Plein Air Concert: Paris-Douala-Chicago with Suzie Telep

Join us for one last evening of music and rosé in the Alliance’s jewelbox courtyard as we wrap up this summer’s plein air concert series!

French‑​Cameroonian vocalist and songwriter Suzie Telep presents Paris–Douala–Chicago: A Jazz & Diaspora Journey, a multilingual concert tracing her musical path between France, Cameroon, and the United States. Blending jazz, soul, French chanson, and Afro‑diasporic traditions, she sings in French, English, Basaa, Creole, and more, weaving rhythm and storytelling into an intimate, cross‑cultural experience.

A former presence on the Paris jazz scene at venues such as 38 Riv’ and Péniche Marcounet, Suzie now brings her powerful voice and narrative‑driven stage presence to Chicago audiences. Her repertoire moves fluidly between jazz standards, Afro‑grooves, and original compositions shaped by memory, heritage, and improvisation.

Joined by pianist Leon Lewis, she invites listeners into an immersive exploration across cultures, languages, and diasporic soundscapes.

Doors at 6:00 pm. Concert at 6:30. Please enter via 810 N Dearborn St. Each table of (4) includes complimentary chips and (1) bottle each of French rosé and sparkling water. Non-alcoholic rosé is available upon request. In the case of inclement weather, we will move indoors to the cozy Eleanor Wood Prince Salon.

*Please indicate any seating preferences when registering and we will do our best to accomodate your party. Tickets are non-refundable after Thursday, September 10—*merci pour votre compréhension !

About the Artists

Suzie Telep

Suzie Telep is a French-Cameroonian vocalist and songwriter whose music weaves jazz, soul, and gospel with African and Caribbean rhythms into a rich tapestry of sounds. Singing in French, English, Basaa, Creole, and more, she carries audiences into a vibrant multicultural journey filled with joy, belonging, and self-affirmation. She first enchanted the Parisian jazz scene at iconic clubs like 38 Riv’ and Péniche Marcounet, captivating listeners with her powerful voice and energetic stage presence. Now, based in Chicago, Suzie brings her cross-cultural music and storytelling to new audiences. Also a professor of anthropology at the University of Illinois, she is currently preparing her debut EP, Afropean Travel.

A native of Sierra Leone, Leon Lewis-Nicol is a Chicago-based jazz pianist whose musical inspiration, compositions, and improvisational voice are deeply rooted in his West African heritage.

Getting Here

The Alliance Française de Chicago is one block from the CTA Red line stop at Chicago Avenue. Best bus routes are the 22 on Clark and the 66 on Chicago Avenue. 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.

Photography Notice

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.