Rap, pop and soul:

This famous rap/pop ensemble is based in Los Angeles.

The Black-Eyed-Peas, perhaps the most internationally-acclaimed U.S. Rap ensemble of recent times, will offer a concert in Panama City November 22 at Figali Convention Center, in Amador.

Founded in Los Angeles in the early 1990's, The-Black-Eyed-Peas was first known as the Atban Klann, a "Gangsta Rap" group led by "Eazy-E." Changing the tough, often violent nature of its lyrics, the group changed its name to "The Black-Eyed-Peas" in 1995 after the death of its founder, and soon started to climb the charts, not only in the U.S., but also in Europe and Asia.

The group's powerful anti-war "anthem," "Where is the Love", became the biggest-selling single in the U.K in 2003, as well as in France and Germany. Another song, "Let's Get Retarded" was restyled as "Let's Get it Started" for an NBA Finals worldwide commercial. New, less offensive, lyrics gave the tune a basketball theme, as opposed to the original's theme dealing with getting heavily intoxicated and partying, and the spot featured Carlos Santana. The revised song had great success as a single, particularly on the iTunes Internet music service.

Tickets for sale at all Blockbuster video rental stores.

Get ready to shout aloud! Puerto Rican-born Enrique José Martín Morales (a.k.a. Ricky Martin,) who has captivated millions around the world with his hit "Livin’ la Vida Loca", has included Panama in his current international tour. Everything is ready for his concert, scheduled November 23 at Las Islas Theater of Atlapa Convention Center.

With over 55 million records sold worldwide and a career spanning two decades, Ricky Martin has found his niche in the history of entertainment, forever changing the world’s perception about Latin music. His most recent album, Life, was released on October 11 of this year.

The new album includes the singles, "I Don’t Care", written and produced by Sean Garrett and Scott Storch.

Panama will be one of the first countries of his world tour, which will take him through Latin America, the United States and Europe by 2007.

The group was nominated to a Latin Grammy in 2002.

Tropical-music enthusiasts will have a "blast" with Orquesta Aragón, one of Cuba’s most prestigious ensembles. The performance will take place on Friday, December 2, at Hotel Plaza Paitilla Inn, at 9:00 p.m.

Orquesta Aragón’s long string of successes started in 1939 in the city of Cienfuegos. Founded by Loyola and Orestes Aragón, the group became an international sensation in during the 1950’s, when it traveled to Panama, Venezuela, Guatemala and the United States. The popularity of the group was such that by 1978, it was able to gather thousands of fans at Palacio del Deporte and Teatro Margo in Mexico City. Orquesta Aragón has performed in over 60 countries and has recorded 500 songs in 75 albums.

Tickets cost $25.00 (pre-sale) and $30.00 on the night of the event. For reservations, call: 208-0600.

Spending Thanksgiving Day in Panama? There is no need to stay in your hotel room. Hotel Caesar Park, located in San Francisco, across from Atlapa Convention Center, will have a grand, buffet-style turkey dinner on Thursday, November 24 ($21.95 + tax per person). For reservations, call: 270-0477.

Another option for this holiday is at Hotel Miramar, located on the city’s bay front on Avenida Balboa, which will offer a Thanksgiving lunch and dinner at the Bay View Restaurant. Guests will receive a complimentary glass of wine. Call: 214-1000.

Guitar Concert:

Panamanian guitar performer Cutito Larrinaga will offer a romantic concert on Tuesday, November 22 at Discoteca Mansión, located on Calle 50, at 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $30.00. For reservations, call: 215-1581/82.

Grease!, the world-famous musical about youth, love and the 1950’s, will be presented by the students of Colegio Episcopal San Cristobal November 22-23 at the Ascanio Arosemena Auditorium (former Balboa High School), in the neighborhood of Balboa.

Directed by Andrés Holder, the cast of the play includes Surush Sabet, Angel Sing, Reynaldo Cernuda, Juan Ramon Montero, Adrián Montero, Wendys Guardia, Paola Pérez, Ilda Mason, Nitzia Ruiz and Adriana Flores.

Shows are at 7:00 p.m. and tickets cost $7.00. For details, call: 224-4556.

Part of the play's crew. From left to right: Robert Spratt, Alexanndra Bueno, Graciela Arango, Monique Sanchiz, and Stefano Alessi.

Theater enthusiasts are getting into the Christmas mood with the performance of Dan Googin's "Sor Cascanueces" (The Nun Cracker), which will run November 9-December 7.

Directed by Panamanian theater master Bruce Quinn, the cast of the play includes Any Tovar, Cristina de la Fuente, Janelle Davidson, Cheli de Boyd, Victoria Greco, Felix Gómez and a choir of six children.

Shows are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 4:00 p.m. For reservations and more information, call 261-5375 or 261-5259.