A concert on the beach: Amadou and Mariam

Every summer, Santa Monica Pier hosts the Twilight Concert Series, where performers from all around the world come to play while the public enjoys the sounds either stage-front on the pier, or by setting up blankets and chairs on the beach below.

Mom and I pack big blankets, and a picnic complete with wine. It's always an enjoyable experience and a great way to relax with friends while people-watching at one of California's iconic settings.  We've brought several out-of-town guests here, and no matter the person, they always seem to enjoy the unique laid-back concert atmosphere. (I'm sure the fact that we keep refilling their wine glass doesn't hurt either!)

One time, they had my all-time favorite Italian artist Jovanotti and neither I, nor the groups of Italian tourists who were in town could believe our good luck at happening upon a free (yes, I forgot to mention it's also free) Jovanotti concert. (He's a big deal in Italy!)

Amadou and Mariam met at Mali's Institute for the Young Blind.  

They married in 1980 and began performing together shortly thereafter

This year my good fortune continued because this past Thursday, the Santa Monica stage-on-the-pier was graced by Amadou and Mariam. I've always been drawn to African music in general, but I am especially charmed by Amadou and Mariam's unique ability to blend traditional African and world instruments with the electric guitar. I also especially love the joyful sense that their songs convey and their soulful harmonies that so obviously say "We love each other so much!" even when singing in Bambara, a language from their native Mali that I don't understand.
 

  

This time, it was just Mom and I, but that didn't stop us from packing all of our usuals: fresh heirloom tomatoes with burrata and basil...

Herb de Provence Olives...

...garlic and black pepper rotisserie chicken, french baguette with a drizzle of our favorite olive oil "Frantoia"...

...goat cheese, fig spread, toasted walnuts and almonds.

Even though its a little heavier to carry, we always pack real glasses, plates, and utensils. It makes a big difference (as a nearby picnicker drinking wine out of a plastic cup confirmed to us) and it's nice to use the cloth napkins to protect them and then unwrap them like little gifts.


Some time ago, mom had the great idea to take one of the boards from a board game along to act as a level surface for glasses and bottles.  It's perfect because it's lightweight and folds up to a compact size. We use it so often, we keep it packed in the beach blanket bag so it's always ready to go. (Apparently, we picnic more often than we play Trivial Pursuit!)

As the sun went down, we lit candles and continued to sip our wine as we snacked on red grapes and oh-so-sweet summer peaches.

Many of their songs have a positive, upbeat feeling, and several groups of people got up and danced.  I've always liked the African drum sound, but I had a new appreciation for their drummer in particular after seeing him play live.  He sustained long drum solos that had everyone cheering and clapping.

One of my favorite songs, which unfortunately wasn't played on this occasion, is M'bifé, which means "I love you."  [Listen in player below] The song, from their album Dimanche à Bamako (Sunday in Bamako), is written in a combination of French and Bambara, but even if you speak neither, her voice and the gentle rhythm definitely convey a sense of love and affection. For those of you who are linguaphiles like me, you may be interested in the lyrics, so I'm including them and a rough idea of their meaning in English.  [If anyone speaks Bambara, I'd love help completing the translation, especially the areas marked with a "...." below!]

M'bifé
French/Bambara Mariam et Amadou, bonjour Ca va bien? Comment allez-vous? Comment allez-vous? Chéri né bifé Ka na ta ka né to Chéri né bifé Ka na ta ka né to Tjéni né bifé Tjéni na té fé Ka na né maloya Tjéni né bifé Serre-moi dans ta main Tjéni né bifé Embrasse-moi chéri Tjéni né bifé Tjéni né bifé Ka na ta ka né to Tjéni né bifé Jarabi M'bifé Serre-moi dans ta main Ka na ta ka né to Embrasse-moi chéri Cheri je t’aime Cherie né bifé	English Mariam and Amadou, good day Is it going well? How are you? How are you? Dear, I love you ... Dear, I love you … Truly, I love you Truly, … Do not betray me Truly, I love you Hold me tight in your hand Truly, I love you Kiss me, dear Truly, I love you Truly, I love you … Truly, I love you Passionately(?) I love you Hold me tight in your hand …. Kiss me dear. Dear, I love you Dear, I love you

From Los Angeles, Amadou, Mariam and band go to Wiesen, Austria on August 25, and from there, several other destinations in Europe.  Check out the Amadou and Mariam official website to see a full upcoming concert list, look at photos and watch videos. If you can't make it to one of their concerts, I also highly recommend their recorded music, in particular the album Dimanche à Bamako (La Realité, M'bifé and M'bife balafon are three of my favorite tracks) and Je Pense a Toi and Mon Amour, Ma Chérie from the album Sou Ni Tilé.  I've yet to really listen to their newest album, Folila, but it has gotten great reviews from critics and features a lot of international guest artists.

If you're in the Los Angeles area, the Twilight Concert Series runs every Thursday during the summer, with the last concert this year on September 6. 

