Melodies of Liberation: Jazz Ball for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day
Maison Française - Villa Albertine
4101 Reservoir Road
Washington, D.C., 20007
Thursday, June 6 | 6:30 - 10pm EDT
Celebrate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day and the Liberation of France with an old-timey Jazz Ball.
Get ready to swing dance the night away at the Embassy of France at a jazz ball honoring the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the liberation of Paris, and the eventual victory in WWII.
Starting at 7:00pm, the evening will begin with a dynamic reenactment of the Normandy landings, with the help of talented actors and the Smithsonian Institute.
At 8:00pm, a jazz ball, reminiscent of ones held in French villages, will follow, accompanied by music from D.C.-based band Veronneau, feat. award-winning vocalist Lynn Veronneau, guitarist Ken Avis, and guitarist Michael Joseph Harris of Baltimore’s Hot Club.
Over the course of the evening, you’ll hear tunes made for American swing, French classics, and “jazz manouche,” along with wartime and post-war songs.
Don’t know how to dance? Don’t worry! Professional swing dancers in period costumes will be hopping and jiving their way through the ballroom–just follow their lead!
Lastly, during the intermission, documentary filmmaker and Smithsonian lecturer Paul Glenshaw will speak about the history of jazz in France and how it has flourished in the country for over 100 years.
A ticket to the event comes with a welcome glass of champagne. A cash bar will be on-site and food selections curated by Embassy Chef Daniel Labonne will be available for purchase.
We would like to thank the following companies for their support:
In partnership with
La Maison Française
Unique among French diplomatic missions, La Maison Française at the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C., offers an environment that encourages friendly relations between states, promotes outreach and cultural events, and serves as a center for professional and educational activities.