Fete de la Musique will soon be returning throughout France.
We have friends who have a house in the small town of Moreac, Brittany and, together with a few others, we have played there for the past 5 years. We have always gone down well there and had a great time. So, I was wondering if anyone out there is getting involved in their local event next month?
(The truth is that we have a big advantage in that, unsurprisingly, we sing with English accents. French groups we have discussed the finer points with have pointed out that the French accent does not work with most pop songs. If you don’t believe me, just try singing, “It’s Been a Hard Day’s Night” in a French accent. There, I told you so! Conversely, we can’t do Jacques Brel.)
This year I can’t play there; due to work commitments. However, some other friends of ours asked if I could get them to play at the Fete de la Musique at Fontenay-le-Comte, Vendee; near to where we have our house.
I can vouch that, visiting the local Syndicate d’Initiative de Sports et Culture to explain that your friends would like to play as an acoustic duo; playing covers; and their own material; and what electrical equipment you’ll be bringing with you is a good way to test your “get by” French,. I tried it and almost failed but the word gratuis seemed to signal a certain understanding. They were very friendly people, though.
So, to get back to my original point. I was wondering. Is anyone else involved with any of the Fete de la Musique events? Are there any you would recommend from attending in previous years’?
And if you’ve never ventured to any Fete de la Musique events (certainly as regards those I've visited), it’s a great way to spend a summer’s evening; walking around and checking out the bands and other events on street corners and outside bars. It is a golden opportunity to informally meet local people. And it’s free! (Do you see my inner Tyke coming out there?)
Maybe it’s time to dust down that guitar, that’s been in your attic since you moved to France, and think about playing at your local Fete de la Musique, next year. And if you’ve got an English accent you’re already half way there…
Bill
(…By the way, if you are near Fontenay-le-Comte on 21st June, my friends go by the name of Peculair Blue. They really are very good although I’d never say that to their face - and the good-looking, big bloke humping around the PA system is me! Don’t forget to say "hello".)
“Life is what happens while you’re making other plans.” as John Lennon said.
