Nothing says “music festival” like perfectly manicured gardens

I don’t know about you, but it’s been way too long since I attended a rock/electro-pop festival in a 16th century Mannerist villa located in a large Roman park, which also currently happens to be the home of the French Academy.  Due to this, the timing of this weekend’s Villa Aperta festival at the Villa Medici is really nothing short of impeccable.  The three-day festival, dedicated to up and coming French, Italian, and English musicians, breakout French electro stars, and some classic rock names promises and interesting and eclectic mix of live music in a really unbeatable setting.  American duo Chairlift (they of the foot-tapping iPod commericial song “Bruises”)  kicks things off on Thursday night, followed by Rachid Taha and special guest Mick “The Clash’s first guitarist” Jones.  For more info on the lineup, which includes Kavinsky on Saturday night, visit the main site.  Tickets are 15 euro/night or 35 euro for a full-festival pass.  Doors open at 8, and shows on at 9 each night.