SOMERS POINT - The city will host its fourth annual April in Paris celebration Wednesday, April 10 through Sunday, April 14 with French-themed activities taking place at various locations and times. A few post-April in Paris events will also take place throughout the month.
Wednesday, April 10:
April in Paris: An Evening of Spoken Words & Music
Greate Bay Country Club
The festivities kick off with April in Paris: An Evening of Spoken Words & Music hosted by the Somers Point Arts Commission at Greate Bay Country Club in the Bay Room (Le Café de la Baie) from 7-8:30 p.m.
The program will present French-themed poetry readings by regional poets, representing South Jersey Poets Collective, Beach Bards, A Tour of Poetry and Jersey Cape Writers. The featured poet for 2019 is Echezonachukwu Nduka, a Nigerian-born poet, classical pianist and musicologist who holds degrees in music from the University of Nigeria and Kingston University in London.
This event will also feature accordion solos of French tunes by Tony De Luca.
Adding to the décor is a mini art exhibit from the show currently on display at Greate Bay Gallery from April 3-20, Images by Trois Artistes (Three Artists): Michele Collins, Chuck Law, and Kathleen Arleth. A dessert buffet will be available from 6:15-7 p.m.
There is no charge for this event; donations to the Arts Commission are gratefully accepted. Reservations are highly recommended. Please email [email protected] for more details.
This event is made possible by funds from the Atlantic County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
Thursday, April 11:
French Café Dining
Gregory's Restaurant & Bar
Gregory's Restaurant & Bar, at 900 Shore Road in Somers Point, will be transformed into a French Café for two dinner seatings on Thursday, April 11 from 6-8:30 p.m. Gregory chefs will serve up tasty French-inspired dishes, and diners can enjoy the sounds of Andrea Carlson during each dinner seating. There will be an April in Paris prix fixe available for $40 per person (tax, gratuity, and beverages not included). For reservations, call 609-927-6665. For more information, visit www.aprilinparissp.weebly.com/french-cabaret.
Fridays, April 5, 12, 19, 26:
Conversational French Lessons
Gregory's Restaurant & Bar
Starting on Friday, April 5, lessons in conversational French phrases and questions will be offered at Gregory's Restaurant & Bar, 900 Shore Road, from 1-2 p.m. Shirley Shields, an associate professor of ESL, English & Modern Language, will provide the lessons on casual French conversation about food, shopping, numbers, accents, and more.
The lessons are free; a French-inspired lunch special with be available for purchase on Friday, April 12, and regular menu items will be available for purchase Friday, April 5, 19, and 26. Arrive by 12:15 p.m. if you plan to order lunch. To register, call 609-653-4991 or visit www.aprilinparissp.weebly.com/french-class-registration. For more information, visit www.aprilinparissp.weebly.com/learn-french.
Friday, April 12:
Images par Trois Artistes' Meet and Greet Reception
Great Bay Art Gallery
On Friday, April 12 is Images par Trois Artistes' from 5-7 p.m., presented by the Great Bay Gallery, 829 Bay Avenue, with an artist meet and greet and a complimentary wine-tasting sponsored by SJ Wine Friends. Enjoy original artwork of French-inspired subjects by Kathleen Arleth, Michelle Collins, and Chuck Law.
The exhibit itself begins Wednesday, April 3 and will continue through Saturday, April 20, Wednesdays through Sundays from noon 5 p.m. For more information, call 609-653-4991, email [email protected] or visit www.greatbayartgallery.com. For more information this event visit www.aprilinparissp.weebly.com/art-wine.
Gypsy Jazz with The Richard Sheppard Trio
Clancy's by the Bay
Wrapping up Friday, April 12 is Gypsy Jazz with The Richard Sheppard Trio at Clancy's by the Bay, 101 East Maryland Ave, from 7:30-9 p.m. Gypsy Jazz was very popular in Paris during the 1920's, 1930's, and 1940's and the music is rhythmic, vigorous, passionate and elegant. This ensemble is a super force of hot acoustic Gypsy-inspired music mixing Flamenco, Bebop and Jazz swing influences. This event is free to attend donations are appreciated. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. For more information, visit www.aprilinparissp.weebly.com/gypsy-jazz.
Saturday, April 13:
Allons-y! A Wine Tour of France
Passion Vines
Take a tour of France with Allons-y! A Wine Tour of France at 2 p.m. at Passion Vines, 265 New Road. There will be a variety of wines to choose from that all come from small, traditional winemakers.
A wine expert will help you uncover the ancient wine-making traditions of France, as you enjoy six delicious wines. There will be a $25 admission fee that is due prior to the event along with your advanced reservation. Limited seating is available. Call 888-601-VINE (8463) to reserve your seat or book online at www.passionvines.com/events.
Somers Point Library
Movie Showing-Rattatouille'
Also on Saturday, April 13 is a showing of Disney's Rattatouille (G) as a free family film event at the Somers Point Library, 801 Shore Road, at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.aprilinparissp.weebly.com/library-events.
Fete en Blanc, Somers Point
Location To Be Announced
Continuing the day-long events is the Fete en Blanc, Somers Point'.
A concept that first began in Paris in 1988, Fete en Blanc (White Dinner) has become a worldwide event, spanning six continents, in which people flash-gather in a public area and set up a temporary, chic dining event.
Diners are asked to come dressed in white and are required to provide their own food, tables, chairs and tablecloths. Wine is available for purchase.
As part of the fun, the location will be revealed the morning of Saturday, April 13. Participants must be 21 years of age or older, and reservations are required on a first come, first served basis. Registration is now closed; however to be placed on the wait list for the event, visit www.aprilinparissp.weebly.com/fecircte-en-blanc.
Sunday, April 14:
French Toast Competition
Clancy's By the Bay
Sunday, April 14 events kick off at 11 a.m. at Clancy's By the Bay, 101 East Maryland Avenue, with a French Toast Competition. Participating Somers Point restaurants will compete for the title of Best French Toast in Somers Point.
An award will be given for the best French toast as selected by a panel of judges. A second award will go to the People's Choice for best French toast, as voted on by the attending general public. This event is free to attend. Donations are appreciated. For more information, visit www.aprilinparissp.weebly.com/french-toast-competition.
French-Inspired Lunch and Movie
Gregory's Restaurant & Bar
Also on Sunday, April 14, Gregory's Restaurant, 900 Shore Road, will host a lunch featuring French-inspired menu options, followed by a showing of the French film Le Intouchables (R), in French with English subtitles, at 2 p.m.
Thursday, April 18:
Third Thursday Book Club: The Little Paris Bookshop
Somers Point Library
The Somers Point Library, 801 Shore Road, will host its Third Thursday Book Club: The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George on Thursday, April 18 at 6:30 p.m. Please note, informal group readers may attend just for this book. For more information, visit www.aprilinparissp.weebly.com/library-events.
Sponsors for this year's April in Paris include: AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City of Somers Point and the Economic Development Advisory Commission, Fedway Associates, Gregory's Restaurant & Bar, Quality Concepts, Inc., Republic Bank, Somers Point Arts Commission, Somers Point Business Association, Somers Point Bayfest Committee, Somers Point Restaurant Association, South Jersey Jazz Society, South Jersey Wine Friends, and The Somers Point Unique Experiences Club. Additional thanks to: Jim Tuohy, Mainland Regional High School French Club, Passion Vines, Shore Local, Shore True Value, Somers Point Library, Studio 53, and Walt & Lois Gregory.
For more information on April in Paris visit www.aprilinparissp.weebly.com
