Virtual Fete de la Musique

With the City of Laguna Beach officially canceling all summer events to comply with the mandated stay-at-home orders and social distancing due to COVID-19, the Laguna Beach Sister Cities Association (LBSCA) will be live global streaming the 2020 Laguna Beach Virtual Fête de la Musique on Saturday, June 20 from 12-6 p.m., beginning with a streaming Retrospective of Fête History. Presented by LBSCA, it is in collaboration with Rick Conkey and the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center (LBCAC) at 235 Forest Ave. (2nd floor). To view the live stream, visit www.LBCulturalArtsCenter.org/TV.

Rick Conkey will be the MC, and introduce each performer. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the only onsite audience at the LBCAC will be people involved with the performances; it is not open to the general public.

“The Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center (LBCAC) is honored to play an important local role in maintaining this meaningful worldwide tradition,” said Rick Conkey, founder and director of LBCAC. “During these challenging times, the Fête de la Musique provides vital nourishment for our souls, through an inspiring display of Art, Music and Culture. At this period in history, I can’t think of a more worthy event to support.”

Performance Schedule (subject to change): 12-1 p.m. - Introduction to the Fête, with video highlights from past Fêtes in Laguna Beach. 1-1:15 p.m. - Opening Ceremony on front stage. U.S. national anthem sung by Jaszy Lady (Judi Simon), who has performed at Fête the last two years; French national anthem sung by April Walsh (a veteran at Fête for seven+ years); Welcoming Speeches by Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen, Sergio Prince, representing Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett’s office and Karyn Philippsen, Laguna Beach Sister Cities Association. 1:15-1:50 p.m. on rear stage. April Walsh, chanteuse. 1:50-2:30 p.m. on front stage. Sir Henry on sax, with Jaszy Lady on vocals. 2:30-3:10 p.m. on rear stage. Rick Weber (Laguna Tenor), opera singer (who has performed at Fête the last three years). 3:10-3:50 p.m. on front stage. Lenelle Hamil, singer/songwriter/guitarist (another Fête veteran for seven+ years). 3:50-4:30 p.m. on rear stage. Sandro & Tamara Eristavi, French and international songs (second year performing at Fête). 4:30-5:15 p.m. on front stage. Bierman Brothers (formerly The Flannels), electric guitar performers (this is the second year these twin brothers are appearing at Fête). 5:30-6:15 p.m. on front stage. James Clay Garrison Band, rock music with electric guitar (first time appearing at Fête).

“Since announcing the official cancellation of the 13th Annual Fête de la Musique, the LBSCA board and Fête Committee have been searching for the ideal substitute experience,” said Karyn Philippsen, LBSCA founding president and Fête de la Musique co-chair. “The opportunity to utilize social media for the DIY@Home version, and collaborate with the Laguna Beach Cultural Arts Center offers the joy and spirit of the award-winning Fête de la Musique in Laguna Beach on World Music Day.”

Everyone is encouraged to share in the Fête de la Musique by bringing music to your own neighborhood on Saturday, June 20 at 1 p.m. with musical performances outdoors or livestreaming them on social media.

Fête de la Musique plans on returning to the streets of Laguna Beach on Saturday, June 19, 2021, so mark your calendar.

Originating in France in the 1980s, the Fête de la Musique, also known as the International Day of Music, celebrates the beginning of summer and the close affiliation Laguna Beach has with its sister city, Menton, France.

To view photos and videos from past Fêtes, visit www.lagunabeachsistercities.com/fetedelamusique.

Laguna Beach Sister Cities Association has three sister cities: Menton, France; San Jose del Cabo, Mexico; and St. Ives, England. Since its inception, Laguna Beach Sister Cities, established in 2008, has been focused on cultural, educational and social exchanges. It is a broad-based, Laguna Beach City Council approved, all volunteer, non-profit organization. Federal Tax ID # 80-0188779. It is a membership-based organization, with renewals taking place in June. For more information on membership and how you can support the organization, visit www.lagunabeachsistercities.com and view their Facebook page.