Ah, Montpellier, the city where cat nights meet contemporary arts and iconic music! It’s a cultural smorgasbord that would make even the most seasoned art critic weep with joy—or maybe just confuse them. Anyway, let’s dive into this weekend’s exciting offerings!
Les Nuits du Chat
First up, we have Les Nuits du Chat. Yes, we’re talking about a festival where the slogan is as snub-shaped as a cat’s backside. Artists singing in French! Ooh la la! It’s like Shakespeare called up Molière for a writing gig. Now, if you fancy yourself a bit of a Francophile (or even if you just like to hear the occasional love song), this is the place!
Starting with Julie Rousseau and Bastien Lucas this Friday at the Chai du Terral, they’ll kick things off by invoking the tragic romance of Eurydice and Orpheus through tunes reminiscent of Michel Berger and Véronique Samson. It’s like your ex’s sad mixtape but with more je ne sais quoi. And if you’re around on Saturday, the farewell concert of Agathe Ze Bouse awaits—because nothing screams “I’m done with the band” quite like a concert that’s been rescheduled due to a drummer’s injury. God bless the showbiz spirit!
ART Montpellier
Next on the agenda: ART Montpellier. Now, don’t let the word "art" give you a stuffy feeling. This is more than just staring blankly at canvases in a pretentious gallery! It’s an entire fair dedicated to contemporary art, featuring a whopping 300 artists. Think of it as a treasure hunt—except instead of gold, you’re looking for that bizarre piece that could spark a family feud at Christmas.
Space Invader is dropping 44 of his mosaic artworks around Montpellier—no, you won’t need a map, but keep your eyes peeled; they might just be on your way to the café. And, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, check out the nighttime exploration on Friday. Art with a side of nightlife? What could go wrong!
The Record Club
Now, if you enjoy a bit of nostalgia, the Record Club is the cherry on top! Imagine sitting in a room filled with groovy people, going back in time to explore Revolver by The Beatles. This isn’t just any listening session; they’ll give you the scoop on the making of the album that left everyone scrambling for their vinyl records. Lyrics will be shown on screen for clarity and—get this—even translated for the linguistically challenged among us. Who says you can’t have a bit of fun whilst reminiscing about the past?
Zaho de Sagazan
Next, let’s talk about Zaho de Sagazan. Hot off her wins at the Victoires de la Musique—four awards, mind you!—this gal is a force to be reckoned with! She’s like the fairy godmother of pop, sprinkling her musical glitter from her album The Symphony of Lightning. She’s taken on everything from Bowie to classic French ballads. Honestly, if she gives me a concert, I might just rethink my life choices—it’s that captivating.
NiDS Installations
Finally, we have the NiDS installations. Now, these aren’t your average installations; think The Sound of Music but with caravans hanging from an aqueduct! Jean-Michel Caillebotte’s art pieces promise to surprise you with sounds and visuals that’ll either provoke deep thoughts or just leave you scratching your cat-loving head.
So, there you have it—this weekend in Montpellier sounds like an eclectic mix of feline festivities, artistic exploration, and musical nostalgia. If this doesn’t get you out of the house, I don’t know what will! Stick around, soak up the culture, and remember: if all else fails, there’s always the cat video section of the internet to fall back on!
Les Nuits du chat kicks off this weekend with the highly anticipated farewell concert of Agathe Ze Bouse, while Zaho de Sagazan takes the stage at the Zénith. Art aficionados can explore vibrant contemporary art at the exhibition park, and curious minds will be intrigued by a unique installation scattered across four locations throughout the city. Additionally, a special event at PierreVives invites attendees to rediscover a legendary album. Here’s a rundown of five must-see events in Montpellier and its surrounding areas from Friday, November 15 to Sunday, November 17.
