Coming Events

Calendar of Events

Concerts	Live Music
Jun 28 Concert of the percusionist Carlos Camacho with the National Symphony Orchestra. Directed by Marcus Parris. At the National Theater at 6 p.m. Free admittance. Information: alliance@afpanama.org; 223-7376 Jun 30 Concert by singer Jerry Rivera at the Figali Convention Center. Tickets: $15, on sale at Blockbuster. Information: 270-3080. Jun 30 "La Gala Típica", concert of típico music by six of the most renowned musicians of the country like Osvaldo Ayala, Samy & Sandra Sandoval, Los Plumas Negras, Alfredo Escudero and Dorindo Cárdenas. The event will take place at the Atlapa Convention Center at 8 p.m. Cost: $20 with table and $10. Tickets on sale at Blockbuster. Jul 1 Free concert "Concierto pa' Salvar un Barrio" at Urraca Park at 2 p.m., as a protest of the artistic community toward historical building demolishing of the Bella Vista district. Jul 2 Concert by singer Diego Torres at the Anayansi Theater of the Atlapa Convention Center. Tickets: $20, on sale at Blockbuster. Information: 270-3080. Jul 17 "Brazil Guitar" duo in concert at the National Theater at 8 p.m. Information: luvmusic@cableonda.net; 214-7236 Jul. 23 – 28 International Guitar Concert Panama 2007. At MARTA (Reina Torres de Araúz Anthropologic Museum). Information: 501-4000	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 Nights on Thursdays and Fridays at 10 p.m.every week at Bar La Platea, in Casco Antiguo. Information: www.scenaplatea.com, 228-4011
	Expat Events
	(English only/ Sólo en inglés) Every Wednesday Learn to and/or Play Bridge at Siciliano's Restaurant from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. June 29 The Navy League's 1st Annual Benefit Canal Cruise aboard the ACP's Atlas III. Cost: $75 for members; $90 non-members and includes BBQ. Information: 6618-8877; 6633-1156 Jul 3 The "Little Known Museum Tour" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Will visit at minimun 3 museums of Panama City. Cost: $16/ person or $30/ couple; includes transportation and entrance fees. Information and reservations: expatexplorers@expatsinpanama.com Jul 4 BBQ and 4th of July festivity at the Balboa Yacht Club in Amador. The event starts at 12 noon. Lots of food and refreshments, fireworks and a party until late in the evening. Information: american.society.panama@gmail.com Jul. 4 "4th of July Travel Expo & Celebration", organized by the Cultural & Commercial Section of the US Embassy. The event will take place at the Sheraton Hotel Grand Salon, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free Admission. With an opening ceremony, travel information, California wines tasting, live music, travel presents, and an art exhibit by Janet Levi. Information: 207-7000. Jul. 9 Expat Social meeting of the month at Rino's Restaurant. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Information: log on calendar.yahoo.ca/expatsinpanama
Folklore Shows	Theater
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. 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.	(English only) Jul. 12 – 14 & 19 – 21 The Theater Guild of Ancon presents "The Night of the Iguana", directed by Pat Quinn, at 8 p.m. Reservations: 212-0060
	Horse Races
	Jul 1 "Francisco (Pancho) Denis Duran Classic" with $8,000 in 1,700 mts for all three-year-old horses. Information: 217-6060. Races on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays in Presidente Remón race track. Call 217-6060.
Miscelaneous	Sports
Jun 28 Cine Club at the French embassy with the movie "The Tears Game" by Neil Jordan at 8 p.m. Information: alliance@afpanama.org; 223-7376 Jun 28 –29 Seminar "Leadership and People Directing" of the University of Michigan as part of the Leaderhip Program for Experienced Managers. Hotel Sheraton, Panamá. Jun 28 –29 Stephen Covey in Panamá, at the Vasco Nuñez de Balboa Convention Center of The Panama Hotel. He will direct four events, related to leadership, family, and government employees. Information: 264-8899. Jul 1 4th Flea Market at the Cathedral Plaza starting at 9 a.m. Event with culture area, handicrafts sales, historical tours, museums tour, and folkloric displays. Information: 209-6300, 317-1551 Jul. 8 – 14 "Chorus Latin American Festival" with concerts, workshops, and master lectures at different locations in Panama City. Information: 292-0581; 6686-7186; electra_i_castillo@hotmail.com	Jun 30 – Jul 1 The third competition of the 2007 National