Finding a Voice in Nice

Nice, being a smaller city than Paris, with a smaller expatriate community, has an even more closely-knit one, too. This is one of the things I love so much about Nice. Since I’ve started coming here, our own group of clients and friends has grown to an amazing proportion. When I once thought I might be for wont of friends and things to do, that is no longer the case. In fact, my time in Nice is filled to the brim with activity and partying along with interesting work and a new world to explore, not to mention lots of visitors wanting a reprieve from Paris and elsewhere!

Last night, John Garland Jones, star of my most recent House Hunters International episode, had arranged to show our episode, “Finding a Voice in Nice, France” – Season 139, Episode 8, on the big-screen TV at the Snug and Cellar. It’s a local haunt where John croons on a regular basis and where part of the episode was taped, with many of our friends playing the role of audience.

The rain was coming down all day long yesterday, as it is today — not the usual Niçois weather we expect or tout to our friends, so we weren’t sure how many people might turn up. I was told that the Niçois are so pluviophobic (rain phobic), that they just stay inside when it does, rather than bear the pain of the rain. But, lots of those clients/friends came — several surprising us, including Todd Marshall and Jim Gross who taped an episode with me a few years ago in Villefranche-sur-Mer, “High Above the Côte d’Azur” – Season 97, Episode 11. Lisa Anselmo, who taped a show with me that aired in 2014, “Finding Happiness in Paris” – Season 68, Episode 2, arrived in Nice just a few hours before the event, not only to attend the showing, but for a singing gig she has this coming Thursday, April 25th with Larry King at SET in Le Vieux Cannet.

Musician and vocalist, Larry King, plays piano and sings his heart out (from Cole Porter to Michel Legrand) every Thursday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. there (163 rue Saint-Sauveur, Le Vieux Cannet, 06110). Lisa, a woman who has worn many hats, most recently as creative director, author, blogger, coach, etc., had a singing career before moving to Paris part-time. Larry invited her to sing at this one special occasion, so we’re coming along for the very enjoyable ride to hear them both.

(Entry is 5€ plus 10€ for elaborate hors d’oeuvres/tapas. Wine and beer, etc., are available at the bar at the usual prices.)

At the Snug and Cellar, once we all settled in with our drinks and “schmoozed” a bit, John and I said a few words, then showed the episode. It got a lot of laughs, as we expected, since John’s the king of one-liners. Then, before it was all over, he sang a couple of songs to entertain the troops. We all agreed he should pursue a career as a stand-up comic to go along with his singing! (He’s seriously funny.)

The back of the Snug and Cellar was a perfectly cozy spot to take refuge from the rain and commune with our Niçois friends. Today, with all more of the downpour, we are destined for a bit of shopping instead of our usual outdoor antics or promenades along the “Prom” (Promenade des Anglais)…

A la prochaine…(in Paris on Monday after a weekend in Provence)

Adrian Leeds
Editor of Parler Nice

(watching John sing at the Snug and Cellar, during the House Hunters International episode)

Respond to Adrian

P.S. Don’t forget this Sunday, April 28, House Hunters International re-airs “Paris by the Books” at 11pm ET and Monday April 29 2am ET. Set your DVRs now!