It's Beaujolais season and this is a night to pop the cork on a celebration of French culture with music by two acoustic dance bands. Manege a Trois features the elegant and melodic Parisian street music called musette. Minor Swing, (pictured) winners of the 2005 Motif Music Awards "Best Local Jazz Act," plays the danceable Gypsy jazz inspired by Django Reinhardt and Stefan Grapelli, co-leaders of the legendary Quintet of the Hot Club of France.

The music kicks in for this "Beaujolais Pique Nique" as soon as the doors open at 7 pm so get to the hall early.A light menu of French cheeses, salads and breads will be available in the kitchen prepared with the assistance of an area chef who is the inspiration behind this evening of French entertainment.

Beaujolais Acoustique, first in an "occasional series" called "Bread and Music" grew out of an interest in fusing the creative energies of cooks and musicians. This event developed in conversation over the backyard fence with area French chef and Django fan, Alain Hugard.

The evening takes its name, Beaujolais Acoustique, from a song title by Bertrand Laurence, leader of Manege a Trois. He promises to write the song for the event.

http://www.bertrandlaurence.com/

http://www.minorswing.us