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Background on Danilo Perez

By holiver

 World-renowned Panamanian pianist and composer Danilo Pérez will be the guest of honour at PanaExpo 2009 (www.panaexpo.com), which exhibits business and lifestyle solutions in Panama, from April 24 to April 26 at the International Centre in Mississauga. He will be greeting visitors, and playing his distinctive blend of Pan-American jazz.

“… but there are still amazing musicians – like Danilo Perez, who plays piano with Wayne

Shorter’s quartet. He is not afraid of anything.” — Herbie Hancock

“There’s nobody like Danilo. What I especially like is his sense of rhythm, color and form. He’s studied, he’s open, he’s flexible, generous and sweet. This guy’s got everything, all the qualities are there.” — Steve Lacy, quoted in DownBeat cover story on Danilo

“Danilo Pérez has all of the attributes of a performer, conductor, impresario, and purveyor of musical expression greatly needed in these uncertain times. His effort to bring to the world a beacon of hope and inspiration … is a prime example of confidence in a future laden with cornucopian gifts for all humanity.” — Wayne Shorter

The extraordinary Panamanian pianist and composer Danilo Pérez is among the most influential and dynamic musicians of our time. In just over a decade, his distinctive blend of Pan-American jazz (covering the music of the Americas, folkloric and world music) has attracted critical acclaim

and loyal audiences. Danilo’s abundant talents and joyous enthusiasm make his concerts both memorable and inspiring. Whether leading his own ensembles or touring with renowned jazz masters (Wayne Shorter, Roy Haynes, Steve Lacy), Danilo is making a decidedly fresh imprint on contemporary music, guided, as always, by his love for jazz.

He has led his own groups since the early ‘90s, and as bandleader has earned three Grammy® nominations for his ebullient and innovative recordings. Motherland, was nominated for two Grammy® Awards for “Best Latin Jazz Album,” and also garnered his third win for “Best Jazz Album” from the prestigious Boston Music Awards. Motherland was named (as were his previous four releases) among the best albums of the year by such publications as the New York Times,

Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, San Diego Tribune, Billboard and JazzTimes. In 2002, he received a nomination from the Jazz Journalists Association for “Pianist of the Year.”

Born in Panama in 1966, Danilo started his musical studies at just three years of age with his father, a bandleader and singer. By age 10, he was studying the European classical piano repertoire at the National Conservatory in Panama. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in electronics, he moved to the United States to enroll at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and, after changing his major to music, transferred to the prestigious Berklee College of Music. From 1985-88, while completing his studies in jazz composition, he performed with Jon Hendricks, Terence Blanchard,Claudio Roditi and Paquito D’Rivera, and produced the critically-acclaimed Reunion album (Messidor) featuring D’Rivera and Arturo Sandoval: in 1994, Danilo also appeared on Sandoval’s Grammy®-winning album, Danzon. Since the late ‘80s, he has toured and/or recorded with Wayne Shorter, Steve Lacy, Jack DeJohnette, Charlie Haden, Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, Tito Puente, Wynton Marsalis, John Patitucci, Tom Harrell, Gary Burton, and Roy Haynes. ” Roy Haynes Trio (Verve 2000) was named one of the best albums of the year by Gary Giddins, critic for The Village Voice: “(This CD) displayed Danilo’s skills perfectly – glinting technique, an expressive melodic gift, and unerring time . . .”

Danilo first attracted the spotlight as the youngest member of Dizzy Gillespie’s United Nations Orchestra (1989-1992). This pivotal tenure solidified his command of the eclectic, post-bop Latin style, and brought him to the forefront on Gillespie’s Grammy® Award-winning recording, Live At The Royal Festival Hall (Enja), an appearance at the Kennedy Center, and worldwide touring.

In 1993, Danilo turned his focus to his own ensembles and recording projects. A bold, ingenious bandleader, he moved into the spotlight once again, this time for his own RCA/Novus CDs – Danilo Pérez (1993) and The Journey (1994). The Journey placed prominently in several Top Ten Albums of 1994 lists. DownBeat gave it 4 1/2 stars and listed it among the best CDs of the ‘90s; it also received a Jazziz Critics Choice Award. In 1995, Danilo became the first Latin member of Wynton Marsalis’ band, and the first jazz musician to perform with the Panamanian Symphony Orchestra, which featured an expanded 80-piece orchestral version of “The Journey.” He also released two recordings for impulse! – PanaMonk (1996) and Central Avenue (1998) – and won his first Grammy® nomination for “Best Jazz Album” for the latter; The New York Times praised PanaMonk as “a masterpiece of jazz synthesis.” These four CDs accumulated numerous awards and Top Ten citations, firmly establishing Danilo’s leadership role in a new generation of jazz artists.

