Friday's afternoon venue for the Boquete Jazz and Blues Fest is a garden party at the Panamonte Hotel on the north side of Boquete. By 11:30am we have donned our garden party apparel (a.k.a. a flowered shirt for William) and begin our 30 minute walk through town. Just as we leave Valle Escondido the light mist known as bajareque begins. It varies in intensity, but think about the misters setup in Disney to cool people off as an approximation. It continues throughout our walk and the entire day.
We arrive early and are lucky to grab a table in the covered patio area of the hotel bar. Sophie and Terry join us and the six of us decide that lunch and drinks on the patio where we can clearly hear the band is a good choice over standing in the mist. The grounds of the hotel are lovely and the band is decent, but doesn't wow us.
Friday evening there is a jam session at the Sabor Restaurant just down the hill from our villa in Valle Escondido. There had been outdoor tables setup, but due to bajareque everyone crams into the restaurant. We are happy to sit on our patio and sip wine listening to the music. No cover charge. :-)
Friday evening there is a jam session at the Sabor Restaurant just down the hill from our villa in Valle Escondido. There had been outdoor tables setup, but due to bajareque everyone crams into the restaurant. We are happy to sit on our patio and sip wine listening to the music. No cover charge. :-)
Saturday and Sunday are the main event is in the Amphitheater at Valle Escondido, 100 yards from our villa. There are food and beverage stations setup on the grass and along the road above the amphitheater. The amphitheater holds 800 people, and we are told that all tickets have been sold. The event runs from 1:30 to 7:00pm with four groups each day. Once again we are able to sit on our patio and hear perfectly. Saturday's first two groups do not impress, but Ronnie Baker Brooks and Curtis Salgado are very good. There is some humor in knowing Ronnie Baker Brooks is billed as "Chicago's own blues soul guitarist and vocalist".
Sunday starts with the Rigoberto Coba Big Brass Band, Panama's 18 piece big band. We laugh as at times they remind us of some of the groups we have heard in Ecuador - straining to remain on key. We miss Marshall Keys performance. Instead William and I choose to walk to Mike's Global Grill for lunch of a really good burger. Tommy Castro, a blues guitarist is enjoyable. The finale All Star Band, which is lead by Lee Oscar on harmonica, is quite good as the show ends after nightfall.
The profits from the festival goes to local schools to support and improve musical education and to develop musical talents. It is a worthwhile cause and a fun event.
The profits from the festival goes to local schools to support and improve musical education and to develop musical talents. It is a worthwhile cause and a fun event.
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