The International Bar
  • 18
  • Feb
  • 2010

Not like in the fifties where the Jazz scene was very vibrant in Paris, the live music scene in Paris is not a big hit.

Close to Rue Oberkampf, in the heart of the 11th arrondisment, The International Bar is something of a revelation for the local Parisian live music scene. It hosts two bands a night, every night of the week, completely free of charge with relatively cheap drinks and a laid back atmosphere. The music runs the gamut from rock, electro, folk, pop and world.

The crowd is as eclectic as the music styles but is becoming increasingly popular with young dressed down hipsters, students and ex-pats. Most come for the 4 euro pints at happy hour (finishing at 9pm) and stay on for the free live music. The bar stays open until 2am during the week and until 4am on the weekends. After the bands finish, DJ’s play an eclectic mix of everything from Prince to Joy Division to Lauren Hill.
The space accommodates two separate bars each with their own ambiance. The ground floor bar is warmly lit with rough concrete flooring and simple furnishings. Stencil art and posters hang on the walls along with video projections and abstract sculptures lending it the feel of a messy artist’s studio or co-location. The downstairs bar is a 200+ capacity band room with a low ceiling and the ubiquitous sticky carpets and dark corners that typifies rock’n'roll.
The drink selection includes cocktails and tap beers as well as a couple of decent wines. For snacks, the upstairs bar also does a nice trade in hotdogs and will serve up free popcorn and chips/crisps during happy hour.

From Champs-Elysee to Montmartre there is no shortage of expensive clubs and bars with DJ’s spinning the latest dance music for an increasingly bovine audience but if you feel more in the mood to enjoy a beer, catch up with friends and see a local French band then head down to The International Bar.

Out of the text by Joel Ma

The International Bar,5/7 Rue Moret,75011, Paris, M°: Menilmentant, Parmentier, Rue St Maur

New “boîte de nuit” (nightclub)
  • 27
  • Dec
  • 2009

It’s seems unbelievable but there is still life on the Left Bank. A new glam rock night club did open next to Cafe de Flore –  named La Montana.

It’s a mini-place, dark and cool gives us a biology lesson, lights in forms of skulls, black and white graphics of bones and animals on the walls, in a vaulted basement and very cosy.

The music programmation is perfect : rock, electro, pushy.

The only minor point is that this place became a favorite of “the people” which makes the entrance not so easy, unless you look gorgeous.

La Montana, 28, Rue Saint-Benoît, 75006 Paris, tel 01 44 39 71 00

La Clique at Bobino
  • 20
  • Dec
  • 2009

If you’re in for a very special night out at the theatre, you need to check out La Clique at Bobino. They are playing until the 31th of January, and have even a special on New Year’s Eve.

A theatrical phenomenon, a unique and inspirational night of live entertainment , an inspired melange of cabaret, new burlesque, circus and contemporary art.

Bobino, 14-20 Rue de la Gaîté, 75014 Paris, tel 01 43 27 24 24 Métro : Gaîté (ligne 13) ou Edgar Quinet (Ligne 6)

Miles Davis
  • 20
  • Nov
  • 2009

The legendary