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VOL. 13 #26 -- Dec./ Dic. 14 - 27, 2007
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Calendar of Events

Concerts

Miscelaneous

Nov. 30

"Fusion Unplugged" concert by the duet D40 formed by Aldo Bettini and Lucho González. At El Callejón of Il Boccalino restaurant, at 10 p.m. Cost: $5 Information: 223-8521; 223-8531

Dec. 1

Music extravanganza with John Mooney and friends at Summit Golf & Resort from 4 p.m. until midnight. Performing the best American "Roots and Blues". Cost: $25, $40. Information: 232-4657

Dec. 4 & 6

Sixth "Jazz en Belén" Christmas concert, featuring Luis Carlos Pérez Sextet and invited friends. At the Anita Villalaz Theater, at the Casco Viejo. Tickets: $7 and $10, on sale at Allegro and El Hombre de la Mancha. Information: 501-4942

Dec. 5

Rock group "Cage 9" in concert at the Buzz Discotheque, with the participation of the bands Filtro Medusa, Polyphase, MD and Gargage. Tickets: $10 and $15, on sale at CD Place of Audifoto stores.

Dec. 5

Concert of the University's Philharmonic Orchestra at the tower of Panama Viejo's Cathedral at 8 p.m. Cost: $10, on sale at the offices of Patronato Panamá Viejo. Information: 226-8915; 226-9364

Dec. 5

Cutito Larrinaga in concert, at the Grand Colonial Salon of Bristol Hotel at 7 p.m. Tickets: $50. Information: 269-0951; 269-4141; 6612-6358

Dec. 7

Olga Tañón and Wilfrido Vargas in concert, celebrating Mothers' Day in Panama. At the Figali Convention Center, at 8 p.m. Tickets: $25, $40, $75, and $100, on sale at Video Avenue stores.

Dec. 27

Jazz and Gospel show at the Paradise Banquet Hall in Obarrio, Panama City. Featuring Dino Nugent and Ricky Staples. Cost: $20, on sale at Exedra Books and Librería Argosy. Information: 391-5188; 6624-1287;
sugiex@cwpanama.net

Nov. 28 – Dec. 2

Central American Black Organizations annual meeting at the University of Panama, Panama City. Information: southcaucus@aol.com

Nov. 28 – Dec. 1

30th Latin American and Caribbean Pharmacy Congress at the Panamá Hotel. Organized by the National Pharmaceutical Association of Panama.
Information: www.congresospanama.org

Dec. 2

Sixth Annual PanamaRock Awards in Club Buzz (Punta Pacifica), featuring nominations of best Panamanian rock artists and live performances. Tickets: $10.
Information: www.panamarock.com;
tony@panamarock.com

Dec. 2

"Rastro en Plaza Catedral", flea market at the Cathedral Plaza starting at 9 a.m. Event with culture area, handicrafts sales, historical tours, museums tour, and folkloric spectacles. Information: 209-6300

Dec. 6 – 9

Chinese commercial exhibit, at the Atlapa Convention Center, starting at 7 p.m. With cars, motorcycles, electrical appliances, machinery, handicrafts, textiles and more. Information: 526-7000

Dec. 13 – 14

First Congress PanamaJUG 2007 at the Hotel Versalles, in Chitre. For programmers and people interested in JAVA computer programming language.
Information: www.panamajug.org

Dec. 19

"Interactive Night", from 6 p.m. to 12 m.n. at Siete Mares restaurant. Ladies and gentle-men over 40 years. Interactive night with doctors with open consultation and questions and answers, pressure check, music of bolero. Cost: $30 includes dinner. Organized by SocialClubVIP & Radio best known as FamiliClub. Information and reservations: 260-7529; www.familiclubpanama.com

Horse Races

Races on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays in Presidente Remón race track. Call 217-6060.

Folklore Shows

Live Music

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.

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: 228-4011, www.scenaplatea.com

Cine Universitario

Closed in December for restorations and holidays.

