The third annual Panama Jazz Festival, dedicated to the late famous Panamanian flutist Mauricio Smith, will return to Panama City from Jan. 19-21, 2006. The festival will feature many international and Panamanian jazz musicians, with the Randy Weston African Group, the David Sanchez Group and the University of Panama Big Band led by Vitin Paz with Mauricio Smith, Jr. already confirmed.
The festival is held each year with the purpose of sharing the music and culture of Panama with the world and bringing internationally known musicians to the country. Since founder Danilo Perez also works to improve the musical education in Panama, a free concert will be held at the Cathedral Plaza, el Casco Antigua along with jam sessions led by local jazz players and international musicians. Various music workshops, guided by the New England Conservatory of Music, will also be available for students at the Belle Arts Department at the University of Panama.
For more information regarding performers or travel packages, visit www.panamajazzfestival.com.
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