June 29, 2009
(USA)- The state of Vermont is celebrating the 400th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain’s exploration of the lake that bears his name with a variety of special events, programs and exhibits this summer. Summer events commemorating the 400th anniversary of Champlain’s visit will stretch from Burlington to Bristol, St. Albans to Shoreham, Vergennes to Winooski, and beyond.XXXX
XXXA French explorer from Brouage, France, Champlain was also the founder of Quebec City. Arriving at Lake Champlain from the north in early July 1609, Champlain and his guides entered the lake in a fleet of 24 canoes. Champlain’s founding of Quebec City and subsequent exploration of Lake Champlain was the starting point of a permanent French presence in North America. The 400th anniversary commemorates this important historical moment in the region’s history — the first contact between European and Native American cultures in Vermont’s Champlain Valley. Events taking place this summer include a variety of French heritage festivals, art exhibits, bike and paddling tours, culinary events, history and natural history tours, interactive activities, cultural demonstrations and community fairs. (from burlingtonfreepress.com)
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June 28, 2009
(Canada)- The 30th Montreal Jazz Festival will be held from June 30 to July 12. Officially named "Le Festival International de Jazz de Montreal," it is one of the largest and most respected music festivals in the world. The Festival always features an amazing array of music, from homegrown jazz to jazz-influenced sounds from all over the world, and this year is no exception. Whether you want to see big acts or small, renowned or up-and-coming artists, salsa, New Orleans jazz, hip hop, electro-jazz, soul, fusion, bossa nova, or blues, from about noon until past midnight every day, there will be something for almost every musical taste. One of the greatest things about the Festival is that you can spend as little or as much as your budget will allow, since all of the outdoor venues are free.XXX
XXXThis year, the Festival will open with a free outdoor concert by the legendary music giant Stevie Wonder. This concert will take place on June 30th at 9:30 p.m. Stevie Wonder will also be receiving the Montreal Jazz Festival Spirit Award. Other honorees who will be receiving prizes include Toots & the Maytals, John Pizzarelli, Ornette Coleman, and Susie Arioli. Also, a new award has been created to honor those non-musicians that have made significant contributions to the music world, through records, media, or performance venues. It will be called the Bruce Lundvall Award, and its namesake will be the first recipient. He has been the president of the premiere EMI Music label Blue Note for more than a quarter century.
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XXXThere will be performances by Tony Bennett, Wayne Shorter, Joe Cocker, Joshua Redman, Dave Brubeck, Oliver Jones, the duo of Molly Johnson and Al Jarreau, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, both Wynton and Branford Marsalis with their respective groups, George Wein and the Newport All-Stars, the Brian Setzer Orchestra, and the Harlem Gospel Choir, just to name a few. There will also be a tribute to the late Miles Davis by Kenny Garrett and guest artists.
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XXXIn honor of the Festival’s landmark 30th year, the organizers are planning a big bash to commemorate the occasion. The new Maison du Festival de Jazz will be unveiled, a project that organizers have been working on for over a decade. It will be a permanent concert venue where fans can hear jazz musicians all year long, and will include a hall of fame and an exhibition center. (from jazzpolice.com)
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June 27, 2009
DAKAR (AFP) – Senegalese superstar and singer Youssou Ndour has used his star power to draw attention to the fight against malaria in his west African homeland, kicking off a new awareness campaign about the disease. Ndour launched the two-year campaign aimed at combatting malaria at a huge concert along with some 20 other artists in a suburb of Dakar Saturday night. "I realize that people do not take malaria seriously. You can meet people who have malaria and who don't realize that they can die from it," Ndour explained.XXX
XXXThe anti-malaria initiative was started by an US non-governmental organisation MalariaNoMore in partnership with the National Plan for Fighting Malaria, created in 1995 and run by the Senegalese health ministry. The Senegalese government is set to distribute nearly 2.2 million insecticide-treated mosquito nets throughout the country over the next week. "It is the first campaign on a nationwide scale," said Pape Moussa Thior, the coordinator of the plan. While not the primary cause of death in Senegal, 722 people died from malaria last year, including 141 in the Dakar region, the coordinator added. The mosquito-borne disease claims the lives of nearly one million people a year worldwide, the majority in Africa, and most of the victims are children who die before their fifth birthday, according to the United Nations Children's Fund. (from news.yahoo.com)
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June 26, 2009
