALLET FOLCLÓRICO INFANTIL SON DE MÉXICO DE SAN JUAN COSALÁ

Experience the color, rhythm, and energy of Mexico as the young dancers of Son de México bring regional traditions to life. Based in San Juan Cosalá, this local dance organization is helping a new generation discover pride in its cultural roots through music and movement. The presentation will feature dances from different states of Mexico, showcasing distinctive costumes, music, and zapateado footwork while sharing the traditions behind them. Come see how these talented young performers are preserving a rich cultural
heritage—and carrying their love of Mexico into the future. (Donations donations from this performance will go to Son de Mexico directly to help fund their activities.
Luis Guzman, director of THE BALLET FOLCLÓRICO INFANTIL SON DE MÉXICO OF SAN JUAN COSALÁ, was a former dancer of the dance company Ballet Folclórico of the University of Guadalajara. He has been teaching and training dancers for over twenty years. The quality of his work is outstanding and his dedication for the community inspiring.