Alliance Francaise presents Fete De La Musique

Caribbean people do not only sing soca music. It may be the island’s signature sound, but there are many other genres in T&T, and local artistes deliver them quite well. That is what the Alliance Francaise believes. Fusing T&T and French culture through music is what they have sought to do since 1993, when they launched the first Fete de la Musique festival in Trinidad. Tracy Hutchinson-Wallace, president of the board of Alliance Francaise T&T, said the festival, which is held on June 21 every year, strives to create an opportunity for artistes to network. “The festival is held at different venues. This gives artistes the chance to showcase their music before an audience they may have never got the chance to perform for before. It is about getting people familiar with artistes who explore different genres of music as Trinidadians,” she revealed. She said since the launch of the festival in 1982 by the French ministry of culture, Fete de la Musique is held in more than 100 countries in Europe and the world. It takes place every June 21, the day of the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. She added it is a day when musicians of all levels and all genres, both amateur and professionals, perform for free at concerts that are open to the public.

 

 

“It is completely different from a typical music festival, the Fete de la Musique is above all a free popular fete, open to any participant, professional or amateur, who wants to perform in it. It aims at a large audience working to popularise musical appreciation and expression for the young and not so young of all social backgrounds,” she said. Hutchinson-Wallace, who was speaking at a press conference on Thursday at the office of the Alliance on Alcazar Street, St Clair, said the event will take place at four venues this year and will showcase 15 bands. The venues include MovieTowne’s Fiesta Plaza and several popular spots in Woodbrook—Coco Lounge, Drink Wine Bar and Shakers. Those carded to perform include H20 PHLO, Overdrive, jointpop, The Jazz Alliance, Kimba Sorzano, Nebula 868, West Indian Konnection, 2G, The Dean Williams Band, Gyazette, Ifa Sayo, Buzz Rock, Lil Bits and the Freetown Collective. ­Rapso group 3Canal is also expected to  give a special performance to commemorate 19 years of the festival in T&T.