FRENCH CULTURAL EVENTS - FEBRUARY / MARCH 2010
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE FRENCH CULTURAL SERVICES IN CHICAGO
For a listing of the French Cultural Events in the U.S.
check the pages of the Cultural Services of the French Embassy.
| March 8 at 6:30 PM: Don't miss the Soirée France with best-selling French author Delphine de Vigan! |
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On the International Women’s Day, the Cultural Services of the French Consulate in Chicago invite you to come and spend an evening with Delphine de Vigan, short-listed for the 2009 prix Goncourt and best selling author of “No et moi”, an intense, brilliant novel about home and homelessness. Translated in 20 languages and winner of Le Prix des Libraires, “No et moi” is currently being made into a movie. The US Tour is organized by the Délégation Générale de l’Alliance Française aux États-Unis and the Cultural services at the Consulate general of France in Chicago in collaboration with the Rotary Club Paris Academy and with the generous support of the Jean Bodfish Brown Fund. Supported in part by the Cultural Services of Consulate General of France in Chicago. Complete information. |
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March 4-7: Chicago International Movies and Music Festival
Don't miss the second edition of a unique festival that looks at the rapport between music and film, with several exciting offerings from France.The second annual is returning bigger and better than ever, hitting screens and rooms all over town. This year, CIMMfest has joined with the Paris Filmer La Musique Festival and is proud to host its representatives as our guests to introduce their films. The festival presents also the works of the French experimental filmmaker Marie Losier. Supported in part by the Cultural Services of the French Consulate in Chicago. For complete information click here. |
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MARCH 5- APRIL 1: 13TH ANNUAL EUROPEAN UNION FILM FESTIVAL
The 13th Annual European Union Film Festival takes place in Chicago is organized by the Gene Siskel Film Center, a cinematheque at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Since its founding, the European Union Film Festival has become the largest and longest-running event devoted to the film production of European Union nations in North America. The EU festival attracts a sophisticated and influential audience and is a great source of word-of-mouth publicity for new films from Europe. Supported in part by the Cultural Services of Consulate General of France in Chicago.
THIS YEAR'S FRENCH FILMS INCLUDE:
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AROUND A SMALL MOUNTAIN / 36 VUES DU PIC SAINT LOUP
2009, Jacques Rivette, France/Italy
With Jane Birkin, Sergio Castellitto
Sunday, March 28, 3:00 pm and Monday, March 29, 6:00 pm
BLUEBEARD / BARBE BLEUE
2009, Catherine Breillat, France
W ith Lola Créton, Dominique Thomas
Saturday, March 13, 7:30 pm and Thursday, March 18, 6:15 pm
DISENGAGEMENT / DÉSENGAGEMENT
2008, Amos Gitai, France/Israel
With Juliette Binoche, Liron Levo
Sunday, March 21, 5:15 pm and Monday, March 22, 6:00 pm
FATHER OF MY CHILDREN / LE PÈRE DE MES ENFANTS
2009, Mia Hansen-Løve, France
With Louis-Do Lencquesaing, Chiara Caselli
Sunday, March 14, 2:45 pm and Wednesday, March 17, 8:00 pm
FRENCH GIGOLO / CLIENTE
2008, Josiane Balasko, France
With Nathalie Baye, Eric Caravaca
Sunday, March 7, 3:00 pm and Thursday, March 11, 6:00 pm
HADEWIJCH
2009, Bruno Dumont, France
Julie Sokolowski, Yassine Salime
Saturday, March 27, 7:15 pm and Wednesday, March 31, 6:00 pm
JUST ANYBODY / LE PREMIER VENU
2008, Jacques Doillon, France
With Clémentine Beaugrand, Gérald Thomassin
Friday, March 19, 6:00 pm and Wednesday, March 24, 7:45 pm
LET IT RAIN / PARLEZ-MOI DE LA PLUIE
2008, Agnès Jaoui, France
With Jean-Pierre Bacri, Agnès Jaoui
Friday, March 12, 6:00 pm and Monday, March 15, 6:00 pm
OSS 117: LOST IN RIO / OSS 117: RIO NE RÉPOND PLUS
2009, Michel Hazanavicius, France
With Jean Dujardin, Louise Monot
Friday, March 26, 6:00 pm and Saturday, March 27, 3:00 pm |
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Alliance Française de Chicago