Cat’s Nights
“At a very good festival where ze artists sing in French.” This catchy and inventive slogan defines Nuits du chat, which is celebrating its 17th edition starting this Friday in the heart of the metropolis. The festival promises an exciting week filled with concert evenings that showcase talented artists who have opted for the lyrical elegance of the French language over English. The diversity in musical styles is striking. Following the festival’s launch, expect an enchanting performance from Rose, celebrated for her lilting voice and folk influences, on November 19 at En Traits Libres. Embrace a contrasting vibe with Adélys, known for her ethereal electro-pop, as she opens for the enigmatic Iaross on November 20 at the Théâtre Savary in Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone. Not to be missed is Tom Poisson’s performance at the Passerelle de Jacou on Thursday, where he will present his seventh album, Jean-Michel, a melodic ode to the beauty of life in slow motion. Kicking off the festival weekend on Friday, the Chai du Terral in Saint-Jean-de-Védas will host Julie Rousseau and Bastien Lucas, who draw inspiration from the timeless myth of Eurydice and Orpheus to explore the creative partnership of the legendary songwriters Michel Berger and Véronique Samson through their melodic compositions.
On Saturday, all eyes will be on the CCR Michel Colucci in Saint-Georges d’Orques, where Agathe Ze Bouse will deliver her emotional farewell concert. While fans may feel reluctant to bid farewell to this beloved Hérault-based group, their departure has been delayed since last September due to an unfortunate injury to the drummer that postponed their previously scheduled performance. Though it’s a bittersweet ending for Agathe Ze Bouse, for the other artists of the festival, as they say: “the show must go on.”
From November 15 to 23. Montpellier and its surrounding region. Discover the full program at lesnuitsduchat.com
ART Montpellier
The Mediterranean contemporary arts fair returns for its 8th edition this weekend, showcasing the vibrant work of 300 artists across 70 renowned galleries from France and beyond. This is a fantastic opportunity for art lovers to immerse themselves in a broad array of artistic styles and trends, ranging from well-established artists to promising newcomers. While attendees can certainly make purchases—from canvas artworks to prints—there’s also a chance to simply revel in the thriving art market atmosphere. The fair features two notable thematic exhibitions: one dedicated to the iconic street artist Invader, who has integrated 44 of his distinctive mosaics into the urban landscape of Montpellier, and another spotlighting the work of visual artist Christophe Mottet. On Friday, art enthusiasts can enjoy a magical nighttime exploration of the fair that extends until 10:30 p.m., complete with live performances and engaging discussions with select artists.
Friday the 15th (11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.), Saturday the 16th (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.), Sunday the 17th (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.). Exhibition center, fair route, Pérols. Admission: €12. For more details, visit art-montpellier.com
The Record Club
This Saturday marks the debut of an exciting new event: the Record Club. This gathering invites participants to come together to discover—or rediscover—iconic and timeless pop music albums. The focus for this inaugural gathering is the groundbreaking album Revolver by The Beatles, released in 1966. This seventh studio album by the legendary British band holds a significant place in pop music history. Attendees will enjoy insights from a nightclub owner who will discuss the fascinating production process behind this influential opus, created by the Fab Four in just three months. Following the informative session, guests will relish a listening experience within an amphitheater featuring high-fidelity sound. To enhance engagement, the lyrics will be projected for all to enjoy, with translations provided for those less familiar with English.
Saturday, November 16 at 4 p.m. Pierresvives, 907 rue du Professor Blayac, Montpellier. FREE ENTRANCE.
Zaho de Sagazan
The year 2024 is poised to be a monumental year for Zaho de Sagazan, as she prepares to make her mark at the Victoires de la Musique, where she is nominated for four prestigious awards, including female revelation and best song of the year. Just a year ago, she was little-known, but her album The Symphony of Lightning catapulted her to fame, positioning her as the contemporary successor to legendary artists Barbara and Jacques Brel with her unique electro-pop flair. Notably, during the Cannes Film Festival, she captivated audiences by covering David Bowie’s Modern Love in front of jury president Greta Gerwig. At the recent closing ceremony of the Olympic Games, she performed Under the Paris Sky with remarkable poise. Fearless and talented, Zaho de Sagazan promises to deliver an unforgettable concert experience.
