Global Jazz Womxn also played with the ambitious all-female, 30-piece big band Hijas D’el Jazz at the Ateneo Theater. “We wanted each one of us to bring something to the stage,” noted Haruvi, who offered a well-received arrangement of the Israeli classic “Ose Shalom,” leading into the Panamanian folk song “El Tambor de la Alegria.” Completing the set were “The Call” (Zárate), “Between the Gaps” (Kayser), “Different Ability” (Moser) and “I” (Garcia), all compelling in different ways. Álvarez, and Swiss/Dutch Charlotte Lang guesting on baritone sax and flute.
Presenting original music and arrangements by female and non-binary artists, the band featured Zárate and Israeli Lihi Haruvi on saxophones, British drummer Jas Kayser, Irish/Austrian bassist Ciara Moser, Chilean pianist Luciana G. Alongside musical collaboration, they also hold master classes on women’s issues in jazz and conversations “about patriarchy and other topics that interest us,” Zárate shared. Founded and led by Zárate, this captivating group includes gifted students, faculty, and alumni of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute in presenting original music and arrangements by female and nonbinary artists. The highly skilled Global Jazz Womxn ensemble offered an opportunity to discover up-and-coming female jazz artists from around the world.
Panama city jazz festival professional#
We’ve worked extensively to include more women in positions of power at the Danilo Pérez Foundation and the Panama Jazz Festival,” Pérez explained to JT, noting that the professional team currently comprises 70% women and 30% men. “In my opinion, more women would equal a better country. Its meaning became more apparent as the festival and its program unfolded, revealing formidable female talent and leadership. Pérez repeated the motto “más mujeres, mejor país” - more women, better country - throughout the week, often as a call-and-response with the audience. Russell was the subject of master classes, including one in which the Luis Russell Collective focused on two of his compositions: “Come Back Sweet Papa,” recorded by Armstrong, and the yet-unreleased “Bocas del Toro.” Russell’s daughter, vocalist Catherine Russell, delighted the audience as she performed this song at her Anayansi Theater concert with singular flair. “The history of jazz would be incomplete without Panamanian artists,” stated Pérez at the festival’s opening, mentioning Billy Cobham, Alex Blake, and Rubén Blades, and announcing Luis Russell-an influential pianist, composer, and bandleader who was Louis Armstrong’s longtime musical director-as this edition’s honoree. Scholarships totaling approximately $50,000 were awarded to outstanding students for studies at Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory, offering opportunities for growth and learning.Īlso of prime importance is Panama itself. Air Force base formerly known as Fort Clayton).
Panama city jazz festival full#
Music education and outreach are paramount concerns, with the festival offering five full days of clinics, master classes, and symposia at the City of Knowledge (a decommissioned U.S. It was founded in 2003 by renowned Panamanian pianist-humanitarian-educator-activist Pérez and his wife, Chilean saxophonist-educator-music therapy advocate Patricia Zárate (who serves as the festival’s executive director) with the mission of inspiring, educating, and building a better future for individuals and communities through jazz. The festival is the largest cultural event in the region. 16-21) featured venerated Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés, now 81 vocalist Catherine Russell, daughter of Panamanian jazz pioneer Luis Russell Children of The Light, the supergroup of Danilo Pérez, John Patitucci, and Brian Blade the intriguing Global Jazz Womxn, and much more-over 100 events, drawing 40,000+ people. It was a tremendous success that seemed to have a profound impact on each and every participant: musicians, staff, and audiences.īack in full force after a challenging 2022 edition heavily impacted by COVID-19, the six-day event (Jan.
Maintaining its strong focus on music education and cultural exchange, the festival is supported by a dedicated, highly competent team, including hundreds of volunteers and leadership that advocates for the integration and empowerment of women. It presented a plethora of musical, educational, and cultural offerings, with stellar performances by an impressive roster of local and international artists. Celebrating its 20th edition in January with verve, variety, and heart, the Panama Jazz Festival is a musical, cultural, and organizational wonder.
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