Wednesday 27 June 2012

Rock Island Festival 28 June to 1 July

The first Rock Island open air festival of electro-pop and DJ mixes. Four nights of live music and DJs in the Fort d'Entrecastaux, walking distance from the Vieux Port. It features Tomorrow's World, Poney Poney Run Run, Digitalism Live, Housse de Racket and much much more - lose yourself in the music.

Tickets must be bought in advance from digitick from 29€ for one night to 99€ for a four night pass.

Fort Entrecasteaux


Saturday 23 June 2012

Feast of Saint John 23 & 24 June Allauch

A bit of Provençal tradition. The patron saint of the region is celebrated in different villages during the spring and summer. In Allauch on Saturday evening it's the procession and lighting of the fire of Saint Jean and on Sunday it's the great parade with working horses and decorated wagons. The local restaurants will be serving Aïoli (you probably need to book). A festive atmosphere in a village on the outskirts of Marseille. The programme is on the village website.


Wednesday 20 June 2012

Fête de la Musique 21 June


This year the fête de la musique is celebrating 50 years of pop music. If you venture outdoors on the evening of 21 June you will come across music, in the street, in the cafés and bars and parks and on the beach.  There is too much going on the list it all. Dont worry it's not all pop music.

Here is a taster of what's on offer.

9pm at Théâtre Silvain (an open air amphitheatre above the Corniche, bus 83 to stop Fausse Monnaie)  Concert by the Orchestra of Avignon Provence playing Strauss, Brahms, Mozart, Messager and many more.

9pm at Le Poste à Galène (103 rue Ferrari 13005) 100% pop rock Marseillais: The Magnets, The Last and Bird in Shell. Entry free.

9pm at Palais Longchamp the group Big Band, 17 musicians from the orchestra of the national conservatoire will perform some jazz classics.

Friday 15 June 2012

Festival Time Le Panier 15 & 16 June

It's in the open air. It's free and the sun is shining. Cant think of a reason not to go to Le Panier and see what's going on. They have art, music, boules competitions and processions. On Friday at 9:45 it the Panier's time to celebrate lighting the fire of Saint John (le feu de Saint Jean) accompanied by Irish/Celtic band Phoçair. On Saturday there's a Sardinade at lunchtime and Susheela Raman (Tamil/UK) and Tchanelas (festive Rumba) in the evening. Go along and enjoy. Details are on the Fete du Panier website


Thursday 7 June 2012

Omri Mor Trio at Cri du Port 7 June

Go along to the Cri du Port to see jazz pianist Omri Mor playing with Nenad Vasilic (double bass) and Karim Ziad (drums). The trio played to unanimous acclaim at the 21st Tel Aviv Jazz Festival. Omri Mor has been playing the piano since he was 7 years old and his experience of classical, latin and afro-cuban music all contributes to his particular jazz style. A pleasant way to spend a Thursday evening.

The concert starts at 8:30 and costs 10/12€ plus 1€ seasonal membership.

Omri Mor, courtesy Cri du Port website.

Friday 1 June 2012

On Your Bikes in Marseille 1-3 June

Make way for this year's cycling festival (Fête de vélo).

Fête du Vélo Parade Castellane

  • 1 June: Alleycat, an urban cycle race involving collecting and delivering certain items to different part of the city. It is open to all cyclists and there are prizes. It will set off from behind the cathedral Major (rue Marchetti) at 5pm.
  • 2 June: at 2pm: Bike Polo, where avenue Corderie/Corse crosses rue d'Endoume
  • 3 June: at 10 am the Grand Bike Parade starts from the Park of the 26th Century; between 12 and 6pm there will be food, music, activities and cycle rides along the Corniche; at 3pm a bike ride will depart from the Corniche to try out part of the new GR2013 (the walking/cycling route created for Marseille Provence's Capital of Culure year).
For more details of all of this visit the Fête du Vélo website.