810 North Dearborn Street; Tel: 312- 337-1070.
www.af-chicago.org |
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March 17 at 6:30 PM: Ciné-club - Eldorado by Bouli Lanners (2008)
Yvan and Elie are two loners who wander aimlessly through their lives. Yvan is a quick-tempered 40-year-old vintage car dealer while Elie is a young burglar and ex-junkie. One day Yvan catches Elie trying to rob him. Instead of beating him up, he becomes strangely attached to him and agrees to drive him home to his parents in his old Chevrolet. Yvan and Elie are both nostalgic about lost relationships, which is what leads them to undertake a bizarre journey through a region that is as spectacular as it is crazy. Both are trying to find the pieces of a puzzle that they want to put back together, but it might be too late. Winner of Best European Film Director's Fortnight Cannes Film Festival" a small but damn-near perfectly formed serio-comedy… never puts a wrong foot forward in the direction of sentimentality or cliché." — Leslie Felperin, Variety. Complete information. |
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March 12 at 6:45 & 8:30 PM: Coco Before Chanel by Anne Fontaine, 2009
Audrey Tautou, bearing a striking resemblance to the designer herself, embodies an ambitious young Coco Chanel. Less occupied with designing clothes than with maneuvering out of impoverishment and into the company, and bedrooms, of Belle Époque high society, Chanel still gets inspiration for some of her most enduring designs during this formative time. The film is at once a convincing account of romantic compromise and a tactile overview of the fabrics, foresight, and creative discontent essential to great fashion. Complete information. |
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March 5: A prophet by Jacques Audiard
After falling in with his prison's Corsican gang, a young Arab begins to build his own criminal empire.
Complete information. |
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March 4-7: Chicago International Movies and Music Festival
Don't miss the second edition of a unique festival that looks at the rapport between music and film, with several exciting offerings from France.The second annual is returning bigger and better than ever, hitting screens and rooms all over town. This year, CIMMfest has joined with the Paris Filmer La Musique Festival and is proud to host its representatives as our guests to introduce their films. The festival presents also the works of the French experimental filmmaker Marie Losier. Supported in part by the Cultural Services of the French Consulate in Chicago. For complete information click here. |
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| March 5 at 8 PM: Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France |
Myung-Whun Chung, conductor, Anne Sofie von Otter, mezzo-soprano
Ravel - Mother Goose
Ravel - Shéhérazade
Ravel - Suites Nos. 1 and 2 from Daphnis and Chloe
Ravel - La valse |
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Très magnifique! The Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, famous for its distinctive French sound, offers an all-Ravel program led by its gifted music director Myung-Whun Chung and featuring internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter singing Shéhérazade. She “brilliantly conveys the exotic allure of Ravel’s mesmerizing score.” —The Independent Symphony Center. Chicago Symphony Orchestra. |
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March 6-28: White/Light
Matt Clark and Jeremy Lemos are sound-based artists and musicians who have recorded and performed together since 2003 under the name White/Light. Focusing on the dynamic interplay between electronics and the electric guitar, Clark and Lemos create minimalist drone compositions that emphasize subtle tonal variations, sustained notes and a fascination with the properties of sound. White/Light also performs live in the gallery, interacting directly with the installation every Tuesday evening and during other unscheduled times throughout the month of March. In addition, the artists invite a series of guest musicians and artists to perform as part of the exhibition. They have invited French sound and visual artist Félicia Atkinson to perform with them on Saturday, March 27, 3 pm, Free with museum admission .
