You know, most Panamanians when talking about Casco are still afraid of coming here or recommending others to come. "It is dangerous... don`t park your car just anywhere"... I guess they where right! strange things do happen here... check out this photo...

Leaving the office late one night last week I was surprised to find myself stepping out into the middle of a music video. Some of our neighbors from Calle 4ta were shooting the video for Shadow’s new song, Dejalo Correr. The song talks about violence and its consequences, a pertinent theme for the young men of Calle 4ta who, as former gang members, have the experience-based wisdom to speak about violence and its negative impact on the community with some authority.

Is it a photo or a painting? That’s the question you’ll ask yourself as you turn the pages slowly in photographer Ken Milburn’s newest book, Panama City’s Casco Viejo, Fast Rising Bohemian Community. For fun, try guessing the actual location of the photos, some are easy, others will take awhile, and there will be one that will take an expert to figure out. The majority of the photos were taken with a technique called HDR processing which expands the visible tonal range in a photographic image so it more closely resembles all the shades of brightness and color we are able to see with our eyes.

Fundación San Felipe is one of the oldest ngo`s working in Casco. Although you might not be aware of them, they keep one of Casco`s jewels in great shape (the San Felipe Neri Church) and run programs for kids in the neighborhood.

We were at the Metallica concert last March, jumping, screaming and singing... and who do we see on the screen (where they show the faces of the public)? Little Zed on the shoulders of Cristine... headbanging and singing every single song... even the ones I didn`t know. This month, Zed and I will have 25 years of difference, but somehow when you meet him you feel the difference isn`t that much.

Downstairs, kids watch a pinguin movie at the computer lab. Normally, during their vacations they would have been roaming the streets with only mischief in their minds. Upstairs, a journalist defends freedom while downstairs freedom is created in the minds of local women who are breaking the cycle of poverty. Welcome to Santa Familia.

El Casqueño, Casco Viejo`s newspaper has now a website! beautifully done, you`ll find the articles both in Spanish and English. Check it out! El Casqueño, el periódico del Casco Antiguo, ahora tiene un sitio web! bien diseñado, ahí encontrarán artículos del Casco Viejo tanto en español como en inglés. Visita el sitio aquí:

Bar hoping, poetry reading, surfing, reading, everything is reachable in and from Casco Viejo.

Taking care of street cat and dog population is part of taking care of the city. Families in Casco Viejo had the opportunity to get their pets operated at no cost this Sunday through the ngo Spay Panama. Also, another event took place in Santa Ana when artists gathered to create awareness about the importance of keeping the city beautiful.

Did you know Panama uses and throws away 500 million plastic bags a year? each person on a single visit to the supermarket uses about 9 bags. We go to the supermarket once a week, and our population is about 3.5 million. What can we do? this is affecting our ecosystems... and we are part of it.

Movie Under the Stars, Jazz and Salsa live, concerts and La Bastille day... everything in July at the Casco!

I don`t know why I didn`t realize this before, but a big percentage of Casco`s entrepreneurs are in their thirties or early fourties. From internet businesses to restaurants and bars, Casco Viejo isn`t "viejo" (old) at all! Which is interesting, because it means the Casco offers an opportunity to make business happen.

Culture and money, for some reason they are not always perceived as close relatives. Culture and social change seem like cousins, but somehow not necesarily people think they go to the same parties. However, it is through culture that we generate tourism and many other activities... and it so happens that as a tool for change is quite a bomb on its own. And that bomb has started to catch a bit of fire in Casco Viejo.

Weekends in Casco Viejo start on Thursday! art parties, soccer parties or just tapas under the full moon. Your choice!

El Casqueño second edition is out! beautiful and thoughtful, it is a fair window into Casco Viejo´s everyday life and most important issues. Also, The Visitor dedicated a special edition to the old neighborhood... check it out!

This weekend is here! the Music Festival has arrived.....check out the schedule here!

I know this month is ALL about the soccer World Cup. However... we do have other things going on! (which won´t compete with your ability to see the games).

Have a beer with your friends, bring your dog, your family... and sit under the stars of Casco Viejo to watch a movie!

Sometimes the National Theatre isn´t good at is promoting their events. So, I´ve made the personal resolution of posting everything I can about their events. This one in particular is by a Panamanian composer, who also wrote the music for a mini movie filmed in Casco Viejo called...

This past weekend, a small event to celebrate the Environment Day turned into a hughe success. Beautiful palms were planted, but also the seed into our children´s minds about taking care of trees and the environment.

The Panama Jazz Festival is an event that has transformed Panama´s dynamics in the music scene taking it to an international level. Yesterday, they announced the 2011 edition! check it out...

180 Degree contrast from my ultra mellow Sunday, in came this week with dozen of important events!

Panama seems to be strenghtening its ties with Italy. From art exhibits to a visit of President Berlusconi himself, Casco Viejo seems to be the place where everything happens.

