Cannetastic! Gary Calamar Reports from Midem

DJ Gary Calamar reports back from the Midem Festival in France:

GC here in Cannes for the Midem Festival, where music business representatives from around the world meet. I am doing a listening session with my friends from Zync Music about music for film and TV.

Highlights include a beautiful tribute dinner and concert in honor of the groundbreaking African singer Miriam Makeba, often referred to as Mama Afrika, featuring a very moving performance by Angelique Kidjo. I also had breakfast with Marshall Chess, from the legendary Chess Records, who, after a couple of double cappuccinos, told me some wild stories about Muddy Waters and the Rolling Stones. (I can’t share them all here)

We snuck away from the conference and caught the new film about French music superstar Serge Gainsbourg entitled “Serge Gainsbourg (Vie Héroïque).” Unfortunately, I don’t speak French, so I didn’t get it all. BUT his music and swinging 60’s love affairs with Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin transcend language. There were some nice scenes with Serge and Jane’s daughter, Charlotte Gainsbourg, who performed on KCRW this morning. I’m looking forward to the film being released in the US ….with subtitles.

Today, my wife Alice and I are taking a train to Monaco to play James Bond and Pussy Galore. Back home this weekend for the Grammys (fingers crossed for “True Blood” soundtrack) and the KCRW fund drive!

Au Revoir

Gary Z. Calamar

GO MUSIC