National Concert Asociation

On May 2nd, The National Concert Asociation will present their second concert of the 2006 season at Atlapa Convention Center with a performance by The Imani Wind Quintet.

The Quintet (Valerie Coleman, flute; Marian Adam, Clarinet; Toyin Spellman – Díaz, Oboe; Jeff Scott, French horn; Monica Ellis, bassoon) was founded in 1997. Their object was to exlend the boundaries of traditional wind quintets and explore the links between the musical traditions of Europe, Africa and America.

The name Imani means ‘Faith’ in the Swahili language. In the time they have been together this group of young people with African and Latin American heritage have made their own mark in the world of classical music with their dynamic performances, innovative programs and extensive tours which have taken them all over the United States.

In the 2005-2006 season their tour has included presentations at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver in Canada. They have colaborated with famous artistes such as Rene Marie and Paquito D´Rivera and their second CD was distributed in January 2006.

Their concerts include works of African and Latin American composers adding percussion and folkloric influence to traditional wind quintet material taking their audience on a captivating journey of ethnic and musical diversity.

Expovino

The wine fair, EXPOVINO, the fourth annual event, will take place at Atlapa Convention Center from May 18 to 21. This year the focus is on Spanish wines with participation of 16 Spanish producers. Wineries from Chile, Argentina, California, Italy and France will also have strong representation.

Entrance to the fair costs $2.00. Wine tasting will be offered at $10.00 per glass. All the profits will go to the Fundación San Felipe.

The four-day fair is expected to attract over 17,000 visitors with over 800 different wines represented by companies in Panama. Importers from other Latin and Caribbean countries will be among the visitors.

The organizers of the event are Panama City chefs "Willy" Diggelman, Rafael Ciniglio, Pedro Masoliver and Lydia Samudio who will use Expovino to kick-start Panama's first Restaurant Fair as a combined event. Food and delicatessen sections will enliven the event.

For more information contact Rebeca at 6640-1717 or contact the Vino Club at 265-1381. www.expovino.com

Visitors are invited to celebrate Panama's Black Ethnic Month with a series of activities starting on Sunday, May 7 with a "Gala Cultural and Recognition Banquet & Dance", which will take place at 4:00 p.m. The event has been planned as a grand fiesta featuring Afro-Panamanian folklore performances, music, a fashion show and a wide range of dishes. Donation: $20.00 and $25.00 after May 3.

Panama's Afro community is strong. Present on the Isthmus since the colonial period, the community was strengthened with massive arrivals of laborers from the Caribbean to build the Pana Railroad and the Panama Canal between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries. Their culture, language and foods are now part of every-day Panamanian life and their descendants play key roles in evey aspect of society. The Black Ethnic Month has been observed officially since 2003.

For more information, call 233-5188.

For one hundred years J.M. Barrie´s heart-warming story "Peter Pan" has been delighting children everywhere. Movies, plays, cartoons have all been dedicated to the theme. The latest interpretation is "Peter Pan on Ice" which Panamanians can enjoy at the Figali Convention Center from May 31 to June 4. The thrills of a spectacular ice show, with its colorful costumes and daring leaps and twirls in addition to the well-loved tale should make for an unforgettable event. The show started its world tour in November in France, visiting Russia, Latvia, Poland, Italy, Germany before making its way to Panama, and thence to Chile.

The Napolitan Band (left to right): Alberto Bermudez, Victor Méndez, Enrique Varela.

"Jazz at the Guild" is the title of the next presentation of the Theater Guild in Ancon. Tonight, April 21 at 8p.m. the "Napolitan Band", a group of three talented young musicians will present a nicely blended mix of progressive jazz, fusion and the classics to suit all tastes. The performance is in aid of the "Save the lights fund" which is an on-going endeavour to refurbish the galant old Theater of the Guild which has been and remains the mainstay of English productions in Panama. Refreshments will be offered on the front porch of the theater before the performance. Reservations 212-0060 or 6613-6814

A new book has been published featuring Panama´s National Theatre in San Felipe. It is entitled "Paris in Panama" and is the work of artist/restorer/author Anton Rajer. The bilingual book recounts the arduous work by so many to bring the architectural jewel, which is the National Theatre to its original splendor. Price is $50. The author will be visiting Panama for the inauguration and book signing at the Museo del Arte Contemporaneo on May 9 at 7pm. Tel: Promises 270-7457. e-mail: celluci@cwpanama.net

Tuesday, April 25th – 6:30pm – 8:30p.m.
Registration Night & Happy Hour at Rino´s Restaurant

Rino´s is on the corner of calle 50 & Federico Boyd (the street running between the Miramar Hotel and the white church (El Carmen) on Vía España.