From May 27th to the 6th of June, the National Theatre and Anita Villalaz Theatre in Casco Viejo will be hosting the Saint Malo Music Festival. This festival is one of the few that preserves a classic tone to it with chamber groups, choirs and symphonic orchestras. Here is the schedule!

Argentina and Italy showing some of their best cultural icons in Casco Viejo the same week!

Hip Hop might be one of the best tools we have to talk to the new generations. Fundación Calicanto is hosting a workshop on June 10th with Hip Hop artist George Martínez.

Raising the bar of art galleries in Casco Viejo in comes Carlos Weil with his well known gallery Weil Art. From erotic art on original Panama Canal Bonds to interesting antiques and easy to travel (but meaningful) souvenirs.

La Casona de Brujas has become for years now a Casco Viejo icon for bohemian life and art. They have made their name breaking the ice at interesting unrestored buildings creating energy wherever they go. They are moving again... find out where!

Tonight! Panama´s National Ballet will be performing at the National Theatre in Casco Viejo. Starts at 7 p.m.... be early!

This year, Argentina is celebrating 200 years of existance with a fantastic performance in Casco Viejo. "The three faces of Tango" will be a show of the best of dancing, music and singing... tango. It will gather on stage for the first time, a Piazzola playing a Piazzola (grandson playing music from his grandfather!), award winning tango dancers and beautiful tango singers.

It seems like dance took over this month! Momentum with Wizard of Oz, Danza Nova with their recently created ngo... and more!

Named after the famous Italian movie, "Cinema Paradiso" is Casco Antiguo´s new video store. Check it out!

Tacón in Spanish means "high heels", and somehow is the name of this contemporary art workshop that will take place at Calle 3era (Los del Patio losdelpatio.pa@gmail.com ). Starting May 1st, the workshop will last 6 months, and will be held every Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. If you are interested in participating, send your work! admissions are until April 1

What to do, where to go in Panama? What to do and where to go in Casco Viejo? Check out April

Tonight will be movie night at Calle 4ta, Casco Viejo. "Paco", as we know him, will be showing the movie El Proceso de lo Posible" (Spain 2007) at his ngo called Espacio Común (Common Space). This movie was directed by Sonia Ros and Pablo Zareceansky and aims to open a dialogue by showing two extremes: the Economic Forum that happened in Nairobi in 2007 and the Social Forum that took place in Kenia, almost at the same time. An interesting proposal, starting at 7 p.m.

For the first time in Casco Viejo.... an Opera Festival! Four days of opera at National Theatre. You can get free tickets (only the first 100 people) at www.ricardovelasquez.com. Dates: 22, 23 (Zarzuela and Broadway) 27th and 28th (Opera Il Signor Bruschino) of April. The cast will include Panamanian and Spanish talents. See full list here!

The Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and the National Association Against Cancer (ANCEC) are presenting today a very special performance by dancer and coreographer Fernando Hurtado. I´ve seen him dancing before with Panamanian and Casco Viejo resident Analida Galindo and they are an explosive combination. All proceeds will go to help ANCEC with their important mission to fight Cancer in Panama.

The idea sprouted a while ago: what about having a small street party every month or so and see what happens? And what happened was great...

This Thursday March 25th, Mojito’s Sin Mojitos in conjunction with Panama Artist Collective’s ARTBLOCK will be hosting a show of works by Casco Viejo’s renowned street artist Chingy. Pieces will be within a $5-$25 price range with %25 of profits going to the artist and %25 to the Panama Artists Collective (PAC).

Thursday night was full of romantic music and art. Friday promises to be exciting and - yes- a bit chaotic!

The Arco Chato was shinning bright last night: it´s Santo Domingo monastery got restored and inagurated.

This Thursday, a group of artists (glad to see our Casconian representatives!!!) have gathered in an unusual event: an auction for art made with recycled paper. "Paper" in Spanish is also called "Papel" which happens to be also the word we use as in "roll" (a.i. the roll of a person). So it is called the "Roll/Paper of artists counts".

MACRO is a festival that gathers different artistic expressions. This year it joins the FAE Theatre Festival (see previous posting today for Schedule) and many other venues like the Caribbean Publicity Festival, the Panama Graphic Design Festival and a fun Fashion Fest. Businesses like Diablo Rosso, one of our favorite art galleries in Casco Antiguo are fully involved in the organization of the event.

FAE Theatre Festival is here! check out the schedule: who - what - when

Last night, Panama had its very first "heavy metal" concert! and we enjoyed the hell out of it. I didn´t realize how many heavy metal lovers we had in Casco Viejo, and probably they didn´t realize I was one of them as well. Panama has a unique species of headbangers, not like anyone in Latin America... nor the States.

La Casona will be hosting this weekend in honor to Women´s Day an art show featuring female Panamanian artists. Last time I was there, she featured great work from Marta Sanchez and many other artists who worked either painting, photography, and even sculpture. This year they are including oriental dance, jewelry and more! The weekend seems to start with a nice Electro & Dancehall party!

