CANCELLED: Frenchy Weekends Music

For the launch of Frenchy Weekends, be prepared to be carried away to the sound of classic French songs in the capable hands of The Daryl McKenzie Jazz Orchestra (DMJO) performing with esteemed chanteuse Nina Ferro. The DMJO is critically acclaimed for their superb musicianship and polished professionalism. The DMJO has performed with  international artists such as Tom Jones, Joe Cocker, Barry Manilow, Bonnie Raitt, Trisha Yearwood, Roger Daltry and Randy Crawford as well as Australian artists such as Tina Arena, Human Nature, Tommy Emmanuel, James Morrison, Rhonda Burchmore, Debra Byrne and Marcia Hines. Nina Ferro is widely regarded as one of Australia’s best jazz vocalists.

Stay for the film: Les Demoiselles de Rochefort (1967 musical comedy, directed by Jacques Demy).

Having graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts as a jazz vocalist, MIMI took her turn behind the decks and hasn’t looked back since. As one of Australia’s most confident and envelope-pushing DJs, a true chameleon of her craft, seamlessly mixing genres with fun-filled flair and the precision of a seasoned selector, no BPM is too high and no artist is too obscure. Her no-rules approach is reflected in her sprawling portfolio, which has seen her share stages for artists as diverse as Nicki Minaj, TLC, Alison Wonderland, Steve Aoki, Post Malone, Peking Duk and George Maple. Her ability to read a crowd is second to none, and her enthusiasm is infectious as she invigorates punters with her animated stage presence. It’s no wonder that she is known as one of Melbourne’s very best party-starters

Stay for the films: Møme live in Tahiti, French Polynesia (2017, lived filmed concert, produced by Cercle) and Monika Kruse at Montparasse Tower, Paris (2018, lived filmed concert, produced by Cercle).

Get prepared to feel the thrum of live French electro-inspired beats, thanks to Perri Lee: an Australian DJ based in Melbourne, best known for her unique style, versatility and energy behind the decks. Perri has moved crowds from the FOX FM World Famous Rooftop to the Australian Open, St Kilda Festival, Birdcage at the Melbourne Cup, and Portsea Polo to name a few. Of particular note, Perri has performed at Rod Laver Arena for three consecutive years at the Footy Show Grand Final, warming up for headline acts like The Veronicas and Birds of Tokyo.

Stay for the films: Carl Cox at the Château de Chambord (2018, live filmed concert, produced by Cercle), followed by Michael Canitrot’s Monumental Tour at the Château de Vincennes (2020, lived filmed concert, produced by Cercle).

Melbourne-based, French-inspired ensemble La Nuit Blanche will bring the sounds of France to Fed Square’s Main Stage. Featuring the gypsy sounds of accordion and guitar, the sexy jazz brawn of saxophone and double bass with purring jazz and pop vocals, this band is like nothing else in Melbourne. You’ll hear the songs of Eartha Kitt, Charles Trenet, Camille, Vanessa Paradis, the Amelie soundtrack, Django Reinhardt …Oh la la, c’est si bon!

Stay for the film: Le Regard de Charles (2018 biopic of Charles Aznavour, directed by Marc di Domenico), followed by The French Cancan (Jean Renoir).

C’est fantastique! Oui Papa are a unique Melbourne-based acoustic band and are set to bring a whole lot of fun as they rove around Fed Square!

Oui Papa’s quirky covers of well known songs can’t help but make you smile as the accordion sings out the melody, the sax makes it funky, guitar gives you rhythm and the duet vocal are smooth and soulful.

Stay for the film: After Daft Punk Discovery perform you can watch French duo The Blaze live at Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix, France, followed by Sébastien Léger’s live performance at the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Discovery is Australia’s tribute to the music and image of French electro house legends, Daft Punk. Complete with authentic signature gold and silver robot helmets as well as an entertaining, party-vibe DJ set of their own produced remixes and mash ups, ‘Discovery’ ensure even the purest Daft Punk fan will be satisfied! With their attention to detail in custom-made costumes, covering Daft Punk’s ever-changing image in eras from Human After All, TRON, Random Access Memories and the new collaboration with The Weeknd – any club event, function or festival will be left wondering….did we just see the real Daft Punk? Formed in 2012, both Damian Andres and Matt Campbell combine over 25 years of DJing experience and have toured all over Australia, New Zealand, parts of Asia and South America.

Stay for the film: French duo The Blaze live at Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix, France, followed by Sébastien Léger’s live performance at the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.

Step into the Place Lucy Riddett has been performing and teaching accordion both locally and internationally for ten years, after discovering her love of French musettes on her grandfather’s accordion.  Performing at festivals, functions and private events across Melbourne and the Bellarine Peninsula where she lives, Lucy is a popular presence in the local performance industry. Lucy’s repertoire includes French chansons and musettes, such as the critically acclaimed soundtrack of the movie Amélie by Yann Tierson and Édith Piaf classics.

Stay for the films: Gainsbourg (Vie héroïque) – between poetry and unorthodox cool, Gainsbourg invites us to dance La Javanaise and to celebrate love. 

Brittany has become an integral part of the Melbourne music scene as a vocalist, performer and as a DJ. She has curated a signature sound and developed into a strong pop artist with electronic influences. She has performed at major events, including The Mother’s Day Classic and The Presidents Cup and at iconic venues, including The MCG, Victoria Racing Club and Crown Casino. She’s also performed for high-profile brands, including NIKE, Vogue Australia, David Jones, The AFL, Beyond Blue, the Herald Sun and many more. She’s looking forward to bringing the party vibes to Fed Square for Frenchy Weekends!

Stay for the films: Gainsbourg (Vie héroïque) – between poetry and unorthodox cool, Gainsbourg invites us to dance La Javanaise and to celebrate love. 

The Daryl McKenzie Jazz Quartet with guest Raleigh Williams will perform classic French tunes from the 50s and 60s, to take you back to  back to the era of the famous French chanteuse, Edith Piaf. Expect romance, heartache and moodily sensuous tunes.

Film following live music: Les Triplettes de Belleville (2003 animated film, directed by Sylvain Chomet).