.... there, just to prove it. The young lady is Alexandra Hernandez, who is appearing in the apero concert this evening at Le Train. So, accompanied blogging. It doesn't get much better!!
Back to Thursday: as mentioned in yesterday's blog, I made a decision to relocate from Portes-lès-Valence to Valence, and the best part of the afternoon was spent in doing so. The Hotel Lyon is just a five minute walk from the railway station, removing a big concern for Sunday morning, when my train leaves at 09.00.
Having got here, I walked around for a while, exploring the city and grabbed something to eat - a 30cm vegetarian sub. (very tasty, and very filling). I'll do some more, exploring that is, this afternoon.
Then it was back to the Train with Alain. First on were Les Surveillantes, and I was wearing my special T-shirt, which caused some amusement and a little admiration. I think they liked it too, because Danielle took a picture of me after their show, which was delivered to a small audience, which grew steadily as more people arrived for the main concert. Alain took this photo of us, but sadly I had the flash turned off. Hopefully Danielle's picture will come out better.
I wish that they could have been on the main stage - perhaps next year. Luce Dufault sings a song called "Tu me fais du bien", and Les Surveillantes and their music me fais du bien aussi.
I found myself in another brilliant seat for the concert in the auditorium, third row, right in the middle.
First up was Stéphane Coté, whose songs, stories and poems are delivered as a dramatic entity. Sometimes light-hearted, sometimes serious, always whole-hearted. Very enjoyable. The lighting was excellent too.
After the interval came another opportunity to see Luc de Larochelliere. I saw him first in Montréal in November 2009, at Cabaret Juste Pour Rire, and having bought his most recent album then, found this performance even more enjoyable, being able to recognise and appreciate more fully his songs. He had a tremendous band with him including a drummer who doubled on the cello, although not at the same time. He was surprised to receive a call for one encore, but doubly surprised to be called back for a second time. An excellent performance.
Afterwards in the theatre lobby there were more introductions and conversations, including one with a gentleman that I didn't recognise at the time, .... by strange coincidence, he has just spoken to me as I am writing this - Danny Boudreau, who is headlining Friday's performances. That was bizarre!
Then Alain and I headed back to Valence for a pint at le bar Malvern, which was hosting a St.Patrick's night 'party'. Sadly the live band had just finished, and whilst the Rolling Stones, Beach Boys etc were acceptable if a little loud, the trance music which followed was not. So we left. There were a lot of young folk there, some of whom had had rather too much to drink - just like in the Bigg market on Saturday night, but dressed, if you know what I mean.
Then who should be in the breakfast room this morning, and spoke to me first, was Danny Boudreau, who asked if I would be offended if he spoke English. As if.. And then Jesse and Alexandra rehearsing, but that's where we came in. Later it's Alexandra again, plus Geneviève Toupin and Danny. This really is a good festival!!
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