Download the full programme here:
Auburn French Fest_programme_July_2023
So Frenchy So Chic 2023
Melbourne 15.01 | Werribee Park – Werribee South
Sydney 21.01 | Bicentennial Park – Glebe
Operating since 2012, SFSC offers a unique festival experience of provençal style picnic and French music. Over the years, SFSC have showcased over 50 of France’s best musicians, including FEFE, Yelle, The Dø, Clara Luciani, Nouvelle Vague, Lou Doillon, Nadéah, Brigitte, Deluxe, Camille, Bertrand Belin, and La Femme. Also teaming up with local artists, in 2021, SFSC launched Yè-Yè 2.0, a project that saw Australian female singers record interpretations of 1960s French pop hits in a series of EPs released on streaming platforms, the festival also initiated a unique collaboration between FEFE and Melbourne funk band Cookin’ On 3 Burners.
This year’s musical lineup:
Suzane Suzane burst onto the scene from her home base in the South of France and immediately won over the public with her fast, fiery, and profound presence. Described as “more Mulan than Cinderella,” she sings about her feminine combat in a patriarchal world with an unstoppable energy. A prolific dancer, she received a well-deserved French Grammy award (Victoires De La Musique) for Best Live Performance in 2020.
Gaspard Royant Talented journalist-turned-musician Gaspard Royant sings in both French and English, with a distinct 60s flavour evident in his music and wardrobe styling. Titled ‘The Real Thing’ and released in 2022, his fourth and most recent album samples iconic movements from the last century, blending Blue Eyed Soul, 60s Pop, 70s Soft Rock, 90s Electro and 00s Hip-Hop for a sound that depicts his take on the future of soul.
Discover Gaspard Royant on Spotify
Kalika Fresh from performing at France’s summer festival circuit, Kalika’s voice has been described as “an iron fist in a velvet glove”. Her sincerity, determination and electric stage presence come from travelling the markets in a caravan as a child with her grandmother, learning how to whip up a crowd. At the age of 17, she finished second on French talent show La Nouvelle Star and started working in Nancy with the MAI (Music Academy International), focusing on current music, before completing her training at a Parisian jazz school. She has also collaborated with iconic French duo Yelle.
Pi Ja Ma Creative in every sense, Pi Ja Ma, aka Pauline de Tarragon, balances her time between music and illustrating. Known for “gentle exuberance” and a paradox in which she is both a “lone wolf and addicted to love,” her sound is that of French pop with a distinct 60s influence — echoing SFSC’s 2022 project Yè-Yè 2.0, which saw top Australian female artists reinterpreting songs from that era.
YÉ-YÉ 2.0 So Frenchy So Chic’s 2023 lineup will see local musicians Nadéah and Ali Barter return to the stage to perform songs from YÉ-YÉ 2.0, a project by festival founder Jean-Francois Ponthieux. In 1960s France, Yé-Yé emerged as a music movement influenced by British & American rock, chanson and other styles to create a fresh, distinctive sound. Launched in late 2021, YÉ-YÉ 2.0 saw Australia’s finest female artists putting their own spin on songs from the Yé-Yé in a series of EPs — soon to launch as an album.
SFSC DJ’s Melbourne DJ and radio host Mike Gurrieri’s SFSC set will reflect his broad, superlative taste, spanning from ‘60s jazz and chanson through to ‘70s disco and soul, ‘80s boogie, ‘90s hip-hop and house, plus the latest French dance floor tunes.
In both cities, festival founder Jean-Francois Ponthieux will make a rare appearance behind the decks alongside our star DJs for a special live radio set of French favourites new and old.
Discover Mike Gurrieri on Spotify
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Le Festival Français
Inspired by all things French, Le Festival Français is a celebration of the food, wine, language and above all, the culture of France.
To be held in the picturesque setting of The Heights Heritage House and Garden in Newtown, Geelong, Le Festival Français is a two-day event.
Market stalls and dining areas will be dotted throughout the historical site with roving and main stage entertainment adding to the atmosphere.
A dedicated family space includes free face painting, fun with language, and une petite ferme for the kids.
Saturday evening, the site will come alive with an intimate, special ticketed music event Soirée with a Songstress with Emma Hamilton performing.
Book your tickets here
Soirée with a Songstress
Emma Hamilton – Saturday Evening Special Ticketed Music Event
A highlight of Le Festival Français is a special ticketed music event with Emma Hamilton to be held on Saturday evening.
Immerse yourself in a magical evening with French/Australian songstress Emma Hamilton. Authentically French, her stunning voice will transport you to another era as she performs an eclectic mix of classic French chansons, jazz, and cajun tunes. Emma’s passion and prowess on both accordion and piano is complemented by a two-piece backing ensemble.
A unique experience that is certain to leave a lasting impression.
Free glass of French champagne on arrival.
Coffee and drinks available at bar prices. This is an undercover, seated event.
Book your tickets here
La Baguette by R&M
Mark your diary for a day of fun, food and French inspired artisan items.
A fabulous French market, right here in Canberra, with Cheeses, charcuterie, truffes, wines, crêpes, handmade products… discover a wide selection of fine French products and services at their annual French Market.
Make it a family outing and enjoy some French food while browsing the different stalls and enjoying live music and games for the kids and youngs at heart!
The French Market is the closest you’ll come to France this year! With almost all stalls outside, you can have the French experience without the COVID concerns!
SO FRENCHY SO CHIC – 2022 FESTIVAL DATES
Sunday 13 Feb – Werribee Park Mansion, Melbourne
Saturday 19 Feb – Bicentennial Park, Sydney
TICKETS HERE
For 16 years, So Frenchy So Chic has bridged the cultural gap between Australia and France via a shared love of music, food and conviviality.
So Frenchy So Chic began as Cartell Music, a Melbourne record label founded by French-Australian Jean-Francois Ponthieux, who dreamt of introducing contemporary French pop to Australian music lovers.
Photographer Hubert Barre’s exhibition Impressions de Berlin captures East and West Berlin between 1985-86, the presence of the wall, the people who lived on each side, and the different cultures. François Silvestre de Sacy shares the secret stories of China’s queer community in Are you recording?
Both exhibitions will be showing at Bondi Beach until 28 November along with many other exhibitions.
Full program details are available HERE
©François Silvestre de Sacy. Courtesy of Head On Photo Festival 2021
©Hubert Barre. Courtesy of Head On Photo Festival 2021
©Hubert Barre. Courtesy of Head On Photo Festival 2021
This year’s program will hold something for everyone – be entertained by the vast array of brilliant, unforgettable and diverse films.
From award winners to festival favourites, cult films, classic cinema, entertaining dramas, compelling documentaries and dark comedies – expect to be entertained. A renewed focus on industry and education will promote connection and conversation, through a packed schedule of masterclasses and panel sessions featuring some of our most well-known and successful creatives.
For 11 days in October we celebrate the storytellers and filmmakers that seek to distract us from our daily lives.