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This new production with the theme “Keep Swinging” is based on a double anniversary: the 18th
year of this Autumnal Festival and the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Th Autumnal Festival in the Creuse of Jazz à La Sout is now more than a local festival it is a
cultural event eagerly anticipated and appreciated well beyond our area. “Jazz for all and
everywhere” is the motto of the organisers. Ten communities who have already run such events
host gatherings during which you will experience music that can be happy, boisterous, moving and
sometimes nostalgic.
The association Musique(s) en Marche through the quality of its planning, its know-how and the
motivation of its volunteers have once again organised imaginative concerts using the rhythms of
Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Maxine Sullivan and many more.
Worth noting this year is the bonus of the participation of the Jazz Ensemble of the Conservatoire
of Gueret in this cultural event.
I would like to thank the organisers and the volunteers without whom this festival, so well known
today, would not have been able to get off the ground.
The Department of the Creuse supports and welcomes this festival, and I hope you all will have
many memorable moments to enjoy and share.
Valerie Simonet, President of the Council of the Department of the Creuse
In 1945, a newly liberated France was breaking into In the mood or else the American Patrol of the
celebrated trombonist and conductor Glenn Miller. After five horrific years, swing, the symbol of
liberty, of celebration and happiness bewitched the clubs in Saint-Germain-des-Pres (Paris). This
year being the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we wanted to honour several
of the big names who had popularised this type of music such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie,
Benny Goodman, Jimmie Lunceford, Boris Vian, Django Reinhardt, etc.
Still today, this musical style has incredible popularity with all ages, not least during the last 20
years with some young dancers who have chosen to bring back to the front of the stage the famous
“Lindy Hop” born in the 20’s. Through fifteen concerts, a master class, two exhibitions and three
films, our region is going to swing for nearly a month while welcoming at least a 110 artistes
celebrated regionally, nationally and in some cases internationally.
“Swing is not a melody
Swing is not a sickness
But as soon as it pleases you
It grips you and never lets you go !”
…so said Johnny Hess in his song. How about you ? Without wanting to foretell the answer, we have
a pretty good idea…
Enjoy the festival one and all… and Keep Swinging !
Thierry Bourguignon, Artistic Director
“May the Swing land ! The music of freedom, Jazz will forever be the music of the liberation…”
so said Cabu. This quotation has a very particular echo this year 2015 – the 70th anniversary of the
end of the Second World War and the death of the author. Cabu passionately loved jazz and
sketched in his notebooks swing, the musicians and festivals with humour and poetry. The
programme of this 18th edition of the Autumn Festival of Jazz a La Sout that has been arranged for
you by Musique(s) en Marche pays homage to this period and the recovered liberty.
To take jazz into the heart of the countryside via concerts and using local facilities to make the
Autumn Festival of Jazz a La Sout a FESTIVAL FOR ALL, is a fundamental basis of our project.
Added to that is also to participate, to contribute and, with the running of the festival and other
actions led by Musique(s) en Marche through the year to guide and help the young and people with
difficulties, to widen culture for the common good so that it is accessible to all and allows
everyone to find the means to personally blossom and find their own self.
In its 18 years of existence this “little” rural festival has become a major cultural event, not only
in our region but in the world of jazz where it is renown for its programme content, its efficient
organisation and the warmth of its welcome.
This festival is not simply an imaginative formula to animate from time to time our lives, be they
rural. It’s a state of mind made from the rich musical experiences, the convivial get-togethers
shared by the artistes and the public (who continue to increase), that makes one want to look at
our area differently and consider the countryside as an entity that can be changed into a resource.
Jazz a La Sout is ready, with the support of long term partners well versed in constructive
collaborations, with its public, its professionals and its volunteers to rise to new challenges and
engage in new adventures both artistic and warm.
May you all have a wonderful festival.
Françoise Philbet, President of Jazz a La Sout, 1st Vice–president of Musique(s) en Marche
Thursday 22th October > Friday 6th November
Azérables / Chambon sur Voueize
Photos exhibition
“A jazz tune” (Act 4)
The autumn festival has got a growing interest in photography for years now, as photographers,
from PhotoLim 87, Creusographie and since 2014 from the DIMAC Photo Club, have followed all the
shows, casting a different eye on the artists during concerts. Out of the thousand pictures taken by
these amateurish but passionate photographers during the last edition, about forty photos have
been selected and will be presented to you at this exhibition.
