Programs and Events 2010
Reception for the Chicago Blues Musicians
February 4, 2010
The Ambassador hosted a reception at his Residence in honor of a unique Franco-American musical success story after its representatives returned from the Grammy Award ceremony in Los Angeles January 31, including Chicago Blues musicians Lurrie Bell and Mathew Skoller who performed selected songs. The National Academy of Recordings Arts and Sciences in the U.S. had nominated the town of Aulnay-sous-Bois for co-producing and co-financing the CD ‘Chicago Blues: A Living History’, featuring famous blues musicians like Billy Boyd Arnold, Billy Branch, Lurrie Bell and John Primer. This co-production allowed the French suburban community of Aulnay-sous-Bois to move beyond the social riots of 2005 and create a positive public image for its diverse community. Around 130 guests attended, including the French Minister of Finance who formerly resided in Chicago, Mayor of Aulnay-sous-Bois and other local officials, US co-producer Larry Skoller, organizers of the Aulnay All Blues festival, African Regional Services contacts, new media and members of the Chicago-Paris committee. This success story was widely covered by the French and US media.
Photos US Embassy
Ambassador Rivkin, Ms. Susan Tolson, Mayor of Aulnay-sous-bois Gérard Ségura and co-producer Larry Skoller
Minister Christine Lagarde and Chicago Blues producer Larry Skoller
Chicago Blues musician Lurrie Bell with Paris-Chicago Committee President Renée Johnson
Mayor of Aulnay-sous-Bois Gérard Segura, Deputy Mayor Mohamed Beljoudi, Cultural Attaché Lora Berg and Paris-Chicago Committee President Renée Johnson
Ambassador Rivkin with Kommando Toxik rappers from Villiers-le-Bel