Walking down to our dinner appointment at Antares, I passed by the San José Church at A Avenue (better known as Altar de Oro or Golden Altar) and to my surprise a sweet music was coming out: the Paraguayan Embassy had arranged a free concert featuring Bach and Vivaldi (not the Seasons! concerto for piccolo and strings) and some works from the Jesuit missions in South America. Beautiful! I only wished these things where known in advance.

FAO Theatre Festival is here! From March 17th to 24th, the National Theatre, Anita Villalaz Theatre (at Las Bovedas) and La Casona will have several performances from troups from Argentina, Colombia, Chile, USA, Mexico and Panama. Tickets around $20, here is the contact info for those who would like to book them:

Tonight! a group of businesses will gather into what is becoming a monthly art party in Casco Viejo: Diablo Rosso, JungleWood, Super Gourmet and Relic are coreographing different events so you can enjoy all places and offers. What and when here!

Art gallery opens in Casco Viejo! at Calle 1era, next to Galería Indigena.

Remember the Love Boat? The German version is here! in Casco Viejo...

You might not know this, but the way a bus in Panama is painted isn´t that random. It is actually a canvas of both the owner and the painter. Painted on its walls you´ll see who they admire, what they dream off, how they see themselves and who they love. This art is almost dissappearing now because of the bad reputation of the drivers. Get to know it now! keep reading...

I was so impressed by Lizz Wright´s voice I guess I had to write a special posting just for her. Enjoy the video! her album The Orchard is really good. I liked "My Heart" a lot.

From the fire hands of Juanito and his flamenco guitar to the sensual voice of Lizzy Wright.. this year was over the top!

Panama Jazz Fest 2010 Calendar

Roy Gumpel has a very good eye and a sense of authenticity. He has also 36 years in the photography business and an outgoing personality. Visited Panama for a job last year and fell in love with Casco Viejo, so now he is back! He is organizing a photography workshop called "For the Rest of Us" which will start January 16th (so you can have great photos of the Jazz Fest!).

The final countdown for the Panama Jazz Festival 2010 has started. This year, the event will be dedicated to Sonny White who was a Panamanian pianist from the 20´s who played with international music stars such as Billie Holiday, Willie Bryant and Frankie Newton. Check out who is playing when and where!

The "Nativity Scene" is a traditional activity in Panama that we´ve been loosing slowly. But in Casco Viejo we still got one!

Skating is one of Casco Viejo´s most popular street sports... and yet we don´t have a proper skating park. Artist Cristine and Dom made a party to gather funds to create one!

The Canal Museum shows the first collection of molas, collected before 1960, by the Spanish José Félix Llopis...

Next Monday 21st The Foundation Danilo Pérez has the pleasure to invite you all to the Christmas Concert at 4 p.m. in the Antiguo Concervatorio building.

During this month until January 31st of 2010 you´ll be able to appreciate the best of Panamenian Mola's at the Canal Museum in Casco Antiguo...

Cartooch strikes again! art show at Club Union

Darling new store opens in Casco Viejo!

Romantic Casco Viejo captured in a small video... enjoy!

Casco Viejo´s community went "chic" last night. Sushi and a fashion show! New restaurant coming...

Fun and fitness in Casco Viejo

A very special flamenco show from Spain will make a one - time appearance at the National Teather on November 16 @ 7 p.m.

Panama, Casco Antiguo
Casco Viejo, Panama
Real Estate at Panama´s Historic City



One BIG correction: the vintage poster show didn´t take place at Teatro Amador, but at the house behind the Canal Museum, diagonal to the Canal House boutique hotel.  It was quite interesting, and a good place to get inspired for the rest of the night! Here are random photos of our night out: vintage porn posters, people in costumes having fun, a new restaurant at Calle 9 (Puerta de Tierra... see my blog on Welcome new businesses!).  Last night we saw people dressed in all sorts of things; from the ecological ameba (how on earth did they think about that one) to the classic sexy witch & vampire combo to my favorite couple of naughty nuns...

From a zebra to naughty nuns, Casco Viejo´s Halloween was a lot of fun! glimpses of last night long party here!

Vintage porn posters from the 70´s, sexy and silly parties, Casco Viejo promises a lot of fun on Halloween!

Eco Friendly Christmas Tree using newspaper, garden pot, a stick and your imagination! Also, a mini Chrismtas tree for your table made out of magazines...

Mojito´s Grill opened its doors at Plaza Herrera at one of the most authentics spots in Casco. And Diablo Rosso, the art devil of San Felipe just turned one year old!

Casco Viejo is more than ever connected to the rest of Panama City thanks to the Cinta Costera. The original plans, however, included a piece that would literally connect Terraplen and somehow it didn´t get done during the past administration. A controversial project from the start! We finally have the plans.

Are you asking yourself how life (and nightlife) really is in Casco Viejo? find out first hand!

