March 26, 2002

Parisian Cabaret Dance Party at MASS MoCA in April

(North Adams, Mass.) Smart and sexy Paris Combo brings a compelling combination of old-world cabaret and new-world musical grooves from the Parisian cafˇ circuit to MASS MoCA on Friday, April 26, at 8 P.M. For one night, the Hunter Center will become a 1930s Parisian nightclub, complete with music, dancing, and romance. "The hottest cabaret act to come out of the City of Lights in a long time," according to Billboard magazine, which goes on to call them "the coolest sounds on either side of the Atlantic...Exotic!" In addition, the French cultural attachˇ will be on hand to welcome guests to this special dance party.

Paris Combo is a retro-cabaret quintet, which celebrates the rich diversity of contemporary Paris by combining North African rhythms, solid swing beat and seductive vocals with muted trumpet sounds similar to Miles Davis and Django-esque guitar arrangements. They are strongly influenced by flamenco, blues, and the cabaret tradition that flourished in Paris before World War II. Paris Combo has found a sexy, jazzy, and intriguing twist on the chanson tradition. According to the Las Vegas Weekly, "Paris Combo is the sexiest, smartest, and most invigorating jazz band to hop the Atlantic."

Paris Combo is fronted by chanteuse, songwriter, and accordion player Belle du Berry who is often compared to Edith Piaf. The group was co-founded by du Berry and David Lewis, trumpet and piano, formerly of Manu Dibango and d'Arthur H. Lewis first arrived in Paris in 1982 to study music at the Conservatoire where he earned a scholarship, and later worked at the Folies Bergere. Lewis and du Berry met while working in Cabaret Sauvage, after which du Berry started writing her own songs, stretching the influences and experiences of the band. They invited to join them bass player and percussionist Mano Razanajato, originally from Madagascar, Francois Francois on drum set and xylophone, and Potzi on guitar.

The Cabaret Dance Party is sponsored by Metroland Magazine.

Tickets to the Cabaret Dance Party are $12 for adults, $6 for kids and $8 for students with ID. MASS MoCA members get 10% off. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located on Marshall Street in North Adams from 11 am until 5 pm every day but Tuesday. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or online at www.massmoca.org at any time of day. A full Parisian-influenced dinner will be available starting when the doors open at 7 P.M.

MASS MoCA, the largest center for contemporary visual and performing arts in the United States, is located on a 13- acre campus of renovated 19th-century factory buildings. MASS MoCA focuses on the work of visual and performing artists charting new territory.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Katherine Myers
(413) 664-4481 x8113
katherine@massmoca.org