Sunday 10th January 2016 – Werribee Park – Melbourne
Saturday 16th January 2016 – St John's College – Sydney
So Frenchy So Chic In The Park returns in January 2016 for another perfect day of music, food, wine and that certain je ne sais quoi that has made it a must-do summer favourite. This is the fifth year So Frenchy has taken over Werribee Park Mansion outside Melbourne, and the third year in Sydney at the grounds of St John's College in Camperdown. The musicians are waiting by the stage, the picnic hampers are packed, the bar is fully stocked and the grass is ready for dancing. Let's see what's in store.
La Musique
The Moroccan born Hindi Zahra has been described as a North-African Patti Smith and likened to a modern day Billie Holiday for her mesmerizing mix of folk and blues. This super talented multi-instrumentalist brings inspiration from around the world to her heartfelt storytelling, and the result is simply beautiful music that always makes a connection with audiences.
Brigitte (actually a duo, Aurélie Saada and Sylvie Hoarau) also sings personal songs, while playing homage to 1970s divas at the same time. Their unique sound of lounge-pop, retro-folk sizzling disco and has been wildly popular, as the duo's first album going double platinum and the follow-up 'À bouche que veux-tu" (Mouth of Plenty) about modern desire has proved. highly danceable.
Fulfilling a promise made two years ago to her Australian fans, the talented chanteuse Lou Doillon is making her highly anticipated So Frenchy debut in 2016. For her latest LP, -Lay Low' the former actor-model and now singer-songwriter has moved on from her acoustic debut to find a richer sound (produced by the acclaimed Canadian indie band, Timber Timbre), and a series new songs that move crowds with an honesty and soulful brilliance.
How to describe the finale act, Soviet Suprem. Quite simply, there's no-one else like them, gleefully throwing light punk, Bolshoi gypsy beats, hip hop and over-the-top iron curtain theatrics into the mix. This Balkan-electro collective is an elite musical commando force of unconventional cool, and their rousing tunes will have everyone falling into line and dancing up a storm as the sun sets on another year.
Le Menu
Crusty baguettes, salad jardinière, petite four chocolate ganache tart – the specially prepared picnic boxes and cheese plates from Bright Young Things and Simmone Logue are the perfect So Frenchy gourmet accompaniment. Be sure to pre-order.
For the extra peckish, a banquet of tempting fare on the day including seafood, crêpes, macaroons and ice cream will be served by the Frenchiest food artisans.
And what garden party would be complete without Champagne? The finest from Laurent Perrier will be chilled and flowing all day, as will French beer, rosé from Provence, reds and whites from Bordeaux, and special cocktails at the SFSC vintage caravan.
La Famille
So Frenchy has always been a family friendly event, so bring along your littlest festival fans for face painting, puppet shows, pétanque, croquet and other surprises. Kids under 12 are welcome free of charge.
La Joie De Vivre
So Frenchy has been going strong for five years, and is still fuelled by the same genuine passion for putting together the best French festival outside of France. There's a feeling when it all comes together that's intoxicating. A giant party, a perfect picnic and a day to remember surrounded by family, friends, music and love. We invite you to get lost among it all, and find yourself so Frenchy, so chic, once again.
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