09/30/2025
July 06, 2025
After a delicious breakfast shared with the band at the hotel, TASSO gathered their instruments, energy, and excitement for a memorable day in Aix-en Provence a picturesque town known for its charming streets, elegant boutiques, and sunlit cafés. Once they arrived and stored their belongings, the musicians had some well earned free time to wander. Some ducked into local shops, others sipped iced drinks at sidewalk cafés, and a few simply strolled through the cobbled streets, soaking in the town’s relaxed Provençal vibe.
The group reunited for a classic French three course lunch, thoughtfully prepared to fuel everyone for the big performance ahead. The meal was both satisfying and leisurely perfectly French and gave everyone a chance to catch their breath before the afternoon unfolded.
Following lunch, the band enjoyed a bit more time to explore. Some circled back to a favourite shop, while others found small keepsakes or postcards to mark the day. But soon, it was time to get down to business. Aix-en Provence boasts a stunning main boulevard, wide and lined with tall plane trees, bustling with locals and tourists alike. At one end of the street lies an open square that, for one evening, became TASSO’s open air stage.
Dressed in their concert attire, the musicians sprang into action, working together to set up the steelpans under the late afternoon sun. To keep things light and relaxed, the group rotated through setup duties while enjoying an impromptu urban picnic on the square’s grassy edges. Even during sound check, curious onlookers began to gather drawn by the bright glint of the pans and the infectious rhythm of early notes. By the time early evening settled in, a sizeable crowd had formed.
The junior ensemble kicked off the concert with undeniable energy, delivering crowd-pleasers like Blurred Lines, Black Magic Woman, and a stirring rendition of Hallelujah. Their dynamic performance quickly won over the audience and set the bar high. Then came the senior musicians, who met the moment with confidence and flair, rolling through a vibrant setlist that had the square alive with movement. By the end of the night, people were dancing freely in the street and even formed a spontaneous conga line, winding joyfully through the crowd.
The infectious energy between the performers and the audience turned the performance into a true celebration. As the last notes echoed off the buildings and the applause faded, the band packed up swiftly and efficiently adrenaline still humming through their veins. But as soon as the pans were loaded into the truck and everyone boarded the bus, exhaustion finally caught up. The musicians fell asleep almost instantly, satisfied after a long, beautiful day of music, movement, and memory making in the South of France.
Contributor: Isabella , Tenor Virtuoso
Editor: Irene , Tenor Virtuoso
