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Events

Panama Jazz Festival

For the ninth consecutive year, jazz takes over the city in January with the Panama Jazz Festival. Celebrated this year from Monday, January 16 to Saturday, January 21, the "Jazz Fest" enters once again with the new year, this time under the slogan "Del Corazón de América para el Mundo (From the Heart of America for the World).

Created by renowned Panamanian musician Danilo Perez, the festival attracts international talent come perform in Panama. Combining the promise of fun in the sun with the fact that the artistes now have time intheir busy schedules to make international appearances, the Panama Jazz Festival also parlays music education into its cultural mission.

Young musical talents from Panama have the unique opportunity to hone in on their talents during workshops presented by the greats of today's jazz scene. The week-long concert roster is for all to enjoy.

Big closing concert

The biggest event of the festival is on the closing day, Saturday, January 21. Traffic is banned from Casco Viejo and music takes over the scenic Old Quarter. Shuttle service is provided from the Cinta Costera and entrance is free.

Throngs of 'culture cats' wind through the picturesque streets enjoying the festive atmosphere, with music pulsating from the main stage on Plaza Catedral. Local businesses fill to the brim and shaded tables in the quaint plazas become prime spots for the day.

Danilo Perez: Panama Jazz Festival Founder Danilo Perez: Fundador del Panamá Jazz Festival

Grammy-nominated Panamanian pianist and composer Danilo Pérez founded the Panama Jazz Festival. Danilo’s distinctive blend of Pan-American jazz (covering the music of the Americas, folkloric and world music) has garnered him critical acclaim and loyal audiences.

Born in Panama in 1966, Danilo started his musical studies at just three years of age with his father, a band leader and singer. By age 10, he was studying the European classical piano repertoire at the National Conservatory in Panama.

"Salsa Meets Jazz"

The big concert at Plaza Catedral is customarily the culmination of "Jazz Fest," but this year organizers have added on another attraction - one that fuses salsa in with the jazz - as the last event on the program.

At 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21 at Club Latitude 47 in the Calle Uruguay nightlife district, Adalberto Santiago and the Nando Lopez Big Band will fuse two musical styles in a presentation called "Salsa Meets Jazz." It is as if Panama's music lovers will be released slowly from an intense week of jazz, back to the day-to-day musical offering.

Tickets for all the concerts are on sale at Blockbuster and at the door.

Concert Schedule

Tickets at Blockbuster locations or at the door of each concert.

Thursday, January 19
Evening Family Concert at the ATENEO, City of Knowledge
Cost: $10
4:00 p.m. New England Conservatory Jazz Ensamble
5:00 p.m. Los Lautarinos of Chile
Nighttime concert at Teatro Anayansi at ATLAPA Convention Center: "Jazz at Lincoln Center" with the Jed Levy Quartet. Also Charlie Sepulveda Quintet, John Scofield Trio with Bill Stuart and Ben Street.

Friday, January 20
Evening Family Concert at the ATENEO, City of Knowledge
Cost: $10
4:00 p.m. Duo by Teri Roiger and John Menegon
5:00 p.m. Puerto Rico Music Conservatory with Luis Marin, Gabriel Rodriguez and Norberto Ortiz
Nighttime concert at Teatro Anayansi at ATLAPA Convention Center: Luis Bonilla and the New England Conservatory, the Carlos Garnett Quartet and Tito Puente Jr.

Saturday, January 21
Afternoon and evening: Free closing concert at Plaza Catedral, Casco Viejo.
Panama Jazz Festival "Gran Fiesta" at Latitude 47, Calle Uruguay Nightlife District: "Salsa Meets Jazz" with Adalberto Santiago and the Nando Lopez Orchestra under the direction of Jose Gazmey. Special guest artistes: Josue Rosado, Kashiro Thompson, Raul Rosario, Piro Rodriguez.
Cost: $25 - $50

Boquete bound

Chiriquí highland fair draws in big crowds

The tradition began in 1950, with the first Flower and Coffee Fair in Boquete, the mountain town with springlike climes in the Chiriquí province. Today, the number of visitors that will be drawn to the fairgrounds from January 12 to 22 is in excess of 100,000 people.

“Boqueteños” have worked hard to set up the always-impressive flower gardens, arranged in bright symmetrical patterns. The setting is perfect for a sunny stroll alongside the Caldera River. Roses, geraniums, chrysanthemums and marigolds are just some of the flowers on grand display. Orchids are also a special sight to see. The variety seems endless.

Coffee tastings are the other prominent feature. And the true essence of the fair is enjoying the outdoors and the sun. The fair also marks the beginning of the sunny, dry “verano” season in Panama and begin of the country fair season.

A daily program includes live entertainment, music, dancing, crafts, diverse dining options and rides for children.

