Calendar of Events

Full-blown, Broadway-style

Sesame Street live is coming to Panama

Sesame Street Live is coming to Panama! Join Cookie Monster, Elmo and Big Bird among other favorites and sing along to favorite tunes like "Sunny Day", "Old MacDonald", and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star". The Sesame Workshop will present the full-blown Broadway-style "Super Grover Ready for Action" on their Latin American tour which includes stops in Florida, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Peru and here in Panama at Figali Convention Center.

The performances will be in Spanish with themes of healthy eating, sleep and energy, hygiene and how everyone can be a hero.

Sesame Street has won 101 Emmy Awards, the most of any television program in history and has the widest audience recognition as well as the number one preference rating among mothers.

A portion of the proceeds will be dedicated to developing educational programs for children worldwide. Visit www.sesamestreetlive.com.

Performance Schedule

Figali Convention Center at Amador
Friday November 30:
3pm, 7pm
Saturday December 1:
11am, 3pm, 6pm
Sunday December 2:
11am, 3pm, 6pm

Tickets are available at Ticketcenter (Located in Audiofoto Stores) and Felix B. Maduro.

$60 VIP
$40 Preferred Seats
$25 Preferred General
$10 General Admission

Finca La Maya Cultural Center

Romantic dinner, jazz concert at San Carlos

Cutito Larrinaga.

Finca La Maya Cultural Arts & Events Center is presenting a romantic dinner and jazz concert in San Carlos to fund the construction of a new community library. Attendees will enjoy celebrated Panamanian guitarist Cutito Larrinnaga, a national legend, at this special event on December 15 at 4pm.

The buffet will be provided by Chef Glen Gamboa of El Valle's Three Sisters Gourmet International Cooking School. Works by local artists as well as children's creations from Finca La Maya's art classes will be on sale. A prize raffle will also be held.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased:

• In Panama City at Exedra Books 264-4252 or available online at www.exedrabooks.com
• In Coronado at Mailboxes Etc. 6722-8166
• At Finca La Maya's gate on the night of the event.

Proceeds will be used to complete construction of the partially-built children's library, which is in need of walls, windows, and flooring as well as shelves, books and tables. The library is being built next to the classroom at Finca La Maya where locals take advantage of free weekly English and Arts classes. The Finca's goal is to enhance educational and cultural opportunities for local Panamanians.

Finca La Maya is located one hour from Panama City in San Carlos near the Pacific Beaches. Their versatile, light-filled facilities are open to individuals and groups who wish to teach or hold study groups for investigation of a wide range of disciplines. Their hacienda style lodge also offers accommodations for up to 18 people and features air conditioning, pool, horses, gardens and meals prepared with locally grown ingredients. Visit www.fincalamaya.com or call 240-8281 for more information.

Mothers Day concert with Olga Tañón and Gilberto Santa Rosa

A special Panamanian Mother's Day concert will combine two of Latin music's greatest talents, Olga Tañon and Gilberto Santa Rosa, on Friday, December 7th at Figali Convention Center in Amador, one day before the nation actually celebrates Mother's Day. Tickets are available at Video Avenue and Ticket Plus from $26 to $151.

John Mooney & friends

An afternoon of music at Summit Golf & Resort

Saturday December 1st will mark the date for "An Afternoon with John Mooney & Friends", --a music extravaganza~ which will present the best in American Roots and Blues at an afternoon of live music in one of Panama’s most beautiful settings, Summit Golf & Resort.

Presented by DJ Wolff and Summit Golf & Resort, and sponsored by PanamaBlues.com this event features world-renowned blues legend John Mooney who recently received a nomination by the Blues Foundation for "Contemporary Blues Album of the Year" for his latest CD titled "Big Ol’ Fiya". At summit, you can witness first-hand Mooney’s phenomenal ability to simultaneously manage rhythm and lead.

Up-and-coming star, Jon Coleman, a singer, songwriter, and pianist extraordinaire will be performing songs from his forthcoming debut CD titled "Make it Fast". Originally known for his spectacular piano and B-3 playing and fantastic energy, Coleman has recently impressed music industry professionals with his profound songwriting and terrific vocal abilities.

Rounding out the lineup will be Panama’s Kurt & Norman as well as local favorites Shorty & Slim, known for their original feel-good music that will make you laugh, cry and remember the days.

A selection of food and drink will be available from the restaurant.Tickets may be purchased at Summit Golf & Resort or via PanamaBlues by logging on to www.PanamaBlues.com.

For more information call John Wolff at 6-608-1800 (jhwolff@hotmail.com).

Flamenco and Arabian song and dance show at Teatro Abba

El grupo Solera Flamenco con integrantes de España y Panamá.

