Coming Events

Calendar of Events

Music	Art
November 27 Guitar Recital "Letras de Fuego" (Lyrics of Fire) featuring Jorge Bennette, at Exedra Books' Café on Vía España. He will perform the theme,"El comienzo de una historia (The beginning of a Story)", winner of the Roque Cordero International Composition Contest. 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. More details: info@exedrabooks.com, 264-4259 or 264-3880. Jazz Wednesdays every week at Casa Góngora, Casco Viejo – San Felipe at 8:00 p.m. Information: culturad@municipio-pma.gob.pa, 212-1350. Jazz Thursdays every week at Restaurante Pencas, Amador - Causeway at 8:00 p.m. Information: pencas@pencas.com, 211-3671 Concerts Nov. 21 Concert "Celebrating the Musician's Day" presented by the Junior Music School of INAC. At Teatro Balboa at 7:30 p.m. Donation: $5. Information: 501-4105. Nov. 18 Concert at San Juan Bautista Church of Boquete. With the Poliphonic Chorus & Etnias Group from UNACHI. Cost: $2. Information: 774-7645/ 6618-2929 Nov. 30 "Celebrating with Mozart", a series of arias and oratorios by W.A. Mozart, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra and the "Música Viva" Chorus, at the Balboa Theater, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $10, for saleat the Argosy Bookstore, 223-5344. Nov. 30 Ricardo Arjona in concert, at Figali Convention Center, Amador Causeway. Tickets: $25 at Blockbuster stores. Dec./ Dic. 3 Concert "Christmas with Love", featuring the Music Band of the Pedro Pablo Sánchez School from La Chorrera, at the headquarters of the Lions' Club inLa Chorrera. Cost: Kids $1; adults $3.	From/ Desde Nov. 15 Exhibit of modern art, featuring works byEric Fajardo, Kim Gronborg, Marianne Jorgensen and Joaquín Zaragoza, at the Contemporary Arts Museum. Information: 262-3380 Until/ Hasta Nov. 20 Exhibit "Cóo – Dé" (sol naciente, voz ngöbe) sponsored by Exedrabooks and Casa Cultural Huellas. Presenting the work of artists: Manuel Montilla, Louis Treville Latouche, Cesareo Young, Kermit Nourse. Inauguration at 7:00 p.m. at Exedrabooks, located between Vía España and Vía Brasil. 264-4252, 264-4259 November/Noviembre The exhibition, "Homenaje a mi Patria" by the painter Sheila Lichacz at Museo Antropológico Reina Torres de Araúz. Information: 501-4012
	Spectacles
	Nov. 16 Concert-dinner at Il Boccalino Restaurant at 7 p.m. "Strauss Big Night" with the most beautiful valses of Johann Strauss. Tickets: $30 for sale in Argosy and Exedra bookstores and at Il Boccalino Restaurant. The ticket covers the dinner and the concert. For more information: 6702-0417 November 17-19 Earthdance Tour Panama 2006 at Playa Malibu, Gorgona, district of Chame from 12:30 p.m. onwards Featuring more than 120 national and international artists of electronic, tecno & reggae music, dance, theater, photography and design. Tickets: $40, Pre-sale $30 at Ticketcenter, 279-1010. Information: earthdance2006@gmail.com, 64767224, Marcelo Jimenez Gonzalez –General Producer. Nov. 19 "La Fiesta del Chor y el Chancleta" featuring national music groups. At La Casona in San Felipe at Plaza Herrera. Donation: $3. In aid of Panama beaches. Tickets at El Hombre de la Mancha. Information: www.almanaqueazul.org, 6480-4990 Nov. 21 Almanza & Cerrato presents the Flamenco living legend "Cristina Hoyos with the Andalucia Ballet". Hotel El Panama at 8:00 p.m. Tickets for sale at Argosy Bookstore, 223-5344.
Country Festivals	Folklore Shows
Nov. 25-30 Highlands Fair in Volcan, Chiriquí province. Call IPAT, 226-7000.	Coloful folklore shows at Restaurante "Al Tambor de la Alegría, located at Brisas de Amador, every Thuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 9:00 p.m. Admittance: $10.00 per person. Call: 314-3380. Folklore spectacles from all regions of Panama at Restaurante Tinajas, every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 9:00 p.m. Located on Calle 51, Bella Vista. Call: 263-7890. Every week Folklore dance performances at Mi Pueblito tourist complex, at 6:00 p.m., featuring Hispanic, Afro-Caribbean and Native American dances. The center is located on 4th of July Avenue. Call 228-7154.
Horse Races
Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays At Presidente Remón race track. Call 217-6060.
Theater
Teatre Guild - Ancón Nov. 17-18 "Dear Edwina, " a play presented by the Drama Department of the International School of Panama. Shows: Nov. 16 - 18, 7 p.m.; Nov. 18, 2 p.m. Cost: $5. Information: 266-7862, tapple@isp.edu.pa
Sports
November 19 Friendly soccer match between Panama & Peru at Rommel Fernandez Stadium at 8:00 p.m. Tickets at Ticketcenter, 279-1010. Tickets: $5, pre-sale $3; $10, pre-sale $8. Nov. 24-28 Fishing Tournament Tropic Star 2006 at Bahía Piñas in Tropic Star Lodge facilities. Registration: $750 with 3 fishers máx. per boat. Tel. 232-8379, 232-8375 Dec./Dic. 3 Duatlhon RBK II Series & Ironkid Race, Panama City, Albrook. For adults y IronTeen. Race 6Km, Cycling 32Km, Race 3Km. Kids: race (distances according age). More information contact: Allan Baitel: (507) 6612-2063, eMail: ptyab@c-com.net.pa or visit: www.triathlon.org.pa