All the days / 10 to 17h
Azérables / Hall of the EHPAD Le Monastère
and Chambon-sur-Voueize / Galery of EHPAD Le Chant des Rivières
Free admission within the limits of available places
As part of the device Music and Health, funded by the Regional Direction of Cultural Affairs , the Regional Health
Agency and the Limousin Region
Preview with
Jazz band from Emile Goué Academy (Gueret 23)
Animated by Jean-François Prin, the department Academy jazz band allows the interested pupils to
discover the specificities of this aesthetics through a collective practise. Thus, being on stage, in
the usual conditions of a concert, fully participates to the teaching. And it's a real pleasure to
welcome them to our Festival.
Wednesday 21th October / 19:30
Chambon sur Voueize / Hall of the EHPAD Le Chant des Rivières
Thursday 22th October > Friday 6th November
Noth
“Colle, collage, Coll' Jazz”
Claude Laroudie's work has already been presented on the Festival. With this new exhibition, the
artist innovates and presents a series of portraits of famous jazz musicians, using his well-known
technique, painting, completed with collages of heterogeneous objects that make his work richer
and give volume and originality to his creations.
All the days / 10 to 17h
Noth / Hall of CRRF André Lalande
Free admission within the limits of available places
As part of the device Music and Health, funded by the Regional Direction of Cultural Affairs , the Regional Health
Agency and the Limousin Region
Preview with
Woody Wood Swing Gum
(Gueret 23)
As swing lovers, the Woody Wood Swing Gum musicians will offer middle jazz, New Orleans or jazzy
standards. In other words, a friendly music, played with enthusiasm, to listen and to share.
Thursday 22th October / 17:00
Noth / Hall of CRRF André Lalande
Wednesday 14th October
La Souterraine
Les Bisons ravis
(Lyon 69)
“En aVian la zizique”
The unforgettable writer-trumpet player-engineer-jazzologist Boris Vian has deeply left his mark
on the after-war French jazz universe. The Bisons Ravis Company (search for the anagram!) invites
you to (re)discover the hits but also the less known songs of this all-out creator, in styles as
different as jazz, java, waltz, tango or blues...
In a bright and exhilarating staging with clownish accents, this show will lead you towards Vian's
traces in turn, engaged, poet, agitator or inventor...A real cocktail of vitamins!
Isabelle Canosi (vocal, piano, violon), Laurent Secco (vocal, guitar), et Amandine Roques (vocal, string bass)
Free admission within the limits of available places
In partnership with the Cultural Centre Yves Furet - Community Stage sostranien Country of Municipalities and the
City of La Souterraine
Wednesday 14th October
Saint-Vaury
The Swingberries
(Paris 75)
The Swingberries have made audacious choices, offering a true musical signature through an
original band (trumpet, clarinet, guitar, piano) and a subtle repertoire, the whole thing served by
a total complicity between the members. For you, an aerial swing made of a mixture of jazz from
the 1920s and arrangements of the so-called “classical” music, livened up with some personal
compositions.
“This repertoire is wonderful! How delicate the writing of the compositions is! How precise the
arrangements and the performance are… That is lace, china, jewels to appreciate as much as you
can: I love it!” Fabien Ruiz
Jérome Etcheberry (trumpet), Aurélie Tropez (clarinet), Gilles Rea (guitar) et Philippe Milanta (piano)
Full price : €13 - Reduced or member : €10 - Free for accompanied children under 12
In partnership with the Municipality and the Festival Committee Saint- Vaury
Saturday 17th October
La Souterraine
Sugarpie and the Candymen
(Piacenza and Cremona, Italy)
Imagine if Queen, Diana Ross or Prince had lived in the swing era? The wonderful Sugarpie and her
Candymen rearrange pop music, rock, disco and the hits from the charts in a swing and gipsy jazz
style from the 1930s and 1940s, restoring the rétro atmosphere of the New York dancing clubs
where the good Charleston, the mambo and other boogie-woogie sweetly smelled.
