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2010 Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest

Coqui — Thu, 13 May 2010 15:04:30 +0000

The 2010 Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Heineken Jazz Festival in Puerto Rico and will take place at the Tito Puente Antifeatro, San Juan from Thursday June 3 – Sunday June 6, 2010.

If you are here in Puerto Rico and love jazz; then this festival is a must see. Individual nightly tickets are available for $30-45 (depending on the night) or you can but a JazzPass for $120 which gives you access to the entire festival plus the added bonus of access to the Express Line that allows you to enter 15 mins before the official doors open (note, once the doors are open, even with a JazzPass you will have to enter through the regular lines)

This year’s Heineken JazzFest lineup includes:

Thursday, June 3rd
8:00 PM – Humberto Ramírez’ Jazz Project
9:30 PM – Paquito D’Rivera Septet

Friday, June 4th
8:00 PM – William Cepeda’s Ethno-Jazz Project
9:30 PM – George Wein & The Newport All-Stars
11:00 PM – Michel Camilo Trio

Saturday, June 5th
8:00 PM – Giovanni Tommaso APOGEO
9:30 PM – Miguel Zenón
11:00 PM – Chick Corea Trío

Sunday June 6th
5:00 PM – Berklee in Puerto Rico Student Band.
6:30 PM – Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest Big Band, with special guests Eddie Gómez, David Valentín. Paquito D’Rivera, Michel Camilo, Alex Acuña, Eddie Palmieri , Chick Corea, Andy González, Giovanni Hidalgo and Gato Barbieri

For the past 20 plus years Puerto Rico has celebrated and honored jazz musicians and this year’s 20th anniversary will be a celebration of 20 years of jazz in Puerto Rico.

Past musicians honored at the Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest:

1987: Juancito Torres at Plaza San Jose
1988: Eddie Gómez at Pkng Hospital Rodriguez
1989: Hilton Ruiz at Plaza Dársenas
1990: David Valentín at Plaza Dársenas

1991: Paquito D’Rivera at Plaza Dársenas
1992: Michel Camilo at the Antifeatro Luiz Muñez Marín
1993: Mongo Santamaría at the Antifeatro LMM
1994: Alex Acuña at the Antifeatro LMM

1995: Tito Puente at the Antifeatro LMM
1996: López Cachao at the Antifeatro LMM
1997: Ray Barretto at the Parque Sixto Escobar
1998: Eddie Palmieri at the Parque Sixto Escobar

1999: Chucho Valdés at the Parque Sixto Escobar
2000: Was the 10th anniversary of the Heineken JazzFest at the Parque Sixto Escobar
2001: Chucho Valdés at the Tito Puente Antifeatro ( formely known as the Antifeatro LMM)
2002: Patato Valdés at the Tito Puente Antifeatro

2003: Chick Corea at the Tito Puente Antifeatro
2004: Gato Barbieri at the Tito Puente Antifeatro
2005: Gal Costa at the Tito Puente Antifeatro
2006: Poncho Sánchez at the Tito Puente Antifeatro

2007: Arturo Sandoval at the Tito Puente Antifeatro
2008: Both Jerry and Andy González at the Tito Puente Antifeatro
2009: Giovanni Hidalgo at the Tito Puente Antifeatro
2010: This year is the 20th Anniversary of the Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest at the Tito Puente Antifeatro and will celebrate 20 years of great jazz music here in Puerto Rico

What: 2010 Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest
When: Thursday June 3 – Sunday June 6, 2010
Where: Tito Puente Antifeatro, San Juan
Cost: Thurs $30, Fri & Sat $35, Sun $45 or JazzPass for $120 available at TicketPop
More info: here

Article resource: Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest

Paseo de La Princesa in Old San Juan

Coqui — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 00:42:43 +0000

Paseo de La Princesa promenade is one of my favorite spots in Old San Juan and holds a special place in my heart as this is the place where I proposed to my wife several years ago.

Paseo de la Preincesa is located on the south side of Old San Juan near Plaza de Hostos and Plaza Darcenas and just along from where the cruise ships dock (as a port of call). If you are driving into Old San Juan, head for either the multi-storey car parks on Calle Recinto Sur or the open air car park that is adjacent to Paseo La Princesa (this is the car park I tend to use).

