Elton John Performs at Surprise Birthday Party in Punta Mita Tom McClain - Behance
go to original September 25, 2012

J Ben Bourgeois Productions, a renowned event planner in Los Angeles, was asked to create a surprise birthday party on the client's undeveloped beachfront property in the exclusive development of Punta Mita, near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

The party would take place in a 6,000 sq/ft authentic palapa on the beach, followed the next night by a dinner at the nearby Four Seasons Hotel and a private concert by Elton John.

Ben turned to Tom McClain for design and construction supervision for the project, which had a five week building timeline.

Sand, not the best foundation for a building.                                A compacted pad was created.

Once the site was prepared wooden poles were set into 7,000 LBS concrete foundations for the clear span structure. The skills to build palapas are handed down through generations. Because many VIP's would be in attendance, it was essential the structure be safe.  Local architect Ernesto Truqui assisted with the logistics.

The finished palapa had restrooms, stage & backstage and a veranda to enjoy the sunset

Meanwhile, because the Four Seasons did not have a large ballroom, a six post aluminum stage roof was built in a hotel courtyard. The structure was only inches smaller than the space.

The structure was completely enclosed and two massive air conditioning units were hoisted of on the hotel roof to cool the new "room."

AC unit going up                                                                            Fully decorated "ballroom"

After dinner a screen lowered and a video for the birthday girl played. Then the back wall opened, revealing Elton John at his piano for a personal concert. A pre-dinner rainstorm caused havoc, killing hotel power and soaking the lighting board. But once cleaned up the show went on to a great success.

                                  Palapa builders: Ernesto's assistant, Tom McClain, Ernesto Truqui

For more information about J Ben Bourgeois Productions, visit their website.