Lille has always been undermined by its reputation as a more industrialised, uglier version of Paris. However, whilst this may be true in terms of architecture, it simply isn’t the case in the music scene.
The Tourcoing Jazz festival embodies everything that is great about Lille – people bang on about Parisians being unfriendly and refusing to speak English; in Lille, the only complaint could be that the French are too eager to speak English. But what’s more, the Lillois are very relaxed and are delighted to show off the hidden beauties that lie within.
And there is no greater example of this than the Tourcoing Jazz festival. For one week in October – in 2009 from the 17th until the 24th – all the world’s great jazz musicians congregate in Lille for a wonderful display of music. This year’s highlights include Pierrick Pedro, Cristina Branca and Hanks Jones. It promises to be a rare occasion where many virtuosos can be viewed one after the other.
Moreover, whilst it is a jazz festival there is an eclectic mix of music: young up-and-coming performers share the stage with old-timers, and there is a mix of jazz from the traditional to the progressive.
A beautiful city with beautiful people and beautiful music – what more could you want?
Share It
Tweet This
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it
