The well established Algarve International Film Festival takes place between Sunday 3rd of May 2009 and Friday 8th May 2009, with the wining films being shown on Saturday, 9th May at 9.30 PM in Hall 1 of the Castello Lopes Cinema (Continent Shopping Centre).
This will be the 37th Edition of this Film Festival which is the oldest of it’s kind in Portugal.
The festival will attract more than 100 directors and famous names of the cinema world! 62 films, representing 25 countries will be exhibited - from a total of 3000 films received for selection.
Venue: Castello Lopes Cinema Continente Shopping Centre, Quinta da Malata, 8500 Portimão, Portugal Tickets: €5 to attend all film sessions; €1 per film session
Continente Shopping Centre (sometimes referred to it’s previous name: 'Modelo') is a large shopping centre next to one of the main arteries of the city of Portimão. It has a large number of shops, fast-food restaurants and, of course a cinema.
As is customary during April Contemporary Dance features strongly in Portimão and this year is no exception.
Following Paradise by the Olga Roriz Dance Company it is now the Algarve Dance Company with Terminal B to give us another taste of Contemporary Dance.
Terminal B is about the criss-cross events that take place in our lives.
Thursday 30th April, 9.30PM Venue: Portimão’s Municipal Auditorium, Ticket office tel. 282 418 547
Tickets: €5
Tickets are on sale from Monday to Saturdays at the box office of Portimão’s Municipal Auditorium from 2PM to 7PM and on the day of the performance from 2PM up until the start of the show (9.30PM).
Portimão’s Municipal Auditorium is an excellent venue for musical events. Located in the centre of town (Avenida Miguel Bombarda; near Portimão’s main tourist office). Easily accessible from Praia da Rocha, Alvor, Monchique, Ferragudo, Carvoeiro, Lagoa, Armação de Pêra and Lagos.
You can enjoy an exhibition Uma Carta Coreográfica, join with the music and learn how to dance with the group Tradballs and/or attend a quality musical show (Paradise by Olga Roriz)!
All taking place at The TEMPO (Portimão’s Municipal Theatre)
Uma Carta Coreográfica is an exhibition of paintings, drawings & photographs by renown Portuguese and International artists. The exhibition explores movement, body and dance and how everyday movements and gestures could be seen as manifestations of dance. Wednesday 29th April (till 30th May), 2PM till 7PM; Free entry
Tradballsis the duo with Daniel Briz (accordion) and Tiago Cordeiro (Sax soprano and Guitar). These musicians with the help of a dancer will show you how to dance to traditional and swinging sounds! Wednesday 29th April, 6PM; Free entry
Paradise is inspired by the American musical genre with familiar themes from the world of cinema and song. Directed by Olga Roriz one of the most notable names in the Portuguese Contemporary Dance scene. A show not to be missed. Wednesday 29th April, 9.30PM; Ticket Prices: €5
Venue: TEMPO - TEatro Municipal de POrtimão). Location: TEMPO - TEatro Municipal de POrtimão). Address: Largo 1º Dezembro, 8500-538 Portimão, Phone: (+351) 282 402 475/961 579 917 (Ticket Office opening times: Tuesdays to Saturdays: 2PM to 7PM; On days of events: 2PM to 9.30PM)
‘International Dance Day (World Dance Day) has been celebrated on April 29 through promotion by the International Dance Council (CID), an umbrella organization within UNESCO for all kinds of dance.’
‘Among the goals of the Dance Day are to increase the awareness of the importance of dance among the general public, as well as to persuade governments all over the world to provide a proper place for dance in all systems of education, from primary to higher.’ (Wikipedia)
Jose Afonso (Zéca) – an icon of the 25th of April Carnation Revolution!