Brand New Production! STRANGELY FAMILIAR on OCT 23, 24, 25... STRANGELY FAMILIAR is "CONCERT THEATER" – A LIVE CONCERT, ACTING, DANCING & ART. Presented by Panama Artists Collective (PAC)

During the next weeks we are having a lot of things to do in Casco Antiguo...

Do not miss this spectacular air show of contemporary dance ... "Gramo Dance" in the Anthropological Museum Reina Torres de Arauz

Love, treason, murder. All the elements a great ballet should have! don´t miss Giselle, at the National Theatre, this week.

This Thursday the Chino - Panameño Trade Development Office and the Panama Canal Museum of Panama invites you to the Opening of a temporal Exposition: “Calidoscopio de China: Reflejos del estilo de vida chino moderno” ...

Hello friends and music fans! It is a pleasure to announce that is just missing a few weeks before the Panama Drum Fest Drummers Festival 2009 start...

Each year, 13 millions acres of tropical forests disappear(FAO 2005)...

Next Wednesday 26 og August Diablo Rosso will have a Opening Cocktail with the exposition of Maria Raquel Cochez " The Trouble with Food" until September 26...

For this weekend in Casco Antiguo there are a lot of activities for you and your family...

Culture is hardly ever thought as an economic engine. But it is! and as a secondary effect, it also raises the lifestyle of the society as a whole (or was it all the way around?). Join hands and contribute to Casco Viejo´s cultural future...

Sophistication doesn´t have to be pricey! check how the Diablo strikes again...

This Friday 7th at Diablo Rosso, they will have an Opening cocktail for the exhibition "Cadaver Exquisito" until August 15th 2009.

This has been an intense week for international piano star Danilo Perez and his wife and music therapist Patricia Perez. Fundación Danilo Perez has not only launched the next Panama Jazz Festival 2010, but also announced their program Music For Change.

And you thought you were into organic and recycling. But nothing like the "old days"! they knew how to use EVERYTHING and beautifully.

The Brazilian embassy presents a trio at the National Theatre on August 4th. They´ll also offer master classes the next day at 2:30 p.m. at INAC in Las Bóvedas.

Beautiful and powerful, Iñaki promises to be an experience!

A special folklore event entitled "Panama Querida" (Beloved Panama) will be held on SAturday, August 15...

La Casona is hosting four days of a wide diversity of Gay and Lesbian films. The festival starts today, at 7 p.m. andhere is the list of films that they´ll be showing:

Today in the Museo del Canal we will have a second chance to be part of history...

Casco Viejo has started to become Panama´s art home. Last night, Diablo Rosso opened its doors with its interesting and fun proposals.

During next week on Friday 24th, Galería Vida will have an exposition: Molas Creation by Claire Bryant...

Coming next week Diablo Rosso located at Ave. A in 7th Street will have a Opening Cocktail.

In our culture, we are not used to buy things of second hand, this Sunday in Plaza Cathedral we will have experts in antiques... come and bring yours!!!

Sunday of Flea Market in Casco Antiguo! Don´t miss this event next Sunday, July 5th in Plaza Catedral.

Here are photos of everything... delicious street food by Sabores de mi Barrio, people, musicians, concerts... got so many, but this is my selection. Enjoy!

More about the Music Festival...It´s missing just one day to start the Festival in Casco Antiguo...

Finally! I got the schedule for fiesta de la musica...

Which NGO´s and charitable foundations work in Casco? this posting is part of a six-posting series. Here you´ll find who/what and how to participate of: HOGAR DE LA INFANCIA AND CASCO ANTIGUO DANCE SCHOOL

Which NGO´s and charitable foundations work in Casco? this posting is part of a six-posting series. Here you´ll find who/what and how to participate of: DANILO PEREZ FOUNDATION

Which NGO´s and charitable foundations work in Casco? this posting is part of a six-posting series. Here you´ll find who/what and how to participate of: APROJUSAN

Panama wants to promote the talent of the national artists in the "Music Fest", an event that takes place in 130 countries at the same time and that will be celebrate on June 19th until 20th in Casco Antiguo...

After the fall of one of the walls of Hotel Central in Casco Antiguo, it brought the attention of the community in a way on thinking that a part of our country has desappear...

Frit Arts is opening at Central Avenue and 4th street to restore the good name of fried cuisine!

Where to go during Music Fest? who will be playing? when does it start?

A slice of Casco Antiguo´s month.... Music Fest, Saint Malo´s Fest, etc... check out photos!

Still one week to go and enjoy the concerts in the Panama´s Alfredo De Saint Malo Third Music Festival...

Starting this June 4th you will value an exhibition of art and poetry created by Marta Sanchez and his friends.

If you wonder how art and tecnology can be combined, come and see the exposition of the panamanian Fran Ferrer in Casa Gongora at 7 p.m.

Musical Party at the Casco Antiguo! If you like classic music and want to learn more about it, come an enjoy classic music through choral concerts, symphonic and chambers at the Third Musical Festival of Saint Malo.

