France – August 2025
- Eric John Kaiser has released six full length albums recorded in Paris, Oregon and Québec. His album “Made In Gaspésie” charted 14th in the “Billboard World Chart” the week of its release. He has performed at the de Young Museum in San Francisco, as an “Artist in Residence” at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC, the Blue Nile in New Orleans, and the Solidays festival in Paris.
- Sébastien Rake is the co-founder of Corkscru, a direct-to-consumer wine importer specializing in unique, small-production wines from France and beyond. Through close relationships with winemakers and years of experience exploring the world of wine, Sébastien brings a passion for discovering hidden gems and sharing the stories behind each bottle. He leads tastings that connect people with the history, craftsmanship, and character of the wines they enjoy.
- Dr. Claudine Fisher is an accomplished academic, author, and diplomat with a distinguished career in French literature and culture. Specializing in 20th and 21st-century French, Québec, and Francophone literature, she holds a Doctorat-ès-Lettres from Paris VIII and an Agrégation-ès-Lettres in English. After teaching at several universities, she spent the majority of her career as a highly-awarded Professor of French at Portland State University. She also served as the Honorary Consul of France in Portland and received the titles of Chevalier and Officier in the Ordre des Palmes Académiques.
- Bernard Versari and Mitzi Zilka‘s playing hand-picked French, American, and Latin jazz standards performed in their native languages.
- Christopher Stellman class exploring the gastronomic parallels between French and Pacific Northwest cuisine. With over 45 years of experience, Christopher brings a unique perspective on food, wine, and society.
- Dr. Annabelle Dolidon, a professor of French literature, film, and comics at Portland State University.