Saturday, November 16 at 8 p.m. Zénith Sud, 2733 avenue Albert Einstein, Montpellier. Ticket prices range from €39 to €49.
NiDS, four installations
Art enthusiasts have just two more days to experience the captivating sound and interactive installations by Jean-Michel Caillebotte, collectively referred to as NiDS. These mesmerizing works include numerous protruding sonic nests suspended in the trees of Jardin de la Reine, and an intriguing visual and auditory experience presented by caravans artistically positioned under the St Clément aqueduct, creating an enchanting atmosphere at the jardin du Peyrou. Each installation invites visitors to linger and appreciate the artistic synergy of sound and sight.
Until Saturday, November 16. For precise timings and locations, please visit latelline.org.
How can you experience contemporary art at ART Montpellier and what are the notable artists featured?
Montpellier is buzzing with artistic energy and musical charm this weekend, making it the perfect time for culture enthusiasts to dive into the vibrant local scene. Here’s a rundown of highlights featuring catchy slogans and creative showcases, perfect for Francophiles and art lovers alike!
### **Les Nuits du chat**
Kick off your weekend with the **Les Nuits du chat** festival, which gracefully combines the elegance of the French language with captivating music. This year marks its 17th edition, bringing a plethora of talented artists who will serenade you with their lyrical prowess.
The festivities open on **Friday** at the Chai du Terral with **Julie Rousseau** and **Bastien Lucas**, who will enchant audiences with a nod to the tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice, lined with melodies inspired by the iconic **Michel Berger** and **Véronique Samson**. Then, on **Saturday**, don’t miss **Agathe Ze Bouse**’s farewell concert at the CCR Michel Colucci, a bittersweet send-off for this beloved Hérault-based band—a show that’s been long awaited due to unfortunate circumstances involving their drummer.
### **ART Montpellier**
Right after the festival’s musical charm, immerse yourself in visual delight at **ART Montpellier**, running from **November 15 to 17**. This contemporary art fair features the work of **300 artists** across **70 galleries**—from established names to rising stars. Notable highlights include the **street artist Invader**, who has placed 44 of his signature mosaics around Montpellier, and visual artist **Christophe Mottet**.
On **Friday**, take part in a magical nighttime exploration from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. with live performances and discussions. Admission is just **€12**, an excellent price for an art-filled afternoon!
### **The Record Club**
Feeling nostalgic? Join the **Record Club** on **Saturday at 4 p.m.** at Pierresvives, where music lovers will gather to explore **The Beatles’ *Revolver***. This is no ordinary listening session; it’s an opportunity to delve into the album’s production with insights from a club owner, followed by a communal listen under optimal conditions. Lyrics will be projected, with translations for all attendees—it’s a musical walk down memory lane you won’t want to miss!
### **Zaho de Sagazan**
Also making waves this weekend is **Zaho de Sagazan**, fresh off a stunning four-win streak at the **Victoires de la Musique**. Known for fusing pop elements with profound emotional undertones, she’ll be performing at the Zénith, promising a show that’ll leave you spellbound and reassessing your life choices!
### **NiDS Installations**
Lastly, for those intrigued by experimental endeavors, check out the **NiDS installations** scattered across the city. Expect an imaginative twist with Jean-Michel Caillebotte’s caravan art suspended from an aqueduct, providing a backdrop of sound and visuals to provoke thought or simply amuse.
### **Final Thoughts**
With events taking place from **November 15 to 23**, this weekend will surely fill your itinerary with exquisite music, stunning art, and community spirit. For DIY festival-goers, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the culture of Montpellier – and if you need a post-festival wind-down, you can always retreat to the comforting realm of cat videos online!
