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Chamonix Apres Ski Report: 28th March 2007

featured in Nightlife reviews Author Ellie Mahoney, Chamonix Editor Updated

With so much going on in Chamonix lately I have been like a kid in a sweet shop, this week as usual I will be filling you in on what were highlights of last week and what to put in your diary for the week coming.

Thanks to St Patrick's Day Chamonix was a sea of green on Saturday, everyone really entered into the spirit of things with shamrocks painted on faces, giant hats and of course copius amounts of Guinness. I spent most of the night at Le Jekyll, where the authentic music was jig inspiring and the drinks promotions meant there was never a glass more than half empty. Later on in the night I headed into the town centre to La Terrasse, and it appeared that half of Ireland had come to Chamonix to celebrate, not that I am complaining though as they really know how to party. There was live music at La Terrasse, one of my favourites, The Juggernaut of Rock really livened things up playing a dynamic set and keeping everyone in high spirits. Like many others I am sure, I woke up on Sunday in a Guinness t-shirt with a giant hat on and a Irish twinge to my accent, and although I vowed not to drink Guinness for the rest of the year I also marked March the 17th in my diary so I can countdown to next years celebrations!

Last Sunday after a hectic week, and slightly deterred by both the rain and a hangover, I decided that I was against wasting an evening in but could not bring myself to get all dolled up for a night on the town. Thus I ended up at Comedy Night at Le Jekyll, a safe bet for a few good pints and some laughs. It was actually one of the best comedy nights I have seen yet, even with some rather bizarre and slightly annoying heckling coming from an anonymous source. As expected the evening was pretty much sold out, so for both those of you who are now regulars and those of you who are still virgins, make sure you book tickets early for the next session as I have high hopes for another brilliant night. Also worth putting in your diary's, Dj Pico has become a regular fixture at Le Jekyll, to experience some stunning funk and soul-all on vinyl- head to Le Jekyll on Thursday and you won't be disappointed.

Without further ado I will tell all about what a great day everyone had at the Boss des Bosses, as it has been the event on everyone's lips for the last week. The Boss des Bosses began in the winter of 1989/90 and the first event was won by Chamonix. Soon word spread and now the event includes teams from Val disere, Zermatt, Meribel, Val Thorens and Courcheval. The original organisers are still involved in the event helping to keep it alive and fresh. With ex-pros lining up to get in on the action, team Chamonix did us proud with second place behind Zermatt, and I like to think that was partly down to the massive support and enthusiasm shown by the spectators. For the 18th year running the Boss des Bosses took over Grands Montets, it was a sea of fluorescent one pieces and smiles, with the competitors greatly outnumbered by spectators out to enjoy the competition and then party like it was 1999. The races began late morning giving everyone plenty of time to dig out all the old school gear they could get their hands on, and stop off at Super U for as many beers as could be carried. There were DJ's at the base of the course supplying a soundtrack to the day and the atmosphere was a rather original mix of electricity and calm. Whilst watching the races people were on the edge of their seats, or more accurately deck chairs, however the intervals provided an opportunity to mingle, enjoy the surroundings and generally operate at a slower more relaxing pace than normal.

Monkey Bar, a hidden gem in Cham Sud, is working its way up my list of favourite haunts. At first inspection it appears to be a pretty low key bar with a pool table, and to be honest after a few good nights there at the beginning of the season my enthusiasm wore off as I was distracted by the bright lights of the town centre. However, I have been venturing back recently and am beginning to feel that not only did I massively underestimate the place, but also that I may have missed out on many a good night. It is no secret that I am a massive fan of Drum and Bass and so you can only imagine my excitement when I saw advertised for last Sunday (March 25th) Witz, Tru-Fix and 28 Grams, bringing some heavy and (my favourite!) dirty bass our way. I was there with bells on as up until now La Cantina has been my source of alternative music and so I have my fingers, and everything else, crossed in hope that this will prove to be a regular occurance.

I was half expecting the Boss des Bosses to finish people off for the week, but thanks to a strong cup of tea and a fry up I am now newly recovered and there are still a host of venues with rather tempting nights lined up, and I for one am now back in the party zone. For a change of scenery Le Vert this Sunday will be the place to be for a jazz lounge and funk session. As an added bonus a free shuttle service is provided every night, so no need to have a designated driver meaning everyone can enjoy the regular drinks promotions. For details of pick up times and locations visit the website

It is becoming part of my weekly routine now but Le Garage on Monday nights seems to be the place to hit the dance floor. As everyone in Chamonix knows we have no shortage of bars and pubs, but Le Garage has few rivals when it comes to somewhere to boogie till the early hours. A slightly cheesy underground French nightclub, you are guaranteed a mix of music, all of which however will get your feet tapping. Tonight will see live music from Sugar Shaker and of course Tuesday night is the ever popular Lingerie Show!! Plus, as some of you may of read in the papers recently Charlotte Church and a few other celebs have been spotted busting a few moves on the stage, so if it's good enough for them…..!!

I recently discovered MBC and have since not looked back. It's relaxed atmosphere and casual vibe make it a bit of a welcome anomaly, and I still find it a novelty that they brew their own beer and so have been frequently been spotted propping up the bar with a giraffe. Monday means half price chicken wings, so if you don't fancy French cuisine but rather some tasty nosh this is definitely the place to be, as every man and his dog seems to have figured out! MBC has more to offer though than just chicken wings and amazing beer, it is also a great music venue with some pretty cool dj's and bands frequently providing entertainment. Tonight, THE BRONKENSTINE JAZZ will be performing. I have seen these guys play a few times now at various locations in Chamonix, but I have to say that MBC seems to suit their informal style best, mainly due to the intimate set up.

Cantina club, one of the highlights of Chamonix's nightlife, continues to offer a feast of musical styles. Last night saw DJ DJIB performing an eclectic set combining HipHopElectroandDrum&Bass. whereas tonight, DJ SADAT will bring my dreams to life with another drum and bass night in Chamonix. I have yet to be disappointed by Cantina so am holding my breath for a fantastic night of really good music. I am always in denial as to the fact that every now and then I do enjoy a bit of what ever is in the chart, as it is guaranteed that you will know the words and the rhythm will make it impossible for even those with two left feet to not be able to keep in time while tearing up the dance floor………however my true musical love lies with UK HipHop and anything with a heavy and preferably dirty bass. This means that I will definitely be at Cantina tonight and I will be expecting great things.

That's about it for this weeks instalment, but as you all know by now, until next week keep your eyes on the What's On Calendar where I will keep you all up to date with where to party your nights away!