Throughout the town, at virtually all of the establishments that could be of interest to persons on holiday, the festive spirit can be felt. Restaurants pull out all the stops to impress diners and tour companies are ready to exceed the expectations of those seeking a new experience - be it an adventurous zip line or a relaxing birder’s tour.

The fair is a great place to pick up unique and original souvenirs. Local and foreign artisans will have their works on display. Traditional Panamanian arts and crafts compete for buyers alongside works brought by craftsmen from Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador.

'Art of fishing' clinics lead to youth tournament

A youth fishing tournament (2º Torneo de Pesca Juvenil Interclub) will be held on January 28. Prior to the event, there are four clinics, each focusing on a different aspect of the "art of fishing" according to tournament organizer Eddie Sollas.

The first clinic was held at Alta Pesca, behind Alberto's Restaurant on the Amador Causeway on Saturday, December 17. The clinics are totally free."

The future fishermen and women of Panama will get the right start on how to fish successfully and responsibly throughout the clinics and the tournament. They will learn how to correctly use gear, the importance of understanding tides and a fishing plan, tying knots, safety, seasons and species of the Gulf of Panama, conservation and fishing techniques.

Categories for the tournament are "Camarón TT" (little guys) ages five to nine, Juvenile Junior ages ten to 13 and Juvenile Mayor ages 14 to 17. Tournament organizers can recommend charter boats for hire with reputable captains for youngsters to participate in the tournament and facilitate finding families to fill the four spots available on each boat to participate in the tourney and share the cost of yacht rental.

For more information on the clinics and the tournament, contact Eddie Sollas at 6615-1210 or esollas@cupfsa.com.

Broadway hit “RED” in English and Spanish

The celebrated play “RED” is coming to Panama in two languages. Actors Leo Wiznitzer and Luigi Pezzotti will interpret the life of US abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko under the direction of Bruce Quinn.

“RED” will be on stage in English at the Treatre Guild of Ancón from January 12 to 14 at 7:45 p.m. and in Spanish at Teatro La Cuadra from January 17 to 29. Tickets cost $25 for the general public, $15 for retirees and $10 for students. Contact the Guild at tgapanama@gmail.com and La Cuadra at teatrocuadra.com.

Paddlers begin cayuco race season this weekend at Balboa Yacht Club

The Balboa Yacht Club Cup is a paddling race event that kicks off Panama's spirited "cayuco" season, as teams warm up for the big yearly Ocean to Ocean race at the end of the dry season. Paddle teams will begin their race in front of Balboa Yacht Club this Saturday, January 21. They will be gathering from before 8:00 a.m. for the race that starts at 10:30 a.m.

To keep up with the paddling club's program of events, visit cayucorace.org.

Panamanian Rock & Roll

Los Rabanes' first-ever show at the Manrey

Perhaps Panama's most popular rock band is Los Rabanes. Originally from Chitré, this group has won Latin Grammys along its way to finding its uniquely Panamanian style of ska-laced punker-style rock and roll. The band is holding its first concert ever to be performed at Panama City's takeoff nightlife hotspot, the Manrey Hotel on Calle Uruguay on Saturday, January 21. Admission costs $20.

The Manrey, a chic boutique hotel, has become well-known for hosting some of the city's most talked about events and concerts on its rooftop pool deck area and in the expansive lobby lounge. The hotel is also known for its fine restaurants, led by New York based French chef Laurent Tourondel.

Opera events in El Valle

El Valle de Antón, with its refreshing microclimate that supports rich tropical flora, is a musical destination as well. Through collaboration with the National Symphonic Orchestra and the Ópera Panamá foundation, the Music Festival of El Valle Association is bringing more great musical events to town.

This evening, Friday, January 13, at Hotel Los Mandarinos, there is a recital called Opera Veraniega (Summer Opera). This effort is accredited to a group of residents in El Valle, who over 25 years have brought at least 20 classic recitals to El Valle.

And on Saturday, January 21 at 8:00 p.m. at the El Valle church, the association will present the National Symphonic Orchestra featuring the renowned Spanish-Russian pianist Marianna Prjevalskaya. The town is buzzing with excitement to hear Beethoven's Concert No. 5, Emperor.

Tickets cost $20 and are on sale at Centro Comercial El Valle, Joyería Barakat, Ingeniería R-M and at the door. More information calling 6494-8103 or 6618-8428 or on Facebook: Festival Musical de El Valle.

Business forecasting

Third annual Americas Society City Conference features top executives and government leaders on Panama’s economy

For the third consecutive year Panama is hosting a Latin American Cities Conference. The Americas Society/Council of the Americas (AS/COA), together with the World Bank, the Panama Tourism Authority (ATP),the Government of Panama and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (CCIAP), are organizing this conference to provide an in-depth analysis of the challenges and opportunities for investing and development in Panama. It will take place at the Marriott Hotel on Friday, March 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Attendance is free and prior registration is required. In years past, the event has filled to capacity. Reserve a spot at this IP address: https://online.as-coa.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=511.