Paseo de La Princesa was originally built in 1853 and over the past couple of years has been faithfully restored to become a great place to walk or people watch. The tree lined promenade provides plenty of shade and you will usually find local street vendors and artisan stalls as you walk along the promenade. Towering above you to your right are the impressive fortification walls of Old San Juan and to your left is San Juan Bay.

As well as food vendors and artisans there is a small open air café; Café La Princesa that is set against the walls of the city. On certain nights of the week the café offers live music.
Thursday evening: Blues and Fink
Friday evening: Jazz
Saturday evening: Jazz
Sunday afternoon: Salsa
Sunday evening: Local trio performs

A little further along you will pass the headquarters of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. This building dates back to 1837, when it was used as a prison and was known simply as La Princesa. Today as well as housing the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, you can also see exhibits of Puerto Rican art.

At the end of the main Paseo de la Princesa promenade you will find the magnificent Raices Fountain. This fountain was designed by Spanish artist Luis Sanguino and depicts the rich cultural diversity and heritage of Puerto Rico through the images of Amerindian, African, and Spanish people.

From the fountain you can look back along Paseo de la Princesa, across the San Juan Bay and also across to Isla de Cabras at the entrance to San Juan Bay.

From Raices Fountain continue along the much narrower path that continues to follow the walls of the city and the San Juan Bay. This path takes you to the San Juan Gate, where you can head into Old San Juan.

Note: If you are feeling energetic you can make a slight detour at this point and continue along the path that borders the bay and the city walls. This part of the path is known as Paseo El Morro and will take you along the bay towards El Morro Fort. It also provides you with great views of La Fortaleza (the Governors Mansion) as well as Isla de Cabras. Unfortunately at the moment, this path leads to a dead end and so you will have to return to the San Juan Gate in order to enter the city.

Once through the large and impressive gate, just head up the street where you will find the San Juan Cathedral and the Hotel El Convento.

Paseo de La Princesa is a great place to take photographs and also enjoy some local Puerto Rican foods from the street vendors. To quench your thirst try a ‘piragua’, a shaved-ice topped with your choice of flavoring, or a virgin Pina Colada. If you are feeling hungry then try alcapurria, Bacalito or Empanadilla’s.

Do you have a favorite place in Old San Juan? Why not share it in the comments section below

Where: Paseo de La Princesa
When: any time
Highlights: Tree lined promenade, Raices Fountain, San Juan Gate, Great Views
Map It: Paseo de La Princesa

You should also check out:
41 Things to see in Old San Juan
A Walking Tour of Old San Juan
Kite Flying at El Morro

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Coqui — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:23:55 +0000

Yes, It’s old and yes some areas are in need of some tender love and care, but without a shadow of a doubt Old San Juan is a MUST SEE for any one visiting Puerto Rico.

Old San Juan offers something for everyone: Awesome views, beautiful architecture and sculptures, historical sites, museums, plazas (great for people watching), restaurants for all tastes, bars and nightclubs to dance the night away. Kids can even fly a kite on the grounds in front of El Morro. You certainly won’t be stuck for things to do.

Getting to Old San Juan:
If you are not staying in Old San Juan the easiest way to get there from Condado / Isla Verde is by taxi. If you decide to drive, there are a couple of multi-storey car parks and an open air car park near the cruise ship piers, as well as an underground car park close to El Morro Fort. This map of Old San Juan details the locations of the car parks, along with the major sights to see.

What’s the best way to see the city?
A walking tour of Old San Juan is by far the best way to see the city. You will find it relatively easy to walk around the narrow cobbled streets, though being built on a hill and in the tropics it can get quite hot, so make sure you take plenty of fluids during your tour.

If you don’t feel like walking all around Old San Juan, then let the free trolley service take the weight of your feet. You can take the trolley up to both forts (just make sure you take the trolley marked El Morro). If you are feeling a little bit more adventurous, but still do not want to walk every where; then take a segway tour of Old San Juan

How long should I spend in Old San Juan?
How long do you have… You can easily spend a couple of days exploring all that Old San Juan has to offer, but even with just a few hours you can get a taste of this beautiful city.