Portimão celebrates Freedom Day (Dia da Liberdade) & the Carnation Revolution of 25 April 1974 with a number of events:
Friday 24th April 2009 10:00-14:30 Exhibition of Films referring to the events of 25th Abril 1974 by Maria de Medeiros & Júlio Bernardo
Location: Auditorium of the Municipal Museum of Portimão (Auditório do Museu Municipal de Portimão)
18:30 Launch of the book by Maria João Raminhos “Presos Políticos do Algarve em Angra do Heroísmo e Tarrafal” – Political prisoners of the Algarve in Angra do Heroísmo & Tarrafal
Location: Auditorium of the Municipal Museum of Portimão (Auditório do Museu Municipal de Portimão, Rua D. Carlos I, 8500 - 607 Portimão, Tel. (+351) 282 412 238
21:30 Concert with Orquestra de Câmara Portuguesa The Portuguese Chamber Orchestra plays Mozart’s 40th Symphony 40, and Beethoven’s 7th Symphony. Ticket prices: €15
Location: TEatro Municipal de POrtimão), Largo 1º Dezembro, 8500-538 Portimão, Phone: (+351) 282 480 496
Saturday 25th April 2009 09:00 Raising of the Flag
Music marches by the Sociedade Filarmónica Portimonense Band & the Band of the Fire Service of Portimão; Release of white doves
Location: Largo 1.º de Maio, 8500, Portimão
10:00 The Freedom Run – Athletics
Location: Riverside Area of Portimão
15:00 Street Music & Party
Clowns + Music by the Folk Group ‘Grupo de Cantares Tradicionais “Amigos da Figueira” + Concert with Band OS CORVOS e AL-Mouraria
Location: Riverside Area of Portimão
10:00-19:00 Various Sports and Fun activities
Location: Riverside Area of Portimão
21h30 Concert by Paulo De Carvalho
Location: Portimão’s Municipal Auditorium, Avenida Miguel Bombarda, Portimão 8500
Enjoy Freedom Day & the 25 April Celebrations !
Links & Notes:
‘The Carnation Revolution was a leftist, military-led coup d'état, started on April 25, 1974, in Lisbon, Portugal, that effectively changed the Portuguese regime from an authoritarian dictatorship to a democracy.’ (Wikipedia)
'Paulo de Carvalho is a Portuguese singer. Born in Lisbon, Portugal in May 15,1947. Some of his most well known songs are: - E Depois do Adeus (1974 Eurovision Song Festival) - Flor sem Tempo - Lisboa Menina e Moça (fado style) - Mãe Negra / Preludio Mãe Negra (a poem by Alda Lara) - Os Meninos de Huambo - Maria Vida Fria - Nini - Olá como vais? (duet with Brito) - Pomba Branca (duet with Pontes).' (Wikipedia)
‘Jose Afonso (Zeca Afonso) is among the most influential folk and political musicians in Portuguese history. He became an icon among Portuguese left-wing activists due to the role of his music in the resistance against the dictatorial regime of Oliveira Salazar that triumphed with the democratic Carnation Revolution. In the ensuing revolutionary process, Zeca was a very active musician and continued composing political and folk songs, often criticizing the post-revolutionary changes. Years after his death, Zeca Afonso is still widely listened to, not only in Portugal, but also abroad.’ (Wikipedia)
Maria de Medeiros. 'In 2000 she [Maria de Medeiros] directed the film April Captains, about the Carnation Revolution in 1974 in Portugal, it was selected at the Cannes Film Festival 2000.' (Wikipedia)
During 4 days enjoy the beautiful sport that is Rhythmic Gymnastics at Portimão’s Arena, free of charge. The sport combines elements of ballet, gymnastics, theatrical dance and apparatus manipulation.
Thursday 16th April 2009 18:00-19:00 Juniors Team 1st Show 20:30 Opening Ceremony Exhibitions of Gymnastics Multidesportos Clube de Portimão – Acrobatics Estrelinhas de Portimão – Class 7-8 years Estrelinhas de Portimão – Classes of pre-Competition and Competition 21:30-22:30 Seniors Group (Hoop)
Friday 17th April 2009 14:00–17:00 Seniors Group A (Rope & Hoop) 17:30-18:30 Juniors Team 2ª Show 19:00-22:00 Seniors Group B (Rope & Hoop)
Saturday 18th April 2009 13:30–16:30 Seniors Group B (Ball & Ribbon) 17:00–20:00 Seniors Group A (Ball & Ribbon) 20:00 Ceremonies 20:30–21:30 Seniors Team (Rope & Ribon) 21:30 Ceremonies 21:45-22:15 Final Juniors Team 22:30 Ceremonies
Sunday 19th April 2009 15:15-16:00 Final Seniors Team (Hoop) 16:00–17:00 Final Seniors (Ribbon & Hoop) 17:00-17:45 Final Seniors Team (Rope & Ribbon) 17:45–18{45 Final Seniors (Ball e Ribbon) 18:45 Ceremonies 19:15–20:00 Closure Gala
An opportunity to see the Russian stars Eugenia Kanaeva – Olympic Champion in Beijing 2008, as well as Olga Kapranova, Vera Sessina e Marina Spechkt take on the reigning Champion: Anna Bessonova from the Ukraine.