City’s Christmas Parade is December 10

A tanned Santa helper.

Juan Carlos Navarro, Mayor of Panama City, recently announced that the capital’s Christmas Parade will take place on Sunday, December 10, at 3:30 p.m. As usual, it will start at Parque Urracá, on Avenida Balboa, continuing through Avenida Aquilino de La Guardia and Calle 50, ending near the intersection of Vía Porras, in San Francisco. The 5.6-kilometer route will be patrolled by hundreds of Police officers and medical emergency personnel. There will be many food vending stands and other facilities along the route.

The city’s Christmas Parade tradition started in the 1990’s, but has nothing to envy similar events taking place in northern countries. School bands, and religious and civic institutions will take part in the event, in addition to masterfully-designed floats commissioned by private companies. Thousands of underprivileged children from distant parts of the greater Panama City area and the interior provinces will be treated as guests of honor of the city, and will be entertained with parties hosted by the Mayor’s office and local families.

A fair for "party animals" at Atlapa

Party time!

Party enthusiasts will have a blast with "Feria de la Rumba" –a three-day festival of dance, music and games at Atlapa Convention Center which ends on Saturday, November 18.

The event features three stages: one dedicated to Reggae, Salsa and Rock music where a long list of Panamanian entertainers will perform; an area dedicated to DJs and electronic music, and an entire section of bars, and restaurants. A number of famous international DJs will take part in the fair, including "Youman" (U.S.) and “Portia Surreal”.

The "Miss Reef" bathing suit contest will take place during the fair, hosted by well-known Panamanian TV celebrities.

Tickets for sale at all Blockbuster video rental stores and cost $25.00 (VIP). Regular tickets cost between $10.00 and $12.00.