They can either sing Ray Charles, The Clash, Franck Sinatra or Led Zeppelin, Ella Fitzgerald or the
Beatles. An elegant, spectacular, surprising, exciting show which, however, sounds so familiar…
Georgia Ciavatta (vocal), Jacopo Delfini (guitar, choirs), Renato Podestà (banjo, guitar, choirs), Claudio Ottaviano
(string bass), et Roberto Lupo (drums)
Full price : €17 – Group, MEM member, CCYF subscriber: €14 - Student, school , unemployed : €10 Children under 12 accompanied : €3
In partnership with the Cultural Centre Yves Furet - Community Stage sostranien Country of Municipalities and the
City of La Souterraine
Sunday 18th October
Bonnat
Eric Luter and Ze French Project
(Paris 75)
It’s not necessary to introduce Eric Luter any more, as he is the most Creusois of the jazzmen from
Paris. This crooner has a passion for words, particularly when they are swung and in “français”!
Thus, you can imagine his overwhelming happiness when he puts French words on American jazz
standards! You will be able to hear Trenet, Salvador, Vian, Nougaro, Mimi Perrin but also original
texts. An ideal night for those of you who don’t really know Shakespeare’s language…
Eric Luter (trumpet, vocal), Cyril Guyot (saxophone, vocal), Olivier Lancelot (piano, vocal), Jean-Pierre
Rebillard (string bass), Stéphane Nosserau (drums, vocal)
Full price : €13 - Reduced or member : €10 - Free for accompanied children under 12
In partnership with the Municipality and a local association of Bonnat
Monday 19th October
La Souterraine
“Whiplash”
US drama Damien Chazelle with Miles Teller , JK Simmons, Paul Reiser - 2014 - Duration: 1:47 - VO
subtitled
Andrew is a nineteen year-old boy who dreams of becoming one of the greatest jazz drummers of
his generation. But the competition is hard at Manhattan Academy where he practices relentlessly.
His aim is to join the best orchestra directed by Terence Fletcher, a fierce and unrelenting
teacher. When the latter finally spots him, Andrew starts with him a quest to excellence…
Single price : €6
In coproduction with the Eden Cinema and MJC Social Center of La Souterraine
Tuesday 20th October
Azérables
Sweet Note (Gueret 23)
Sweet note invites you to rediscover Jazz golden age through some treasures refreshed with
delicacy and originality where voice and instruments happily melt together. Inspired by the 1920s
hot jazz and the 1930s swing, this quintet revisits some big standards but also some forgotten
songs, thus paying tribute to great singers such as Ethels Waters, Maxine Sullivan, Mahalia Jackson
or Dinah Washington… You will see: they will put a tingle in your fingers and feet!
Elisabeth Leclair (vocal), Alexis Bourguignon (trumpet), Lionel Raffin (clarinet), Thomas Ezekiel (piano),
Thierry Bourguignon (washboard)
Full price : €13 - Reduced or member : €10 - Free for accompanied children under 12 and residents
of health care institutions participating
As part of the Music and Health Program supported by the Regional Direction of Cultural Affairs, the Regional Agency
of Hearth and the Limousin Region, in partnership with 15 health facilities north Creuse
Friday 23th October
Boussac
Georges V
(Clermont-Ferrand 63)
Brassens, George The Great, has become one of the sacred artists for many French songs lovers.
This incredible poet and composer is the heart of this quintet’s project. This band was born during
a sympathetic and warm atmosphere jam session. From that day, the five of George the Fifth have
been revisiting Brassens’s well-known or forgotten songs, through meticulous and dynamic
arrangements. Simple happiness to be shared with family!
Daniel Huck (saxophone, vocal), Pierre Guicquéro (trombone), Jean-Marc Montaut (piano), Pierre Verne
(string bass), et Marc Verne (drums)
Full price : €13 - Reduced or member or accompanied children under 12: €10
Ticket only to the Boussac Tourist Office at 05.55.65.05.95 ( out-of- order " AGOT Boussac "
In partnership with the Community of Communes and the Tourist Office of Boussac
Saturday 24th October
Mérinchal
The second-hand bass drum
(Clermont-Ferrand 63)
For any New Orleans jazz lover, the reference stays the Preservation Hall, a mythical hall in the
city of New Orleans that was miraculously saved by Xynthia tempest and that has been promoting
this style of jazz from 1961 and wants to keep on promoting it. In Auvergne too, the swing that can
be danced is being born again. Thanks to six fans unified around a giant bass drum from 1923 (of
course, it is second hand!), New Orleans jazz delights people who love dancing on jazz music. But,
don’t worry, even if you’re not part of those dancers, you still can enjoy and listen to this music
while sitting quietly!