Enjoy Flamenco and Arabian dance presentations on Dec 14th at 8pm in Teatro Abba. Solera Flamenca presents dance, singing and guitar with Spanish and Panamanian participants and Hathor Danza Arte presents Middle Eastern dancing as well.

Bailes árabes por Sibila González
y Priscila Martínez

The production is under the direction of Carlina Maria, a choreographer and dancer for over 16 years. She studied in Spain and currently teaches flamenco en the former Canal area. Guitarist Fernando Guicciardi has played from Guatemala to Holland during his impressive flamenco career.

Spanish singer Cesar Sepulveda will also share the stage with national dancers Silbia Gonzalez and Priscilla Martinez.

Visit www.flamencopanama.com or call 226-4252 or 6694-3281 for more information.

At Hotel Bristol

Liquidators to hold major auction of Persian carpets

A major international auction of extremely valuable handmade Persian carpets is to be held at the Bristol Hotel, Ave. Aquilino De La Guardia, Panama City on Tuesday December 4. The auction is to be held by order of the Joint Liquidators D.H. Gilbert & S. J. Micheals of BDO Stoy Hayward LL.P for the Oriental carpet distributors Specialised Intermediary Services Ltd (in liquidation). This important liquidation brings a rare opportunity to all investment-savvy Panamanians in a connoisseur market sector that has been notably effected by the global rise in oil prices.

The liquidation of the high value assets of Specialised Intermediary Services Ltd ordered by the Liquidators of BDO Stoy Hayward represents one of the largest receiverships of handmade Persian carpets of recent times.

For over thirty years, Specialised Intermediary Services Ltd was one of the biggest players in the world Oriental carpet market, acting for many major banks, financial institutions, museums, leading department stores and the like, including such famous names as Shell BP, Citibank, AMRO Bank, the Singer Museum, the Altman department store of 5th Avenue New York. The company always enjoyed high profile media attention, its commissions and other aspects covered in influential publications such as the London Sunday Times, The New York Times, the Wall St. Journal, the Economist, the Connoisseur magazine and many others.

Brought about by circumstances entirely outside its normal business activities, the liquidation of the company administered by the BDO Stoy Hayward accountants serves to release a very substantial quantity of exceptionally valuable Oriental carpets under the most propitious acquisition conditions, at a time when the worldwide Oriental carpet market is rising very sharply in tandem with the world price of oil.

With the finest handmade carpets comprising the largest non-oil export of the main producing countries, and the shared geographic and cultural ties of carpets and oil, the historic economic links between the two markets are well-established. And with the recent steep oil-related rise in the price of carpets has come ever increasing improvements in their quality and achievements, to the extent that the recent period is seen by experts as one of the most prestigious in the long history of this ancient luxury craft commodity.

This latter aspect is strikingly illustrated in the superb assemblage of Persian and other handmade Eastern rugs, carpets and runners instructed for urgent disposal at the forthcoming auction. The combination of so many individual examples of such elevated calibre and decorative excellence makes the auction a not-to-be-missed event for all Panamanians who recognise a great buying opportunity. The auction will commence at 7.00 pm, and the collection will be available for public inspection from 5.00 pm on the day of sale.

Further details from:
Mr William Guarin Pulecio
MultiBroker Ltd, Tel: 507-263-7702, mbroker@sinfo.net

Heavy media coverage for 6th annual PanamaRock awards

Celebrating 25 years of national rock, The Sixth Annual PanamaRock Awards will be held in Club Buzz (Punta Pacifica) on Saturday December 2nd. The goal of PanamaRock is to encourage national talent in the music industry and celebrate artists who have succeeded in the international market.

Nominees to the nine categories were selected by PanamaRock with collaboration from industry experts and the winners will be selected by online notarized voting.

Los Rabanes, Cage9, Cienfue, Filtro Medusa, Os Almirantes, Polyphase and David Chuas will perform live.

The event will be covered by MTV Latinoamerica's news division for the second year in a row as well as Rolling Stone Latinoamerica for their fourth year. The event will be broadcast live on RPC TV 4, filmed by Verite Productions' mobile unit. Los 40 Principales (Top 40) radio station will also broadcast live.

International personalities from Mexico, USA, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela and Chile will attend and present awards.

PanamaRock.com was founded in 1995 to promote national rock music around the world, giving local artists a presence on the web where visitors can hear clips of artists and see music videos. Now uniting all Panamanian rock groups in one place, the site is updated daily with releases, news, and show and tour information. PanamaRock.com also plays a key role in representing artists internation-ally and is the exclusive correspondent for Rolling Stone in Panama. They also provide news and music videos to MTV Latinoamerica for Panamanian artists.