CINE UNIVERSITARIO
Alternative Cinema NOVEMBER 2006
PRESENTATIONS: 4, 6 & 8 PM TEL: 264-2737 & 223-9324 PRICES: $ 2.00 & $ 1.00
Nov. 17 - 19 THE TWO ENGLISH WOMEN AND THE CONTINENT (LES DEUX ANGLISES ET LE CONTINENT) (France 1971), with Jean-Pierre Leaud, Kika Markham, Stacey Tendeter, Philippe Leotard. At the turn of the 20th century, Claude, a young French writer meets a British woman in Paris. She invites him to spend vacations in England and there he meets her younger sister. A love triangle arises between the three. 108’ (B+) LAS DOS INGLESAS Y EL CONTINENTE (LES DEUX ANGLISES ET LE CONTINENT) (Francia 1971), con Jean-Pierre Leaud, Kika Markham, Stacey Tendeter, Philippe Leotard. A comienzos del siglo XX, Claude, un joven escritor francés, conoce en París a una chica británica. La joven lo invita a pasar unas vacaciones en Inglaterra y es allí donde conoce a su hermana pequeña. Entre los tres surge un triángulo amoroso. 108’ (B+) A tribute to the International School of Cinema and TV of San Antonio de Los Baños, Cuba/ Homenaje a La Escuela Internacional de Cine y Televisión de San Antonio de Los Baños, Cuba Nov. 20 REGRESSION; Director: Basilio García (Cuba), 1992, fiction. With Jorge Perugorría, Tania Ceballos, Francisco Gattorno. 7’. THE MARTIAN INVADER, 36 YEARS LATER; Directed by Wolney Oliveira (Brazil), 1989, documentary. 13’. TEARS AT BREAKFAST; Directed by Carlos Walter Rojas (Colombia), 1989, fiction. With Daisy Granados, Edgar Soberón Torchia, Carlos Walter Rojas, Benjamín Jiménez. 13’. ERNEST, MY FRIEND; Directed by. Jakov Dakovc (Yugoslavia), 1998, documentary. 12’. THE LAST CARRIAGE; Directed by Osvaldo Daicich (Argentina), 2001, fiction. With José Antonio Rodríguez, Carlos Alberto Fernández, Paula Alí. 26’. THE ONES LEFT BEHIND; Directed by Benito Zambrano (España), 1993, documentary. 26’. AT THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SEA; Directed by: Patricia Ortega (Venezuela), 2005, fiction. With Blanca Castellano, Carla Colina, María Carolina Salas, José A. Toledano. 12’. Total lenght: 109’ REGRESIÓN; Dir. Basilio García (Cuba), 1992, ficción. Con Jorge Perugorría, Tania Ceballos, Francisco Gattorno. 7’. EL INVASOR MARCIANO 36 AÑOS DESPUÉS; Dir. Wolney Oliveira (Brasil), 1989, documental. 13’. LÁGRIMAS AL DESAYUNO; Dir. Carlos Walter Rojas (Colombia), 1989, ficción. Con Daisy Granados, Edgar Soberón Torchia, Carlos Walter Rojas, Benjamín Jiménez. 13’. ERNESTO, MI AMIGO; Dir. Jakov Dakovc (Yugoslavia), 1998, documental. 12’. EL ÚLTIMO VAGÓN; Dir. Osvaldo Daicich (Argentina), 2001, ficción. Con José Antonio Rodríguez, Carlos Alberto Fernández, Paula Alí. 26’. LOS QUE SE QUEDARON; Dir. Benito Zambrano (España), 1993, documental. 