Fête de la Musique

I don't think words are going to do justice to what we experienced last night at our first Fête de la Musique here in Paris.  I really wish I had remembered to take some videos so you all could have experienced it first hand!

Every year on summer solstice (June 21st), the city (and others in France) fills the streets for the entire night to listen to bands and live music in the streets and welcome the arrival of summer. 

Great friends and a great night!

I have been looking forward to this night for a while after hearing friends rave about it from years past and seeing all the advertising for it on the metro. But, even with my high expectations, the night still managed to move to the top of my list for favorite events in Paris. 

We met up with a big group of our friends in the Odeon area, which is near the university, and it was filled with people and bands. When I say there were bands everywhere, I mean literally if you walked 1 block down you would find another band. They ranged from rock to orchestras to marching-style bands playing everything from French, American oldies, to Gangam style.

People filled the streets in flocks enjoying the mild weather and music. Parisians are not known to be overly outright with their emotions, but we know they too were loving the night when our American "bridge" (is there a real name for this??) was whole heartedly embraced by the French. There was a solid 15 min where we were stuck because people danced through our bridge over and over again!

The city was the most alive I've ever seen it, with people just generally enjoying life. The city of Paris embraced the event as well, with metros staying open all night long and extra people working to make sure everyone was safe. Rock on, Paris...maybe you should teach some American cities a thing or two!

And even though today sure doesn't look or feel like the 1st day of summer here, we at least have the euphoric high feeling of summer and memories with amazing friends to last a lifetime!

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2014 Fete de la Musique

Once again, Fete de la Musique did not disappoint.  While we were missing some of our favorite people from last year, our group has grown, and Andrea and Tyler got to experience the event on their trip!

I cannot put into words how much I love this event...it may be my favorite day/night in Paris.  It's so great to see the French embracing life and showing it publicly.

Because of our great time in Odeon last year, we stayed in the same area again this year.  Some of the bands were the same, but some were different.  But more important, the boys got to recreate their lamp post picture from last year (see above).

Katie, Andrea, & I got in on the fun this year too! :)

And now that our friends Lindsay and Chris (fellow Badgers) live here, when we get together with both of our visiting guests, who are also Badgers, it means it's time for a little Badger song.  It went great....well, until the random guy came up and starting yelling "Jamieeee" or is it "shimmy"?

Of course, no Fete de la Musique is complete without our traditional "bridge".  Once again, the French were loving it and lining up for their chance! :)

 Oh Paris, je t'aime et votre fete de la musique!  Don't make me leave!!! :)