Surf Circuit at Barqueta Beach, in David, province of Chiriquí. Surfers can compete in categories like Open, female Surfboard, male Bodyboard, Junior and Long Board. Information: 6679-8884; www.eloutside.com Jul 1 New Balance Walk-Race 2007, starting from the Mall Multiplaza Pacific parking lot through 21 Km and 5 Km for the children. Cost: $10 for 21 Km and $5 for 5 Km. Information: 302-5378, www.turismoydeportes.com Jul 7 – 8 Fifth event of the Cerveza Atlas National Car Acceleration Championship, at the Río Hato track. Tickets: $5, VIP: $10. More information: www.panadrag.com Jul 15 Marathon C & W "Support for Teleton 20-30" at Amador. Starts at 7 a.m. Organized by Club Corredores del Istmo. Information: Beby Miró, 6614-8421; Jorge Lombardo, 6612-5715 Jul 15 2nd Triathlon Ironkid Series 2007 of the Triathlon Union of Panama at Clayton Sport City. With categories from 7 to 17 years of age. Information: Allan Baitel 6612-2063, ptyab@c-com.net.pa
Fairs	Outdoors & Extreme Sports
Jun 28 – Jul 1 Expovino 2007 at the Atlapa Convention center from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: $2. With sales of wine glasses, wine tasting, food and delicatessen sampling. Informatin: 232-6814 Jun 29 1st Cultural Fair of Panama's Provinces, organized by the Regional Tourism Course of the INADEH. Starting at 10 a.m. at the 24th of December Community Center's gymnasium, with historical, cultural, traditions and population information of each province of Panama. Information: 295-3726 Jun 29 – Aug/ Ago 5 1st Decoration, Design and Landscaping Exhibit "Casa Cor Panama 2007" on the first story of the former Saint Thomas Hospital, known as the White Elephant. With 39 exhibits, restaurant service and a party salon. Cost: $10. Tuesdays to Fridays from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m. Information: 263-6053; www.casacorpanama.com Jul. 4 "4th of July Travel Expo & Celebration", organized by the Cultural & Commercial Section of the US Embassy. The event will take place at the Sheraton Hotel Grand Salon, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free Admission. With an opening ceremony, travel information, California wines tasting, live music, prizes, and an art exhibit by Janet Levi. Information: 207-7000. Jul. 6 – 8 Convivienda 2007 Fair at the Islas of Atlapa Convention Center, Panama City. Information: www.convivienda.com Jul. 10 – 12 Expo America for Stationery 2007, Salon Vasco Núñez de Balboa of Hotel El Panama, Panama City. Information: www.expoamericadepapeleria.com Jul. 13 – 15 Baby Fair in David, province of Chiriqui. Starting at 1 p.m. at the Don Ramón Salon of the David Fair grounds. More information: www.expoeventos.com.pa Jul. 13 – 15 The Third ExpoCamara 2007 at Atlapa Convention Center, Panama City. Information: www.expocamara.org	Jun 30 – Jul 1 Camping at La Yeguada, province of Veraguas. Organized by Club Excursionistas del Istmo. Cost: $40 and includes transportation, first aid kit and guide. Departure time: 1 p.m. and return: 6 p.m. Information: 6637-0467, club@ceipanama.com Jul 1 Birdwalk for beginners at the Metropolitan Nature Park, starting at 6:30 a.m. Organized by the Audubon Society of Panama. Open to the public in general. Cost: $3 residents, $5 visitors, $2 children under 12 years old. Information: 232-5977, panamaaudubon.org Jul 1 Mountain bike trip "Las Mendozas - Cerro Cama". Organized by BOA Panama (Bikers Off-Road Association). Starts at Las Mendozas (District of Chorrera) going to Cerro Cama using the route of Lagarterita on the outward trip and the back via La Arenosa Information: Bryant Teale, 315-3216; 6617-3928 Jul 8 Mountain bike trip "Rio Chame". Organized by BOA Panama (Bikers Off-Road Association). The trip will require crossing the Chame River three times, with the bicycle on our backs and possibly with water up to the waist. Information: Bryant Teale, 315-3216; 6617-3928 Jul 14 – 15 Hiking through the Coast Route, in Costa Arriba of Colon. Organized by Club Excursionistas del Istmo. A 14 kilometers trip. Information: 6637-0467, club@ceipanama.com Jul 15 Rappel at Altos de Campana National Park. Organized by EcoViajeros. Cost: $45 that includes guide, transportation, refreshments, equipment, training and paramedic. Departure: 7:30 a.m. at Rey Supermarket of El Dorado Mall; Return: 5 p.m. Information: www.ecoviajerospanama.com, 6687-2047, 230-3443

Three hundred voices raised in harmony

Texas chorus is coming to Panama.

