The Trapezoid family had the opportunity to visit Paris just about this time last year. I had always heard the Paris referred to as “The City of Light” but after my trip I concluded they should change the nickname to “The City of Music.” I heard great sounds everywhere I turned.
On my first full day there, attempting to shake off some jet lag, I took a stroll and came upon an outdoor market. On the edge of the market there was a small community band playing and singing, and people were passing around sheets of paper with song lyrics so you could sing along. Lovely.
But that was just the beginning. It seemed everywhere we went there were street performers, accepting tips and often selling their own CD’s. Considering they were on a public sidewalk, the guys in the photo on the left had quite a set up …including a real piano. Not quite as easy to transport as a guitar. The couple in the photo on the right set up one evening when we were dining in an outdoor café. They serenaded all the diners and passers-by for a few songs then moved on. Fantastique.
Some video samples of musicians we encountered are available on my facebook page.