Music plays a large part in the local scene. Tina's at Meschers' Plages des Nonnes is famous for jazz, blues & folk, nightly during the season and at weekends from April to June. Tina cooks Tex-Mex and then takes the stage. Guest musicians come from all over the world - see Tina's website for a hint of what to expect!
Le Surf, also at Plage des Nonnes, is for rock & reggae and caters to a younger crowd. There's also a pool table.
Classical music lovers will find Jeudis Musicaux more to their taste - classical concerts are held on Thursdays from early June to late September in the atmospheric romanesque (12th century) churches around the area. The programme generally features up-and-coming young trios and quartets, as well as vocal ensembles, guitarists and occasional world music. French concerts start late (after dinner) and end late too, with a farewell glass of cider and slice of Charentais galette to warm you before you head home.
In Spring the quiet rural town of Cozes buzzes with the 10 day Plein Sud Festival, which features the theatre, dance, music, film, art and literature of Africa. It usually includes two major concerts - in past years, the Mahatella Queens, Angelique Kidjo, Saoud Massi, Fela Kuti and Manu Dibango have appeared. The festival started through a link between the local secondary school and a school in Burkina Faso, and the run-up to the festival now involves many local schools in related projects. During the festival there are drumming and dance workshops for young people, and Cozes' community centre becomes Cozodougou - an African village with crafts and food from various parts of Africa. The 2010 Festival will be from 10 - 18 May.