aixcentric

Friday evening sees the annual Fete de la Musique which used to be a  sprawling event with all types of musicians playing music of  all genres, mainly very loudly, all over town. It seems though, since the deadly events in Nice during a summer festival, this type of event  has to be properly secured, something very difficult to do in our old town of tiny streets.  So this year (I gather) the music will be focused on two stages one at the top of the cours Mirabeau and the other on the shiny new Place des Precheurs….with random groups setting up where they will.  Explanation: http://www.aixenprovence.fr/Fete-de-la-musique-2019

Friday is also day one of the new summer show at the Musée Granet and for once, hallelluia, it’s a woman’s work being celebrated.

Fabienne Verdier, after spending ten years in China, has spent two working outdoors, at the Sainte-Victoire, painting her response to this famous Cézannien motif.

As you see on the poster, there are two other exhibitions in town devoted to the artist – more details here: http://www.museegranet-aixenprovence.fr/expositions/prochainement/fabienne-verdier-sur-les-terres-de-cezanne.html

It all looks splendidly splashy and I can’t wait to see it!

Just as a recap: the Granet is also showing ‘Harry Callahan’, photos of Aix in the 50s, til 21st July, and ‘Saintes Victoires’ various views of the mountain including a lovely Cézanne, until 29th September.

A true celebration of Aix-centric art this summer at the Granet.

So, that’s music, and painting, and then on Saturday and Sunday, various art forms at the annual Flaneries d’Art festival.

It’s the 12th edition and this year there are 14 painters, ceramists, jewellers, sculptors exhibiting in 5 different gardens in the Quartier Mazarin.  Added to this, there are musical recitals and readings in the programme – and all events are free.

We are invited to wander from venue to venue, sampling the wares, and also seeing behind the scenes at locations rarely open to the public.

Saturday 14-20hrs, Sunday 11-19hrs, programme here: https://www.aix-en-oeuvres.com/flaneries-2019/

At the cinema, biopics on dancer Rudolf Nureyev and novelist JR Tolkien start tomorrow; but if you are a motoring fan you will be heading off to the Paul Ricard circuit for a weekend of Formula One activity culminating in the French Grand Prix race on Sunday.  Last year was the first F1 for years at the circuit and it all proved a bit much for the infrastructure – le fils and le petit-fils Aixcentric spent the entire weekend in their car since getting in and out of the car-parks was so difficult.  They were happy, met lots of drivers, but this year they are armed with a camping-pass and tent; let’s hope the advertised improvements work!

Lots to do next weekend!