Christian Vaudecranne (soprano saxophone, vocal), Michel Senac (clarinet), Pascal Roumy (trombone),
François Lenoble (banjo) et Jean François Tronelle (string bass) et Jean-Pierre Specque (drums)
Full price : €13 - Reduced or member : €10 - Free for accompanied children under 12
In partnership with the Municipality of Mérinchal and the Friends of the Château de la Mothe
Sunday 25th October
Bourganeuf
Orchestre Départemental de la Creuse (Guéret 23)
“From Charles Trenet to Glenn Miller…”
Who has never hummed “Douce France” or whistled the famous ‘In the mood”! For the 70th
anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the CDO is paying tribute to Charles Trenet and
Glenn Miller, two symbolic artists of that era, whose compositions are still timeless hits, that
immediately remind you of the dark years of the Occupation, of the celebrations of the Liberation
and more widely of the 1940s. Mixing swing and poetry for the first one, jazz and dancing for the
second, the two of them have managed to convey an incredible new breath of modernity,
happiness and freedom in this difficult context, sweeping aside the fashionable crooners of the
interwar period for the new generation.
Thierry Bourguignon (direction, drums), Philippe Boissel, Nathalie Marot, Isabelle Reynaud (flûte), Josiane
Crépin, Marie-France Martinie (accordion), Stéphane Bayon, Chloé Delaby, Adrien Garcia, Lionel Raffin
(clarinet), Pascale Berger, Elisabeth Leclair, Fabien Petitpré, Céline Poggioli (alto saxophone), Daniel
Bonnichon, Olivier Leleu, Sylvain Roudier (tenor saxophone), Elodie Cotet (baryton saxophone), Charlotte
Bonnichon, Vincent Cotet, Anouchka Marot, Nicolas Renard, Régis Reynaud, Guillaume Tixier (trumpet),
Benjamin Auger, Ludovic Dromaint, Elodie Vallade (french horn), Xavier Bonnichon (mellophone), Cyril
Bertrand, Vincent Renaudineau, Ludovic Vallade (trombone), Stéphane Charles (bass trombone), Simon Fell
(string bass), Pierre Baron (piano), Robert Lequitte (guitar) et Fabien Désiré (drums)
Full price : €13 - Reduced or member : €10 - Free for accompanied children under 12
In partnership with the Municipality and the Municipal Band of Bourganeuf, and the Community of Communes of
Bourganeuf - Royère
Thursday 29th October
Chambon-sur-Voueize
Echoes of Spring
(Bordeaux 33)
In jazz clarinet and piano duets are legendary and that is how the Echoes of Spring is expected to
be. Two friends from the Southwest have packed everything into a show that will warm to both
listeners and acerbic critics alike. Boasting a perfect complicity between them, the breath taking
talent of Alain Barrabes on one hand and on the other the very individual clarinet sound of Jerome
Gatius who’s playing is smooth and flowing with the inflections of a singer. And that is without
considering the wide diversity of the repertoire.
“A real treat for the ears” concludes Francois Balzer in Jazz Dixie Swing (No. 35). Come and check
it your for yourself!
Jerome Gatius (clarinet) and Alain Barrabes (piano)
Full price : €13 - Reduced or member : €10 - Free for accompanied children under 12 and residents
of health care institutions participating
As part of the Music and Health Program supported by the Regional Direction of Cultural Affairs, the Regional Agency
of Hearth and the Limousin Region, in partnership with 15 health facilities north Creuse
Friday 30th October
Saint Sulpice le Dunois
Jazz Chamber Orchestra
(Bordeaux 33)
Four musicians come together to produce a jazz concert with much humour. They give themselves
the luxury recreating, in a small group, the fabled classics of the Big Band. Savour moments in the
show which feeds on the participation between the artists and the public. In Jazz Chamber
Orchestra there is "chamber orchestra" sound (just like in baroque music which produces a large
sound from a small group). The repertoire, essentially Duke Ellington and Count Basie, is
overflowing with riffs, furious choruses, languid solos and scats…..Quite justly the Jazz Chamber
Orchestra could be renamed “The Minimum Big Band”. Spread the word!
Jean-Luc Pareau (alto saxophone, vocal), Alain Barrabès (tenor saxophone, vocal), Laurent Mastella (guitar, banjo,
vocal), et Fred Lasnier (string bass, vocal)
Full price : €13 - Reduced or member : €10 - Free for accompanied children under 12
In partnership with the Municipality of Saint Sulpice le Dunois
Saturday 31st October
La Souterraine
Trocadero Jazztet
(Paris 75)
In the petri dish of gospels and rhythm’n’blues music the Supremes and Diana Ross are never far
away. Trocadero Jazztet revisits the roots of Afro-American music. In an attempt to recreate the
essence of this sound a repertoire of new and original compositions was born under the pen of the
saxophonist Esaie Cid.