What are the highlights of Old San Juan?
Must sees include:
The 2 forts El Morro and San Cristobel (if you are short on time then pick one. El Morro is my personal favorite)
San Juan Cathedral
Paseo La Princesa promenade (which leads to the San Juan Gate)
Cristo Street
South Forlazela Street

The list goes on and on. Here you will find are more extensive list of attractions in Old San Juan

Coqui Tip:
On weekends and when cruise ships are in dock Old San Juan is busy and you will find lots of local artisans selling their products as well as local musicians playing their music.

Photo resource: Customs House and El Morro

Coors Light Indie Rock Music Festival 2009

Coqui — Tue, 12 May 2009 22:23:38 +0000

alignleft" />This years Coors Light Indie Rock Music Festival will take place at 3pm on Saturday May 23, 2009 at the Rafael Hernandez Aiprort, Aguadilla.

This is a major event in the indie rock calendar and this years headliners are Los Fabulosos Cadillacs from Argentina. As well as the Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, bands from the States as well as Puerto Rico will be performing.

I’m really not up on the local indie music scene, but if you are and you are in the area, this should be a great event.

Some of the bands taking part in the 2009 Coors Light Indie Rock Music Festival include:

From Argentina
LOS FABULOSOS CADILLACS

From the USA
PASTILLA
THE DEATH SET

From Puerto Rico
LA BANDA GANADORA DEL CONCURSO ‘PROYECTO INDIE’
ADAM ZOOM
ATHAXIA
CIRCO
DAVILA 666
HÁBITAT
IAN
LAY OFF
MIMA
NEGROS VIVOS
POLBO
SINTONIA RETRO
SOMVAZIO
DJ WIWI (Vocalista de LA MACHA DEL JARDIN)

Tickets are available at Ticketpop or at the gate on the day

What: Coors Light Indie Rock Music Festival 2009
Where: Rafael Hernandez Aiprort, Aguadilla.
When: Saturday May 23, 2009 @ 3pm
Cost: General Admission $24, VIP $46
Map It

Puerto Rico JazzFest 2009

Coqui — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:56:45 +0000

The Heineken JazzFest is one of the top events to take place here in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean and is a most for Jazz lovers. This years Puerto Rico JazzFest takes place May 28 – 31, 2009 at the Tito Puente Amphitheater. This is the 19th year of the event and will honor Giovanni Hidalgo; who was one of the performers at the first Puerto Rico JazzFest. In 1991. In addition Giovanni Hidalgo and his band will close the festival on Sunday, May 31.

Along with Giovanni Hidalgo the 2009 Puerto Rico JazzFest will see performance by local Latin jazz group Orinoco, local artist Millo Torres and Planeta Jazz on the opening night. Other highlights include Enclave (Friday), Latimbistica (Saturday) and of course Giovanni Hidalgo (Closing night, Sunday).

The current 2009 Puerto Rico JazzFest Lineup includes:

Thursday May 28
Orinoco
Millo Torres y Planeta Jazz

Friday May 29
Enclave
Jack DeJohnetta / Danilo Perez / John Patiitucci
Eddie Palmieri’s Afro caribbean Jazz Octet

Saturday May 30
Latimbistica
Denis Mario y Kobana Negra
Oscar Castro-Neves 50 Years of Bossa Nova

Sunday May 31
Berklee in Puerto Rico Professor and Student Bands
Conrad Herwig’s Latin Side with Special Guest Eddie Palmieri
Giovanni Hidalgo Silver Gold

Tickets available at ticketpop, La Bodega de Mendez and during the festival tickets will be available at the Tito Puente Amphitheater.

JazzPass (4 days), $80
Thursday May 28, $22
Friday May 29, $27
Saturday May 30, $27
Sunday May 31, $27

What: 2009 Puerto Rico JazzFest sponsored by Heineken
Where: Tito Puente Amphitheater, San Juan (located in the Parque Luis Munoz Mann, near Plaza Las Americas)
When: May 28 – 31, 2009
Map It:
More information: prheinekenjazz

Image Resource: prheinekenjazz

2009 Rincon International Film Festival

Coqui — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 23:30:15 +0000

The 2009 Rincon International Film Festival will take place April 28 – May 3, 2009. With over $4000 in prizes the festival showcases films from categories such as: The Best of Independent Film including Surfing Films, Horror Films, Comedy Films, Romantic Comedies, Dramas, Documentaries, Animations, Music Videos, Spanish Language Films, International Films, wonderful short films, and more.