The meeting will be on the small balcony of Rinos to accept registration for upcoming events, chat, have a Happy Hour drink, or a meal. This is a drop in basis, without any pre-arranged meal, but Rino will be offering his Expat Special drink prices. RSVP would be appreciated expatsinpanama.com

April 29/30 or May 6/7
Atlantic Panama Trip Minimum of 7, maximum of 8 required. Respond prior to April 21 (especially if it is the 29/30th).

Depature early Saturday morning heading out to explore the historical town of Portobelo, and its well preserved forts, and the museum, then off in a boat to Isla Grande. Choice of beach, hiking, just lazing around enjoying the scenery, or possibly a boat tour of the area. We´ll explore for the last portion of the day and enjoy a quiet evening on the island (oorrr..maybe not, our choice).

In the morning, we will leave the island by noon to return to the van and a quick stop to view the Black Christ Church as well as the Black Christ robes and view the local flea market. Expect to be back in the city somewhere around 7:30pm on Sunday. Everyone will be resposible for the costs of their own meals & drink (coolers welcome). We need a minimum of 7 people, and have to hold it to a maximum of 8 for this trip. Cost if we have 7 is $110/person ( if willing to share a room), and reduced by $18/person for each additional to the max of 8. Pre-registration and prepayment is a "must", so please come to one of the upcoming registration nights or send a proxy with your funds.

May 4th - 6pm –8:30
Gourmet Cooking School – Session #21

Chef Jennifer is now tackling a topic brought up many times in Panama; knowing how to find and recognize a good cut of beef! With this class, Jennifer will also prepare a succluent steak dinner. Cost $25. per person. Pre-registration and pre-payment is a "must" prior to May 2nd.

Monday, May 8th
Expat Social. Venue to be announced.

May 13th – tentative date
Exploring Coronado & Santa Clara- Beaches and Homes of Pacific Panama!.

Early departure with breakfast at a resort. Choice of remaining at the beach and poolside for the morning and early afternoon, or.....taking a slow, interesting drive around the residential area of Coronado, returning to have lunch with those left to laze. After lunch, we explore the beautiful beach at Santa Clara. Those interested in seeing the residential area will hop on the bus for a quick look around. This is not a real estate tour. Agents will be not allowed to bother you. We are going just to explore!

Tuesday, May 16th
Morning Jungle Walk.

Event Hosts: Richard & Sandra Abell. Wear good walking shoes, bring sun and insect protection.

Note: We are also looking for bridge players interested in starting a group.... please come or write in – we will need to know your ability level as well.

This week-end, starting today Friday April 21, Summit Golf & Resort will host the VI AmCham Golf Tournament – "Golfer and Friend"; the friend in this case being someone who has little or no experience of the game.

Tandas: 4, 6 Y 8 PM
Teléfonos: 264-2737 y 223-9324
Precios: $ 2.00 y $ 1.00 (estudiantes nacionales o extranjeros con carnet)

April 21 – 23
LA SONÁMBULA: MEMORIAS DEL FUTURO (Argentina-Spain, 1998) drama set in 2010 in Argentina, the population has lost their memory. A young woman is under surveillance by the authorities.

April 24 - 27: (4 & 7 pm)
HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE (U.S.A. 2001). In England, the son of two wizards is separated from the family that raised him to enter a witchcraft and magic school.

April 25 (8 pm)
24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE (United Kingdom-France-Holland, 2002), comedy tells of the ascent and fall of the record company Factory Records, that originated famous groups and a disco, that made Machester famous in the 70's. FREE ADMITANCE.

April 28 - 30
THE WISDOM OF CROCODILES (United Kingdom, 1998) drama with Jude Law, Elina Löwensohn, Timothy Spall. A Bulgarian vampire falls in love with the woman of his dreams, but he must fight against his blood thirst

May 2 - 4: (3:30, 6 & 8:30 pm)
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: A.I. (U.S.A. 2001) drama by Steven Spielberg. A robot boy capable of responding and inspiring affection is sent to the home of a couple with a sick son. When the son recovers, problems begin.