Around and about with Tony Goodman
If the state of the traffic was any indication, local cash-registers are as plump and round as Xmas turkeys. It’s been a good summer. Now as the vacationers head home its time for us to take advantage of the mild weather, ample parking and venture forth. Reclaim the beaches, restaurants and cafes. Visit our wineries, reacquaint ourselves with our mountains.
Theatre and Music
Attended Jazzebre’s launch of their 31st jazz and world music festival at the Casa Musicale. Showcasing innovative jazz and world music at venues throughout PO including Perpignan’s Casa Musical.
This year’s program is packed with some extraordinary music. If unsure where to start, drop into Perpignan’s Les Halles on the 28th September for a taster.
Puccini’s Madame Butterfly has the most sublime music yet the tale is piercingly sad. The Humming Chorus at the end of the second act is distilled melancholy and hope in equal doses. The B.F. Pinkerton character is mendacious, evil, beyond redemption. Confronting yet a must see for anyone with a soul. Cattulus’s “Odi et Amo” set to music. Tickets will sell fast!
December 14th and 15th at Theatre de l’Archipel. 45€, reduced prices available. [Spoiler Alert: Take tissues].
During Perpignan’s recent Jeudis we found ourselves at the pop up wine bar under the trees of Allees Maillol being entertained by the Dirty Rotten Blues Band. They know their way around the blues scales. I have a soft spot for the blues having played for years in a no-nonsense blues pub band in north London. Keep an eye out for them, they can pop up anywhere.
Film
The Institut Jean Vigo in association with Jazzebre put on an open air showing of The Host as the opening stanza of their 2019 autumn program. Laughs, pathos, a classic creature feature screamer with a solid sub strata of political and ecological comment. A suitably gruesome creation in the title roll of course. Great soundtrack. South Korean, directed by the chap whose The Parasite won the Palm d’Or this year.
Plenty of choice including the infamous Heaven’s Gate on the 17th Nov. Starts at 4pm so we should be home by midnight. Tickets 6€, special passes available.
At the Jazzebre launch, local wine producers provided generous samples, we were particularly impressed by Mas Alart’s Syrah/Mouverde vin rouge. Deep plum colour, smooth with a nice hint of pepper. Located at Saleilles, 15 minutes from our front door (Perpignan) its on the list for a visit.
Eclade de Moules
How they roll round La Rochelle. Close pack a single layer of moules, dry pine needles on top. Light needles, when the fire dies down tuck in.
