Folk Music in Paris?

Subject: Folk Music in Paris?
From: CET
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 07:46 PM

Charmion and I will be in Paris from 3 to 12 December. As I was scrolling through the threads this evening, it occurred to me that I never heard of Paris being a hot bed of traditional music. Am I wrong? Are there any bars or clubs where you might hear some folk music?

Edmund (by the way that's not Paris, Ontario)

Subject: RE: Folk Music in Paris?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 08:45 PM

Well we were in Paris last spring to watch the Scotland/France rugby match and found some Irish music (instrumental only) in Corcoran's bar near the Place Pigalle: there are several Irish "theme pubs" along this stretch around the Moulin Rouge. I got talking to some of the musicians: turned out they were all French and had learned a few Irish jigs during a 6-week sojourn in Ireland! Worth noting there was a "Lady in Red" who sent all the fellas wild by doing a strip on the bar later in the evening. Also most of these "Irish" pubs were doing a 4-hour "happy Hour" from 4 - 8 p.m. Otherwise, pick up the Paris "What's On" type guide, or look down the Metro tunnels or even on the trains for musicians (but spare a centime or two for them). There used to be a "bag lady" who went round all the restaurants below Montmartre and sang just like Edith Piaf: unfortunately she hadn't been around for some time before our last visit, so she may have gone to join the real Piaf in the hereafter. Try "Pizza Napoli" in Rue Dancourt for a very reasonable French/Italian meal, and usually some Russians in national costume pop in to play balalaika, sing, dance with the punters, etc ( but have some more centimes handy!) Tattie B

Subject: RE: Folk Music in Paris?
From: Mark Clark
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 10:59 PM

Get on the Sing Out! listserv and post a note that you're going to be in Paris. There are at least a couple of Parisians who regularly follow that list and I'm sure will be glad to help.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Folk Music in Paris?
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 29 Nov 01 - 04:39 AM

I put a similar thread up on 19th January 2000, and Brendy (good man himself) gave me this:-

"The Quiet Man" 5 Rue des Haudriettes 75003 Paris

It's on the north bank, a little right of centre, between Gare Du Nord and the Seine. It's a tiny wee place, but genuine rather than theme, and there's usually a session downstairs most nights. Great place. Don't miss it.

Skipjack

Subject: RE: Folk Music in Paris?
From: weepiper
Date: 29 Nov 01 - 03:57 PM

I shall ask my piper pal whose girlfriend lives in Paris, I think he said there's a good Breton session somewhere. Coincidentally me and my man'll be in Paris later in December - going to see Altan play (on the 14th)

Subject: RE: Folk Music in Paris?
From: CET
Date: 29 Nov 01 - 05:59 PM

Thanks, everyone.

Tattie Bogle, your message reminds me of my own trip to Paris in 1979 to watch the Wales-France 5 Nations match. A bitter defeat for the good guys, but a great party in a bar near Parc des Princes. I just wandered in and found it packed with Welsh and French rugby fans who were busy consuming as much beer as they could and singing. I sang Chevaliers de la table ronde (or possibly Aupres de ma blonde) and the French fans bought me several rounds. I guess they were impressed that a Welsh supporter could sing in passable French. Afterwards, a bunch of us went out for Chinese food.

Edmund

Subject: RE: Folk Music in Paris?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 29 Nov 01 - 07:53 PM

Sure it wasn't peesed on pastis? That is my memory of the last Scotland /France international at Parc des Princes! Tattie B