The result is a collection of beautiful and timeless melodies, surprising in its freshness as much as
by its boldness. Not to be missed!
Esaie Cid (saxophone), Manuel Faivre (trumpet), Benoit de Flamesnil (trombone), Jean-Baptiste Franc (piano), Benoit
Torres (string bass), et Mourad Benhammou (drums)
Full price : €33 - Child under 12 rate : €15 - Reservation required before October 26
Menu: Salad Boudin - Chicken Fricassee with garnish - Cheese - Orange Pineapple (drinks not
included )
In partnership with the Cultural Centre Yves Furet - Community Stage sostranien Country of Municipalities and the
City of La Souterraine
Sunday 1st November
Gueret
“Whiplash”
A film presented by Cine Jazz from 19th October in La Souterraine
“Waltz for Monica”
A film presented by Cine Jazz from 2nd November in Aubusson
“Stormy Weather”
A musical film by Andrew Stone with Lena Horne, Bill Robinson, Cab Calloway, Fats Waller – 2012 Duration: 1h17 - Sub-titled in french
Classed amongst the best musical films that Hollywood has produced and is recorded as such in the
Congress library of the United States of America, "Stormy Weather" is also one of the first films
where Afro - American musicians appear in their own role. Taking the title of a successful song
from 1933, this film screening contains a number of musical hits which mark the history of jazz
from 1919 to 1940. A monument to the history of jazz and not to be missed!
Price for one film : €5 - For 2 films : €8 - For 3 films : €10
In co-production with Cinema Senechal of Gueret
Monday 2nd November
Aubusson
“Waltz for Monica”
A dramatized Swedish film by Per Fly, with Edda Magnason, Sverrir Gudnason, Kjell Bergqvist –
2014 – Duration 1h51
In the early 1960s, Monica, a young Swedish woman, is determined to become an icon of jazz and
launches the career of her dreams that will take her from Stockholm New York. She will rub
shoulders with Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald and Bill Evans, whose adaptation of “Waltz for Debby”
creates an immediate success. "Waltz for Monica" is the true story of Monica Zetterlund, Swedish
jazz legend, who sacrificed her role of mother and her love life was her quest to become a jazz
icon.
Price : €5
In co-production with Cinema Le Colbert of Aubusson
Thursday 5th November
Aubusson
Stan Laferriere Quartet
“Hey Nat”
(Paris 75)
The first black crooner to know immense success in America in a post war country strongly marked
by segregation, Nat "King" Cole popularized vocal jazz. Stan Laferriere and his cronies recreate the
essence of flamboyance and the hope of a bright future that is the priceless heritage of the King,
The quartet offers us a reinterpretation through original songs, true declarations of love to the
famous singer.
Stan Laferrière (piano), Nicolas Montier (guitar), Pierre Maingourd (string bass) et Déborah Tropez (drums)
Full price : €13 € - Reduced or member : €10 - Free for accompanied children under 12
In partnership with the town of Aubusson and a local association
Masterclass with Stan Laferriere
Stan Laferriere is a multi-instrumentalist, conductor, arranger and composer. Invited by Emile
Goué Conservatory and the Festival, he will offer a masterclass emphasizing the crucial importance
of listening and interaction between musicians, tempo and musicality.
Wednesday, November 4 Gueret
Emile Goué Conservatory Auditorium - 14:00
Free for all participants and the public
In partnership with the Emile Goué Conservatory
Friday 6th November
Saint Hilaire la Plaine
Patrick Vanhee Trio (Saint Priest Taurion)
“Homage to Benny Goodman”
In the 1930, New York became the capital of a new style of jazz, swing and big bands. Benny
Goodman quickly established his place as featured clarinettist, the "King of Swing", a star of the
radio show, the cinema and dance halls. He was also the first head of a previously ‘white’
orchestra which included his quintet of Afro-American musicians.A bright and inventive jazzman,
he left a rich repertoire whose delectation is explored by Patrick Vanhee and his trio. An
unchallenged immersion into the world of Harlem ballrooms...
