Bay Area Francophile List This Week!

Bay Area
Francophile List

Published by Suzanne Toczyski, Sonoma State University
January 10-18, 2008

To return to the Bay Area Francophile List Homepage,
please click here.

January Events | Job & Volunteeer Opportunities | Cinema |
Art | Other Media | Television & Radio
Announcements | Restaurants | Music | Conversation Opportunities
Home Exchanges/Apartments for Rent | Classes | Events Coming Soon!

Send contributions to suzanne.toczyski@sonoma.edu.

*JANUARY EVENTS*

January 10-18, 2008. CUSTOM MADE THEATRE COMPANY presents BECKETT IN WINTER II, three short plays by Irish expat in Paris Samuel Beckett: Ohio Impromptu, Rockaby, and What Where. Off Market Theaters, Custom Stage, 965 Mission,SF. 1.800.838.3006 or http://www.custommade.org for details. $10-$15. 8pm.

January 11, 2008. GALETTE DES ROIS with the CERCLE FRANÇAIS DE PETALUMA. Please join us at our house in Petaluma Friday January 11th, anytime after 7 PM. Please bring anything you would like to share for dinner, maybe a Galette. We could celebrate the New Year with some Champagne which goes well with the Galette. Childen are welcome. Chez Nadine and Armen, 707.762.2143. Or contact nadinepavloff@netscape.net for details.

January 11, 2008. LA GALETTE DES ROIS à l’Alliance Française de San Francisco, 1345 Bush St., SF. 415.775.7755 or http://www.afsf.com for details. 5PM-8PM. FREE to AFSF members and registered students and their guests.

January 11, 2008. CONFERENCE A TRAVERS LE BEAUJOLAIS A VELO. Vendredi 11 janvier à 19h00 Les cyclistes purs et durs de l'Alliance Française sont de retour! Rodney et Don seront là, habillés en maillot FFC comme d'habitude, pour vous raconter leurs dernières aventures à vélo sur les routes françaises et parmi les vignes. Cette fois-ci, les régions de Bourgogne, de Rhône-Alpes et du Beaujolais (encore!) ainsi que la ville de Paris seront à l'honneur. Venez découvrir les multiples plaisirs de faire la France à vélo par le biais de nos photos numériques, courtes vidéos, commentaires directs et récits écrits. Après la présentation, un petit buffet vous permettra de déguster des vins du Beaujolais ainsi que de Bourgogne, soigneusement sélectionnés. Un courriel fin décembre vous donnera plus de détails sur cet événement à ne manquer sous aucun prétexte! RSVP pour que nous puissions préparer le buffet ; $15 membres $20 non membre Alliance Française de Berkeley 2004 Woolsey Street, Berkeley, CA 94703 510-548-7481 www.afberkeley.org

January 11, 2008. THOSE DARN ACCORDIONS perform at 142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley. 8pm. http://www.142throckmortontheatre.com for details.

January 11-February 16, 2008. THE MEDIEVAL REMAKE. “It seems that people like the Middle Ages.”—Umberto Eco “People started dreaming of the Middle Ages from the very beginning of the modern era,” Umberto Eco once claimed. It’s only natural, then, that the medieval would find many expressions in the cinema, a modern medium of collective dreams. The films in this series make and remake the Middle Ages in diverse forms and with diverse motivations, from political imperative to personal obsession. In the hands of Eisenstein or Lang, the medieval is an epic theater of national identity; viewed by Dreyer or Bresson, the spiritual intensity of the past mirrors a quest for aesthetic purity. Bergman makes the Middle Ages echo with the anxieties of a post-nuclear age, while in the world of Saint Francis, Rossellini finds a studied simplicity. For all these filmmakers and still others, the medieval is a rich and tactile field for the imagination. Our series was inspired by The Contagious Middle Ages in Post-Communist East Central Europe, an exhibition on view at the Townsend Center for the Humanities on the UC Berkeley campus through January. Films in the series by Tarkovsky, Paradjanov, Vlácil, and Majewski illuminate the exhibition’s themes in compelling images, while masterworks from Western Europe provide an expanded view of how films make the past present, and refract the concerns of the present through the prism of the past. Pacific Film Archive, 2575 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. http://www.bampfa.berkeley.edu/ for details. Film calendar includes:

Sunday, January 27, 2008, THE TRIAL OF JOAN OF ARC. 3:00 p.m. In an austere, transcendent dramatization of the trial transcripts, Robert Bresson conveys the mystery of the woman and the reality of the saint.

Sunday, January 27, 2008, THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC. 4:30 p.m. Judith Rosenberg on Piano. Carl Dreyer’s 1928 film focuses on the face as landscape of the soul. “One of the greatest of all movies.”—Pauline Kael

Friday, February 1, 2008, LANCELOT OF THE LAKE. 7:00 p.m. Bresson gives us Lancelot and Guinevere and the end of the Arthurian era, a brave experiment in sound, image, and souls.

January 12, 2008. CONCERT ~ BAGUETTE QUARTETTE. Performing Arts Center, 550 E. Remington Dr., Sunnyvale CA. Information & Tickets: 408.733.6611. Tickets: $25, $20. http://www.baguettequartette.org/   8pm.

January 12, 2008. ROLAND DYENS, French classical guitarist, makes his first-ever San Francisco recital. Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness (at Grove), SF. 415.392.4400. $32. 8pm.

January 12, 2008. ASTERIA performs music for voice and lute from the Renaissance and Middle Ages. Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1329 Seventh Ave., SF. 415.664.2543. 7:30pm. $12-$15.

January 12, 2008. PARIS-DAKAR CELEBRATION. African and French hiphop with DJs Sogul and Edibe. Little Baobab, 3388 19th St., F. 10pm. $3.

January 12-February 10, 2008. TERRITORIES by BETTY SHAMIEH. In this historic thriller set during the Crusades, a French knight captures the sharp-tongued sister of Saladdin, the legendary Arab ruler. A ruthless chess game of power and love ensues as two cultures collide. Palestinian-American writer Betty Shamieh explores the roots of religious tensions and gender politics in the Middle East. Magic Theatre, Bldg D., Fort Mason, San Francisco. 415.441.8822 or http://magictheatre.org for details.

January 13, 2008. DOCENT LECTURE: MARIE-ANTOINETTE AND THE PETIT TRIANON AT VERSAILLES. California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, 34th & Clement Sts., SF. 415.750.3600 or http://www.famsf.org for details. 1pm.

January 13, 2008. A TASTE OF QUERCY, PART OF “DEEP FRANCE.” Powerpoint presentation, in English (French conversation afterward, if desired, with refreshments) about the distinctive Quercy culture (including architecture, gastronomy, history) and the Latitude Cultural Center, located in La Toulzanie, a riverside hamlet on the River Lot. Presenter: Barbara Phillips, professor emerita, San Francisco State University, and Founder/Director, Latitude. Berkeley hills. Free but space is limited. Please email for reservations and directions. 5:30 pm. http://www.latitude.org/ R.S.V.P.: Please call (510) 525-8436 or e-mail <mailto:barbara@latitude.org> barbara@latitude.org to reserve your place(s) . Refreshments & discussion (in French & English) will follow the presentation. Hope to see you there!   E. Barbara Phillips, Founder-Director, Latitude.

January 13, 2008. EUROPEAN SOIREE. Meet other internationally-minded people in a convivial cross-cultural atmosphere. If you feel cosmopolitan and want to make interesting new friends, have substantial conversations, practice your language skills or just have fun, come join us! Drop in when you can and stay for as long as you want. Newcomers are welcome. Come on your own or with a friend. You'll discover a friendly group where mingling is mandatory! The soirée starts late-afternoon to allow people to dine together afterwards if they so choose. Find out the details and sign up for this San Francisco event on Meetup at http://euro.meetup.com/80/. (Meetup registration is quick and free.) BAY AREA FRIENDS OF EUROPE "Where Europeans and Europhiles can meet and make friends." http://www.bafoe.org/

January 13, 2008. GERARD LANDRY CAJUN BAND, MARK ST. MARY ZYDECO BAND, and ZYDECO FLAMES perform at Eagles Hall, 2305 Alameda, Alameda. 415.285.6285. 4pm. Free.

January 14, 2008. SOIREE POESIE du BOOKCLUB FRANCOPHONE. Chez Bérénice à Berkeley. berenicevlm@yahoo.com for details.

January 14, 2008. ACCESS DAY TO THE MARIE ANTOINETTE SHOW, for people with disabilities. Extra seating and small docent tours provided. California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, 34th & Clement Sts., SF. 415.750.3600 or http://www.famsf.org for details. 1pm.

January 15, 2008. LADY IN WAITING TO MARIE ANTOINETTE: MADAME CAMPAN, author of LA VIE PRIVEE DE MARIE ANTOINETTE.One of Marie Antoinette’s closest and most faithful attendants, Madame Campan’s memoirs paint a dramatic portrait of Marie Antoinette’s personal and political life during the unraveling madness of a revolution. Mme Campan remained by her side until her last days. Dr. Carla Hesse of UC Berkeley provides us a unique and intimate perspective of one of history’s most fascinating women. 7PM. AFSF Auditorium. In English. $10 AFSF members/ $12 public.Alliance Française de San Francisco, 1345 Bush St., SF. 415.775.7755 or http://www.afsf.com for details.

January 15, 2008. TOM RIGNEY & FLAMBEAU perform CAJUN/ZYDECO at Ashkenaz. 8pm Cajun/zydeco lesson with Cheryl McBride, followed by 8:30 performance. $10. 1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. 510.525.5054 or http://www.ashkenaz.com for details.

January 16, 2008. LE CERCLE LITTERAIRE DE L’ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE SANTA ROSA lit QUELQU’UN D’AUTRE de TORINO BENACQUISTA. Défi: choisir un personnage sympa parmi la bande de Parisiens qui tournent autour des protagonistes; prière de vous préparer à défendre votre choix. AFSF, 613 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.543.8151 for details.

January 16, 2008. FRENCH MUSIC FESTIVAL features soprano Svetlana Nikitenko and tenor Jorge Gomez performing arias and duets from the great French operas by BIZET, DELIBES and others. St. Patrick’s Church, 756 Mission St., between 3rd & 4th, SF, at Yerba Buena Gardens. http://www.NoontimeConcerts.org for details. 12:30pm.