Museum of Contemporary Art – Chicago |
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| Through March 17: The Damnation of Faust by Hector Berlioz |
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Like a film, it moves at lightning speed from scene to scene — from enchanted forests to Heaven to Hell. Like a dream, it's filled with wondrous beings, from angels to creatures that would scare Satan himself. Be amazed as the artistic team brings this extraordinary world to the stage with more than 200 projections and incredible use of light. And be thrilled as Sir Andrew Davis leads the orchestra, chorus, and cast in a musical tour de force. Paul Groves "delivers the full range of Faust's character from suicidal depression to ecstatic love..." Classics Today. Lyric Opera of Chicago. |
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March 24 at 10 PM: Air
Air is a music duo from Versailles, France, consisting of Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel. The name Air is a backronym for Amour, Imagination, Rêve which translates to Love, Imagination, Dream. Air's music is often referred to as electronica; their form of electronic music was influenced by the synthesizer sounds of the 1970s such as Jean Michel Jarre, Vangelis and Francis Lai. |
| Other influences include psychedelic rock pioneers Pink Floyd ; krautrockers Tangerine Dream; early pioneers of the eurodance electronica subgenre Space ; Jean-Jacques Perrey (although there are some echoes of dance music styles in the production); and French crooner Serge Gainsbourg. Air use many of their studio instruments (like Moog synthesizers, the Korg MS-20, Wurlitzer and Vocoder) live on stage, where their ability to improvise is more clearly highlighted. The band performs the well-known tracks from the albums live as extended or altered versions. Riviera Theatre. |
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March 26 and 27: “La Bonne Chanson” by The Tiny Mahler Orchestra
La Bonne Chanson” is a program of romantic songs from a variety of sources, mostly French but with a sprinkling of Italian and Brazilian. Authors of the poetry include Paul Verlaine, Lope de Vega, and the eighteenth century Creole poet Évariste-Desiré de Parny. Some of the music was originally for voice and piano, and some for voice and orchestra; all of these have been newly arranged for voice and chamber ensemble to create a lush, intimate experience. “It’s sort of a Valentine’s Day concert for people who missed Valentine’s Day – or just want to experience it again,” said director Leon Shernoff. “And of course, the weather will be much better!”
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“La Bonne Chanson” will be performed on Friday, March 26, 2010 at 7:30pm in Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston on the Northwestern University campus; and on Sunday, March 28, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Heaven Gallery, 1550 North Milwaukee Avenue, 2nd floor.
Tickets for both concerts are available at the door. For more information, visit www.tinymahler.com or call (773) 288-2873. |
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| Through March 27: The Mariage of Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Based on the play Le Mariage de Figaro de Beaumarchais |
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Sublime music, wry comedy, and penetrating reflections on life and love — Mozart gets everything right in one of Western civilization's greatest artistic achievements. And it's fun too! Figaro, the count's whip-smart valet, is set to marry Susanna, the Countess's comely maid. But the Count wants Susanna for himself! Enter Figaro with a scheme that cuts him off at the pass and teaches everyone a lesson! Kyle Ketelsen is "an unforgettable Figaro with just the right mix of bravado and charm."Opera News . Danielle de Niese "can carry a show with sheer charisma." The Independent, London. Anne Schwanewilms: "Vocally ravishing...she's the Kiri Te Kanawa of her generation."Financial Times London. Lyric Opera of Chicago. |
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For information on performances by French jazz singer and bass player Cécile Savage in the Chicago area, please visit www.cecilesavage.com.
For information on performances by cabaret chanteuse Claudia Hommel in the Chicago area, please visit www.cabaret-paree.com. |
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March 17 – May 2: Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Choderlos de Laclos, adapted by Christopher Hampton
Located at the Upstairs Mainstage and Directed by David Darlow Featuring Greg Matthew Anderson, Annabel Armour, Linda Gillum, Nick Sandys and Rebecca Spence. Christopher Hampton adapts Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Choderlos De Laclos 1782 novel of sexual intrigue and ruthless manipulation set in the salons and boudoirs of Pre-Revolutionary France. Feeling their aristocratic world waning, the Vicomte De Valmont and the Marquise de Merteuil, devise a game to test their skills as rapacious lovers. In their battle for the upper hand, they like their innocent prey, become part of the wreckage.
Remy Bumppo Theatre Company - Greenhouse Theatre Center - 2257 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago. |
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Anders Zorn, An Irish Girl, 1894, Etching. National Gallery of Art, Washington,
Rosenwald Collection. |
Through June 13: The Darker Side of Light
Although Paris in the 1800s is often associated with the art of Impressionism, with its light-filled landscapes and bustling boulevards, artists also probed the social and psychological depths of the period in more private media like prints, drawings, illustrated books, and small sculptures. This exhibition, organized by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, evokes the discreet world of individual collecting to tell a less familiar story of nineteenth-century art. In the second half of the nineteenth century, Paris reigned as the city of light and Impressionism captured the bustle of its lively streets and cafés. But there is another dimension to the period, one captured by less well known, sometimes enigmatic, and often melancholy imagery. This was the art of collectors who kept prints, drawings, and small sculptures under wraps, compiled in albums and portfolios or stored away in cabinets. While often unsuitable for more public display, such works were avidly collected and viewed discreetly on chosen occasions. Organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, The Darker Side of Light reveals the private worlds of late nineteenth-century Europe through prints and other works meant for quiet contemplation. The exhibition presents over one hundred prints, drawings, illustrated books, and small sculptures by artists such as Félix Bracquemond, James Ensor, Max Klinger, Käthe Kollwitz, James McNeill Whistler, Charles Meryon, and Anders Zorn, among others. Within the intimate setting of the Smart Museum's galleries, The Darker Side of Light evokes shadowed interiors and private introspections to tell a far less familiar story of late nineteenth-century art.
