What a time! First, a few days in Lyon, then a week in Paris, then off to Dordogne to visit Josephine Baker’s chateau. Sounds hectic. Bring sixty singers and a dozen “Friends, Families and Fans” from the US, Brazil and Japan. Add French performers. It was frenetic but exciting.

Singers’ days were jam-packed. Established artists taught singing and new performance techniques, producing and technology.

The Fan Club went sightseeing and met up with the singers to visit the birthplace of cabaret in Montmartre, to dance at Bal Mouffetard, and to attend nightly shows for the public. Quelle joie.

First was a mini pre-conference in Lyon. We met many new singers and theater artists, including a cohort of young, up-and-coming performers.

FIAP Jean Monnet in Paris served pain au chocolat every morning where participants stayed and all workshops and a concert were held.

Those who came to Dordogne after Paris agreed how moving it was to walk in Josephine Baker’s footsteps, particularly after seeing Joséphine Baker : le Musical.

Can cabaret save the world? Those who attended several round tables on that topic say “yes”.

—Lydia Stux