It’s been seven years since the Paris New York Heritage Festival (PNYH) first burst onto the summer circuit, spanning three continents and seven cities before the Covid 19 pandemic stopped it in its tracks. Unbowed, PNYH has grown new shoots, re-emerging as a sustainable, family-friendly fixture in the French capital, with a reputation for showcasing a new generation of artists and under-represented talent.
Located on banks of the River Seine, the PHNY takes place this year on the 16 & 17 of September at the Parc André-Citroën in the 15 arrondissement. th Under the banner ‘Aux Arts’, the festival is one of just 50 projects selected by the Olympic Committee and the City of Paris for the Cultural Olympiad, celebrating the wealth and variety of culture in France. PNYH embodies these values through its exceptional musical and artistic program which transcends borders, reminding us that music is a universal language that unites people. Each artist on stage represents a continent of the African American diaspora, embodying the diversity and universality of this culture. Guts, with his soul and hip-hop influences, is a true ambassador of American sounds. Tokyo Jazz Massive, meanwhile, skillfully fuse jazz and electro, bringing a touch of modernity and innovation from Japan. Finally, the energetic duo Jupiter & Okwess blend vibrant Afropop, traditional Congolese rhythms and funk sounds with contemporary rhythms.
More than just a music festival, PNYH is a contemporary cultural journey and pays tribute to the rich tapestry of arts, artists and movements which have influenced and shaped today’s global musical heritage. Founded by Benjamin Levy, who has worked with the likes of Bootsy Collins and James Brown, it embodies his vision of sustainability, inclusivity and diversity.
Sustainability and striving for zero-waste are a huge part of the festival’s ethos and why it takes place in one of the capital’s most important green lungs. The arena where artists perform is made up entirely of hay bales, which are dismantled and reused after the event. Ben was inspired to use this eco-friendly material after spending lockdown in the depths of the French countryside, dreaming up ways to bring PNYH back to life and inject new energy into his passion-project.
On-site there will be a ‘conversation’ between culture and sport with demonstrations of the newest Olympic events including skateboarding and breakdancing. The festival will also feature discussions, dance battles, bars and delicious world food. There will also be the opportunity to go up in the park’s famous hot-air balloon, boasting probably the city’s best vantage point and an unrivalled view of the Eiffel Tower.
Boosting the family friendly vibe of the festival, PNYH is partnering with Message Paris, a diverse community of English Speaking parents, to host a Rentrée picnic for members and their families. Message fosters ways for parents across Paris to connect, and is excited to share the community spirit of the PYNH festival. The Rentrée Picnic will take place Sunday afternoon (12:30 pm) within the festival grounds.
Site internet du festival : https://www.pnyhfestival.com/
Billetterie : https://my.weezevent.com/paris-new-york-heritage-2023
More information about Message Paris: https://www.messageparis.org/
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