Richard and Mary L. Gray Gallery. |
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March 20–June 20: Matisse - Radical Invention, 1913–1917
This groundbreaking exhibition presents the first sustained examination of one of the most important periods of Matisse’s career—the years in which he labored over the Art Institute’s monumental and mysterious Bathers by a River among other works. Merging new art historical and archival information with new scientific technologies, Matisse: Radical Invention, 1913–1917 offers a fresh look at this modern master’s most ambitious and inspiring work. Rigorously purged of descriptive detail, sharply composed, and dominated by the colors black and gray, the works Matisse produced between late 1913 and 1917 are among his most demanding, experimental, and enigmatic. Though Matisse himself identified two canvases from this time—Bathers by a River and The Moroccans—as among his most “pivotal,” scholars have typically described these and other works of the period as singular responses to Cubism or World War I, disconnected from the rest of his artistic career. |
Henri Matisse. Bathers by a River, 1909, 1913, 1916. Charles H. and Mary F. S. Worcester Collection. © 2010 Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. |
| This original exhibition is the first to offer an in-depth exploration of Matisse’s work from this important period, revealing fascinating information about his working methods, experimental techniques, and compositional choices, uncovered through extensive new historical, technical, and scientific research undertaken at the Art Institute and the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Powerfully representing this remarkable aspect of his career are nearly 120 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints from around the world. Also on display are the artist’s innovative etchings, engravings, and monotypes—prints made only during this period—as well as the little-known series “Civil Prisoners of Bohain-en-Vermandois” which demonstrates how the artist attempted to unite art, life, and wartime concerns in the early 20th century. Art Insitute of Chicago - Regenstein Hall |
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March 10 from 4:30-6:00 PM: Global Environment Workshop - Raphael Larrère - Is there a good biodiversity and a bad biodiversity? Why should we struggle against invasive species?
Raphael Larrère, Former Director of Research, National Institute of Agronomic Studies (Paris, France)
The Program on the Global Environment workshop center on the theory and practice of scientific advancements on the biophysical world and the import of expertise through advances in biotechnology, genetic mapping, atmospheric science, engineering, and other avenues, the relationship between the cultural and natural world is increasingly a contested realm of technical expertise. By exploring this theme in broad and historical perspective, we expect to foster an interdisciplinary discussion exploring the science and politics of defining nature. Co-sponsored by France Chicago Center. NOTE: This workshop will be presented in French. An English version of the paper will be pre-circulated, and a translator will be available for the Q&A.
University of Chicago - Pick Hall, Room 105 - 5828 South University Avenue, Chicago, IL |
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March 12 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM: Montesquieu and the Uses of Nobility
A day-long conference sponsored by the Franke Institute, the France Chicago Center and the Department of History.
France Chicago Center - Cobb Lecture Hall, Room 307 - 5811 S. Ellis Avenue; Tel: 773-702-3662 |
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March 15 from 1-3 pm: La Sculpture dans le Loop et l’Influence française" by Bill Shapiro, a francophone docent with the Chicago Architecture Foundation.
Alliance Française of North Shore |
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13 mars à 9h00: Match de foot dans le cadre du Festival de la Francophonie l'équipe Marocaine de foot à Chicago (Moroccan Green Star) joue contre l'équipe de France (Les Bleus Chicago) à Players Indoor Sport Center - 1740 West Quincy Avenue Naperville, IL 60540. |
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Indoor Season until the end of March - French Soccer Team : Les Bleus Chicago
Matchs will be on Sundays between 9 and 4 PM at Mercy Soccer Center (1001 W Adams). Teams must have 6 players plus a goalie, players must be 18 years and over. The cost is $95 per person for the season. For more information contact Sebastien Labat. Find "Les Bleus Chicago" or "French in Chicago" on Facebook.
