Events
Festival Verde musical event will be heard around the world
Concert-goers enjoy a Red Bull Panamérika event.
Red Bull Panamérika will bring international exposure to the eco-centered Festival Verde de Cultura Musical (FVCM) music and culture event. The yearly event takes place next Saturday, February 11 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the City of Knowledge. Some of the most popular Latin rock bands, such as Babasonicos and Hello Seahorse!, are headlining the event. Red Bull’s internationally-syndicated “Panamérika” radio show from Mexico will make a recording at the festival that will be transmitted throughout the region.
Red Bull Panamérika (online at redbull.panamerika.fm) presents a very complete show for the music connoisseur on its partner radio stations in Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Mexico and Colombia. In Panama the program is transmitted on Radio 10 (88.1 FM) every Thursday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 4:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m.
“The fact that Red Bull Panamérika will record part of the FVCM will place the event and the Panamanian artistes present in the company of some great Latin American artists. The festival and our music will be heard by millions of fans in Latin America and all over the world,” shared Nina Tissera, organizer of the FVCM.
Every year the FVCM enjoys great growth, almost doubling the number of assistants from the previous year, and adds novel initiatives to promote its conservation and sustainability message. This year the festival invites all the assistants to take advantage of “green” transportation alternatives to get to the event, including buses from the Cinta Costera, car pools with friends and even riding their bicycles. Additionally, there will be a special area for organizations that promote green lifestyles so that assistants can learn about their initiatives and find out how they can participate.
The international lineup for this year’s Festival Verde includes Babasónicos, Hello Seahorse!, Omar Rodríguez López Group, Las Robertas y Alfonso Espriella. Representing Panama are Son Azul, Grannada, Radicales Libres, La Tribu, Polyphase, Señor Loop, Carlos Méndez, Javier Medina, Llevarte a Marte y Los Yegueros.
Tickets are available at Blockbuster and www.tuboleto.com for $20 and the day of the event for $30 at the door.
"Verano Cultural"
Ruben Blades concerts headlines ACP summer cultural program
For the tenth consecutive year, the Panama Canal Administration (ACP) will roll out a first-rate cultural program called "Verano Cultural" (Cultural Summer) so that Panama's citizens can enjoy music and musical theatre outdoors during the dry season. The performances, including two concerts by Panamanian salsa star and former Tourism Minister Ruben Blades, will be held throughout the country until Sunday, February 5.
The Ruben Blades concerts, just as all the ACP Verano Cultural presentations, are free to the public. The first one will be held on Friday, February 3 at 7:00 p.m. on the steps of the Canal Administration Building. The second is in Chitré on Sunday, February 5 at 4:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the Rico Cedeño Baseball Stadium.
ACP Administrator Alberto Alemán Zubieta, says that the Verano Cultural program connects Panamanians to their Canal.
"Verano Cultural" events presentation calendarThursday, February 2 /
Jueves 2 de febrero – 7:00 p.m. |
Five Cities
The other special performances that will the held on the steps of the Administration Building and around the county in Santiago, Aguadulse, Last Tablas and Chitré feature Panamanian folklore and offer an excellent opportunity to experience Panama’s unique and diverse cultural offerings.
Improv8 is back!
English-language improv troupe returns for the 2012 season, seeking new talent
An Improv8 performance at the Theatre Guild of Ancon.
Panama's now-famous English speaking improvisation troupe, Improv8, is returning for its 4th season. After a year-long break from the stage, Improv8 has announced that it will soon be treading the historical boards of the charming Theatre Guild of Ancon once again, and promises to bring "a bag full of new tricks and frills."
Improv8 is an eight-person improvisation troupe, which was born at the Guild in 2008. Each year they have created a 2-hour show full of spontaneous scenes, comical games and challenging tasks, offering plenty of laughter and entertainment for six nights of performances.
Those familiar with the show have memories of excitedly scribbling down "scene suggestions" for the second half of the show, all in hope that theirs will be picked for the performance and will win a prize.
Improv8 organizers cite "the wonderful strength of the Theatre Guild team and the talented cast of improvisers" for its success, but most importantly the continued loyalty of its' audiences.
This year there will be seven nights of Improv8 on March 22, 23, 24, 30, 31 and April 6 and 7. More details will be announced at: www.improv8.com
Improv for beginners
A four-night course will taken place the end of January for those wishing to gain a good sense of what improvisation really is about. Participants will automatically be welcomed to join the auditions for the 2012 show. A handful of spots remains.
Course dates are: Tuesday, January 31; Thursday, February 2; Tuesday, February 7; and Thursday, February 9. Course cost is $50. Reserve a spot by contacting Danielle Miles at: course@improv8.com or calling 6775-0728.
Cast Auditions
Improv8 is seeking new faces. Invitation-only auditions will be held on Wednesday, February 15, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Teatro en Circulo. To apply email details and a brief history of relevant theatre experience to audition@improv8.com.
Boquete in March
Jazz and blues in Chiriquí highlands
Boquete will host the annual Jazz and Blues Festival in this Chiriquí highland town from Thursday, March 1 to Sunday, March 4. The program of events includes a New Orleans style street parade (with beads and all), an evening time "club crawl" with live acts at various locations around the town and a list of international performers from as far as Los Angeles and Switzerland. The main concerts on Saturday and Sunday will be held at the open-air amphitheater at Valle Escondido Resort. For detailed information visit www.boquetejazzandbluesfestival.com.