26’. AL OTRO LADO DEL MAR; Dir. Patricia Ortega (Venezuela), 2005, ficción. Con Blanca Castellano, Carla Colina, María Carolina Salas, José A. Toledano. 12’. Duración total: 109’ Nov. 21 BELEN NEIGHBORHOOD, Directed by Marité Ugás (Peru), 1988, documentary. 16’. CAGED DARK RHINOCEROS (IN FASHION), Dir. Juan Carlos Cremata (Cuba), 1990, fiction. With Paula Alí, Elién Martínez, Sandra Ibarra. 18’. HAVANA CIGAR, Directed by Daniel Rocha (Brazil), 1999, fiction. With Miguel Benavídes, Jorge Prieto, Maiquelin Quintero. 10’. DISCODECADE, Directed by Natalia Cabral (Dominican Republic), 2005, documentary. 12’. SHELLS, Directed by Mariana Rondón (Venezuela), 1990, fiction. With María Elena Diardes, Andrés Viera, Lázaro Núñez. 14’. JOSE MANUEL, THE MULE AND THE TELEVISION, Directed by Elsa Cornevin (France), 2003, documentary. 14’. PISCES, Dir. Paola Castillo (Chile), 1994, fiction. With Thais Valdés, Rolando Tarajano, Verónica Lynn. 25’. Total lenght: 109’ BARRIO BELÉN, Dir. Marité Ugás (Perú), 1988, documental. 16’. OSCUROS RINOCERONTES ENJAULADOS (MUY A LA MODA), Dir. Juan Carlos Cremata (Cuba), 1990, ficción. Con Paula Alí, Elién Martínez, Sandra Ibarra. 18’. HABANO, Dir. Daniel Rocha (Brasil), 1999, ficción. Con Miguel Benavídes, Jorge Prieto, Maiquelin Quintero. 10’. DISCODÉCADA, Dir. Natalia Cabral (República Dominicana), 2005, documental. 12’. CÁSCARAS, Dir. Mariana Rondón (Venezuela), 1990, ficción. Con María Elena Diardes, Andrés Viera, Lázaro Núñez. 14’. JOSÉ MANUEL, LA MULA Y EL TELEVISOR, Dir. Elsa Cornevin (Francia), 2003, documental. 14’. PISCIS, Dir. Paola Castillo (Chile), 1994, ficción. Con Thais Valdés, Rolando Tarajano, Verónica Lynn. 25’. Duración total: 109’	Nov. 21 Only 8 pm: CINESPACIO PRESENTS (call to confirm movie) Free admittance. Sólo 8 pm: CINESPACIO PRESENTA (llamar para confirmar película) Entrada gratis. Nov. 22 MOLINA’S FAULT, Directed by Jorge Molina (Cuba), 1993, fiction. With Luis Enrique Roldán, Idalmis del Risco, Jorge Molina. 18’. SONATA FOR ARCADIO, Directed by Fernando Timossi (Cuba), 1989, documentary. 17’. THE DAMMED CIRCUSTANCE, Directed by Eduardo Eimil (Cuba), 2002, fiction. With Mario Guerra, Natasha Díaz, Esther Cardoso. 11’. THE SKY AND THE GROUND, Directed by Marcos Pimentel (Brazil), 2004, documentary. 26’. PEOPLE THAT CRY INC., Directed by Hatem Khraiche Ruiz-Zorrilla (Spain), 2001, fiction. With Mirta Ibarra, Luis Alberto García, Corina Mestre. 16’. HOUSES ON THE SCREEN, Directed by Nelson Oyarzúa (Chile), 2004, documentary. 10’. MOLINA’S SOLARIS, Directed by Jorge Molina (Cuba), 2006, fiction. With Ricardo Becerra, Juliet Cruz. 26’. Total lenght: 124’ MOLINA’S CULPA, Dir Jorge Molina (Cuba), 1993, ficción. Con Luis Enrique Roldán, Idalmis del Risco, Jorge Molina. 18’. SONATA PARA ARCADIO, Dir. Fernando Timossi (Cuba), 1989, documental. 