Darian Day & Mike Fitzpatrick

The first time I saw one of Darian Day’s and Mike Fitzpatrick’s photos, I was enthralled. The images capture the very energy of the architectural details and structure of the historic old buildings that grace not just the streets of Mazatlán, but of a host of other Mexican cities and towns as well. In fact, the couple’s first image, “Old Door #3,” is my personal favorite (though it’s hard to choose just one). Originally from Canada, they have a fascination with places and people, and traveled for decades to far-flung points, including the East African plains, Southern India and a Carnaval-infused Rio, always with a camera in hand. It’s our good fortune Darian and Mike ended up in Mazatlán, entranced, like most us, with the beauty and grace of the historic area. Participants in Mazatlan’s First Friday Artwalk, the couple have recently expanded their website and opened a shop in Olas Altas with some of their 1,000+ fine art photographic images of Olden Mexico, which seem to leap from the canvas into the viewer’s hearts - architecture, portals, streetscapes, found and sacred art and more. You voted; we couldn’t agree more. Congrats to M!’s Best Artists 2010! –JB

Brent “The Brenster” McAthey

M! staffers agree: this is always the hardest category to vote for, as the musical offerings in Mazatlán are so diverse, so --- and heck, just so much fun! Be that as it may, each year someone rises to the surface as the most popular – and for 2010 there was no doubt: hands-down, it was award-winning Canadian country music artist Brent “The Brenster” McAthey.

Every Saturday night, a good 300 dedicated fans and excited newbies pack Los Zarapes in the GZ to hear this (dare I say) handsome country crooner work his magic on covers by the likes of Jimmy Buffet and Neil Diamond, but more importantly, to hear his original songs. After 20 years of touring, releasing records to radio and having four videos on CMT (Country Music Television), The Brenster has a wealth of material to draw from, and his winning formula has been pleasing folks here for many years.

Brent – who calls Mazatlán home 10 months of the year - is one of those people who’s a natural entertainer and easily connects with his audience. In fact, his parents say he was singing before he could talk. He remains humble about his success and thanks his audience at each performance by saying, “Without you, there is no me.” Catch him live every Saturday at 7pm at Los Zarapes in the GZ. And y’know, reservations might not be a bad idea (913-1400). – JB, Cindi Rose

Mazatlan's live music schedule

Canucks

A surprise winner in this category this year is Canucks, the venerable live music bar and grill in Olas Altas. Regulars were adamant in their voting: Put on your dancing shoes and head on over! Almost any night of the week there’s something happening here: On Open Mic nights, (Monday & Friday) you never know who’ll be on stage doing what, but one thing’s for sure: no matter who it is – backed up by Canucks’ fabulous house band – there’ll be a beat to dance to. The music may have you doing the twist, a tango or even the limbo (OK, OK – I’ve yet to see anyone doing the limbo). 2010 welcomed a new event to the weekly schedule of fun (and dancing opportunities): the handsome, talented duo of Oscar and Mary sharing their love of Latin dance every Saturday night with free classes starting at 7:30pm. Learn to salsa, cha-cha and meringue or just watch the dancers smiling, swaying and twirling the night away. The best part is that you can have all this fun and still be home and in bed before most dance places even open their doors! You gotta love that, eh? - MG