RECENTLY
at La Maison Française &  its gardens

   Presentation

   Each year on the summer solstice, the French gather in the streets to celebrate with the Fête de la musique — a dynamic tapestry of music and dancing to the sound of both amateur and professional musicians.

   For the 8th consecutive year, La Maison Française will recapture this lively atmosphere in its gardens. We expect more than 50 bands and street performers to attend, creating a spectrum of local artistic talent for everyone's enjoyment. Our festive celebration will offer D.C. audiences a sparkling soirée, filled with music, dance, great energy and a wonderful crowd. Experience this French tradition at the Embassy of France on Saturday, June 19 from 4 p.m. – midnight.

   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 (assorted plates), pastries, cotton candy, coffee, beer, wine and bubbly (food and beverages sold separately).

   This annual celebration is for all ages. Kids will have the opportunity to participate in several activities and games. When the sun goes down, La Maison Française caters to the high-spirited who want to dance the night away to muliple bands and great tunes from the DJ.

The program is as follows:
(program details are subject to change)

Throughout the event:
- 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 activities.
- Enjoy a dance workshop - meet energetic people while discovering new
  moves.

9 – 12 a.m.:
- Dance the night away to great DJ tunes.

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   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 groups 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 DC 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 who represent Swedish jazz in Sweden and abroad.
"Samuel Hällkvist represents something new in jazz and in music in general" — Lennart Götesson/Dalademokraten
Artist website: samuelhallkvist.com/

DJ "Little Shalimar" (disco, funk, hip hop, house & reggae)
   Torbitt Schwartz was raised between Brooklyn, NY and Louisville, KY. He studied jazz performance and composition at the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music with Chico Hamilton, Junior Mance, and Henry Martin. A multi-instrumentalist/producer/DJ, Torbitt has collaborated with artists that include Chin Chin, Antibalas, John Medeski, El-P, TV On the Radio, Bernard Purdie, Matthew Shipp, Phenomenal Hand Clap Band and the Reverend Vince Anderson, among others. In addition to his many album credits, his production company has produced music for feature films, documentaries, television shows and commercial works (Nike, Adidas, CNN, Sundance Channel, etc.)
   Under his d.j. persona "Little Shalimar", Torbitt 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.)

This event is co-organized by the French-American Cultural Foundation.

   Special thanks

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