January 16, 2008. BARDOT A GO GO presents the FRANCOISE HARDY BIRTHDAY PARTY w/The Barbary Coasters, Helene Renaut (of Beam), and DJ Brother Grimm and tons of cool '60s French videos Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell St., SF, CA 8 pm $8 www.rickshawstop.com Come celebrate the birthday of one of France's most-beloved singers. Local bands the Barbary Coasters and Helene Renaut will play Hardy songs and Brother Grimm will spin ye-ye tunes of the '60s. THE BARBARY COASTERS Local '60s beat combo featuring Johnny Bartlett (Phantom Surfers), David Troutt (Saturn V), Pat Phelan (Brentwoods), and newcomer/chanteuse Jessica Roux. www.myspace.com/thebarbarycoasters HELENE RENAUT Prone to catching dreams and melodies from the salty air of the San Francisco Bay Area, Brittany native Helene Renaut usually weaves them on guitar and vocals and delivers them in either French or English. Her songs have been described as 'tweedy tunes with literate lyrics, languorous like red wine' (West Coast Performer) and 'pastoral beauties that call to mind Donovan, early Joni Mitchell, Hope Sandoval' (AMG). myspace.com/helenerenaut BROTHER GRIMM One third of the Bardot a Go Go crew, spinning French pop for you. http://bardotagogo.com

January 16 & 19, 2008. DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS : INSIDE OUT. The staff of the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize winners MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES serves victims of war and poverty, working under dangerous conditions. Venture with Michael Goldfarb into the Niger River Delta as a team from MSF returns to the region where the organization was founded 30 years ago. KQED TV9, 8pm on 1/16 and 1pm on 1/19.

January 17, 2008. MARIE ANTOINETTE & THE PETIT TRIANON DE VERSAILLES. This exhibition gives a visual history of Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon through 88 pieces of the finest furniture, paintings, and sculpture from this château. It is complemented by watercolors, prints, and drawings of the house and its innovative landscaping, including the picturesque Hameau, a rustic village where the queen and her favorites could relax away from the prying eyes of the court at Versailles. This is the only venue of the exhibition, which is organized by the Musée National of the Château de Versailles. Visit the special exhibit at 5:30pm, followed by Cinema Supper Club screening AMADEUS (1984) at 8pm. Tickets $20 for AFSF members. http://www.afsf.comor 415.775.7755 for details.

January 17, 2008. BEAUSOLEIL AVEC MICHAEL DOUCET perform CAJUN/ZYDECO at Ashkenaz. 8pm Cajun/zydeco lesson with Dana DeSimone, followed by 9pm performance. $20. 1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. 510.525.5054 or http://www.ashkenaz.com for details.

January 18, 2008. LE CERCLE FRANÇAIS DE PETALUMA se réunit chez Janice et Michel. nadinepavloff@netscape.net for details.

January 18-February 29, 2008. JEAN-PIERRE LEAUD: THE NEW WAVE AND AFTER. If the French New Wave has a face, it might be the beaky, piercing-eyed visage of Jean-Pierre Léaud. In 1959, at age fifteen, Léaud made his debut as Antoine Doinel in François Truffaut’s The400 Blows; over the next two decades, he would play alter ego not only to Truffaut, but to a generation that grew up (or failed to) in parallel with him. For Jean-Luc Godard, he was one of the “children of Marx and Coca-Cola” in films like Masculine Feminine (1966) and La Chinoise (1967). Later, Léaud worked with Jacques Rivette in the epic Out 1 (1972) and stalked through the wreckage of the late-sixties dream in Jean Eustache’s anti-epic The Mother and the Whore (1973), a film and a performance that obliterate sentimentality. The effect of all these collaborations is cumulative: when Léaud appears in a film by Aki Kaurismäki or Olivier Assayas, his history appears with him. “Léaud is an anti-documentary actor,” Truffaut said. “He has only to say ‘good morning’ and we find ourselves tipping over into fiction.” Or, in Godardian terms, a Léaud film is Léaud, twenty-four frames per second. Not one to disappear into a role, Léaud brings a defining set of gestures to each performance; Manny Farber wrote, “Léaud’s acting trademark is a passionate decision that peaks his frenzied exasperation, physical compulsiveness.” Declaiming his lines with solemn clarity or demented enthusiasm, Léaud can be compelling or brilliantly comic, sometimes strange, always iconic. . Pacific Film Archive, 2575 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. http://www.bampfa.berkeley.edu/ for details.    Films include:

Friday, January 18, 2008 7:00 p.m. The 400 Blows Introduced by Laura Truffaut. A 15-year-old Léaud made his debut as François Truffaut’s alter ego Antoine Doinel in the quintessential coming-of-age film, a lyrical but unsentimental portrait of adolescence and of Paris.

Friday, January 18, 2008 9:10 p.m. La Chinoise A new print of Godard’s 1967 Pop-agitprop portrait of revolutionary youth, including an ardent Léaud. “Feels like a trial run for the May 1968 revolution. See it by any means necessary!”—Time Out N.Y. Repeated on Wednesday, January 23.

Saturday, January 19, 2008 6:30 p.m. Stolen Kisses Léaud as Truffaut’s quintessential dreamer Antoine Doinel, flitting through 1968 Paris in search of love and livelihood. With short Antoine and Colette.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:30 p.m. La Chinoise See Friday, January 18.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:30 p.m. Bed and Board In this bittersweet fourth installment in Truffaut’s Antoine Doinel saga, Léaud’s character endures the travails of young married life.

Friday, January 25, 2008 7:00 p.m. Love on the Run In 1979, Truffaut and Léaud return for a final look at Antoine Doinel, now thirty-something, but perennially adolescent.

Friday, January 25, 2008 9:00 p.m.Day for Night Léaud joins an ensemble cast for a behind-the-scenes romantic comedy in which the love interest is cinema itself. “Truffaut’s droll and generous celebration of filmmaking remains an enchanting experience.”—N.Y. Times

Thursday, January 31, 2008 6:30 p.m. Two English Girls Léaud is a French writer entangled with two English sisters at the turn of the 20th century. “One of Truffaut’s most tantalizing romances. . . . Simultaneously introspective and passionate.”—Time Out. From a story by the author of Jules and Jim. Friday,

February 8, 2008 7:00 p.m. The Mother and the Whore Léaud gives perhaps his greatest performance as a castaway from the sixties and the sexual revolution, waffling between two women, in Jean Eustache’s chronicle of disenchantment in post-1968 Paris.

Thursday, February 14, 2008 8:50 p.m. Masculine Feminine Léaud stars as one of Godard’s “children of Marx and Coca-Cola”—the young people of Paris in 1965, choosing between la tendresse and politics.

Friday, February 15, 2008 7:00 p.m. Weekend “Godard’s vision of bourgeois cataclysm. . . . A savage Swiftian satire, it traces a new Gulliver’s travels through the collapsing consumer society as a married couple set out for a weekend jaunt.”—Time Out. Léaud has a revolutionary cameo.

Sunday, February 17, 2008 1:00 p.m. Out 1: Spectre The 240-minute “short” version of Jacques Rivette’s legendary epic, with Léaud as a self-styled detective.

Friday, February 29, 2008 7:00 p.m. La vie de Bohème Aki Kaurismäki’s update of Henri Murger’s novel is “a fine, deceptively querulous comedy that mocks the conventions of art and romantic love while . . . exalting them as the only means of salvation.”—N.Y. Times. Léaud puts in a brief but pivotal appearance. Friday,

February 29, 2008 9:00 p.m. Irma Vep Olivier Assayas casts Hong Kong icon Maggie Cheung as an actress suffering through ego battles and other disasters on a French indie film shoot, with a classically irascible Léaud as director.

Through January 19, 2008. GLOBAL YOUTH MEDIA & ARTS FESTIVAL. Performance and artwork by 300 young creators from around the globe. Zeum, Yerba Buena Gardens, 221 Fourth St., SF. 415.777.2800 or http://www.zeum.org for details.

January 19, 2008. L’UNION DES GRANDS CRUS DE BORDEAUX A SAN FRANCISCO. Taste the 2005 Vintage of over 80 Different Chateaux Owners! Saturday, January 19th - from 3pm to 5pm. Bently Reserve Building Directions The Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGC) will be coming to San Francisco for one day only to team up with K&L Wine Merchants on a special retail tasting. Guests will have the opportunity to taste with over 80 different chateaux owners/representatives. They will be presenting the 2005 vintage ("The vintage that everyone has been waiting for...")! If you register by contacting the French American Chamber of Commerce, you will have the preffered rate of $70 instead of $85! Call us at 415 442 4717! Carole Granade - Executive Director - carole@faccsf.com French American Chamber of Commerce 703 Market Street, Suite 450 San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel: (415) 442 4717 - Fax: (415) 442 4621 www.faccsf.com

January 19, 2008. JACQUES PEPIN presents HURRAY! CASSOULET. KQED TV9, 10:30am.

January 20, 2008. DOCENT LECTURE: MARIE-ANTOINETTE AND THE PETIT TRIANON AT VERSAILLES. California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, 34th & Clement Sts., SF. 415.750.3600 or http://www.famsf.org for details. 1pm.

January 21, 2008. PARIS CAFÉ – THE SÉLECT CROWD. A Sélect Evening in San Francisco with Noel Riley Fitch author of Paris Café: The Sélect Crowd. Join Terrance Gelenter and Noel Riley Fitch whose collaboration with Mad Magazine illustrator Rick Tulka, Paris Café, celebrates Paris café life and the Sélect crowd at that great Montparnasse café on Monday January 21 in San Francisco. Details: Paris Through Expatriate Eyes, 38 Miller Ave, PMB 213, Mill Valley, CA 94941. Phone: 415.388.4956. Fax:   415.388.1266. Email: terrance@paris-expat.com

January 22, 2008. FRENCH MUSIC FESTIVAL features VALENTIN SURIF, piano, performing MAURICE RAVEL’sSONATINE and CLAUDE DEBUSSY’s SUITE BURGAMESQUE and L’ISLE JOYEUSE. Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, 660 California St (at Grant), SF. http://www.NoontimeConcerts.org for details. 12:30pm.

January 22, 2008. ECONOMIC SUMMIT/FORECASE WITH BRIAN FABBRI, organized by the FRENCH AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. San Francisco and Palo Alto. Carole Granade - Executive Director - carole@faccsf.com French American Chamber of Commerce 703 Market Street, Suite 450 San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel: (415) 442 4717 - Fax: (415) 442 4621 www.faccsf.com

January 23, 2008. AMERICAN EXPATRIATES IN 1930s PARIS. A lecture by Professor TYLER STOVAL, Dept. of History, UC-Berkeley. Celebration of the Fifth Annual French American Friendship. 7:00 PM, Bechtel International Center – Assembly room. Following a Questions and Answers period dessert will be served at the tables and discussion will continue. Event is free and open to the public Sponsored by the Bechtel International Center, the French Stanford Students Association, the Committee on Black Performing Arts, the Alliance Française of the Santa Clara Valley and the Palo Alto Albi Committee of Neighbors Abroad. Information and Reservation: Prof. Morel-Seytoux (650) 365 4080 --hydroprose@batnet.com

January 23, 2008. FRENCH MUSIC FESTIVAL features Yueh Chou, bassoon, and Jonathan Lee, harpsichord, performing masterworks from the French baroque by CORRETTE, COUPERIN and BOISMORTIER. St. Patrick’s Church, 756 Mission St., between 3rd & 4th, SF, at Yerba Buena Gardens. http://www.NoontimeConcerts.org for details. 12:30pm.

January 23, 2008. ARE SATELLITES MISSING THE BOAT FOT GIS SERVICES? The French-American Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco and AON Explorer cordially invite you to join them to: Are Satellites missing the boat for future GIS services? 5pm to 7pm - Sofitel Redwood City. Speakers will include: Roselyne Cartheron, Senior Consultant Aon Explorer, Specialist in the geo-based services market & Jean-François Petit, Strategy & Business Development Director. A convivial networking cocktail will follow.

