In both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, The FCC will play host to world-class entertainment in November.
In Siem Reap the highlight is The Angkor Photography Festival, a citywide soirée of photojournalists learning, sharing, and making their mark on Southeast Asian photography. This year, under the banner of Photo Phnom Penh, APF will also hold events in Phnom Penh, including the FCC.
In addition to the PPP exhibits, the Phnom Penh schedule is loaded with live music performances, salsa dancing, the U.S. elections, the Water Festival and more.
Juram Rocks
Philippino guitar man Juram kicks off the month with an acoustic performance at Pacharan on Nov 1, 8.30 p.m. With raspy vocals and an arsenal of edgy rock-n-roll numbers, Juram recently wowed crowds at Chow. In addition to the Pacharan gig, Juram will also play the U.S. election party at the FCC Phnom Penh on November 5 and the opening night of the Angkor Photography Festival, November 23 at the FCC Angkor.
Sexy Salsa Sundays (and Mondays)
The FCC Phnom Penh and Pacharan both expect to heat up the cool months with some spicy Salsa dancing. Music will be provided by DJ Benjii and DJ Jay, and serious salsa dancers will be on hand to teach those new to the dance floor. Dancing starts at 5 p.m. on Sundays at the FCC, and at 8 p.m. on Mondays at Pacharan.
Election Central
The FCC Phnom Penh is election central for the upcoming United States poll.
Spearheaded by Wayne Weightman of the U.S. group Democrats Abroad, the poll watching begins November 5 at 8 a.m. and goes throughout the day. DA will take over The FCC annex room on the first floor with two big-screen TVs and provide non-stop coverage of the returns.
The FCC will put on a special $5 brunch buffet from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Happy Hour starts at 5 p.m.
In recent weeks DA have used The FCC as a forum for showing the presidential and vice-presidential debates. Crowds have swollen well past the 100 mark and crossed partisan and national lines. Barring a stunning upset by Republican candidate John McCain, November 5 should amount to an all-day celebration of a Democratic victory.
Philippino guitarist Juram plays starting at 8 p.m.
Water Festival (Bon Om Tuk)
In November Phnom Penh prays to the Gods of Water. The Water Festival, or Bon Om Tuk as it is known in the local parlance, is easily the biggest party to hit the capital each year. Residents from outside Phnom Penh flood the city streets in a sublime swath of humanity. Up to two million are expected this year. Thousands will compete in long-boat races on the river, and Sisowath Quay will become the grandstands.
High above it all on the rooftop terrace, Chow will throw its own Bon Om Tuk bash on Thursday November 13 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. DJ Illest will provide the sounds. The $25 ticket price includes all-you-can-eat Asian bar-b-q and free flow Tiger draught (and soft drinks), raffles, prizes and more. Seats are limited, please RSVP.
Chow restaurant downstairs will remain open to the public during the festival.
Over on the rooftop at the FCC, festival goers can chow down with foot-long Bratwurst and Beer ($4) from 11 - 5 p.m. every day during the festival, November 11-13.
Sunday Brunch with DJ Rupert
On Sunday November 23, local spinmaster DJ Rupert will take over the turntables at Chow for an afternoon of streetside jazz and bossa nova. Music and food from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
DJ Glaser from Sweden spins November 28 at the FCC Angkor, part of the closing ceremonies of the Angkor Photography Festival.The Angkor Photography Festival
The Angkor Photography Festival punctuates the Siem Reap calendar in November. The festival opens with a bash at The FCC Angkor on November 23. Starting at 8 p.m renown photographer Christian Caujolle will give a photo presentation and talk, to be followed with a performance by Philippino guitar rocker Juram.
The festival continues for another five days with exhibits, outdoor photo presentations and parties scheduled throughout Siem Reap. DJ Glaser from Sweden will close the show with a grand finale party at the FCC Angkor on Friday November 28.
Photo Phnom Penh
Photographer Angelica Arbulu uncovers life on the riverside in "Noodle Soup and Other Morning Rituals by the Mekong," on display at the FCC Phnom Penh from Nov 6 to Dec 9, 2008.Photo Phnom Penh opens November 29 with a host of activities.
The action begins with afternoon cocktails at the French Cultural Center, followed by a special exhibition by Melon Rouge inside the 32 Sotheros mansion at 6 p.m.
At 8 p.m. the party moves to The FCC for projections and an exhibit by photographer Angelica Arbulu, who will show works from "Noodle Soup and Other Morning Rituals by the Mekong."
"Everything I do has to do with people," Arbulu says. "I try to understand who they are and what moves them, and then look for a way to capture that."
"Noodle Soup" explores morning life on the Phnom Penh river front, when "The streets are not too crowded, and the colours are just beginning to wake up." The exhibit will remain on display through December 9.
At 9 p.m, DJ Glaser takes over.