(France)- Created in 1999, Solidays is an event unlike any other: this eclectic music festival that focuses on discoveries is also an activist event in support of all AIDS victims. For this 11th edition, the festival will be full of surprises and exclusivities! To kick off the festivities on a strong note, Suprême NTM, one of the greatest French rap groups, is making its big comeback on the Solidays stage. Also performing: the guitarist Keziah Jones, the French pop duet The Do, the American group Groundation, the English indie pop duet The Ting Tings, Bénabar, the all too rare Emir Kusturica and his No Smoking Orchestra, the electronic music of the German duet Digitalism, Amadou & Mariam before their world tour with Coldplay, the French pop folk group Cocoon and the American folk singer Alela Diane. New talents also abound with a selection of musicians recruited in the Paris subway system and young artists from the Paris Region. XXXInteractive and photo exhibits are also organized to awaken the senses and raise awareness about AIDS. And for strong sensations, free activities will also be proposed throughout the event: bungee jumping, fire eaters, etc. There is also a children's space with inflated games, manual and sports activities, exhibits and educational workshops. If you get hungry, go to the restaurant space and enjoy one of the dishes from around the world. And if you just want a well deserved and relaxing break, a massage space awaits you. (from new-paris-ile-de-france.co.uk)
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June 25, 2009
(France)- In an attempt to help the French newspapers in their financial difficulties, the French cabinet has offered young people, aged from 18 to 24, free one-year subscriptions to a publication of their choice among daily newspapers or tabloids. "The unions predict that the project will create 200,000 subscriptions, and it has the potential to reach 750,000 young people" said the Minister of Culture, Christine Albanel. The measure will cost the cabinet around five million euros per year ($7 million). The project was part of the measures that president Nicolas Sarkozy has undertaken to help the French press. The cabinet has set aside 200 million euros for the entire package of projects. XXX
XXXThe free subscription project was one of ten recommendations to the French government made by a sub-committee commissioned to investigate the deficiencies in youth readership. The idea had already been trialled by Ouest-France and 41 regional newspapers. The project was launched in 2006 and offered 18 to 24-year-olds a free subscription to a daily newspaper once a week. According to Jeanne-Emmanuelle Hutin of Ouest-France and deputy head of the French presidential youth press commission, Ouest-France was one of the regional newspapers that reported a clear "positive" results from the subscription projects with a 15 percent renewal rate. However, Hutin suggested that the factors encouraging subscribers to continue reading the publication had a lot to do with the specific efforts made by the titles to appeal to this audience. She emphasized that the government also strongly supported use of newspapers in schools to assure an early habit of newspaper reading and general innovation by newspapers to do a better job of attracting a generation that is clearly digital. (from javno.com and editorsweblog.org)
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June 24, 2009
(Switzerland)- Two-thirds of the population went to concerts, visited historical sites or monuments or went to the cinema last year, a survey of Swiss cultural activity has found. Young people tend to take more advantage of what is on offer culturally, particularly films and concerts, although educational level and household income also play an important role in access to culture. These are the main results of a study published jointly by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) and the Federal Office of Culture (FOC). Cultural practices had not been the subject of an FSO survey since 1988. Based on a representative study of the permanent resident population aged 15 and above which was conducted at the end of 2008, this study fills a gap.XXX
XXXThe study also shows that the Swiss like not only to watch but to join in, particularly when it comes to music. Almost 9 persons out of 10 listen to music, and almost half of them every day. The rate of participation in amateur music making is twice the European average. Over 50% of the persons interviewed expressed their desire to go more often to concerts or other music events, and over 40% to attend more theatre or dance performances. One in five people can play a musical instrument and 16% are involved in singing. In the French-spaking part of the country, going to art museums, galleries, and festival were the preferred cultural activities. The new study which provides an empirical foundation will be used to help develop cultural policy in Switzerland. (from swissinfo.ch and bfs.admin.ch)
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June 23, 2009
(Luxembourg)- Founded in 963, Luxembourg became a grand duchy in 1815. This tiny French-speaking country celebrates the birthday of its Grand Duke on June 23rd. The original birthday was that of Grand Duchess Charlotte on January 23, 1896, but the festivities were shifted by five months to allow observance during a more favorable time of year.