Conference speakers include:

• Ricardo Martinelli, President of Panama
• Demetrio Papadimitriu, Minister of the Presidency
• Roberto Henriquez, Minister of Foreign Relations
• Frank de Lima, Minister of Finance and Economy
• Salomon Shamah, Director, Panama’s Tourism Authority
• Felipe Jaramillo, Central America Director, The World Bank
• Augusto de la Torre, Chief Economist for Latin America, The World Bank
• Pedro Heilbron, CEO, Copa Holdings S.A.
• Roberto Sifón Arevalo, Director, Latin America Sovereign Ratings Group,Standard & Poors
• Ragnhild Melzi, Senior Director, Public Policy Programs, Americas Society/Council of the Americas (Moderator)
• Susan Segal, President and CEO, Americas Society/ Council of the Americas (Opening Remarks)

Speakers include internationally recognized senior business executives, government officials, economists and investment analysts. The conference will focused on the country’s economic prospects, the growth and opportunities of the financial services sector, the country’s trade agenda and the tourism sector.

The communication to promote the event states: “Panama continues to be one of the fastest growing economies of the world. For the past 2 years, the country has grown at an average of 8 percent, and this year it is expected to perform strongly, underpinned by the ongoing expansion of the Canal and other large infrastructure projects. At 4.5 percent, Panama has the lowest unemployment rate of the region, and in 2010 it became the largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) per capita in Latin America. The recently approved FTA with the United States, Panama’s main trading partner, will enhance the already robust trade portfolio and will likely attract more FDI, particularly in the services industry.”

"The Year of the Dragon"

Celebrating Chinese New Year

By Carlos Nacach

The Chinese Association of Panama is inviting the Panamanian public to celebrate "The Year of the Dragon," which will be held on January 22 and 23. This year, as part of this great celebration, a host of attractions are planned catering to the tastes of young and old.

The activities include traditional dances by three teams and ballet brought directly from China, a martial arts extravaganza, an extraordinary show of fireworks, a Chinese beauty pageant for the most beautiful girls resident in Panama, a Ping Pong tournament, and a karaoke contest, the well-known dragon dances and the lion will be represented and also some of the best known performers of Panamanian music, such as Osvaldo Ayala.

It will all take place in what is known as the "New Chinatown" in the El Dorado shopping mall.

Chinese Circus at Albrok Mall

To celebrate the arrival of Chinese New Year, the Beijing Circus has set up tent next to the Albrook Mall through early February. No live dragons, but there will be tigers and many stunts to be enjoyed in the peformance by disciplined Chinese acrobats. Functions are Monday to Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays (including holidays), at 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. The circus is located right in front of the Transportation Terminal. For more information and tickets: 6769-7600 or GoTicket.com.

The Chinese Association reports that January 22 marks the last day of the year and its usual fireworks display will be at 10:00 p.m., in time for people to return home safely. The celebrations will continue into the Chinese New Year's Day (23) and the closing ceremony is scheduled for 8:00 p.m., that day. According to the directors of this association, the amount being invested to make this event a reality is about $200,000.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, which starts on January 23, 2012, and ends on February 9, 2013, a period which, according to Asian soothsayers, brings new experiences and opportunities, changes and natural disasters that require wisdom and adaptability. As an interesting anecdote, the Chinese like to have children this year because they consider that the first-born becomes a dragon, inheriting success and power of a dragon.

Selena Gomez

Monday, January 24

Concert promoter ShowPro is bringing the popular 19-year-old actress and singer Selena Gomez to Figali Convention Center.

Selena is a pop singing sensation, TV and movie star as well as being the love interest of teen heartthrob singer Justin Bieber. She also has her own production company and designs clothing. She is best known for starring in the Disney Channel's series "Wizards of Waverly Place." She is one of the headlining acts for MTV's New Year's Eve special.

Ticket prices range from $35 to $150 and are on sale at Ticket Plus locations in Farmacias Metro, Extreme Planet and Home Tek.

Maura Mendoza

Thursday, January 26

Summer Musical Concert with Salvadorian singer Maura Mendoza at the historically rich Panama Viejo site. Mendoza’s rhythms are Latin with a touch of jazz. The concert will collect money for the restoration of the historical monuments the site Panama Viejo. Begins at 7:00 p.m. at Convento de las Monjas de la Concepción, Via Cincuentenario. Tickets: $15, on sale at Panama Viejo office. 226-8915 / www.panamaviejo.org.