Art

Expat Events

Permanent Exhibition

The artist Jean Francois Provost exhibits his work at Weil Art gallery located in 48 Street, Bella Vista (beneath Eurasia). Pieces change every month. Information: 264-9697

Until Nov. 30

Exhibit by 16 local artists, at Diablo Rosso and Casa Cultural Huellas, inspired by Reebok Freestyle running shoes. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of this sport's shoe model. Information: 265-8703

Dec. 3 – 9

Integral Art International Festival, at La Casona, in Plaza Herrera, San Felipe. Lectures, workshops and exhibits from many artists from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Live music and Djs at night. Information: 211-0740

Dec. 4 – 18

Collective exhibit "Anagnorisis", featuring paintings of 15 artists. At the Casa Cultural Huellas in Calle 1ra, El Carmen. Information: 265-8703

Until Dec. 7

Painting exhibit by the Panamanian artist Gabriela Batista entitled "En el Silencio (In the Silence)" at the Arlene Lachman gallery. Information: 264-5257

Dec. 17 – 31

Grupo Meylem's art exhibit "Sight of the Future", at the Sheraton Hotel. Open from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Information: 226-4077

Information: expatexplorers@expatsinpanama.com

Every Tuesday

Learn and/or Play Bridge at Siciliano's Restaurant from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 7

6th Annual British Ball at the Miramar Hotel. Tickets: $75 per person. Organized by the British Embassy. Information:
maurahetheringto@hotmail.com; jacquebeer@fco.gov.uk

Dec. 10

Expat Happy Hour at Siciliano's Restaurant. From 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Information:
www.expatsinpanama.com

Dec. 13

Amsoc Christmas party at the Embassy residence from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Information: www.amsoc.org;
american.society.panama@gmail.com

Fairs

Dec. 9

Christmas' Expo-Miracle 2007 at the Atlapa Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. With Christmas arrangements, fashion accessories, toys, handicrafts and decorative items. Cost: $2.50. Information: 225-9416;
expomilagrodenavidad@hotmail.com

Parades

Dec. 9

Panama City's Christmas parade with more than 30 marching bands and floats. The route of the parade starts at the Urraca Park (3:30 p.m.) through Calle 50, finishing at the intersection of Cincuentenario and Porras Avenues.

Regular Courses

Falun Dafa, free exercises at Parque Omar every day from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Information:
www.falundafa.org/eng/index.htm

Traditional Japanese Martial Arts classes.Karate-do M&W, 6 p.m., Ciudad del Saber. Kenjutsu T&Th, 4 p.m., Clínicas América (Vía España). Information: Kevin, 6766-4886.

Drawing and painting workshops at Casa Cultural Huellas located in El Carmen, 1st street. Cost: $40 per month. From Mondays to Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. 265-8703.

Guitar classes on Saturdays from 10 to 11 a.m. and Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. at Casa Cultural Huellas located in El Carmen, 1st street. Cost: $40 per month. 265-8703.

Karate academy of Sensei Arturo Worrell invites you to their courses of Karate from Mondays to Saturdays. At Kumaris building, ground floor. 236-3592.

Pizza with Tango at Pizza Piola. The Argentinian Tango Academy invites you to their classes every Thursday with teacher Rapul Sejas. Learn to dance and enjoy a nice evening. Information: 263-4668

Yoga in the morning. Hatha yoga classes every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. 265-2489; panamayoga@hotmail.com

Yoga for pregnants women every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Fundación El Arte de Vivir. 226-5139 or 673-4546

Tai Chi courses for retirees, every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 to 9 a.m.; Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. for all ages. 263-5602

Aikido Classes on Saturdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Asociación Cultural Nueva Acrópolis. Registration: $10, cost: $30 per month. 263-5602

Water aerobic classes on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8 a.m. At the Educational Center of San Antonio, in Villa Cáceres. 277-5089, yroquebert05@hotmail.com