Who said history was boring? At Casco Antiguo, it is very much alive! and this time, at the Canal Museum. You have an appointment to meet the Spanish conquistadors Friday 29th... learn more here!

Panama, City of Panama

Casco Antiguo Events

 

 

2009 Artistic Season

 

 

February 13          National Ballet                                                                   La Chorrera

               

March 3 to 15      Seminar Workshop of Movie and Tv Scripts                      Anthropological Museum

                                                                                                                        Reina Torres de Araúz

March 12             National Symphony Orchestra Weiyin Chen (Pianist)        National Teather

March 20             National Ballet of Panama                                                 National Teather

March 24             National Symphony Orchestra                                            Colón

March 27             Cultural  Fair                                                                       Plaza de Francia

 

April 1                   National Symphony Orchestra                                           National Teather                            

April 2                   National Symphony Orchestra                                           National Teather

April 3                   Show of national artists , folks and modern dance           Colón

April 7                   National Symphony Orchestra                                           24 de Diciembre

April 18                Great Folkloric Ballet of Panama "Music and Dance"       National Teather

April 19                Great Folkloric Ballet of Panama " Music and Dance"      National Teather

April 27 to 29       National Ballet of Panama                                                 National Teather

                             International  Week of dance

 

May 6 to 12        Collective exposure of bare                                                 Visual Arts Gallery

                           Silfrido Ibarra , Alberto Dutari, Julio Zachrisson,                  Las Bóvedas

                           Etanislao Arias y otros

 

June 4 to 19        Marta Sanchéz                                                                   Visual Arts Gallery

 

July 6 to 17         Franklin Rodríguez                                                              Visual Arts Gallery                          

 

 

You just have a few days... don´t miss this great play in Anita Villalaz Teather until May 30th.

Yesterday, I sneaked into San Francisco de Asis Church, as someone sent me a tip that they where providing maintenance to the tower. Fabulous! the views from there are unbelievable. Here a small show of my best pictures!

Casco Antiguo Panama
Casco Viejo Panama

Starting this week on May 21th until June 7th on La Casona you will be able to enjoy the beauty of art with the Exposition named "Escaramujo y el Angel en la Ciudad" by Fernanda Vargas and King Chay.

 

With "The Angel in the City" he wants to express how the artist can be in either place at the same time, without the need to be physically there.

With "Escaramujo, El Universo es mi Casa" and the metaphor of Silvio Rodriguez she realized that the universe is her home and that She is a citizen in the world. The Escaramujo is her way to live the moment, a creation, something that constantly change.

     "The Angel in the City"   

 

 "Escaramujo, El Universo es mi Casa"

 

King Chay and Fernanda Vargas

Together they show their art, in the same place and at the same time. King Chay, in his city is Fernanda´s Angel; and Fernanda is the Escaramujo, she lead us to believe that we all are citizens of the Universe.

The Iglesia de la Merced was built in 1680 and is one of the oldest churches in Casco Antiguo.For the last eight months, its external chapel has been under restoration by the architect Raul Murillo.

The Music Festival Alfredo Saint Malo is coming! This year will be held from May 28th to June 7th in Casco Viejo. See the events calendar here

By Friday, Plaza Catedral (known also as Plaza Independencia) had "new residents"... tents started to pop out, artists and hippies Woodstock style camped along with the Naso to support their cause. By Sunday, they had a small concert organized taking advantage that the Flea Market was going on.

The king is coming! The naso tribe has been camping for a while now at Plaza Catedral asking for a hearing with the President to talk about their relocation. The government is building a hydroelectric plant for which they have to be relocated... something that somehow they still haven´t figured out. So their king, Valentin Santana is coming this sunday to push the issue and create awareness on their cause.

"Raindrops are falling on my head".... but it doesn´t stop the carnival! Panama is entering into the rainny season, hated by many but highly appreciated by all nature lovers. Check out the event calendar for the month: art, music, theatre and ecological trips at Casco Antiguo´s nearby jungles and beyond!

The great thing about Casco is that almost always there is something going on. April 25th the National Theatre will host a concert from Latin American authors. See the info here...

Obama is lifting finally parts of the Cuban embargo. While you are thinking on traveling to Cuba, read this first....

All of this happening in Plaza Herrera! while always considered the "back" of San Felipe, somehow I´m getting the impression of being at a cutting edge front.

Emerging artists, locals, investors, art, music and criollo food. Casco Viejo has become Panama´s reference for cultural events. But there is more to it than meets the eye...

To spark change through dance. To transform children into creative forces... Casco Viejo has started a pioneer program that will change from inside out.

They are coming!!! April 2nd and 3rd, don´t miss this fantastic troupe!!!! check Colegio del Cuerpo out in YouTube, they have great stuff...

Great local food and sexy girls, Casco Antiguo Fashion Festival dressed up Plaza Catedral with the best of Panamanian fashion design and paid tribute to Panamanian photographer Gustavo Araujo who died tragically last December.

