Panama played at Beaux Arts in the 1960's, where he met the guys who became Bethlehem asylum.

A lot of acts played traditional folk and country music, but Panama sang his own tunes.

I was thinking of Panama as the Steve Rowan and Tony Rice Quartet (above) opened thier act with Steve's tune, "Panama Red", at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in SF in September 2005. As the first note was struck, my husband, Tommy said "Panama Red" Smart boy my Tommy. The audience wondered from stage to stage at the festival, and passing smokes, much like Beaux Arts in the day. Photos from the festival.

As his fans know, Panama is a prolific writer. Rather than writing something about him here, I'll send you to his web site. I'll continue my search for pictures of Danny Finley and all the other artists playing at Beaux Arts. I have recently heard from someone who may have a few. Let me know if you have any information about photos.

Many people saw Panama at the Global Coffee Shop benefit for Tom Reese in 2005. He's rumored to live in the Nashville area, but he spends a lot of time on the road. His site and a blog, if you have something to rant about.

Panama Music Site

Don't forget to support his old pal Kinky Friedman in his race for governor of Texas in 2006.

Panama's "Home Grown" on CDBaby

Tampa Bay Garage Bands - a Ted Webb site