The categories are Best Pop Rock Band, Best Punk Rock Band, Best Hard Rock Band, Best Alternative Rock Band, Breakthrough Artiste or Band, Music Video of the Year, Best Solo Artist, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. Special awards will also be given to noteworthy artists as well as the award for most downloads on PanamaRock.com.

Only 10% of tickets are sold to the public for $10 on the day of the event. Attendees must be 18 or older. For more information visit www.panamarock.com, or write tony@panamarock.com.

Dance Spectacular – in and over the streets of Casco Viejo

There will be dancing in the streets in Casco Viejo, the Old Quarter of Panama City but it's not what you think. It is a five day spectacular exhibition of contemporary dance by international dancers, called "Sobre Saltos". Designated as the "First International Contemporary Dance Festival in Urban Spaces of Panama" the event will commemorate San Felipe´s tenth anniversary as a World Heritage Site.

Sobre Saltos will be a five day cultural fest with presentations around Casco Viejo between December 12 - 16. Eight dance companies from France, Spain, Colombia, Venezuela and Panama will contribute to this major event as well as neighborhood youth united to make a special presentation.

"Never before has something like this been organized in Panama" commented Casco Antiguo Office (OCA) director Ariel Espino.

The inauguration Wednesday December 12 in Plaza Herrera at 7pm will feature two international presentations as well as the newest group "Colectivo 10" which is made up of youth from San Felipe, Santa Ana and El Chorillo. Ranging from eight to 25 years, the locals are rehearsing vigorously for their big act.

Saturday December 15 will be a big day with presentations in many different urban spaces from 4 to 10pm. The party atmosphere will be enhanced by special promotions by local restaurants, jazz concerts and crafts sales.

For a full schedule visit: www.sobresaltospanama.com

Participant Dance Companies

Retouramont
One of France´s most celebrated vertical dance companies thrills audiences with their suspended act which defies gravity with flight and impressive movement in unexpected dimensions.

El Colegio del Cuerpo
This contemporary Colombian dance company from Cartagena began in 1997 to inspire young people to participate in dance and has grown to become a full fledged school. They have toured in the US, Europe and in Latin America winning awards and recognition for cultural excellence.

Rayo Malayo
This Spanish dance group has presented 25 shows throughout their 18 years. They are joining forces with Colombian group "Los Olvidados" (The Forgotten) during the festival to present a work about the survival of culture despite poverty and violence. "The spectator is not a mere passive subject and the show is not just an excuse to have a good time" said one of the Spanish dancers.

Six son 6
This Venezuelan dance troop is known for their technical excellence and theatrical interpretation, transmitting carnal emotions with form and movement. Their choreograph-ers have participated in contemporary dance festivals in Spain, Colombia and Cuba.

Analida Galindo / Fernando Hurtado
Analida Galindo is one of Panama´s most celebrated contemporary dancers. She graduated from Teresa Mann School of Dance and continues her studies at New World School of the Arts in Miami. She has invited Spanish dancer and choreographer Fernando Hurtado to join her as her partner for SobreSaltos.

Taller Arte Guiled
Natives of the Kuna Yala comarca began this dance group for Panama City Kuna youth in 1999. "Guiled" means dance in Dule (the Kuna language). The style is a mix of ancestral legacy with the integration of new techniques.

Gramo Danse
An important contemporary dance group and school in Panama, they have performed for more than 25,000 student audiences since 2000. They promise a fusion of aerial and contemporary dance for SobreSaltos.

Christmas concert “Jazz in Bethlehem” at theatre in the Old Quarter

A Christmas concert "Jazz in Bethlehem" is presented in its sixth edition this year at the Teatro Anita Villalaz at Plaza Francia in Casco Viejo, the Old Quarter. Luis Carlos Perez Sextet and Guests will present an evening of jazzy Christmas music on Tuesday, December 4th and Thursday, December 6. The shows will begin at 8pm. Tickets are available at Allegro and El Hombre de la Mancha for $7 or $10.

Panamanian Saxophonist Luis Carlos Perez creates beautiful jazz arrangements incorporating typical Panamanian styles with the accordion, clapping, and gypsy tap. His group brings together some of the best young musicians in the country.

The season for giving

Teleton 20-30, major charity event

The Teleton 20-30 is a televised charitable event held every year around Christmas time to benefit a special cause worthy of charitable donations. This year, all national television stations will transmit a live broadcast from Atlapa Convention Center on Friday December 14th and Saturday December 15th. National and International artists will donate their time performing and encouraging donations. Between sets of reggae, pop, typical or children's music, business, government entities and individuals make appearances and pledge their support to The Teleton.