For more information, including upcoming artists in the line-up, see the Twilight Concert Series official site.

                                       

the emporium (us)
Dimanche à Bamako (CD)  Dimanche à Bamako (MP3 Album) M'Bifé (MP3 Song)
Frantoia Olive Oil ~ Dalmatia Fig Spread
Frigoverre Glass Containers

the emporium (uk) 

Dimanche à Bamako (CD) Dimanche à Bamako (MP3 Album) M'Bifé (MP3 Song) 

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Dimanche à Bamako (CD)

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Dimanche à Bamako (CD)  Dimanche à Bamako (MP3 Album) M'Bifé (MP3 Song) 

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Dimanche à Bamako (CD)  Dimanche à Bamako (MP3 Album) M'Bifé (MP3 Song) 

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What we're working on (and listening to)...

Still shot from the official music video to Biagio Antonacci's Non Vivo Più Senza Te, filmed at the Torre di Lido Pizzo.

Hello all!  This is Alex, LeAnn's daughter.  She has mentioned me in her About me section and also wrote about how I met my love in a post for Valentine's Day 2011 called Serendipity España Style.  I've been behind the scenes at linen & lavender for awhile now and share many of my mom's interests: we both love to travel, and both have a special place in our hearts for Italy in particular.  Moving forward, I'll be jumping in and posting more myself directly and right now, we're working on some travel features of the special places we've found that really embody our "Spirit of place" philosophy.  To that extent, we're looking through our trip archives (ah! the memories) and also researching places for our new adventures. 

Instead of whistling while we work (I couldn't even if I wanted to) we're turning to music for inspiration.  We found it in Biagio Antonacci's Non vivo più senza te (listen in The Playlist below) from his new album Sapessi dire no.  In it, he talks about missing his past love and taking a trip to Salento, Italy to be a bit by himself and reflect.  Instead, he has a little fling, but assures us, it was just a moment of weakness and he still really can't live without his former love.  (Mm hm, sure, Biagio.)

Whether or not you like the story, the music itself is enough to get you up and dancing. If you're really inspired, you might even break into the traditional Pizzica dance mentioned in the song (that you didn't even know you knew.)

Enjoy! 

                                       

A little bit about the Salento region of Italy and its famous "pizzica" dance: 
Why Italians love Salento by Sue Clayton for The Guardian, Friday 20 August 2004

Buy the CD , Download the MP3 album or Download the MP3 song in the emporium.

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Neuf! Acheter le CD sur the emporium (fr) 
Comprare il CD su amazon.it (Italia)

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Buy the CD

If you won the latest give-away...

–a $100 gift card–

 to shop in

by linen &  lavender

What do you think you might select?

Maybe a Beta-Plus book with hundreds 

of ideas for creating your dream kitchen?

Compendium: KITCHENS

You could get that hefty book and still have enough left to get these charming glass jars.  I was wishing for more of these the other day to store my freshly-made pesto.

Italian Recycled Glass Jars

Hmm.  Or you could get several CD's with that amount 

—or download one hundred of your favorite songs!

Comme Si De Rien N'Etait

-or-

There's a panini press by All-Clad I've admired.  

All-Clad Panini Pan with Press

Or, -it's a little off the beaten path- 

but I've even included a few gourmet food items in the emporium.  

Oh, I know!  Here's a treat you can splurge on...Hazelnut Graham Crackers (organic. –no less.)  

Organic Hazelnut Graham Crackers

I've tried them with a lemon dessert cheese...H e a v e n l y!

A sparkling wine and you're all set for a summer evening with friends.

White Stilton with Lemon Peel

Of course, books are always a treat as far as I'm concerned.  There's a bevy of home and garden books in the emporium, but also a few books of poetry, philosophy, fiction...or how about a beautiful cookbook like this one?...

Country Cooking of France

-or- 

You'd even have enough for a 1 year subscription 

to the French edition of ELLE Decoration:

Elle Decoration - French Edition

Or you know what?...  

How about a book that will help you plan 

your next trip to Europe...

Maybe a trip to the Amalfi Coast this year?  

Great Escapes Italy

And if you are like me and would only want to be seen on Italy's shores looking toned and swimsuit-ready, you might want to throw in something like this...

Flow Yoga by Shiva Rea

Hmm.  So many things.  It's hard for me to choose.  I certainly wish the $100 gift card recipient the best of luck in making their selection(s).    It's not going to be easy!

Oh, you know what?  

I just remembered.  

I haven't even notified the winner yet!  

I guess I'll do that now.  

(Drum roll please)

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S 

goes to

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Marsha of Splenderosa!

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My thanks to Marsha and to each and every one of you who entered.  It was great fun receiving all your lovely comments and emails, –including some wonderful recipes I can't wait to try and share here on l&l.

Hugs!

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www.linenlavenderlife.com

L'Amoureuse

View:  Carla Bruni's LÁmoureuse music video

Enjoy!  ~

From the album: 

Comme Si De Rien N'Etait

linen & lavender

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www.linenlavenderlife.com