XXXRather like New Year's Eve, Luxembourg's National Day party is held the night before (22 June). A traditional torchlight parade takes place after sunset in Luxembourg City's center. People come from all over (mainly France and Belgium) to see the spectacles, effectively tripling the population for a day. Along with a parade of members of the Luxembourgian military several times around the city, there is a mass of thanks in the cathedral, followed by spectacular fireworks set off from the bridge over Petrusse Valley. Crowds stake out viewing spots anywhere in the city center, in the valley, or near the bridge for the National Day celebrations. There is music too, with rock, pop, and other bands performing until late in Luxembourg's two main squares, the Knuedler (Place Guillaume) and the Place d'Armes. There are plenty of opportunities to spend spare change on sausages, waffles, beers, soft drinks, neon-light necklaces and other party fare. (from whatsonwhen.com and everything2.com)
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June 21, 2009
(Francophonie)- The Fête de la Musique, also known as World Music Day, is a music festival taking place this weekend in over a hundred countries around the world, and which is especially popular in French-speaking cities. The idea was first broached in 1976 by American musician Joel Cohen, then employed by the national French radio station France Musique. Cohen proposed an all-night music celebration at the moment of the summer solstice. The idea was taken up by French Music and Dance director Maurice Fleuret for Minister of Culture Jack Lang in 1981 and first took place in 1982. Its purpose is to promote music in two ways: amateur and professional musicians are encouraged to perform in the streets, and many free concerts are organized, making all genres of music accessible to the public. The slogan "Faites de la musique" (Make music), a homophone of "Fête de la Musique", is used to promote this goal. The musicians are asked to perform for free, and all the concerts are free for the public. It’s the reason why they are used to play in open air areas as streets and parks or in public buildings like museums, train stations, castles… Furthermore, the Fête de la Musique is a way to encourage the major music institutions (orchestra, operas, choirs, etc.) to perform outside their usual locations. This kind of institutions can also welcome other types of music. In this way it offers an opportunity to develop exchanges between city centers and their outlying areas, to offer concerts in hospitals or in prisons, to promote encounters and exchanges between young musicians and well-known talents. XXX
XXXIn France, the musicians are a mix of professionals and amateurs and the festival policy is to give an equal place to amateur musicians, rock, jazz, singing and traditional music, all of which are given a chance to be heard alongside so-called "serious" music. In Paris, rock concerts are usually held at the Place de la Republique, while classical orchestras can be seen in the courtyard of the Palais Royal and indie bands play at place Denfert-Rochereau. Events take place not just in Paris but all over France and it is common for musicians to return to their home towns to perform.
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XXXIn Switzerland, the festival is taking over the streets and squares of Geneva and Lausanne, like every summer. From orchestral works to world sounds, music performances take place on over 50 indoor and outdoor stages.
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XXXIn Belgium, this 26th edition of the Music Festival offers the crowds hundreds of free concerts in Brussels and Wallonia to celebrate the summer solstice. This year the play bill will be varied once again. Classical music and electronic music are neighbors during one weekend, without forgetting the great evening party on Saturday on the Place des Palais in downtown Brussels.
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XXXIn Quebec, the festival will delight crowds in Montreal and Quebec City, where the Fête de la Musique was introduced for the first time in 2008. (from uk.weather.com, en.wikipedia.org, whatsonwhen.com, fetedelamusique.culture.fr, and brusselsinternational.be)
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- visit official websites in: France, Quebec, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland
- learn more about the festival (in English)
June 19, 2009
(France)- The town of Bobigny, northeast of Paris, is hosting the sixth Grand Slam National de Poésie, the fifth Grand Slam Interscolaire and the third edition of the Coupe du Monde de Slam. A symbol of innovative cultures, slam is a genuine means of democratization in which everyone is allowed to speak, whatever their style, theme or genre: realism, provocation, exuberance, romanticism, cynicism, idealism, humour or satire.XXX
XXXNow established as the top slam poetry event in France, the Grand Slam National sees four-person teams from all over France competing. What is the ultimate objective? To win the national title! Participants battle it out in rounds over the days of festivities. The amusing and friendly poetry competitions end in semi-finals and finals for teams and a final for individuals. Three minutes for each poet, with no music, decoration or stage design, just their own humanity… Anything can happen! As for this year's World Cup, sixteen international competitors from Europe, the U.S., Quebec, Madagascar, Zwaziland, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania will compete on stage to win the prestigious poetic tournament. (from new-paris-ile-de-france.co.uk)
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- show me Bobigny on a map!
- visit the official website of the Slam competition
- discover the international competitors (in French)
- get a crash course in Slam (in French)!
