WASHINGTON — Set a little outside the famous Embassy Row, in a secluded neighborhood, the Embassy of France hosted its annual Fête de la Musique, a celebration of music that takes place on June 21, also known as the Summer Solstice, in cities all around the world. This year, the festival praised a mix of French culture, including both food and music, and American silent film.
The Fête de la Musique was created in 1982 by the French Minister of Culture at the time, Jack Lang. It was exported around the world in 1985, otherwise known as the European Year of Music. It is now celebrated in five continents, in countries including Germany, Chile, Japan and the United States.
This year, though the gates officially opened at 7 p.m., the line grew much earlier in the day. Everybody had to have their bags checked and show their reservation ticket, though admission was free. Those older than 21 were required to show their ID in order to receive a wrist band allowing them to drink. Food was a cash-only affair, with each item on the menu requiring a certain number of tickets, each a dollar. There were around six different food stations, each making and selling either food or drinks.
The live entertainment was found outside the embassy with seating both in front of a large screen and on the steep grassy hills surrounding. The program began with an opening act by French musician David Lewin on guitar. This was followed by a ciné-concert featuring the 1924 American silent film “Sherlock Jr.,” a slapstick comedy starring Buster Keaton. The film was accompanied by Magnetix, French garage rockers who composed an original score for this event. Their music, in particular the drums, was more felt than heard. After the film ended, the band played another live set, which included their EP compositions.
Along with French music, classic French and American food was on hand. The menu included everything from hamburgers to beignets. Also found were classic French wines and sparkling water. Food could be eaten both outside around a gold abstract statue and pool, or on the previously mentioned seats and hills. It could also be taken inside the embassy, where there was a small seating area of comfortable couches to settle into and art to be viewed. This area was closed off from the rest of the building.
With the combination of French and American culture, this year’s Fête de la Musique was able to draw a diverse crowd from French nationals to American University students.