Chamonix Apres Ski Report: 18th February 2010
I snuck off to my old stomping ground of Alpe d'Huez last week to catch up with Vickie, our Skinets reporter down there and to see Albenaza, the awesome acoustic trio that I'd seen in the Jekyll in Cham Sud a couple of weeks previously. Alas, the crowd in the Jekyll that night left a lot to be desired and so, despite playing their socks off, I didn't feel I'd seen them at their best. Last week in Smithy's however, the bar was packed and well up for it as the boys belted out classics from the likes of Jurassic 5 and the Kings of Leon, as well as a number of their own tunes accompanied by some impressive beat-boxing from Aza. (By the way, if you're wondering about the name, the boys are called Al, Ben and Aza ……. see what they've done there...?) Fingers crossed, we may see them back over Chamonix way before the season is over and I'll be sure to keep you posted with dates as soon as I hear. Either way, this is one band to keep an eye out for wherever you are on holiday as they tour around the Alps each season. Alternatively, if you live in the south-west of England you'll probably be able to see them most weekends you lucky things!!
However, as always, there has been no shortage of musical talent in Chamonix this week, and in particular Bar'd Up has had a familiar face playing this week – Thoby (previously of Gastropod) – is just out here on his hols and playing a few sets while he's here. I don't quite know how, but I'd never seen Gastropod play and they were here for a couple of seasons, so I didn't really know what to expect from Thoby. Billed as “if it's been written, he can play it!” – I've never heard such an eclectic set of tunes as those he played on Monday at après – everything from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and the Foo Fighters to “Don't Worry, Be Happy” (by Bobby McFerrin???) Just him and his guitar, he has this magic box of tricks that enables him to record his own vocals and then loop and layer them over each other with the resulting effect of backing singers and a whole range of percussion accompaniment. It was amazing and all played with the biggest grin on his face - I've never seen someone look so happy to be on stage! He's playing one final time at Bar'd Up tomorrow night (Friday) from around 10pm so definitely go and see him if you can.
If all this live music in town brings out the wannabe rock star in you, then you can take to the mic yourself at Bar'd Up's weekly Singstar session – every Saturday night from 10.30pm. In fact this is such a popular event that they're holding an extra night tonight, so clear your throat, warm up those vocal chords with a jaegermeister or two and get your name down early. La Terrasse also hosts an open mic night every now and then (tonight in fact), but of course, for open mic you don't have a big screen in front of you with the words popping and people do expect you to have a modicum of talent…!!
I mentioned it briefly last week, but don't forget that this weekend is the centenary celebrations of the Chamonix ice hockey club. There is a special sound and light show from 6.30pm tomorrow night followed by a Magnus League match against local rivals Mont Blanc, and then a big concert on Saturday night in tribute to Queen. See the What's On Calendar for full details.
Also at the ice rink this coming week, well the Podium Bar alongside, is the next of the Winter Sessions explosive parties. Thursday (25th), UK hip hop legend DJ Skitz has chosen Chamonix to launch his latest album of hip hop and reggae infused beats. He will be headlining along with Orifice Vulgatron also of Foreign Beggars in Room 1 (do you suppose he was christened Orifice…??), whilst Liz Edwards, Director of Swag Records and a big name in UK electro sound will be in Room 2. As always tickets are on sale at Le Podium, Zero G and the Chamonix Tourist Office, or on-line here: www.seetickets.com
There is a great event on this weekend at the Planards slope in the centre of town. The Challenge Sebastien Rung is held every year and attracts some of the best disabled skiers in the country including the French national team, just a few weeks before they head out to compete in Vancouver. This annual race is held in the memory of a young ESF instructor who was killed in an avalanche several years ago and is a stage in the Handisport French Cup in which skiers will be competing in 4 slalom events. The competition is a family event with a great atmosphere, just a few minutes' walk from the centre of Chamonix. Races are taking place from 4pm to 9pm on Saturday 21st February and entry is free of charge.
This week I'm going to try and catch acoustic duo BODHIZAPHA play – apparently an “unmissable” pair who knock out a set of surf cruise, reggae style tunes, based on percussion, acoustic guitar and vocals. The lead singer is from Rarotonga in the Cook Islands and apparently has an amazing voice. I've heard such great things about them so far but have yet to catch one of their gigs, so I'll be out to see them at one of their regular slots - Munster Bar every Wednesday or Le Vert every Saturday. Hopefully see you there!
Don't forget to keep an eye on the What's On Calendar for a full list of events over the winter season. You can also find full Bar and Restaurant listings in the Dining and Going Out section of the site.
