This Festival du Peu is not just another festival in the summer program but rather an addition of ‘Peu’ (a little). A little madness sprung from the mind of the artist Jean Mas, born in Nice, who remembered the resonance of “Peu” when one learned to write the letter P. A little persuasion from Jean-Marie Audoli, the mayor, toward his municipal council, who feared a significant financial impact, and toward partners surprised by this cultural approach. A little social connection that now touches the 700 souls of this heritage and artistic nest to be discovered without fail. A little enthusiasm – that catches each person bold enough to make the trip to Bonson like the enthusiasm that touched me when meeting Christine, Hervé, and Pascal, the three key figures – aside from those already mentioned – of this Festival du Peu. Every year, they add a little something.
After the first edition crowned by an exhibition at the Mamac of Nice with hundreds of “Peu” created by the population, there was a little photography, then a little outsider art, followed by a little nature that preceded a little memory, here comes a little air! An exclamation everyone will take to heart in their respective realm, which is sure to bring surprises and consequences… Did you know that following various editions, first a writing workshop was created, then an oral storytelling session by locals on the village square, and to continue, an oenology workshop set up by Pierre Salles, the CEO of Vignerons de l’Ile de Beauté, one of the festival’s sponsors? There’s even a special “Festival du Peu” vintage you can drink during the different meals or purchase in a box of three bottles with the official festival label.
This year’s program includes a bit of contemporary art and a bit of everything with free access featuring some artistic performances, conferences, short films, concerts, shows, and banquets. Not forgetting a bit of a collection with the “ready to post Festival du Peu” envelopes offered by La Poste with the day’s postmark. A little air in Bonson can’t hurt, just a bit of good… Before the closing on Sunday, July 27th, with the Bal de Mattei, Florent being his first name, who will make us rediscover in a somewhat surprising form the pieces that used to make all generations sing and dance in his native village in Corsica.
You won’t want to miss this dive into the swing era of the 20s-40s with The Boogiemen, originating from Nice and its surroundings, created less than 10 years ago in Canada. They are above all a street jazz band that we met at the Nice Jazz Festival during the opening day on the Matisse stage.
A killer look matched with the same type of “vibe” that is sure to sweep Bonson and its visitors with joy tonight at the Place du Festin. Enough to keep us waiting a bit for their new album scheduled for this winter.
Myspace of the band