More than 300 singers from Costa Rica, Colombia, Belize, Puerto Rico, Cuba, United States, Venezuela and Panama will take part in the Latin-American Festival of Choirs from July 9 to 14.

Panama last hosted this event 21 years ago. The festival will offer workshops, lessons and free concerts.

Electra Castillo, the Choirmaster of Coro Polifónico de Panamá and organizer of the event said the aim is to bring together national and international singers, also to learn new choral techniques and to select the new board of directors of the International Federation of Choirs.

The festival´s program will start with a concert at the National Theater, July 8 at 5:00 p.m.

Calendar of Concerts

July 8: National Theater at 5:00 p.m.
Guests Stars, Polyphonic Choir, Lamar University

July 9: Dome of the Arts Faculty, Curundú near Albrook Mall at 7:00 p.m.
All choirs

July 10: Auditorium del Museo Reina Torres de Araúz in Albrook at 7:00 p.m. Coro Música Viva, Don Bosco, Children´s Choir U.S.A. Richmond.

July 11: Auditorium Ascanio Arosemena in Balboa at 5:00 p.m. Various Choirs.

July 12: Biblioteca Ernesto J. Castillero, Parque Omar at 7:00 p.m. Lamar Choir USA, Chiriquí, Coro Metropolitano de Puerto Rico, Coro Belice, Colón.

July 13: Basílica de Don Bosco, Calidonia at 7:00 p.m. UCR, Costa Rica, Exedra Coro, IUTEP, Venezuela

July 14: Metropolitan Cathedral, Casco Antiguo at 5:00 p.m.
All choirs.

The workshops will begin July 9 and 10 at the University of Panama. The conferences for directors and singers will take place on July 12, 13 and 14 at Curia Metropolitana. Every night of the event there will be free concerts in which national and international choirs will take part.

The Latin-American Festival of Choirs Panama 2007 will be dedicated to the memory of the composer Gonzalo Brenes, creator of unforgettable pieces of Panamanian and Latin-American music. For more information and to register call: 292-0581 or 6686-7181.

To register via e-mail: electra_i_castillo@hotmail.com. The entrance for all the concerts is free.

Las Tablas Festival

Señorita María Victoria Barrios Cedeño. The National Festival of the Pollera will be celebrated in Las Tablas, July 13-22 and playing a starring role will be Señorita Victoria Barrios Cedeño who has been elected Festival Queen.

The celebration starts Friday July 13 with a parade through the a principal streets of the town. During the month the festival will be enlivened with a national violin contest and a Camisilla (shirt) and sombrero contest. The sombrero event will be in two categories, luxury (white or colored) and regular (rush). A good time to chose a new piece of headgear.

Stephen Covey talks about leadership

Stephen Covey, considered one of the 25 most influential people in the United States, will be in Panama on June 28 and 29 to give conferences about leadership.

Covey, author of the bestseller "The seven habits of the highly effective people", will offer three conferences: One about leadership, a conference for families, which seeks to reinforce family values, and a "Prosperity Forum" meant to generate a more solid society.

All conferences will be held at the Vasco Núñez de Balboa Convention Center. For more information call 264-8899.

Diego Torres on the road

Diego Torres continues to conquer the
Latin American market.

Diego Torres is a man of many talents: singer, composer, actor and producer. Now, the Argentinian singer-songwriter is coming to Panama, as part of a tour to promote his latest album, "Andando". The concert will take place July 2 at the Anayansi Theater in Las Islas de Atlapa.

The LP "Andando was produced by the artist and shows an incredible musical growth. It has 13 new songs and the Dominican, Juan Luis Guerra collaborated in the single called, "Abriendo Caminos" in what looks like a duel between the two vocalists. The Spaniard, Joaquín Sabina wrote the lyrics of the song "Por la escalera", especially for Diego´s new album.

According to Torres, inspiration for writing songs comes from things like everyday, happennings, the good, the bad, sadness, death and bad luck. Some melodies start in a hotel room, others working in his studio or during his free time.

"Andando", the song that gives the name to the album and the tour, is one of Torres´favorites because it shows what he sees when he is travelling. He also likes "Hasta Cuando" and "Ay! No te vayas" due to the fact that they give him the opportunity to rap.

