Le French Jam Était Incroyable !

On Sunday, May 31st, the Alliance Françaises Omaha presented LE FRENCH JAM, a showcase of French language and French-themed music and theatrical performances.  The event was presented in cabaret style from the Spotlight stage of the Candlelight Bar and Grill in Omaha. An unpretentious local neighborhood venue was chosen as nod to the French cabaret form of intimate but informal entertainment that was popular in small Parisian bars in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

This unique event was put together by Alliance members, in part funded through a grant obtained by AFO vice president, Katie Kasher, from the Federation of Alliances Française USA.  Katie, herself a chanteuse, recruited and assembled the talent solely from the membership of our chapter and the ranks of our partner organization, Café et Conversation.

The performances included songs and theatrical vignettes of traditional and contemporary French selections. AFO president, Marty Skomal, performed a monologue as the celebrated French chef,  August Escoffier. The talent line up included an ancient troubadour’s tale recited in French and accompanied by a tin whistle, and a classical clarinet piece by Francis Poulenc.  No such event would be complete without renditions of Edith Piaf and Yves Montand standards such as Le Vie en Rose, Hymne à l’amour, and Les Grandes Boulevards.  Far from solely traditional French selections, a masterful performance of French Canadian Rap enlivened the event!  Piano, guitar, clarinet, and mandolin accompanied ces nombreuses voix joyeuses!!  The result was a truly diverse assemblage of professional level talent. The talk is this will be an annual event for the Alliance Française Omaha!!

Un immense merci à la AF USA for the grant funds which made it possible for AF Omaha to offer this event free of charge to our membership and the broader community.

Text by Dave Teche, AFO Special Pojects chair and Marty Skomal, AFO President
Photos by Marie Dufour