Lecture: Americans in Paris with Robbie Ellis

Join comedy songmaker, music director, composer, and WFMT host Robbie Ellis for a musical history of Americans who have called Paris home.

This immersive lecture features music by everyone from Mozart to Jay-Z; appearances from George Gershwin, Josephine Baker, Jackie Kennedy, and more; and plenty of biting quotes from Mark Twain.

The program will be followed by a reception, where guests will have the opportunity to continue the conversation with Robbie and mix and mingle with their fellow music-lovers and Francophiles over a complimentary glass of French wine.

Doors at 6:00 pm. Program at 6:30. Please enter via 54 W Chicago Ave. Non-alcoholic options will be available.

About the Speaker

Robbie Ellis is a music director, composer, songmaker, and radio broadcaster. He is the producer and presenter of Introductions and hosts Sunday Afternoons with Robbie Ellis on WMFT. Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, he has a Composition degree from the University of Auckland and started in classical music radio at RNZ Concert. Outside radio, he has created comedy classical concerts with the Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago and Fourth Coast Ensemble, and has worked as a music director at the Chicago Magic Lounge and The Second City. Robbie hosts pre-concert talks for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Grant Park Music Festival, Apollo’s Fire and more.

Getting Here

The Alliance Française de Chicago is one block from the CTA Red line stop at Chicago Ave. Best bus routes are the 22 on Clark St and the 66 on Chicago Ave. A Divvy station is located in front of the 54 W Chicago Ave entrance.

Parking Information

$10 for 12 hours at 100 W Chestnut St. Validation is available at reception.

Please be advised that students, members, and attendees at cultural events or programs may be photographed, and these images may be used for marketing purposes.