For your diary

Forum against discrimination: “Respecting Negroid artistic expressions”, on the history of reggae in Panama, at Teatro La Huaca, ATLAPA. 9:00 a.m. – noon. Free entrance.

Official inauguration of the IV Afro-Panamanian Festival at Teatro La Huaca, ATLAPA with artistic and cultural presentations. 5:30 p.m.

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

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

Salsa dance lessons at Paradise Banquet Hall (corner of Via España and Via Brazil). $5. doors: 5:00 p.m. lessons: 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

“Fotos de señoritas y esclusas” play in Spanish at the Anita Villalaz Theater. Wednesdays to Saturdays 8:00 p.m. and Sundays 6:00 p.m. Tickets $8-$10 presale at Argossy and Allegro, $10-$12 at the door. Info.: 6701-9772.

Crafts fair at ATLAPA convention center, with 400+ craftsmen from around Panama, presentations of folkloric groups and artists, and typical Panamanian food. Tickets $2 adults, $1 children and retirees. 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

“Gorditas”, play in Spanish of four ambitious women trying to enter the world of publicity. Teatro La Quadra. Tuesday – Saturday 8:00 p.m. Sundays 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. $12, $10 on presale. Info.: 214-3595.

Silvia Costa art exhibit at the INAC’s Visual Arts Gallery, Casco Viejo. Free Entrance.

Carlos Cadavid’s exhibit “Entretelas” at Imagen Gallery (end of Calle 50 with Via Porras). Info.: 226-2649.

Collective art exhibit by international artists Baju Wijono, James Mathison, Pablo Griss at Dgriss Art Gallery (Torre de las Americas, Punta Pacifica). 11:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Info.: 201-5550 / dgrissgallery@gmail.com.

Alfredo Saint Malo Music Festival. Tickets for the main classical music concerts on May 28, 29, June, 5 ,6 ,7 at the National Theater (Casco Viejo) are $5 - $15 and sold at Blockbuster. For more concert details and ticket prices, visit: www.asmfestivalpanama.com.

“Fumar es Nocivo” (Smoking is harmful) art exhibit by Felipe Diaz at Diablo Rosso gallery in Calle 48, Bella Vista. Info.: 3998826.

“Dr Doolittle” play in Spanish at Teatro Aba. 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. every Sunday. $5. Info.: 237-2185.

“Materias blandas” (soft materials) interactive exhibit by the Pompidou Center in Paris, directed towards children and youngsters to stimulate the observation of everyday objects. Contemporary Art Museum, Ancon. Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Free Entrance. Info.: 262-8012.

Opera Panama performance at restaurante Las Huacas, at the Coronado Club Resort. 4:00 p.m. food, 5:00 p.m. music, with an entertaining program from Broadway songs to zarzuelas. Tickets $25, info.: 6714-3544 or 6885-6399.

Trumpet, piano, violin, viola, cello, singing, and orchestra direction lessons offered by renowned local and international musicians as part of the Alfredo Saint Malo Music Festival. Anita Villalaz Theater. $2 per session. Info.: www.asmfestivalpanama.com.

Belly dance cardioton 2009 by Proyeccion Leyla Salam and Sandybell Start your fitness right studio at the 12 de Octubre Powerclub. 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. $8, or $14 for two. RSVP: 6683-1497.

Free performance by the US Navy hospital ship Comfort’s music band at the Albrook bus terminal, playing jazz, funk, bluegrass and Dixieland. 2:00 p.m.

“Presidente de la Republica” classic at hipodromo President Jose Remon, prize of $85,000 in 2,100 mts for all three year-old horses. Info.: 217-6060.

English literature book exchange at Rhino’s Restaurant (Federico Boyd Avenue) on a one-on-one basis. 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. All are welcome for a relaxing afternoon of socializing.

Free concert at the Cathedral Plaza (Casco Viejo) as part of the Alfredo Saint Malo Music Festival, with a special performance by the US Navy hospital ship Comfort’s music band. 1 – 6:00 p.m. Info.: www.asmfestivalpanama.com.

Free classical music concert sponsored by the Italian embassy at the National Theater, as part of the Alfredo Saint Malo Music Festival. 7:30 p.m. Concert will be based on music from Italian cinema.

American Society of Panama’s new board installation dinner at the City Club, Calle 50. 7:00 p.m. Tickets $35 for semi-forminal dinner; contact American.society.panama@gmail.com. Tickets must be purchased by 12 p.m. Monday June 1.

Inauguration of “8” art exhibit by Grupo Thalo at Imagen Gallery (End of Calle 50 with Via Porras). 7:00 p.m. Exhibit until June 30. Info.: 226-2249.

Partial transit of the Panama Canal. 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Tickets $90, includes lunch and non-alcoholic beverages. RSVP to admin@expatsinpanama.com.

Improv Show at the Guild Theater. $10 donations. Info.: 212-0060 or tgapanama@gmail.com

Joe Arroyo and his orchestra at the Ocean Club in the Figali Convention Center. Doors 8:00 p.m. show 10:00 p.m. Tickets $28 – 59; Blockbuster.

Gala “tipica” 2009 atATLAPA. Doors 7:00 p.m. show 8:00 p.m. Tickets $22 - $32; Blockbuster.