Embassy News & Events

04 February 2008
U.S. Embassy screens J'ai Ete au Bal (I Went To The Dance)

  View video of part of the performance (3 minutes)

J'ai Ete au Bal (I Went To The Dance).

Mardi Gras marched into the Embassy on February 4 when the Cultural Section hosted an evening of celebration of Cajun and Creole culture with a screening of Les Blank’s documentary, "J’ai été au bal."

Ambassador Tuttle introduced the evening. Following the film, Cultural Attaché Michael Macy moderated a discussion with two British musicians expert in Cajun and Zydeco music and a Louisianan steeped in those traditions.

At the conclusion of the evening, the musicians sang a few rousing tunes, much appreciated by the audience.
  View video of part of the performance (3 minutes)

Guests included representatives from the various diplomatic missions, academics, media, students, and community organizations.

Embassy London has been working on a number of projects with Canadian, Quebecois and French participants.

British Cajun band performers Chris Hall and Hazel Scott, and native Louisianan Aaron Cezar participate in a lively panel discussion after the film, moderated by Cultural Attaché Michael Macy.

Panelists chatted with audience members about the importance of Cajun and Creole music in the culture of the American South.

Chris Hall and Hazel Scott of the UK Cajun band "Swamp Music" do a special performance for the audience.

All images: U.S. Embassy London photo by Jennifer Harris

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