January 24, 2008. L’ACHAT (OU RE-FINANCEMENT) D’UNE MAISON, par un expatrié, dans le cadre d'un marché en crise. Atelier offert à Livermore par Thierry GABADOU, UFE, 925.366.9983 or tgabadou@psfin.com. 18h30.

January 24-27, 2008. SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY performs MESSIAEN’s L’ASCENSION, and more, led by Myung-Whun Chung. $25-$125. Free Inside Music talk one hour prior to every performance. 415.864.6000 or http://sfsymphony.org for details.

January 25 & 26, 2008. AUDITIONS for the school edition of LES MISERABLES, directed by Marily Izdebski. 3:30-5:30pm for 8-11 year olds; 5:30pm-7:30pm for 12-18 year olds, and Saturday, January 26, 11am-3pm for all; everyone needs to come both days. Marilyn Izdebski Studio, 100 Shaw Dr., San Anselmo (Red Hill Shopping Center). Workshop fee: $375. For information, call 415.453.0199.

January 26, 2008. MALIAN MAESTRO TOUMANI DIABATE’S SYMMETRIC ORCHESTRA performs in the SF Jazz Spring Season, ombining traditional West African sounds with pop, Afro-Cuban music, and Diabate’s stunning work on the kora. 866.920.5299 or http://www.sfjazz.org for details.

January 26, 2008. GRAND CRAB CIOPPINO, organized by ILE-DE-FRANCE.   Si vous desirez aller au prochain Grand Crab Cioppino le 26 Janvier 2008 pour un diner [All you can eat crab + salad+ garlic bread + Wine - No dance this time.]    Adults $45.00, Children 6 to 12 years old $22.50   faites vos reservations de suite et avant le 19 Janvier 2008 , en appelant Chantal au 408-732-3420 , ou bien faites lui un message e-mail Chantal@ilefr.com avec le nombre de personnes, [si vous ne recevez pas par e-mail de confirmation pour vos reservations appelez Chantal SVP !]   Et n'oubliez pas de faire parvenir votre payment avant le 19 Janvier en faisant un cheque au nom de IFES et en l'envoyant a L'Ile de France P.O. Box 2836 Sunnyvale, Ca 94087. Notez: nous prevoyons d'y aller pour le deuxieme service et le rdv sera avec Chantal devant IFES a 18 heures (6pm).

January 27, 2008. CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR, piano, performs OLIVIER MESSAIEN’S VINGT REGARDS SUR L’ENFANT JESUS, some of the most demanding and complex piano music ever written. http://www.calperformances.net or 510.642.9988 for details.

January 27, 2008. ROYAL CONCERTGEBOUW ORCHESTRA OF AMSTERDAM perform DEBUSSY’s LA MER and BERLIOZ’s SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE under the auspices of the San Francisco Symphony. $25-$95. 415.864.6000 or http://sfsymphony.org for details.

January 30, 2008. FRENCH MUSIC FESTIVAL features the Russian Chamber Orchestra performing GABRIEL FAURE’s PAVANE and JULES MASSENAT’s MEDITATION FROM THAIS. Last concert at St. Patrick’s Church, 756 Mission St., between 3rd & 4th, SF, at Yerba Buena Gardens. http://www.NoontimeConcerts.org for details. 12:30pm.

January 31, 2007. WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEON WITH IRMA HERRERA. The French-American Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco, Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley, San Francisco Bay Accueil and La Table Noire cordially invite you to join us for a : Women in Business Luncheon With Irma Herrera : Do women have equal opportunity in the work world? The road to equality for working women in the US and France Thursday, January 31st at Garibaldi's 12:00- 2:00 pm The French American Chamber of Commerce in San Francisco (FACCSF) invites regularly the Francophile Women in Business to a professional network to promote their career, broaden their professional horizon and enhance their financial acumen. Since 1996, Irma D. Herrera has served as Executive Director of Equal Rights Advocates, a civil rights organization dedicated to advancing equal opportunity for women and girls through impact litigation and advocacy. http://www.faccsf.com for details. Carole Granade - Executive Director - carole@faccsf.com French American Chamber of Commerce 703 Market Street, Suite 450 San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel: (415) 442 4717 - Fax: (415) 442 4621 www.faccsf.com

January 31-February 24, 2008. said SAÏD by KENNETH LIN. A provocative political thriller set simultaneously in Algiers in 1954 during the infamous BATTLE OF ALGIERS and in present day Vermont, this is the story of Kasbah doctor/poet turned U.S. Poet Laureate André Saïd and his French interrogator, Major Michel Garcet. The play jumps between the two time periods as the two old combatants seek the truth about the mysterious and indecipherable writing that lined Saïd’s prison cell. Will the code reveal that Saïd was a terrorist? A patriotic freedom fighter? Or a pawn in one of the world’s first urban terrorist wars? Marin Theatre Company, 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. 415.388.5208 or http://www.marintheatre.org for details.

SILICONFRENCH EVENTS. For an on-going list of events offered by SiliconFrench, see http://www.siliconfrench.com/eventsnews_events.shtml

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*CINEMA*
See "This Month's Events," above, for details on special screenings!
All titles listed in alphabetical order, with special dates given in red.

January 18-February 29, 2008. JEAN-PIERRE LEAUD: THE NEW WAVE AND AFTER. If the French New Wave has a face, it might be the beaky, piercing-eyed visage of Jean-Pierre Léaud. In 1959, at age fifteen, Léaud made his debut as Antoine Doinel in François Truffaut’s The400 Blows; over the next two decades, he would play alter ego not only to Truffaut, but to a generation that grew up (or failed to) in parallel with him. For Jean-Luc Godard, he was one of the “children of Marx and Coca-Cola” in films like Masculine Feminine (1966) and La Chinoise (1967). Later, Léaud worked with Jacques Rivette in the epic Out 1 (1972) and stalked through the wreckage of the late-sixties dream in Jean Eustache’s anti-epic The Mother and the Whore (1973), a film and a performance that obliterate sentimentality. The effect of all these collaborations is cumulative: when Léaud appears in a film by Aki Kaurismäki or Olivier Assayas, his history appears with him. “Léaud is an anti-documentary actor,” Truffaut said. “He has only to say ‘good morning’ and we find ourselves tipping over into fiction.” Or, in Godardian terms, a Léaud film is Léaud, twenty-four frames per second. Not one to disappear into a role, Léaud brings a defining set of gestures to each performance; Manny Farber wrote, “Léaud’s acting trademark is a passionate decision that peaks his frenzied exasperation, physical compulsiveness.” Declaiming his lines with solemn clarity or demented enthusiasm, Léaud can be compelling or brilliantly comic, sometimes strange, always iconic. . Pacific Film Archive, 2575 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. http://www.bampfa.berkeley.edu/ for details. January 18-February 29, 2008. Films include:

Friday, January 18, 2008 7:00 p.m. The 400 Blows Introduced by Laura Truffaut. A 15-year-old Léaud made his debut as François Truffaut’s alter ego Antoine Doinel in the quintessential coming-of-age film, a lyrical but unsentimental portrait of adolescence and of Paris.

Friday, January 18, 2008 9:10 p.m. La Chinoise A new print of Godard’s 1967 Pop-agitprop portrait of revolutionary youth, including an ardent Léaud. “Feels like a trial run for the May 1968 revolution. See it by any means necessary!”—Time Out N.Y. Repeated on Wednesday, January 23.

Saturday, January 19, 2008 6:30 p.m. Stolen Kisses Léaud as Truffaut’s quintessential dreamer Antoine Doinel, flitting through 1968 Paris in search of love and livelihood. With short Antoine and Colette.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:30 p.m. La Chinoise See Friday, January 18.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008 8:30 p.m. Bed and Board In this bittersweet fourth installment in Truffaut’s Antoine Doinel saga, Léaud’s character endures the travails of young married life.

Friday, January 25, 2008 7:00 p.m. Love on the Run In 1979, Truffaut and Léaud return for a final look at Antoine Doinel, now thirty-something, but perennially adolescent.

Friday, January 25, 2008 9:00 p.m.Day for Night Léaud joins an ensemble cast for a behind-the-scenes romantic comedy in which the love interest is cinema itself. “Truffaut’s droll and generous celebration of filmmaking remains an enchanting experience.”—N.Y. Times

Thursday, January 31, 2008 6:30 p.m. Two English Girls Léaud is a French writer entangled with two English sisters at the turn of the 20th century. “One of Truffaut’s most tantalizing romances. . . . Simultaneously introspective and passionate.”—Time Out. From a story by the author of Jules and Jim. Friday,

February 8, 2008 7:00 p.m. The Mother and the Whore Léaud gives perhaps his greatest performance as a castaway from the sixties and the sexual revolution, waffling between two women, in Jean Eustache’s chronicle of disenchantment in post-1968 Paris.

Thursday, February 14, 2008 8:50 p.m. Masculine Feminine Léaud stars as one of Godard’s “children of Marx and Coca-Cola”—the young people of Paris in 1965, choosing between la tendresse and politics.

Friday, February 15, 2008 7:00 p.m. Weekend “Godard’s vision of bourgeois cataclysm. . . . A savage Swiftian satire, it traces a new Gulliver’s travels through the collapsing consumer society as a married couple set out for a weekend jaunt.”—Time Out. Léaud has a revolutionary cameo.

Sunday, February 17, 2008 1:00 p.m. Out 1: Spectre The 240-minute “short” version of Jacques Rivette’s legendary epic, with Léaud as a self-styled detective.

Friday, February 29, 2008 7:00 p.m. La vie de Bohème Aki Kaurismäki’s update of Henri Murger’s novel is “a fine, deceptively querulous comedy that mocks the conventions of art and romantic love while . . . exalting them as the only means of salvation.”—N.Y. Times. Léaud puts in a brief but pivotal appearance. Friday,

February 29, 2008 9:00 p.m. Irma Vep Olivier Assayas casts Hong Kong icon Maggie Cheung as an actress suffering through ego battles and other disasters on a French indie film shoot, with a classically irascible Léaud as director.

THE MEDIEVAL REMAKE. “It seems that people like the Middle Ages.”—Umberto Eco “People started dreaming of the Middle Ages from the very beginning of the modern era,” Umberto Eco once claimed. It’s only natural, then, that the medieval would find many expressions in the cinema, a modern medium of collective dreams. The films in this series make and remake the Middle Ages in diverse forms and with diverse motivations, from political imperative to personal obsession. In the hands of Eisenstein or Lang, the medieval is an epic theater of national identity; viewed by Dreyer or Bresson, the spiritual intensity of the past mirrors a quest for aesthetic purity. Bergman makes the Middle Ages echo with the anxieties of a post-nuclear age, while in the world of Saint Francis, Rossellini finds a studied simplicity. For all these filmmakers and still others, the medieval is a rich and tactile field for the imagination. Our series was inspired by The Contagious Middle Ages in Post-Communist East Central Europe, an exhibition on view at the Townsend Center for the Humanities on the UC Berkeley campus through January. Films in the series by Tarkovsky, Paradjanov, Vlácil, and Majewski illuminate the exhibition’s themes in compelling images, while masterworks from Western Europe provide an expanded view of how films make the past present, and refract the concerns of the present through the prism of the past. Pacific Film Archive, 2575 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. http://www.bampfa.berkeley.edu/ for details. January 11-February 16, 2008. Film calendar includes:

Sunday, January 27, 2008, THE TRIAL OF JOAN OF ARC. 3:00 p.m. In an austere, transcendent dramatization of the trial transcripts, Robert Bresson conveys the mystery of the woman and the reality of the saint.