The Argentinian will continue his tour of Central America, where he will perform in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and El Salvador. He will travel to Madrid in August and will return to South America in September.

Tour 2007: Monday July 2 at the Anayansi Theater, Las Islas de Atlapa. Tickets sales at Blockbuster from $20.00.

Free concert to fight Bella Vista destruction

Another landmark disappears in Bella Vista.

Music brought down the walls of Jericho but can it save tumbling walls in Bella Vista? Cesar Robles thinks so as he prepares for a free celebrity concert to save the barrio where demolitions of old buildings that gave character and historic significance to the area, go on daily.

Robles is particularly interested in buildings with historic legacies, like the Castillo del Millon which recently fell to the wrecker’s hammer. In an ongoing battle with developers, opposing groups have gone as far as linking arms around buildings facing demolition, like the Mansion Linares on Avenida Balboa, home of a former president.

Their efforts were in vain, and a multi-million dollar apartment building will rise on the now empty site.

Chale Brannan, president of the board of Barrio Bella Vista, and owner of the first home built in the area is an instigator of the concert project which has attracted the support of a large group of artistes .

The concert will be held in Parque Urraca on Sunday July 1, at 2 p.m. and will include performances by: Any Tovar, Priscila Moreno, Luis Arteaga and Manuel Escobar to mention a few.

July a month of national celebrations

Canada´s birthday – July 1

Canada’s national holiday, Canada Day (Fete du Canada) is celebrated by Canadians around the world on July 1. It marks the beginnings of the present form of the country on July 1, 1867, and was previously known as Dominion Day. It is also known as Canada’s birthday.

It will be celebrated in Panama by an event organized by the Canadian Association of Canada on Sunday July 1 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Sunrise Towers, level AS, Calle 53, Obarrio. The tower is behind Dante, Calle 50, next to the office of Coronado es Vida.

Independence Day
July 4

The Americans always celebrate the 4th of July with a big bang. The VFW (Veterans of foreings wars) and the Balboa Yacht Club are sponsoring a big party at this place. There will be a big BBQ starting at 12 noon and continuing after the fireworks at 7:00 p.m. Entrance: $5.00. For tickets contact Thomas Booth 672 09397

The committee “Visit U.S.A.” will host a fair in the Sheraton Hotel to promote tourism to the U.S.A. For information call Miguel Briceño: 265-8092.

Bastille Day
July 14th

The French will be celebrating Bastille Day July 14. The French Embassy has organized a series of events which will include pilgramage to the Paraiso Cemetery to deposit a wreath in memory of those who died during the construction of the Canal.

The Ambassador of France, Pierre Henri Guignard will also deposit a floral offering in Plaza de Francia, in company with Panamanian high funcionaries and special guests.

Religious Festivals

Religious festivals in Panama are essential for its people and culture. These procesions are moving, with hundreds of believers taking part. Here we give you a list of the coming events.

16 July Virgen del Carmen. Macaracas; La Emea (aquatic procession), Guararé; Tres Quebradas, Los Santos district, Los Canelos, Divisa, Herrera Province, Puerto Mutis, Province of Veraguas.

16 July Fiestas patronales de la Virgen del Carmen, Isla de Taboga, (aquatic procession) , Panama, Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro; Jaque, Darien; Isla Grande, Escobal, Colón; Rio Hato and El Harino, Cocle; Pedregal, David. Chiriquí, Calobre, Montijo (aquatic procession), Puerto Mutis, Santiago, Veraguas.

“The Night of the Iguana”

Betsy Ward and Varoon Anand in
rehearsal for the Night of the Iguana.

Ximena Cambefort (left) and Varoon Anand (right) practicing their lines.

The Theatre Guild of Ancon will present its fourth production of the 2007 season The Night of the Iguana, by Tennesse Williams. The play will run July 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 8:00 p.m. Pat Quinn, accomplished screen, TV and stage actress/director, has returned to Panama to bring this drama to the stage. The cast includes Ed Ward, Betsy Ward, Varoon Anand, Theresa M. Apple, Ximena Cambeforte, Charlotte Arnoux, David Savastuk and Maro Guevara.

The Night of the Iguana is the story of people brought together in a 1965 Mexican hillside resort with their conflicting needs, and their resolve to survive beyond the limits of each one´s particular anguish.

The play´s most poignant moments grow out of the understanding of the characters´ mutual needs for companionship and roots and their final surrender to the nobility of nature.

The New York Times described the play as “Tennesse Williams at the top of his form”.