Complete information. |
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| COMMUNITY AND EDUCATIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS |
RFI IN THE UNITED STATES - UPDATE
RFI has signed an agreement with AudioNow to broadcast its French programs on the telephone network. RFI’s French program is currently available 24/7 in several cities in the United States including Chicago where the audience continues to grow and register the most listeners in the country. |
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NEW. Since March 1st, listeners all across the United States can tune into RFI by dialling a single number (212) 401-4554. Press release. |
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Alliance Française of the North Shore - Two monthly café conversation groups
March 1 from 10:00-11:00 AM.
Café Conversation (in French) at Panera of Downtown Wilmette (at Wilmette Ave, just east of Green Bay Rd.) All fluency levels are welcome. Membership not required.
March 8 from 7:30-8:30 PM.
Café Conversation - Evening Edition(in French) at Panera (Lincoln Village Shopping Center) 6059 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. All fluency levels are welcome. Membership not required.
Complete information. |
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Union des Français à l’Etranger
For more than 30 years, UFEC organized monthly gathering and dinner with mainly Francophones. More information about UFEC at www.ufechicago.org. Please see below the upcoming events: |
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March 10 at 6 PM: Wine Tasting at Salute Wine Bar - 46 E Superior St.
Salute’s Sommelier is organizing a great Cheese and Wine tasting for us. Salute is housed in the rehabbed pre-Victorian Hennessy House and boasts an approachable Italian wine list reigning from 20 regions, coupled with Italian comfort fare. Located on the lower level of the 130-year-old building, Salute embodies both traditional and modern Italian touches. RSVP: pbourbon@ufechicago.org |
March 23, 7:30 PM: Melting Pot - 609 N. Dearborn Street , Chicago IL 60610
Members: $40 all included, non members $55 - RSVP before March 21: table@ufechicago.org |
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Les Bavards du Nord
An association that gathers every month in a restaurant in order to speak and exchange in French. This is an informal conversation group with ability to converse in a basic French.
February 20th and March 20th from 1:00 to 2:30 PM Berruti's Deli - 771 S. Buffalo Grove Road - Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
To reserve or for more information: lesbavardsdunord@yahoo.com |
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The Oak Park French Club
Tuesday evenings from 7:15 to 9 PM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church - 611 Randolph St., Oak Park.
The Oak Park French Club promotes fluency in the French language and appreciation of French culture through both formal and informal learning activities in a guided social environnment. The club is open to anyone who can speak at least basic conversational french. The Oak Park French Club meets weekly on. Meetings take place at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Oak Park Illinois. For more information, please contact the Oak Park French Club at oakparkfrenchclub@gmail.com |
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Alliance Française of Chicago: please visit the website for detailed information on the monthly discussion groups Café Conversation, Café Littérature, Café Poésie, Café Théâtre, French Blues Café and Café Philosophie: www.af-chicago.org
Wednesdays from 6:15 to 10:00 p.m. Informal gathering of Francophiles and Francophones at Portillo restaurant, 100 W. Ontario. Information at 312-255-0567.
Groupe Professionnel Francophone. Francophones from various professions meet for cocktails, French conversation and networking in French. Great Street Restaurant, Renaissance Hotel, 1 W. Wacker Drive. The last Thursday of every month, starting at 5:30 pm.
Tel: 773-275-7407 www.gpfchicago.org;
Alliance Française of the North Shore. Two monthly café conversation groups http://alliancefn.wlkcommunity.com.
Alliance Française of DuPage County. Please visit www.afdupage.com for a listing of conversation groups, outings, lectures and other social activities in French.
"Les Bavards," a monthly francophone dinner and conversation group in DesPlaines. Information: lesbavards@yahoo.com or http://lesbavardsfrancophones.blogspot.com/ Tel: 847-921-7864.
"Les Bavards du Nord,” a monthly francophone lunch and conversation group in Buffalo Grove. http://lesbavardsfrancophones.blogspot.com/ or lesbavardsdunord@yahoo.com Tel: 847-921-7864.
L'Institut Francophone. Weekly francophone gathering, every Monday at Latitude, 4500 North Lincoln Avenue, from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Contact groupe.de.lundi@gmail.com to be on the mailing list.
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