The Eldorado Americana Festival is a new event billed as dedicated to American music (folk, country, rock, blues, soul etc.). It has been devised and curated by Michel Pampelune, a leading advocate of Americana who has preached the “good” word, in France, for several decades, in several different ways, during his professional ‘adventures’ either as producer on his Fargo record label, vinyl store owner or more latterly, concert promoter and publicist. This first edition will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2024 in the pretty setting of the village of Vancé (Sarthe), between Perche Sarthois and Vallée du Loir, between vineyards and castles, 2 hours from Paris, not far from the “big” cities of Le Mans (45mn), Vendôme (30mn) and Tours (45mn), all three served by the TGV. The festival will be held on the site of a former sawmill – much of which is covered, you can never be too careful with the weather in September, and a capacity limited to 1,500 festival-goers. On site there will be a smorgasbord (wrong country ! – Ed.) of delights including, food trucks, local wines and beers as well as an “Americana market” (vinyl store, vintage clothes, tattoo artist, DJs, local products etc.). What’s not to like as you journey home from your hols? There is no camping this year but plans are afoot for camping as the event gathers strength. Accommodation options in the area can be obtained through the organiser’s Facebook page.
The programme features five acts – Dylan LeBlanc & The Steel Vaqueros, Alberta Cross, Emily Nenni, France’s best band (so say the promoters) The Lowland Brothers and rising new Texas singer-songwriter Jackson Scribner, and his brother Levi, all appearing between 3pm to 11pm, then DJs until late. Or early depending on your point of view.
Tickets are available here – Pre-sale price: €30, on site €35. Reduced rates for children (€15) and groups (€25).
