too darn hot

My metro line 4 is so sweaty that I'm finding it difficult to get motivated for the weekend programming at the Paris Jazz Festival...but worth it, here's the schedule (sit in the shade & take LOTS to drink). On Sunday the 23rd the Parc Andre Citroen has a free party with great music - here's their website - the Mardi Gras Brass Band is catching my eye, seems to suit the weather. Monday night, William Chabbey Trio is hosting the jam at the Oubiettes (check what we said last time). Tuesday the 25th, vocalist Christine Flowers is taking on the standards at the 7 Lezards (and these days, basement venues are attractively cool). Note that the venue Petit Journal Saint-Michel is closed July 24th to Sept. 1st And in a theatre not a club, until the end of July, Fanny Werner is doing a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald every Monday and Saturday, at the Theatre des Cinq Diamants, 10 rue des Cinq-Diamants, 13th (call 01.45.80.51.31 for reservations).

IF you're a soul/blues fan, consider getting out of town next week for the festival called Cognac Blues Passion in Charente - the line-up includes Otis Clay, BettyLavette and believe it or not, Earth Wind & Fire. Hmmm. I'm more tempted to book a trip to Marciac, a village that's only known for its amazing summer jazz, with a veritable who's-who on the programme: Kenny Garret, Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, John Zorn, the ubiquitous Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bonerama (lotsa trombones & a tuba) from New Orleans, plus a slew of others including some smaller free concerts. Okay, now it's time to reserve a rent-a-car...