Cher Reader,

Music is in the air.

Summer opens in the Bois de Boulogne with a three-day festival whose proceeds benefit AIDS research. Get your weekend pass in advance because they are often sold out come show time. http://www.solidays.org/

Whereas Rock en Seine marks the end of summer taking place just before classes resume. Headliners Amy Winehouse and Oasis have cancelled last minute the past two years respectively but compensation has been awarded after the fact, and spectators haven't left too broken-hearted with the line-up always such a full plate. For those with children, Mini Rock en Seine day camp is free with adult admission. http://www.rockenseine.com/

Here are the latest articles:

They Dance to Afro Beat
I haven’t stopped since last Friday when Femi Kuti and the Positive Force performed in St Germain en Laye. For a week I’ve been dancing around my living room to the jazzy Afro beat. The waves that pulsed through the crowd are summoned even now as I listen.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art10771.asp

Chorus, A Festival for the Suits
A mysterious tent crops up on the plaza below the Arch de la Defence on the dawn of spring. Part circus, part saloon, it serves as home to the Chorus Festival, a two-week series of concerts. I arrived with the afternoon draw of suits and stayed around to see B.B. Brunes close the night.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art10234.asp

Enjoy the warmth and the music,
Melissa Demiguel, French Culture Editor
http://frenchculture.bellaonline.com