By Larry Rohter for the New York Times - Rubén Blades has a very specific reason for calling his current tour “Todos Vuelven,” or “Everybody Returns.” After suspending his music and film career for five years to serve as a cabinet minister in Panama, his homeland, Mr. Blades is back, on the road and with a new album, testing the waters and trying to figure out whether the entertainment business still has a place for him. “Yes, I’m back in it, but with discrimination and focus,” Mr. Blades said this week over lunch at a Cuban-Chinese restaurant on the Upper West Side that he has frequented since the mid-1970s, when he experienced his first success as a salsa star with “Pablo Pueblo,” “Pedro Navaja” and other socially conscious songs. “The world changed while I was away, and the idea now is to see how to fit in.” Mr. Blades, 61, and Seis del Solar, the band that has recorded with him since the 1980s, will be playing Saturday night at the United Palace ballroom in Washington Heights. But his formal reintroduction to American audiences occurred this month at the Latin Grammy Awards ceremony in Las Vegas, where he sang with Calle 13, the Puerto Rican reggaetón and hip-hop duo that won five awards that night and may be the hottest act in Latin music right now. “Rubén is one of the few artists who can disappear and come back with the hope of attracting a young audience, and that’s because of the quality of his songs,” said René Pérez, 21, the lead singer of Calle 13. “I wasn’t really following his political life, but in musical terms, it’s like he’s the teacher and we are his students. I’ve listened to his music since I was little and have learned from him not just how to write but also political awareness. We believe in his message.” (more)

LivinginPeru.com - Isabel Guerra - According to local press, the tickets for the I and M zones (the most expensive ones) for upcoming Metallica's concert in Lima sold out on the first day of sales. Coqui Fernandez, the businessman in charge of the concert, said that ticket sales exceeded expectations, and that 90% of these have been acquired with a 25% discount via Ripley credit card. According to Fernandez, 15,000 tickets, whose prices range between 400 and 600 soles, were sold out yesterday, surpassing the record that Soda Stereo had set when they sold 12,000 tickets in a single day. The organizers expect to sell between 40,000 and 50,000 tickets. The largest number of fans gathered at the Teleticket points of sale in San Borja and San Miguel, where some fans waited in line patiently since 4am. Metallica's concert, scheduled for January 19th 2010, will open the band's Latin American version of “Word Magnetic Tour 2008-2010,” which will also take them to Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela.

FMQB: Metallica has announced a handful of South American and Central American tour dates for 2010. Metallica will play Lima, Peru on January 19, then visit Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia and Venezuela in early March. The band said in a statement, "We are looking forward to visiting cities we have never played before . . . San Jose, Costa Rica and Panama City, Panama to be specific. And as we've only had the chance to visit Caracas and Bogota once before in 1999, this leg of the 'World Magnetic' tour is sure to be a memorable one." (Editor's Comment: I can only hope they close this concert with "Sandman" - with Mariano Rivera on the stage...)

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - I received the following yesterday from Juan "Johnny Flowers" Flores, an old Air Force buddy of mine. We used to fly C-130's together on recon missions like more than 20 years ago out of Howard Air Force Base. His son is in "The David Martinez Band" and they are participating in the Landshark Lager Battle of the Bands contest. This is what Juan sent me last night:

• "Here you go, Don. It's a plug and request for support for my son's band. Appreciate a vote, senor. Thanks!
  
  
• "I'm asking for a bit of your time on behalf of my oldest son, Joseph. Joseph is lead guitarist of a band called "The David Martinez Band" and they are participating in the Landshark Lager Battle of the Bands contest. They performed on Austin City Limits earlier this month and got rave reviews. They also won several sponsorships, the largest from Budweiser, which will now cover the majority of their costs and provide a manager and some venue appearances. They are in the finals of this contest and currently sitting in 11th place. The contest runs through 23 November. If you'd like to listen to their music, you can go to their website http://www.davidmartinezmusic.com/ and take a listen. Otherwise, you can also listen to them on the Landshark contest website, landsharkrocks.com and cast a vote if you like their sound. Sorry for the shameless plug but it's for my son so I hope you understand. Also hope you'll take the time to vote for them! Thanks! Juan"

You can learn more about the band from their sites on Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, and YouTube.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

The band BIG PICTURE is playing at Lums on Friday October 16th. The music starts at 10pm. Big Picture plays 70's, 80's, and 90's high energy rock and roll.

Let my inspiration flow in token rhyme, suggesting rhythm,
That will not forsake you, till my tale is told and done.
While the firelights aglow, strange shadows from the flames will grow,
Till things weve never seen will seem familiar.

Shadows of a sailor, forming winds both foul and fair all swarm.
Down in carlisle, he loved a lady many years ago.
Here beside him stands a man, a soldier from the looks of him,
Who came through many fights, but lost at love.

While the story teller speaks, a door within the fire creaks;
Suddenly flies open, and a girl is standing there.
Eyes alight, with glowing hair, all that fancy paints as fair,
She takes her fan and throws it, in the lions den.