This year funds will be donated to The Children's Hospital Burn and Intensive Care Unit with inspiration sought and found through this year's symbol child, Jose Cesar Camaño of Colon. He survived a terrible accident where a construction bar pierced his cranium and is alive today thanks to the attention he received at The Children's Hospital.

The Children's Hospital is the only facility in Panama dedicated to pediatric care and is in need of technical improvements for its intensive care unit, burn center, and natal care. Population growth has put a strain on the services provided to children at these facilities. Donations are needed to keep up with the demand.

Commercials only consist of messages from major contributors urging viewers to call in a pledge. Phone donations are made easy and all the banks cooperate so that making a donation direct from an account is simple.

A festive and competitive air surrounds this celebration for the private sector to give back to the community during the holiday season, with companies competing to be the highest donor. The "Club Activo 20 – 30" has been dedicated to meeting a worthy social need with The Teleton since 1981.

Most important salt water competition in Central América

Tropic Star Lodge Fishing Tournament

The Tropic Star Lodge annual Fishing Tournament, the most important salt-water fishing competition in Central America, will take place from November 28 to December 2. Registration is now open for the event.

Eleanor Armstrong, one of the organizers of the annual event points out that there will be more than $75,000 in prizes, among them a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder for the fisherman that bags three marlins, one in each fishing day.

"The tournament also calls attention to the conservation of fish such as marlins, sailfish and swordfish since all fish have to be released back into the ocean. The tournament also benefits conservationist entities and educates on the importance of billed fish," declares Dr. Marco Ostrander, the proprietor.

Beauty and the beast at Bahía Piñas.

Fishing days will begin at 7:00a.m each day, with lines out of the water by 3:00p.m.. Between 80 and 90 Panamanian and international sportsmen are expected to participate and 25 to 30 boats.

Tropic Star Lodge is one of the most famous fishing spots in the world, where the International Game Fish Association has recognized many world records. For more information call (507)232-8375/8379.

Event honors Panama City’s Mayor

National equitation championships ends today

The culmination of the National Equitation Championship will be held today, Friday December 1st in Clayton. International judges will qualify 82 riders from eight years to adults in competition and jumpers will present in non-official categories. This event is important because it will define national standings.

The competition is held in honor of Panama City's mayor, "In recognition of his work and permanent support to sport in the capital, we want to dedicate the last show this year to mayor Juan Carlos Navarro." said Equestrian Organization president Carlos Padron.

SPORTS

Big fights at Duran Gym Saturday

Panamanian Bantamweight Champion
Celestino “Pelenchin” Caballero.

Promociones y Eventos del Istmo will present a boxing marathon on Saturday December 1st, beginning at 3:00 p.m.. at the Roberto Duran Gymnasium. Sixteen fights are on the agenda with boxers from Colombia, Panama, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Venezuela and Argentina.

The main event will be the AMB World Bantamweight, 122lbs fight between the Panamanian World Champion Celestino "Pelenchin" Caballero and the former world champion, the Colombian Mauricio Pastrana.

In another great fight, Roberto "La Araña" Vasquez reappears. He will face Rafael Tirado from Ecuador in the 115lb category. This great boxing event will be televised to Colombia and South Florida.

Young gymnasts compete at Albrook

Gymnastics clubs from around the region will congregate at Miguel A. Rivas gym in Albrook for a competition December 14th and 15th. The event, La Copa International Club Marbella 2007 of Gymnastic Arts, will bring 149 gymnasts ages five to 14 representing nine clubs from Panama, Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Costa Rica to compete for the trophy.

Some activities will be held on December 12th and 13th but the inauguration will be on the 14th at 10am with the presentation of all participants and the Level 2 competition. Saturday the 15th will begin at 9 am with Levels 3 to 9. This is yet another event in the yearly series approved by the Panamanian Gymnast Federa-tion. Miguel A. Rivas Gym is near the Albrook Airport, behind the Supro store.

Second annual Festival of Integral Art at Centro Cultural la Casona

The second annual Festival of Integral Art will be held from December 3rd to the 9th at Centro Cultural la Casona in benefit of infant hunger in San Felipe. Each day will be dedicated to a different style of art, with different artists, chats, expositions and workshops from 10am to 5pm. At night there will be live music and DJs.

Three Sister's Culinary School

El Valle de Anton

The December schedule of classes at the Three Sisters Culinary School at El Valle de Antón is as follows:

Saturday December 1, 9:30am
"French Sauces and Cuisine"
A must-take 101 class for foodies.

Saturday December 8, 9:30
"The Foods of Mexico"
Includes historical content.

Saturday December 15, 9:30
"The History of Chinese Cuisine"
Spice optional!

Write boacon1@sti.net or call 6719-0825