Programs and Events

First Annual International Louis Russell Jazz Festival August 6, 2003

August 6, 2003

Luis C. Russell Stamp

On August 6, the U.S. Embassy- Panama co-sponsored a very lively and entertaining musical tribute to the contributions that jazz has made to Panama. The National Jazz Day paid homage to legendary Panamanian jazz artist Louis Carl Russell. The Jazz Festival began with the unveiling of the Louis Russell stamp at the Teatro Anita Villalaz and stamp enthusiast's purchased the newly inaugurated stamp. The highlight of the festival came at the Teatro Balboa where Panamanian jazz artist Carlos Garnett performed, celebrating 100 years of jazz and blues. The evening promises to be the beginning of a special cultural tradition between Panama and the United States.