Sunday, January 27, 2008, THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC. 4:30 p.m. Judith Rosenberg on Piano. Carl Dreyer’s 1928 film focuses on the face as landscape of the soul. “One of the greatest of all movies.”—Pauline Kael

Friday, February 1, 2008, LANCELOT OF THE LAKE. 7:00 p.m. Bresson gives us Lancelot and Guinevere and the end of the Arthurian era, a brave experiment in sound, image, and souls.

PERSEPOLIS, made by French directors MARJANE SATRAPI and VINCENT PARONNAUD, and set during Iran’s Islamic Revolution.   In French. Embarcadero, SF; Shattuck, Berkeley; Smith-Rafael, San Rafael. Reviewed in the January 9, 2008 SF Bay Guardian, p. 72, and in the January 9, 2008 SF Weekly, p.34

LE SCAPHANDRE ET LE PAPILLON / THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY (dir. Julien Schnabel; starring Mathieu Amalric), based on the story of JEAN-DOMINIQUE BAUBY, former editor of the French fashion magazine Elle who suffered a stroke and wrote his book by blinking his eyes. Winner of the Best Director prize at Cannes. Embarcadero, SF.

CINE CLUB of the ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE SACRAMENTO. Join other cinephiles at the monthly movie presentations of the Cine Club at the Alliance Francaise in Midtown Sacramento (1723 25th Street). Films are shown at 7pm on the second Friday of each month except in July. The featured films for January and February are: Pas Sur la Bouche (Not on the Lips) by Alain Resnais and Cesar et Rosalie by Claude Sautet. To learn more : http://cl.exct.net/?ffcb10-fe2a15707d620379761478-fdf21775756d02787c157674-fefe167170640d-fe9915707467017872-fdef15777d61057a72177874

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*ART*
January 12-May 25, 2008. KAHNWEILER, EDITEUR. Twelve books published between 1909 and 1928 by French art dealer DANIEL-HENRY KAHNWEILER. California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, 34th & Clement, SF. 415.863.3330 or http://www.legionofhonor.org for details.

Through January 19, 2008. GLOBAL YOUTH MEDIA & ARTS FESTIVAL. Performance and artwork by 300 young creators from around the globe. Zeum, Yerba Buena Gardens, 221 Fourth St., SF. 415.777.2800 or http://www.zeum.org for details.

January 19-March 2, 2008. BUTABU: ADOBE ARCHITECTURE OF WEST AFRICA. Photographs by JAMES MORRIS. Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, 551 Broadway, Sonoma. 707.939.7862 or http://www.svma.org for details.

Through January 26, 2008. INOUT DESIGNERS EXHIBIT AT AIA SF.  12 designers from the ECOLE CANTONALE D’ART DE LAUSANNE (reception Thursday, 11/1, 6pm). The young Swiss design group INOUT, based in Lausanne, brings an exhibit of their work that (re)designs urban landscapes. INOUT designers have partnered with the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects along with swissnex San Francisco to bring this unique exhibit to the West Coast. AIA San Francisco 130 Sutter St, Suite 600 San Francisco, CA 94104 Thursday, November 1, 2007 5:30pm.

Through January 26, 2008. SYLVIE SEREX BONNET and THE ART OF COLLAGE. Join us for a benefit exhibition for the Community School of Music and Arts at the Finn Center www.arts4all.org Sylvie Serex-Bonnet is from Geneva, Switzerland and lives in the Bay Area. She has a Masters Degree in Psychopedagogy from the University of Geneva with a specialization in Psychoanalysis for children. During several years Sylvie Serex-Bonnet has been involved professionally as well as personally in helping children. She spent five years in the hospital for children in Geneva and was in charge of the psychological support of children having fatal illnesses as well as abused and neglected kids. Sylvie Serex-Bonnet comes from a family of artists and started to paint as a self-taught person and then took some classes at the "Beaux Arts of Geneva". These past few years have awoken in her a need to share her paintings and to donate proceeds from sales to various good causes. Community School of Music and Arts Finn Center - Mohr Gallery 230 San Antonio Circle Mountain View CA. Hours: M - F 9am - 7pm, Sat 9am - 3pm Opening Reception and Recital by Suzanna Perez Friday, December 14 from 6-8pm Reception will feature a short concert by award-winning pianist, Suzanna Perez All proceeds from the sale of artwork will be donated to support programs at the Community School of Music and Arts at the Finn Center.

Through February 9, 2008. WORKS BY VALERY GRANCHER AND JOHN BUCKLIN. Lincart Gallery, 1632-C Market St., SF. 415.503.1981 or http://www.lincart.com for details.

Through February 17, 2008. MARIE-ANTOINETTE AND THE PETIT TRIANON AT VERSAILLES. Many believe her obsession with supreme style sparked a revolution. But there’s more to Marie Antoinette’s story – brilliantly revealed through the contents of her private residence, the Petit Trianon. California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, 34th & Clement, SF. 415.750.3600 or http://www.legionofhonor.org for details.http://www.famsf.org for details.

Through April 13, 2008. HEARST CASTLE COMES TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. With 40 diverse objects including Renaissance paintings, European furniture and art objects, Gothic tapestry, etc. The California Museum, 1020 O Street, Sacramento. 916.653.7524 or http://www.californiamuseum.org for details.

June 21-September 21, 2008. LES FEMMES IMPRESSIONNISTES: MARY CASSATT, BERTHE MORISOT, EVA GONZALES, MARIE BRAQUEMOND. At the time impressionism was born, female artists were starting to come to the forefront of the art world. This exhibition breaks new ground in feminist art history by looking at the work and contributions of four female Impressionists together for the first time in the United States. California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, 34th & Clement, SF. 415.750.3600 or http://www.legionofhonor.org for details.

On-going. A NEW 19TH CENTURY : THE MONDAVI FAMILY GALLERY REINSTALLED. Reconfigured 19th century European and American collections. Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University. Lomita Drive and Museum Way, Stanford University, Palo Alto. 650.723.4177 or http://museum.stanford.edu for details.

On-going. MODERN EUROPEAN MASTERS, including MATISSE, PICASSO, CHAGALL and more. Meyerovich Gallery, 251 Post, SF. 415.421.7171 or http://meyerovich.com for details.

On-going. FOLK ART by French Canadian artists PATRICK AMIOT & BRIGITTE LAURENT. Outdoor exhibits on-going on Florence St. in Sebastopol. http://www.patrickamiot-brigittelaurent.com/ for details.

On-going. MATISSE AND BEYOND: THE PAINTING AND SCULPTURE COLLECTION. SF Museum of Modern Art. Magnificent works of painting and sculpture culled from SFMOMA's own collections provide a quick tour of modern art from Fauvism to Minimalism. Daily. Exhibition tells the story of modern and contemporary art including landmark works by MATISSE, BOURGEOIS and others. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 151 Third St., San Francisco. 415.357.4000 or www.sfmoma.org

On-going. BETWEEN ART AND LIFE: THE CONTEMPORARY PAINTING AND SCULPTURE COLLECTION, including works by LOUISE BOURGEOIS. SF Museum of Modern Art, 151 Third St. (at Mission), SF. 41.357.4000 or http://www.sfmoma.org for details.

On-going. GODOT. Works sy WILLIAM T. WILEY. Arion Press, 1802 Hays ST., the Presidio, SF. 415.668.2542 or http://www.arionpress.com for details. For more on the artist: http://www.arionpress.com/catalog/077.htm

ARTS OF FASHION. Yearly competition brings guest designers from PARIS and BRUXELLES to work with and select prizes for United States fashion students. The grand prizes offered to the US fashion students are internships in high profile fashion design houses as Castelbajac or Anne Valerie Hash or the school of the Chambre syndicale in Paris... Or Brussels for La Cambre or Antwerp for Veronique Branquinho or Vienna for Wendy&Jim... Contact: Nathalie Doucet, President Arts of Fashion Foundation, 635 Tennessee Street Suite # 402, San Francisco CA 94107. Tel 415 252 0734 http://www.af-competition.com or http://www.myspace.com/artsoffashion

FLORENCE DE BRETAGNE. Florence de Bretagne is a French painter and photographer. Her work is full of joy and very colorful. It has always something to do with new life : imaginary plants that are flourishing, blossoms, seeds. It seems that nature is new and beautiful like new-born babies. She took abstract pictures of fruits and vegetables (a very poetic book, "Semence", is still available), she made paintings on trees and imaginary plants, and many others. You can see her work either in the SFMOMA gallery at Fort Mason, or in her atelier (756 Garland drive in Palo Alto), or else on her website : http://www.florencedebretagne.com

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*CLASSES*

January-May 2008. FRENCH CLASSES AT SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY include: Second-Semester French, Oral French, French Literature from the Middle Ages to the Revolution, Senior Seminar on Autobiography, Literature & Film, and French Literatures of the Caribbean. See http://www.sonoma.edu/forlang or ontact suzanne.toczyski@sonoma.edu for details.

January-May 2008. AFRICAN-HAITIAN DANCE, a beginning-level dance class designed to introduce students to the basics of African-Haitian dance. Thursdays, 7pm-10:10pm. College of Marin. http://www.marin.edu for information.

January-May 2008. FRENCH CLASSES AT THE COLLEGE OF MARIN include Elementary French I & II, Intermediate French IV, Advanced French I & II. http://www.marin.edu for information.

January-May 2008. WESTERN CIVILIZATION II: 1350-1815, covers Western Civ during the Renaissance, Enlightenment, French Revolution and Napoleonic era. College of Marin, http://www.marin.edu for information.

January 14-March 6, 2008. FRENCH CLASSES TAUGHT BY ANNE BISHOP AT BOOK PASSAGE: Beginning French; Lower Intermediate French; Intermediate French; Upper Intermediate French; Advanced French. http://www.bookpassage.com for details.

January 14-March 10, 2008. FRENCH CLASSES TAUGHT BY GENEVIEVE BLAISE-SULLIVAN AT BOOK PASSAGE: French for Movie Lovers; French Literature & Grammar. http://www.bookpassage.com for details.