17’. LA MALDITA CIRCUNSTANCIA, Dir. Eduardo Eimil (Cuba), 2002, ficción. Con Mario Guerra, Natasha Díaz, Esther Cardoso. 11’. EL SUELO Y EL CIELO, Dir. Marcos Pimentel (Brasil), 2004, documental. 26’. GENTE QUE LLORA S.A., Dir. Hatem Khraiche Ruiz-Zorrilla (España), 2001, ficción. Con Mirta Ibarra, Luis Alberto García, Corina Mestre. 16’. CASAS EN LA PANTALLA, Dir. Nelson Oyarzúa (Chile), 2004, documental. 10’. MOLINA’S SOLARIS, Dir. Jorge Molina (Cuba), 2006, ficción. Con Ricardo Becerra, Juliet Cruz. 26’. Duración total: 124’ CUBAN CINEMA/ MUESTRA DE CINE CUBANO Nov. 23 (4:00 & 7:30 pm) ENTRE CICLONES (Cuba/Spain/France 2003), Comedy drama by Enrique Colina, with Mijail Mulkay, Mario Balmaceda, Indira Valdés, Klara Badiola. The film was selected for Critics' Week at Cannes. 82’ ENTRE CICLONES (Cuba/España/Francia 2003), comedia dramática de Enrique Colina, con Mijail Mulkay, Mario Balmaceda, Indira Valdés, Klara Badiola. El filme fue seleccionado para la exigente Semana de la Crítica en Cannes. 82’ The documentary, ON THE SLOPES OF THE HIMALAYAS (Cuba 2006), by Roberto Chile. 36’ El documental EN LAS LADERAS DEL HIMALAYA (Cuba 2006), de Roberto Chile. 36’ Nov. 24 - 26: (3:50, 6 y 8:10 pm) THE BENNY (Cuba/U.K./Spain 2006), drama by Jorge Luis Sánchez, with Renny Arozarena, Enrique Molina, Carlos Ever Fonseca, Isabel Santos, Salvador Wood. Biographical film about Benny Moré, starting from 1952 when he left his first band to create his own, his rise to fame, decline and death. EL BENNY (Cuba/Reino Unido/España 2006), drama de Jorge Luis Sánchez, con Renny Arozarena, Enrique Molina, Carlos Ever Fonseca, Isabel Santos, Salvador Wood. Filme biográfico sobre el mítico Benny Moré, cuyo recuento parte en 1952 cuándo este rompe con su orquesta habitual para crear su propia formación musical, pasando por su llegada a la fama y su posterior declive y muerte. 132’ Nov. 27 & 29 FRAGRANT OAK (Cuba/ Spain/France 2003), drama by Rigoberto López, with Jorge Perugorría, Lía Chapman, Raquel Rubí. During the first-half of the 19th century a beautiful Black woman and a German merchant engage in a passionate love story, resulting in the creation of Cuba's most delicious coffee. Angerona. 120’ ROBLE DE OLOR (Cuba/España/Francia 2003), drama de Rigoberto López, con Jorge Perugorría, Lía Chapman, Raquel Rubí. Durante la primera mitad del siglo XIX una hermosa mujer negra y un comerciante alemán recién llegado a la isla, protagonizan una apasionada historia de amor que hizo fructificar el cafetal más rico de Cuba: Angerona. Premios Vigía y de la Cinematografía Educativa en La Habana. 120’ Nov. 28 CLOSED/ CERRADO Nov. 30 & Dec./Dic. 1 (3:45, 6 & 8:15 pm) PAGES FROM MAURICE'S DIARY (Cuba 2006), drama by Manuel Pérez.