Venue: Portimão Arena - Parque de Feiras e Exposições - Portimão
Ticket Prices: Free of charge
Location: Portimão Arena is an excellent exhibition centre easily accessible from the centre of Portimão by car or local bus. It’s within walking distance from Portimão’s Riverside Area. Location (Google Maps)
Notes & Links ‘Rhythmic gymnastics as a sport began in the 1940s in the Soviet Union. It was there that for the first time, the spirit of sports was combined with the sensuous art of classical ballet.’ ‘The FIG recognized this discipline in 1961, first as modern gymnastics, then as rhythmic sportive gymnastics, and finally as rhythmic gymnastics. The first World Championships for individual gymnasts took place in 1963 in Budapest, Hungary. Groups were introduced at the same level in 1967 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Rhythmic gymnastics was added to the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, with an Individual All Around competition.’ (Wikipedia)
Helder Moutinho is the brother of 2 other well known fado singers: Camané and Pedro Moutinho.
Helder Moutinho had his first album in October 1999. The album "Luz de Lisboa" received in 2004 the ‘Amália Rodrigues’ Prize.
At the end of 2008 the 2nd album "Que fado é este que trago" was produced by António Pinheiro da Silva with musical direction by Ricardo Parreira.
‘Fado (translated as destiny or fate) is a music genre which can be traced from the 1820s in Portugal, but probably with much earlier origins. In popular belief, Fado is a form of music characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor. However, in reality Fado is simply a form of song which can be about anything, but must follow a certain structure.’ (wikipedia)
Beautiful handicrafts made by craftsmen from several parts of the Algarve are on sale at Portimão’s Continente Shopping Centre
Organised by the Association of Artisans of the Algarve, a not-for-profit organisation based in Lagoa whose aim is to promote handicrafts from the South of Portugal.
Daily until 19th April 2009, Venue: Continente Shopping Centre, Quinta da Malata, 8500 Portimão, Portugal
Continente Shopping Centre (sometimes referred to it’s previous name as Modelo) is a large shopping centre next to one of the main arteries of the city of Portimão. It has a large number of shops, restaurants and a cinema.
The TEMPO (Portimão’s Municipal Theatre) invites you to a session with the Biel Ballester Trio, an upbeat sound influenced by Django Reinhardt, Gypsy Jazz in General, old Rockabilly music, 70's british Rockabilly, Wes Montogomery, Pat Martino...
Not unknown to audiences in the Algarve !
Friday 10th April, 10PM Venue: TEMPO - TEatro Municipal de POrtimão).
Location: TEMPO - TEatro Municipal de POrtimão). Address: Largo 1º Dezembro, 8500-538 Portimão, Phone: (+351) 282 480 496
Biel Ballester on Biel Ballester: ‘Hey! My name is Biel Ballester and I have a band called THE BIEL BALLESTER TRIO. I have done this MySpace Page just for fun and meet friends who are already here. I’ll take advantage of doing this page by myself, so I’ll also be able to put my other pasion apart of Gypsy Jazz... Good old Rockabilly music!
Here’s a bit of my CV: I studied classic guitar at the prestigious LUTHIER SCHOOL in Barcelona(Spain). There I spent two years with teacher and concertist Alex Garrobé and four with teacher and concertist Fernando Rodriguez. I’ve also gone to classic guitar master classes from people such as: José Tomás, David Russell, Aniello Desiderio, Manuel Barrueco, Marco Socias, Hopckinson Smith and Jordi Savall (the last two ones speciallists in Barroque music).
I am kind of self-taugh on gypsy-jazz, but I’ve given concerts across europe and been invited to play with top Gypsy Jazz bands as THE ROSENBERG TRIO, THE ROBIN NOLAN TRIO, HOT CLUB DE NORVEGE, GUSTAV LUNDGREN, STEPHANE WREMBEL TRIO among others. Some of my band’s recordings have been choosed to be in CD compilations of the best Gypsy Jazz players of the world.
Our albums are edited in USA by the record label Refined Records and distributed in France, UK, Corea and Japan. I have been also invited to record in Oslo with guitarist JON LARSEN for the label HotClub Records. I’ve visited USA to teach and play at the DJANGO IN JUNE FEST. In Northampton. But remember: Nothin’ like Good ol’ Rockabilly Bop! :) By the way: I can be considered like a vintage Gretsch guitar freak. Something for sale’ (myspace)
Time to head south to the Algarve and spend an enjoyable Easter watching the World Cup of Motorsport (A1GP) at the Algarve Motor Park, near Portimão.