Elton John

Saturday, February 4

Elton John and his tour will land in Panama in a few weeks to enrich the musical history of Panama, with an historical concert that will take place at the Figali Convention Center from 8:00 p.m. The outstanding performer of hits like "Can you feel the love tonight", "Circle of Life", "Chasing the Crown", "I cry at night" or the famous "Candle in the Wind", dedicated to the late Diana Princes of Wales, will be presented for the first time in Panama as part of his Latin American tour. Tickets: At any Blockbuster, or call 215-3629 www.tuboleto.com. Prices range from $558 and $43.

Laura Pausini

Monday, February 6

Laura Pausini will raise the temperature of the Figali Convention Center with her soprano voice presenting light music, but with lyrics full of content. The beautiful Italian is making a tour through the world to present "Unpublished", her latest work. Fortunately for some Panamanians her eleventh album will be available after 6 February. Tickets: 215-3629 or contact email magicdreamspty@gmail.com. Prices range between $336 and $54.

Luis Miguel

March 6

The Mexican singer has spent 25 years thrilling the hearts of women around the world with romantic songs from genres as diverse as ranchera, pop or bolero. His latest album bears his own name, but Luis Miguel also interprets the songs of other composers. Location: Figali Convention Center. Tickets and prices: unknown yet. Organizer: www.magicdreamspty@gmail.com

January is baseball season at stadiums throughout Panama

The Panamanian Federation of Baseball has finally produced the official calendar for the 43rd Junior National Championship games, starting on January 5th and ending on 31 March. Last season over 80,000 spectators went to the stadiums and raised over $ 230,000.

The number of spectators for the whole of the competition amounted to about the same number that attend the Yankee Stadium in New York for one game, but don’t forget that some of the Panamanian amateur baseball players who began in this league, which has been developing since 1944, have batted in stadiums like the Yankees as professionals.

This season's favorite out of the 11 competing teams is last year's champion, Chiriqui, although the most successful team in the history of junior baseball in Panama is Panama Metro, formerly known as Panama

Almost all of the games are scheduled for 7:00 pm, and take place in the following stadiums: Rico Cedeño (Chitre), Glorias Deportivas (Puerto Armuelles), Remon Cantera (Cocle), Olmedo Solé (Tables), Omar Torrijos (Santiago), Kenny Cerracín (David), Calvin Byron (Changuinola), Justin Salinas (La Chorrera), Roberto Mariano Bula (Colón), Metetí (Darien) and Rod Carew (Panama City).

Contact: fedebeis@cableonda.net or www.fedebeis.com.pa.

Burns Night!

A Scottish celebration for all

Its that time of year again. Burns Night 2012 is less than a month away. Panama’s Scottish community and friends get together every year on the anniversary of the birth of Rabbie Burns, Scotland’s national poet. This year the St. Andrew’s Society of Panama will celebrate Burn’s Night on Friday, February 2 at the Union Club in Panama City.

Scottish patriots can don their kilts and sashes. Scotch whisky will be flowing freely. Haggis will, of course, be on the bill of fare. Expat Scots and anyone else who wishes to join a night of conviviality with Scottish music, poetry and dancing is welcome... even Sassenachs, says the chieftan of the St. Andrews Society.

Robert (Rabbie) Burns is Scotland’s most famous literary figure. His down-to-earth poetry, written in the language of the common man, gave inspiration to many other poets, including William Wordsworth. Like many men of genius, he died young after years of intense creativity, drinking and womanizing.

On his death his friends gathered together to celebrate his life and works. This event has grown into an international affair wherever Scots are to be found… which is in every corner of the world.

For tickets and information call 6613-2977, email standrewspanama@gmail.com.

Night light run in Costa del Este supports natives

Some 600 runners are expected to participate in a five kilometer Energizer battery sponsored run through Costa del Este on the evening of Saturday, February 4. Participants will wear flashlights strapped to their head, creating a visual effect that combines perfectly with the social cause behind the event.

The winner of the race has already been named, the Ustupo community in Guna Yala [formerly Kuna Yala]. Members of this indigenous Caribbean island community will receive a donation of 240 ready-to-use flashlights.

“The flashlights donated by Energizer are of great value to rural communities,” according to Anna Sidana, Founder of the One Million Lights organization.

Many Gunas are part of over 1,600,000 people in the world who do not have access to electricity.

Similar One Million Lights events have been held around Latin America and in Asia. Those interested in participating can call 265-4214 or or sign up at any Sportline stores for $20.

Taboga's Fiesta del Mar date change

Organizers of the first ever Fiesta del Mar event on Taboga Island have just announced a date change. The beach party, concert and fun activities will be held on Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18. Although original plans were to have the bash at the end of this month, Saturday, January 28 will still offer festivities, with the "Pre-Launch Fiesta del Mar Event" taking place on Taboga from 9:00 a.m. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For information: 6000-5172, cynthia@fiestadelmarpanama.com.