Historical Museum of Bocas del Toro -Hou Wang- Commemorates Luis Russell on International Jazz Day
The Historical Museum of Bocas del Toro Hou Wang, in collaboration with provincial resident and artistic producer Amélie Langlois, will present a significant cultural event on April 30, 2026. The gathering will commemorate the centenary of the first recordings by Luis Russell, a jazz pioneer born in Carenero in 1902. This centenary pays tribute not only to his enduring legacy but also to the remarkable, and often under-recognized, contribution of Bocas del Toro to the global history of jazz.
Widely acknowledged as one of the most influential figures in early jazz, Russell played a decisive role in the evolution of the genre on the international stage. In March 1926, he made his first recordings in Chicago, marking the beginning of his international career. That same month, he recorded sessions under the name Russell’s Hot Six and performed as a pianist with Joe King Oliver’s Dixie Syncopators—recordings that were later released on 78 rpm records by the Vocalion Records label.
The event will take place within the framework of International Jazz Day, the world’s leading celebration dedicated to the genre, established by UNESCO in 2011. Now in its fifteenth year of global impact, this initiative brings together artists and audiences in over 190
countries, highlighting jazz as a powerful force for unity, dialogue, and cultural exchange. Conceived and artistically directed by Amélie Langlois, the event connects this centenary with International Jazz Day, creating a bridge between local heritage and global recognition. The day will offer a space for reflection, pride, and artistic excellence.
The program will include a press conference, a presentation on Luis Russell by writer Ariel Perez Price, and a tribute ensemble performing selections from his repertoire, followed by a masterful performance by Panamanian artist Idania Dowman, distinguished as “The Lady of Jazz.”
With this initiative, the Bocas del Toro Historical Museum Hou Wang consolidates its work in rescuing and safeguarding regional cultural heritage, once again projecting the artistic legacy of Bocas del Toro onto the international stage.
Ticket Sales: The box office opening date will be announced soon. Due to the nature of the event, tickets will only be available for a 48-hour period. More information is available on Instagram @museo.houwang.
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