January 16-February 28, 2007. BORDEAUX, JUIN 1940: RESISTANCE OU COLLABORATION? Un cours de 7 semaines a French Class, enseigne - en francais, naturellement - par Renee Morel et illustre de diapositives. Juin 1940: la guerre prend une tournure desastreuse, c'est la debacle, puis l'exode. Fuyant l'avancee des troupes du IIIe Reich, des dizaines de milliers de Parisiens, le coeur serre, quittent leur ville, declaree "ville ouverte". Jusqu'au 14, date de l'entree des Allemands dans la capitale, des familles entieres se retrouvent sur les routes, emportant tant bien que mal quelques affaires, dormant dans des voitures ou dans des fosses. Le gouvernement lui-meme quitte Paris dans la nuit du 9 au 10 juin, mais pas pour Vichy - pas encore. Tandis que le reste du pays est plonge dans le chaos, c'est sur les rives de la Garonne, a Bordeaux, que, du 14 au 22 juin, va se jouer un moment cle du destin de la France. Tous les protagonistes sont la. Les debats seront vifs et les manoeuvres redoutables entre les partisans de la capitulation (souhaitee par Paul Reynaud, president du Conseil) et ceux de l'armistice (favorise par le marechal Petain). Quant a de Gaulle, il tentera, en vain, de negocier un projet d'union franco-britannique avec Churchill. C'est ainsi que dans cette "capitale du desarroi", qui recoit 3 millions de refugies en quelques jours, le sort du pays va se nouer: collaboration... ou bien resistance?   7 weeks (Jan. 16 - Febr. 27, 2008) Wednesday mornings (10:30 AM - 12:00 NOON) THE FRENCH CLASS 500 Sutter Street (at Powell) Suite 310 San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 362.3666 info@frenchclass.com

January 23 – March 19, 2008. FRENCH FOR TRAVELERS AT DRAKE. Taught by Colette Scafani. Drake High School. Wednesdays, 7pm-9pm. $95. http://www.marinlearn.com or 415.945.3730.

January 24-March 20, 2008. FRENCH FOR BEGINNERS. Redwood High School. Taught by Dominique Paillet. Thursdays, 7pm-9pm. $95. http://www.marinlearn.com or 415.945.3730.

January 25, February 22, March 28, April 25 & May, 23, 2008. PARIS: THE SETTING FOR MEDIEVAL PASSION & REVOLUTION, TO CONTEMPORARY TIMES. A course taught by Anne Bishop. Paris is brought to life through a biography and novels written by contemporary writeres. The legendary story of Abélard and Héloïse unfolds in 12th century Paris. An enlightened artistocrat from Marie-Antoinette’s court flees the guillotine for the New World, before returning to post-revolutionary Paris. Through the psychological novel and Nouveau Roman, we explore the memories and passions that drive characters in modern Paris from the mid-20th century to today. Texts are: Farewell, My Only One (Antoine Audouard), Bluebird, Or the Invention of Happiness (Sheila Kohler), Bonjour Tristesse (Françoise Sagan), The Ravishing of Lol V. Stein (Marguerite Duras), The Mark of the Angel (Nancy Huston). Five Fridays, 10am-12pm. $95.

Beginning June 2008. COURS D’ETE A LATITUDE. The Latitude Cultural Center is located in the ancient riverside hamlet of La Toulzanie (about 55 km east of Cahors in the Quercy). Nearby are the cave paintings at Pech-Merle, one of France's most beautiful villages (St. Cirq Lapopie), the Chateau of Cenevieres (with its amazing alchemy room), and the pilgrimage site, Rocamadour. ( Founder/director Barbara Phillips is formerly a professor of Sociology and Urban Studies at San Francisco State. She divides her time between La Toulzanie and Berkeley.)      Latitude will be offering a variety of week-long classes in summer, 2008, including a week of Total Immersion in French. Visit http://www.latitude.org/ for details.

June 7-14: 2 classes

(1) Southwest French cuisine will be featured in this cooking class. The teachers: two women who live in the Lot -- Yvette Soursou, in charge of the local hunting feasts, among other triumphs, and Francoise Griffin, an excellent French cook (bilingual) who taught dessert-making at Latitude several years ago. Together, they will conduct a hands-on workshop focusing on local specialties such as cassoulet and pastis (not the drink).

(2) Wine tasting and discovery. This class features wines from southwest France, much less known globally than wines from the Loire, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. Agathe Thullier, bi-lingual oenologist with expertise, degrees, and a good nose, will guide us through tastings and a history of wine plus a look at the future of vines in the area. (There will be an extra charge for tasting fine wines of 30 euros.)

June 14-21, 2 classes:

(1) Music in a Jugular Vein. Facilitator, Bebo White, head, California Jug Band Association

(2) Serge Marc Lazard will lead a painting workshop, "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain." Serge is bilingual, having lived and taught art in the U.S. for over 20 years. He presently calls Paris home. He can teach in either (or both) languages, depending on what participants prefer.

(3) Creative Loitering in the Lot: A photography workshop with Jeff Berner, who lives in Paris and Marin County

June 21-28, 2 classes:

(1) : Rob O'Brien, who taught at Latitude in 2006, returns to offer another watercolor workshop. Rob has garnered many honors in his home region of New England -- and for good reason!

(2) A Taste of Southwest France, featuring visits to the 20,000 +year-old cave paintings at Pech-Merle, wineries, a goat cheese farm, a local market, and a medieval walkabout, led by Latitude's founder/director, Barbara Phillips

July 12-19: TOTAL IMMERSION IN FRENCH WEEK-- MORNING AND AFTERNOON CLASSES, IN FRENCH, PLUS MEALTIMES RESTRICTED TO THE FRENCH LANGUAGE.

(1) Mornings: Renee Morel will offer a morning class about the history of modern French art (with many slides). This will be Renee's 7th time teaching at Latitude. Students and former students (at Latitude, City College in San Francisco, San Francisco State, and The French Class in San Francisco) all tell us she is a terrific teacher who is very organized, speaks clearly and knowledgeably, and who invites questions.

(2) Afternoons: Potpourri! A variety of speakers, including Jean-Pierre Nouveau, head of Maisons Paysannes de la France in Quercy, Agathe Thullier, oenologist and art gallery proprietor, and Christine DaBlanc, a politically-active mother and grandmother, will lead discussions (and some will show slides) on a variety of topics, ranging from local architecture to child-rearing practices and the future of the wine trade in France. Also, Paul Verdier, Ph.D. in Comp. Literature and an expert in local history. If you have any questions about French customs, this will be a good time to get the informed opinions of various knowledgeable people; most summer in the Lot but live in bigger cities, such as Paris and Clermont-Ferrand

June 20-28, 2008. THE JOY OF SPEAKING FRENCH! 8 days of a Total Immersion Experience, with accommodation - classes - outings and visits to beautiful surroundings - sharing meals (purchasing & preparing) and conversing, all in French! An Intermediate to Advanced level of proficiency is necessary. Nadine Goodban, has been teaching French to adults for 25 years within the San Francisco area. Also conducts workshops - 3 or 6 days (including gourmet vegetarian meals). Her love for the language is truly communicative, as proven by students who come regularly from a 50 mile radius but they come from much farther away for her workshops.   The workshop, near Toulouse, in France, will consist of 3 hours of classes: grammar, exercises, practice, dialogues, reading, discussions. Lunch will be prepared together. In the afternoons we will visit the local markets / artisans / various places of interest. In the evenings we will have the choice of dining together at home under the stars, or in restaurants, with more conversation. And all the while you will be corrected on pronunciation, grammar or syntax. $1,275.00 includes a double-room w/shared bath, breakfasts, classes and visits to various markets (food, antiques, etc.)   Lunch & dinner are the students' responsibility but will be prepared family-style all together. For more information, please contact : Nadine Goodban, (707)644-3421 nadalang@comcast.net

August 2008. SPANISH 1 IN FRENCH, FOR STUDENTS OF FRENCH. The SRJC Dept. of Modern and Classical Langugages is delighted to     announce a new course: Spanish 1 in French! That's right. Next fall (beginning in August), you will have the    opportunity to learn Elementary Spanish at SRJC in a French-language classroom. This course is designed for those of you who have attained an advanced-intermediate level of French (meaning you've completed two years of French) and now are excited at the idea of using your French as you begin to learn Spanish. The elementary Spanish book used in the class is published in France for French learners of Spanish. The language of the classroom (when it isn't Spanish) will be French. Spanish 1 in French will be taught by an instructor who is fluent in and experienced at teaching both languages. This is a unique opportunity. Indeed, I don't think many of my colleagues really believe that there are enough students out there to fill this class, but I know you, the wonderful students who have come through our French classes. Information: Todd Straus, tstraus@santarosa.eduor 707.527.4608.

eLYCEE is pleased to announce the opening of its new Minischool, with weekly French classes for kids aged 9 and 10. Based on our popular Maintien de la Langue classes for French-speaking students in the USA, our Minischool gives younger kids access to our unique virtual classroom. Our native French teachers encourage production and creativity, bringing the language and the culture to life in 90-minute total immersion sessions.   In our relaxed learning environment, students develop their language skills and confidence, they work together, and - best of all - they love it. It's a brand new way to learn French for Life. For more information, visit www.elycee.com

POUR TOUS LES PETITS: NEW CLASS FOR KIDS at the Alliance Française de Santa Rosa. With native speaker EVELYNE WHITMAN. To register, contact the director at herve@afsantarosa.org or call 707.543.8151. Saturdays, 11am-12pm.

eLYCEE "http://www.elycee.com/" eLycée has a new agenda for 2007, with a range of new online courses to choose from, including, for Middle School & High School students: private tutorials, Summer Camp, AP classes; for College students: private tutorials, workshops, French Club, AP classes, online OuLiPo workshops; for Adults: private tutorials, workshops, French Club, online OuLiPo workshops; and OuLiPo’s online ‘Ateliers d’Ecriture’ are available online for the first time ever; ONLY with eLycée. We have a new website, too: http://www.elycee.com/ If you would like to know more about this innovative program of after school classes, please contact Julian Hirst at julian.hirst@elycee.com, or +1 877 624 5330. www.elycee.com

FRENCH WINE CLASSES. Session 1 begins March 12 The French Wine Society is offering French wine classes in San Francisco. Each class will be an in-depth lecture of a particular region including a tasting of six carefully selected fine wines to illustrate the regions character. These classes should not be missed. They represent a unique opportunity to increase your knowledge and enjoyment of French wine. Eric Lecours, Regional Director of the French Wine Society Bay Area, will be instructing the classes. He is a Certified Wine Educator and holds a Diploma in Wine & Spirits from the WSET. He is also one of only 20 Americans to be certified by the region of Bordeaux as an official instructor, having been sponsored by the Bordeaux Wine Council to attend a weeklong educational program in Bordeaux last year. He continues his studies and is working toward his Masters of Wine, the most respected qualification in the Wine Industry. For more information and registration: http://www.frenchwinesociety.org

CLASSES DE CUISINE. L'alimentation saine, c'est delicieuse! Venez tous chez Janet, infirmière et chef de cuisine, pour des classes de cuisine. Mes classes, à San Rafael, sont petites et vous travaillez dans ma grande cuisine professionelle pour apprendre les recettes qui sont bien pour maigrir et prévenir les maladies. Après, nous dinons en famille. Et bien sur, nous parlons français! Janet Dresser 415.455.8939 ou http://www.cookingforyourlife.com

COOKING CLASSES IN FRANCE OFFERED BY FORMER BAY AREA RESIDENT Philippe Gion. http://www.ArtandCookingClassesinFrance.com Philippe Gion was a resident of San Francisco from 1986 to 2001, then time shared between the US and Provence. Owner & chef of the restaurant "Café Landais" (1986-1990) then, manager of the restaurant of the "Alliance Fançaise,” he was also Executive Chef at Stanford University ("East House Residency", 1997- 2000). He was a member of the Board of Director at the "Lycée Français Lapérouse" (1988-1991) and creator of the first French Ciné-Club in San Francisco ("Alliance Française Ciné-Club" with the partnership of the Lycée Français). In 1996, Philippe Gion founded "Art and Cooking Classes in France" dedicated to bringing to our Anglo-Saxons friends and gourmets the best of the joie de vivre in France and, most of all, an attractive approach of the traditional French gastronomy in Provence.

