Press Releases 2009

U.S. Embassy Panama holds Reception in honor of the 6th International Panama Jazz Festival

January 13, 2009

DCM Gilmour with musician Wayne Shorter

We at the Embassy are proud to celebrate six years of support for Panama’s Jazz Festival, Danilo Perez Foundation and for all who have benefitted.

Jazz is often called the United States’ musical gift to the world, and one the U.S. Department of State has long promoted through our Jazz Ambassadors’ program going back to Dizzy Gillespie’s big band tours in the ‘fifties.  It has been a reciprocal relationship drawing inspiration from many sources outside the United States.  For every Basie or Ellington, Monk or Miles, there’s a Chano Pozo or Joao Gilberto, a Tito Puente or Luis Russell.  All of these great artists found their voice in this form of expression that renews itself from constant exploration and influence, transcending time and place to move us as human beings. 

Danilo Perez is a national treasure of Panama.  His festival cements our bonds of music and fellowship on a yearly basis, bringing many people from around the world to Panama.  His foundation that the festival benefits ensures that the next generation of talented Panamanian musicians will have the opportunity to develop their craft and express themselves as well.

As part of the Jazz Festival, Wayne Shorter has travelled to Panama.  Wayne Shorter, an American jazz composer and saxophonist, commonly regarded as one of the more important American jazz saxophonists and composers since the 1960s.  Wayne is a true Ambassador, having shared the best of himself, his country, and the music we all love with audiences all over the world.  His art and humanity has inspired many.