Evenings Out in Paris

How to Become Parisian in One Hour

French funnyman Olivier Giraud continues toContinues to take Paris by storm with his hilarious one-man stand-up comedy show How to Become Parisian in One Hour; a series of tongue-in-cheek ‘lessons’ en anglais to achieve the quintessential Parisian attitude. In this ‘essential survival guide’ spectators learn the ins and outs of la vie parisienne: the local lingo and the perfect facial expression for every social situation. He covers the whole gamut from how to behave while taking the métro or out on the town, and how to be ‘bobo’ (bourgeois-bohème), to how to deal with unpredictable taxi drivers and surly waiters.

Theatre des Nouveautés

Showtimes until 16 June: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday 7pm, Sunday 6pm.

Showtimes in July: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 8.30pm

Tickets from €24 to €37

www.theatredesnouveautes.fr

+33 1 47 70 52 76

 

Soirées at Le Baiser Salé

Top Parisian jazz haunt Le Baiser Salé, nestled in the heart of the colourful Les Halles district, stages a tribute to the legendary Nina Simone by resident musicians Viviane Ginapé (voice) and Mario Canonge (piano). Influenced by greats such as Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, Ginapé is famed for her impressive scat singing and vocal risk-taking. Armed with a songbook of Simone classics, the Ginapé-Canonge duo promises the ultimate homage to this incredible jazz icon. Days later the club plays host to the enchanting and charismatic French-Brazilian chanteuse Agathe Iracema, backed by her Brazilian Music Band. Be swept away by easy melodies, sultry la nuit européene des musées and la fête de la musique 18 May 2013 and 21 June 2013 respectively. La Nuit européene des musées and la Fête de la musique. Taking place in various locations in Paris (and across the country) Free entry. www.nuitdesmusees.culture.fr/ and www.fetedelamusique.culture.fr/ Whether you’re a culture vulture or just plain curious, la Nuit européene des musées allows locals and visitors alike to discover, or perhaps rediscover, Paris’s wealth of museums. Now in its ninth year, the unique event sees the city’s museums stay open all evening until midnight, while an eclectic entertainment programme that includes concerts and light shows ensures fun for museum-goers of all ages. One of the city’s biggest nights out; the long-running Fête de la musique, which marks the summer solstice every 21 June, promises a full day of free concerts to celebrate music in all its forms. From pop and rock to jazz and blues, and niche genres such as Brazilian rap or Filipino folk; whatever your musical inclinations, you’re sure to find a style to get your toes tapping. The festivities last into the early hours as revellers chase melodies and rhythms across city streets, public squares and other open-air spaces. This year’s theme is ‘The Voice’. ? Words: Richelle Harrison Plesse samba and bossa nova rhythms, all combining to create a refreshing, energising spin on jazz that is at once exotic and familiar.

Le Baiser Salé

6 June 7.30pm Tribute to Nina Simone

Tickets from €13 to €18

8 June 7pm Agathe Iracema and her Brazilian Music Band

Tickets from €15 to €20

www.lebaisersale.com

+33 1 42 33 37 71

 

La Sylphide

The Opéra de Paris’s 2012-2013 season draws to a close with a performance of La Sylphide at the delightfully opulent Palais Garnier. The iconic ballet, with the exquisite choreography of Filippo Taglioni adapted by Pierre Lacotte, makes a triumphant return to the stage after being absent from the company’s repertoire for over a century. La Sylphide, which heralded the arrival of French Romanticism when it was created in 1832, tells the story of a young Scottish farmer who becomes enchanted with a sylph (forest spirit) after she appears to him in her dream. However a meddling witch threatens to put a stop to the budding romance. The venue is a spectacle itself; inaugurated in 1875, the stunning Beaux-Arts building features a sweeping marble staircase and grand foyer while the sumptuous gilded auditorium, awash in plush red velvet seats, boasts a crystal chandelier and remarkable painted ceiling by Marc Chagall.

Palais Garnier (Opéra National de Paris)

22 June until 15 July, showtimes vary

Tickets from €12 to €92

www.operadeparis.fr

+33 1 73 60 26 26

 

La Fête de la musique

Taking place in various locations in Paris (and across the country)

One of the city’s biggest nights out; the long-running Fête de la musique, which marks the summer solstice every 21 June, promises a full day of free concerts to celebrate music in all its forms. From pop and rock to jazz and blues, and niche genres such as Brazilian rap or Filipino folk; whatever your musical inclinations, you’re sure to find a style to get your toes tapping. The festivities last into the early hours as revellers chase melodies and rhythms across city streets, public squares and other open-air spaces. This year’s theme is ‘The Voice’.

www.fetedelamusique.culture.fr

 

 

 

Originally published in the June-July 2013 issue of France Today.