Open Ateliers at the Cite des Arts

An Open Atelier at the Cite des Arts is one of the best experiences one can invest their time in. The work will vary as much as the activity and presentation - and it is the best way to meet fellow artists and musicians. Most Open Ateliers are promoted via flyers on the bulletin board near the elevator in the main building and on the Cite des Arts facebook page.

Two weeks or so into my residency I heard an impromtu performance by Jasser Haj Youssef in the atelier of Portuguese fiber artist Sandra Gil. His music inspired me and provided a rich context for viewing Sandra's photographic and video installation.

Jasser Haj Youssef

Jasser Haj Youssef is a violinist, composer and musicologist. He combined his interests in music performance and research by introducing the baroque viola d’amore into contemporary Arab music, and has worked as a composer for projects that fuse jazz with Arabic music.

Find more Jasser HAJ YOUSSEF songs at Myspace Music

Jazz near the Cite de Arts

Le Caveau de la Huchette is a jazz club in the Latin Quarter near Notre Dame. Just down the street from Shakespeare and Company it could easily be mistaken for a tourist trap- NOT! The building dates to the 16thC but became a jazz club in the mid 1940's. Musc wafts trhough this labrynth/cellar which was once allegedly used by Rosicrucians, Freemasons and French Revolutionists.

American greats such as Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, and Art Blakey have performed on its tiny stage as well as French jazz musicians Claude Luter and Claude Bolling. Whoever is performing will be accompanied by a loyal audience of swing dancers who frequent the club on a regular basis. If you love to dance and listen to music with an engaged audience it is worth the price of admission.

Le Caveau de la Huchette has been featured in numerous French films including Marcel Carné's film "Les Tricheurs." Their website features a complete schedule and at present streams a very hot version of Booker T's Green Onions!