Expat Life in Oaxaca

Our neighbor Bill seems to be the social director of at least part of the expats living in Oaxaca.  He denies this, but does have the leadership role in organizing the music functions of those who like to participate in amateur music, both playing and singing.  Everyone around is invited, especially if you have at least a scintilla of talent.  These events used to be held at Casa Raab, down the road, but now are conducted on an irregular basis at our compound swimming pool.

Last night was one of these events.  Not only do the musicians show up, but also their families to enjoy the music and swimming pool. This music group has the name of the Bodega Boys.  When I first heard about it I researched the internet to see what it was all about.  Interestingly they had an entry on MySpace.  So you can share this sidelight of expat life here is their posting:

Howdy Everybody! This here is The Bodega Boys posting from the bodega in lovely San Pablo, Etla, Oaxaca, Mexico. The Bodega Boys are a mezcal fueled music ensemble that get together a few times a month for some serious down home, boot stompin', jam sessions. The Bodega Boys define all styles, yet are no styles. From Johnny Cash to Bob Dylan, The Beatles to Bluegrass, Hillbilly to Hellbilly, The 50's to the 70's, Acoustic to Electric, The Bodega Boys go where no cumbia, mariachi, or trova group dare. The Bodega Boys lineup is continually changing and the set list will forever be a work in progress. On most nights the lineup includes Don Antonio as "Toby Juan Adobe" on Vocals, Guitar or Mandolin, Dengue John as "Alpine Elvis" on Fat Bertha the Bass, Washtub Bass Hall Of Famer, Mr. Bill Blackson as "Black Bill" thumpin' along on the one string, Esteve as "El Vocho", Jazzy Jeff as "Jefe Jeffe", Big Bill on Bass and let's not forget Mike. Other honorary members of the Bodega Boys include Johnny Rico as "Playboy" (he'll play just about anything...), Mississippi-Boston-Berkeley-Oaxaca Brian as "The Hammer", Chet MATT-kins, Calypso Dan as "Dangerous Dan", Bray Poor as "Poor Bray, Johnny B. Goode, Alex, Disco Stu and Alex PETA. If you know at least three chords, can snap your fingers and chew gum at the same time or have access to good mezcal, The Bodega Boys want you!

It must have all gone well last night.  When I checked the pool this morning I didn’t find any bodies, so the mezcal must have been appropriately smooth.

 

 

Quirky Living Note

 

Street Construction -  Is it just my luck, or have these road and construction projects been on the books for years?  You will recall all the problems we had with our street detour.  Now the main road down to the Glorietta is under severe attack with road construction and alley detours.  Not that the road doesn’t need it!  Several blocks of the main road to our casa has now had the blacktop scraped off, one side closed, detours into alleys, and they are working feverishly.  Maybe they heard the gringo complaining about the roads into Trinidad de Viguera and San Pablo Etla!