Outdoors & Extreme Sports

Nov. 29 – Dec. 2

Eco-trip to Coiba National Park. Three days of adventure and activities like snorkeling, visits to the old prison, and animal-watching. Organized by the Club Excursionistas del Istmo. Cost: $199 per person; retirees and children under 10, 25% discount. Information: 6637-0467; club@ceipanama.com;
www.ceipanama.com

Dec. 2

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

Dec. 16

Tour to Barro Colorado.
Information: 6687-2047; 6668-0222;
info@ecoviajerospanama.com

Teatro

Teatro La Quadra
Hasta Dic. 2

"Las Alegres Comadres", comedia de humor picante dirigida por Gabriel Perez Matteo, con las actuaciones de Ceila González, Alicia Alonso, Rodrigo Farrugia, Edgardo Molino García, Loriela Gómez, Dídimo Cerrud y Rogelio Bustamante. Información: 214-3695; info@tetaroquadra.com.

Dic. 11 – Ene 6

"El Soldadito de Plomo", obra infantil dirigida por Agustín Clément, basada en el cuento de Hans Christian Andersen, con las actuaciones de Ludwik Tapia, Yimara Pérez Royko, Luis Gustavo Macías, Juanxo Villaverde, Maryelín Barahona, José Luis Ortíz y Miriam Lee; los jovenes actores Diego de Obaldía, Robert de Luca, Mónica Gornchi y Melanie Saez, los niños actores Juan David Valdés, Juan Pablo de Icaza, Bruno Hammerschlag y Alonso Correa; y Ricardo Martino como Ratatata. Información: 6611-8800/ 6615-7826;
info@agustinclement.com

Spectacles

Sports

Nov. 30 - Dec. 2

Sesame Street Live! With their latest production "Super Grover Ready for Action", as part of their Latin American tour. At Figali Convention Center in Amador. Performances: Nov. 30 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Dec. 1st and 2nd at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets: $60 VIP, $40, $25, $10 on sale at Ticketcenter in Audiofoto stores and Felix B. Maduro. Information: 6493-7061; 226-5390; martin_globeprodu@yahoo.es

Dec. 12 – 16

First International Contemporary Dance Festival in Urban Landscapes in Panama, featuring seven contemporary dance, vertical dance and hip hop companies from France, Spain, Venezuela, Colombia and Panama. Information: 317-0189; 6611-3073;
drestrepo@tejidosutil.com

Dec. 14

Live Flamenco and Belly Dance shows "Gypsy Soul", by the groups Solera Flamenca and Hathor Dance Art. At the Teatro ABA in Transistmica at 8 p.m. Tickets: $10, on sale at Exedra Books. Information: 226-1417; 6694-3281; www.flamencopanama.com

Dec. 26 – 27

"The Nutcracker", with more than a hundred Panamanian and foreign dancers at the Anayansi Theater of Atlapa Convention Center. Information: Steps Dance Academy, 270-1349 and Pointé Dance Center, 270-2678.

Nov. 28, 29 & Dec. 1

Equestrian Jumping Tournament "Copa Juan Carlos Navarro", at the racetrack of La Arenosa in Clayton. Event starts at 8:30 a.m.

Dec. 1

Boxing at the Roberto Durán Gym at 3 p.m. Main event will be for the Bantam Weight World Title of the AMB between Celestino "Pelenchín" Caballero (Panama) and Mauricio "El Pintoso" Pastrana (Colombia)

Dec./ Dic. 9

6 km race, organized by Club Corredores del Istmo. Starts at 7 a.m. at Albrook's swimming pool. Cost: $2 members; $4 non-members. Information: www.marathonpanama.com
ajones@marathonpanama.com;

Dec. 14 – 15

Gymnastics International Cup "Club Marbella 2007", at the Miguel A. Rivas gymnasium in Albrook. Featuring clubs from Panama, Dominican Rep., Guatemala and Costa Rica.

Sports

Jan./ Ene.

