We were familiar with the magazine “Made in Riviera,” and now it’s launching festive and musical evenings to celebrate its first anniversary. The program includes bands, comedians, and local artists for a night marked by free admission, with an invitation required that can be obtained from Made in Riviera or the artists.
Nice Premium, a partner of this inaugural Made in Riviera Party, met with Patrick Milono, Director of Made in Riviera and its events, to learn more about these activities and his future projects.
Sometimes in life, you come across good people, and Patrick is undoubtedly one of them…
Nice Premium: Patrick, explain to us in detail this Made in Riviera Party, the first of its kind?
Patrick Milono: On the occasion of the 1st anniversary of Made In Riviera magazine, we wanted to create a mini event where we would invite, besides our clients and partners, a few artists from Nice whom we feel connected to. Then, faced with the multitude of these artists, all these bands or comedians we meet in interviews, we shifted from a small gathering to a mini-festival format to allow them to perform in a magical venue in front of a large audience, since the specificity of the event is free admission, with invitations to be obtained from partners and artists. For us, besides the quality of the program, this ensures a great popular celebration.
NP: What’s going to happen in these new Riviera evenings?
PM: Each evening will start with a fashion show highlighting passionate Nice designers. Next will be a comedian or impersonator, featuring this year Laurent Barat, Thibaud Choplin, and Stéphanie Paréja as headliners. Laurent “thrills” all the venues he performs in, being the spiritual son of Noëlle Perna. As for Thibaud, his impressions of Johnny or Aznavour, to name a few, are extraordinary. And what about Stéphanie! The former Radio Monaco host offers a biting show and a thoughtful look at life. All three draw full houses with endless standing ovations proving their immense talent. Laughter will be plentiful with these three performers! Then comes the music with the “young shoots” platform, showcasing four young bands, all from the Nice conservatory, with the youngest member being barely 15 years old! This contest is a breath of fresh, innovative air, as most of them have hardly ever played in front of such a large audience. To reward them and help them overcome stage fright, we’ll offer the winners three days with Morgane Manzi of Iceberg Studios to prepare a professional demo. The jury will also award a “favorite” prize allowing the recipient to perform one evening at the Jazz Comedy Club in Nice. Finally, the highlight of each evening features singers or bands already known, either through albums or EPs, awards from the most prestigious Riviera festival platforms (Crazy Week, Nuits du Sud), or prestigious opening acts. I am particularly thinking of the Kitchies and the Last Leeway who will open for Skip The Use and ShaKa Ponk, respectively, in July at the Théâtre de Verdure. As for Les P’tits Gars Laids, no less than 5,000 festival-goers will come to applaud them on July 12 during the inaugural evening of the Nuits du Sud Festival in Vence.
NP: Opera Beach is a mythical party venue in Nice. Why this choice?
PM: Choosing Opera Beach was a no-brainer for us, for several reasons: Firstly, the memories of our youth and the unforgettable parties that took place there, its unique location at the foot of the castle hill, and the beauty of the site, but also, and most importantly, the trust we’ve built over the years with Chantal and Michel Maiffret. More than advertisers in the Made In Riviera magazine, we consider them true friends, and their professionalism is a guarantee of security for us. Their valuable advice and kindness are assets to successfully undertake this first event.
NP: Also, there are beautiful local talents like A.Jam, The Kitchies, and Les P’Tits Gars Laids. Was it important for you to highlight the local scene?
PM: Absolutely, and there’s no need to look far and wide for talent. Nice is a breeding ground for artists, some of whom have made it nationally. I think particularly of Stéphane Brunello, who will perform on the open stage at the Spring of Bourges on April 28. The Kitchies, Last Leeway, Les P’tits Gars Laids, but let’s not forget others, like Ma Saïsara, touring throughout France, Tapenga featuring in the most prestigious festivals, or Jus D’orange rocking the regional scenes with its energetic rock. You mentioned A.jam competing in the “young shoots” contest; they will face off against Ninety Stories Company, Rufus & Anathole, and Clara Doriane. These “kids” are extraordinary, we adore them. The next generation is ready!
NP: Party 1? Will there be more editions to follow?
PM: The concept of the Made In Riviera Party is a chance to celebrate the magazine’s anniversary as summer approaches. New editions and events will follow over the years and seasons. To achieve this, we have already established collaborations with key players close to the department and are already considering different formats, with “pre-programmed” artists or those we’re in advanced discussions with.
NP: Finally, are there other projects in your pipeline?
PM: We are first and foremost press publishers, and the Made In Riviera magazine is our core business. However, we still have a few projects in the works that we will roll out in due course, without any hasty moves. A media or platform must be in tune with its environment and contribute, even modestly, to building the edifice.