The festival holds screenings during the day at Villa Cofresi in Rincon with evening screenings and after parties hosted at various locations around Rincon.

The current schedule for the 2009 Rincon International Film Festival is:

OPENING NIGHT – April 28, 2009

Comedy Night @ the Lazy Parrot
5:00 pm – Dinner
6:30 pm – Films then After Party
$35.00 – Dinner & Films (Free For Filmmakers)

DAY 2 – Wednesday, April 29th

10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Daytime Screenings @ Villa Cofresi
Tickets $10.00 for All Day Pass

$25.00 for a 3 Day Daytime Pass

FRIGHT NIGHT @ the Shipwreck Bar and Grill
6:00 pm
$35.00 – Dinner & Films & After Party (ALL Free For Filmmakers)

DAY 3 – Thursday, April 30th

10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Daytime Screenings @ Villa Cofresi
Tickets $10.00 for All Day Pass

$25.00 for a 3 Day Daytime Pass

Hors Dourves / Films @ Casa Islena
$25.00 – Hors Dourves & Films & After Party (ALL Free For Filmmakers)

DAY 4 – Friday, May 1st

10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Daytime Screenings @ Villa Cofresi
Tickets $10.00 for All Day Pass

$25.00 for a 3 Day Daytime Pass

Dinner & Films & After Party @ Rincon Beach Resort
6:30 pm
$40.00 – Dinner & Films & After Party (ALL Free For Filmmakers)

CLOSING DAY – Saturday, May 2nd

Afternoon at the Beach
Fun in the Sun / Parasailing and more…

Closing Ceremony @ the Lazy Parrot
5:00 pm – Dinner
6:30 pm – Closing Night Films
8:30 pm – Awards Ceremony & After Party
$35.00 – Dinner / Films / After Party
Awards Ceremony & After Party – FREE (All Free For Filmmakers)

More information and a list of films here

Día Nacional de la Salsa 2009

Coqui — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 12:00:25 +0000

Update (March 11, 2009), a reader has informed me that tickets for this years Día Nacional de la Salsa, will go on sale on Friday March 13th, at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium

(national salsa day)" class="alignleft"/>March 29, 2009 will see Puerto Rico celebrate the 26th Día Nacional de la Salsa (National Salsa Day), at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan. This years event will be honoring Tite Curet Alonso and Rafael Cortijo.

If you are Salsa fan, then El Día Nacional de la Salsa is a great way celebrate the music.

Arists scheduled to appear at the Día Nacional de la Salsa (National Salsa Day) (these could change) include:
Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound
Tommy Olivencia
Sonora Poncena
Ismael Miranda
Adalberto Santiago
Cheo Feliciano
La Orquesta de Tommy Olivencia

You can check out the music of Tite Curet Alonso and Rafael Cortijo at Amazon

You can watch a video from the 2007 Día Nacional de la Salsa here

What: Día Nacional de la Salsa
Where: Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan (located close to Plaza Las Americas)
When: March 29, 2009
Map It

Note: It has not been easy to obtain information about this years event, so the above information is subject to change. You should contact the Hiram Bithom Stadium or Zeta 93 FM (787-622-0739) for up to date information.

Related Articles:
Plaza Las Americas
Pre or Post Cruise in San Juan

14 Ideas for Valentines Day in Puerto Rico

Coqui — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 03:32:03 +0000

With an island as diverse as Puerto Rico there are countless ways in which you can celebrate Valentines Day; here are 14 ideas

1. Surprise Your Loved One with a Weekend in Puerto Rico

Why not arrange a long weekend in Puerto Rico to celebrate Valentines Day. From the USA, no passport is required, so it’s just a matter of booking those tickets and hoping on that plane. There is plenty to see and do with 48 hours in San Juan, so go on, surprise them.

2. Picnic at the top of El Yunque Rainforest

Feeling energetic, pack a romantic picnic basket and head to the top of El Yunque. Once at the top, enjoy the stunning views of the island, while feasting on your Valentines picnic. If trekking to the top seems like to much hard work, there are several easier trails that will be just as romantic. Just remember, they don’t call it a rainforest for nothing, so be prepared for rain.

3. Dine in style

The Conrad Plaza is the new home one of the top restaurants in Puerto Rico. Pikayo restaurant is owned and run by Chef Wilo Benet and you are sure to have a great time. The restaurant was previously located in the Puerto Rico Museum of Art.

