The Band
This New Orleans-based band came together out of a love of Frenchness; the romance, the sophistication, the je ne sais quoi...and a complete lack of French. Not a fluent speaker among them, but Edith Piaf and Serge Gainsbourg in their hearts, swing and Broadway guitarist Pete Rozé, Pitch Perfect actress and vocalist Caroline Fourmy, traditional jazz star bassist Calvin Morin-Martin, and accordion officionado Jesse Reeks combined their powers to create the most delightful repertoire of vintage French classics and cabaret tunes this side of the Atlantic. Playing house concerts to intimate venues to the Strathmore Mansion and three times at Jazz Fest, Pardon My French! has you falling in love in 1920's Montmarte...and stocking up on French curse words.
Pete Rozé
Pete has worked on the national and international tours of “Big River”, “The Color Purple”, “Ave Q,” and “Ring Of Fire.” He has also performed with jazz veterans of the famous big bands and small combos including Eddie Barefield of Count Basie, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald; Doc Cheatham of Chick Webb, McKinney’s Cotton Pickers, Cab Calloway; Max Kaminsky & Jess Stacey of Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw, and John Lewis of The Modern Jazz Quartet. Right out of college, he taught guitar and ensemble classes to underserved at risk youth at NYC’s premier youth center The Door- a center of alternatives in Greenwich Village, and in New Orleans continues to play with incredible musicians of many genres.
Caroline Fourmy
Caroline is a Memphis native who has lived in and loved New Orleans since 2010, singing with such groups as The Dapper Dandies, Johnny Dilks and the Highway Kind, The Danah Abbott Band, and her very own Moonshine and Caroline. She is a graduate of Northwestern University and Steppenwolf's Theatre programs and has been a singer, actress, and lover of French since she was very small. She continues to sing with the First Grace Gospel Choir and writes her own music when not appearing in such films as Pitch Perfect, Supercon, and Shock and Awe.
Jesse Reeks
Jesse Reeks is a versatile New-Orleans pianist, accordionist, and organist. He is a graduate of both Nocca and Loyola University music programs, and is the resident organist at St. Louis Cathedral. He speaks more French than the rest of the band! And comes up with the best jokes in English and French.
Calvin Morin-Martin
Calvin Martin is a native of Austin, TX and a graduate of Loyola University New Orleans. When not touring nationally and internationally, he is regular in the New Orleans jazz scene.