FRENCH AT CASTRO VALLEY ADULT SCHOOL. Castro Valley Adult School is offering Beginning and Intermediate French on Monday evenings. Beginners 6:30 pm-8:30 pm; Intermediates 5:30 pm-7:30 pm. Come and practice French in a low-key, fun atmosphere. Helpful for travelers looking for survival French.   Heavy emphasis on cultural topics.   The intermediate class offers good practice for those with some experience in French. Additional out-of-class activities such as dinner outings, wine tastings, picnics, etc. will also be offered. Reasonable course fees. Call Castro Valley Adult School for more details: 510.886.1000.

NEW CLASSES AT THE FRENCH CLASS, 500 Sutter Street, Suite 310, San Francisco, CA 94102 - (415) 362-3666. www.frenchclass.com for full details.

TRANSLATION COURSE ON LINE Lancez-vous dans une nouvelle carrière : devenez traducteur ou traductrice. Spécialisez-vous dans le domaine de votre choix, explorez les possibilités. Formation assurée par Dominique Brémond, traductrice certifiée par le Consulat Général de France à San Francisco, 20 ans d’expérience. Pour plus de renseignements, veuillez contacter : Dominiquebremond@aol.com

WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES Please sign up in advance. Call (415) 362-3666 to register. Workshops are in French unless indicated otherwise. We are sorry, we cannot give refunds, credits, discounts or make-ups for missed workshops. 24 hour cancellation policy applies.

SATURDAY PRONUNCIATION INTENSIVE January 26, 2008 - $85 - 4 hours of instruction + snacks Pronunciation Level 1. 10:00 to 11:00 - the 7 basic sounds and nasals    Pronunciation Level 2. 11:00 to 12:00 - combinations and special sounds 30 minute break: wine and cheese provided. Miam! Miam! Pronunciation Level 3. 12:30 to 1:30 - liaisons, intonations and rhythm Pronunciation Level 4. 1:30 to 2:30 - contractions and exceptions Offered again: Saturday, February 23, 2008

Thursday 1/17 - 1:00 to 2:30. $24. What is a tense and what is a mood? La différence entre le présent de l’indicatif, du subjonctif et duconditionnel. And more... (Level 1 to 6)

Thursday 1/31 - 1:00 to 2:30. $24. Passé composé ou imparfait? A clear and easy presentation of the main differences between these 2 tenses. (Level 3 to 7)

CONFERENCES BY RENEE MOREL $10 - (one hour and a half each; includes handouts; Each conference is offered twice). Space is limited. Please reserve early and call (415) 362-3666 to register. (1) “RUBENS, MAITRE DU BAROQUE FLAMAND"Tuesday, January 22 (6:00 to 7:30 pm) or Saturday, January 26 (10:30 am to noon); (2) “LES PIONNIERS DE LA PHOTOGRAPHIE” Tuesday, February 12 (6:00 to 7:30 pm) or Saturday, February 16 (10:30 am to noon)

Thursday 2/14 - 1:00 to 2:30. $24. French etiquette: polite form with use of the conditional, how to ask a question or favor. (Level 4 to 8) Thursday 2/28 - 1:00 to 2:30. $24. The expression of time: since, for, ago... and appropriate verb tenses. (Level 3 to 7)

CHEESE WORKSHOP Saturday, March 8, 2008 - From 10 to 12 $45 - 2 hours of instruction + cheese & wine A selection of cheese from the different regions of France, to discover, discuss and, of course, taste! Explore the taste and the flavor of “du terroir.”

WEEKEND INTENSIVE IMMERSION PROGRAMS Level one: Saturday & Sunday, March 1 & 2, 2008. 14 hrs of instruction. $250 9:30 to 12:30. Break (snacks & drinks provided). 1:00 to 5:00 Level 6/7: Saturday & Sunday, March 15 & 16. 10hrs of instruction. $180 10 to 12. Break (snacks & drinks provided). 1 to 4.

Going to France soon and forgot to learn French? ...OOPS! It’s never too late! 6 hours of private instruction for only $199 + book $21.70 Call now (415) 362-3666 to schedule your first level Zero “oops!” class.

5 DAY INTENSIVE IMMERSION PROGRAMS June 23 to 27 and December 15 to 19, 2008 All levels are offered (separately). Classes are 3 hours per day, either in the morning 9 to 12, in the afternoon 1 to 4 or in the evening 6 to 9 for 5 days. $275. $20 off if paid 7 days before the intensive course begins! Sign up now!

FRENCH BY PHONE AND INTERNET It is as simple as A, B, C! A. Try a FREE 15 min. lesson. No obligation. If you like it: B. Pay for FOUR 30 minute Phone Lessons @ $25 per lesson. (or $30 for one) C. Call us on the day of your appointment. (415) 362-3666 For more information, please call The French Class at (415) 362-3666 or contact Dominiquebremond@aol.com The French Class - 500 Sutter Street, Suite 310, San Francisco, CA 94102 - (415) 362-3666. www.frenchclass.com

THE FRENCH CLASS OFFERS OCCASIONS TO LEARN FRENCH FOR ALL TASTES. Members receive discounts on special events and book groups; membership $60 per year. 415.362.3666 to join or contact us at info@class.com The French Class ~ 500 Sutter Street ~ Suite 310 ~ San Francisco, CA 94102. http://www.frenchclass.com Opportunities include:

Beginning October 1, 2005. L'ECOLE DU SAMEDI AT THE FRENCH CLASS IN SAN FRANCISCO. Saturday Classes for Children. The Ecole du Samedi aims to create a comfortable, interesting and engaging atmosphere for children who study French at school and would like to perfect their skills. Activities are conducted in French by experienced French native teachers and include vocabulary, grammar and conversation. 9:30 until 12. The cost is $895 for 25 Saturdays. Books are not included. Register your child now. (415) 362-3666.

JUST CONVERSATION. Talk, talk, talk... Discuss different topics every week according to your own subjects of interest. Improve your vocabulary & oral skills. No homework! Groups are small, "et il y a une bonne ambiance".

CONVERSATION: SUPER FRENCH. For students who wish to improve their oral comprehension and participation when part of a group of French people speaking together.

GRAMMAR AND WRITING CLASSES AT THE FRENCH CLASS. Améliorez votre grammaire et votre français écrit grâce à un cours dynamique, interactif et truffé d'informations linguistiques variées, présenté (cours 607 et 608) par la directrice et fondatrice de "The French Class", Dominique Brémond.

INTERMEDIATE FRENCH GRAMMAR. Review and practice all the basics: pronouns, verb tenses, prepositions, sentence structure, and more....

ADVANCED GRAMMAR AND WRITING COURSE AT THE FRENCH CLASS. Améliorez votre grammaire et votre français écrit grâce à un cours dynamique, interactif et truffé d'informations linguistiques variées, présenté (cours 703 & 705) par la directrice de "The French Class," Dominique Brémond.

GROUPE DE LECTURE DE NOUVELLES INTERNATIONALES AT THE FRENCH CLASS. International News Reading Group. Free for French Club members. Monthly meeting to discuss news around the world.

LONG DISTANCE FRENCH. No time to commute to classes at The French Class? Dominique Bremond, the director of The French Class is San Francisco, is now offering "Long Distance French" to people who can't make it to a class. Call her at (415) 362-3666 or send her an e-mail at http://www.frenchclass.com to get your own personalized French tape according to your level and needs.

FRENCH BOOK CLUB AT THE FRENCH CLASS. Monthly meeting to discuss the French novel we pick together and read at home.

COOKING CLASSES. With Robert Reynolds, former owner of the restaurant Le Trou, in San Francisco, conducted in French and focused on the preparation of delicious yet simple dishes while discussing cultural aspects of taste, food and cuisine.

HISTOIRE, ART ET CIVILISATION. "L'art n'est plus ce qu'il était" Depuis Duchamp et ses ready-made, on a souvent vu, dans l'art moderne, une provocation, voire une imposture. Entre abstraction et installations, minimalisme et accumulations, art haut et art bas, art d'ici et art d'ailleurs, comment s'y reconnaître? Parallèllement à la lecture de la pièce de Yasmina Reza, "Art", nous discuterons des oeuvres qui emblèmatisent l'éclatement esthétique, géographique et social de la notion d'art au 20ème siècle. Un cours passionnant présenté par Renée Morel.

LITTERATURE ET CULTURE AT THE FRENCH CLASS. "Ingrid Caven" de Jean-Jacques Schul. Prix Goncourt 2000, ce roman nous fait traverser plusieurs décades de 1943 à nos jours à travers la vie d'un personnage quasi mythique : une "femme qui, sur scène, a le sand-froid d'un torero, la concentration d'un moine bouddhiste et la vitale fantaisie d'une animatrice de bordel."

OOPS! Going to France in a few weeks and forgot to learn French? Call us now and schedule 4 classes of 90 minutes each 6 hours of instruction.

CONVERSATION and LITERATURE. Conversation on current topics and a short novel in French to read at home and discuss in class. Improve your vocabulary and oral expression. This session: "La Cousine Bette" d'Honoré de Balzac. $10.85. Groups are small "et il y a une bonne ambiance." Various times available.

FRENCH BY PHONE AT THE FRENCH CLASS. Parlez français par téléphone! Our French by phone program is growing. We now have students in 6 states. The flexibility (schedule at your convenience) and price ($25 for a thirty minute lesson) make it very attractive to people who are either too busy to leave their office or too far away to attend our courses.

FRENCH CLASSES FOR LITTLE ONES IN SAN FRANCISCO. Contact: Jean et Marie store & Maisonette Playroom : Coordonnées: 510.759.1224 - ingrid@maisonettesf.com. Jean et Marie is proud to announce to offer its French immersion program for kids in its playroom, Maisonette. Language study is best started when very young, and that's why we decided to offer this opportunity to little ones as young as 2. Activities for each hour-and-a-half class include games, singing and dancing, puppets, drawing, and storytelling, all in French. For more information, come by the store, at 100 Clement Street, see: www.maisonettesf.com or call 510.759.1224.

