It could be the alcohol, the lateness of the hour (especially when parties literally go on until dawn) or it’s a cultural thing, but I’ve noticed that different countries have different French sing-a-long favourites.

At midnight the famous C’est Extra parties in Montréal get the entire room singing seven minutes of Gigi L’amoroso by Dalida.

Now, that doesn’t work in the Netherlands because the song, or part of it, is known as “Friet met mayonaise” (yes, one ‘n’), which means “Fries with mayonnaise” by Johnny Hoes. However, the Dutch usually go nuts on Non, non rien n’a changé by Les Poppys and sing the chorus. It’s thanks to them that I got to know the song in the first place.

And then there’s Berlin and Munich, which I’ve played recently. So far, they’re just not the sing-a-long type. Maybe one day.

In Belgium, where I’ve also played, Les Cactus by Jacques Dutronc gets everyone shouting a chorus of “Aïe aïe aïe! Ouille! Aïe aïe aïe!” (Ouch ouch ouch! Ow! Ouch ouch ouch!), while you can hear “Auuuux Champs Élyséeeeees (At the Champs Élysées) when the DJ plays Champs Élysées by Joe Dassin.

A big thanks to Insult Masterrr! an iPhone application

Link to Insult Masterrr! via iTunes,
Insult Masterrr!

For their donation! Go check it out!

On the first day of spring, 21 March, ironically the only day of sun as of late, the Maison Descartes (French cultural institution) had a big French bash to ring in spring.

And bash it was! The place was full of French people as well as Québécois (they said they recognised that accent on the mike) and all kinds of other people who could appreciate the free fun.

A bunch of dancers from the roll and roll dance association Gel showed up and did their thing. Thanks!

Olivier, photographer of the people, took lots of pictures with backdrop amidst the dancing chaos to the delight of many people including myself. Thanks to you too!

And a huge thanks to anyone online who spread the word around and made my night a success, you rule!

This iPhone picture may have me doing my thing in the background, but it ironically has the silhouettes of G and S, a wonderful, enthusiastic couple that always come to my parties.

À la prochaine ! Until next time!

(Photo: Laurent)