Danilo also is part of the Wayne Shorter Quartet. The new Wayne Shorter Quartet was voted “Best Small Ensemble of the Year” by the Jazz Journalists Association in 2002 and 2004. He is featured on Shorter’s Verve releases, Alegria and Footprints Live!, which received Five Stars from DownBeat. Shorter invited Danilo to join his first all-acoustic group after hearing him play, “It was adventurous and fresh,” Shorter observes (Jazz Times, 2002). “He wasn’t playing to show off his technique. He was interested in telling stories.” Favorably compared to the ‘60s Miles Davis group that featured Shorter, the new quartet displays a remarkable  freedom.

Currently, Perez serves as the Ambassador of Goodwill for Unicef , Cultural Ambassador of his native country of Panama, President and Founder of the Panama Jazz Festival, Artistic Advisor of the innovative Mellon Jazz Up Close series at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia and faculty of New England Conservatory and Berklee College of Music in Boston. He also continues to play with Ben Street and Adam Cruz, musicians that have been working with him for more than two years. “Trust and deep knowing are the foundation for the spirited and soulful interplay among the musicians in this trio. “I know them very well,” says Pérez, “and we all try to practice brotherhood, love, equality and freedom in our personal lives and in our music. All of us have become a family, and there is a feeling of celebration, of transcending communication, when we play that it is very magical to me.”

“No one in the mainstream is playing more freely than this trio.” — Joe Garelick, Boston Phoenix.

“A bold example of the musicological rethinking of jazz.” — Ben Ratliff, New York Times

“A compelling collection of rhythms and textures.” — Don Heckman, Los Angeles Times

Media Release – PanaExpo 2009

By holiver

Danilo Pérez coming to PanaExpo 2009

TORONTO, April 6 /CNW/ – World-renowned Panamanian pianist and composer Danilo Pérez will be the guest of honour at PanaExpo 2009 (www.panaexpo.com), which exhibits business and lifestyle solutions in Panama, from April 24 to April 26 at the International Centre in Mississauga. He will be greeting visitors, and playing his distinctive blend of Pan-American jazz.

“I’m happy to attend PanaExpo 2009 in Toronto and let people know about the culture, investment and lifestyle opportunities in Panama,” says Mr. Pérez. “My Panama is a gem.”

“Panama offers solutions to crisis,” stresses Vladimir Reznik, Executive Director of the event. “It is one of few places on Earth where economy still grows, investments still generate returns, and small business is booming. Panama is a place where retirees, businesses and investors find opportunities with great savings, strong logistical platform and unimaginable tax breaks.”

Panama is growing in popularity with Canadians because of the country’s stability, infrastructure and upcoming Free Trade Agreement with Canada.

About Danilo Pérez The extraordinary Panamanian pianist and composer Danilo Pérez is among the most influential and dynamic musicians of our time. His distinctive blend of Pan-American jazz (covering the music of the Americas, folkloric and world music) has attracted critical acclaim and loyal audiences. He has earned three Grammy(R) nominations. Currently, Pérez serves as the Ambassador of Goodwill for Unicef and Cultural Ambassador of his native country of Panama. He is the President and Founder of the Panama Jazz Festival. Source: www.daniloperez.com.

About Panama Festival and PanaExpo 2009 PanaExpo 2009 (www.panaexpo.com) is a unique blend of trade show, festival and conference and is the only international event exclusively dedicated to promoting Panama outside of the country. It is a joint effort between private enterprise and the diplomatic mission of Panama in Toronto. PanaExpo 2009 takes place at the International Centre, the leading trade and consumer show venue in North America. The event is located at Hall 4, 6900 Airport Road in Mississauga, Ontario, and runs from Friday April, 24 to Sunday, April 26, 2009. The show opens at 5pm, and the Grand Opening ceremony starts at 6pm. PanaExpo 2009 offers solutions and opportunities for retirees, investors, professionals, executives and business owners. The event will also feature Panamanian cuisine, culture and arts. Visitors will have the opportunity to ask experts about travel, business, investment and retirement in Panama.

For FREE Visitors Passes, visit www.panaexpo.com.

For further information: Media Information: Howard Oliver, tel. (416)
568-5254; Show Information: Panama: (507) 269-1984; Canada: (416) 223-0333
 

Panama Festival and Expo 2009 Toronto, Canada

By holiver

Panama is coming to Toronto again in 2009!

Come to PanaExpo™, a world-class 3-day Consumer and Trade Show that exhibits business, tourism, investment and lifestyle opportunities in Panama.

PanaExpo™ runs from Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26, 2009 in Hall 4 at the International Centre at 6900 Airport Road in Mississauga, Ontario.

PanaExpo™ provides Canadian business people, professionals, retirees, vacationers, and investors with essential information about opportunities in Panama. This event will feature high profile Panamanian personalities, Panamanian cuisine, culture, dance, and the arts.

Is this the new Florida?

