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| Saint George with Ana and Michelle Jones |
Today, April 23 is Saint George's Day and The Jones are celebrating one of the most beautiful days of the year.
For all of them, Saint George is a symbol of books and roses and they have decided to visit all these places in Paris which have some relation with this historic figure half history, half legend.
For all of them, Saint George is a symbol of books and roses and they have decided to visit all these places in Paris which have some relation with this historic figure half history, half legend.
This morning, the Grandma is reading some old posts from her own blog which talk about Saint George and his legend. She adores his character and the meaning of the rose as a symbol of transmission of culture. The family has bought some books thinking in two special authors who died in a day like today in 1616: William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes and they have visited La Place Saint-Georges and the Latin Quartier, where they have read some fragments of these classical works.
After this reading in common, The Jones have visited the Saint-George-de-la-Villette Church in Paris where they have offered their respects to this patron, symbol of resistance and migrations.
More information: French Moments
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| The Jones are visiting La Place Saint-Georges |
This afternoon, The Jones are going to visit the Olympia, another symbol of culture and resistance of the French city.
Olympia a music hall located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. Co-Founded in 1888, by Catalan Josep Oller and French Charles Zidler, the co-creators of the Moulin Rouge, today easily recognizable by its giant red glowing letters announcing its name.
It opened in 1889 as the Montagnes Russes but was renamed the Olympia in 1893. Besides musicians, the Olympia played host to a variety of entertainment including circuses, ballets, and operettas.
However, following a steady decline in appearances by the great stars, from 1929 until 1944 it served as a movie theater. It may have opened as a music hall under the German occupation of France during World War II, but certainly in 1945 after the Liberation, it was a music hall free to Allied troops in uniform.
More information: Olympia
Attendees had to listen to the playing of four national anthems before the varied programs that always ended with a spirited can-can performed by dancers, some of whom were no longer young.
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| The Grandma, Bonet, Montllor & Soler, 1975 |
Thereafter, at times it may have reverted to movies again until Bruno Coquatrix revived it as a music hall with a grand re-opening in February 1954. After his death, it ultimately went into another decline and was in danger of being torn down and turned into a parking lot but on 7 January 1993, France's then Minister of Culture, Jack Lang issued a preservation order for the Olympia that resulted in two years of construction work to rebuild a perfect replica of the façade and the grandeur of its famous red interior.
Édith Piaf achieved great acclaim at the Olympia giving several series of recitals from January 1955 until October 1962.
Dalida is the biggest solo icon that has performed there. The Olympia was like her second home. Her first performance in Olympia was in early 1956 at auditions held by Eddie Barclay and Bruno Coquatrix. It was then when she was discovered and chosen to sign contract. Same year she would support Charles Aznavour for his concert.
More information: Pinterest
Also, before going to America, the Beatles performed eighteen days of concerts at the Olympia Theatre, playing two and sometimes three shows a day. Jacques Brel's 1961 and 1964 concerts at L'Olympia are legendary. Marlene Dietrich's 1962 Olympia concert was broadcast.
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| Sofia Bean-Jones with Saint George and friends |
Inaugurated by the biggest star in France at the time, singer/dancer La Goulue, the venue has showcased a wide variety of performers, including French acts such as Dalida, Édith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Adamo, Jacques Brel, Yves Montand, Johnny Hallyday, Mireille Mathieu, Barbara, Charles Trenet and many others.
International stars have included Billie Holiday, The Beatles, David Bowie, Judy Garland, Ovidi Montllor, Jimi Hendrix, Paco Ibáñez, Björk, Lluís Llach, Amália Rodrigues, Josephine Baker, Maria del Mar Bonet, Céline Dion, The Pogues, among many others.
Finally, The Grandma has received a beautiful present from Sofia Bean-Jones, a wonderful dragon which represents creativity and friendship. Thanks a lot, little Sofia, this following activities and video are dedicated to you.
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
William Shakespeare
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