2024-07-19 16:01:00
The jazz and literature festival “Les nuits & les jours de Querbes” starts on July 28 in Decazeville, and will take place from August 2 to 4 in Capdenac-Gare. At the heart of a rich program, the values of meeting and sharing mix with passion.
This is a 26 year old story. Like every year since 1998, the jazz and literature festival “Les nuits & les jours de Querbes” returns with the first evening on July 28 in Decazeville, before going to Capdenac-Gare from August 2 to 4.
“It all started randomly.” Jean-Paul Oddos, the founder of the association and the festival of the same name, was a librarian at the time. Anyone approaching major presidential projects, such as the creation of the Quai Branly Museum media library, is looking for a second home.
And he sets his sights on Querbes. “There was a small town attached to the building, which I also became the owner of, and I didn’t really know what to do with it.” To the light: “I have friends spread all over France, so I told myself that we could all get together there once a year.”
The tuft fanfare last year.
“Le bassin Decazevillois […] it is a very intellectual territory”
First, if the gathering is intended to be more “than a simple meeting around a barbecue”, Jean-Paul does not intend to make it an institutional event. “Sure, everyone was welcome. The idea was to prioritize meeting and sharing. We had a sort of motto, we always said that our meetings were made up of 200 friends who didn’t know each other the day before.”
Then, little by little, “we started to create something.” Due to his professional experience, which also led him to create a literature festival in Chambéry 35 years ago, Jean-Paul started from observation. “I realized the access to culture I had in Paris and there was no reason why rural areas should be taken away from that.”
Even more than that “when we know that the Decazevilleis basin was a very rich region. The mines brought people with them from all over the world, it is a region full of intellectuals, there is a great openness of spirit here.” Therefore, the former librarian wanted to “propose a quality project, with national and international stars.” Everything, it doesn’t matter, as long as in terms of music, it doesn’t come close to “jazz dad.”
This year, the music course extends over an additional day.
“We always wanted to offer an event on a human scale”
Very quickly, the council of the department helped the organizer – which “thanks again” – for the subsidies. In the first years, the event, which became an undesirable event for enthusiasts, took place in Querbes. Then, for technicality, “we moved.” Now, most of the festival takes place “in the heart of Capdenac.”
And despite the scope of each program, a clear line of action. “We always wanted to offer an event on a human scale. What is interesting is the intergenerational aspect. People of all ages and from all places spend a few days together, and share the same values.”
A successful bet, since “even the artists always ask to come back for the next edition. Everyone likes it. In addition, we highlight many emerging talents, so the side very pleasant to be able to give them the light they deserve too.”
Every year, the volunteers look forward to getting together.
“Every year we look forward to meeting again”
Actually, for Jean-Paul, the main moment is Thursday evening, “when we see each other again with all the volunteers.” And he is not the only one of this opinion. David Bedel, his right hand, “the one on whom everything rests today”, as the founder says, is one of those whose excitement is in full swing the day before the event. “Every year we look forward to getting together.”
And on Pierre Rommec’s side, the same story. “I’ve been a volunteer for three years, and it’s always a moment of happiness. We’re like a big family. I’d even say it’s a huge summer camp for adults.”
A site that also appeals to young people, like Paul Leroux, 18 years old from Clermont, a regular at the festival “because my family and I have been coming for eleven years. But I was very involved as a volunteer at The cooking center is great because we all come from different places.
Information and reservations
Catering, refreshment bar, bookshop, ticket office on site. Reservations on festik.net or 07 67 95 03 67. Information: 06 59 30 94 82 or [email protected].
2 concert package: €24 • 3 concert package: €36. Prices of concerts, meetings, meals: see program details. Reduced rates: unemployed, RSA, students, members, CE. Free for children under 12 • Culture Pass. Camping de la Diège: 10% discount for festival goers
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