Patrick Vanhee (clarinet), Yann Penichou (guitar, vocal), et Laurent Vanhee (string bass, scat)
Full price : €5 – Reduced : €3 - Free for accompanied children under 12
Reservations only to Ahun Tourist Office on 05 55 62 55 93
In coproduction with CIATE - Community of Communes Creuse Thaurion Gartempe and in partnership with the
Municipality of Saint Hilaire laPlaine and a local association
Saturday 7th November
Limoges
Richard Galliano Solo
(Paris 75)
You must see Richard Galliano to understand the term "being one with his instrument,” using a
Victorian accordion he calls his "Steinway has braces." An exceptional soloist he continues to
explore a wide range of music without getting rid of the lyricism that irrigates his playing when
interpreting ballads, or the "French touch" where he has brought the accordion into the family of
jazz. An exceptional concert with a virtuoso where emotion runs with intimacy, fun with intensity.
Richard Galliano (accordion)
Full price : €21 - Reduced : €16
Purchase tickets only at the Opera Theatre of Limoges 05 55 45 95 00
In coproduction with CMF Limousin and the Avenir Musical of Limousin - accordion ensemble of Isle, on the occasion of
its fiftieth anniversary. In partnership with the cities of Limoges, Isle Condat-sur-Vienne and the Departmental
Council of Haute-Vienne.
Sunday 8th November
Gueret
Paris Swing Orchestra
(Paris 75)
In almost twenty years of existence, the Paris Swing Orchestra became a veritable institution, both
nationally and internationally recognized
The Paris Swing Orchestra specialises in the swing style, popular in the 1930’s and 1940’s. It is
certainly an orchestra with the most style, most original and most visual of all the major French
orchestras reviving the memorable era of the big bands Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Chick Webb,
Jimmie Lunceford, Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller ... In short, a genuine tribute to
live music that swings!
Guy Bodet, Michel Bonnet, Marcel Bornstein et Alexis Bourguignon (trumpet), Patrick Bacqueville (trombone, vocal),
Jean-Pierre Dumontier et Pierre Guicquero (trombone), Gérard Meissonier (saxophone, vocal), Marc Richard
(saxophone, clarinet, vocal), Pierre-Louis Cas et Nicolas Montier (saxophone), Enzo Mucci (guitar), Jacques Schneck
(piano), Gilles Chevaucherie (string bass) et Stéphane Roger (drums)
Full price : €21.50 – Group, MEM and La Fabrique member : €15.40 - Young : €6.90 - Job Applicant: €3.20
Tickets only at Espace Fayolle Gueret at 05.55.52.84.94 (regulation payable to "Trésor Public")
In co-production with La Fabrique - Scene agreement with the City of Gueret
The team at Jazz a la Sout
Jazz a La Sout is part of the association Musique(s) en Marche and the committee is composed of :
 Françoise Philbet, President
 Daniel Bonnichon, 1st Vice–president
 Isabelle Mazeiret, (representing the Maire of La Souterraine) Vice-president
 Jean-Pierre Fayard, Treasurer
 Jean-Claude Touraine, Deputy Treasurer
 Martine Larigauderie, Secretary
In addition about 40 volunteers from the Creuse and Berry add their much appreciated support.
This team of volunteers is helped by several professionals notably :
 Thierry Bourguignon, production and planning
 Stephane Charles, administration and communication
 Elodie Cotet and Regis Renaud, logistical and technical support
 Thierry Diganet, lighting
 William Boulestin / Studio Creuse, sound
MUSIQUE(S) EN MARCHE in 2015
Preside by Michel Mazeirat, MEM today unites twenty associations, six communes and more than
fifty individual members which adds up to more than 800 people directly involved in the
functioning of the association. It also works with a network of around thirty regular partners
including 15 health establishments under the framework of the Music and Health programme.
MEM is split into four sections; CMF Creuse ( the departmental part of the French Music
Confederation), Jazz a la Sout, local orchestras and bands and the Creuse Department Orchestra.
Thanks to a team involving volunteers and paid employees ( 6 permanent and nearly 200
intermittently for functions) all really dedicated MEM will run this year about 80 events, concerts,
exhibitions, master classes etc. and will support around 50 projects on the production side without
forgetting its work in the training area and recordings.
In 2014 these different activities enabled MEM to engage with more than 14 600 spectators in 26
Creuse communes and 13 communes of other departments, working with more than 200 financial
or operational partners.
Its cultural expertise, its knowledge of its territory and its presence in the local, regional and
national networks have made it a major player in the environment.