Panama counts down for the Ironman 70.3, major event for athletes of super-human capability
On Sunday February 12, the top triathletes of the world will compete by land and sea in Panama City. Of the estimated 750 participants, 45 are pro triathletes. Among the athletes to keep an eye on are Englishwoman Leanda Cave and American Chris Lieto. For Panama, Fernando Alfaro is touted as one of the pro participants who could make his country proud in the event.
Panama is the first among 55 stops of the Ironman 70.3 circuit for 2012. It is also the first destination promoting the Latin American Pro Ironman championship.
The distances are 1.9 km of swimming, 90 km by bicycle and 21 km of the race is on foot. The triathletes will begin with the swimming leg from the Balboa Dock at Amador (La Playita).
They will transition to the cycling leg which will take them over the Bridge of the Americas via the Cinta Costera, through Veracruz and La Chorrera and then back to Panama City where the running leg of the competition will be carried out on the Amador Causeway.
To win some of the $75,000 in prizes, brave athletes can still sign up at www.ironmanpanama.com through January 31. Participating athletes will have the opportunity to qualify for the Ironman competition in Kona, Hawaii - the most important event of its kind.
Chiriquí country fun
Chiriquí's fair season has just begun, following the celebration of the Flowers and Coffee Fair in Boquete, now it is Bugaba's turn to celebrate the Cadelaria Fair from January 27 to February 5.
Culture and folklore reign at this fair, with a strong exposition presence in the agriculture, cattle, fish, artisan and industrial sectors which have defined this region of the country over th years.
Bocas del Toro Party
Casa Animal in Carnavales
By Jacob Ehrler
The raucuous night life of Casa Animal in Bocas del Toro.Casa Animal is gearing up for Carnavales. When the New York Times described the "raucous nightlife" in Bocas del Toro upon naming Panama #1 among 50 destinations to visit last month, it's because they had been tipped off about one of the many legendary Casa Animal parties at 9 Degrees on Isla Colón.
Located above the Caribbean Sea in a magnificent two-story structure,it's fully equipped with a light-up dance floor, a powerful sound system, massive bars and outdoor decks to Bocas Town and the Caribbean. Or chill out tucked below the madness, enjoying cool ocean breezes and bottle service in a posh VIP lounge. Casa Animal events parlay elite staff, an electrifying MC, and the top DJ's from Panama.
Already a proven force to be reckoned with, this season’s party series began red-hot with Tom Sawyer headlining the Fiestas Patrias Event. Then Año Nuevo raised the bar with the most dynamic, exhilarating vibe Panama had ever seen. The momentum continues into Carnival and then Semana Santa in early April.
Promoters tout an: "unparalleled party experience" on Feburary 17, 18, and 19 with performance and visual artists, world class DJs, and "the sexiest people in Panama." VIP and general admission, are available at www.panamatickets.com or at Mondo Taitu in BDT directly before the event. Visit fiestacasaanimal.com. Casa Animal is located above Nine Degrees Restaurant in Bocas Town, Bocas del Toro.
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.”
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.
Venezuelan hit singer: Yordano at Isabella Club
Wednesday, February 8
Yordano is an Italian musician from Venezuela who is considered the most influential romantic pop composer in South American musical history. This 80’s pop star still lives in Caracas today, the city he cites as a “great inspiration” to his romantic lyrics.
The doors of the luxurious Isabella Night Club located on Las Terrazas of Multiplaza Mall in Punta Pacifica will open at 10:00 p.m. Presale: $30 / $50 on the night of the event. For more information: reservations@isabella.com.pa, 391-6008.
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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: magicdreamspty@gmail.com
V-Day in B-Town
Vagina Monolgues first Bocas showing
The Vagina Monologues are coming to Bocas.This Valentines Day, Tuesday, February 14, 2012, at the Books Bambu Beach Restaurant, Calle 3 & Main Street in Bocas Town, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. there will be a performance of Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues (in English) by fourteen women who come from a variety of different countries and backgrounds and who are delightfully surprised to find themselves onstage for the cause of improving women’s lives in Panama. The Vagina Monologues have been performed in 76 countries. This is its first performance in Bocas.
The Isla Colon Gala Event will be held at a venue with capacity for 800 people. No reservations are required for à la carte dinner, for which the organizers ask for donations to the National Women’s Institute of Panama (INAMU).Citing her good education, good job training, and good employment opportunities , the founder considers herself privileged and wants to see every woman to be equally as entitled, especially in a country which is coming out of poverty and into its own.
Laugh and cry, and give generously to this production.
A worthy night for a worthy cause!
She staged a couple of plays involving young people of Bocas recently: “Save The Seven Species” was performed by local high school students in Bolivar Park in May 2011, in Spanish, and “The Grinch” was the Tangerine school’s Christmas show at La Gruta in December 2011, in English.
Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” (first staged in 1996), are hilarious and sad, but never maudlin. To support young Panamanian women in a town where the lucrative employment opportunities are scarce, it is noted that there are no dedicated job training facilities, fewer than average high school leavers going on to tertiary education, many children (girls ages 12-15) bearing children, and no safe houses for those who are victims of domestic violence. The performance of the Vagina Monologues is in affiliation with the V-Day Global Organization and INAMU -- the National Institute of Women, established 2008 and located in Panama City, headed up by Directora General, Lic. Markelda Montenegro de Herrera.
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.