Breaking the cycle of poverty in Casco Viejo is really simple. It just takes dedication, knowledge and love. Children are so eager for these elements, they´ll do the rest. They have found a home in this program, and now their home just got better!

From the Oficina del Casco Antiguo calendar... these are the upcoming events. Some are "to be confirmed", but is good to keep them in mind:

Finally!!!!!!!! One of the axis of Casco Antiguo has its own website. We waited a long time, but it was well worth it! The website is a reflection of everything Casco Antiguo is: a mixed, vibrant community. Full of art, color and flavor. Congratulations!!! Also, a big hurray for Clara Hardin, our associate who appears at "Mi Barrio" ("our neighborhood".

Good news for opera lovers: the Fundacion Opera Panama will present this upcoming 24 and 26th of March "La Magia de la Opera" (Opera´s Magic) featuring young Panamanian talents and international opera singers.

Attention artists! the girls of Entre Pulgas are offering space at their commercial space in Avenida Central, near Casa Góngora at Calle 4ta to showcase and sell your creations.Contact Lara at 6694-2427 and Paula at 6493-0632

In celebration for Women´s Day (or week... or year?) a friend just sent me one of these forwards with feminist jokes (which I happened to enjoy a lot by the way!) to give a laugh at the eternal extremes of the "battle of the sexes". In Casco Viejo, however, we celebrated with a significant event.

Pum!Pum! Pum! ... to the left.... cha chaaanann to the righttttt cha chaaannn down! up! around! A classic summer day in Casco Viejo!

The US Marines invade Casco Viejo! learn why.....

Soap operas in Latinamerica are huge. I remember growing up watching all sorts of soap operas, from the funny Brazilian ones (sexy but at the same time with a naive sense of humor) to the more aggresive Mexican or the frankly confusing ( and loooooonnnnnggggg) Venezuelan productions.Panama did not wanted to be left out!

This weekend was all about good vibes. Music, art and romance filled the old brick streets. Love summer!

check out this art event on Saturday! silent auction included...

The 6th edition of the Panama´s Jazz Festival is on its 4th day. Yesterday, we went to an amazing concert hosted by the Spanish Embassy featuring Flamenco Jazz. A spicy combination!

A historic event took place today. The old music conservatory came alive. A dream came true. Lives where changed. All because of two visionaries: Danilo Perez and Conservatorio S.A.

Althought the official calendar for the Panama Jazz Festival points out January 12th as the starting date for the festival, and even if the concerts are the better known part of the festival, in fact it really has a very important educational component that started early on this week.

Live! artists painting all over Plaza Bolivar. A silent auction during the very loud Panama Jazz Fest. Learn more about this art show organized by Kristin Dove in Casco Antiguo.

Carlos Weil Art Gallery and the Ministry of Culture will present Jazz and Canal, a collective art show of antiques related to the Panama Canal: original bonds, photographies, paintings and even music scores. We have known Carlos for many years, and I have to say his collection is always intriguing and brings something different to the table. So don´t miss this opportunity! It will be at Las Bovedas Gallery in Plaza Francia.

The Panama Jazz Festival is almost here! they just sent a message through their Facebook group announcing their first music workshop. Registrations open until December 20th. Find here the info for all of you who might be interested:

As Christmas approaches, the city goes crazy. Yesterday, Panama´s traditional Christmas Parade took over Avenida Balboa. Thousands of kids running around, piling up to see the cars and trucks dressed up with miscellaneous Christmas themes. But where are all these props made? you would be surprised to know that the "Factory of Dreams" carved in foam is in Casco Viejo. More specifically, next to the Cathedral, run not by Santa but by Franz.

Just came back from Miami Art Basel. These fairs are great because it is like an open discussion not only on social issues but on what beauty is for each one. Casco Antiguo has beautiful buildings, parks and scenes, it is true... but nothing beats the beauty of its people. And not beauty in the conventional magazine-model type but on the beauty of feeling just great even if you are wearing hair rolls that are twice the size of your head. And orange.

Skaters welcome to San Felipe! With the double purpose of keeping kids out of the streets and keeping them in good shape, we are sponsoring space for a Skate Park within one of our buildings. The guys from Flow (the skate and surf store) donated the materials, some equipment and training, and the kids brought their enthusiasm.

One of the fondest memories I have of Christmas is going to visit my grandmother ( a former Casconian, waaaayyyy back when…) and spend hours either making or playing with the Christmas Model Town. We call it “el nacimiento” which in few words describes a small town made out of toys featuring the Christian nativity scene. You could go all the way up with those things, there where those who took the entire garage in their homes and did a real mini Israel out of it.

One of the well known tactics to attract children anywhere is to have them make fun stuff. Aprojusan, a local ngo, uses art as honey to get local children to assist to their center. While they are there, they receive help with homework, basic healthcare and emotional support. Now, while we where trying to have a serious conversation... check out the madness around us! I was about to skip office to join them...

