For your diary

THURSDAY MARCH 5

Jazz night at Platea Bar, Casco Viejo. 10:30 p.m. Info.: 228-4011

Tango presentation by the Argentinian Tango Academy of Panama at Pizza Piola. Tango lessons from 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. for $5. Info.: 263-4668.

THURSDAY MARCH 5 – 6

“Puertas” (doors) exhibit at the Arlene Lachman Gallery (Calle 1ra El Carmen No. 101). All types of doors artistically enhanced by 22 artists. Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Info: 264-5257.

THURSDAY MARCH 5 – 7

Expocomer 2009 at ATLAPA, business exhibits from more than 30 countries. 1:00 p.m.

THURSDAY MARCH 5 -12

Woody Allen’s “Writer’s Block” at Theatre Guild (next to Ancon DIJ). 8:00 p.m. Donation: $10. Info.: 212-0060.

THURSDAY MARCH 5 – APRIL 6

“Cinderella”, Spanish play at Teatro Aba. Every Sunday. 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Tickets $6.

FRIDAY MARCH 6

Happy hour and live music at Shihan Sushi restaurant (Calle 51, banking area) from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Info.: 264-1824.

FRIDAY MARCH 6 – 8

Summer Fest 09 Panama, an event that unites all of the musical genres in the country. 20 national artists at La Cascada, Dolega, Chiriqui. $5.

SATURDAY MARCH 7

Japanese Culture Week inauguration at the National Library (Parque Omar) with typical Japanese dances), “Aikido”, a fashion show, the traditional tea ceremony and more. 10:30 a.m. Info.: 263-6155.

Spaghetti Fiesta by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3822 at the Balboa Yacht Club, Amador. Noon – 5:00 p.m. Tickets $8, contact Richard Allar (296-7982) or Al Mendoza (260-3065).

SATURDAY MARCH 7 – 15

Japanese Culture Week free movie screenings at Teatro en Circulo and Cinepolis. For a full list of movies, timings and locations, visit: www.panama.emb-japan.go.jp

SATURDAY MARCH 7, 8

Extreme wheels & drift sponsored by Mas Movil, with drifting, sound competitions, and concerts by Sean Kingston and Flo Rida at Figali Convention Center. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. Saturday and 12:00 p.m. Sunday. Tickets $22, Blockbuster (valid for 2 days).

Trip to Coiba Island. $85 for transportation, room and board. Info.: www.ecoviajerospanama.com.

SUNDAY MARCH 8

Flea market at the Cathedral Plaza, Casco Viejo, starting at 9:30 a.m.

MONDAY MARCH 9

Expat happy hour social at Rhino’s. 7:30 – 11:00 p.m.

MONDAY MARCH 9 - 11

Japanese Culture Week free Origami workshop and Japanese lessons at the National Library. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Info.: 263-6155.

TUESDAY MARCH 10

St Andrew’s Society (Scottish Society) gathering at Rincon Aleman. 7:00p.m.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 11 – 15

Le Grand Cirque at ATLAPA. Tickets $15 - $65 at Farmacias Metro, Extreme Planet and Hometek. Wed – Fri, 8:00 p.m. Sat 3:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., Sun 2:00 p.m. , 7:00 p.m.

THURSDAY MARCH 12

Boquete Jazz Festival sponsors Gala at Oasis Hotel & Restaurant with Fantasy Jazz & Natural Sound Jr. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tickets $10, sold at: Valle Escondido Country Club, Bistro Boquete, Oasis B&B and Ana´s Sweet in Boquete, and Cocina Rica in David.

FRIDAY MARCH 13 - 14

Boquete Jazz Festival concert at Valle Escondido Country Club with Luba Mason and her Trio, Reginald Boyce, and Panama’s Jazz Effects (Friday) and Imox Jazz Quartet, Hernan Romero Jazz Flamenco, and Yuri Honing Quartet (Saturday). 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tickets per day: VIP (with table) $20, general admission: $15; sold at: Valle Escondido Country Club, Bistro Boquete, Oasis B&B and Ana´s Sweet in Boquete, and Cocina Rica in David.

SATURDAY MARCH 14

American Society picnic on the grounds of the “Los Capitanes Hotel” in El Valle, Anton. 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. $18 members; $20 non-members. RSVP by March 12 at American.society.panama@gmail.com.

VI Diablos and Congos Festival, afro-colonial cultural showcase, in front of Portobelo’s park. 10:00 a.m. Sale of food and crafts, exhibits and cultural performances. Info.: 264-4560.

Japanese Culture Week Anime and POP culture event at the University of Panama with Cosplay and a drawing contest, anime documentaries, karaoke, video games, fashion shows, and Japanese pop music. Free Entrance. Info.: 263-6155.

SATURDAY MARCH 14, 15

Movistar Music Fest Panama 2009 at Plaza Figali. Saturday 6:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. Tickets: $15 - $75, Blockbuster.

SUNDAY MARCH 15

Boquete Jazz Festival’s free concert at the Domingo Medica Park. 11:00a.m to 4:00p.m.

IX Kite festival by the Chinese - Panamanian Professionals Association at Amador, near TGIF. 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Info.: 2367355.

TUESDAY MARCH 17

Expat Explorer La Pintada day trip. Visit Panama Hat makers, cigar makers, and tour a gold mine. 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. RSVP by March 9 to admin@expatsinpanama.com. $30.

TUESDAY MARCH 24, 26

“La Magia de la Opera” (The magic of opera) at the National Theater. Tickets $10 - $85 at Blockbuster.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 2

American Society of Panama and USA Caravana’s Annual Auction at the Plaza Paitilla Inn. Info.: 6583-1165.

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