In January 2013 So Frenchy So Chic In The Park is set to return to the grounds of Werribee Park Mansion with another handcrafted festival of joie de vivre. Bring a picnic rug, pick up a gourmet hamper, stretch out under the shade of the trees and enjoy a glass of something sparkling.
Let’s meet next year’s festival guests:
Always a crowd favourite, Melanie Pain is the bewitching former singer of Nouvelle Vague who has toured Australia eight times before, twice as a solo artist. Her first album of sweet, irresistible folk-pop, My Name, earned her a loyal following here in 2008 and her brilliantly crafted follow-up, Bye Bye Manchester, with its programmed beats and distorted vintage synths, is just as much fun. It’s due to be released by Cartell in September.
Next on the bill is the bouncy indie-pop and 60s inspired harmonies of Revolver, recently nominated best newcomers at the French Grammys. The group’s amazing voices and lush, exuberant sound have made them festival favourites across Europe with exuberant live shows that get audiences up on their feet.
Keeping things jumping is Carmen Maria Vega – think Piaf goes punk. CMV is the name of both the band and its dynamo lead singer, who serve up a knockout cocktail of classic chanson, gypsy jazz and sheer charisma. CMV is currently enjoying a huge following in France with a gold album and a string of sold-out appearances in front of over 150,000 fans.
As dusk falls, the French-Aussie Paris-based Nadéah is set to tear up the stage with her unique style of eclectic pop, infused with the wildcat spirit of Brigitte Bardot. This year Nadéah wowed the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and sold out unforgettable shows in Melbourne and Perth, showing the only thing more audacious than her songwriting skill is her powerful, unpredictable stage presence.
Food, Wine and Fun:
Because So Frenchy is about so much more than the music, once again the boutique caterers Egg Unlimited will be providing sumptuous hampers and picnic boxes packed with authentic French fare such as Brittany baguettes, house baked meringues and lemon posset.
There will also be French beer, Laurent Perrier champagne and Halle aux Vins wine from the Loire Valley and Provence kept chilled and flowing all day from two bars. Plus more food stalls than in 2012 will keep everyone satisfied with macaroons, cheese platters, gourmet sausage, cassoulet and other tasty treats.
So Frenchy is also so family friendly. Les enfants under 12 are welcome for free. They’ll be kept entertained with face painting, drumming classes, a giant chess board, petanques and croquet.
Australian summers are blessed with music festivals of every shape and size, but so Frenchy So Chic In The Park might be the only ‘artisan festival’ of the bunch!
What: So Frenchy So Chic in the Park
When: Sunday 20 January 2013 from noon
Where: Werribee Park Mansion, K Road, Werribee
Tickets: $77 + bf / Free for Children under 12
Tickets & Info: www.ticketmaster.com.au & http://cartellmusic.com.au/sfsc