By holiver

Imagine Miami Beach, but without the Hurricanes, without the 90-day US visa restrictions and without the Price Tag! JUST

IMAGINE
Live Tax-FREE, cut your cost of living by 35% to 50%
#1 privacy and tax haven in the Americas. Retirees’ benefits include exemption of duties for the importation of household goods, cars, no income tax on interests and dividends, and a variety of Government mandated discounts for seniors ranging from 10% to 50% on many common goods and services from travel and accommodations to drugs and utilities. Take a taxi across town for $1.25, enjoy a steak dinner in a nice restaurant for $8, visit a U.S. trained doctor for $40, and take advantage of laws allowing you to leave a tax-free estate!

IMAGINE
You can own an affordable dream home in Paradise. Find stunning homes only minutes from the beach or in secluded valley retreats starting from under $80,000, spacious upscale ocean view downtown apartments from under $200,000, or, find homes of opulent luxury at a fraction of their comparables around the World.

IMAGINE
Enjoyable warm climate year-round and beautiful nature. Water is safe to drink! Choose your Paradise from pleasant tropical climate along the coasts, mountains, or premium island communities where wild life and nature is abundant, with over 900 species of birds, lush green hills, flowing rivers, and spectacular waterfalls, where water and sports activities are truly world-class.

IMAGINE
Retirement Residence Visa – hassle-free. No more 90-day US visa restrictions! Apply once and soon have residency visa for life. It’s fast, it’s affordable, and it’s easy. Speak English with friendly locals. Communication is easy. Many locals speak excellent English due to the long-standing American presence here.

IMAGINE
Health Care is affordable and First-Class. Private health care here is the pride of the nation with US-affiliated hospitals, US-trained physicians and state-of-the-art modern medical facilities for nearly all types of health needs imaginable, but only at a fraction of the North American prices. Imagine Life in Paradise. This is Paradise You Deserve! A country that has everything to be named Paradise! International Living called it “The World’s #1 Retirement Haven” for six consecutive years. this country is called PANAMA and on April 24-26, 20098 it is coming to Toronto Congress Centre to meet you!

See Panama, Feel Panama, and Experience Panama yourself WITHOUT going on a plane FREE Admission tickets are LIMITED, Click for Yours NOW: www.panaexpo.com/e/registration_.php
(if the link does not open, just copy and paste it in the browser)

PanaExpo 2009 Visitors

By holiver

PanaExpo visitors will have the opportunity to ask experts about investment and retirement opportunities in Panama.

Learn from folks who are already enjoying this gem of a country.

It is the best place to find out about Panama while still in Canada.

We worked hard to bring elite level Panamanian organizations to the event who can present specific real estate, business and investment opportunities to you.

PanaExpo’s program will feature:

  • Networking Opportunities with the Panamanian/Canadian Community
  • Product Training and Compliance Training for Realtors
  • Panama Education Programs for Lawyers and Financial Professionals
  • Banking & Financial Information
    Project Presentations
  • Real Estate and Business Investment Market Place
  • Key Note & Guest Speakers
  • Celebrity Appearances
  • Entertainment Programs
  • Folkloric Presentations
  • VIP Cocktail Reception

According to Canadian Association of Acredited Mortgage Professionals, 30% of all Real Estate Clients in Central America are Canadian!

By holiver

As a Canadian Professional, are you missing out on one of the most lucrative markets driven by growing numbers of retiring baby boomers?

Panama is today’s hottest and most popular retirement and investment destination.  International Living magazine called Panama “one of the best places in the World for retirees today.”  Frommer’s listed Panama as the World’s number four travel destination in 2007.

Plan to attend Panama Festival & Expo 2008 that will take place at the Toronto Congress Centre located at 650 Dixon Road, Hall E, on April 24-26, 2009.  

The show will feature referral income, product and compliance information for Canadian professionals, special discounts and travel prizes, real estate investment offers, off-shore investment, banking and legal information, FREE travel and vacation raffles, exposure to Panama’s rich culture, exciting speakers, entertainment and more…

PanaExpo issued a limited number of FREE tickets ($12 value) for Canadian Professionals, and if you register early, you can pass it on to your clients, friends, and business associates.

CLICK HERE  to tell you clients, friends and business associates about PanaExpo09 NOW!

Pro-Panama Association

By holiver



PanaExpo 2009 is pleased to partner with the Pro-Panama Association a non-profit organization located in Canada that promote Panamanian culture,food,dance,sports. The Pro-Panama Association’s main focus is to help children in Panama obtain a fine education  
Their current education project is called:  ”Without your help, I have no future”

An amazing time lapse trip throught the Panama Canal

By holiver

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-vi19z4LEi0&feature=related — We just could not stop watching this. It is really like being there!  Another way to experience Panama and make real plans to visit or live there is at PanaExpo 08. Click here to register……