*I was relieved to know that we wouldn't be sacrificed a concert* after hearing that U.S. audiences lost out on the Cocorosie tour due to visa problems. I sincerely wish that those who bought tickets didn't have to miss out because this concert proved to be one of the best I have seen this year.Branching out towards the Rhone river, we arrived "at my favourite Lyon venue":http://www.transbordeur.fr, 'Le Transbo'. My last gig here was "The Roots":http://mog.com/LadyC/blog_post/30413 so as you can imagine, this place is very special to me.The queue to get in was remarkably long and I was proud to be in such close proximity to a place that remains very faithful to the love of music. It wasn't a full house but the enthusiasm matched and surpassed the need.*Opening Act*Danielle Stech-Homsy aka Rio en Medio opened the half filled auditorium with haunting neo-folk reminiscent of the entire alternative folk scene of late - Devendra Banhart, The Espers, Sufjan Stevens, etc - with hints of found sound and electronic devices accompanying the shy performer (of which I unfortunately could not see from where I was standing). I tip-toed with much anticipation. Despite her epic solo, the neighbouring sounds of her fellow colleague didn't seem to match the beauty and precision orchestrated by her alone, he seemed to struggle to match the pace and wistful melody. Nevermind, the potential and beauty is evident, I cannot wait to hear more from Danielle. *More* http://www.myspace.com/daniellestechhomsy*Interlude*Tez was also a highlight of the evening. After being lulled by the first act, we quickly rebooted for the next twenty minutes with this hardcore French beat-boxer. He made it through all the genres of beat and had a great rapport with the crowd, shaking us from the floorboards to our stomachs with bass. We all went mental, we got three more pints! Check this man out. *More* http://www.myspace.com/tezshimer*COCOROSIE*The Casady sisters came by Lyon a couple of years ago and I always regret that that evening, I was so exhausted from a return trip from Dublin, I never used my tickets.We had a real fanbase watching this night and as the intermission allowed us to mingle, I did. A couple of guys next to me seemed to be having a good time so I introduced myself and found out that one of them was quite a geeky music fan. His friend had never been to this smaller venue so was pretty impressed with the overall vibe. It was great to hear about Cocorosie's last gig here and also meet a fellow music freak. Whatever your name is, thanks for the great chat, stolen cigarettes (more on this below) and concern.So, we were all hyped up and the band arrives with Tez, a welcome addition. The sisters were in hiphop gear, sporting oversized truck hats and most of the band in colourful tracksuits. Not many can get away with this 'flair' but it was so perfect.They began with tracks from __The Adventures of Ghosthorse and Stillborn__ and intermixed with __Noah's Ark__. They sounded incredible and I was so ecstatic to see them live...but then I got sidetracked....*Getting Sidetracked*(Skip to the end to bypass this odd tangent)I am curious by nature and often wander off on people when going out; it's proved to be frustrating or amusing depending on my company.This evening was so strange because it all started with a cigarette.Several months back, France passed new legislation on non-smoking for public places. I have been here for over a decade now, traveling and living, so I always knew there was this rebel side to the French in that a 'No Smoking' sign didn't mean a thing. So, accustomed to this non-chalance, I lit up a cigarette during the concert. I never deliberately tried to break the rules but have grown so used to being able to smoke pretty much anywhere. I puffed a couple of puffs when a security guard walked right to me and snagged my fag out of my mouth. I lost the music and was surprised at his ferociousness but mostly my ignorance of what the laws were now. Le Transbordeur was always 'Non-Smoking' but it was known to be the sweaty, buzzing, smoke filled venue. I was so distracted by my actions I left the concert to investigate.So a simple curiosity led me to the bar where I chatted with a security guard. He was very open and generous, we talked about the benefits of a smoke free place, the reactions of concert goers, etc. I admitted that I had noticed how clean the air was that evening and that perhaps I just needed some time to get used to the new rules. All innocent enough until a man responded behind me,"I agree with this lady!"The excited tone, and realisation someone was listening in, surprised me so I turned around."She is right! We are hurting the freedom of people now more and more."What sounds to be hysterical actually made sense to me. This man was an excitable and admittedly outspoken person but his intention was genuine.We have just had a very passionate and polemic election, the youth in general are afraid for their future and the nation is struggling to keep up with the new, while trying to keep their cultural and traditional identity. It infiltrates itself into most conversations these days so although a few pints can hinder someone's behaviour, I do not think this man was without reason.The barman and security immediately took offense and started monitoring our conversation. I felt the hostility grow over something so trivial as smoking...I felt indeed a suppression of a conversation that truly meant no harm, was banale even. As a calm provocateur, I felt a little guilty.Anyway, it ended well but I felt this gnawing feeling that France has also changed in my eyes. If a heated discussion was frowned upon, where is the fire? This is a very Latin country and very much used to debate and dispute.*Back To The Concert*John came and found me, apparently he and the cool guy were worried something happened to me. I missed the latter half of the gig but I felt the evening was great.We headed to see the merch and I counted up 7 Euro left in my pocket. (We have to splurge to go out so the 40+ Euro we had spent throughout the evening is significant)I was giddy to see all the musicians manning their tables. I stepped up and asked if there could be anything within my budget. Danielle smiled and without hesitation gave me a poster for only took 5 Euros, leaving the 2 Euro coin on the table. We smiled. Bianca autographed my ticket as I beamed and thanked them for their kindness.I happily walked home along the river, finishing my last pint and this wonderful, interesting evening.*More* http://www.cocorosieland.com/Up next, a tour of "la fête de la musique":http://fetedelamusique.culture.fr/87_English.html, more "DIY stuff":http://ladycmog.multiply.com/photos/album/13 and seeing "Arcade Fire":http://www.arcadefire.com/ on home turf.