The solstice marks not only the first official day of summer, but also the annual music festival known as Fête de la Musique. Here’s a run-down of the fantastic events Monaco has on offer this year.
Every year since 1982, the French have poured out onto the streets of their cities, towns and villages on 21st June to celebrate one of the country’s favourite occasions, the Fête de la Musique. The concept is simple: free concerts in public spaces, where musicians of every genre play for the pure love of song.
Monaco has long been part of the event and this year’s Fête de la Musique will have offerings to suit almost every musical taste, ranging from rock to pop to bossa nova and beyond.
To get things started, Monaco’s townhall has put together a series of family-friendly shows that kick off with the Concerts de la Musique Municipale all morning, featuring local artists playing the various neighbourhoods of the Principality.
This will be followed up by an early afternoon event, where children and their families can visit the Princess Caroline Library to be part of an open stage show as well as play dance and music-themed games.
Then at 6.30pm in the Condamine Market, Suspicious Minds will be performing American rock classics from such legendary stars as Elvis Presley, Nat King Cole and Chuck Berry to name but a few.
Partygoers can then head to the Quai Albert Ier for a night of music dedicated exclusively to the get-up-and-dance music of the 1980s from 8.30pm. DJ Afroman Radio will be spinning tunes and then the night will be handed over to the group Totalement 80. Sing and swing to The Weather Girls, Bibie, Lio and more.
Prince Rainier III’s love of music will be remembered with three concerts held in the Place du Campanin in Fontvieille as part of his centenary celebrations: at 5pm, Franck Taschini will perform Jazz and Opera Arias, followed at 7.30pm by Zingaria and La Formation Tzigan, then the final show at 9pm will feature the Eric Giausserand Group, who will play soul and rhythm and blues hits for all. As no party is complete without a good meal, a pop-up restaurant by Big T Pitmaster BBQ of Nice will be on site too.
For a bit of Latin American flair, head to La Note Bleue at 9pm for the Dona Flor Quartet, who for over 35 years have performed a heady blend of bossa nova, samba and Brazilian music, with original tunes alongside classic favourites.
The Yacht Club de Monaco is also hosting a unique gala evening with Ukrainian comedian, entertainer and singer Arthur Pirozhkov, who has a knack for mixing the absurd with catchy tunes to hilarious effect.
Finally, La Vigie is hosting DJ Supa Ju for the evening, so guests can enjoy a seaside cocktail in elegant surroundings whilst dancing the day away.
Do you have an event in Monaco or the French Riviera that you would like us to include in our What’s On section and events calendar? Please email editor@monacolife.net.
Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department