THE INTERNATIONAL FRENCH CLUB. Going to France soon or you want to speak French like a French person? Join the International French Club. Next session starts the second week of May Savoir faire. Besides text and exercise books, all classes include the use of material that will expose you to the wide variety of the French-speaking world; among others, French news, French movies, novels, songs and cartoons. You will also be invited to participate in team work, games and role-plays that will express what you have learned. Free evaluation. Before signing up for a class, we will schedule a meeting to evaluate your writing and oral level, and to listen to your objectives in order to place you in the appropriate class and level. Contact Nathalie today at: 415.756.2531 info@ifrenchclub.com Beginner Classes :: Intermediate Classes :: Advanced Classes

FRENCH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE. Learn French at your own pace. French for children, adults and corporate in private or small classes. French Language Institut offers flexibility, fun, customized programs, library, newest educative material, CNED, craft sessions, trip to France and much more! Visit us @ http://www.FL-Institut.com or write to frenchteachers@siliconfrench.com.

LANGUAGES INSTITUTE INC. Languages Institute Inc. is comprised of a team of 8 experienced teachers. All our teachers are native French speakers, passionate about the language and earned a Bachelor or Master's degree. They have much experience to make your learning fun, pleasant and efficient! 1100 East Hamilton Avenue, #3, Campbell, CA. 408.377.1113 or 408.833.9620 or Info@Frenchin.Org or http://www.frenchin.org

LIVELY LANGUAGE LEARNING™. French classes for children ages 7-12. Based on famous accelerated learning method. Small classes. Fun and easy. Email info@optimalearning.com or call 415.898.0013. The OptimaLearning Center of Novato, http://www.optimalearning.com or http://www.optimalearningcenter.org

Other courses available. For classes in Santa Rosa, see http://www.afsantarosa.org or contact info@afsantarosa.org. (From the AFSR: Try our French language school with no commitments. Your first lesson is free!) See http://www.afsf.com for Alliance Francaise classes in San Francisco, and http://www.berlitz.com for Berlitz Language Centers. The French Class in San Francisco offers upper level classes in literature and business language, as well as study in various regions of France. See http://www.frenchclass.com. In the East Bay, visit http://www.afberkeley.org/ or write to afberkeley@sbcglobal.net for more class opportunities. In Marin, contact the Alliance Francaise for a schedule of classes at 415.457.4838 or http://www.afmarin.org. For the monthly newsletter of the Alliance Francaise de Napa and a list of French classes offered, go to http://www.afnapa.com.

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*COMING SOON(ER OR LATER)*
February 1, 2008. RENAISSANCE: REVOLUTIONS ET TRADITIONS. The SAN FRANCISCO BAY ACCUEIL invites RENEE MOREL to speak at the Lycee Francais de S.F. (Campus d'Ortega). Détails à suivre.

February 2, 2008. PEERS MARDI GRAS BALL featuring THE BAGUETTE QUARTETTE. 8pm. PEERS Mardi Gras Ball, Masonic Lodge, 100 N Ellsworth Ave, San Mateo CA. Tickets: $20 at the door, $15 in advance http://www.peers.org/mardigras.html

February 2, 2007. YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW. Celebrating two decades of musical collaboration in the wonderful world of lieder, Carol Menke, soprano, and Marilyn Thompson, pianist, perform the works of Robert Schumann, Joseph Marx,GABRIEL FAURE & OLIVIER MESSIAEN, and the English songs of Robert Sheldon. They will be joined by a fabulous guest artist! 8:00pm, Ives Recital Hall (Ives 119), Sonoma State University, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park, CA 94928. http://www.sonoma-choral.org/pub/htdocs/events.html

February 2, 2008. LE FRANÇAIS AUX ETATS-UNIS, organisé par L’AATF. Nous vous rappelons que notre Journée de printemps aura lieu le 2 février 2008 à SJSU avec le thème "Le français aux États-Unis". Nous vous offrerons des séances possibles au sujet du cajun, de la Louisiane, du Mardi gras, etc. Nous vous donnerons également du matériel pédagogique y inclus les vidéo-clips des chansons actuelles en France. N'oubliez pas de mettre cette date dans vos agendas. Nous vous enverrons le bulletin d'inscription au début janvier. Merci et à bientôt, le Conseil Exécutif de l'AATF de la Californie du nordenvoyé par Rachel Safier, Secrétaire American Association of Teachers of French Californie du Nord aatfnc@hotmail.com

February 3, 2008. THE ZEPHYROS WINDS perform in the Mill Valley Chamber Series at Mount Tamalpais Methodist Church, 140 Sycamore Ave., Mill Valley. Presented by the Mill Valley Chamber Music Society. 415.381.4453 or http://www.chambermusicmillvalley.org for details. Pieces will include MILHAUD’s LE CHEMINEE DU ROI RENE; DEBUSSY’s SYRINX, and RAVEL’s LE TOMBEAU DE COUPERIN.Taking its name from the Greek god of the West Wind, the group first gained distinction in 1995, when, one year after its formation, it won both the First and Grand Prizes at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition becoming the first wind quintet in the competition’s 22-year history to do so. Comprised of graduates of the Curtis Institute of Music, Yale School of Music, Eastman, and The Juilliard School, the Zéphyros Winds is now based in Manhattan. Zéphyros Winds is recognized as one of the nation’s leading chamber ensembles with appearances across the country at major concert venues, including Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall, The Library of Congress, Wolf Trap, and the “Great Performers Series” at Lincoln Center.   www.Zephyroswinds.com

February 3, 2008. RICHARD GOODE performs DEBUSSY’S TWO ETUDES and FAURE’S NOCTURNE NO.6 IN D-FLAT MAJOR, OP. 63. http://www.calperformances.net or 510.642.9988 for details.

February 4, 2008. MOROCCAN FLAVORS. Cooing class that shows how to use seasonal, organic, unrefined and local ingredients to make Moroccan delights. Sage Table, Oakland. Call for address: 510.914.1142 or http://www.thesagetable.com for details. $60. 6:30pm-9:30pm.

February 4, 2008. DBF, Redwood City. Carole Granade - Executive Director - carole@faccsf.com French American Chamber of Commerce 703 Market Street, Suite 450 San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel: (415) 442 4717 - Fax: (415) 442 4621 www.faccsf.com

February 5, 2008. HEAR NICHOLAS ANGELICH, piano, RENAUD CAPUÇON, violon, and GAUTIER CAPUÇON, cello. If you are a member of the FACCSF you can have a 20% discount for the performance by Nicholas Angelich on the piano; Renaud Capuçon on the violin and Gautier Capuçon on the cello on February 5th, 2008. Enter the code CAFC when you click on the Apply Discount button. Carole Granade - Executive Director - carole@faccsf.com French American Chamber of Commerce 703 Market Street, Suite 450 San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel: (415) 442 4717 - Fax: (415) 442 4621 www.faccsf.com

February 5, 2008. JONATHAN MANN, piano, performs CAMILLE SAINT-SAENS’s LE CYGNE and more. . Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, 660 California St (at Grant), SF. http://www.NoontimeConcerts.org for details. 12:30pm.

February 6 & 7, 2008. COMPANY EA SOLA presents DROUGHT AND RAIN, VOLUME 2. Born in Vietnam and trained in Paris, choreographer Ea Sola creates vital contemporary works grounded in the traditional culture, music, dance and history of Vietnam. An 80-minute multidisciplinary work… with ballet, music played on traditional instruments, opera and more. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., San Francisco. http://www.ybca.org for details.

February 9, 2008. MADELINE AND THE BAD HAT. Join Madeline in this original musical with an amusing and thought-provoking storyline about enemies becoming friends. Based on the popular book by LUDWIG BEMELMAN. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. http://wells.fargocentrarts.org for details.

February 11, 2008. LE BOOKCLUB FRANCOPHONE lit UNE PIECE MONTEE de BLANDINE LE CALLET. berenicevlm@yahoo.com for details.

February 12, 2008. LIFE SCIENCE BREAKFAST organized by the FRENCH AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. San Francisco. Carole Granade - Executive Director - carole@faccsf.com French American Chamber of Commerce 703 Market Street, Suite 450 San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel: (415) 442 4717 - Fax: (415) 442 4621 www.faccsf.com

February 16, 2008 JORDI SAVALL, the man behind the music in TOUS LES MATINS DU MONDE, performs viola da gamba. Cal Performances, 510.642.9988 or http://www.calperformances.org for details. Currently sold out; go to the website to add your name to notification list .

February 20, 2008. LE CERCLE LITTERAIRE DE L’ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE SANTA ROSA lit DAVID GOLDER d’IRENE NEMIROVSKY. AFSF, 613 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.543.8151 for details.

February 21, 2008. L’ASSURANCE MALADIE PUR LE CITOYEN / RETRAITE INTERNATIONAL. Atelier offert à Livermore par Thierry GABADOU, UFE, 925.366.9983 or tgabadou@psfin.com. 18h30.

February 24, 2008. NINA SCHUYLER talks about her novel, THE PAINTING, which is set in Tokyo and Paris during the Franco-Prussian War. Joint reading with Toni Mirosevich. Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Dr., Corte Madera. 415.927.0960 or http://www.bookpasage.com. 4pm.

February 24 & 26, 2008. MARIN SYMPHONY performs SCREEN GEMS, including SATIE’S DEUX PRELUDES POSTHUMES ET UNE GNOSSIENNE (used in the movie CHOCOLAT) and Mozart’s ouverture to the MARRIAGE OF FIGARO. 7:30pm. 415.479.8100 or http://www.marinsymphony.org or greatmusic@marinsymphony.org for details.

February 26, 2008. THE EUSEBIUS DUO, with Hillary Norwell, piano, and Monika Gruber, violin, performs CLAUDE DEBUSSY’s SONATA FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO IN G MINOR and GABRIEL FAURE’s SONATA NO. 1 IN A MAJOR. . Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, 660 California St (at Grant), SF. http://www.NoontimeConcerts.org for details.

March 1, 2008. DICTEE DE LA BAIE, organisée par San Francisco Bay Accueil, avec la participation des écoles et alliances francaises de la Baie et des Consulats de France et du Canada. Evènement gratuit, ouvert à tous les francophones et francophiles de 6 à 99 ans. Dictées par niveaux, en fonction des inscriptions. Remise de prix et goûter. Cette année, la dictée se tiendra au Lycée français La Pérouse de San Francisco sur la 19ème avenue à Ortega (ancien conservatoire de musique). Les enfants seront regroupés par niveau scolaire, du CM1 à la terminale et les adultes en 3 catégories, débutants, intermédiaires et avancés. Inscription obligatoire avant le 15 février par email, téléphone ou fax auprès de Christine Lemor-Drake. christine@appletopomme.com tél (415)292-7227 Fax(415)292-7247. Pour chaque candidat, nous avons besoin du nom, de l'âge au 1er mars, de l'adresse, de l'email, du téléphone et du niveau de français. A 13:30 heures. // San Francisco Bay Accueil, a French non-profit organization for French and Francophone, supported by the French and Canadian Consulates, is organizing a "Dictée" in San Francisco on March 1st, to celebrate the month of "Francophonie" in the world. After a few years at the Alliance Française, the success of this entertaining and educational event has forced us to host it somewhere else bigger. For this 5th edition of the "Dictée de la Baie", we will be hosted by the Lycée français La Pérouse de San Francisco, in the avenues. The event will start at 1:30 and should last about 3 hours. We would love to have coverage by the media interested by the French Culture.