In the World Cup of Motorsport, A1GP, the single-seat cars are deliberately identical so that the skill, experience, and bravery of the drivers and teams are the deciding factor. Drivers compete in teams from countries as diverse as Portugal, USA, Lebanon, France, China and South Africa.
3 days of track action! Come and support your team!
Friday 10th April to Sunday 12th of April, 2009 From around 8-9AM to about 6PM
Venue: Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Portimão, Portugal
Tickets cost €25 - €35 for 1 day or €35 - €60 for 3 days. €15 extra for 1 day access to the Paddock and €20 for the 3 day access.
Location: The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve is located near the city of Portimão, in Sítio do Escampadinho in the parish of Mexilhoeira Grande. This is about 4.5 kilometres north of the Algarve motorway (A22), with a direct road link via the motorway exit at Mexilhoeira Grande. This is between Lagos and Portimão. The cities of Portimão and Lagos are only a 10-minute drive away.
Links & Notes:
‘A1 Grand Prix (A1GP) is a 'single make' open-wheel auto racing series. It is unique in its field in that competitors represent their nation as opposed to themselves or a team, the usual format in most formula racing series.’ (wikipedia)
Other events at the Algarve Motor Park: Easter week at the Autódromo do Algarve From the 6th to the 9th April 2009 there will be an opportunity to co-pilot for 2 laps a high performance car such as a Porshe or a BMW M3 at a cost of €80. Or you can co-pilot a Ferrari at €110. If you choose a motorbike you can try the Honda CBR 1000RR at a cost of €50. For the above you will need to be over 18 and book or phone: +351 927 244 694.
Driving Course and Track Day for Motorbikes and Cars On the 1st and 2nd of May 2009 a Course and Track Day, for Motorbikes and on the 3rd of May 2009 a Track Day for Cars is available for all those who enjoy motor sports action . The cost of the Course and Track Day for motorbikes is €300. If you prefer you can attend just the Track day for motorbikes at a cost of €120.
Attending just the Track Day for Cars costs €130. An opportunity to drive fantastic machines at the amazing new Portuguese track!
F1 racing uses tunnel hull catamarans that are capable of both high speed and exceptional maneuverability. Watch them fly in the Arade River!
The eleventh Annual Grand Prix of Portugal is being held this weekend in Portimão on Saturday April 4th and Sunday April 5th.
The first leg of the U.I.M. World Championships will start in Portimão this weekend, attracting thousands of spectators to the beautiful riverside location close to the harbour.
20 drivers from 14 different countries take to the opening round of the 2009 campaign on the Arade River.
This year expect double the action as two races will be held, both counting towards the U.I.M. World Championship.
The competition is taking place in the Riverside area of Portimão (Zona Ribeirinha de Portimão)
Saturday, April 4th
09: 15 - 10:15 Free Practice 11:00 - 11:45 Timed Trials 14:00 - F1 Powerboat Parade Lap 14:15 - 15:00 Race 1 - G.P. Portugal/Algarve F1 Powerboat racing 2009 15:15 - Prize-Giving Ceremony
Sunday, April 5th
9:00 – 10:00 Free Practice 10:30 - 11:15 Timed Practice 14:00 - F1 Powerboat Parade Lap 14:15 - 15:00 Race 2 - G.P. Portugal/Algarve F1 Powerboat racing 2009 15:15 Prize-Giving Ceremony
Enjoy these amazing boats in what is considered to be one of the best events of the U.I.M. World Championship
Links & Notes
‘F1 Powerboat World Championship is a competition of powerboats with rules similar to Formula 1 car racing. Each F1 powerboat race lasts approximately 45 minutes following a circuit marked out in a selected stretch of water, usually a lake, river, or sheltered bay.
Qualifying periods decide the formation of the grid, and timing equipment records the performance of competitors to decide the final classification and allocation of championship points. The sport is governed by the Monaco based Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM, International Power Boating Association).’ (wikipedia)
The well established Algarve International Film Festival takes place between Sunday 3rd of May 2009 and Friday 8th May 2009, with the wining films being shown on Saturday, 9th May at 9.30 PM in Hall 1 of the Castello Lopes Cinema (Continent Shopping Centre).