Which of you to gain me, tell, will risk uncertain pains of hell?
I will not forgive you if you will not take the chance.
The sailor gave at least a try, the soldier being much too wise,
Strategy was his strength, and not disaster.

The sailor, coming out again, the lady fairly leapt at him.
Thats how it stands today. you decide if he was wise.
The story teller makes no choice. soon you will not hear his voice.
His job is to shed light, and not to master.

Since the end is never told, we pay the teller off in gold,
In hopes he will return, but he cannot be bought or sold.

Inspiration, move me brightly. light the song with sense and color;
Hold away despair, more than this I will not ask.
Faced with mysteries dark and vast, statements just seem vain at last.
Some rise, some fall, some climb, to get to terrapin.

...

While you were gone, these faces filled with darkness.
The obvious was hidden. with nothing to believe in,
Sullen wings of fortune beat like rain.
Youre back in terrapin for good or ill again, for good or ill again.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - I'm there, baby. Kansas, the rock band from the 1970's, will be playing at the Anayansi Theater in the Atlapa Convention Center on 23 September 2009. From Wikipedia: "The debut album, Kansas (#174), which was released in March 1974, showcased Kansas' signature mix of guitars, keyboards, vocals, and Steinhardt's violin style, which merged American-style boogie-rock with complex, symphonic arrangements and changing time signatures. Their sound bore the marks of late-1960s, early 1970s progressive rock, such as Genesis and Emerson, Lake, and Palmer. Promotion by Kirshner and touring behind the debut album and its two follow ups, Song for America (#57) and Masque (#70), increased awareness of Kansas. On the strength of their 1977 hit single "Carry On Wayward Son" (#11) the band's fourth album, Leftoverture (#5), released in October 1976, on which Steinhardt added viola and Walsh added vibraphone to their work, was a hit which garnered a lot of airplay on the burgeoning AOR radio format. The follow up Point of Know Return (#4), released in October 1977, featured the title track (#28) and "Dust in the Wind" (#6), both hit singles. Both albums had unique album covers, with Point of Know Return depicting a ship teetering over the edge of the world. Both albums have sold over 4 million copies in the U.S. alone. Both "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust In The Wind" were certified Gold singles, selling over one million units each. During this period, Kansas became a major headlining act for several years, selling out the largest venues available to rock bands at the time (e.g., New York City's Madison Square Garden). The band documented this era with its first live recording, 1978's double live album Two For The Show, a snapshot of various performances from the 1977 and 1978 tours supporting Point Of Know Return."

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received this morning via email: "I am happy to announce that the next four Thursdays beginning August 13, the “Eddy Doran Duo” will be performing at the Intercontinental Miramar Hotel restaurant from 7:30-10:30PM. For those of you that don’t know, “Eddy Doran” is my stage name. I am getting back into entertaining once in a while mostly for fun…and it will be MORE fun if you come and join us. The music is Contemporary Jazz and blues with my own “Chicago” style. I have teamed up with bassist “Feeling” Cornavaca, a monster bass player originally from Costa Rica. We will cover a little of everything from jazz, funk, soul, blues and a variety of popular contemporary tunes. I think there will even be room to dance if you are so inclined. So come enjoy some “gringo” style music while enjoying the new views of the Costa Cintera in Panama City. Valet Parking at the Hotel Intercontinental Miramar Thursdays are “Prime Rib” buffet night. All you can eat for $26. Regular menu available also Seating for drinks without dining will be also be accommodated Come have fun with us…see you there! Eddy “Doran” Thurston 877.293.1455 Tollfree NorthAmerica 507.392.6676 Office 507.6676.0076 Cell

CANTUS PANAMA OPEN REHEARSALS for singers with some previous choral experience will be held August 12 and 19 at 7 p.m. This performing mixed voice chorus meets every Wednesday evening for 2 hours. Aug. 12 rehearsal in Quarry Heights, Aug.19 in Punta Pacifica. Contact David Lortie for information and/or ride to rehearsals. 6 684 0776 or davidlortie@hotmail.com

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received this morning via email: "Cantus Panama, a mixed choral group that has performed throughout Panama City over the past couple of years, will present a tribute concert for one of its founding members, Elizabeth Leigh. Ms. Leigh, considered by some the grande dame of classical music here in Panama, passed away after a brief illness last September. She was a singer, violinist and musical organizer here in the city for more than 25 years. The concert will be on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. at the Tupper Auditorum at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Center in Ancon. Seating is limited. Attendee should arrive in ample time to pass through the security check always required to enter the Tupper Auditorium. Proof of identity is required. Also, the auditorium is always kept very cool so a warm wrap is suggested. While there is no admitance fee for this concert, Cantus Panama is suggesting a minimium $10 per person donation which can be contributed upon entering the auditorium. The collected funds will be used to help pay for the restoration of Ms. Leigh's treasured harpsicord. Once fully restored it will be made available for use by all keyboard artists here in Cuidad de Panama. Additionally some funds will be contributed to the British Aid Society, an organization Ms. Leigh strongly supported. There will be a reception following the concert. Additional information concerning the concert or about singing with Cantus Panama can be secured by calling David Lortie, 6684-0776."

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.