March 3, 2008. DBF, Redwood City. Carole Granade - Executive Director - carole@faccsf.com French American Chamber of Commerce 703 Market Street, Suite 450 San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel: (415) 442 4717 - Fax: (415) 442 4621 www.faccsf.com

March 6, 2008, WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCHEON organized by the FRENCH AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. Carole Granade - Executive Director - carole@faccsf.com French American Chamber of Commerce 703 Market Street, Suite 450 San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel: (415) 442 4717 - Fax: (415) 442 4621 www.faccsf.com

March 13, 2008. HOT CLUB OF SAN FRANCISCO presents classic Django Reinhardt Gypsy jazz and original compositions. Kanbar Center, Bernard Osher Marin Jewish Community Cnter, 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 415.444.8000 or http://www.marinjcc.org for details. 8pm.

March 13, 2008. UNE INTERVENTION DU CHEF DE CHANCELLERIE DU CONSULAT GENERAL DE FRANCE. Organisée à Livermore par Thierry GABADOU, UFE, 925.366.9983 or tgabadou@psfin.com. 18h30.

March 14, 2008. ANGELIQUE KIDJO performs at Zellerbach Hall. In today’s contemporary music world, there is simply no musician quite like Angélique Kidjo. Since the 1980s, the scintillating vocalist from BÉNIN, West Africa, has created a bridge that unites the rhythms and spirits of Africa with the grooves and vibes of the New World’s African diaspora. An electrifying performer, she performs in French, English and her native Fon/Yoruba. She has just released DJIN DJIN. . http://www.calperformances.net or 510.642.9988 for details.

March 19, 2008. LE CERCLE LITTERAIRE DE L’ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DE SANTA ROSA lit LA FOLLE DE CHAILLOT de JEAN GIRAUDOUX. AFSF, 613 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 707.543.8151 for details.

March 20, 2008. THE WORK OF PAULINE VIARDOT, 19TH C. FRENCH MEZZO AND COMPOSER, by star mezzo-sopranos Marilyn Horne and Frederica von Stade. Staged by Lotfi Mansouri. Herbst Theatre. Details to follow.

March 28, 2008. L’EUROPE ROMANTIQUE. The SAN FRANCISCO BAY ACCUEIL invites RENEE MOREL to speak at the Lycee Francais de S.F. (Campus d'Ortega). Détails à suivre.

March 29, 2008. INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF THE PENINSULA’S 20TH ANNUAL GALA AND AUCTION. Event: International School of the Peninsula¹s 20th Annual Gala and Auction: Kabuhayan! An ISTP Filipino Fiesta! Date and Time: Saturday, March 29th, 2008 @ 6:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. Venue: Fairmont San Jose, 170 S. Market Street, San Jose, CA Description: ISTP¹s 20th Annual Gala and Auction brings guests a glimpse of the Philippines with their Filipino culture-themed event. Guests will be treated to a delicious gourmet Filipino dinner, entertainment, dancing, and live auction. All proceeds benefit the International School of the Peninsula in Palo Alto, CA ‹ a dual language immersion nursery through 8th grade school with French and Mandarin Chinese programs. To register or for more information, visit www.istp.org/gala or call (650) 251-8538. Tickets are $175 per person, black tie / elegant attire, please. Website: http://www.istp.org/gala

April 3-5, 2008. URBAN BUSH WOMEN / COMPAGNIE JANT-BI CREATIVE EXCHANGE presents BEAUTY OF LITTLE THINGS. This unique project brings together african and African American dance companies – one all-male and one all-female – and two powerhouse female choreographers. GERMAINE ACOGNY, hailed as the mother of contemporary African dance, expores the role of community in forming idenitty with Brooklyn-based BESSIE Award-winnning choreographer Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, of Urban Bush Women. Acogny choreographs for her all-male troupe, JANT-BI. In this Bay Area premiere, artists from Africa collaborate with the children of the Diaspora on a work that explores the crossroads between culture and ethnicity, history and modernity. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., San Francisco. http://www.ybca.org for details.

April 17, 288. GESTION DE PATRIMOINE QUAND LES OBJECTIFS SONT SUR DEUX CONTINENTS. Atelier offert à Livermore par Thierry GABADOU, UFE, 925.366.9983 or tgabadou@psfin.com. 18h30.

April 24-May 11, 2008. COCO, with music by ANDRÉ PREVIN. Cabaret and concert star Andrea Marcovicci brings her captivating high style to the role of the magnificent and mercurial fasion doyenne COCO CHANEL. Set in the early 1950s when Chanel was considered a has-been, Lerner and Previn’s musical memory play focuses on the Divine Coco’s amazing comeback – as well as her battles with a jealous rival designer and the boyfriend of her protégé. Songs include Always Mademoiselle, The World Belongs to the Young, When Your Lover Says Goodbye, Fiasco, and Coco. 42ND Street Moon, Eureka Theatre, 215 Jackson St., San Francisco, CA. 415.255.8207 or http://www.42ndstmoon.org for details.

April 25-May 11, 2008. THE BRIGANDS by JACQUES OFFENBACH. Deep in their hideout high in the french Pyrenees, a band of thieving brigands is about to embark on the biggest burglary of their career. Led by the fearless Falsacappa, and his beloved daughter Fiorella, a plan is hatched to acquire 3 million francs! Of course, to pull it off the band will have to intercept a royal wedding, don a host of disguises, and play the part of Spanish royalty in the Italian court—all this without losing their cool. Perhaps they’ve bit off more than they can chew...after all, the biggest thieves aren’t always hiding in the forests. Suffused with light social satire and Offenbach’s bubbly music. $10-$15. http://www.cinnabartheater.org/cinnabar.2007-08brigands.html for details.

April 25-June 8, 2008. LE THEATRE DE LA JEUNE LUNE presents FIGARO, inspired by Mozart and BEAUMARCHAIS, adapted by Steven Epp and Dominique Serrand, at BERKELEY REP’s Roda Theatre. Another eccentric take on a timeless text, this performance marries famous characters from the plays of Beaumarchais with music from Mozart’s magnificent opera to create an accessible and exceptional new show. In this version, Figaro and the Count recall their rivalry years later, amidst the bloodshed of the FRENCH REVOLUTION. Intrigue, seduction, juicy love triangles… a revolutionary experience! 510.647.2949 or http://www.berkeeyrep.org for details.

April 27, 2008. STEPHEN PRUTSMAN, pianist, performs RAVEL’s PIANO CONCERTO IN G MAJOR and more. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. http://wells.fargocentrarts.org for details.

May 2008. JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS. Jacques Brel Revival comes to MTC. Direct from its one year off-Broadway run, the highly acclaimed revival of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well & Living in Paris is coming to MTC! It will fill the fifth and final Boyer slot for the 2007-2008 season. With a cast of four actors and three musicians, the show celebrates Brel-s timeless relevance and enduring passions. Translated from the French by American poet Eric Blau and lyricist Mort Shuman the show is a diverse blend of ballads, tangos, boleros, rock and classics. With raw human emotion, each piece tells a story, examining themes of love, war and adventure but never forgetting that life, with all its tragedies and complexities shows us much humor. MTC's show will be directed by New York director Gordon Greenberg - cast to be announced - and will be co-produced with Dan Whitten, one of the producers of the -07 Tony Award-winning Jay Johnson the Two and Only. -The best performed musical review to hit New York in ages- - The Wall Street Journal -The best musical in New York- - WBAI Radio Brel tickets are available by subscription ONLY until Oct 30. Call today to subscribe 415.388.5208.Marin Theatre Company, 397 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley. http://www.marintheatre.org/ for details.

May 2, 2008. LES FEMMES IMPRESSIONNISTES. The SAN FRANCISCO BAY ACCUEIL invites RENEE MOREL to speak at the Lycee Francais de S.F. (Campus d'Ortega). Détails à suivre.

May 2-11, 2008. THE SAN FRANCISCO OPERA presents ANTOINE DE SAINT-EXUPERY’S THE LITTLE PRINCE. The West Coast premiere of composer’s Rachel Portman’s adaptation of the beloved children’s classic. For the whole family. St.-Exupery’s fable about a pilot who crash-lands in the desert and meets an open-heared boy from another planet is a gentle reminder to hold on to what is truly important in life. Sung in English with English supertitles. Tickets for ages 16 and under are half-price for all performances. http://www.calperformances.net or 510.642.9988 for details.

May 22, 2008. GESTION DES DROITS DE SUCCESION QUAND LES BIENS SONT SUR DEUX CONTINENTS. Atelier offert à Livermore par Thierry GABADOU, UFE, 925.366.9983 or tgabadou@psfin.com. 18h30.

May 28-31, 2008. EX MACHINA: THE ANDERSEN PROJECT. By CANADIAN-BORN director-writer ROBERT LEPAGE and performed by YVES JACQUES. Content appropriate for mature audiences only. http://www.calperformances.net or 510.642.9988 for details.

June 7, 2008. SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY performs POULENC’s FIGURE HUMAINE and more. . 415.864.6000 or http://www.sfsymphony.org for details.

June 8, 2008. NEW CENTURY CHAMBER ORCHESTRA performes works by SAINT-GEORGES and more. Kanbar Center, Bernard Osher Marin Jewish Community Cnter, 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael. 415.444.8000 or http://www.marinjcc.org for details. 5pm.

June 20-28, 2008. THE JOY OF SPEAKING FRENCH! 8 DAYS of a Total Immersion Experience. ( with accommodation - classes - outings and visits to beautiful surroundings - sharing meals (purchasing & preparing) and conversing, all in French!) An Intermediate to Advanced level of proficiency is necessary. Nadine Goodban, has been teaching French to adults for 25 years within the San Francisco area. Also conducts workshops - 3 or 6 days -(including gourmet vegetarian meals). Her love for the language is truly communicative, as proven by students who come regularly from a 50 mile radius but they come from much farther away for her workshops. The workshop, near Toulouse, in France, will consist of 3 hours of classes : grammar, exercises, practice, dialogues, reading, discussions. Lunch will be prepared together. In the afternoons we will visit the local markets / artisans / various places of interest. In the evenings we will have the choice of dining together at home under the stars, or in restaurants, with more conversation, And all the while you will be corrected on pronunciation, grammar or syntax. $1,275.00 includes a double-room w/shared bath, breakfasts, classes and visits to various markets (food, antiques, etc.)   Lunch & dinner are the students' responsibility but will be prepared family-style all together. For more information, please contact : Nadine Goodban, (707)644-3421 nadalang@comcast.net

July 18-20 & 26-27, 2008. THE 7TH ANNUAL SACRAMENTO FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL. Détails à suivre…

November 7, 2008. DBF aura le plaisir d'accueillir DIDIER MORETTI, VP Business Incubation chez Cisco System de 18h30 à 21h. French-American Chamber of commerce, http://www.faccsf.com. Détails à suivre…
ALWAYS CALL AHEAD TO CONFIRM DATES AND TIMES!
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