Bastille Days

Diverse music & Francophile vibes 

I've written about my jaunts to Milwaukee's Bastille Days on more than one occasion. Last year I praised the addition of Press Waffles, a repeat vendor in 2018, and the classic beignets. In 2014 (mon dieu!), turns out I had the same sentiments as this year regarding the over-the-top crèpes. To quote yours truly circa 2014: "I just wish the Bastille Days crêpe people would practice 'less is more.' Keep your mousse and your cream; give me a Nutella-filled triangle."

I will say that my yearly beignets didn't disappoint, though — crazy lady coming through — I could have used a little more powdered sugar. A new favorite: the pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) from Le Rêve. And one final food note: The served-hot baguette from Lake Park Bistro was cute at first, then a let down once it cooled off.

Not a let down? The music. For me, this year at Bastille Days turned out to be less about the eats and more about the tunes. I enjoyed more than one performance by festival favorite Robin Pluer, who has been gracing the 37-year-old Bastille Days with her presence for an unbelievable 20+ years. She brings a bit of Edith Piaf to the fête.

On Thursday night, I was transfixed by the electric magic of Ginkgoa, an electro-swing pop group that's half Paris, half New York. Their lead singer is a fierce New Yorker who rocks sequined showgirl shorts and killer shoes that occasionally break out the Charleston. Her Parisian counterpart and lead guitarist hyped up the crowd and got Milwaukee groovin'. Oh, and two words: clarinet solo! They're like 1920s hot club jazz with a French techno twist, and the crowd on Thursday night was on their feet in no time. 

On Friday night, it was Sweet Crude that entranced. Again we have a lead guy and gal heading up a talented ensemble — a guy who sings and fiddles, a gal whose insane vocals demand you stop and listen. And they do it all in both English and French! With a horn section! What little I caught of their set left me wanting more. 

Bottom line, if you're a fellow francophile, it's likely you'll also get into the kind of musical acts on display at Bastille Days. You might say it exhibits a bit more culture than some of our larger lakefront fests, and that's très cool.