Casco Antiguo, San Felipe

Panama City, Panama

There are advantages to living in Casco Viejo when a major event is being held there.  Tonight, for example, residents and tourists can visit Casa Cor, the designer showcase which is next to the Teatro Nacional. Hours are Tuesday thru Thursday from 4 to 9 pm.  On the weekends, Friday thru Sunday, the hours are noon to 9pm.  Casa Cor closes 13 July.  For the Fete de la Musique, Panama 2008, tonight the opening concert is at 8pm in the Teatro Nacional.  As residents, we just walk a few blocks for both events. For those who come by car, the big municipal parking is across from both venues.

Saturday is the big day.  For Escenario Tropical, wander over to Plaza Herrera about  2pm to hear Bajareque, DJ Black, Scardem Fish y Suppose, Renato, Sociedad Anónima, Esencia Latina, Los Beachers, Orquesta Yare, La K´Shamba, Los Combos Nacionales, OM Kalsum de Egipto, Mala Hierba, Grupo de Alemania, Yomira Jones, Alejandro Lagrota, Carla Lambogia and Javier Medina.  This scene goes on until after 9 pm, if you want a late night scene, La Casona de Brujas is a few steps from Plaza Herrera. Stop in for a beer or wine.

For those thirsting for a more classical venue, at   Anita Villalaz, the small theater in Plaza Francia, from 4pm to 8:30, you can sit and enjoy the performances of Coro Música Viva, Larena Franco Brazil, Francisco Omar Mejia, Orquesta de Camara Univerisity of Panama. Ending the evening for classical music is the Filarmonica De La University of Panama.

In Plaza Catedral, for escenario Típico, starting at 3pm to 9pm you can hear Yomira Jones, Cantadera, Victor Bernal, Abdiel  Nunez, Samy y Sandra Sandoval and Osvaldo Ayala.  

In another area of Plaza Catedral is jazz featuring Trio Innova, Napolitan Banda, Priscila Moreno, Dubarran, Carlos Garnett and Wax Taylor.

The hours are 3pm to 9:15 when the last performance is scheduled.

Then check out the parking lot near the Teatro Nacional for the rock bands.  Some of the performers are Rabanes, Sr Loop, Maleza, Carlos Mendez, Audriyala, Son Azul, Papo Vecino, Pepe Calavera, Shorty & Slim, Kloss, Mabi and Jam de La Paz.

If you want to have a bite to eat at one of the three restaurants on the plaza, wander over to Plaza Bolivar about 2pm.  Some new musical talent is being showcased. Amith leads off, followed by Mario Vilar, Medium, Cheo and Estampa Latina, and Agua de Pipa.  Only X Crew winds the evening up around 7pm.  

Wait, there is more……..at 2pm on Saturday Banda de Música de Laesc. Pedro Pablo Sanchez de la Chorrera is playing then at 4pm Banda de Música de La Universidad de Panama will perform.

Last year, we wandered from plaza to plaza and had a great time. Ran into friends and neighbors. Some brought the kids and doggies. Even if there are a few raindrops, nothing can dampen the day.   So come on out, bring the camera, lots of photos ops are guaranteed. We should give a big thank you to La Alianza francesa de Panama in association with the Oficina del Casco Antiguo who have made this cultural event possible.  Thanks everyone!