Saturday, June 19 from 4pm – 12am / SPECIAL EVENT
Where: La Maison Française, Embassy of France, 4101 Reservoir Rd, NW
Admission: $8 in advance / free for Children ages 10 and under
Tickets / More Information: www.HouseofFranceDC.org
Description (**Please note: Program details are subject to change)
Each year on the summer solstice the French gather in the streets to celebrate the change of seasons. For the eighth consecutive year, La Maison Française at the Embassy of France will recapture this lively atmosphere in its gardens, with more than 50 bands and street performers. Some of the artists participating in this year’s event include: Lady Pcoq and the Plumes, Hot Society Orchestra, Ambassadors of Jazz, Samuel Hallkvisk and DJ Little Shalimar.
Throughout the afternoon and into the night, take to the dance floor or relax at our terrace café while you listen to the eclectic musical program. You can also savor barbecued specialties, French “assiettes,” pastries, cotton candy, coffee, beer, wine and bubbly. Food and beverages sold separately.
This celebration is for all ages. Kids will have the opportunity to attend several fun activities during the afternoon. Into the evening, La Maison Française caters to the high-spirited who want to dance the night away to multiple bands and tunes mixed by the DJ.
Schedule
==Throughout the Fête de la Musique==
- Stroll the Embassy gardens and listen to talented local musicians.
- Savor French assiettes, specialties from the grill, pastries, etc.
==4 – 8 p.m.==
- Explore our market and purchase Provence-style gift items.
- Have your children participate in one of the many special workshops.
- Enjoy a dance workshop – meet energetic people while discovering new moves.
==9 – 12 a.m.==
- Dance the night away to great DJ tunes.
SOME OF THIS YEAR’S ARTISTS
Lady Pcoq and the Plumes (soul fusion)
Lisa “Lady Pcoq” Pegram is an established poet who has evolved into a captivating songwriter. She employs a rich variety of music to accompany her poetic lyrics. This shape-shifting versatility speaks to her mission to compose for a vast array of artists, commercials, television and film. She received the 1999 DC Mayor’s Arts Award for “Outstanding Emerging Artist.” This group’s live show has been featured at the Kennedy Center, 9:30 Club, DC Hip Hop Theater Festival and the 2008 Source Theater Festival. Artist website: www.myspace.com/ladypcoqmusic
Hot Society Orchestra (swing)
The Hot Society Orchestra of Washington performs dance music of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, providing an elegant recreation of the great early-jazz dance bands of a bygone era. The orchestra is comprised of enthusiastic professional musicians experienced in the repertoire. The HSO, with director Dave Tucker, is a special project created to bring together some of the best early-jazz musicians and vocalists in the D.C. Area. Artist website: www.hotsociety.net
The Ambassadors of Jazz
The Ambassadors of Jazz are a product of the Hear Youth Movement of Maryland. Performing regularly at community and public events, including President Obama’s “Youth for Jazz” at the Congressional Ballroom, these talented young musicians always receive an outstanding response from the public. They have recorded two albums to date – “Live at the Jackson Estate” and “Live at Westminister Church – Friday Night Jazz.” Artist website: hearyouthmovementofmaryland.org
Samuel Hallkvisk (jazz fusion)
Samuel Hallkvisk is This year’s recipient of Jazz in Sweden, an annual award given by Caprice Records and Concerts Sweden for a young Swedish artists that represent Swedish jazz in Sweden and abroad. Artist website: samuelhallkvist.com
“Samuel Hällkvist represents something new in jazz and in music in general”
- Lennart Götesson/Dalademokraten
DJ “Little Shalimar” (disco, funk, hip hop, house & reggae)
A multi-instrumentalist/producer, DJ “Little Shalimar” has collaborated with artists that include TV On the Radio, Chin Chin, Antibalas, El-P, John Medeski, Bernard Purdie, and Phenomenal Handclap Band, among others. He has shared the decks with the likes of Peanut Butter Wolf, Eli Escobar, DJ Spinna, Theo Parrish, Rich Medina, Bobbito Garcia, Prince Language and many more. Known for his potent mix of Disco, Funk, Hip Hop, House and Reggae, “Little Shalimar” has toured the world and held down residencies at some of New York City’s most happening clubs (Good World, Bungalow 8, Black Betty, Pianos, Union Pool, Rubulad, etc.)
