Since 2011, Melbourne has hosted So Frenchy So Chic in the Park, an annual picnic, accompanied by French music (modern, no Edith Piaf covers to be found here !) champagne and French food.
It has become one of the favourite festivals and it is not difficult to understand why. Sydney joined the celebration of all things French when in 2014 it hosted its first SFSC and has continued to during the Sydney Festival since. But until now, it was only these two cities who got to participate in the fantastic day. In 2018, all of that will change. Adelaide is going to have its own SFSC in the Park, our favourite festival, in January 2018. Tickets available now
So Frenchy So Chic is a festival celebrating French life and culture. Imagine a picnic but also a party where you can dance or lay on the grass. The next festival is being described as a Picnic from Provence under the Australian sun.
Adelaide will change things up with the first SFSC in the Park hosted in the evening. Taking place by the River Torrens, at Pinky Flat, SFSC is going to transform Adelaide into a French village. Perhaps we will think we are in Paris rather than in Adelaide!
We have just found out who is on the bill for 2018 : Féfé (one of my favourites in 2012 and 2014), Juniore, L.E.J. and General Eletriks.
Féfé
Such a fantastic surprise for us! We have been listening to his third album, Mauve, since its release in February and had hoped that he would make it to SFSC 2018 but having looked at his French tour dates on Facebook some time ago, did not think it was going to be possible. But SFSC has done the seemingly impossible and is bringing him back for his third SFSC In 2014, even though it was unseasonably hot for Sydney, no one could help themselves but dance to his raps and songs with African beats under the beaming sun. Enjoying life and dancing is guaranteed with Féfé!
Juniore
Formed in 2013, this 3 woman group describe themselves as ‘désespérément optimistes’ (desperately optimistic). Their music is difficult to fit into a single genre – they are everything from surf, psychedelic, 60s retro and even a little but country! You may best know them for their song Marabout which featured in the cinema ads for the Alliance Française French Film Festival. SFSC warn that we are going to either want to be them or be with them!
General Eletriks
Keyboardist with Blackalicious in San Francisco, Frenchman Hervé Salters forms General Elektriks. His music is a mixture of soul, funk and jazz groove.
L.E.J.
Pronounced ‘Elijay’, this group of 3 is best known for its covers created only with their harmonies, percussion and a cello. They sing in both English and in French and have transformed over-played songs like Drake’s ‘Hotline Bling’ and Desiigner’s ‘Panda’. However, for SFSC, they are bringing their new album filled with their own original songs.
BUT WHAT ELSE?
It’s not only music at SFSC though! It is a festival of the enjoyment of life – think French food, champagne, total relaxation! In previous years, SFSC sponsor Kérastase offered French braids to festival-goers, while others sold flower garlands.
For food, you can bring your own picnic if you like or let others do all the work for you. Already prepared hampers are available for order when you purchase your tickets and include charcuterie, salads, and cheeses. Vegetarian and gluten free options are also available. In Adelaide, local restaurant and bars will offer fresh oysters, crepes as well as aperitifs. Laurent Perrier and Paul Louis champagnes, Kronenbourg beer and Skyy vodka will be available. In Sydney, Simmone Logue will again prepare the hampers and bespoke menus are provided by Bistro Gavroche. In Melbourne, it’s Hotel Gitan who will cater to the crowds.
TICKETS
Early bird tickets at $69 (being a 20% reduction) are available at the following link: https://shop.cartellmusic.com.au/?ref=Matilda+Marseillaise
Children under 12 enter for free.
DATES
Adelaide 12 January 2018
Melbourne 14 January 2018
Sydney 20 January 2018
We will tell you more as soon as we hear it!
