dozens of artists, bands and cultural organizations together for one night of performances, street parades and cultural exchanges. The newest edition of the event is being organized by the French embassy in Suriname, Alliance Française Suriname, HB Media and Bondru Entertainment Suriname. All of these organizations have put together a lively program in association with local catering services and hotels. The center of the festival is located in the Dr. J.F. Nassylaan, Swalmbergstraat and the Letitia Vriesdelaan where revelers will be given the opportunity to enjoy many music styles free of charge. The official opening will take place at Spice Quest at 6 p.m. After the official opening the musical spectacle will move to various locations including

Theater Thalia, Andjiro’s, Bar Bizar, Club Cosy and Bistro Le Quatorze La Terrasse. Thanks to the support of Lutchman & Co a bigger section of the street could be used to establish a central stage. ContactCare has made its building available as a backstage facility for artists and also will also provide the media a high Vantage point during the festivities. Fête de la Musique which was founded in France in 1982 is aimed at making music accessible to everybody. Over the years this music festival has evolved into a worldwide cultural phenomenon that brings together professional musicians and amateurs for shows at public locations. The brass band parade through the Dr. J.F. Nassylaan will be one of this year’s highlights. The parade will be opened by the Haitian brass band Rara Band that will visit Suriname thanks to the support of the Consulate General of Haiti. Champion Brass band, Legacy Brass band, Cassette Hearts, Ernst Flu, The Altered Ego, The Sunshine Rockers, DJ Marcel, DJ Burn, Futego, Gio S Telo, Muziekschool De Notenkrakers and various dance and cultural groups are scheduled to perform at the parade. This year’s theme is Mental Health which is why the focus will be on classical and harp music.

International artists from France, French Guiana and the Caribbean will perform at an introduction session that will be held at Alliance Française Suriname on the morning of June 20th. Raymond Gratien, Cécile de Rocca Serra, Édith Gasteiger, Claire Le Fur, Geber Fernandez and Manon Bémol will appear on stage at various locations. The festivities will be concluded at the Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral Basilica on Sunday, June 21st. Reports indicate that French composers namely Debussy, Ravel, Satie and Gossec will give a performance. Religious classical songs such as Ave Maria by Gounod and Schubert are also part of the program. The concert will be concluded with traditional music from the Antilles, French Guiana and Venezuela.

The organisers of the event also want to promote Paramaribo which is why additional activities will be organized in association with

the Suriname Hospitality and Tourism Association. A live sing-along session led by Jason Eduwaiti will take place at the Zikiri Bar of Courtyard by Marriott. A free event will also be organized at Rumors Bar & Grill of the Radisson Hotel. Auto rickshaws will be deployed so that revelers can move comfortably from one venue to the other. Police units and security guards from private firms will provide security during this event. Because of the festivities the Dr. J.F. Nassylaan and the Swalmbergstraat will be closed to traffic from 6 p.m. until 2 p.m. As always Fête de la Musique will be the biggest cultural event of the year in Paramaribo. The organization behind this event made it clear that the show must go on regardless of rain or moonshine.