Days 05 – La Fête de la Musique
It was disappointing. The skies were gray, and rain was in the forecast. What about Summer Solstice and La Fête de la Musique? The hotel, by law, had to do one of those ear-shattering alarm tests. We went outside where we could hear ourselves think. The skies let go, and torrents of rain fell. People scurried. sweaters and other useless items held over their heads. Some had umbrellas and were drier. But it rained … and rained … and …
Lightning flashed followed by rolls of thunder.
One of our alumni dropped in to say, “Hello.” He has been with us for three workshops and lives near us. We see one another for dinner and parties when our schedules mesh, which isn’t as often as we might wish.
The rain stopped, but the skies were still menacing. It made for a great backdrop to le Panthéon just outside our hotel.
We started meandering down to one of our favorite areas for music and shooting. A jazz quartet caught our ears, and we stopped for a while and photographed them and just enjoyed their music. The quality of music at this festival, the first of its kind in the world, we believe, is amazing.
I always marvel at the change in light between east/west streets and north/south ones. It makes sense of course, but I am always struck that there can sometimes be so much of a difference in the amount of light. For example, where the jazz quartet was, the street was open, whereas down another narrow street facing north/south, it was quite dark. One has to be careful, as the restaurant owners are not pleased with people who photograph without permission. With permission, the proverbial doors open, such as with this owner in his doorway. 
Down at the end of that little street, the light opened up, and we stayed a long time listening to a brass band of over a dozen musicians who were fabulous. Their music was infectious, and we all swayed and jived to their beat. We recognized many of the songs they played, as the theme of the festival this year was pop in celebration of the 30th anniversary of this event.
A charming gentleman, whom I soon met, squatted down to enjoy the music and stay out of the way of others. A young boy, perhaps his grandson, stood by his side.
It was late, probably after midnight, and we were beat. It was time to wend our way back to the hotel. On the way, a couple was sharing images on the iPhone, reviewing images, and laughing and commenting on various photos.
Next: Montmartre et Sacré Coeur …
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Really nice photos. You have a real feeling for the city.
Thank you! It’s a city we know well and love. My grandmother lived here; my dad lived here. I’ve known it since the early 60s. I never tire of it.
Thanks for writing and for your comments,
Take care,
TBC