The Zapadora Show in Panama City

The Zapadora's owners, Dianne Heidke and Tom Bate.

The Zapadora, a unique antique restoration shop and boutique based in Potrerillos, Chiriquí, is displaying part of its collection at Panama City's Old Quarter (Calle Primera, across from Plate and S'cena) until Saturday, November 18.

The Zapadora (an old Spanish word that roughly translates as ‘pioneer’) is dedicated to bringing unique, authentic, architectural pieces to Panama and is the joint business venture of designers and artists Tom Bate from New Orleans, USA, and Dianne Heidke, of Brisbane, Australia.

In its warehouse in Potrerillos Abajo, The Zapadora has antique doors and windows from the middle of the 19th century to the 1920's and beyond. Some of the doors are over 12 feet high, and range in style from French , Islamic, Colonial, Deco, Continental, and more. The Zapadora also has a large range of shutters, wrought iron, decorative period tile, Mother of Pearl and Morrocan furniture, Arabesque screens and unusual lighting.

Tom and Dianne (at The Zapadora) can be contacted at thezapadora@yahoo.com or telephones : 6716-8861 or 6527-584 respectively.

Christmas arrives at The Theatre Guild

The Christmas Spirit will invade the Theatre Guild of Ancon on December 14, as it opens its Christmas show: LIVE AT STATION XMAS. Written by Theresa Apple and directed by Charles Todd Apple, the story is about a 1940's radio program that goes up to the North Pole to interview Santa Claus on the eve of his famous trip around the world only to find that the workshop is filled with unhappy elves and a Santa who isn't "all-together." Despite of this, the program goes on as scheduled with music and interviews while it's discovered that the discontented elves have taken Mrs. Claus hostage for a half-million in cash and a plane to Rio -- all for better working conditions and a salary! The Christmas Spirit appears and is determined to make everything right through her devotion to the Season and her great ability to party! In the end, The Christmas Spirit comes up with a solution that satisfies everyone and allows Christmas to go on as scheduled. This show was originally performed as part of a USO Tour in Okinawa, Japan, and has also been performed in West Africa and in Virginia.

The play opens December 14, with shows on December 15,16, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. There will be a matinee on Saturday, December 16 at 2:00 p.m. Donation: $10.00

For tickets and reservation information, please call 212-0060.

Concert in Boquete

A concert, featuring the "Coro Polifónico Universitario" choir and the "Etnias" ensemble, has been organized this weekend at Boquete's San Juan Bautista church. It will take place on Saturday, November 18, at 7:30 p.m.

Established in 1997, the choir has represented Panama in a number of international events. Directed by Prof. Wanda Castillo, the ensemble is a member of the Choir Federation of Central America and the Caribbean (FCCC.)

The Etnias ensemble, also directed by Prof. Castillo, is a musical tribute to Panama's rich ethnic diversity. Established in 2005, it specializes in Fusion Jazz and instrumental pieces.

The cost of the tickets is $2.00. For details, call: 774-7645, 6618-2929.

Santa Rosa, "Gran Combo", to perform at Figali

El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.

Two of the top tropical music stars of all time, "El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico" and salsa singer Gilberto Santa Rosa, will offer a grand dance concert at Figali Convention Center on December 7.

Besides spreading the catchy, sensual rhythms of salsa around the world, Gilberto Santa Rosa and "El Gran Combo" have a lot in common. The "Gran Combo" was established in Puerto Rico in 1962 –the same year and place Santa Rosa was born. Their concert in Panama is a rare opportunity salsa enthusiasts have to see both artists performing on the same stage.

Tickets ($25.00) will soon be available at all Video Avenue stores.

Gilberto Santa Rosa.

Concert:

"Celebrating with Mozart"

W. A. Mozart.

The "Musica Viva" choir and the Panama Symphony Orchestra will join forces this month in "Celebrating with Mozart", a performance featuring oratorios, arias and other works by the world-renowned composer, whose 250th anniversary is celebrated this year. It is scheduled for Thursday, November 30, at the Balboa Theater, at 6:30 p.m. Admittance is $10.00.

Directed by maestro Jorge Ledezma Bradley, both ensembles frequently share the same stage, offering performances in select locations like the National Theater, or humble churches and schools around the country.

For more information, call: 223-5344

Art exhibit depicts the pain and optimism of sexual abuse survivors

Painting by Marta Sánchez.

Visitors are invited to the exhibit "Renovando un Cielo Fragmentado" ("Renewing a Fragmented Sky"), by Panamanian painter Marta Sánchez, at La Novena Restaurant and Chocolate Store on Vía Argentina, across from Happy Copy.

Although this is her debut in Panama, her native country, Sánchez has successfully exhibited her works throughout the United States, including California, Georgia, Illinois, Massachussets, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Texas and Virginia, in addition to Croatia and Honduras.

The exhibit depicts a thorny subject: sexual violence and abuse, a tragedy which has directly affected the life of the artist. The purpose of the exhibit is to touch the subject in an objective and direct manner. However, the warm colors and beautiful figures of her paintings are also clear depictions of optimism.

The artist, who is celebrating her 28th birthday this month, will present at La Novena on November 25, from 6:00 p.m. To 8:00 p.m.