I had the most interesting talk with a client today. He is a passionate guy from Catalunya (Spain), someone who not only loves food but understands it to its roots. He mentioned he had a blog, so of course I ran to check it out. I was incredibly surprised to see my favorite Casco Antiguo spots in them!

Cities are a reflection of the people who lived and built them. There is no doubt about that, as architecture is made to our own meassure and that of our dreams and comforts. Here is an interesting article by journalist David Kaufman at the Financial Times which compares the eclectic styles of Tel Aviv to Panama´s Casco Antiguo.

Yomira John has a unique presence. When you see her, you sense that a bomb of striking colors just walked into the room. Her voice, sensual and smooth is her trademark, and on stage she is all fun!

Gearing up for Panama´s Jazz Fest, Danilo Perez must be head over heels. Organizing this festival is a huge task no matter what, but to also nurture the educational part through the Fundacion Danilo Perez and having time to produce an excellent album ... wao! see the info for the Jazz Fest and the reviews for his new album.

An international Piano Contest and the first Urban Art Award, check out the details here!

This weekend was a lot of fun. Unusual events, urban art everywhere. Baños Públicos at its best! my photos are good, but I think I´m going to get a video camera next time. Tried to do it over my Sony cellphone, but didn´t really work...

Yesterday we just received a mail from Canal House about a guest that enjoyed his stay in Casco Antiguo. They forward to us an interesting post from Keys Life newspaper from USA; with a lovely review.

How fortunate Panama is to have a wide range of cultural events, including opera!

Night of art and music in Casco Antiguo

During the last weekend after completing the Second Songwriter Festival on Casa Góngora in San Felipe, Spanish singer-songwriter Jesús Garriga visited us and delighted us with his music on this great festival.

Last night was the opening night of Panama´s National Ballet performance of La Bayadere (known also as Bayaderka), the famous ballet from Marius Petipa where Prince Solor marries Princess Gamzatti, although he is really in love (and had sworn loyalty) to Nikiya, the temple dancer. Alexa Gutierrez, from Panama, danced on Nikiya´s roll, one of my favorite I´ve seen from her so far.

The 6th edition of the Panama Jazz Fest in 2009 is already on its way. Music, workshops, scholarships and a new music school in Panama by the Foundation Danilo Perez. Where? when?

It was the perfect romantic, sweet, cuddle-up-with-your-best-half concert of the year!

October is a special month for Casco Antiguo, as it is the 100th anniversary month of Panama´s National Theatre. It started with the Pink Ribbon campaign (totally unrelated to the Theatre, however!) for breast cancer awareness, but it will continue with more interesting activities such as a special Gala Performance by the National Ballet of La Bayadere (featuring Alexa Gutierrez from Panama and Ivana Kozomara from Belgrado) and Madame Butterfly

Latin American Graphic Design is Taschen´s new book featuring the best graphic artists in the region. For Panama, it showcases the work of young agencies and artists such as...

A group of Panamanian artists, including Blanca Dávalos and Yiyi Barra from La Casona have been worried about other artistic media gaining too much space over painting. They´ve planned a full month of painting exhibitions with seven different artists at La Casona, which will be up for a month starting September 25th. It will include Panamanian artists Rolando De Sedas, Ricaurte González, Silvia Costa, Manuel S. López and Cristina Garrido, and international painters Damien Prouvost and Dahiana Bukschtein. This is the note at today´s La Prensa:

The second "Panamanian Author´s" music festival has just started, and of course, it is in Casco Antiguo. Check out the next concerts, most of them at Casa Gongora, but also there will be one at Plaza Catedral and at the National Theatre.

"A Cultural Cornerstone" is today´s New York Times travel article about Casco Viejo, Panama, featuring our favorite hotel Canal House Panama as editor´s pick and businesses like Karavan Gallery and Indigo Restaurant. I love it when people visit, but the best for me is to live here...

In many countries, cultural activities fuel tourism, which becomes one of their main economic revenues. With Casco Antiguo, Panama has a unique opportunity to be launched into the world´s cultural map. Check out the details here...

An ambitious project is being announced: the World Bank and the Office of Casco Antiguo will invest close to $2M to promote cultural industries in the historic city. Here is the article in Spanish, by La Prensa...

When you arrive into Casco Viejo you know if you belong here. Some have it tattooed in their foreheads.... or other parts! if you think I´m kidding, read this True Casco Viejo Story. Pictures won´t let me lie!

Panama´s art Bienal is probably one of the most important events in the year for painting, plastic arts and media. This year, the theme is the ex "Canal Zone". Its history and influence in our society. The making of the Panama Canal and its political and social interaction as a "nation within a nation" literally shaped Panama in obvious ways... but also in very subtile ways.

Movie and Tapas are being announced at Manolo Caracol. Here are the next 3 movies:

Brook Alfaro is one of Panama´s most recognized artists nationally and internationally. A relaxed guy, his paintings are a hurricane of emotions you would never guess from just knowing him socially. His best place to get inspiration?

