"Playing in this place is quite symbolic!": The band Aiuto in live concert at Parc Haussmann in Draguignan, in September

He's a modern-day troubadour. Always ready to make his voice heard, especially when it comes to carrying out a project close to his heart. A singer from Dracénois who needs no introduction, Yvan Karagueuzian has more than one string to his bow.

Animations, shows, covers of all kinds and other collaborations with artists from the French music scene, nothing stops him.

Now, it is in leader mode of a revamped band that the singer wishes to reinvent himself, around an exceptional event planned in Dracénie, next September.

"In 1996, after the creation of Couleur café, I created the group Aiuto – “Help” in Italian –", contextualizes the Dracénois.

"We were filming all over France."

At the time, the ensemble was made up of five professional musicians. "It was improvisation, the joy of living, the atmosphere, the sharing…" recalls the guitarist. "We toured all over France!"

With a musical universe alternating between French and Italian songs, the group sold out venues, particularly along the Var coast, and more specifically at the Coco-Club in Saint-Raphaël. It was in this renowned establishment that their long-time fans gathered.

Although much water has since flowed under the bridge, the memories of these lively evenings remain etched in the minds of die-hard fans. "One evening, at the Lido cinema in Saint-Raphaël, someone recognized me and suggested I organize a concert with the same repertoire from that time," the artist continues. The idea of ​​a unique performance, composed mainly of Italian songs, was born. After gathering his musician friends, "I contacted those who were nearby," and once "the planets aligned," the concert finally took place.

Haussmann Park, "quite a symbol!"

It was March 23, 2024. The Lido cinema welcomed 500 people, in a crazy atmosphere, for a sold-out performance. "It was incredible, people came back after 32 years, as if it were yesterday and we had never left each other!" exclaimed the "Latin lover" from Draguignan. Songs from the greatest figures of the Italian music scene such as Lucio Battisti, Eros Ramazzotti, Adriano Celentano, I Ricchi e Poveri, and Zucchero punctuated the two-hour show: "People were amazed by it, and their ears," assures the man who prides himself on his Italian and Armenian origins. Enough to breathe new life into the singer and the seven other artists of the Aiuto group, version 2025. To the point of considering a few dates, and why not a tour?

As a result, the group of passionate musicians (1) will be able to honor several dates. But one date in particular catches Yvan Karagueuzian's attention: September 12, at Haussmann Park, in Draguignan.

"I was born in the HLM Achards, right next door," the 62-year-old singer confides with emotion, "and I've already had a career spanning more than 40 years. For me, it's truly symbolic to play in this place!"

With his professional musician friends whose careers are well established, "and many surprise guests, it's a kind of jubilee, the concert of a lifetime," that he is preparing to experience.

"The circle is complete," concludes the enthusiast.

Notice to the public, reservations are now open.

1. Franck Costa on bass, Thierry Castelli on guitar, Hervé Brault on guitar, Pierre Colonna on piano, Philippe Magario on accordion and keyboard, Romain Beria on drums and Virginie Guillemin on vocals.

Info + "Aiuto, the 100% Italian show." In Cavalaire, Friday, September 5th and in Draguignan, at Haussmann Park, Friday, September 12th at 8:30 p.m. Price: 22.85 euros, open seating. Refreshments and snacks on site. Facebook page Aiuto le Concert or Yvan Karagueuzian

Reservations: billetterieculture.dracenie.com or 04.94.60.31.59 / 04.94.60.20.21.