La Francophonie: Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, an international organisation of states whose members are admitted according to a prevalent presence of French culture and French language in the member country's identity (Wikipedia).

France is a country, and French is a language; francophonie is a state of mind. While bourdeaux and camembert come from geographical expressions, francophonie crosses borders and oceans and reaches out to anyone with an affinity for that certain je ne sais quoi that has so greatly enriched artistic achievement, language patterns and political thought over the centuries.

Since 1998, International Francophone Day (and more recently, Francophone Week) has been celebrated around the world as an opportunity to reflect upon and enjoy the rich contributions of the francophone world.

In Qingdao, Alliance Française du Shandong (AF) conducts regular academic programmes and hosts events to share *francophonie* culture with anyone interested in broadening their horizons. Located in the southwest corner of Qingdao Ocean University, the AF office is a switched-on island for students and other interested types - in 2007, it was the site of several French-language film screenings and a music party.

Francophone: a person who speaks French as a first language or who self-identifies with this language group

It is a happy coincidence indeed that the culture of francophonie has a strong musical manifestation, and that International Francophone Week will be held just prior to Qingdao MAX 08. AF has arranged for two fantastic French-speaking bands (from France and from Quebec) to spend some time in Qingdao, which will kick off the city's biggest international music festival yet.

Chinatown live at La Villa, 17 March
Chinatown has been rocking together since the Summer of 2006, when songwriters Félix Dyotte and Pierre-Alain Faucon (performing at that time as the Stills) had a hit with 'Retour à Vega'. They got together with masterful arranger Julien Fargo and solidified their post-rock sound with the addition of drummer Gabriel Rousseau (formerly of Statue Park and Camaromance and Toby Cayouette (Statue Park). Chinatown is touring China with the support of Quebec's culture bureau, and will be playing a free set at La Villa on Monday, 17 March.

Rue d'la Gouaille live at Club New York, 18 March
Hailing from France's beautiful Pays-de-la-Loire region, this four-piece band draws inspiration from their near-constant international exposure. The band is truly in their element on stage, and has relished tours on three continents over their ten years of camaraderie. Many of their observations and insights along the way have made their way into songs, reflecting a positive outlook with regards to the future of humanity (but incisive when it comes to areas where we can all improve). Don't miss this powerful show from a band that really knows how 'live' music can make people feel, well, alive.

Symphony in April!
Region Pays-de-la-Loire has announced that their 87-member National Symphonic Orchestra will be in Qingdao to perform at Qingdao People's Auditorium on Saturday, 26 April. The orchestra is currently touring East Asia and will treat the audience in China's Sailing City to an incredible evening of great classical works. Tickets go on sale 22 March. Please call (0532) 8388-2269 for more information.