Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Part I: 10 Ways To Hear Great Music On a Budget in Paris

By Jacquelin Carnegie
(Artist: Felipe Ferrer Ceroni)

In Paris, no matter what your taste in music--jazz, rock, world or classical--you can find a place to hear it on a budget. In certain cafes and bars, there’s often no cover and just a one- or two-drink minimum. Then, there are other affordable alternatives that include a meet-&-greet reception with the musicians. Check out these delightful options:
MEET THE MUSICIANS
Classical Cool

Sinfonietta Paris - Music by the Glass 
sinfoniettaparis.org (Concerts: €25)
Sinfonietta presents talented young musicians performing lesser-known works by famous, classical composers. The Music by the Glass concerts are in lovely, intimate settings followed by a wine-and-hors-d'oeuvre reception where you can chat with fellow music-lovers and meet the musicians; an absolutely delightful way to spend an evening in Paris.

Give Beats a Chance
Fresh Dixie

Sofar Sounds www.sofarsounds.com/paris (Concerts: around €15) This is a way-cool concept: Talented young musicians perform in unique, intimate settings such as a beautiful private home or hip art gallery. On the bill for each concert are three acts, selected by a panel of music experts. Sofar (Songs From A Room) concerts take place all over the world. This is a great way to discover terrific new musicians.

DISCOVER NEW VENUES
Jazz & More
Tiphenn Fauchois

Bab-Ilo
9 Rue du Baigneur; Tel: +33 1 42 23 99 19; babilo
18th arrondissement, Metro: Jules Joffrin (Open: Thurs-Sun nights; Cost: From "pass the hat" to €10-20, depending on the show)

This funky, little downstairs club features an eclectic mix of African, Caribbean and Brazilian jazz groups. If you're lucky, you'll hear the fantastic Tiphenn Fauchois singing world-music infused jazz accompanied by terrific musicians such as Georges-Ed Nouel on piano, Tommie Lee Mckenzie on bass, Didier Haboyan on saxophone, and Armando Assouline on percussion. 

Bab-Ilo's Sunday Night Jam (7:30pm-10pm): Hear great Brazilian bossa, samba & jazz.

Floating Entertainment

Peniche Anako
Bassin de la Villette, in front of 34 Quai de la Loire; penicheanako.org; 19th arrondissement, Metro: Stalingrad or Jaurès 
(Cost: Free to €5-20, depending on the show)
A truly unique and wonderful place to hear music in Paris is on a barge (peniche). There are several to choose from, but the Peniche Anako presents a fantastic lineup of international musicians in this delightful setting several nights a week. (Be sure to arrive early to ensure a good seat.) Drinks served on the deck, music down below!


Bars With Benefits
Naomi Greene
 
Le Truskel
12 Rue Feydeau, www.truskel.com
2nd arrondissement, Metro: Grands Blvds or Bourse; Live music, 8:30pm; DJ, 10pm (Cost: Free, buy drinks)

This is a dive bar in a nice neighborhood, with good live music, followed by a DJ, and lots of beer. If you're looking to hang with twentysomethings, this is your spot and you might get to hear someone talented.


Le Fokus
12 rue Leon; 18th arrondissement, Metro: Château Rouge (Thurs, 7-11pm; Cost: No cover; buy a drink)
Get to know the locals at this little neighborhood bar. On Thursday evenings, hear some terrific music in this so-small-you-can-kiss-the-musicians space. D'Jam Orchestra - Features an eclectic mix of genres. Tiphenn Fauchois' world-music infused jazz with Tommie Mckenzie on base; Anna Morse on accordion singing traditional French chansons; and Ameth Sissokho on guitar, singing and strumming African rhythms.

MORE FREE CONCERTS
There are many ways to hear great music on a budget all year long:
Kiosques en Musique - Music Kiosk Concerts (May-Sept)
In Parisian parks and gardens, kiosks, dating from 1890 to 1920, have recently been restored and upgraded. Enjoy free concerts featuring all kinds of music from classical to electronic.
Fête de la Musique (June 21)

Each year, the summer solstice--the longest day of the year--is celebrated worldwide with music. It started in France; in Paris, it's a daylong musical fest. Hear musicians for free in the streets and parks, and at low-cost in bars and concert halls.
Parc Floral de Paris - Bois de Vincennes
Esplanade du Château de Vincennes, route de la Pyramide, 12th arrondissement - During the summer and fall, several music festivals take place in this park. While the concerts are free, there is a fee to enter the park; nominal by day, slightly higher at night: Paris Jazz Festival (June-July) - Features concerts by major, international jazz musicians. Festival Classique au Vert (Aug) - Free classical music concerts every weekend at 4pm. Pestacles (June-Sept) - On Wednesdays, family-friendly entertainment and concerts.
For a list of free (gratuit) concerts year-round, try this site (in French): Lylo.

Where To Stay: To get the most out of Paris, stay in a variety of places all around town. 


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