Wish Me "Merde!"

Whether you speak French or not, you may have come across the French word "merde" in pop culture...

(It literally translates to a favorite four-letter swear word we Americans might also use to refer to doggie doodoo, but figuratively, the French say merde in a POSITIVE way to wish performers good luck before a show.)

"Why???" you may be wondering :)

One story I've heard is that, before cars, people would take carriages to the theater. And if lots of carriages showed up for a performance, it created traffic. This meant that the horses would eventually have to relieve themselves while waiting in front of the theater. So merde being tracked inside by attendees was a sign that attendance was great and the show was a success!

But why might you want to wish ME merde?

This Sunday I'll be performing two 45-minute solo sets ENTIRELY EN FRANCAIS this spring for Le Grand Pique-Nique 2026! (And by "entirely" I mean even everything I SING AND SAY at the microphone needs to be in French :)

It has been a few years since I've been immersed daily in speaking this beautiful language, but I am excited about the challenge!

So what's Le Grand Pique-Nique?

Le Grand Pique-Nique is an annual free festival hosted by Louisiana Parents for French Immersion that brings together French immersion students, their families, friends, and Francophone enthusiasts from all over the state to celebrate French language complete with Francophone activities, food, music, games, and competitions.

This will be its 31st year attracting students from all 25 French Immersion schools across Louisiana.
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If you speak French, too, or just enjoy supporting the French language in Louisiana and want to check it out, here are the details:

• Le Grand Pique-Nique 2026
• Sunday, April 19, 2026 - 10am to 2pm
• West Baton Rouge Museum - Port Allen, LA
• Click here for more information.

​With gratitude,
Ashley
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