Last night, the United Nations Environmental Programee inaugurated at the National Theatre in Casco Antiguo their "For the Earth" Festival. It will last a month, with several activities withing Casco Antiguo, ranging from poetry to rock concerts. Most of the activities will be held at

September´s agenda is full! check out the calendar to your left, and you´ll see the details. But here is a "panoramic" view of what´s going on for September.

September in Casco Viejo starts with interesting events: dance and music all over. Check out the new events here...

A new client recently asked me “Is Casco Viejo gay friendly?” For a moment I had to think about the question. You see, growing up as a ballet dancer I never even gave a thought to it.

Casco Viejo will host a very special event in September. The United Nation´s agency for the Environment (known in Spanish as PNUMA) will present an art festival featuring artists from different disciplines, from poetry to street painting. Check out the event calendar here!

Flash news: Puertas al Mundo or Doors to the World is an art show featuring cuban artists. It inaugurates August 8th at Plaza Francia and will be there until August 20th.

La Casona has a new home! wonderful (and huge) Citi Bank, just at the corner of Plaza Herrera. Welcome!

The oldest inside joke in Casco Viejo is that it isn´t a colonial city at all. As a matter of fact,

For the last two years, La Casona de las Brujas has been the center of the Panamanian bohemian scene. The space located at the old Maria Imaculada School near Plaza Herrera served as art gallery, concert hall, disco, art school for local children and just the favorite afterhours neighborhood hang out.

Panama´s National Theatre was literally born with the Republic. The need to build it was at the first Gacetas Oficiales in 1903 - 1904 along with main stuff like a Presidential Palace and public bathrooms. It was the heart of social life and culture. Today, we celebrate its 100 year anniversary with a bit of history and wonderful events in August and October.

We received a flash note from Quintessentially announcing the next "Silent Auction" of Fundacion San Felipe. This year, it will be held at the Marriott hotel, and all proceeds will go to their various programs ranging from art to photography for kids.

It isn´t summer, but somehow Casco Viejo hasn´t slowed down too much regarding cultural events. August 8th will have a special presentation of a German Jazz Duet where all profits will go to social work in Darien. July still gets a Contemporary Dance Encounter and an Art Auction from the Museum of Contemporary Art at Casa Cor. Learn when and who to contact here!

This is not "body painting", claims the artist Ramon Almanza. Throughout my work I always ended up representing the female form and at some point I thought, it would be great to transfer my vision directly to a female body! Today, at Casa Gongora, his art show will feature...

Flash news! new music festival. This one blending art and fashion. Also, don´t forget to visit the Central America Photo Bienale at Las Bovedas.

I had a literature teacher that used to say: taking out the obvious great masters, at the end of the day, the line between art and non art these days is very fine. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There used to be a clear difference between folk, handcraft and art. Today, it is all fusion, pieces dancing from one concept to the other, depending on the latest critic review. However, she said, don´t be ashamed if you feel confused. Think about this: if YOU enjoy it, it is art to you. And if the artist brings love to its work, then it is in it´s purest form.

Sometimes the world´s problems overwhealm you: politicians are doing their best to make your life worst, news of contamination, low education in the new generations, Dooms Day. But sometimes we are reminded that we do have the power to change things around. We actually excersice that power every day... That is one of the many things I like about Casco Viejo. Small projects have a huge impact... check this out and get inspired.

Panama´s Bienale is coming up in September. This year it features an interesting and almost unexplored theme: the ex Canal Zone, a controversial area that divided the country in two but also helped build the beautiful cultural diversity that Panama offers as a country today. Learn more! the work will be shown in the most authentic part of Panama: Casco Viejo, located 2 minutes away from it.

There are advantages to living in Casco Viejo when a major event is being held there...

As many times as I have walked the Calles of Casco Antiguo, the un-restored buildings in their dilapidated condition are endlessly fascinating...

All over Panama City, the one thing that is rarely missing on the streets where there is parking is a bien cuidao...

This might be Friday the Thirteenth, but it not to worry, there is far too much excitement in Casco Viejo...

One of these days, the headline in La Prensa might read, “Tram Service in Casco Antiguo Returns”.

Most buildings are transformed in Casco Antiguo after two or more years...

The advantage of living in Casco Viejo is the variety of small shops within a couple of blocks of my home in Casco Viejo.

It almost sounds like the title of an experimental movie! but well, I had so many little pictures and happenings this weekend and upcoming week I couldn´t just "cluster" them in a theme. First, of course, the tomatoes...

I don´t know if you have noticed, but we set up a calendar to input all the events. So send us yours! Here is the final schedule for the FAE (Festival internacional de Artes Escenicas 2008)

Apparently there was a "Women´s Day" last week. At the same time I wonder if there is a "Man´s Day" at some point other than Father´s Day, since there is ceirtainly a "Children´s Day" (at least in Panama) on top of other holidays. The good part of actually getting a day named with a theme (other than selling more of the corresponding merchandise) is that some people actually takes the time to think seriously about it and create true awareness about the issue.