Count on music folks to ignore all that flapdoodle over “freedom fries” and the pouring of French vintages down the commode. Here in the Twin Cities, a musical partnership has been growing since 2000, when French reed player Michel Portal and record producer Jean Rochard visited and recorded Minneapolis with the help of several local musicians. Since then, a talent exchange has bloomed between the two countries, culminating in this festival, which brings together French and Minnesotan artists for jazz, rock, folk, Celtic, and hip-hop performances. Highlights include “gypsy jazz” guitarist Dorado Schmitt, British saxophonist Evan Parker, and Ursus Minor (pictured here), a collective that includes American jazz players and French rappers.www.surseine.com
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