Is there any RumbaLand around Paris? - going to Paris soon

[rumbero russo]

Ca Va les rumberos parisien!
I'm going to Paris 10 of May, with my wife and our six years old son for five days to go to the DisneyLand and the similar places. I've been to Paris ones before, that was wonderful vacation with my lovely wife, delightful sity, great museums, a Cristmas lights. But there was a problem, we couldn't find any concerts there, becouse of New Year holidays, I guess. This time in spite of that we planed this voyage specialy for our boy, I think we'll find a little bit of time for my interests. I'd like to get to the RumbaLand, if there is such a place, even for an hour , MamboLand or SalsaLand would be quite right to. So, please let me know if something happens there at that gap of time 10-15 of May, thank you for any advice.
Besides, I need a place to expand my CD collection of afro-cuban music. Is there in Paris a CD shop (not like Virgin), not expensive and may be special for salsa lovers? In our old guidebook was an adress of such a shop, but then we got there, we was late about two years ???
Also places to search some percussion instruments?
Best Wishes for Everyone!
Dmitry

[korman]

I was in Paris last year's january, and while I liked the city overall, I was not impressed music-wise. I did not find any live latin music concerts, there were only a couple of places where they played salsa at bars/clubs. Instruments were tough to find as well. There are two or three shops relatively near each other in Monmartre slightly downhill from Pigale metro station.

I wanted to buy djembe very much, which at that time I could not do in Riga, and in music shops it was too expensive for me, so I ended up at junk market near Porte Clignancourt, where I found several african guys selling djembes only slightly cheaper than music shops. I managed to get acceptable price only after very heavy bargaining.

Yet, I am sure that if I had met any knowledgeable local, I would have had much easier time finding what I was looking for. Because I can't believe that there are no rumbas and normally priced instruments in one of the biggest cities of Europe:)

[rumbero russo]

Hello, Korman!
In one book of Vargas Llosa I've read that in 50 a lot of latinamerican young people went to Paris, aren't they still there? :;): Strange thing, I've got many CD's recorded in France, and I thought there are many cuban musicians...
I wanted to by djembe then I was in Paris to. One guy (на "блошином рынке" в Париже, не знаю как по английски "блошиный" ) offered me to by an african drum, he started from 200 euro and after few minutes he lowered to 10. How much does it coast in Africa?
Hope latin music is very popular in Latvia.
Best wishes!
Dmitry

[ricky linn]

Hi

In paris go to the CD shop on the ground floor of the shopping mall - Les Halles, it's not too far from the pompidou centre. They have an extensive world music section with a good latin selection, it's right at the bottom of the escalator. I picked up some rumba & bata c.d's there last time that i hadn't seen before. They also have a ticket agency inside the front door where you will be able to find out if there are any good gigs on. Also don't write off the big shops such as Virgin and HMV remember the French have a much more ecclectic taste in music to a lot of other europeans and you may be surprised. I got a number of great CD's in the HMv or Virgin(can't remember which) at the shopping mall at La Defense. If you are facing the Arch at la defence go into the mall on your right, it is just inside the door - you may be pleasantly surprised.

Ricky

[rumbero russo]

Thanks, Ricky for advice, I'll try to get there.
Steel wonna get to some concert in Paris, sure I'll check some posters, but steel wating for something from you, friends!
Best wishes.
Dmitry