Acting classes at the Teatro en Circulo de Panama. Information: 261-5375;
tcirculo@cwpanama.net

Jan./ Ene. 5

Panama Drum Festival 2008, featuring such international artists as Billy Cobham, and Oscar Giunta. Information:
www.panamadrumfestival.com

Jan./ Ene. 19, 2008

Folkloric spectacle by the Folkloric Ballet "La Salle de Margarita" at La Huaca Theater of Atlapa Convention Center. Information: 493-3099; eyvar@hotmail.com

 
 
 

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.

 
 
 

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.

 
 
 

SPORTS

Young gymnasts in international event


149 children compete at Albrook gym. Dec. 14 & 15

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.

The inauguration will be on Friday 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 Federation. Miguel A. Rivas Gym is near the Albrook Airport, behind the Supro store.

 
 
 

Art exhibition “Vision del futuro”

Grupo Meylem will present an art exposition called "Vision del Futuro" in the Mery Palma Art Gallery at the Sheraton Hotel from the 17th to the 31st of December. The exposition will kick off with drinks on December 17th from 5 to 11 pm. Gallery hours: Monday to Saturday 9am to 9pm, Sunday 11am to 7pm.

For more information call 226-4077 ext. 6239

 
 
 

Drum Festival at Teatro Anita Villalaz on Jan. 5

On January 5, the best percussionists from Panama and Latin America will perform at Teatro Anita Villalaz in Panama City, entertaining students, fans, tourists and the general public. Panama Drum Festival is part of a growing trend of percussion festivals around the world.

This year's featured artists include Billy Cobham, a world famous Panamanian Jazz Fusion drummer whose career includes work with Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, The Mahavishnu Orchestra and Peter Gabriel as well as many solo works. He was listed in the top 25 drummers by Modern Drummer Magazine.

Also performing at the festival is Argentine drummer Oscar Giunta, who is considered one of the most innovative and important musicians in the Americas.

Teatro Anita Villalaz is next to the INAC building in Las Bovedas in the Old Quarter of Panama City. The festival will begin at 4:30pm. Tickets are $12. For more information call Guillermo Herrera at 6675-9660.

 
 
 

Digital art exhibit at Arlene Lachman Gallery

Arlene Lachman Gallery in the El Carmen neighborhood of Panama City has a new collection on display. Panamanian Igor Kourany's collection of all-digital art is the first of its kind in the country. Stop by Monday to Friday from 9 – 5:30 and Saturday 10 – 1. Call 264-5257 or write glachman@cwpanama.net.

 
 
 

Golf

Seniors Inter-Club Central America Tournament

On December 20, 22 and 23 golfers will play in the qualification rounds to select the senior representatives for the Inter-club Central American Champions. In the men's and women's categories, seven players, one reserve and one capitan will be selected.

January 3, 5, 6, 10, 12 and 13 are dates considered by organizers for other classification rounds. The event will take place at the Panama Golf Club, where players will have to be at least 50 years old to play.

Authorities say the fairways are in good condition.

 
 
 

Tennis

Christmas Cup at Curundu

The Panamanian Tennis Federation (FPT) is closing the year with an interesting event called Christmas Tennis Cup 2007, celebrated for seven days, from the December 10 to 16 in the Curundu tennis courts.

Single men and women will play in categories B, B2 and C. There will also be doubles action B, C and open mixed. More than 120 tennis players will participate according to Jovanny Duran of FPT.

The rounds will start at 6 pm. The purpose of this Cup is to keep players active and assure that they finish the year well because the 2008 calendar is very busy.

 
 
 

Christmas event in David

Visit "Christmas Folklore" and the Christmas arts and crafts exposition in David on Friday December 14 at 5 pm in Cervantes Park in David, Chiriqui. The National Institute of Culture (INAC) with the Chiriqui Regional Coordination is putting on the event which will include colorful pollera presentations.

 
 
 

Celebrating 30 years of Star Wars


The man behind the mask who played Chewbacca, a loyal
200 year old wookie, in the Star Wars movies is Peter Mahew.
He was born in 1944 in Barnes, England. His acting career
began in 1976 when producer Charles Scheener discovered
him. Within a year he was offered the role as a hairy giant
that would make him famous forever. He still makes
appearances at hospitals and orphanages and has even
done some commercial work as Chewbacca.