4. Evening Sail to Vieques Bio Bay

Valentines night will be a great night (moon phase is good) for visiting one of the Bio Bays here in Puerto Rico. To make it extra special, why not combine a Bio Bay trip with an evening cruise over to the Vieques Bio Bay.

The Vieques Bio Bay is currently the only one in Puerto Rico that allows swimming. This trip takes approximately 4 hours, so if you are short of time, then check out the Fajardo Bio Bay.

East Wind Catermeran offers an evening Bio Bay cruise to Vieques

5. Dine on the Beach

Pamela’s restaurant at Numero Uno Guest House consistently gets great reviews and if you are lucky you might be able to reserve one of the tables that they place on the beach. What could be more romantic than dining on the beach.

6. Dos Bocas Lake

There are no natural lakes here in Puerto Rico, but head west of San Juan towards Utuado and you will find Dos Bocas Lake. This man made lake is a favorite spot for locals who go there on weekends for lunch. Just hop on a boat that will take you to one of the restaurants that line the lake for some great local Puerto Rican dishes.

7. Whale Watching at Rincon

Head west to Rincon and you could spend Valentines Day searching for Humpback whales. Take a local boat out from Rincon or head to the Rincon Lighthouse where you can watch the whales as they head on past the island.

8. Watch the Sunset at Boqueron Bay Beach

There are many places where you can watch the sunset here in Puerto Rico, but if you happen to be on the west coast the why not watch the sunset at Boqueron Bay Beach. The Cabo Rojo area is a great place to spend a weekend and being on the west of the island, it’s also a great spot for sunsets

9. Paseo La Princesa

For something a little more relaxing, take a stroll along the Paseo La Princesa and just enjoy the sights and sounds of Old San Juan.

Just follow the promenade all the way to the San Juan Gate, where you can enter into the city and continue your stroll through the cobbled streets of Old San Juan

Paseo La Princesa is great any time of day, but just as the sun is setting is extra special.

10. Rum Nights

Puerto Rico is famous for its rum, so why not learn more about Puerto Rican Rum, while celebrating Valentines Day. Legends of PR offers a rum tasting evening where you can try 12 different rum drinks along with traditional Puerto Rican dishes.

11. Romantic Carriage Ride Through Old San Juan

Jump in one of the horse drawn carriages for an old world style tour of Old San Juan. Tours are usually given as long as there is daylight. You could then follow the ride with…

12. Evening of Music and Dance

The Barrachina Restaurant in Old San Juan provides a Bomba & Plena show on Sunday evenings. The restaurant is also known as the ‘Birth Place of the Pina Colada’, allegedly.

13. La Rumba Cruise

If you would prefer to spend Valentines evening on the water, then take a trip on the La Rumba cruise.

14. Just Enjoy the day, where ever you are

Photo resource: butterflysha, hyperbrand and oscalito

2009 San Sebastian Street Festival Jan 15 – 18

Coqui — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:39:56 +0000

This years Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastian (San Sebastian Street Festival) takes place from Thursday Jan 15 until Sunday Jan 18.

As usual Old San Juan and in particular Calle de San Sebastian will be rocking to this annual street party. Daytime hours will see parades of locals wearing traditional Puerto Rican masks (vejigantes). As the sun sets the parades morph into one large street party with live music from local artists and people dancing in the streets to salsa, merengue and much more.

You can find the itinerary at El Nuevo Dia (in Spanish, but will give you an idea)

What: Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastian (San Sebastian Street Festival)
Where: Calle de San Sebastian, Old San Juan
When: Jan 15 – 18, 2009

Photo resource: biella

Celine Dion Live in Puerto Rico Jan 31 2009

Coqui — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:31:54 +0000

Céline Dion is bringing her ‘Taking Chances Tour’ to Puerto Rico on Saturday January 31, 2009 at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot, San Juan.

Born in a rural French Canadian town, Céline Dion has taken the music world by storm to become one of the biggest stars in the industry. With her Grammy Awards in the US, Juno and Felix Awards in Canada, and World Music Awards in Europe; Céline Dion is a true international music star.

Tickets are priced $45.00 – $200.00, available from Ticketpop

Related Information:
Black Guayaba Grammy Winners
Essential Travel Gear