- read the official program of the competition (in French)
June 18, 2009
(Tunisia)- At a time when salsa musical rhythms are gaining popularity throughout the world, Tunisia could not miss the opportunity to host its first International Salsa Congress. Organized by Tunisia Latin Events & LartistEvent, Tunisia will inaugurate its first “Salsa Congress” from June 18 to 20, 2009 at the Royal Hotel, in Yasmine Hammamet. For three days, the seaside resort of Hammamet will shine on the global salsa map.XXX
XXXOver 500 international artists from around the world, will take part in the event which including some of the best salsa artists such as Luis Vasquez & Melissa Fernandez (USA/Italy), David Lartist & Camela (France), Nuno & Vanda (Portugal), Super Mario (UK), Alex Lima (Brazil), Mike O (Brussels), Osbanis Tegeda (Cuba), Falco et Virginie (Spain), DJ Willy (France), Magna Gopal (India/USA), and DJ Saber (Tunisia/ Germany). The event which aims at promoting artistic and cultural exchanges between salsa lovers around the world, will also feature dancing sessions, as well as workshops. Organizers hope to enhance the performance of Tunisian salsa dancers through interaction with experienced salsa dancers, but also thanks to the 32 workshops which will be given by seasoned salsa instructors. (from tunisiaonlinenews.com)
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June 16, 2009
(Cameroon)- South African John Kani’s film “Nothing but the truth” was crowned at the 13th edition of the film festival “Ecrans Noirs” which rounded up last week in Yaounde, the Cameroonian capital. The annual event was the occasion for film makers, actors, producers and film lovers from the African continent to congregate and exchange notes on how to develop the movie industry. It was also an occasion to identify and encourage budding talents. The seven-day event organized under the theme “Cinema and Economics” witnessed the projection of some 90 films produced by African film makers.XXX
XXXThis edition kicked off with Henri Michel’s mind-blowing film “Katanga Business". This film is the story of the wanton abusive mineral exploitation that goes on in the Congo’s Katanga province. "Everyday, our brothers and sisters are killed in these mines", one of the actors complained, as he accompanied fellow miners to bury one of theirs, killed by a collapsing mine. “But things are hard and we haven’t really got a choice”, the actor added. The film maker, Henry Michel, himself present in Yaounde is also the producer of the nail-biting, tear-provoking, “Mobutu, Roi du Zaire”. “I heartily thank the organizers of Ecrans Noirs for this effort at encouraging film production in Africa”, the Belgian film maker said. “We want to examine ways of producing good films without using much money”, the coordinator of the festival Bassek Ba kobio explained during an interview. “Nigeria has succeeded in producing thousands of movies using very little means. We can also do that in Cameroon”, the film maker said, emphatically. (from crtv.cm)
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(Canada)- The Festival Grand Rire de Québec (June 10-July 5) is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with the theme “A Laugh of One’s Own!” Over 500,000 people make their way to Québec City each summer for the comedy festival. The event takes place throughout the city and features stand-up comedy, film, improv, theatre, live music and a platform for up-and-coming funny men and women. Indoor shows and outdoor activities will delight visitors who come to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Grand Rire in the beautiful enchanting setting of Quebec City. A brand-new segment will be added to the festival on the new Loto-Québec stage located in the Cour du Séminaire, where the famous play "Le Dîner de con" (The Dinner Game) will be presented from July 1 to 5. (from quebec-travelguide.com, zoneevenementslotoquebec.com, and whatsonwhen.com)Discover more:
June 14, 2009
(Belgium)- Celebrated Belgian Surrealist painter René Magritte finally gets his very own museum. Located in downtown Brussels, in a refurbished hotel adjacent to the capital's great museum complex on the Place Royale, the Magritte Museum features over 200 works. They cover every period of Magritte's life, in every medium and have never before been exhibited together. Interactive and thematic itineraries using state-of-the-art technology provide visitors with a comprehensive experience. Although Magritte's works have been disseminated throughout the world, until now in Belgium only the René Magritte house, in northwest Brussels, provided a real insight into the life and work of the artist.XXXBorn in 1898, Magritte studied at the Brussels Fine-Arts Academy from 1916. His first exhibited works were not well received, and he moved to Paris where he befriended André Breton, joining the Surrealist group. Painter, sculptor, photographer, and filmmaker, Magritte's works are known for the subversion of everyday objects through language. His famous quip "Ceci n'est pas une pipe", painted underneath the image of a pipe, opens up the sort of intellectual abyss which has delighted visitors and critics alike. More than a national icon, Magritte's reproductions have adorned the walls of many a teenager, his dreamy drawings copied or used in advertisements and visuals the world over to the point of becoming a household name. (from whatsonwhen.com)
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