Fans of all ages of the "Star Wars" saga launched on cinema screens thirty years ago will have a chance to celebrate in Panama. The Fan Force Jedi Council Panama and the National Institute of Culture (INAC) are celebrating "Thirty Years of Star Wars" this Sunday, December 16th at the Reina Torres de Arauz Museum in Curundu, near Panama City. Special guest Peter Mahew, the actor who played Chewbacca in the original trilogy and Episode III, will be present to sign autographs.

For more information visit www.starwarspanama.com and may the force be with you!

 
 
 

Boquete’s Flower Fair January 10-20

Here we are ready to meet 2008 with many places to go this summer. You might want to start off in the province of Chiriqui at the Flower and Coffee Fair in Boquete, January 10 through the 20. This event attracts thousands of local and foreign tourists.

Known as Panama's "Land of Eternal Spring", the region enjoys cool weather year round.

Boquete is a six and half hour drive from Panama City and about 30 minutes from David, the provincial capital. Visitors can either travel by rented cars from Panama City or fly to David, where there are also car rentals. Flights depart from the Marcos Gelabert airport in Panama City. You can also travel by comfortable buses which depart from the Gran Terminal Bus Station in Panama City, situated in Albrook.

 
 
 

Happy Holydays Jazz & Gospel show

The Happy Holidays Jazz and Gospel Show will be held in Panama City's Obarrio neighborhood on Thursday, December 27 from 7 to 11 pm. Martha Productions is organizing the event recognizing the musical career of artist and composer Dino Nugent as well as percussionist Ricky Staples. Other invited artists include trumpet player Wichy Lopez, Alfonzo Lewis (The Panamanian Kenny G) and bass player Chispa Lawson.

Tickets are $20 in advance at Excedra Books and Discoteca Sophy and $23 the day of the event. Part of the proceeds benefit "Yo Soy Mi Color", a group that helps children in need from the Colon province. The event will be held at Paradise Banquet Hall, next to the Arrocha Pharmacy on Via España at Via Brazil. For more information call 391-5188, 6624-1287 or write sugiex@cwpanama.net

 
 
 

Auld Lang Syne aboard the Fantasia del Mar

Expat cruise on Panama Bay with champagne dinner and dancing

Expats in Panama is throwing a New Year's bash on Panama Bay. Belt out “Auld Lang Syne” among 200 friends aboard the Fantasia del Mar. Enjoy dinner, live music, dancing and of course, champagne at midnight. The ship sets sail at 9:30 pm on December 31st and returns at 1:30 am in the new year. Canal and Bay tours is organizing this event once again and even more has been added this year.

A North American style buffet will be served. Expect roast turkey with gravy, roast ham with pineapple sauce, mashed potatoes and more. Diners last year were thrilled with the food so Expats in Panama is using the same chef again. Also enjoy all you can drink of wine, rum, vodka, gin, and typical Panamanian seco.

On the top deck of the cruise ship, the Grupo Mio band will be playing hits from the 50's and other genres as well. Tickets are $80 each, of which $10 will be donated to the Casita de Mausi charity. They are available at Canal and Bay Tours offices (Multiplaza and above Volvo at Ave Balboa and Ave Italia).

Call 209-2000 or write nye@expatsinpanama.com.

 
 
 

El Valle de Anton

Three Sisters Cooking School class schedule

Saturday December 22, 9:30am
“Living Vegetarian”
...in a Carnivore's World

Saturday December 29, 9:30am
“Spa Cuisine”
A Belated Xmas Present

 
 
 

Religious Festivals

Every city, village and region in Panama has its own annual religious celebration dedicated to a patron saint. These festivals provide a colorful and charming way to experience local traditions and beliefs.

Dec. 15 – Festival of the Virgin birth, Penonome, province of Cocle.
Dec. 28 – Day of the Holy Innocents, La Colorada, province of Veraguas.
Dec. 31 – Festival of New Year's Dolls, David, province of Chiriqui.

 
 




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