Sofitel Celebrates ‘Fête de la Musique’ June 21

Don’t ask me how I, someone obsessed with all things French, has managed to miss “Fête de la Musique,” a worldwide celebration of all things musical, all these years. Launched back in 1982 by the French Ministry for Culture (of course La France has someone specifically in charge of this!), the Fête takes place every June 21, the day marking the Northern Hemisphere’s Summer Solstice.

But just as music is universal, so is this daylong celebration of it. In France, this popular Fête is free and open to participation by any amateur or professional musician who wants to share his or her talent. Musicians are asked to perform for free, and all the Fête’s concerts, which take place in open-air areas such as streets, parks, train stations and at public buildings, are free for the public. But there’s nothing like giving a great idea fresh legs. Today, the “Fête de la Musique” is celebrated in more than 110 countries and 460 cities around the world—including Chicago.

Windy City Francophiles who want to sample fabulous sounds in a gorgeous (and delicious!) space can catch them at Café des Architectes, a chic and modern French brasserie housed inside the four-star Sofitel Chicago Water Tower Hotel. Jazz promoter John Moultrie, who regularly presents “Live at the Sofitel” music evenings at the hotel’s popular Le Bar, will be sharing New Orleans-inspired jazz sounds, along with a band, from 5 to 11pm tonight. Café des Architectes’ wonderfully inventive Executive Chef Greg Biggers will be serving up some of his favorite Cajun and Creole dishes as part of the celebration. (In fact, all Sofitel hotels will be acting as “musical and cultural ambassadors” today, adding a musical note to their trademark French service.)

And because the Fête is all-inclusive, giving musicians of all skill levels and interests a chance to share their talent, those on staff at the Sofitel Chicago will play in the hotel’s lobby during the day.

Want to take in even MORE sounds today? Make Music Chicago is sponsoring a huge range of musical performances across the city today—everywhere fromthe downtown Apple Store to the Lincoln Park Zoo, from Symphony Center to the Alliance Française de Chicago. Check out the organization’s website for a full listing of what’s happening when and where. The day’s events wrap up with a Grand Finale concert at St. James Cathedral from 6:30-9pm, and will be broadcast live on WFMT-FM/98.7, with musicians of all skill levels invited to join in. Best of all, all Make Music Chicago events are open to the public—and free.

Tagged as: Fete de la Musique, France, Cafe des Architectes, John Moultrie, Make Music Chicago, Sofitel and Greg Biggers

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Maureen Jenkins s a food/travel writer and communications professional who's visited more than 30 countries and territories, lived in Florence, Italy -- and is spending the year in Samois-sur-Seine, a charming village near Paris, France. The self-proclaimed “urban travel girl” talks travel, food and wine – abroad and in Chicago – in “TCW Travel Connection.” Read more of her thoughts on living globally at UrbanTravelGirl.com.