[Harp-L] Harmonica Festival in France (May 2005)

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The new edition of the St Aignan Harmonica Festival (entitled, in French, 
Harmonicas sur Cher) is looming on the horizon, and I thought I'd keep 
everyone informed of the happenings and program, just in case some 
non-French people were interested enough to make the trip. 

So, first of all
- the dates : May 5th-7th
- the place : St Aigan sur Cher 
(http://www.tourisme-valdecher-staignan.com/sommaire.php) 

St Aignan is a medieval town with a very well preserved city centre, lots of 
old stones, cobbled streets, a massive castle and several lovely churches. 
The area is also renowned for its wines and there are several local 
producers as well as very pleasant wine bars. That's to convince you that 
you can come with a significant other and/or for a longer period than just 
the Festival. Within 30 miles stand most of the most significant castles in 
French history (Blois, Chambord, etc.) You can find more about tourism in 
the area here : http://www.loiredeschateaux.com/ and it's in English also. 

Anyway, the festival itself is in the heart of St Aignan, and the program 
this year is really exceptional in the sense that we will be lucky enough to 
see several artists who have rarely, if ever, been to Europe. 


On the Thursday night, the program will feature : 

- Balya, with Thomas Laurent on chromatic harmonica. Balya is a French 
world-jazz band with several members of Eastern European descent, and their 
music is a jazz tinged with influences from their respective mother lands 
(Russian, Gypsy, etc.) Thomas is one of the most promising young French jazz 
players. He studied with Olivier Ker-Ourio and Laurent Maur, amongst others, 
and the 5-track CD that Balya released showcases a fluidity and sensibility 
surprising in one so young. 

- Marvellous Pig Noise, a French blues/gospel band. MPN is one of the most 
original French blues band in that they focus not on a repertoire of 
electric blues classics but on a basis of "gospelised" old blues, which they 
make their own through vocal harmonies and a great depth of approach. Pierre 
Cisterne, the lead singer, guitarist and harmonica player is an amazing 
musician, with as much ease on each of the instruments he plays and a great 
set of influences, from early blues harmonica players to Son House to more 
modern singers and musicians. MPNs concerts usually end with everyone 
dancing. More info on http://www.marvellouspignoise.com/ 

The night will end in a local pub with a harmonica DJ who will play only 
records featuring harmonica, a great chance to discover players you've never 
heard of and talk shop with other harmonica enthusiasts. 


On the Friday night, the program will feature : 

- Agitato, with Christian Tezenas on harmonica. Agitato is a Chanson 
Française duo of guitar and harmonica, a great opportunity to hear a classic 
lineup in a variety of traditional musical styles, from latin to musette and 
blues to java. 

- The Rhythm Kings, with Steven deBruyn. Following a successful debut with 
the greatest Belgian blues band of all times El Fish, Steven deBruyn 
launched his own band, the Rhythm Kings, with an unusual line-up of rhythm 
section, horn section and harmonica. Their music is groovy and dynamic, with 
Steven's singing and harmonica carried by a top-notch group of musicians. On 
stage, Steven is dynamite, jumping up and down and grooving along to the 
music, something the audience can rarely refrain from doing... More info on 
http://www.stevendebruyn.com/ 

The night will end with a Blues Jam Session in one of the local bars, with 
most of the harmonica pros featured at the festival and talented amateurs 
sharing the groove ! 


On the Saturday night, the program will feature : 

- Howard Levy and Anthony Molinaro : No one needs to introduce the amazing 
Howard Levy, a man who has become a legend in his own time in harmonica 
circles, both for his exceptional mastery of the diatonic harmonica and for 
the versatility and musicality of his playing. Although he occasionaly tours 
Europe, his last concert in France dates back five years at least, and he 
will play along with classical/jazz pianist Anthony Molinaro for a set of 
jazz and more. More info on www.levyland.com 

- Bill Barrett : Jazz chromatic harmonica has been marked by the imprint of 
Toots, and many players adopt Toots' mellow tone and soft repertoire. Not so 
Bill Barrett, who has a tone and a sound many blues players would kill for 
but plays a brand of energetic be-bop influenced jazz with occasional forays 
into blues territory and much wild jamming. Bill has never played in Europe 
and will be backed by top-notch French musicians (drums, hammond B3 and 
guitar) for a grand closing act where no doubt many other harmonica 
luminaries featured at the festival will make an appearance. A night not to 
be missed. More info on www.billbarrett.net 


Other events during the festival : 

Of course, great music is great, but it's not all that's planned. Bill 
Barrett, Howard Levy and possibly others will run masterclasses on both 
diatonic and chromatic playing, harp technician Tony Ramos is coming from 
Germany to sell his wares and run a seminar on harmonica tweaking, lessons 
will be organised for beginners and experimented players, both on diatonic 
and chromatic, jam sessions, instrument and photo exibitions, harmonica 
related movies, etc. 


Making it easier for you : 

The organisers are aware that the expense of coming over from afar are 
great, and as such have tried to set things up to minimise expenses locally. 
A deal with a local community center has been struck to provide sparse but 
clean accomodation for all those who require it, and that can even include 
cheap but healthy local meals, wine included. Also, the ticket prices are 
very reasonable compared to other festivals (around 30 EUR for a three-day 
pass with access to all the concerts), so all in all, we're doing all we can 
to make things easier for you all ! 

If you want any more specific information, don't hesitate to contact me 
directly. Although I'm not officially a member of the festival organisation, 
I've got access to most of the information. 

You know you want to come ! Don't hesitate any longer !!! 

Ben FELTEN